Mk V Golf GTi - any known issues?
Discussion
Well, it looks like the wife has finally decided what she wants, just a matter of finding a nice one.
So...are there any known faults to be aware of, or anything to look out for on 2nd-hand cars?
Also, to those who own early ones, what is their out-of-warranty reliability like*? We're really looking 2nd-hand, but are wondering:-
- whether a good warranty is needed after the 3 years is up;
- whether it's worth pushing a main dealer into a very good deal on a new car...
So...are there any known faults to be aware of, or anything to look out for on 2nd-hand cars?
Also, to those who own early ones, what is their out-of-warranty reliability like*? We're really looking 2nd-hand, but are wondering:-
- whether a good warranty is needed after the 3 years is up;
- whether it's worth pushing a main dealer into a very good deal on a new car...
- I've heard a fair few stories about the early FSi engines, not sure what timespan that relates to...
My wife has Feb 2006 3 door GTi DSG loaded apart from sat nav.
Only failure was last month the coil packed up and the car had to be recovered was off road for 2 days got it back on a Friday only for it to show engine fault on Saturday afternoon (good job it did not break down fully as dealer failed to return the towing eye!)so back to garage on the Monday and not able to fix till Tuesday Lamba probe this time.
The car uses at least 1lt of long life oil every 1000miles (the car was run in for approx 1500 miles) and has done since day 1 the dealer says not a problem.
The 18 inch wheels have not kept appearance very well the laquer has lifted on the flat surfaces (they have not been kerbed) and dirt water has got in they need a complete refurb, if car was not being sold next week (new 330Ci) would have them done in graphite rather than laquer finish.
No creaks from trim paint work resists chips quite well (met black) and interior stood up well (grey leather).
Fuel consumption might not be to you liking dependant on your mileage!
It is driven mostly with traction off and using the paddles.
Please ask if you want to know anything else.
Only failure was last month the coil packed up and the car had to be recovered was off road for 2 days got it back on a Friday only for it to show engine fault on Saturday afternoon (good job it did not break down fully as dealer failed to return the towing eye!)so back to garage on the Monday and not able to fix till Tuesday Lamba probe this time.
The car uses at least 1lt of long life oil every 1000miles (the car was run in for approx 1500 miles) and has done since day 1 the dealer says not a problem.
The 18 inch wheels have not kept appearance very well the laquer has lifted on the flat surfaces (they have not been kerbed) and dirt water has got in they need a complete refurb, if car was not being sold next week (new 330Ci) would have them done in graphite rather than laquer finish.
No creaks from trim paint work resists chips quite well (met black) and interior stood up well (grey leather).
Fuel consumption might not be to you liking dependant on your mileage!
It is driven mostly with traction off and using the paddles.
Please ask if you want to know anything else.
havoc said:
Thanks Neil!
She's after a manual on 17"s (tried both, and prefer the softer ride, plus we've seen 3 sets of 18"s on 2nd-hand cars at dealers and none look any good...think it's the design), otherwise we'd be talking further...(don't think you would like the mileage!)
MartinShe's after a manual on 17"s (tried both, and prefer the softer ride, plus we've seen 3 sets of 18"s on 2nd-hand cars at dealers and none look any good...think it's the design), otherwise we'd be talking further...(don't think you would like the mileage!)
Did not drive 17"s when we bought(I do have a Challenge Stradale so used to a hard ride!). At time car was bought my wifes back was sore and as drives into London a few times a month found the AUTO better for her the 330Ci coming is manual again (on 19"s).
The oil issue aside the car has been good changed tyres from Conti to Michelins found them better. The only extra items over service has been replacemnet discs last service.
Selling the car for £8k next week list was £25½ 30 months ago it now has 102500 miles on the clock!! Warranty expired at 60k when car was just over a year old.
Good luck with your search.
We have a 5 door 56 plate manual on 17s. Rides just fine. Looks OK too.
- I find Tornado Red chips easily.
- Only fault has been needed a new passenger door lock (door wouldn't open, ramdonly).
- Much nicer ride and handling than the TT it replaced. Pretty quick for only 200hp too.
- 35-38mpg in gentle 70-80 driving, 33 average, never less than 31. Likes super, runs fine with 1-2 less mpg on 95.
Ours doesn't seem to require any oil (13k so far - not had first service yet). It does get black around the tailpipe on the shortest of runs. Needs a polish each time I wash it.
- I find Tornado Red chips easily.
- Only fault has been needed a new passenger door lock (door wouldn't open, ramdonly).
- Much nicer ride and handling than the TT it replaced. Pretty quick for only 200hp too.
- 35-38mpg in gentle 70-80 driving, 33 average, never less than 31. Likes super, runs fine with 1-2 less mpg on 95.
Ours doesn't seem to require any oil (13k so far - not had first service yet). It does get black around the tailpipe on the shortest of runs. Needs a polish each time I wash it.
neil-f said:
havoc said:
Thanks Neil!
She's after a manual on 17"s (tried both, and prefer the softer ride, plus we've seen 3 sets of 18"s on 2nd-hand cars at dealers and none look any good...think it's the design), otherwise we'd be talking further...(don't think you would like the mileage!)
MartinShe's after a manual on 17"s (tried both, and prefer the softer ride, plus we've seen 3 sets of 18"s on 2nd-hand cars at dealers and none look any good...think it's the design), otherwise we'd be talking further...(don't think you would like the mileage!)
Did not drive 17"s when we bought(I do have a Challenge Stradale so used to a hard ride!). At time car was bought my wifes back was sore and as drives into London a few times a month found the AUTO better for her the 330Ci coming is manual again (on 19"s).
The oil issue aside the car has been good changed tyres from Conti to Michelins found them better. The only extra items over service has been replacemnet discs last service.
Selling the car for £8k next week list was £25½ 30 months ago it now has 102500 miles on the clock!! Warranty expired at 60k when car was just over a year old.
Good luck with your search.
Am selling car to a mate the BMW should have arrived 1 month ago so it would have been under 100k for him but the car when its clean looks good (apart from the wheels).Caroline likes the look of the Monza wheels over the standard and I don't find it a hard ride myself (used to hard rides I suppose
)
The car has been to the South of France a few times the DSG box in manual mode on the col roads around the Alps is excellent only trouble with this was it reduced the fuel consuption to about 12-14mpg but it was fun
The rear seats for adults are VERY uncomfortable for anything more than popping to the pub/shops.
Martin the only trouble has been the coil & lamba probe and with this mileage the car has had a good test!!! Oh just remembered the hatch sprung a leak and the dealer said this was a common fault (now rectified in production) not sure what they did but was cured.
The long life oil if purchased from a filling station (as Caroline has done on occassion) is £16.99 a lt so as we have used 101 lts that is a significant cost. I had Quattro's back in the 80's both 10v & 20v they also used oil but only up to 20k was told then that it was some form of coating on the rings that needed bedding in and then ok, but told that the oil consumption on the GTi is normal.
)The car has been to the South of France a few times the DSG box in manual mode on the col roads around the Alps is excellent only trouble with this was it reduced the fuel consuption to about 12-14mpg but it was fun
The rear seats for adults are VERY uncomfortable for anything more than popping to the pub/shops.
Martin the only trouble has been the coil & lamba probe and with this mileage the car has had a good test!!! Oh just remembered the hatch sprung a leak and the dealer said this was a common fault (now rectified in production) not sure what they did but was cured.
The long life oil if purchased from a filling station (as Caroline has done on occassion) is £16.99 a lt so as we have used 101 lts that is a significant cost. I had Quattro's back in the 80's both 10v & 20v they also used oil but only up to 20k was told then that it was some form of coating on the rings that needed bedding in and then ok, but told that the oil consumption on the GTi is normal.
Had mine 3 years, manual on 17's. Covered 23k, long term average on vpower 35mpg.For the record, I've only had 2 parts replaced, rear wiper motor andseat cover due to loose thread, both under warranty.
The electrical comment is a bit misleading I think as many were fixed by either software updates ( FOC at dealer) or parts swap under warranty.
Known electrical issues fixed by software - including battery drain, radio coming on, electric folding mirrors not folding. Part replacement required for rear wash wipe motor to avoid wipe at engine start of it's own accord. All are known issues, very easily fixed.
Comments of windows that open on their own generally come from a VAG.COM software comfort setting being set when not required and caused when you accidentally press the keyfob.
Std radio is adequate.
Performance tests show the GTI to out perform the manufactures figure on acceleration, expect 6.2-6.5 s to 60. DSG car's MAY be slightly faster, but in real road use appear to use more petrol.
Petrol usage depends on the right foot, I regularly use all the revs but achieve 36mpg plus on a run, other struggle to get to 30. For 200PS, it is economical when driven correctly.
18" wheel are polished/laquered, and like all of that type suffer corrosion issues, 17" do not. magazine tests showed the 17" to achieve better lap times.
2006-7 models(approx) with BWA engine code may have incorrectly hardened fuel pump lifter/cam lobes, this appears to be a batch issue
Oil usage - mines used 0.25l in 23k miles, others as said use 1l /1000 miles. heavy oil use is probably a sign of a very spirited driver, and perhaps one that doesn't let the car warm up and cool down properly.
When chipped, the dump/recirculation valve can tear requireing replacement.
The electrical comment is a bit misleading I think as many were fixed by either software updates ( FOC at dealer) or parts swap under warranty.
Known electrical issues fixed by software - including battery drain, radio coming on, electric folding mirrors not folding. Part replacement required for rear wash wipe motor to avoid wipe at engine start of it's own accord. All are known issues, very easily fixed.
Comments of windows that open on their own generally come from a VAG.COM software comfort setting being set when not required and caused when you accidentally press the keyfob.
Std radio is adequate.
Performance tests show the GTI to out perform the manufactures figure on acceleration, expect 6.2-6.5 s to 60. DSG car's MAY be slightly faster, but in real road use appear to use more petrol.
Petrol usage depends on the right foot, I regularly use all the revs but achieve 36mpg plus on a run, other struggle to get to 30. For 200PS, it is economical when driven correctly.
18" wheel are polished/laquered, and like all of that type suffer corrosion issues, 17" do not. magazine tests showed the 17" to achieve better lap times.
2006-7 models(approx) with BWA engine code may have incorrectly hardened fuel pump lifter/cam lobes, this appears to be a batch issue
Oil usage - mines used 0.25l in 23k miles, others as said use 1l /1000 miles. heavy oil use is probably a sign of a very spirited driver, and perhaps one that doesn't let the car warm up and cool down properly.
When chipped, the dump/recirculation valve can tear requireing replacement.
SMB said:
Had mine 3 years, manual on 17's. Covered 23k, long term average on vpower 35mpg.For the record, I've only had 2 parts replaced, rear wiper motor andseat cover due to loose thread, both under warranty.
The electrical comment is a bit misleading I think as many were fixed by either software updates ( FOC at dealer) or parts swap under warranty.(Not had a problem)
Known electrical issues fixed by software - including battery drain, radio coming on, electric folding mirrors not folding. Part replacement required for rear wash wipe motor to avoid wipe at engine start of it's own accord. All are known issues, very easily fixed. (Not had this problem)
Comments of windows that open on their own generally come from a VAG.COM software comfort setting being set when not required and caused when you accidentally press the keyfob.(agreed)
Std radio is adequate.
Performance tests show the GTI to out perform the manufactures figure on acceleration, expect 6.2-6.5 s to 60. DSG car's MAY be slightly faster, but in real road use appear to use more petrol.(I think the DSG does use more fuel)
Petrol usage depends on the right foot, I regularly use all the revs but achieve 36mpg plus on a run, other struggle to get to 30. For 200PS, it is economical when driven correctly.(ours is driven as a Gti should but to get 36 mpg will need to be driven very gently,sitting for hour after hour on French motorway with cruise at 135kph the computer shows 29mpg but the actual on calculation is 25/26)
18" wheel are polished/laquered, and like all of that type suffer corrosion issues, 17" do not. magazine tests showed the 17" to achieve better lap times.(not been on track)
2006-7 models(approx) with BWA engine code may have incorrectly hardened fuel pump lifter/cam lobes, this appears to be a batch issue ( no idea about this)
Oil usage - mines used 0.25l in 23k miles, others as said use 1l /1000 miles. heavy oil use is probably a sign of a very spirited driver, and perhaps one that doesn't let the car warm up and cool down properly.( car is driven very gently when cold kept below 3k for at least first 10 miles but yes is driven by 2 spirited drivers when come to a stop NEVER just turn off engine always let it idle for a moment or two)
When chipped, the dump/recirculation valve can tear requireing replacement. (car is standard we have another car for faster driving )
The electrical comment is a bit misleading I think as many were fixed by either software updates ( FOC at dealer) or parts swap under warranty.(Not had a problem)
Known electrical issues fixed by software - including battery drain, radio coming on, electric folding mirrors not folding. Part replacement required for rear wash wipe motor to avoid wipe at engine start of it's own accord. All are known issues, very easily fixed. (Not had this problem)
Comments of windows that open on their own generally come from a VAG.COM software comfort setting being set when not required and caused when you accidentally press the keyfob.(agreed)
Std radio is adequate.
Performance tests show the GTI to out perform the manufactures figure on acceleration, expect 6.2-6.5 s to 60. DSG car's MAY be slightly faster, but in real road use appear to use more petrol.(I think the DSG does use more fuel)
Petrol usage depends on the right foot, I regularly use all the revs but achieve 36mpg plus on a run, other struggle to get to 30. For 200PS, it is economical when driven correctly.(ours is driven as a Gti should but to get 36 mpg will need to be driven very gently,sitting for hour after hour on French motorway with cruise at 135kph the computer shows 29mpg but the actual on calculation is 25/26)
18" wheel are polished/laquered, and like all of that type suffer corrosion issues, 17" do not. magazine tests showed the 17" to achieve better lap times.(not been on track)
2006-7 models(approx) with BWA engine code may have incorrectly hardened fuel pump lifter/cam lobes, this appears to be a batch issue ( no idea about this)
Oil usage - mines used 0.25l in 23k miles, others as said use 1l /1000 miles. heavy oil use is probably a sign of a very spirited driver, and perhaps one that doesn't let the car warm up and cool down properly.( car is driven very gently when cold kept below 3k for at least first 10 miles but yes is driven by 2 spirited drivers
when come to a stop NEVER just turn off engine always let it idle for a moment or two)When chipped, the dump/recirculation valve can tear requireing replacement. (car is standard we have another car for faster driving
)Thanks both for the input...doesn't sound like anything fundamental, which was my main concern.
Oil...it's as likely to be the individual engine - slight variations in liner/ring tolerances and stuff like that.
mpg...trip computers are always optimistic - I think they're coded that way as most owners will be too lazy to check and will think they're doing really well. But 30+ for that sort of car will still be good - the 306 is only getting 31 average, the 'teg late-20s!
Performance - the two we've driven felt urgent enough, so Becs will be happy, and if I end up 'enduring' it for a change I'm sure I'll manage!!!
Oil...it's as likely to be the individual engine - slight variations in liner/ring tolerances and stuff like that.
mpg...trip computers are always optimistic - I think they're coded that way as most owners will be too lazy to check and will think they're doing really well. But 30+ for that sort of car will still be good - the 306 is only getting 31 average, the 'teg late-20s!
Performance - the two we've driven felt urgent enough, so Becs will be happy, and if I end up 'enduring' it for a change I'm sure I'll manage!!!
havoc said:
mpg...trip computers are always optimistic - I think they're coded that way as most owners will be too lazy to check and will think they're doing really well. But 30+ for that sort of car will still be good - the 306 is only getting 31 average, the 'teg late-20s!
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