Mk5 GTI

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Discussion

shotta287

Original Poster:

854 posts

94 months

Saturday 12th May 2018
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Evening all,

Going to pick up a late 2008 Mk5 GTI tomorrow. Took a while to find to find one with desired spec: DSG, xenons, multifunctional steering wheel and elec folding mirrors. The leather seats are very comfortable and heated too.

Mileage is just over 100k. I don't know when the cam follower and PCV were last changed so they'll be first on my list. Easy enough DIY? Car is due for a service in August. Will be ordering Quantum 5w40 and genuine filters. Also setting some money aside to replace the xenon bulbs. Where can I find OEM ones for a decent price? I plan on keeping the car original so no remaps but the temptation does grow I guess.

Once I've got the service etc. done I'll look to get some coding done i.e. mirrors fold when locking car. Would also appreciate any suggestions for a good head unit. Leaning towards the OEM RNS-510 but would it be outdated?

Any other tips and suggestions appreciated.

p4cks

6,900 posts

199 months

Saturday 12th May 2018
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Good cars.

The PCV is a piece of piss and I'd even say the cam follower is an easy job too. Having said that I took mine to a garage and they charged one hours labour for both (cash) which was goof VFM and didn't involve me getting my hands dirty.

You might also want to consider changing the diverter valve (£35 part and another DIY) as when I had mine changed it totally transformed the car as I'd been driving around with a duff one for ages.

Mine didn't have DSG or the posh headlights so I can't help you there sorry.

shotta287

Original Poster:

854 posts

94 months

Monday 14th May 2018
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It really is a great car. Enjoyable and practical (it is a Golf I suppose). Perfect daily driver.

Coming from manuals, the DSG is a God send. Especially for my work commute. Didn’t think it would creep like a conventional auto but it does albeit in a less refined way. Overall not as smooth as a torque converter setup around town but it is a different system. Love the ultra quick gear changes smile
My only fear is that the mechatronics doesn’t give in as I heard there was an issue with it on the Mk5.

My previous car (which I still have) was an A3 1.8 tfsi. The Golf is the better drive in every aspect. Quite surprising actually given they share the same platform. Build wise the A3 has the upper hand but it is meant to be a more premium car.



Cheib

23,210 posts

175 months

Thursday 24th May 2018
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shotta287 said:
Evening all,

Going to pick up a late 2008 Mk5 GTI tomorrow. Took a while to find to find one with desired spec: DSG, xenons, multifunctional steering wheel and elec folding mirrors. The leather seats are very comfortable and heated too.

Mileage is just over 100k
Would you mind saying what you paid ? I'm just about to sell an older 56 Reg car with that spec and trying to work out what it's worth! Mine is lower mileage though with 38k miles on it.

JM

3,170 posts

206 months

Friday 25th May 2018
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Cheib said:
Would you mind saying what you paid ? I'm just about to sell an older 56 Reg car with that spec and trying to work out what it's worth! Mine is lower mileage though with 38k miles on it.
There was someone on here looking for one recently.

Might be worth a word on his thread.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by JM on Friday 25th May 10:02

JM

3,170 posts

206 months

Friday 25th May 2018
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shotta287 said:
Any other tips and suggestions appreciated.
Check if it has had a recent DSG service, needs special oil and filter etc.


shotta287

Original Poster:

854 posts

94 months

Sunday 27th May 2018
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I paid around £4900

Maracus

4,233 posts

168 months

Monday 28th May 2018
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Check the aircon works, the compressors are prone to failure.