MK6 GTI and tensioner revisions?

[Tommie38]

I’m aware of the issues with MK6 GTIs and, as I understand it, the solution if you have one with an early tensioner is to replace for £800 or so.

My question is, which revisions are reliable and did the MK6 every get any of the ‘safe’ ones?

So for example, is a 2012 MK6 going to be safer than a 2009 MK6?

If there is any way of telling, via VIN/year or facelifts like lights/seats etc it would be good to know. Aware that an early car could have had the updated part fitted but I’m not sure I would be prepared to look on a driveway!

I have searched but the posts I have read seem to stop short of the actual specifics. At car + £800, the MK6 does start to look a bit expensive compared to a MK5.

[AI1601]

I think the latest design of tensioner was released in May 2012. But have read that 61 plate cars had it too.

[TonyTony]

The new tensioners started after Sept 2012.

https://www.golfmk6.com/forums/index.php?threads/o...

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=14...

[Tommie38]

That tells me that the MK6 never got the final tensioner.

So basically - buy a MK6 and budget to get it done, get a warranty (that you are certain will cover it) or gamble.

Hmmm. MK5 starting to looks like good value.

[TonyTony]

Tommie38 said:

That tells me that the MK6 never got the final tensioner.

So basically - buy a MK6 and budget to get it done, get a warranty (that you are certain will cover it) or gamble.

Hmmm. MK5 starting to looks like good value.

The warranty is still a gamble because it would only count if it failed on you, which would then fk up alot of other things.

[AI1601]

The Mk6 is just a heavily facelifted Mk5 with the newer chain driven ea888 engine. Same platform underneath. I would say though that the Mk6 looks more modern whereas the Mk5 is definitely showing its age inside and out. But I love mine, great value for money.