My MK6 GTI has 247,000 miles. It still looks and feels the same as new. The performance, the handling and ride quality, the interior has no rattles or damage. Everything just looks and feels like new. The only thing that gives it away are all the tiny rock chips from all those miles.
@@mazpr2025 Im at 222K miles and mines doing ok. Mine is a 2015 manual though and that might help with reliabilty.But yeah at 222K miles, it barely rattles. But I have a friend who has a 2017 and his has been terrible, but his is also heavily modified and mines is stock.
When I was doing some car shopping a few months ago I actually came across your videos. I went to the dealership and there it was. A silver GTI and I love it.
Great assessment of the GTI. I currently have a 2019 S , with the DSG transmission, and love it. At 77 mods are not high on my to do list. I have done my mods back in the 70’s. The quality of your videos are top notch, keep them coming, thanks, RickGTI…..
I bought a new 2018 GTI SE 6sp 2 years ago. It's my first VW. I've owned countless (and love them all) Japanese cars. Next to my Miata, my GTI is the most enjoyable, perfect car I have owned. It's built like a tank, handles amazing, is quiet, and with a neuspeed power module, it gives it exactly the 20-30 hp it needs. My only complaint, and it isn't about the car per se, is the value has dropped like an anvil in just 2 years. I find that odd because they are such amazing cars. Oh well. I still have zero regrets. I checked used prices a few days ago, and you can buy a car like mine used, with less than 20K miles, all day long for about $21K. For that, and just as this fella says, you getting audi-quality interior, an amazing engine that can be tuned till your heart's desire, and it handles amazing well.
Thanks for taking the time to write that all out!! A lot of very good points! Resale value on these things is so bad and I just don't understand it! Thanks for watching, really appreciate it!!
It probably dropped so much because it's a volkswagen and people meme about the check engine light always on. Also could be to that its fwd. You also got the r model so which probably makes the price drop even more. Im thinking about getting one but the one thing is the fwd.
Just came to comment. It seems mk7 gti prices are on the higher side right now. Probably due to the used car market shortage. Not a bad time to sell a mk7 though
That’s good to hear how well the MK7 GTI has held up! I plan on keeping my Mk7.5 R for awhile and it’s not stock. I’ve had it for almost 2 years now. I just wish I would have gotten paint protection on the front bumper lol. This car likes rock chips
I’ve been on the fence as to whether or not to buy the VW Golf GTI. The car itself has very good driving dynamics. I drove tested a 2018 model with a 6 speed and I was impressed as to how smooth and easy I could drive it fast without realizing how fast I was actually driving until I look at the speedometer, which was at over 60 mph in a 45 mph zone. However, I didn’t buy the car back then because of the reputation of questionable reliability and cost of maintenance. I don’t care to modify my cars at all or drive like a maniac. I drive my cars normally but have fun also on some twisty roads on occasions. So if I’m told by GTI owners that the car is fairly reliable then I think that my next car might be the GTI.
Great video. I just bought a 2021 GTI SE, manual transmission. Fastest and most fun car I've owned since my 1972 BMW 2002. Hopefully VW has solved the problem of leaky sunroofs.
Your channel is great. I just bought my 3rd gti and I love it. Have been spending allot of time researching what I might do. Your insight is incredibly informative. Thank you!
I've always wanted, and still do, to own a GTI. Im currently driving a '08 Audi A3 and I call it my "de-tuned" GTI lol cuz it has the similar tsi engine you find in a GTI but not tuned for a sports car, it's more of a comfortable drive feeling.
I'm glad to hear yours was reliable. My MK7 was broken more than it was running over the 3 months I owned it, at around 45k miles. Maybe I got a bad one. I love VWs, and I'm now on my 4th, but their reliability is still questionable at best. I'd highly recommend owning under warranty!
You drove 45 thousand miles in 3 months?? I don't really understand what you're saying. Can you clarify? Did you buy it used? What model year was it? Do you have an mk7.5 now?
I was also on the fence about buying a VW, but i took the plunge in 2018 and got a 2015 GTI with only 19K miles. It’s been more than two years now and i still love this car. Haven’t done any mods, but the car has been very reliable. The water pump did develop a leak, but the car was still under warranty and the dealership fixed it. No other issues so far. Thanks for the video!
Bro my 19 S just hit 3 years and 65k miles and damn these things are so amazing. I haven’t even touched it so I’m excited to hear about what you have been doing to it. I have much to learn
I use to be a RWD snob until my early 30s. I had a G37 IPL 6MT and my now wife had a mk7 GTI. Needless to say the GTI is the best FWD as far as aging well and performance. Very fun car in manual.
agree with you on all points mate. very spot on. I have owned my DSG Gti 7.5 for 3 years now with 55xxxkms on it (31xxxx miles) put a stage 2 UGP tune with crackles and pops, Xforce down pipe, cts intake, turbo inlet, Dog bone mount,Res delete . stock muffler and she has been running smooth, fine and perfect! *thanking and praying to the car gods for the blessings* Best all round car that really does everything you need for everyday living. Best choice I ever made and at the time I was tossing up hard between civic type R , focus Rs, i30n and Subarus .
Used to have a Mini Cooper, Mini Cooper was rediculous, always had problems, so no more! Totally 💯 percent in love with gti, I can’t think of any complaints with this car
I love my MK7 with the APR stage 1 tune. I got it at around 5000 miles, and then the clutch started slipping in 6th around 9000 miles, then 5th at 12000, 4th at 18000, and then at 22000 third is starting to slip. (1st and 2nd are still great.) I would have got a new clutch / flywheel by now, but it's $1600 I don't have at the moment. I'm not complaining as I knew the clutch was going to start to slip eventually - APR told me that - I was just hoping to hold on to at least 3rd a little longer. I rarely need WOT in 4th and above. The loss of power in 3rd has prompted me to get on the clutch upgrade.
ayyy PA folk! I'm about to buy a '17 GTI S with 40K. Perfect review for where im at right now. Idt Im going to do as much mods but definitly seems like a good...after this i'll have a MKI and a MKVII in eastern PA.
I watched your channel about your GTI before I purchased mine. I got a great deal, $15,990 for a Reflex Silver 2016 S DSG with only 27k miles on it. This was in February right before COVID-19 made all the prices shoot up. Can't even find a similar car for under $17.5k now.
2014 Mk7, 100k miles.Absolutely love the vehicle. Services are not cheap but it is a performance car.Due for timing chain soon which is a big job. Everything stock, no major breaks. Will keep for at least another 3 years.
Im 47 and just got a MK7 and came from a Jeep. So far it's a small tradeoff of a little space for a lot of luxury and performance... U can't beat the Golf GTI for the price.
fitment is clean! i have the same wheels but im running an 18x9 with a 45 offset it rubs abit depending on the road. performance wise i went cobb tuned by eqt on an is38 turbo on full E85 i love it and it is definitely an underestimated platform!
I went with BC Coils with Swift springs. I did EMD springs and my stock DCC struts went due to nyc roads. At the time it was 45k miles. I agree with you the MQB is very reliable and takes power mods well. Great daily imo.
2016 se 4 door. Stock with 68k miles. Bought it a year ago with 48k miles. I had gotten an extended full waranty for $2k covers it for 6 years or 140k miles. Everything mechanical to electrical. The second I got it I did the dsg service done, and oil changes done every 5k miles. I had an intermittent CEL for some air intake leak. Did tests couldnt find a leak so I suspected the oil separator may be on its way out since its a common fail point at higher mileage. Was covered under warranty and havent had the cel since. Just changed plugs and brake fluid. All in all its a bit more expensive to maintain, since liquimolly oil and the dsg service needed every 40k miles it adds up quick. O may be changing my oil a bit too frequently but I push the car hard and drive a fuck ton since I put over 20k miles in a year. All in all love the convenience features, comfy seats, stock power, usability and the sound system is amazing. So far my sunroof hasn't failed and its a beautiful touch to th car giving a massive opening thats bigger than your average sunroof. Ill be going is38+ with all support mods next year and most likely will get a better stance durring the holidays (wheels and suspention). Btw first time riding on firestone firehawk A/s tires and i have to say for the last 2k miles they are amazing. The grip on corners very well and give an additional bite. They are equally par on rainy conditions but the front breaks loose often(normal really).
Great video. I was in the exact same boat as you as I always had japanese cars (toyota and honda) and was super worried about the reliability and cost of owning a volkswagen.I always wanted a GTI and purchased a 2017 s 6 sp manual in september of 2017 and gotta say like you am very impressed with the car. I gotta say a lot of trouble issues (not all) are a result of the aftermarket tuning of these vehicles. I believe if you drive them in a normal way (not baby them ) they seem to be on par with a lot reliable vehicles out today . And in terms of quality of materials, it is a few steps ahead of cars in this price category. I got it brand new for 21,750(before taxes and conveyance fee )Ownership has definitely changed my opinion of the volkswagen brand .
That's a big win for the stock clutch on your MK7! 80k miles on the OEM clutch, and you've been Stage 2 tuned for quite a while now, and was Stage 1 tuned long before going Stage 2. Big win man!! That shows that you know how to drive manual well, take care of your car, and now when not to step on the throttle! Good job :)
I have a Mk6 GTI (2013). Mine has been nearly perfect. Except for my thermostat going bad (which happens to every make). It has almost 90k miles. Only thing aftermarket is a oil catch can and a Southbend clutch. (Clutch went out at around 65k-70k miles). VW is honestly extremely reliable. As long as you take care of then they will be more than fine. I do want to upgrade to the Mk7 R. The AWD would help me a lot when we get snow and ice. Especially because I drive 48 miles round trip to and from work. And I live in a rual area with almost no help from snow plows 😂
@@ewanduplessis9682 I'm still debating on that. I'm married now and the wife doesn't want to learn to drive stick. And traffic. Around here sucks because the infrastructure is garbage and people can't drive for crap. I've heard the DSG is very reliable as long as you do regular maintenance. Even though I still love driving manual
@@Countryguy5967 The mechatronic unit seems to be the weak point, and are expensive to replace, but if you maintain the gearbox, I think you will be fine. I wanna get an MK7 GTI next year, or the R32. But cant decide which one, im leaning towards the MK7 since the fuel consumption is a lot better and its styling holds up well
@@ewanduplessis9682 My mechanic (who only does VW and Audi) says as long as you do regular maintenance, you shoukd be fine. Some times you get a bad one. But those issues seem to be becoming less of an issue with the Mk7 and even Mk8. I do like the GTI. I need something AWD because when it does snow here it turns into more of a concrete than snow so I'm going to get the R
I've had my MK7 GTI since I purchased it new in 2015. It's got 42,000 and has had a JB1 on it for about the past year. I have had on single issue with it: A coil pack failed - and that was before the JB1. Other than that - not a single unscheduled dealer trip. The car only sees the dealer (or my indie shop) for scheduled maintenance. Oh... I had a MK6 GTI before that. Owned it from 2011 'till I traded it in for the MK7. That car had zero issues.
Ive still got my golf r mk6 left it at stage 1 around nearly 300bhp It didn't need anymore power just lowered it wheel spacers some splitters diffusers exhaust bloody love it aged so well. Hopefully get a mark 7 but they're pretty pricy and require a big deposit
Mind that this is one of the last pre facelift gtis. That situation is different if you drivin a 2013 or 2014 mk7 gti. The last pre facelift gtis are having all updated parts like the newest turbo, waterpump and thermostat housing.
I had a MK6, and the MK7 is leagues better. The horsepower and torque gains in the MK7 are huge. The steering is two turns lock to lock vs three. That makes a tremendous difference. Plus the MK7 weighs less and is more rigid, and those things coupled with the steering are very noticable. The MK6 feels heavy and ponderous by comparison. Taller and narrower as well.
MK7 fixed a lot of the issues the others had. Have a MK6 myself, went through two waterpumps, did the timing chain tensioner as well. 2011 with only 70K miles. Of course the door panel and the headliner glue came undone as well. Paint is crappy on certain areas. I want a 3 door MK7 eventually, IIRC 2016 is the last year in the US.
wondering what i’m going to find for reliability for a stage 1 tune and the small beginner mods for the car such as exhaust, intake and some suspension and brake stuff. never owned a turbo car so i don’t know if i should just enjoy the noises or if i’m dumb not to get a stage 1 tune. anyone feel free to chime in
2016 VW GTI Autobahn DSG myself with a few tricks too. Loving it so far at 70k miles and yes this car has completely changed my view of VW's a complete 180 degrees from test drive 4yrs ago to this day. It's exactly the everything car. das auto. simple. #dublife
your videos were one of the reasons I got my mk7.5, I don't drive as much but our family has not owned a vw product in years due some bad experiences with older audi's. It's been a good experience, fun, reliable, great interior. I'm glad I gave vw another chance.
just picked up a mk6 for a steal of a deal, plan is to drive it till mk7,s go down in price a slight bit. Hoping the mk8 will cause mkk7's to go down in price. fingers crossed
Great video! Thank you for the update! I have a mk7.5 GTI with the DSG and I was wondering if anyone else here has been experiencing this weird buck or lag feel in the roll of the car off first gear? It only has 44k kms on it. Thanks!
@@southern842 THANK YOU!! I appreciate your reply and that makes more sense now after having done more research since. Just the nature of the beast haha cheers!!
I keep hearing that those who upgrade the clutch while running a tune, inevitably run into the crank walk issue. I wonder if you, or anyone else has heard the same.
Same here, would buy it all over again. I have a 2015, (bought November 2014) so I would probably go with. 2016 for the infotainment system, but others than that, this car is fantastic!
I’m thinking of buying a used mk6 golf r I can’t get enough of them I love the looks and it has everything I want I just hesitate because of the reliability rumors so I hope I don’t run into any of that lol
I bought my gti about 5 months ago! Had about 50k miles and im approaching 60k. Currently have stage 2 IE with IE downpipe, midpipe, bigger turbo elbow/turbo inlet pipe, sai delete, rs7 coils and plugs.. all paired with a dkm clutch. Gonna order my IE intercooler , hpfp/lpfp in prep for bigger turbo and 🌽.. just need the funds. The car is very addicting. Once im at my power goals ill be lowering and getting a bigger rear sway bar! And not a single issue so far!
Have you thought about what clutch yet? Cause I had a mk6 gti with a dkm stage 2 clutch in it and I believe it also fits the mk7. It’s a heavy clutch, but once you get used to it it’s butter. Probably my favorite mod on the car.
Picking mine up next week. Always been a WRX fan after owning an 09 but after a test drive of a new one I feel like I have outgrown the car. Just not near as nice as the MK7 GTI IMO. Totally worth sacrificing AWD (I live in Florida) for all the luxury that VW offers. Plus with a tune its just as quick (so im told).
Has your clutch slipped at all with the tune? I have a JB4 map 2 with a downpipe, 35k miles, and my stock clutch slips when I lay on the gas. Surprised yours is holding up so well.
So the first thing you did... the stage 1 apr tune.... got you 90+ hp? What tires do you use cause mine is stock with brand new continental pure contacts(not my choice, dealer put them on) and it spins and chirps like crazy lol.
@@danielcangiano1691 oh yeah. they issued a recall on that. got it flashed at the dealer after my 1st free oil change. haven't had an issue but under 20k and less than a year
why didn't you go Cobb for a more aggressive custom tune? not hating, i have the same year and color and am running the APR stage one low torque and even at that i was amazed at the difference. just im not sure if i want to continue doing the apr road.
Hey man! I have the same car, it’s 2021 mk7.5 gti. It only has 11,400 mileage but there’s a creaking noise inside the car already. When I’m driving and hit bumps or like uneven road, you can hear it’s creaking inside. But it goes away if I’m driving for a long time. I’m not sure where it’s coming from, it’s sounds like in the door seal or something. It’s really annoying. Do you have the same problem?
I've got a 2016 golf gti mk7 with a dsg and I just passed 70k miles. It's bone stock and I've had to replace the fuel pump and I've gotten numerous check engine lights to the point where I bought a code reader just to clear them lmao. Otherwise the car is my favorite I've ever owned. Praying that I can see 180k.
