Mk7 or 8 Golf GTi ;- buying advice required
Discussion
With a heavy heart I have decided its time to replace my 997 Carrera S with a more sensible car, and I'm leaning towards getting a GTi golf as its replacement. Before I trundle around numerous forecourts, I figured you guys on PH might give me some pointers. I have heard (rumours) that the Mk8 dash is "a bit fiddly", but is it really? Also; there seems to be barely any with manual boxes (which would be my preference) but should I rule out a DSG? If I consider a DSG;- how reliable are they? what can be done to prevent failures? what should I look out for (generally) to avoid buying a lemon?
I've had the Porsche over 10 years now and its been a great car, I'm hoping to get a similar length of ownership for my next wheels. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in anticipation folks.
I've had the Porsche over 10 years now and its been a great car, I'm hoping to get a similar length of ownership for my next wheels. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in anticipation folks.
ManicMunky said:
tigger1 said:
Personally I think the 7.5 is about where it peaked in terms of everything being usable (proper controls etc).
And the manual is more engaging, but that's v much personal preference.
Agreed, 7.5 is where you want to beAnd the manual is more engaging, but that's v much personal preference.
brownspeed said:
cheers fellas, what years were the 7.5 made?
As per Drive Blinds comment, 2017 to 2020.You can spot them in the adverts as they'll have the LED headlight flashes like this one does. LED dash also, but thats the easiest giveaway when scanning.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202608215...
Worth going for one if budget permits.
Do be aware that some pre 7.5 models were registered in 2017, so year alone isnt enough.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202609025...
Conversely, i'd imagine some pre 7.5 cars had headlight and / or dashboard conversions done, so do your due diligence.
Worth seeking out the Performance Pack variant if budget allows. it would be my choice personally.
These can be filtered on on Autotrader as 'GTI Performance' but a visual clue is the red calipers.
Edited by Deep Thought on Thursday 3rd September 19:57
Don’t overlook a 2023 on Mk8 GTI Clubsport; preferably on 18” wheels with DCC.
On the later mk8 cars the infotainment gremlins have been chased away. Mine has been faultless and I adore it on our tight Scottish roads. The love for the 7.5 is undenially strong, but if you can, try a later 8 CS.
On the later mk8 cars the infotainment gremlins have been chased away. Mine has been faultless and I adore it on our tight Scottish roads. The love for the 7.5 is undenially strong, but if you can, try a later 8 CS.
There isn’t much that can be done with the dsg, the 7 speed has an above average job of failing, service is every 80k but really you want to be aiming for 40k
I wouldn’t discount one of these over a Golf
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/20378221
I wouldn’t discount one of these over a Golf
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/20378221
I have a Mk7 Golf (not a GTI but it's not relevant for this post) and it has just enough bongs and pings to be on the boundary of annoying but with an integrated screen and enough buttons to keep things sensible (you do obvs have to access some stuff via the screen but nothing you really need urgently).
As well as this, I have access to a 2023 Mk8.X (you can figure it out) and the nannying is idiotic as are the lack of buttons, plus the screen sticks in the way like someone forgot how to design interiors. Terrible UX.
As well as this, I have access to a 2023 Mk8.X (you can figure it out) and the nannying is idiotic as are the lack of buttons, plus the screen sticks in the way like someone forgot how to design interiors. Terrible UX.
Depending on what you're preferences are, there can get be multiple answers.
3dr, manual - Mk 7 PP, though most getting leggy now.
Other Mk 7 - Gl.5 with PP, or likely R.
However, the late models of the second option are quite pricey. Manual has gone for relatively or recent cars,
Admit defeat and you might get an 8.5 base for under 35 Shame the R black is so chavvy.
3dr, manual - Mk 7 PP, though most getting leggy now.
Other Mk 7 - Gl.5 with PP, or likely R.
However, the late models of the second option are quite pricey. Manual has gone for relatively or recent cars,
Admit defeat and you might get an 8.5 base for under 35 Shame the R black is so chavvy.
Deep Thought said:
These can be filtered on on Autotrader as 'GTI Performance' but a visual clue is the red calipers.
They all have red calipers; Performance pack got larger front discs (340mm) with white GTI logo. Rears a smidge larger and ventilated with PP, but that's hard to see in a picture.Edited by Deep Thought on Thursday 3rd September 19:57
Dr G said:
Deep Thought said:
These can be filtered on on Autotrader as 'GTI Performance' but a visual clue is the red calipers.
They all have red calipers; Performance pack got larger front discs (340mm) with white GTI logo. Rears a smidge larger and ventilated with PP, but that's hard to see in a picture.Edited by Deep Thought on Thursday 3rd September 19:57
I generally search on AT so i just filter by Performance variant.
johnao said:
Go for a low mileage mk 7.5 with the performance pack (aka. pp). Look out for the red callipers, only found on the pp models.
As you can see from these posts, the Mk7.5 Golf in general is considered peak. Bear in mind the era loosely running 2015-18ish is considered a high-point for lots of ICE models.
IMO the Mk8 Golf design issues and glitches are overblown. That's speaking as a serial Golf owner, including the most recent two years with a humble 2023 1.5 eTSI 150hp, serving as our town runabout. I've been afflicted by none of the common issues to date and I'd say it's the sharpest drive of any generation so far.
I also have a 2026 S3, and I guess a Mk8 GTI shares enough of the hardware to feel somewhere between this any my 1.5 Golf. Based on the experience, a GTI will probably be a great car for most people, offering plenty of performance while accepting some nannying, the odd electrical glitch and a little less material richness inside the cabin traded for updated interfaces.
A lot will depend on what's available to you, your attitude to maintenance and how long you intend to run the car for. A Mk7.5 will be 7-10 years old by now, and realistically you will encounter some of the issues that come with age with just as much certainty as any Mk8 shortcomings.
IMO the Mk8 Golf design issues and glitches are overblown. That's speaking as a serial Golf owner, including the most recent two years with a humble 2023 1.5 eTSI 150hp, serving as our town runabout. I've been afflicted by none of the common issues to date and I'd say it's the sharpest drive of any generation so far.
I also have a 2026 S3, and I guess a Mk8 GTI shares enough of the hardware to feel somewhere between this any my 1.5 Golf. Based on the experience, a GTI will probably be a great car for most people, offering plenty of performance while accepting some nannying, the odd electrical glitch and a little less material richness inside the cabin traded for updated interfaces.
A lot will depend on what's available to you, your attitude to maintenance and how long you intend to run the car for. A Mk7.5 will be 7-10 years old by now, and realistically you will encounter some of the issues that come with age with just as much certainty as any Mk8 shortcomings.
Edited by The Cardinal on Friday 4th September 10:07
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