Car no.7, MK5 Golf GTI.
Discussion
LankyLegoHead said:
I deliberately bought one with the 17" wheels. I just prefer the way they look. The 18" have a diamond cut face, which not only corrodes badly but looks a little too "Max Power" for my liking.
I think they can look great!
Although if it was me, I'd chuck some BBS on there
So this car is proving to be a complete money pit. A time and energy drain thats left me fed up and feeling ripped off today!
Firstly, the car has had a light knock on the front. Fair enough, i could tell when I bought it due to the history with the car. But they've used non OEM parts and it doesnt fit right when you get up close. This is forgetting the absolutely hideous spray job (Overspray, orange peeled to f
k, lacquer runs etc). The rest of the paint shows scratches so well, and the cats in my area just love to tapdance on the bd to make sure they do a good job! Not that it matters, the thing has swirl marks galore to accompany the holograms.
New problems? Well the 3rd brake light has gone. "Oh no" I hear you say, but its a £650 job at VW to replace. Yes, they direct the washer jet at it so it dies, then bond the spoiler down so you cant change it. And yes, it is an MOT Failure. Luckily there is a bodge job that involves smashing the old one out, but its still £75 in parts alone!
The bearing noise. I've been to 3 seperate mechanics that cannot diagnosed it. I've tried different tyres, new brakes, played with bearings and bushes. Nothing! And its so loud.
Speaking of brakes, did I mention one likes to stick on if you leave ESP on and go for a spirited drive? Thats fun coming back to find a wheel pouring smoke out.
Also, today I couldnt get in the boot. I had to climb through the car and all the crap in my boot like it was bloody Shawshank Redemption, to pull an emergency release. It now works, but I dont trust it for toffee! That reminds me, one of the rear lights has clouded glass too!
Rear bumper has been used as a chute to load stuff into the boot. That "Stuff" I can only assume is diamonds and sand.
BUT, and its a big but. On the right road, on the right day... its sublime. And I mean really sublime. Once you learn how to use its weight, it tucks into corners so well. Oh, and doesnt drink a load of fuel in the process.
Sorry for the rant, but some days you just get fed up with your car. I'm sure we've all been there! I just seem to be there more than most.
Firstly, the car has had a light knock on the front. Fair enough, i could tell when I bought it due to the history with the car. But they've used non OEM parts and it doesnt fit right when you get up close. This is forgetting the absolutely hideous spray job (Overspray, orange peeled to f
k, lacquer runs etc). The rest of the paint shows scratches so well, and the cats in my area just love to tapdance on the bd to make sure they do a good job! Not that it matters, the thing has swirl marks galore to accompany the holograms. New problems? Well the 3rd brake light has gone. "Oh no" I hear you say, but its a £650 job at VW to replace. Yes, they direct the washer jet at it so it dies, then bond the spoiler down so you cant change it. And yes, it is an MOT Failure. Luckily there is a bodge job that involves smashing the old one out, but its still £75 in parts alone!
The bearing noise. I've been to 3 seperate mechanics that cannot diagnosed it. I've tried different tyres, new brakes, played with bearings and bushes. Nothing! And its so loud.
Speaking of brakes, did I mention one likes to stick on if you leave ESP on and go for a spirited drive? Thats fun coming back to find a wheel pouring smoke out.
Also, today I couldnt get in the boot. I had to climb through the car and all the crap in my boot like it was bloody Shawshank Redemption, to pull an emergency release. It now works, but I dont trust it for toffee! That reminds me, one of the rear lights has clouded glass too!
Rear bumper has been used as a chute to load stuff into the boot. That "Stuff" I can only assume is diamonds and sand.
BUT, and its a big but. On the right road, on the right day... its sublime. And I mean really sublime. Once you learn how to use its weight, it tucks into corners so well. Oh, and doesnt drink a load of fuel in the process.
Sorry for the rant, but some days you just get fed up with your car. I'm sure we've all been there! I just seem to be there more than most.
Edited by LankyLegoHead on Monday 3rd June 21:29
Ah shame you have had quite a few issues with it, shame when it all seems to come at once. Had that with my e46 320, was one thing after another. Always wondered how these things compare in driving ability to my a3 tfsi as not sure if same car underneath surely?
Looks very nice though, I like the 17's, I have them on mine and riders a lot nicer
Looks very nice though, I like the 17's, I have them on mine and riders a lot nicer
A shame the car is causing you grief. We've owned ours for three months and I'm really happy with it to be honest.
It's cost a fair bit as it needed a service which included the cam belt and water pump and the AC needed regassing. It's probably cost £500 but that will hopefully be it now and I was aware of the costs when I bought it.
It's cost a fair bit as it needed a service which included the cam belt and water pump and the AC needed regassing. It's probably cost £500 but that will hopefully be it now and I was aware of the costs when I bought it.
Okay, so feel I should update.
A few months ago I spent a load of money and had all the wheel bearings changed. Since then, no noise, no problems. The thing is a DREAM. It drives so well. I can carry stuff/people in it. I can easily see 35mpg + and... I can drive with a massive smile on my face. I love it.
\
As for the other problems? Well most seem to have fixed themselves. I also took the time to do a full correction on the paint, and its made a massive difference. I can really see myself keeping this car for a long time, as it just does everything so well!
A few months ago I spent a load of money and had all the wheel bearings changed. Since then, no noise, no problems. The thing is a DREAM. It drives so well. I can carry stuff/people in it. I can easily see 35mpg + and... I can drive with a massive smile on my face. I love it.
\As for the other problems? Well most seem to have fixed themselves. I also took the time to do a full correction on the paint, and its made a massive difference. I can really see myself keeping this car for a long time, as it just does everything so well!
Remap is on the list, but I really want a diff to go with it, and then it gets expensive! haha.
So I put some FK's on it, and some BBS'. Just to get it sitting nicer, and stiffen it up. It's going to need a bit of work to get it driving proper (something to do at the weekend) but it's already a marked improvement on both looks and cornering!
I'm so happy with how they look on the car. Was a bit of a gamble, and as it turns out a lot of people are slating them, but I love them on there.
So I put some FK's on it, and some BBS'. Just to get it sitting nicer, and stiffen it up. It's going to need a bit of work to get it driving proper (something to do at the weekend) but it's already a marked improvement on both looks and cornering!
I'm so happy with how they look on the car. Was a bit of a gamble, and as it turns out a lot of people are slating them, but I love them on there.
New wheels are 18x8j. So pretty much the same as the standard 18's. The suspension and wheels have barely made a difference to the ride if I'm honest! It goes great
Currently has an intake/air filter, and a backbox delete. So sounds the business too! I'm very happy with mine, I hope you enjoy yours too! They are fantastic cars.
Currently has an intake/air filter, and a backbox delete. So sounds the business too! I'm very happy with mine, I hope you enjoy yours too! They are fantastic cars.
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