Golf Mk6 GTI - a few q's

[Krikkit]

Hi all,

As my friend circle's resident spot as "car guy" one of them has asked me to help find him a car more fun than his current Clio diesel, and the Mk6 GTI fall straight into the budget/practicality/fun range he's looking for. At the moment it looks like up to £8k to spend which gets a 2010 or 2011 example with shy of 100k miles.

Question is, what do I need to look out for? I know about the tensioner issue, I'm more than handy enough to fix that for him if required. If the tensioner does need doing, is it worth doing the chains as well just for piece of mind? Or just bung the new tensioner in and leave it be?

I also know to watch out for rust, again an easy process.

How do I tell if the car has ACC? From what I've read it's possibly worth avoiding these as comfort is a bit too soggy and sportier modes too firm for the UK?

Do all the cars have XDS as standard? Or is it another option?

Apologies if this is a thread that gets posted every 5 minutes in this sub, I did go back quite a way and search for similar questions. Thanks in advance.

[mako111]

Look out for faulty self-levelling headlights, they constantly move rather than levelling and stopping at startup.

Also, the turbo wastegate rattle - you hear the rattle when lifting off the accelerator. There's a clip that you can fit to supress the rattle as its a 'design feature' rather than a fault as such .

If the car has ACC it will have a button for it just in front of the gear stick (left hand button from memory). I had it on mine and I ran it in soft most of the time unless I was looking to make swift progress in which case the middle setting was preferred as the hard setting was a bit firm for British roads imo.

Not sure on XDS but can't recall it being an option and would expect it is standard on GTi spec.

[Belle427]

Why not look for an Edition 30, a bit more interesting than the Mk6. They can be difficult to find unmolested but do hold their value and pop up now and again.
A simple Stage 1 map takes them to 300 Bhp and really transforms them should that take his fancy.

[Danm1les]

If its a manual, the clutch/flywheel can groan when cold and in 1st or reverse. Had it on mine and the only fix was a new clutch and flywheel, there was nothing wrong with engagement etc. just the noise drove me insane.

[Krikkit]

Belle427 said:

Why not look for an Edition 30, a bit more interesting than the Mk6. They can be difficult to find unmolested but do hold their value and pop up now and again.
A simple Stage 1 map takes them to 300 Bhp and really transforms them should that take his fancy.

All the edition 30's are too old for him - I've made this case, but I'm still trying to talk him around.

Thanks all, noted! Doesn't sound like there's anything too insurmountable to watch for aside from the big, obvious cam tensioner.

[PT1984]

When I was looking the biggest issue was the tensioner. And because it’s a VW, you’ll need to drop the sump and clean out the oil pick up.

I went for a 8P S3 in the end. Which ultimately I got rid of as the seating position was far too high and my hair touched the headliner. A shame as it was a great car. Especially with the money I’d spent refreshing it. This is a great guide. I did the lot.

https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/preventative...

Edited by PT1984 on Tuesday 11th May 14:20

[the-photographer]

1. My rough guide when buying, at 60,000 just the tensioner, at 100,000 both. However, look online for guides on how to measure chain stretch with VCDS, this is the scientific way

2. XDS was standard, you can use VCDS to change the strength

3. No ACC on the MK6 only normal cruise, for early models its a cheap stalk for later models a steering wheel off job for more bits (expensive)

4. Clutch release bearing has been mentioned

5. Inlet manifold is "common"

6. Injectors and coil packs are "common"

7. Rust is better than MK5

8. Wastegate rattle is a cheap clip

[Krikkit]

Thanks, confusingly I know ACC appears in both forms, but I'm talking about the active suspension not automatic cruise

Otherwise, noted.

[the-photographer]

Krikkit said:

Thanks, confusingly I know ACC appears in both forms, but I'm talking about the active suspension not automatic cruise

Otherwise, noted.

Ah, I dont think ACC is a must have and this is the best video for the chain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtTOGPo4IsE

Take your scan tool when viewing!

[Krikkit]

OK, which scan tools can read the engine module to give an idea for chain stretch? I know VCDS can but that's somewhat prohibitively expensive, does Carly do it? Any free ones?

Also where's a good source for a workshop manual? Any exploded parts diagrams online? Sorry these are very newbie questions but I've never dealt with a VAG car before.

[the-photographer]

Krikkit said:

OK, which scan tools can read the engine module to give an idea for chain stretch? I know VCDS can but that's somewhat prohibitively expensive, does Carly do it? Any free ones?

Also where's a good source for a workshop manual? Any exploded parts diagrams online? Sorry these are very newbie questions but I've never dealt with a VAG car before.

The presenter in that video uses OBDEleven

Manuals are much more difficult as they are not meant for public consumption or purchase, have a look at
https://www.vwroc.com/forums/topic/29417-vw-golf-m...
for some escaped ones for the MK7

[Krikkit]

Just to add a little closure to this thread, he ended up with a red Mk6 GTI with DCC!

I thought it was the outside contender but actually it suits him down to the ground.

[the-photographer]

Good choice!

[Krikkit]

Sorry, another bump on this thread - the only thing the seller couldn't confirm was whether the tensioner had been changed during its life. The car had a full VW history for its first 7 years, so obviously they're not fussed.

Anyway, is there a recommended aftermarket supplier? Or is it worth just getting it straight from VW? From VW the part is around £115 which seems steep.

ETA: Never mind, found the VW-boxed tensioner at Deutsche-Parts for £33, easy choice!

Edited by Krikkit on Saturday 12th June 10:21

[PT1984]

Treat it like a cam belt. If you can’t prove it’s been done, get it done. Don’t underestimate the issue.

[Krikkit]

Oh it's absolutely getting done - already checked for stretch on VCDS and it's well within the limits. Got it pencilled in for a weekend in July.