I’ve owned every VW except the e-golf and ID4 . Currently owning 18 SE 4motion Tiguan, 19 Rabbit GTI, 20 RLine SEL 4motion Tiguan and 86 Pirelli edition Jetta coupe VR6 swapped. Modified all of them and love the journey of finding the right combinations of performance parts to make the best driving vehicle. I support VW and car culture. Love the channel. 👍
Currently own a 2017 GTI S 6MT. Had her since August of last year and absolutely love driving her. Perfectly happy with how she is but I definitely understand and support those who mod and tune their GTI's. I believe it's all in what you want out of the car and what your plans are long term.
I got my 2016 DSG SE August of 2020, I have a Jb4 map 2 and muffler delete set up on mine and I’m perfectly happy with it. I don’t need or want anything more out of it lol. Cannot agree with you more
New to the channel and newly subcribed, back into VW after years without. Iam old now but just had the itch for some good old hot hatch fun. Starting mods now and here we go again!!!! Great channel and my go to for content. Thanks Cam, keep it coming!
Omg man, this is my first time watching a video in you’re channel and can’t agree more, I’ve own a mk6 Gti for 4 years now, I’ve never had a car more than 1 year, it’s soooo fun to daily drive, I’ve always been afraid in ecu mod, but definitely doing it now, BEAST review, keep it up !!
Very good perspective. I bought a 8p A3 last February for 3700 and have done reliability upgrades.(Waterpump, Coils, plugs, and full service)I love it! Keep it up with VAG cars. They are quite rewarding if you do your research.
I just got a 19 Rabbit 6MT that I'm learning how to drive manual on, partly due to this channel. Hands down the absolute most fun driving experience I've ever had, even completely stock. After coming from two cars that are definitely "faster" without a doubt, but this car truly teaches you that the fastest doesn't always mean the most fun, but I cannot wait to get to work on it and make it even more fun.
Congrats Cameron, i really enjoy your videos and upgrade/tunning that you make on that pretty gti, i was an owner of mkiv gti and was for far my best experience and fan car i ever drive, greetings from chile! Take care!
First GTI and I gotta say I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT !! I’ve owned mustang gt. Highly modified. A Porsche 944. A 95’ thunderbird 4.6 again highly modded. Honda civic. Out of every vehicle I’ve ever owned. And I’m 53. This GTI is by far the most fun. Just started doing her up my way, my taste. FMIC. CHARGE PIPES. Luftechnic cold air intake. CTS turbo muffler delete. CTS turbo inlet elbow. ARM DOWN PIPE UNITRONIC STAGE 1+ I personally like the factory cat back. But I also went with catless downpipe. Very fun to drive. She makes a little noise. But nothing obnoxious. Keep up the great content cameron Schedule a drive/tour through northwest Arkansas.
I guess it really all depends what you came from. My 2016 gti is my first tuner car, I came from a 2008 civic si(bone stock, never considered building it) and a 2001 Jeep Wrangler. Both are slow as hell compared to a stock gti. Only in the past 6m have I gotten the tuner bug and well stage 2, ttrs clutch, dogbone mount insert, rear sway bar, ps4 tires, intake, inlet elbow and dammit if I don’t want an is38 turbo. It’s all relative. Oh and I’d love to win that exhaust 😂😂. How ever I do like having a car that looks and mostly sounds stock. Great vids. I greatly appreciate it as your one of the few channels I watch for how-to and ideas for the car. Keep on getting it. Cheers
I love the video, thank you so much! I just got my first GTI and Volkswagen in general (2019) and I already love it! It's awesome to learn about the history and personality of these cars, looking forward to more.
Currently own an 2018 Audi A3 8V Quattro, which is basically the awd cousin of the Mk7. I use to own a Mk5 and loved it. The VAG MQB platform has so many options for upgrades that anyone going to purchase a Mk7 and is willing to put a little bit of money and work in will enjoy the process.
I had a MK6 GLI, love and modded tf outta that thing. Got it about the same time Cameron got his GTI. Ot was fun while it lasted and it caught on fire on ny way to a car meet. Now I have an 8v A3 Quattro and never looking back. (AWD GTI)
I just bought my first car this year, which was a 2015 GTI. And all I gotta say is that I’m so glad this was my first car I could ever work on myself 😭
Now I’ve had an 05 WRX and an 08 STI and I feel like the overall drivability in a GTI is far better. I did however trade my GTI for a golf Alltrack. I did miss the all wheel drive. There is an IS38 in my future. I did love my STI but I just feel like the overall power delivery and daily driver comfort is far better in these cars. And the fuel mileage is probably 8 to 10 miles per gallon better
@@TWOhype23 yes but after a stage 1 tune it’s probably a little quicker than a GTI. This summer it’ll be getting an IS38, intercooler and downpipe so then it’ll be around 350hp
I live in the Phoenix area so it's cool to see your videos and recognize areas. Great content man! I've got a 16 gti and looking to go stage 2 with downpipe intake and intercooler. Possibly inlet pipe and maybe turbo muffler delete. You wanna put in an intercooler in my car? Lol
I've currently got an oem+ Golf R-line 1.4tsi on BC coilovers and Skoda octavia vrs alloys. Running an r32 style Remus exhaust on it and running more torque than a mk6 gti after a recent remap.
I live in Belgium and I drive a 3 door 2012 Golf 6 Gti Edition 35 DSG. Edition 35 might have been EU only, not sure. -> Edition 35 gets some extra exterior parts, semi leather/alcantara Edition 35 seats and most importantly gets a better 'detuned' golf 6 R / Scirocco R (TSI) engine with a KO4 as standard making 235bhp stock (also no timing chain problems since belt in this one). A stage 1 brings me up to about 310bhp and 440Nm. She's still stock (engine wise) atm and she's amazing good fun. Went to the unrestricted German autobahn a few times and got up to 260kph and I could hang with faster hot hatches like Focus RS and Cupra 300.. Launch control is something I rarely use, but one time I had my younger brother and his friends with me in the car and I did a launch and their reaction was priceless, all screaming/laughing/giggling like little girls. Love Gti's.
Currently in a 2017 VW GLI. None MQB Platform so they’re a bit different to work on. Not as much aftermarket but I’ve seen a few more options trickle in the past couple of years. Mine has a hybrid xman turbo with full bolt ons. Makes decent power with the set up 345whp and 340wtq
I feel like the GLI's sound a bit different from the GTI's. I currently have a 2017 VW GLI as well! DSG. About to go APR stage 1 and TCU stage 1. What do you recommend next? The car is fun stock, but I imagine stage 1 will make her a different beast.
I have a 2018 GTI S and tuned stage 1 APR with a catless down pipe. I personally really enjoy the car! I beat the living crap outta this car. The performance and handling is really great. But now I’m focusing more on looks. It has not been the best plowing snow in the winter right now but overall a really good starter for car enthusiasts! Reliable and a really good sporting feel! A sleeper tbh.
I was driving my moms 90k mile 2016 mk7 SE dsg on the highway with cruise control and I think either a timing chain snapped or trans blew up, crazy vibrations, ticking and gear slipping. Still love them tho!
@@PeeWeeGx Nah, unless you do a lot of city driving and really care about low speed acceleration. GTI handles and feels better taking corners at speed.
I've had a MK6 GTI for a little over two years now and am thoroughly enjoying it. I am keeping the engine completely stock, but recently did a stage 1 tune on the DSG - highly recommended! I've done a few visual mods to make it unique (LED tail lights, diffuser, side skirts). The biggest project I've done was installing a Kenwood head unit and front & rear cameras. I live near many twisty mountain roads, and that's where it is an absolute blast to drive!
Great video, I don't own a MK7. Buy have to say after owning an Mk4 GTI and currently a Stage 2 MK6 GTI. I'm never getting rid of the mk6. Love driving it. OEM+👍👍
Ive got a mk5 manual gti which has been my first car and i love it the way it is but am planning on getting a unitronic tune as its cheapest for me in CA just as soon as i get the cash for it
Maaaan you’ve gotta do a Miata. I’m not at all biased lol. That line “this car is entirely reliant on the modding community for its fun” is partially true depending on who you are. They are FANTASTIC in stock form, but a tastefully and practically modded one like mine is also so much fun taking 90 degree Scottsdale intersection rights at 40 MPH.
just bought a 2019 black base 7speed dsg last week. thinking a intake, resonator delete and a stage 1 ecu and tcu. and throw some ebiach springs on it. im on a lower budget and non lokking for a no obnoxious daily with a bit of umpth
I’ve recently picked up a brand new mk8 and loved every minute of it. It’s a blast to drive. Only complaint is occasional glitch from the infotainment system but supposedly VW has a software patch for that coming soon.
I own a 2016 S DSG, purchased fright before the pandemic when used cars were at their lowest. 27k miles, out the door from a dealership for $16k. Got an EQT tune on it for the last 15kmiles. So much fun. The stock tune is designed to deliver 210-220hp (depending whether or not if it has the PP). It will deliver this hp regardless of elevation. So imagine this, you go canyon carving up the mountains. Car never loses power because there's extra headroom for the turbo to keep boost up. When you get a tune, you are using that extra headroom. So if you go up into the mountains, you'll start losing that power, but only the extra power.
I just bought my first MK7 GTI about 8 months ago and I hella want to tune it. But I don't trust myself to do it on my own and I don't want to void my warranty. I do have a catback exhaust and an IE intake installed and it makes such a difference than when it was stock. But I know that I'm definitely missing out on so much more potential without a Stage 1 tune. Love your videos, Cameron!
Just because u get a tune doesn't mean you're warranty is out the door. It's a case by case situation. Some dealers are really strict, some are chill but it depends on how you approach warranty claims. Basically part failure has to be proven due to the specific modifications to be denied warranty work. As long as you maintain the car you really shouldn't have any issues other than the waterpump/thermostat housing. Full send it!
MKV gang gang. Hard agree the best mod for these cars is an ECU tune. Unitronic, who I went with, offers tunes for 91 or 93, depending on what’s in your area. You get significant gains without changing any hardware whatsoever. And you have the option to tune higher the more supporting mods you throw at it. Still probably not going to be the fastest car in a straight line, but in the twisties where it matters, few cars will be able to keep up. And you are still going to have all the practicality of a hatch, comfortable interior and decent fuel mileage when you’re not hammering on them. As an entry level enthusiast car, the GTI is hard to argue against.
GTIs are absolutely a fun car stock compared to other stock cars at the price point, but tuning really does bring out the GTI personality everyone loves. You’ll always want more tho lol, cuz of how much punch these cars pack with tuning
Looking at buying a 2019 SE 6 speed, slightly modded with lowering springs, catback, BOV, and front mount. With only 18k miles it’s hard to pass up, I’m not worried that the previous owner abused the crap out of it. Any thoughts?
I’ve been building my gti for a little bit now and I’m curious to see the power outputs these motors can handle stock, and what the first or best steps to be taken would be for engine reliability. Can’t seem to find much online about the internals other than forums where I can’t even find any actual logical answers
@@talltrippin4732 Maybe on a Mk6, MK7’s can hold like 600whp/~450wtq on stock internals. Safe maximum would probably be like high 400’s whp and 400-430wtq
There’s a lady around in my town with a gti that I’ve tried to race until I pull next to her and realize who it is. Also tried to race a wild R. Just wanted to see how bad I would get smoked in my stock gli
Had a MK6 GTI in 2011, kept that 'till 2015 when I purchased a MK7 GTI that I still own today. Kept both stock (outside of wheels and tires) except for the period of time (about a year) that I had a jb1 on the MK7. Completely disagree that the personality of these cars doesn't come out unless they're tuned.
A lot of people simply can't afford to tune a vehicle unless it's out of warranty. The cost for repairs are egregious for these German vehicles. I remember when I had my MK7 and the water pump failed. Fortunately it was all covered under warranty but the invoice was like $2500. I guess you can place another group next to "Sad Boys" and call it "Poor Boys" because that's the category I fall under.
i thought i would stop at stage 1+ and then 3 weeks later went straight to stage 2 again I thought I would stop there and Now im always looking for different stuff to make my car faster
I will never sell my mk5 GTI. I got it a year ago for 3500$ with 130k miles now they’re going for about 6500$ with 140k miles. I plan on going APR stage 1 soon. Then stage 2+ after I get a clutch. Almost with I went DSG
Traded my 13 speed3 in for a 19 golf R wow, never been happier and that AWD in the utah snow comes in clutch. But any chance we gonna get GOLF R jet tags?
Disagree on needing to tune a GTI. If you want a fun, sporty, ergonomic, and practical daily driver keeping the GTI stock isn’t a big deal. As a daily driver that’s a lot more fun to drive than comparably priced Honda HRV, for example, there’s not a big urge to tune. If want have track days or show your car off to other car guys that’s a different matter.
Great video. I am a VW fanboy and have owned so many I lost count. I have had every GTI except a MK1. I love them all. I sold my MK7 Gti a while back to buy a Jeep Gladiator but I still have a Scirocco, Golf Alltrack and a Westfalia. I will always own one.
@@elliotttalksf1825 unfortunately no. I have driven several but the cost difference was too high to justify. The 2004 R32 is the best sounding VW of all time.
I have a 2017 “stage 2” Golf R I think you should borrow for a day and do a comparison video. I’m in Mesa, AZ. Let me know if you’re interested and I’ll get you my contact info. I’m not on social media (RU-vid is as close as I get…).
Is38 is in the near future for me, but I'd rather get spend a bit more for an is38 with better internals since they don't like being pushed too hard. Have my eyes on the garrett turbo or the hpa is38+. Great video tho. #unitronic gang
I have the is38 hpa oem+ turbo on my 2020 mk7.5 gti and it’s great! Although now that garret released the bigger turbo I’m already eyeing it and waiting til tunes come out for it and will probably send it on that.I’m running IEs IS38 tune and I am having a blast.
I bought my 2017 gti like 2 weeks after you did and i gotta disagree, you can enjoy this car stock but to be fair ive never owned anything too crazy so maybe im missing out 🤔
I recently talked my dad into letting me get a mk7 gti(he hates everything foreign) but once he saw the car he fell in love. Even though I paid for the whole thing my dad is very strict on what I spend my money on. It’s been a very good car, A lot of fun buttttt I’ve only had it for a week I already put on some 19in vertini RFS1’s, Injen evo intake and cts turbo exhaust(I didn’t do enough research before I bought the exhaust, I really regret it.) I really want to give the car some character so I want to put a stage 1 and a Downpipe on it but my dad said if the car is the shop within a couple months he will kick me out…….. I’m really scared one I do tune it I’ll loose reliability. My brother had a 500hp wrx at my age(I’m 17) and it blew up at 30k Miles. My dad says it was bc he tuned it….. What do you think?
I wish you guys got the real mk7.5 in North America cause 7,5 in NA is the same as 7 just upgraded headlights and taillights. I love my 7,5 gti performance with 245bhp and it’s pretty awesome
It's not just different bumpers. Your cars more HP due to our emissions standards here. Most cars get detuned from the factory going to the USA. 7.5 here gets different front and rear bumpers, different headlamps, different tails lamps, different engine tuning, different radios, different trans 7 speed vs 6, Golf R brakes and upgraded safety systems amongst other cosmetic changes. More of a change than you realize.
@@Fiwek23452 yes Golf 7, Jetta, Tiguan and Taos all from the Pueblo Mexico plant... Golf 8 though will be coming from Germany. Makes sense for VW to do what they did. The Mexico plant would save costs on shipping. Lots of Europeans in Pueblo Mexico that plants been there for many many years and they actually have a European influence there it's pretty interesting.
They're popular because they tick all the boxes, reliable, practical, fun, customizable, affordable. Right now isn't the time to buy unless you're buying new. Used ones are being listed for at original or above msrp its just about the dumbest thing I've ever seen cars that should be 20-25k are being listed for 35-39k
