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Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: simonkit on 06 January 2010, 11:32

Title: Negative "owner reviews" ?
Post by: simonkit on 06 January 2010, 11:32

 Whilst checking out reviews on the MKV GTI I'm waiting to collect I came across quite a few negative owner reviews, mainly on "Whatcar". Reliability & build quality were the common complaints - things that I thought VW were actually good at !!

 Moving from a Hyundai Coupe 2.0se, whilst it may not be the best car for driver enjoyment, I couldn't fault it for reliability & I personally found build quality pretty decent too.

 Whilst I like to check reviews I do take them with a pinch of salt as I guess you're much likely to post a comment on the www about a negative experience than a positive one. I just wondered if the majority of GTI owners on here were happy with their experiences?

 Thanks

 Simon
Title: Re: Negative "owner reviews" ?
Post by: ub7rm on 06 January 2010, 11:49
So far, touch wood, very happy.  Car has covered 44k miles now and hasn't missed a beat.  Needed to get the steering rack replaced (under warranty & common problem).  Based on what I've seen on this forum there aren't that many common faults and they aren't that serious.  Compared to the mk4 I had before it, its a huge step up on reliability.  That said, most mk5 GTI's are still relatively young.
Title: Re: Negative "owner reviews" ?
Post by: FamilyDub on 06 January 2010, 11:51
Whatcar reviews (broadly speaking) are not complied by enthusiasts, but as you say, people with negative feedback. I've submitted three reviews to WC, two of which were overwhelmingly positive.  :smug:

Anyway, there are several issues you'll hear about on here (PCV's, DV's, MAFs, etc), but all in all for a car of it's nature, I can't fault my GTI for it's reliability.

In 12 months, I've had to buy; 2x tyres, 5 litres of oil, a service, plus coolant and brake fluid changes :: less than £400 overall and TBH, if I'd done a bit more research first, I could probably have pushed the stealer to do the service and fluid changes before I took ownership. Ho Hum, lesson learned.

I would say enjoy your car; service it on T&D, give it the right oil, make friends with a decent VAG independant garage, use the right fuel and all will be well! Apart from the slippery slope... :afro:
Title: Re: Negative "owner reviews" ?
Post by: jaydubveedub on 06 January 2010, 12:08
MK5 is a well made car in general but does seem to suffer from interior rattles, like most VW models of the same generation.

Like all cars it does have some 'known weaknesses' but is relatively free of major issues. It's actually quite a tough car.

As always, there will be people out there who have been unlucky.
Title: Re: Negative "owner reviews" ?
Post by: bobotheclown on 06 January 2010, 12:17
**coughsteering rackproblemcough**
Title: Re: Negative "owner reviews" ?
Post by: No Golf Clubs at all on 06 January 2010, 14:02
.....coughRackproblem(in)convienience issue...... :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Negative "owner reviews" ?
Post by: simonkit on 06 January 2010, 15:35
.....coughRackproblem(in)convienience issue...... :rolleyes:

 Yes, this is something I did come across...I'm buying a 58 plate, I'm hoping that it was sorted out by then  :undecided:

 Dash rattles don't bother me too much...the wife has a Suzuki swift Sport that rattles all over the place (soon to be dynamatted) - still enjoys driving it everytime though

 
 
Title: Re: Negative "owner reviews" ?
Post by: bobotheclown on 06 January 2010, 15:53
my one is an 08 model and I think it's developing this fault. On full left lock there is a mild grinding noise. could be nothing but am going to mention it at the next service
Title: Re: Negative "owner reviews" ?
Post by: ub7rm on 06 January 2010, 16:02
my one is an 08 model and I think it's developing this fault. On full left lock there is a mild grinding noise. could be nothing but am going to mention it at the next service

Sounds like the old steering rack problem alright...
Title: Re: Negative "owner reviews" ?
Post by: Hurdy on 06 January 2010, 17:12
Couple of other issues that some GTI's can develop.

Mechatronics module failure (DSG ) - warranty issue replacement
"Chocolate" cam follower issue - mainly early GTI's - since moved to harder follower - easily replaced and part costs less than £20
Cambelt/tensioner "whistle" when cold - warranty issue repair
Title: Re: Negative "owner reviews" ?
Post by: FamilyDub on 06 January 2010, 17:16

Bring back the car sig, Hurdy!  :tongue:
Title: Re: Negative "owner reviews" ?
Post by: Hurdy on 06 January 2010, 17:20

Bring back the car sig, Hurdy!  :tongue:

This is a temp one whilst I make up the new one - every make in that sig is on my car  :cool:
Title: Re: Negative "owner reviews" ?
Post by: FamilyDub on 06 January 2010, 17:22
This is a temp one whilst I make up the new one - every make in that sig is on my car  :cool:

Kewl!  :cool:

 Look forward to the new sig debut then.

Sorry OP!  :tongue:
Title: Re: Negative "owner reviews" ?
Post by: Jimp on 06 January 2010, 19:27
My mk5 is an 06 and I've never had an issue with it. The 'common problems' list is pretty small all the same. I have nothing but positive experiences with the car, though I wouldn't mind something quicker  :wink:
Title: Re: Negative "owner reviews" ?
Post by: DJGTi on 08 January 2010, 10:35
My mk5 is an 06 and I've never had an issue with it. The 'common problems' list is pretty small all the same. I have nothing but positive experiences with the car.

Mine's an 06 too and I've had no problems so far.

The list of 'common problems' on the 05 that I know of is:
steering rack
water in rear lights
failing high level brake light (v expensive)
corroding boot handle/badge
rattle from centre of dash
white worm in Monza 2s & centre caps (still a problem)
front seat folding mechanism on 3-doors
wind noise around driver's door (3 door only?)
engine rattles like a diesel.

Mostly minor, but more than you'd expect from a VW. I'd go for an '06 onwards if I were you.
Title: Re: Negative "owner reviews" ?
Post by: ub7rm on 08 January 2010, 12:41
My mk5 is an 06 and I've never had an issue with it. The 'common problems' list is pretty small all the same. I have nothing but positive experiences with the car.

Mine's an 06 too and I've had no problems so far.

The list of 'common problems' on the 05 that I know of is:
steering rack
water in rear lights
failing high level brake light (v expensive)
corroding boot handle/badge
rattle from centre of dash
white worm in Monza 2s & centre caps (still a problem)
front seat folding mechanism on 3-doors
wind noise around driver's door (3 door only?)
engine rattles like a diesel.

Mostly minor, but more than you'd expect from a VW. I'd go for an '06 onwards if I were you.


If the high level brake light is beefed a cheap repair is possible http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=121067.0

People seem to find that the earlier ones are actually put together a little bit better (less rattles) and are slightly better equiped than the newest models as VW cost cutting took effect as they years went on...
Title: Re: Negative "owner reviews" ?
Post by: DanoGTI on 09 January 2010, 11:34
Gotta say, my 05 has been spot on.

The only thing so far has been a rear wiper motor having a mind of its own - being replaced under warranty. However, can also be done for about £60.

Mine's a 3dr - no issues with the seats or door.
The white worm issue cropped up on my hub caps - dealer changed them a part of the deal.

The BIGGEST let down (not a fault as such) is the RCD300 - embarrassing is the word I'd use.

Apart from that, the car has been fab since I bought back in May 09.

Dan
Title: Re: Negative "owner reviews" ?
Post by: simonkit on 09 January 2010, 19:39

 Good to know there are plenty of happy owners as I picked up my 58 plate/3 door in Reflex Silver yesterday - just need this snow to go so I can actually use it !!

 Simon