VW Golf GTI Mk 6 Buying Advice

[chris84wentworth]

Afternoon all,

First time poster here. I am looking to buy a Golf GTi Mk 6 (either DSG or manual) and have a budget of 8K. Seen a few I like in terms of spec online that come in near enough on budget but they all have high mileage (around 100k).

Looking around an 09 or 10 year model with around 100k miles on the clock and the ones I've shortlisted have full VW dealer service history. Should I steer clear of these and save up more money to buy a lower mileage example or does the fact that a full service history is provided lower the risk of a higher mileage?

Also, are there any known issues I should keep a look out for when test driving/viewing them?

Thanks in advance everyone!

[anonymous-user]

With 8k, would you not prefer a MK5 instead? You'd get an ED30 for that. Personally, 8k isn't going to get one of the best MK6's.

[bangy1]

The main issue with the MK6's is the timing chain tensioner on all early cars I think pre 61 plate if I remember correctly. So the ones you will be looking at will most definitely be in this age range at that price point.

I had one for a year, was ok but not that much fun and loved a drink for the level of performance. I also had issues with corrosion on the front wings (a known issue on MK5 Golf's) that I got fixed under warranty so they have the same rust weakness as the earlier cars. Didn't have much in the way of mechanical issues other than the turbo waste gate rattle as mine was a late 2011 one so had the updated tensioner.

[paultownsend]

Does the Golf use the TSI EA888 with 207bhp, yet the lower 207lbft output?
Currently looking at a a mk2 TT, the later cars come with 207hp yet 260lbft. That’s TTS levels of torque. I want a Golf but they command strong money. The TTS in comparison looks v.good value. Beleive the engine is also considered the best out a bad bunch.

[jakesmith]

MDMA . said:

With 8k, would you not prefer a MK5 instead? You'd get an ED30 for that. Personally, 8k isn't going to get one of the best MK6's.

I’d do this, get an older better car than a newer worse car
Ed30 can be made really fast with just a remap and it can take it as it has a genuinely uprated engine not just software vs the regular GTi.

From memory it has uprated turbo, inter cooler and forged pistons?

[g7jhp]

I'd suggest saving a little more for a Mk7 GTI or take a MK5 Edition 30.

The other option would be an Audi S3 8P with 260bhp, same engine as the Edition 30.

There are more S3's than Edition 30's and they're both problem free engines.

Edited by g7jhp on Saturday 1st December 08:15

[mako111]

I had a 2010 mk6 for over 4 years (from 65k to 115k miles) and I replaced the tensioner with the new version (preventative maintenance). It had the waste gate rattle which whilst noticeable (only when completely off throttle) can be masked with a simple clip and doesn't affect the reliability of the engine. Otherwise it was mechanically sound as others have said. I'm not aware of any other common engine faults, I'd say its a pretty solid bet if you do your homework and check its been serviced regularly (goes for any engine), had the updated tensioner installed (if relevant) and DSG fluid has been changed every 40k miles.

[jam_up]

2011 DSG owner here. Bought @ 35k mileage 18 months ago and now at 85k. Intake manifold needed replacing but no other mechanical issues.

As said make sure the tensioner has been changed in any model built before October/November 2010. Cars after have the revised unit which is proving reliable, although VW did release two further updates in 2012 so maybe there is an issue with that too!

The mk6 is a little dated inside but actually better built than the mk7 in certain areas in my opinion. That said, if you can stretch a little to afford a mk7 then it’s a much better car overall.

[the-photographer]

I am running one;

• See http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?board=75.0 for the timing chain info
• Otherwise a reasonable choice; lesser problems include;
• PCV and DV
• Inlet manifold
• Injectors
• Waste gate rattle is fixed with a clip unlike the high power MK7 engines!
• My 2011 is still eligible for the VW extended warranty, so think about that as well

I think the internal build and comfort is better compared to the MK7, tech and dynamics obviously behind

[va1o]

Mk6 is definitely worth the extra over a Mk5. As mentioned main issue to look for is the timing chain. Only buy one if it's either been replaced, has a warranty or is new enough not to be effected.

[Sensibleboy]

Also take the engine cover off and check for excessive oil leaking from the rocker cover. It goes down past the inlet manifold and can damage the water pump seals making it leak. The pump is driven from a small belt from the end of the balancer shaft.