As I mentioned here last week (I think), I sold my beloved Civic hatch back after 2 decades of ownership. I am shopping for a replacement. I still like the utility of a hatchback and having at least some sporting pretensions.
I am seeing Mk6 and Mk7 VW Golf GTI's in my price range. What do we know about their long-term durability beyond 50k to 70k miles?
2013-2014 model year Mk6 cars had all of the fixes like the chain tensioner, intake manifold, etc. and should be pretty reliable. The Mk7 seems to be more reliable, although I haven't had a GTI since 2017 and haven't really researched them lately.
I put 17000 miles on my 2012 and it never gave me any trouble.
I think anyone expecting Honda Civic reliability from a VW is headed for heartache.
My wife had two Golfs during my Civic ownership. I am not expecting Civic levels of trouble free.
My 2015 Mk7 GTI has been flawless. I've replaced the battery and done oil change/tire maintenance in 70k miles. I love this car.
Wife's 2015 GTI has 90k on it. AC failed on it, and took multiple trips to fix. Fuel pump was recalled. Shifter assembly (DSG) needed to be replaced twice. Admittedly, it never actually broke down to the point of not being drivable.
My 2014 GLI (Mk 6) has not had any issues in 125,000 miles. And when I mean no issues, I mean oil, battery, tires, no CELs ever eerily good.
I am/was prepared for the VW implosion at some point but with WFH my miles have dropped so I have no plans to replace it soon. A bit longer, heavier, and softer than the GTI but it still makes me happy every drive.
My Mk7.5 Golf R has been perfect with the exception of having the front passenger grab handle replaced. We've run several VW/Audi's for my wife to 100k miles with nothing but normal maintenance.
My 2015 Jetta TSI has been good other than eating oil, hoping it's a pvc issue. Some TSI have ring issues so watch that.
While not a GTI, I've got a '15 Golf TDI SE DSG.
I had to replace a front left wheel bearing at 80K, was making noise for about 10K, but I ignored it hoping it was just the tires, even though deep down I knew it wasn't. A wheel bearing in 70K miles is a little annoying, I've had several cars with over 200K on their original wheel bearings.
Clear coat is peeling badly on the front bumper cover, my car is red. Paint is fine everywhere else. Paint was noticeably peeling around 45K miles, I didn't bring it to the dealers attention in time, was after 60K before I needed to be there for a recall, I brought it to their attention, and they offered no recourse that wasn't very expensive for me. Service advisor did say, "I've seen this before." I'm occasionally checking eBay, Car-Part, and what not for a red GTI bumper cover to replace it.
Had an issue with a shift sensor on the DSG, would randomly get a chime, and warning on the MFD to "only service in park" usually within the first 3 miles on a cold start, but occasionally in the middle of a 30+ minute commute. It would come and go. There was a recall for the DSG shifter that fixed it.
Only other issues I've had are TDI related, specifically the DEF injector line leaking, level sensor and tank heater failing. Injector line and heater were repaired under warranty, the level sensor is acting up currently, I just cleared the code for it 2 days ago. I'm leaning more toward a tune and delete than another DEF repair.
In reply to bigdaddylee82 :
That reminds me - my wife's GTI has the same issue with the clear coat peeling on the front bumper. Also red, no idea if the color has any affect on whether or not it happens.
Red seems to be notorious for adhesion problems. I have had a blue 2017 GTI since new. Nothing but basic maintenance and not a single problem or flaw yet (fingers crossed).
I cant say that my 2010 MK6 GTI (or my MK4 GTI) was the most reliable car in the world. Nothing that was ever catastrophic but it left me stranded more than once. That being said I really loved the car and kinda miss it. I bought the car CPO at 38K miles and had it for about 7 years and sold it with 129K on it. In that time it had to be towed to the dealer or a shop at least 4 times. I finally started working on it myself and replaced the water pump and an injector which was not as difficult as it looked like it would be. If you are going to own a GTI you'll have to accept that it wont be as reliable as a Honda and be willing to pay someone to work on it or be up to working on a German car yourself.
ChrisTropea said:I cant say that my 2010 MK6 GTI (or my MK4 GTI) was the most reliable car in the world.
I'd expect a response like this.They didn't really have their act together with the Mk6 until the 2013 model year.
My mkiii gti vr6 was far and away the worst car I've ever owned. Ridiculous failures, constantly. I'd never buy another car from vag.
I looked at the title of this thread and thought, "Is that a trick question?"
In reply to eastsideTim :
My moms car had the same issue. Red Eos. Front bumper peeled the clear coat. After a letter to VWNA they agreed to split the cost of a repaint.
Carbon (Forum Supporter) said:My mkiii gti vr6 was far and away the worst car I've ever owned. Ridiculous failures, constantly. I'd never buy another car from vag.
Funny as I consider these some of the most reliable VAG cars that have come to pass.
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