GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: Davstylee on 11 November 2009, 13:52
-
Hey everyone.
I’m new to the Golf world, but I have admired them from ages. I am looking to buy a 2005 55 reg, 5 door GTI with the DSG gear box. The one I’m looking at has done 44,000 miles and has a few extras like, leather heated seats, sat nav, and a sunroof amongst other things.
I was hoping to get some input from GTI owners, past a present, to see if there is anything I should look out for, or any tips you guys can give me? I know the cam belt has to be replaced after a certain amount of time, but apart from that I’m not too sure what else I should be wary of or asking the seller? Things like issues the heated seats? Also if there has been any reported problems with the model or year like service recals things of that nature, or if I should look out for certain notes in the service history?
Any suggestion or help would be great.
Thanks.
-
Make sure the DSG had an oil change at 40,000
-
Thanks for the info, I'm guessing this will be on the service history or some other sort of paperwork to prove that it has been done?
-
Thanks for the info, I'm guessing this will be on the service history or some other sort of paperwork to prove that it has been done?
Should be in the service book. Personally I'd want it to have been completed by a dealer too. You don't want to be replacing a DSG gearbox anytime soon :smiley:
-
That I don't, im gonna take a stab in the dark and say it's pretty expensive ha ha!
So any other things I should look out for? Any service recalls that should have been done by now or anything like that?
-
there was a DSG firmware upgrade in 2007, should have been done when it had a service FOC.
-
Check the aircon works.
Good luck with your purchase!
-
As said check that the aircon works, this board was full of posts this summer about broken a/c.
Check that there is no grinding noise on hard lock from the steering, if there is it means you need a new steering rack another common problem with all VW of that vintage. Strictly speaking it doesn't 'need' it - it will work fine and its not a safety issue but to get rid of the noise you need to replace it.
I know my 05 plate went in for an ECU update but that may already have been in place by the time yours rolled off the production line. If you have the reg no or ideally the VIN no you could phone your dealer and ask whats been done, when the last time it was serviced (they will know the service history as long as its been done at any VW dealers) and what recalls if any are outstanding.
Some of the early mk5 GTI's had an issue with the rear wiper motor where it developed a mind of its own.
There isn't really that many common issues with these AFAIK.
Watch out for 'white worm' on the alloys if they are the 18" Monza 2's and on the boot handle if its one of the early 'flat' types. Search function is your friend for this...
-
I think ub7rm has stated most of the usual reported faults above.
If you're completely new to the GTi world, I would suggest the following additional checks to ub7rm's
1. Check the PDI dealer and stamp in the Service Book to see if the car was UK supplied or not.
2. Check the alloys are genuine VW ones. They should have "VW" and "BBS 349" or something similar stamped on the inside of the rim.
3. Check the boot for a spacesaver spare wheel (UK spec) and any signs of leaking - the seals have been known to fail and the boot well get wet.
4. Check the upper brake light strip in the rear spoiler for bad condensation or bulb failure (another common fault).
5. Check the fit of the front doors (some early models suffered from the door dropping slightly and excessive wind noise)
6. Check the DSG is smooth at low speeds, when fully warmed up and setting off on an incline. If there is a small delay followed by a lurch forward I would get the DSG Mechatronics looked at before buying. There is a known problem with a batch of these but I think your car is older than this, so you should be OK :smiley:.
Good luck with your purchase .. hope all goes well .. sounds a nice car :smiley:
-
As above plus check the door seals as they can be prone to pulling away from the surround as they are only glued.
-
Also check this thread out. It started off for new cars, but a lot applies to used ones as well.
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=64432.0
-
That’s brilliant thanks everyone.
As I work in London I can’t get to the dealer (or stealer as I see they care commonly referred too ha ha) until Saturday, so I'll let you all know how the test drive goes.
Thanks again for all your input, and please let me know if there is anything else I should keep and eye out for?
-
...
4. Check the upper brake light strip in the rear spoiler for bad condensation or bulb failure (another common fault).
How could I have forgotten about that...
See here for an easy cheap fix though http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=121067.0 :smug:
-
DSG Oil change @ 30-40K. Just had mine done. The old smooth charm is back again.... they do like their oil new..... Old oil = slow / clunky changes..... (could also be down to a Mechatronics issue or faulty gearbox speed sensor or loose DSG electrics....etc.)
Personally having driven and lived with the DSG for two years I'd go for the manual..... Cheaper and more driving control.
Comments welcome chaps!night night.
-
Personally having driven and lived with the DSG for two years I'd go for the manual..... Cheaper and more driving control.
....At the risk of starting yet another Manual vs DSG debate which will not be resolved, I disagree with your specific comment. Why? - You can't fluff a gearshift and you can keep both hands on the wheel < That results in "more driving control". Btw, I'm only talking about driving a DSG in Manual-mode. I only use D to cruise through urban areas or in traffic jam crawls. S-mode can be fun if mixed with M in and out of very busy Milton Keynes roundabouts for example.
Furthermore, you can remap the DSG box to improve shifts and their thresholds. DSG has the best of both worlds if you use it fully.
:afro:
-
If it's an Edition 30 version check the panels all fit and the car looks straight.
For some reason lots were crashed.
-
Sorry to gatecrash this thread, but I too am looking for a similar car myself.
I found one that ticks all of my boxes except the DSG box. The only issue I have is that it has 50,000 miles on the clock. It's a 2006 55 reg which some people may say is only average miles, but my problem is will I stuggle to sell it on in say 3 years time with another 25-30,000 miles on the clock.
It's fully loaded and is on for £12,990.
Am I being wrongly put off by high mileage?
-
Sorry to gatecrash this thread, but I too am looking for a similar car myself.
I found one that ticks all of my boxes except the DSG box. The only issue I have is that it has 50,000 miles on the clock. It's a 2006 55 reg which some people may say is only average miles, but my problem is will I stuggle to sell it on in say 3 years time with another 25-30,000 miles on the clock.
It's fully loaded and is on for £12,990.
Am I being wrongly put off by high mileage?
....Some people are put off by high mileage but shouldn't be on most German cars. What's much more important is how well the car has been looked after and maintained in its mileage. My 05 is at 76,000 miles but it's serviced every 10k miles, new plugs every 20k miles, regularly and professionally inspected, highly modded and therefore many parts renewed (aftermarket engine mounts, bushes etc). You just have to assess each individual car. You can pay AA £50 to come and give it an extremely thorough check.
You'll lose money on any and every car you buy - It's not the way to look at it imo.
:afro:
-
Just found this forum. Exactly the question I wanted to ask, I wish I'd bought mine this time last year as they have shot up in price since then. I'm after a Mk5 GTI, 5 door automatic about 3 years old in silver or grey under 30,000 miles.
-
When it's fully warmed up have a good listen to the engine on tickover.If you have a sort of diesel rattle pound to a pinch of sh!t it will need the ''small'' cam chain & tensioner replaced.Mine did & a couple of others on here have had the same.A gentle ticking sound is fine is the direct injection system.