Golf mk8 - is it that bad?
Discussion
Looking for a golf for the missus. Was looking for a mk7 but mk8 prices don’t seem that far off now. The car I’m looking at is a 2021 model but I seem to recall a lot of tech issues and complaints about the infotainment at launch. There is some online discussion about software updates etc but would appreciate any feedback from owners about living with the car. It would probably be the 1.5 tsi that would be of interest.
There is a reason why they are closely priced. The early mk8 were a disaster. Bugs galore in the infotainment system that as far as I’m aware are yet to be resolved.
It will be a stinking turd of a car to sell as everyone will be avoiding them.
The mk7.5 is a much better car and personally I’d go for one of them.
It will be a stinking turd of a car to sell as everyone will be avoiding them.
The mk7.5 is a much better car and personally I’d go for one of them.
As someone who took delivery of a mk8 GTI CS in late Oct 2022, I have experienced virtually no issues that seemed to have plagued the early cars. I did own a mk7 R manual between 2014 and 2016 so can make a comparison.
I would recommend a mk7.5 personally. Build/perceived quality has definitely dropped a bit for the mk8 without question and the interior is more functional and nicer to look and touch in the mk7. Too much shiny black plastic in the mk8.
The mk8 certainly in GTI CS spec is a fantastic car to drive - more nimble and fun that the R was - but I would still go for a mk7.5,
I went for the 8 as I needed a new lease and the deal at the time was a good one via Arval at £351 a month on a 1x35 8k miles and maintenance with the 19" wheels. Decent for a GTI CS.
I would recommend a mk7.5 personally. Build/perceived quality has definitely dropped a bit for the mk8 without question and the interior is more functional and nicer to look and touch in the mk7. Too much shiny black plastic in the mk8.
The mk8 certainly in GTI CS spec is a fantastic car to drive - more nimble and fun that the R was - but I would still go for a mk7.5,
I went for the 8 as I needed a new lease and the deal at the time was a good one via Arval at £351 a month on a 1x35 8k miles and maintenance with the 19" wheels. Decent for a GTI CS.
Edited by simonwhite2000 on Friday 24th March 12:41
I'd recommend you avoid an early Mk8 - apparently they have problems that are unfixable, as the fix requires new computers that don't work with the early models. Problems should be fixed in the later Mk8's.
I was tempted to buy a Mk8 myself, the price was similar to the Mk7.5 I bought but I chose that to avoid all the problems.
Personally I think the best value are the 2020 Match editions, with the 1.5/150 and DSG which I bought. You get loads of kit and no problems from the new tech. You even get some stuff that the GTI/R has like an electronic differential and performance gauge display/etc.
I've found that the 1.5 on ordinary unleaded in D mode is sluggish around town, so run mine on V Power and S mode all the time once it's up to temperature. It makes a massive difference, and MPG is within 1-2 of D mode on the mostly motorway trips I do.
I was tempted to buy a Mk8 myself, the price was similar to the Mk7.5 I bought but I chose that to avoid all the problems.
Personally I think the best value are the 2020 Match editions, with the 1.5/150 and DSG which I bought. You get loads of kit and no problems from the new tech. You even get some stuff that the GTI/R has like an electronic differential and performance gauge display/etc.
I've found that the 1.5 on ordinary unleaded in D mode is sluggish around town, so run mine on V Power and S mode all the time once it's up to temperature. It makes a massive difference, and MPG is within 1-2 of D mode on the mostly motorway trips I do.
Whataguy said:
I'd recommend you avoid an early Mk8 - apparently they have problems that are unfixable, as the fix requires new computers that don't work with the early models. Problems should be fixed in the later Mk8's.
I was tempted to buy a Mk8 myself, the price was similar to the Mk7.5 I bought but I chose that to avoid all the problems.
Personally I think the best value are the 2020 Match editions, with the 1.5/150 and DSG which I bought. You get loads of kit and no problems from the new tech. You even get some stuff that the GTI/R has like an electronic differential and performance gauge display/etc.
I've found that the 1.5 on ordinary unleaded in D mode is sluggish around town, so run mine on V Power and S mode all the time once it's up to temperature. It makes a massive difference, and MPG is within 1-2 of D mode on the mostly motorway trips I do.
Agree on the V Power - it makes a difference from a responsiveness perspective. I was tempted to buy a Mk8 myself, the price was similar to the Mk7.5 I bought but I chose that to avoid all the problems.
Personally I think the best value are the 2020 Match editions, with the 1.5/150 and DSG which I bought. You get loads of kit and no problems from the new tech. You even get some stuff that the GTI/R has like an electronic differential and performance gauge display/etc.
I've found that the 1.5 on ordinary unleaded in D mode is sluggish around town, so run mine on V Power and S mode all the time once it's up to temperature. It makes a massive difference, and MPG is within 1-2 of D mode on the mostly motorway trips I do.
Ouch, doesn't sound like upgrades have really solved much then. The fact that late mk7s and early mk8s were so close (and often overlapping) on price did have alarm bells ringing. I previously had a mk7 R and I found the cabin and infotainment user friendly so I may have to get a drive in a 1.5 to see how we get on with the engine and gearbox, as DSG probably would be my preference.
Thanks for all the responses and useful info
Thanks for all the responses and useful info
Alfa Pete said:
Does she have to have a Golf? had a mk7 Golf and have always loved VWs.
I never warmed to the mk8 and bought a Mazda3 instead .
A Leon was another consideration.
No a golf’s not essential. It does need to be suitable for a medium sized dog though and I always felt a Mazda 3 was a bit too sloped on the hatch. Had 2 before and loved them though and I think the current model looks great. Other options are BMW 1 series (new shape), Kia Ceed, Toyota Corolla or maybe a slightly older BMW 3 touring in a lower SE spec I never warmed to the mk8 and bought a Mazda3 instead .
A Leon was another consideration.
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