Mk 7/7.5 Golf GTI
Discussion
It is looking increasingly likely this is going to be my next car so was wondering if there is anything I need to be looking out for on them? Common issues etc.Reading reviews, they seem to get good scores for reliability but it is always worth asking the PH collective too.
I will be looking at models around 2018 and 20K miles. Any help appreciated.
I will be looking at models around 2018 and 20K miles. Any help appreciated.
Uppy89 said:
It is looking increasingly likely this is going to be my next car so was wondering if there is anything I need to be looking out for on them? Common issues etc.Reading reviews, they seem to get good scores for reliability but it is always worth asking the PH collective too.
I will be looking at models around 2018 and 20K miles. Any help appreciated.
Fantastic car, I've had 3x Golf GTI 7.5 models. The only common issue I can think of is the sunroof. The surrounds tend to crack especially on the sporty models like the R and GTI. Not an issue if the car is in warranty as it will be replaced for free but its a PITA to do. So my advice would be try to find a car/ spec you want without the sunroof option. Unsure which particular model your going for but if its a GTI, spend the extra to get a performance pack model. I've owned both and the performance pack version is well worth the small premium. R is also a fantastic car on the 7/7.5 platform.I will be looking at models around 2018 and 20K miles. Any help appreciated.
Edit: just read the title of the topic and see your going for a GTI , great choice
Thermostat will leak at some point.
Haldex pump in VAQ diff prone to failure (same item as in R rear diff); VW say oil every 3 years regardless of mileage. Have pump removed at the service and the gauze cleaned too. If you're doing more miles clean it sooner.
People talk about water leaks in the boot and failing heater matrixes but I've experienced neither.
Mine's on 74k now and given me very little grief. In for some more power soon (better clutch sitting next to me in waiting).
Haldex pump in VAQ diff prone to failure (same item as in R rear diff); VW say oil every 3 years regardless of mileage. Have pump removed at the service and the gauze cleaned too. If you're doing more miles clean it sooner.
People talk about water leaks in the boot and failing heater matrixes but I've experienced neither.
Mine's on 74k now and given me very little grief. In for some more power soon (better clutch sitting next to me in waiting).
I've got a mk7 GTD and previously owned a Leon
Both suffered rear brake issues. Possibly due to being low miles examples, on both cars the rear brakes were in terrible condition due to corrosion.
Also diamond cut wheels really don't like our salt covered roads. Although if you are further south this might not be as much an issue.
Have you decided if you are going 'normal' or the performance pack? DSG or manual?
Both suffered rear brake issues. Possibly due to being low miles examples, on both cars the rear brakes were in terrible condition due to corrosion.
Also diamond cut wheels really don't like our salt covered roads. Although if you are further south this might not be as much an issue.
Have you decided if you are going 'normal' or the performance pack? DSG or manual?
I had a 2015 GTD on lease from 2015-2017. Great car in every regard, and would certainly have another (GTi PP) in a heart beat.
The only thing I would say is that I believe that the non-DCC front shocks are prone to leaking/failure on these at around 3-5 years old / 30-50k miles.
Also, from 2019 onwards, note that reverse camera became standard fit, as did a few other goodies like traffic sign recognition, if you can stretch to it. (I believe winter pack went all the way through from 2015 to end of production, but do check).
I say this only in case you are concerned about residuals, because I for one now can't live without heated seats or reverse camera.
I also believe the VED changed on these in 2019 with the WLTP regs, so again, check this out.
The only thing I would say is that I believe that the non-DCC front shocks are prone to leaking/failure on these at around 3-5 years old / 30-50k miles.
Also, from 2019 onwards, note that reverse camera became standard fit, as did a few other goodies like traffic sign recognition, if you can stretch to it. (I believe winter pack went all the way through from 2015 to end of production, but do check).
I say this only in case you are concerned about residuals, because I for one now can't live without heated seats or reverse camera.
I also believe the VED changed on these in 2019 with the WLTP regs, so again, check this out.
See my post in the Golf R buying guide thread other thread about the need to remove the silica bag from the coolant reservoir of these.
I put ~60k on a 2018 GTI performance in just over 18 months, and other than the usual service items, didn't have anything go wrong. Main thing from me was the ride being too hard on 19's, but this is subjective, and a bit dependant on the roads that you drive. (I would look for the adaptive dampers if I had one again). MPG was rather impressive for the sort of car too.
Would really recommend the performance over the standard GTI if you can get one. The LSD and the bigger brakes really do make a big difference to the drive (and I've done a fair few miles in similar aged standard GTI's).
I put ~60k on a 2018 GTI performance in just over 18 months, and other than the usual service items, didn't have anything go wrong. Main thing from me was the ride being too hard on 19's, but this is subjective, and a bit dependant on the roads that you drive. (I would look for the adaptive dampers if I had one again). MPG was rather impressive for the sort of car too.
Would really recommend the performance over the standard GTI if you can get one. The LSD and the bigger brakes really do make a big difference to the drive (and I've done a fair few miles in similar aged standard GTI's).
I've had a PP since new. About 14 months and 10k (69 plate).
I really like it. As above i was also surprised by the economy.
Mine has the upgraded 19s. I'm more than happy with the ride.
Sunroof. I've not had a car with one for 20 years so I opted for this.
I had mine in for the first service and i asked them investigate an intermittent rattle in the cabin, it was driving me mad (i sorted the first one which was the rear seat catch). I think this was the passenger sun visor.
Brilliant all round car.
I really like it. As above i was also surprised by the economy.
Mine has the upgraded 19s. I'm more than happy with the ride.
Sunroof. I've not had a car with one for 20 years so I opted for this.
I had mine in for the first service and i asked them investigate an intermittent rattle in the cabin, it was driving me mad (i sorted the first one which was the rear seat catch). I think this was the passenger sun visor.
Brilliant all round car.
I’d agree with that last post, brilliant car.
Mine is a late ‘69 plate PP and I’d definitely recommend. They were loaded up with extras towards the end, reverse camera, winter pack, adaptive headlights.
Personally I’d avoid the sunroof (I did) ad all you hear about is rattles. The 18s are as big as I’d go on the wheels, the ride is firm enough anyway.
The economy is surprisingly good, 45mpg is easily possible on a gentle run, and 40mpg easily achievable. Don’t expect to get much over 30 if you’re using in town though.
The exhaust is a drones a bit on a motorway, it’s not at its best there.
Overall a great allrounder, the PP version is the one to get.
Mine is a late ‘69 plate PP and I’d definitely recommend. They were loaded up with extras towards the end, reverse camera, winter pack, adaptive headlights.
Personally I’d avoid the sunroof (I did) ad all you hear about is rattles. The 18s are as big as I’d go on the wheels, the ride is firm enough anyway.
The economy is surprisingly good, 45mpg is easily possible on a gentle run, and 40mpg easily achievable. Don’t expect to get much over 30 if you’re using in town though.
The exhaust is a drones a bit on a motorway, it’s not at its best there.
Overall a great allrounder, the PP version is the one to get.
I'm torn between a 2019/20 run out PP GTi (although I would want it on Brecias), a nicely spec'd 8 GTi or being a little bit silly (possibly for the first time in my life on a car purchase) and ordering a Golf 8 Clubsport.
I really like the looks of the 7 (having owned a GTD a few years back), i think I would feel like i've rewound the clock shelling out £25k on a 2012/2013 design, even though the standard spec on them is great. The 8 GTi has cross traffic assist and lane assist (blind spot warning) as standard, which having hired a Volvo V90 with these, were really really useful things to have.
I've grown (forced myself?) to like the looks of the 8 (particularly on the 19" Adelaide's), but have been reliably informed by 2 people who have both driven the 8, that DCC is essential due to the overly firm suspension, even on the stock 18" Richmonds.
If the used car market wasn't so silly, i'd be all over the 7.5 PP, but what with prices for a last of the line 7.5PP with sensible spec (leather / pan roof etc) being so close to that of a brand new 8 (£26/27k Vs 29k)....i'm finding it difficult. There's something a bit special about being the first and only owner of a car, particularly a GTi and particularly when I expect these low mileage 7.5s are ex-demos and/or pool cars and probably not had the most ideal start to life......
I really like the looks of the 7 (having owned a GTD a few years back), i think I would feel like i've rewound the clock shelling out £25k on a 2012/2013 design, even though the standard spec on them is great. The 8 GTi has cross traffic assist and lane assist (blind spot warning) as standard, which having hired a Volvo V90 with these, were really really useful things to have.
I've grown (forced myself?) to like the looks of the 8 (particularly on the 19" Adelaide's), but have been reliably informed by 2 people who have both driven the 8, that DCC is essential due to the overly firm suspension, even on the stock 18" Richmonds.
If the used car market wasn't so silly, i'd be all over the 7.5 PP, but what with prices for a last of the line 7.5PP with sensible spec (leather / pan roof etc) being so close to that of a brand new 8 (£26/27k Vs 29k)....i'm finding it difficult. There's something a bit special about being the first and only owner of a car, particularly a GTi and particularly when I expect these low mileage 7.5s are ex-demos and/or pool cars and probably not had the most ideal start to life......
Edited by MattyD803 on Monday 14th December 11:16
Thanks for all the replies.
Seems like I would be on to a winner with one of these then. DSG gearbox would definitely be a preference, as would the performance pack but that isn't as crucial.
I have seen a couple on the VW approved used site that seem to tick a lot of the boxes so time to start with some phone calls.
Seems like I would be on to a winner with one of these then. DSG gearbox would definitely be a preference, as would the performance pack but that isn't as crucial.
I have seen a couple on the VW approved used site that seem to tick a lot of the boxes so time to start with some phone calls.
I had a 2014 Mk7 PP manual 5 door . Had it for 3 years - was a fantastic car. Only had 2 problems - the coolant expansion tank was replaced under warranty - might have been the thermostat as well. I also had the battery die on me towards the end of owner ship this summer. Was surprised by that but it was a the original on a 6 year old car.
I now have a late 2017 7.5 PP 3 door manual which is even better. The extra performance over the Mk7 PP is noticeable. It also has a better sounding exhaust (standard as far as I am aware). The updated ICE with digital dials and Android Auto are also worth it over a Mk7. I too would also avoid the sunroof option - heard many issues with the surround trim cracking and leaking as stated by other posters.
I now have a late 2017 7.5 PP 3 door manual which is even better. The extra performance over the Mk7 PP is noticeable. It also has a better sounding exhaust (standard as far as I am aware). The updated ICE with digital dials and Android Auto are also worth it over a Mk7. I too would also avoid the sunroof option - heard many issues with the surround trim cracking and leaking as stated by other posters.
Apologies to flag an old thread but struggling with conflicted information online, looking to buy a used Gti mk7.5 and trying to understand what the first registration was these were on in the Uk, were there some 66 registration cars or did they start in 17 or even 67? Conflicting info as I say!
Apologies to flag an old thread but struggling with conflicted information online, looking to buy a used Gti mk7.5 and trying to understand what the first registration was these were on in the Uk, were there some 66 registration cars or did they start in 17 or even 67? Conflicting info as I say!
IME, the changeover was on a 17 plate. The majority of 17 plate cars are the 7.5 model but there are some 7's on a 17 plate. I've never seen a 66 plate 7.5.
Are you worried you'll get ripped off? As long as you know what to look for between the models you should be OK. The location of the ACC sensor is the obvious give away if looking at a pic of the car.
Are you worried you'll get ripped off? As long as you know what to look for between the models you should be OK. The location of the ACC sensor is the obvious give away if looking at a pic of the car.
Drive Blind said:
IME, the changeover was on a 17 plate. The majority of 17 plate cars are the 7.5 model but there are some 7's on a 17 plate. I've never seen a 66 plate 7.5.
Are you worried you'll get ripped off? As long as you know what to look for between the models you should be OK. The location of the ACC sensor is the obvious give away if looking at a pic of the car.
Thank you very much, a great bit of advice and it is only after I read what you wrote regarding the ACC sensor that I realised and was able to differentiate on Auto Trader. I will likely have the car 3 years and put a fair mileage on it, (C. 45/60k) miles in 3/4 years so reckoned I was better trying to get a 7.5. Stuck between GTI or GTD, R MPG wise is just too low. Are you worried you'll get ripped off? As long as you know what to look for between the models you should be OK. The location of the ACC sensor is the obvious give away if looking at a pic of the car.
MattyD803 said:
I had a 2015 GTD on lease from 2015-2017. Great car in every regard, and would certainly have another (GTi PP) in a heart beat.
The only thing I would say is that I believe that the non-DCC front shocks are prone to leaking/failure on these at around 3-5 years old / 30-50k miles.
Also, from 2019 onwards, note that reverse camera became standard fit, as did a few other goodies like traffic sign recognition, if you can stretch to it. (I believe winter pack went all the way through from 2015 to end of production, but do check).
I say this only in case you are concerned about residuals, because I for one now can't live without heated seats or reverse camera.
I also believe the VED changed on these in 2019 with the WLTP regs, so again, check this out.
We’ve owned a 2015 (2016 MY) GTD since September 2015 and now done 110,000 miles. Pre 2016 MY cars don’t have nav as standard and don’t have keyless go or the winter pack, which includes heated seats.The only thing I would say is that I believe that the non-DCC front shocks are prone to leaking/failure on these at around 3-5 years old / 30-50k miles.
Also, from 2019 onwards, note that reverse camera became standard fit, as did a few other goodies like traffic sign recognition, if you can stretch to it. (I believe winter pack went all the way through from 2015 to end of production, but do check).
I say this only in case you are concerned about residuals, because I for one now can't live without heated seats or reverse camera.
I also believe the VED changed on these in 2019 with the WLTP regs, so again, check this out.
The tech is still pretty good, we missed Apple Car Play on ours as we were not told it was available, desirable option if you can get it.
No issues with our car except as MattyD803 has mentioned and that the shocks, we had an MOT failure because of a weeping shock so check these carefully.
The only issue is that the tartan cloth interior although looks fab when it’s new, doesn’t wear very well, ours has now worn through on the divers bolster, although the fabric is available to re trim it.
They need a cam belt and water pump at 80,000 and DSG service at 100,000 so check the service history carefully. Independents sometimes skip this, especially if it’s been run on a budget.
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