Mk5 GTI Vs Mk6 GTI - Over all reliability
Discussion
Given the Mk5 has a timing belt (cheaper and easier to change than a chain) but also has a lower chain which I understand can cause issues? and has an earlier iteration of the DSG gearbox
But the the Mk6 has a timing chain which i understand can be problematic but a tensioner update can solve? And i assume has a more developed DGS box
Which one is the more reliable and wears higher mileage better?
Not sure what its like in the UK these days (as i have been living in Australia for a few years) But here in Australia Mk6 prices have held firm and Mk5 prices have gone up.... To the point where they are now around the same price for 07/08/09 cars.
by the way - I meant 'overall' not 'over all'
But the the Mk6 has a timing chain which i understand can be problematic but a tensioner update can solve? And i assume has a more developed DGS box
Which one is the more reliable and wears higher mileage better?
Not sure what its like in the UK these days (as i have been living in Australia for a few years) But here in Australia Mk6 prices have held firm and Mk5 prices have gone up.... To the point where they are now around the same price for 07/08/09 cars.
by the way - I meant 'overall' not 'over all'
Edited by richard300 on Monday 20th March 03:03
Early mk6 GTIs had timing chain issues - I think the revised chain was fitted from 2012 onwards.
However if you buy an earlier one and there’s no evidence of the chain being done get it done fitting the latest revision and you should be good.
Ultimately the mk5 GTI is pretty reliable but as with all cars suffers with age with parts deteriorating.
My choice would be the MK6 as I think the interior has not aged anywhere near as badly as the mk5 and generally the material quality is much nicer.
However if you buy an earlier one and there’s no evidence of the chain being done get it done fitting the latest revision and you should be good.
Ultimately the mk5 GTI is pretty reliable but as with all cars suffers with age with parts deteriorating.
My choice would be the MK6 as I think the interior has not aged anywhere near as badly as the mk5 and generally the material quality is much nicer.
MK6 for would be my choice, unless you prefer the looks of the MK5.
Better built, less prone to rust, torquier engine low down (more tractable in traffic), less crashy suspension, MUCH better traction control (XDS diff) and more options available, such as the excellent Dynaudio pack.
Nope, MK6 and MK5 uses the same DQ250 gearbox. Like anything else, it's only as reliable as the last person who looked after it.
Chains are what they are. They are consumable and nearly all German cars have them, so you'll just have to accept the risk, or choose a different brand that is cambelt only.
The EA888 engine uses a link chain, which is more prone to wear compared to a normal roller chain, so bear that in mind. If you have VCDS, you can track the wear rate, so no dramas. Just have to put money aside for a chain job at some point.
Early EA888s also used low tension piston rings, so oil consumption can be high, as can blow by, which exacerbates carbon fouling of the intake ports/valves.
The MK5 is no more or less reliable. Just a few common issues which are well documented.
If you are too risk averse and scared of things breaking, I would buy something else, or increase the budget and get a MK7.5.
Better built, less prone to rust, torquier engine low down (more tractable in traffic), less crashy suspension, MUCH better traction control (XDS diff) and more options available, such as the excellent Dynaudio pack.
Nope, MK6 and MK5 uses the same DQ250 gearbox. Like anything else, it's only as reliable as the last person who looked after it.
Chains are what they are. They are consumable and nearly all German cars have them, so you'll just have to accept the risk, or choose a different brand that is cambelt only.
The EA888 engine uses a link chain, which is more prone to wear compared to a normal roller chain, so bear that in mind. If you have VCDS, you can track the wear rate, so no dramas. Just have to put money aside for a chain job at some point.
Early EA888s also used low tension piston rings, so oil consumption can be high, as can blow by, which exacerbates carbon fouling of the intake ports/valves.
The MK5 is no more or less reliable. Just a few common issues which are well documented.
If you are too risk averse and scared of things breaking, I would buy something else, or increase the budget and get a MK7.5.
Edited by rottenegg on Friday 31st March 10:05
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