Discussion
I currently have a MK7 GTD and this has really worked well with my 16-18k miles per year. A recent change in job and combined with new pandemic working arrangements mean my mileage has massively decreased. Owning a diesel was out of necessity for cheap mileage. I am now looking to change to a MK7 GTI (ideally PP) and wanted to hear from anyone who has/had one, I’m not interested in the whole mpg etc but more what it’s been like to live with, is there anything to be wary of when viewing them? I’ve read a few buying guides so aware of LSD oil changes, DSG etc. Couldn’t find much info on timing chain issues so guessing this hasn’t been a problem unlike the mk6. Insights appreciated...
I bought my 64 plate manual PP used in 2017. Here are my observations:
Pros:
- very reliable; I’ve spent £90 on non-consumables in that time (see below), neither were to do with engine/drive train. In fact, it’s been the most stress-free car I’ve ever owned.
- very practical (it is a Golf, after all!); does everything one might need from a family hatchback.
- great road holding: maybe not everyone would notice, but you can really feel the the front LSD pulling the outer wheel round when taking a corner aggressively, and the speeds that can be taken around corners with confidence are startling: I love that little LSD...
- adaptive cruise control: I can’t imagine not having it; it makes motorways a total breeze.
- maybe not a huge consideration for all, but the standard safety kit (ie auto braking) make it very cheap to insure.
- I’ve found it to be a lot rarer on the roads than the Golf R, so there is an element of exclusivity, if that’s your bag.
- looks are entirely subjective, I know, but I think it’s quite a handsome looking thing.
Cons:
- notchy gear box (if you go manual): the worst I’ve had on a car since my ‘07 Clio...
- underwhelming acceleration: yeah it’s plenty fast enough for nearly all occasions on public roads, but there’s not much in the way of drama.
- watch out for the tailgate drainage tube (the main issue is the rubber grommet at the bottom of the tailgate perishing, meaning water gets into the tailgate). Had mine replaced (£80: it seems straightforward enough to replace yourself, but I just didn’t have the time). I also had to replace the alarm sensor button on the B pillar (£10 for the part; fitted myself)
Overall I’d say it’s the James Milner of warm/hot hatches: it may not be the most exciting of rides, but my word it gets the job done!
Happy to answer any specific questions you might have.
Pros:
- very reliable; I’ve spent £90 on non-consumables in that time (see below), neither were to do with engine/drive train. In fact, it’s been the most stress-free car I’ve ever owned.
- very practical (it is a Golf, after all!); does everything one might need from a family hatchback.
- great road holding: maybe not everyone would notice, but you can really feel the the front LSD pulling the outer wheel round when taking a corner aggressively, and the speeds that can be taken around corners with confidence are startling: I love that little LSD...
- adaptive cruise control: I can’t imagine not having it; it makes motorways a total breeze.
- maybe not a huge consideration for all, but the standard safety kit (ie auto braking) make it very cheap to insure.
- I’ve found it to be a lot rarer on the roads than the Golf R, so there is an element of exclusivity, if that’s your bag.
- looks are entirely subjective, I know, but I think it’s quite a handsome looking thing.
Cons:
- notchy gear box (if you go manual): the worst I’ve had on a car since my ‘07 Clio...
- underwhelming acceleration: yeah it’s plenty fast enough for nearly all occasions on public roads, but there’s not much in the way of drama.
- watch out for the tailgate drainage tube (the main issue is the rubber grommet at the bottom of the tailgate perishing, meaning water gets into the tailgate). Had mine replaced (£80: it seems straightforward enough to replace yourself, but I just didn’t have the time). I also had to replace the alarm sensor button on the B pillar (£10 for the part; fitted myself)
Overall I’d say it’s the James Milner of warm/hot hatches: it may not be the most exciting of rides, but my word it gets the job done!
Happy to answer any specific questions you might have.
Hi and thank you for the comprehensive info. I hadn’t picked up on the boot drainage issue, reminds me of fixing the leaky rear washer jet on my mk1 leon cupras.
I’ve found the gearbox really nice on the GTD so interesting to hear you’ve experienced it being notchy, I wonder what the difference could be? Linkage?
The more I read the more convinced I am that I need to find one with PP. have you carried out any mods at all such as the centre box delete which seems popular?
What tyres are you running? I replaced the frankly terrible and dangerous bridgestones with Michelin PS4 and it transformed the Gtd, much more grip in wet and dry, but softer so not as jarring on bumps. Is yours on 18’s?
I’ve found the gearbox really nice on the GTD so interesting to hear you’ve experienced it being notchy, I wonder what the difference could be? Linkage?
The more I read the more convinced I am that I need to find one with PP. have you carried out any mods at all such as the centre box delete which seems popular?
What tyres are you running? I replaced the frankly terrible and dangerous bridgestones with Michelin PS4 and it transformed the Gtd, much more grip in wet and dry, but softer so not as jarring on bumps. Is yours on 18’s?
I went from a GTD (2016) to a brand new 7.5 PP GTI (69). I only had the GTD for a year and was in a similar situation in that I had a second car to put the miles on for work.
I thought about the R but I’ve always liked the GTI and I prefer the looks. So that’s what I bought. I can’t comment on reliability really as I’ve only covered 5k so far (nothing to report).
A good assessment on the first reply. I’d read quite a few reviews on the comparison between the different models and they were all spot on. Although the GTD isn’t too far behind in outright pace it’s not as good in the corners. You can really push on with confidence. It’s not massively quick by modern standards but it’s no slouch either. I’m more than happy with it.
Only down side is I’ve had a couple of rattles in the cabin. The first one was the catch for the rear seat. This took me a while to find as it was intermittent. The second has just developed so I’ve not sussed it yet.
I thought about the R but I’ve always liked the GTI and I prefer the looks. So that’s what I bought. I can’t comment on reliability really as I’ve only covered 5k so far (nothing to report).
A good assessment on the first reply. I’d read quite a few reviews on the comparison between the different models and they were all spot on. Although the GTD isn’t too far behind in outright pace it’s not as good in the corners. You can really push on with confidence. It’s not massively quick by modern standards but it’s no slouch either. I’m more than happy with it.
Only down side is I’ve had a couple of rattles in the cabin. The first one was the catch for the rear seat. This took me a while to find as it was intermittent. The second has just developed so I’ve not sussed it yet.
Door rattles were an issue on the GTD, solved it by buying those small black sticky rubber feet off eBay and placing between the door cards and door metal. The torque of the GTD is great but I’m looking forward to a nicer soundtrack and reving past 5k,
I’m not keen on the R unless it’s followed by 32. I drove a mk6 R and the salesman could not understand that I didn’t like it at all.
I’m not keen on the R unless it’s followed by 32. I drove a mk6 R and the salesman could not understand that I didn’t like it at all.
I have owned quite a few cars in my time mainly being BMWs and Mercs. It wasn’t until I was 44 that I decided to scratch the GTi itch. Always loved them from being a kid. I can honestly say now having owned two mk7s that it’s easily one of the best cars I’ve had. Cliche, but it really is all the car you ever need. Especially with a remap. The 97k mile 16 plate PP DSG I have now Is better then the 14’ 44k manual pp I have previously. I sold that to buy a mini jcw and regretted it instantly. The GTi is my second car and is used daily.
You have a GTD and I don't think the ride is much different... But if I were to get another Mk7 GTi then I'd want to have adaptive chassis control. Depends on where you live, but it makes a big difference on the crap roads where I live. The problem is, it's a pretty rare option...
As others have said, I had a few rattles here and there in mine. Wouldn't have been helped by the sports suspension of course.
As others have said, I had a few rattles here and there in mine. Wouldn't have been helped by the sports suspension of course.
I didn't really get on with mine when I briefly had it. The interior trim squeaked and rattled and I was always chasing my tail with them. Mine had the (Santiago?) larger alloys and the road noise was awful, I genuinely thought that I was due a couple of wheel bearings.
They do look good though.
They do look good though.
Good to hear the feedback on the 19’s, whilst they look nice I didn’t think they’d go well with the mainly B roads around here. I had 19’s on my A3 and it was horrendous so if I do find one with 19’s that fits the spec in other ways they will have to be swapped out for the 18’s. I have heard good things on the DCC but as you say rare option to find. As I said I had quite a few rattles in the GTD to start with but the sticky feet trick around the doors cured all of them for about £6, unless the music is turned up then it rattles like a tin can!
I had a no options (or required in my opinion) GTi mk 7.5 manual for two years on lease, loved it - nice gearbox, adaptive cruise control, carplay, digi-dash. On my 10 mile commute to Swindon station on A roads with 3 miles though Swindon traffic I'd easily get 39mpg and sneaked into the 40's a few times. On a M-way run high 40's mpg easy. Looked at an R but the interior tartan and general looks of the GTi swung it for me.
Pushing on it has lovely direct steering with a front end that resists understeer, the nose really feels like it's digging in. You can throw into a set of corners and the rear end feels like part of the equation, I'm a RWD fan but the Gti reminded me of mt 1st gen `BMW mini as a fun steer. This all despite the efforts of the `TSC which cannot be fully turned off without some app and cable shenanigans.
I think my 7.5 had 240ish BHP which is plenty - got an M2 comp to replace it and powerwise the BMW is faster but the biggest difference is the drift on demand - fun in a different way!
And yes, I'd have another Gti in a heartbeat - I'd say the 7.5 I had was a Goldilocks car from power/spec/practicality/economy/fun point of view. Its weakest link? Probably the standard stereo which sounds just about OK, ie not much!
Pushing on it has lovely direct steering with a front end that resists understeer, the nose really feels like it's digging in. You can throw into a set of corners and the rear end feels like part of the equation, I'm a RWD fan but the Gti reminded me of mt 1st gen `BMW mini as a fun steer. This all despite the efforts of the `TSC which cannot be fully turned off without some app and cable shenanigans.
I think my 7.5 had 240ish BHP which is plenty - got an M2 comp to replace it and powerwise the BMW is faster but the biggest difference is the drift on demand - fun in a different way!
And yes, I'd have another Gti in a heartbeat - I'd say the 7.5 I had was a Goldilocks car from power/spec/practicality/economy/fun point of view. Its weakest link? Probably the standard stereo which sounds just about OK, ie not much!
b19rak said:
I have owned quite a few cars in my time mainly being BMWs and Mercs. It wasn’t until I was 44 that I decided to scratch the GTi itch. Always loved them from being a kid. I can honestly say now having owned two mk7s that it’s easily one of the best cars I’ve had. Cliche, but it really is all the car you ever need. Especially with a remap. The 97k mile 16 plate PP DSG I have now Is better then the 14’ 44k manual pp I have previously. I sold that to buy a mini jcw and regretted it instantly. The GTi is my second car and is used daily.
Very similar for me. I’m just shy of 40. The GTD gave me the initial bug so I moved on to the GTI. Before the GTD I always had BMWs, the last one being a 2015 335d. England87 said:
Thank you, did you not enjoy the manual, or did you have problems with it? I had DSG (s-tronic) on an A3 and liked it so I’m open to owning either to be honest.
I loved the manual and it’s one of the best satisfying changes in my opinion but the clutch is crap and slipped when I did a remap. The car really needs the remap btw.Edited by England87 on Friday 5th June 08:17
The one I have now is a dsg with every extra except roof and 19”s. The leather seats and adaptive shocks make it so much more comfortable.
b19rak said:
England87 said:
Thank you, did you not enjoy the manual, or did you have problems with it? I had DSG (s-tronic) on an A3 and liked it so I’m open to owning either to be honest.
I loved the manual and it’s one of the best satisfying changes in my opinion but the clutch is crap and slipped when I did a remap. The car really needs the remap btw.Edited by England87 on Friday 5th June 08:17
The one I have now is a dsg with every extra except roof and 19”s. The leather seats and adaptive shocks make it so much more comfortable.
England87 said:
Has anyone driven a PP and non PP, I would like a PP as the extras sound well worth it, but wondered just how different they are in real world driving?
Had both not much difference other than the brakes are better on the PP. Edited by England87 on Friday 5th June 16:15
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