MK7 Golf GTI PP
Discussion
A bit of background, I've had a Fiesta ST Line for the past 3 years on a cheap lease deal. Its been a really nice car, well specced but the 1.0 engine wasn't the best.
As the lease comes to an end, I decided I wanted something more fun. A browse through the lease sites showed that anything cheap now was an awful basic EV, as that is what the manufacturers are pushing. No thank you.
So I I began looking at older used cars.
I enquired about a Clio RS200, but the chat with the salesman put me off straight away. I looked at a few Megane RS online but was unsure. However, I kept coming back to the idea of a Golf GTI.
Ive had loads of older models, MK1, MK2, MK3, my favourite being a modifed MK3 16v.
The search for a MK7 GTI began. Straight away, a few points were important to the search.
It had to be a 3 door. I think the shape looks so much better as a 3 door, and 99% of the time its just me in the car. It couldn't be white or black, not my taste. Also, I really wanted a car with the optional Performance Pack (more on that later).
With a stroke of luck, a car came up just a 20 min drive away, so I went to view it.
A brief test drive and look through the history, a deal was done.
Here it is on viewing day:
A week later, the wife and I went to collect it. The seller had machine polished a few bits and got me some seat covers (Im usually filthy when I leave work).
A nosey round the barn to look at what else he had, beautiful Tommi Makinen
and my new Golf at the front:
So, more on the spec.
Its Midnight Blue, 3 door obviously, has upgraded 19" Brescia alloys (the original 18" wheels are awful), upgraded Discovery nav, winter pack, uprated clutch and the all important Performance Pack.
This means it has more power (230bhp), larger brakes all round with red calipers, performance monitor in the dash and most of all a proper LSD.
And it's a manual.
Yes, it may be slightly slower than a DSG on a launch, but I can't stand that DSG "parp" on gearshift.
The interior is the lovely classic tartan.
The drive home was so nice. It pulls hard, feels so solid and rides great.
Filled it with fuel and took a 30 mile drive to see my parents. On the return, the dreaded check engine light came on! Gutted. I rang the seller straight away and to his credit, he said get it back to the guy who does his servicing and we will check it. If it needs a part, we will sort it.
So on Wednesday I ran it over to Lytham to a little garage, I knew I was in the right place as soon as I walked into the workshop.
I got it back again today, O2 sensor in the exhaust needed changing. All done and dusted, light off, drove beautifully on the way home.
So here it is, home again. Ive bought a load of cleaning gear and the plan tomorrow is go over it all myself. Its got dusty at work this week so I want to give it a proper shine.
Definitely an upgrade from the Fiesta!
As the lease comes to an end, I decided I wanted something more fun. A browse through the lease sites showed that anything cheap now was an awful basic EV, as that is what the manufacturers are pushing. No thank you.
So I I began looking at older used cars.
I enquired about a Clio RS200, but the chat with the salesman put me off straight away. I looked at a few Megane RS online but was unsure. However, I kept coming back to the idea of a Golf GTI.
Ive had loads of older models, MK1, MK2, MK3, my favourite being a modifed MK3 16v.
The search for a MK7 GTI began. Straight away, a few points were important to the search.
It had to be a 3 door. I think the shape looks so much better as a 3 door, and 99% of the time its just me in the car. It couldn't be white or black, not my taste. Also, I really wanted a car with the optional Performance Pack (more on that later).
With a stroke of luck, a car came up just a 20 min drive away, so I went to view it.
A brief test drive and look through the history, a deal was done.
Here it is on viewing day:
A week later, the wife and I went to collect it. The seller had machine polished a few bits and got me some seat covers (Im usually filthy when I leave work).
A nosey round the barn to look at what else he had, beautiful Tommi Makinen
and my new Golf at the front:
So, more on the spec.
Its Midnight Blue, 3 door obviously, has upgraded 19" Brescia alloys (the original 18" wheels are awful), upgraded Discovery nav, winter pack, uprated clutch and the all important Performance Pack.
This means it has more power (230bhp), larger brakes all round with red calipers, performance monitor in the dash and most of all a proper LSD.
And it's a manual.
Yes, it may be slightly slower than a DSG on a launch, but I can't stand that DSG "parp" on gearshift.
The interior is the lovely classic tartan.
The drive home was so nice. It pulls hard, feels so solid and rides great.
Filled it with fuel and took a 30 mile drive to see my parents. On the return, the dreaded check engine light came on! Gutted. I rang the seller straight away and to his credit, he said get it back to the guy who does his servicing and we will check it. If it needs a part, we will sort it.
So on Wednesday I ran it over to Lytham to a little garage, I knew I was in the right place as soon as I walked into the workshop.
I got it back again today, O2 sensor in the exhaust needed changing. All done and dusted, light off, drove beautifully on the way home.
So here it is, home again. Ive bought a load of cleaning gear and the plan tomorrow is go over it all myself. Its got dusty at work this week so I want to give it a proper shine.
Definitely an upgrade from the Fiesta!
Edited by Its Just Adz on Friday 28th March 20:54
After being f
ked over twice on trying to get a Golf GTD, and then with a vrs estate we have not long picked up a 2020 7.5 GTI PP 245 DSG and it is a wonderful place to be.
Must admit I kept discounting it as it had exactly the same 19” wheels in fear of ride quality but whilst it is firm, it is very complaint with the ride.
As I said in my original thread, the amount of utter shyte out there is astonishing but patience always pays off!
Enjoy!
ked over twice on trying to get a Golf GTD, and then with a vrs estate we have not long picked up a 2020 7.5 GTI PP 245 DSG and it is a wonderful place to be.Must admit I kept discounting it as it had exactly the same 19” wheels in fear of ride quality but whilst it is firm, it is very complaint with the ride.
As I said in my original thread, the amount of utter shyte out there is astonishing but patience always pays off!
Enjoy!
119 said:
After being fked over twice on trying to get a Golf GTD, and then with a vrs estate we have not long picked up a 2020 7.5 GTI PP 245 DSG and it is a wonderful place to be.
Must admit I kept discounting it as it had exactly the same 19” wheels in fear of ride quality but whilst it is firm, it is very complaint with the ride.
As I said in my original thread, the amount of utter shyte out there is astonishing but patience always pays off!
Enjoy!
I hadn't seen your thread sorry, just had a look.ked over twice on trying to get a Golf GTD, and then with a vrs estate we have not long picked up a 2020 7.5 GTI PP 245 DSG and it is a wonderful place to be.Must admit I kept discounting it as it had exactly the same 19” wheels in fear of ride quality but whilst it is firm, it is very complaint with the ride.
As I said in my original thread, the amount of utter shyte out there is astonishing but patience always pays off!
Enjoy!
Any pics of your 7.5?
Congratulations OP. That is such a cracking car in perfect spec. Hope it treats you well.
A few notches down from the car you have, I had a 2015 3 door manual GTi for a year or so. I loved it. So good at the everyday stuff, but nice to drive too. I drove mine to the Alps twice.
In fact the reason I bought it, was because I couldn’t quite bring myself to drive the “sensible” BMW 120d x drive I had at the time to the Alps and back. Both runs back from the Alps - one winter, one Summer, the GTi did 807 miles in a day. Fantastic cars.
I only sold the Golf because it became tricky for my Dad to get in and out of when I was taking him to hospital for treatment.
Best of luck with yours.
A few notches down from the car you have, I had a 2015 3 door manual GTi for a year or so. I loved it. So good at the everyday stuff, but nice to drive too. I drove mine to the Alps twice.
In fact the reason I bought it, was because I couldn’t quite bring myself to drive the “sensible” BMW 120d x drive I had at the time to the Alps and back. Both runs back from the Alps - one winter, one Summer, the GTi did 807 miles in a day. Fantastic cars.
I only sold the Golf because it became tricky for my Dad to get in and out of when I was taking him to hospital for treatment.
Best of luck with yours.
Its Just Adz said:
119 said:
After being fked over twice on trying to get a Golf GTD, and then with a vrs estate we have not long picked up a 2020 7.5 GTI PP 245 DSG and it is a wonderful place to be.
Must admit I kept discounting it as it had exactly the same 19” wheels in fear of ride quality but whilst it is firm, it is very complaint with the ride.
As I said in my original thread, the amount of utter shyte out there is astonishing but patience always pays off!
Enjoy!
I hadn't seen your thread sorry, just had a look.ked over twice on trying to get a Golf GTD, and then with a vrs estate we have not long picked up a 2020 7.5 GTI PP 245 DSG and it is a wonderful place to be.Must admit I kept discounting it as it had exactly the same 19” wheels in fear of ride quality but whilst it is firm, it is very complaint with the ride.
As I said in my original thread, the amount of utter shyte out there is astonishing but patience always pays off!
Enjoy!
Any pics of your 7.5?
But now i have seen yours, ill get some posted up soon.
Interestingly, on the later DSG PP, they no longer had the stupid 'parp' change up noise which is a bonus, but the exhaust note appears to be slightly frutier all round
Edited by 119 on Friday 28th March 22:29
CrippsCorner said:
Lovely mate, best colour, and I agree the 3 door looks far better in this shape.
Literally started thinking about what's next for me on AutoTrader this afternoon, and funnily enough I think it's between one of these or a modern Cooper S
Try one if you can. I haven't tried a new Cooper S so can't comment on difference.Literally started thinking about what's next for me on AutoTrader this afternoon, and funnily enough I think it's between one of these or a modern Cooper S
119 said:
No i didn't end up posting about it as i was completely broken after near six months of searching for one.
But now i have seen yours, ill get some posted up soon.
Interestingly, on the later DSG PP, they no longer had the stupid 'parp' change up noise which is a bonus, but the exhaust note appears to be slightly frutier all round
Look forward to seeing yours.But now i have seen yours, ill get some posted up soon.
Interestingly, on the later DSG PP, they no longer had the stupid 'parp' change up noise which is a bonus, but the exhaust note appears to be slightly frutier all round
Edited by 119 on Friday 28th March 22:29
I didn't know that they got rid of the DSG noise, interesting.
Exhaust is a bit muted on this, maybe something I'll address in future.
First proper clean this morning.
Inside done with Autoglym
Washed outside with Autoglym and dried off
I got some new polish from Auto Finesse
I'm not leaving the freshener there, just did it for a photo.
Polish taken off and then tyre dressed.
I think it's come up well for a 9 year old car.
Inside done with Autoglym
Washed outside with Autoglym and dried off
I got some new polish from Auto Finesse
I'm not leaving the freshener there, just did it for a photo.
Polish taken off and then tyre dressed.
I think it's come up well for a 9 year old car.
Had mine for 6 years and more than 60k miles; not sure what I'd replace it with so will probably keep it, and keep adding miles. They're very good cars.
A few things worth double checking whilst you have some warranty:
Heater matrix - make sure heater blows hot, and about the same temp each side. Uneven temp points to a blocked matrix. Coolant should be bright pink and bottle clear (not murky/muddy/brown).
Tailgate drain tube - should be little black plastic flange visible. If it's snapped off boot can fill with water.
Thermostat - keep an eye on coolant level, check for leaks/trace down front of block and onto sump (not visible from above). Failure is when rather than if, post 2020 part is sorted.
VAQ diff function - they rarely get serviced on time (if at all). Well worth draining the oil and cleaning the pump properly. Redo base settings after service too.
If you've been reading about them online you may of course already have checked these!
If you're in the mood for cleaning these will bring your steering wheel back to how it's supposed to look:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Detailers-United-Interior...
Good scrub with all purpose cleaner, then plenty of warm water to rinse and a microfibre to dry. Warning - the amount of dirt that can come out of a 9 year old steering wheel is fairly disgusting.
A few things worth double checking whilst you have some warranty:
Heater matrix - make sure heater blows hot, and about the same temp each side. Uneven temp points to a blocked matrix. Coolant should be bright pink and bottle clear (not murky/muddy/brown).
Tailgate drain tube - should be little black plastic flange visible. If it's snapped off boot can fill with water.
Thermostat - keep an eye on coolant level, check for leaks/trace down front of block and onto sump (not visible from above). Failure is when rather than if, post 2020 part is sorted.
VAQ diff function - they rarely get serviced on time (if at all). Well worth draining the oil and cleaning the pump properly. Redo base settings after service too.
If you've been reading about them online you may of course already have checked these!
If you're in the mood for cleaning these will bring your steering wheel back to how it's supposed to look:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Detailers-United-Interior...
Good scrub with all purpose cleaner, then plenty of warm water to rinse and a microfibre to dry. Warning - the amount of dirt that can come out of a 9 year old steering wheel is fairly disgusting.
Dr G said:
Had mine for 6 years and more than 60k miles; not sure what I'd replace it with so will probably keep it, and keep adding miles. They're very good cars.
A few things worth double checking whilst you have some warranty:
Heater matrix - make sure heater blows hot, and about the same temp each side. Uneven temp points to a blocked matrix. Coolant should be bright pink and bottle clear (not murky/muddy/brown).
Tailgate drain tube - should be little black plastic flange visible. If it's snapped off boot can fill with water.
Thermostat - keep an eye on coolant level, check for leaks/trace down front of block and onto sump (not visible from above). Failure is when rather than if, post 2020 part is sorted.
VAQ diff function - they rarely get serviced on time (if at all). Well worth draining the oil and cleaning the pump properly. Redo base settings after service too.
If you've been reading about them online you may of course already have checked these!
If you're in the mood for cleaning these will bring your steering wheel back to how it's supposed to look:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Detailers-United-Interior...
Good scrub with all purpose cleaner, then plenty of warm water to rinse and a microfibre to dry. Warning - the amount of dirt that can come out of a 9 year old steering wheel is fairly disgusting.
Great info there, thank you. I had read a buying guide so have checked the heater and it's had the thermostat housing done.A few things worth double checking whilst you have some warranty:
Heater matrix - make sure heater blows hot, and about the same temp each side. Uneven temp points to a blocked matrix. Coolant should be bright pink and bottle clear (not murky/muddy/brown).
Tailgate drain tube - should be little black plastic flange visible. If it's snapped off boot can fill with water.
Thermostat - keep an eye on coolant level, check for leaks/trace down front of block and onto sump (not visible from above). Failure is when rather than if, post 2020 part is sorted.
VAQ diff function - they rarely get serviced on time (if at all). Well worth draining the oil and cleaning the pump properly. Redo base settings after service too.
If you've been reading about them online you may of course already have checked these!
If you're in the mood for cleaning these will bring your steering wheel back to how it's supposed to look:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Detailers-United-Interior...
Good scrub with all purpose cleaner, then plenty of warm water to rinse and a microfibre to dry. Warning - the amount of dirt that can come out of a 9 year old steering wheel is fairly disgusting.
I hadn't checked the bootlid drain though, just done and it needs it, so thank you again.
I've ordered the part so shall tackle that another weekend.
The diff oil I'm going to get done on next service just to be sure.
Edited by Its Just Adz on Saturday 29th March 16:18
Nice choice.
I've had my 2016 PP manual for just over two years now. I still look forward to driving it.
The Mk 7 / Mk 7.5 PPs hit the sweet spot for GTi ownership according to a recent Autocar article.
Changing the diff oil and the manual gearbox oil are both straight forward. Check out the Volkswizard Youtube channel for some useful guides.
I've had my 2016 PP manual for just over two years now. I still look forward to driving it.
The Mk 7 / Mk 7.5 PPs hit the sweet spot for GTi ownership according to a recent Autocar article.
Changing the diff oil and the manual gearbox oil are both straight forward. Check out the Volkswizard Youtube channel for some useful guides.
Pickled Piper said:
Nice choice.
I've had my 2016 PP manual for just over two years now. I still look forward to driving it.
The Mk 7 / Mk 7.5 PPs hit the sweet spot for GTi ownership according to a recent Autocar article.
Changing the diff oil and the manual gearbox oil are both straight forward. Check out the Volkswizard Youtube channel for some useful guides.
I'm surprised how many owners have commented!I've had my 2016 PP manual for just over two years now. I still look forward to driving it.
The Mk 7 / Mk 7.5 PPs hit the sweet spot for GTi ownership according to a recent Autocar article.
Changing the diff oil and the manual gearbox oil are both straight forward. Check out the Volkswizard Youtube channel for some useful guides.
Have you a thread for yours?
I won't be changing diff oil myself, I'm pretty useless with stuff like that.
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