Golf 1.4 TSI to 2.0 GTI

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Discussion

VR99

Original Poster:

1,291 posts

68 months

Monday 1st May 2023
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I currently own an '18 Golf 1.4 TSI Nav SE, purchased just over 2 years back from a VW main dealer used approved. I've been very happy with it, great ride/suspension, practical, Apple CarPlay and till now the 125 ish bhp has been more than enough to keep me satisfied.

However..recently been getting an 'itch' to change and feel the 2.0 GTI (DSG variant)would probably be the answer, in 5dr guise would maintain the practicality but with a bit more oomph on tap when needed. My 1.4 TSI has less than 30k on the clock and full VWSH so thinking a p/x with a main dealer could be one option, not sure what the numbers would look like but hoping there is enough demand for the last off the line 1.4 TSI before they switched to the 1.0 to make the numbers attractive.

I tend to drive low miles annually maybe 6-7k max and mainly across London and some local trips, this is likely how the car will be used over the next few years as it's our sole car in the household.

How significant will the increase in running/servicing costs be going from the 125 bhp TSI to the 200+ GTI? My TSI uses a DSG and will want the same for the GTI rather than manual, any known issues in the version used for the GTI?
Would the GTI be ok with shorter distance trips and any known reliability issues with the '13-'19 Mk7?


Just want to ensure I've done my research before committing, looking at '16/'17 plate GTI's.for reference. Thanks


Edited by VR99 on Monday 1st May 00:05

Aunty Pasty

678 posts

43 months

Monday 1st May 2023
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A 16/17 plate GTI will put you at the time where it switched from the mk7 to the 7.5.

With low milage, mpg isn't a huge factor but for short town trips you'll get 25-30 mpg. Add it some A roads and motorways and it easily get above 35 mpg, maybe even 40mpg.

The Mk 7 will have the 6 speed wet clutch but the 7.5 will have the 7 speed version which I think is wet clutch as well. No problems will my one. Just needs to be serviced every 40k.

I think the GTI is a great everyday car to live with. You can plod along with all traffic if you wish or bring it to life when you get the chance.

On my car the original battery failed after 4 years. I think it was the stop/start feature which killed it. It started playing havoc with the electronics causing things such as electric windows to stop working. All ok now with a new battery. For many short trips I would advise turning it off to allow the battery to reach 100% charge.

Edited by Aunty Pasty on Monday 1st May 07:04


Edited by Aunty Pasty on Monday 1st May 07:41

VR99

Original Poster:

1,291 posts

68 months

Monday 1st May 2023
quotequote all
Aunty Pasty said:
A 16/17 plate GTI will put you at the time where it switched from the mk7 to the 7.5.

With low milage, mpg isn't a huge factor but for short town trips you'll get 25-30 mpg. Add it some A roads and motorways and it easily get above 35 mpg, maybe even 40mpg.

The Mk 7 will have the 6 speed wet clutch but the 7.5 will have the 7 speed version which I think is wet clutch as well. No problems will my one. Just needs to be serviced every 40k.

I think the GTI is a great everyday car to live with. You can plod along with all traffic if you wish or bring it to life when you get the chance.

On my car the original battery failed after 4 years. I think it was the stop/start feature which killed it. It started playing havoc with the electronics causing things such as electric windows to stop working. All ok now with a new battery. For many short trips I would advise turning it off to allow the battery to reach 100% charge.
Cheers, lot of helpful info. It's the 'everyday car' bit I will be using to try persuade the wife this is a 'no brainer' wink

Glosphil

4,457 posts

239 months

Tuesday 2nd May 2023
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If you want to save some money look at Seat Leon FR with the 1.8TSi (180) or 2.0TSi (190). Not quite as powerful as a GTi but cheaper & a definite step up from your Golf 1.4TDi (125).

Much of the Leon is the same as the Golf.

VR99

Original Poster:

1,291 posts

68 months

Thursday 4th May 2023
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Glosphil said:
If you want to save some money look at Seat Leon FR with the 1.8TSi (180) or 2.0TSi (190). Not quite as powerful as a GTi but cheaper & a definite step up from your Golf 1.4TDi (125).

Much of the Leon is the same as the Golf.
Cheers, came close to getting either of the Leon models you mentioned but then saw the Golf online at a main dealer for a reasonable price (esp compared to current used values) and pulled the trigger. I am curious how the suspension/ride compares as love it on the Golf, very smooth and comfy compared to any other hatch I've driven/been a passenger in etc

Aunty Pasty

678 posts

43 months

Thursday 4th May 2023
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The GTI will have a stiffer suspension compared to the normal Golf as standard so you'll notice the bumps a bit more but it's not uncomfortable. DCC is an added option which adjusts the dampers if that's an important consideration.

TonyTony

1,882 posts

163 months

Wednesday 10th May 2023
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Theres many with the performance pack as well which adds +10bhp, bigger front discs and the front haldex diff.

You might want to look at the Leon Cupra as well, it comes with the PP parts standard + another 50-60bhp.

The 280 will be cheaper than the Golf and the newer 290 you could probably pick up for similar money if not a bit less.

zedx19

2,838 posts

145 months

Wednesday 10th May 2023
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I have a 2017 Mk7 Golf GTi DSG, motorway speeds it'll return 45mpg at a radar cruise of 70mph, town driving 25mpg. Insurance is 270 quid (41 year old chap, no points, no claims, nice area), servicing is cheap, VED is 189 quid, in my eyes for a hot hatch its a cheap car to run. I've had no problems with it in 2 years and 20k ish, can get 4 kids + 1 dog in it, I can turn up to business meetings in it and I can chuck it down a B road like I've sat on a wasp.

Coolant housing will leak if it hasn't been replaced. DSG needs a 40k service. Everything else is normal car stuff and generally solid and reliable.


VR99

Original Poster:

1,291 posts

68 months

Thursday 11th May 2023
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Thanks for the additional info guys, v helpful.

Trying to mull it over and justify....currently our 1.4 TSI is driven solely by myself, over the next few years wife will need to use it a lot more so wondering if that's a good use for a Gti i.e: lot of short runs plodding about locally...my real concern is the potential dinks and abuse it will get....obviously not reflective of the wife's driving skills smile

I'm by no means a Golf fanboy, current TSI is first I've owned but there is something special about the Gti......

If my current golf typically sells in the £16-19k range for similar spec,mileage, age and condition....what might I expect (ballpark) from a main dealer for p/x value? I know this is a how long is a piece of string question but curious if anyone has a rough idea.

Edited by VR99 on Thursday 11th May 08:09

zedx19

2,838 posts

145 months

Thursday 11th May 2023
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My wife uses mine occasionally for short trips, told her if she damages my 19" Brescia alloys we're getting divorced, this results in her parking miles from a kerb but has saved the GTi from any dents or scraps!

Slightly biased, but I think the standard GTi alloys are awful and Brescia suit them perfectly. If you can find a GTi with them you can punt the wheels on for 1500 quid ish for an immaculate set and buy normal GTi alloys for 500 quid ish, if that's your thing.



AI1601

876 posts

99 months

Thursday 11th May 2023
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As mentioned above, I'd seriously consider a Leon Cupra. My wife has an FR and compared to a Golf there really isn't much in it comparing the interior quality. The Leons are better specc'd and I don't see as many Cupras as I do GTI's and R's.

VR99

Original Poster:

1,291 posts

68 months

Thursday 11th May 2023
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zedx19 said:
My wife uses mine occasionally for short trips, told her if she damages my 19" Brescia alloys we're getting divorced, this results in her parking miles from a kerb but has saved the GTi from any dents or scraps!
Lol....I'm taking notes

VR99

Original Poster:

1,291 posts

68 months

Thursday 11th May 2023
quotequote all
AI1601 said:
As mentioned above, I'd seriously consider a Leon Cupra. My wife has an FR and compared to a Golf there really isn't much in it comparing the interior quality. The Leons are better specc'd and I don't see as many Cupras as I do GTI's and R's.
Yep fair point...in hindsight maybe a Leon with the 1.8 TSI engine would of done the job

51mes

1,512 posts

205 months

Thursday 11th May 2023
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For lots of short runs a mk7.5 gte may be the answer. It's no GTI, but something of a half way house...

Long runs 55+mpg and locally using mostly battery circa 100mpg plus depending on the trip and the season.