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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Golf mk7 GTD/TDI => Topic started by: fredgroves on 22 April 2015, 12:34
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Well it's happy birthday for my baby, 26k on the clock and still rolling :)
So I thought I'd write a little piece that might help others trying to decide on a Mk7 GTD.
My car: GTD, 5 door, manual, Limestone Grey, NavPro, DCC, HBA.
Firstly, my overall opinion - I'll get this in first before I add the caveats!
Its been great, the car is pretty much everything I hoped it would be, I don't regret it for a minute, there is nothing else I could have driven for the same money that I would rather be driving today.
Opinions on the options:
LSG - I rather like it, but its not for everyone. I got fed up of having silver cars, otherwise I probably would have chosen a silver. Soft water based paint is just a modern curse though, stone chip city and its just a mass of swirls from never washing it using micron filtered water and velvet gloves.
DCC - I've had it on other cars, I like it. I'd spec it again.
Navpro - If only this had been what was promised, with proper google traffic, google maps etc. I could say that I should have read the VW documentation, but I did and it told me it was going to be super hi-tech... but its not! Also the spoken nav directions are quite the worst I have ever encountered when it comes to pronouncing place names. Often I cannot even begin to determine what its trying to tell me to turn towards and only looking at the screen gives me a hint where I am supposed to go. Where is wwwmmmpphfud? At least they give me free map updates and all of Western Europe - unlike most other manufacturers. Oh and "turn right into destination street" is really annoying, I've bunged in a postcode, driven for 2 hours and now I am magically supposed to remember what the name of the street I am going to is? Really? Thank you VW....
HBA - If only it would be truly automatic and just switch on every time I start the car. Its a better implementation that I have seen with others, it only blinds about 50% of the oncoming traffic. An improvement :)
Standard things I love:
ACC - absolutely superb. I drive a lot on motorways, this is absolutely the best invention ever. Makes for a relaxing long distance drive, which helps fatigue hugely.
Turning circle - I am sure a black cab can turn in a smaller space, but probably not much better. Makes parking and maneuvering dead easy.
All around visibility - after many years of car makers trying to reduce my vision to that of a medial knight with his visor down, this car is a revelation. How difficult was that?
Performance - its not a supercar, its a quick road car. It sees off the other reps on the road and it handles like a dream through the corners, driven with determination you will see most other things off if not in a traffic light burnout, then through the corners. Its better than I had imagined it would be.
Comfort - the seats are really comfy, I can do 300 miles and get out of the car ready to work - surprising given the firmer sporty setup of the car. I've had other "sporty" cars before and the comfort and noise levels were killers. Have been told its rather more noisy in the rear though, but I don't sit there!
Washer fluid - despite having the super thirsty Xenon washer jets, the 20 million litre reservoir means that you aren't filling it up every five minutes.
Variable height boot - so simple, yet so effective. I can keep all my junk (coat, umbrella, atlas etc) under the floor most of the time, keeping my boot nice and clear for other stuff I have to carry from time to time.
Low Emissions - its really why I am with the GTD more than anything. As a company car driver this saves me hundreds of pounds, meaning that I can spend the money on a quality car and not some nasty Vauxhall or Ford. I have been waiting for this moment for years!
Things I could do without:
She burns oil. All modern oil burners burn oil though, but it is annoying to have to pay for 25 quid of oil which typically gets flushed down the drain 1 week after you top up, because its in for a service.
She drinks coolant. Super annoying, another 25 quid item that had there been a bit more would be covered by the servicing, but no, I have to fork out for that as well.
Those nasty Bridgestone tyres. Thank god the fronts were swapped out.
Laser cut wheels - they look awesome, they truly do, but you also live in fear of dinging them.
Sleek smooth sided lines - again, awesome styling but a magnet for other people opening their doors into you.
Random bings and bongs with dire sounding error messages that drive me to the dealer, only to evaporate like the morning dew when I get there. Its the problem with modern computer controlled cars though, but it is annoying - especially the potentially life saving tyre pressure warnings that come along with large temperature changes, especially when its p*ssing with rain and you have to get out and inspect them on the hard shoulder!
Minor niggles:
I never thought it would do the 6 million MPG that VW claim, but winter MPG is not what I expected. A nice summer distance journey does return high 50's though, which for a 184PS engine is quite remarkable.
Touch screen - someone needs taking round the back of the bike sheds for a kicking on this really. I miss the twiddly commander thing other cars used and still use today. I also think that the screen position could be higher up, in my field of vision without taking my eyes off the road.
What would I choose if I did it again?
At the end of my three year lease, I almost certainly will choose another Mk7 GTD, unless the tax position changes.
But also:
Dynaudio - i've got used to the standard system now, but its really not that great. I'd definitely choose this next time.
Lane assist - if I had worked out how little this cost and what it did I'd have spec'ed this and not just HBA.
I'd probably stick with DCC.
If the MIB2 NavPro finally delivers what this one should have done, I'd choose that. Even though a tomtom or whatever might be better, I do prefer the integrated approach.
I hope this helps any prospective buyer!
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Nice review thanks. Interesting to hear your thoughts on ACC as its a huge selling point for me since I commute on the motorway every day. If it makes the journey just a little bit easier/ more relaxing that makes a big difference. Shame they haven't fixed some of the Mk6 issues like crap standard Bridgestone tyres!
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Yeah its good - probably better with DSG though, which will take you down to 0 mph and back up again. 5 door DSG is several tax brackets higher for a company car driver, which coupled with the price of DSG makes it expensive.
One of the things I have realised is that the system overall is designed to have all of the options ticked and work as a whole. When you don't tick them all you find some funny things that don't quite join up until you realise it's meant to be all there.
I should have added btw that my viewpoint is from a 25k per year company car driver, not a 5k a year casual car owner. What is important to me is different to others!
Would I buy one for my wife to do 3k pa? Absolutely not!
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Why are the fluids not included in the service plan? I have ordered mine through VW and was assured that everything was included in the service & maintenance plan apart from tyres obviously.
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Nope, my lease company (like all the ones previously) won't provide any items like that between the manufacturer service schedule.
Things that wear out like tyres, wipers and brake pads of course they will, but not top ups to fluids (coolant, oil, blue p*ss (if your car uses that)) etc unless its caused by a leak defect.
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How much oil and coolant are you getting for 25 quid Fred?
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LOL maybe it wasn't 25 quid, that number just represented my frustration.
Whatever VW charge for a bottle of their magic concentrate...
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The question should be how and why are you using oil and coolant. I've never used a drop of either and mines 18 months old.
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I think it probably depends on your usage of the car... I thrash around all day. Both problems would have been resolved if I had used it a little less between services because a couple of weeks later, it was in the shop being topped up with both.
Which probably means VW had a target of usage when spec'ing the volume of both and I have exceeded it.
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Probably depends more on duration of your average journeys. If the car is fully warm for a 300 mile trip, you have far more chance of evaporating some coolant and oil (the oil may well not have been consumed in the combustion sense) over a period of 5 or 6 hours. Doing 20/30/50 miles at a time probably won't do it.
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Mine is 18 months now and at 16k which is below what expected to do due to role change.
General
No service yet and only put in 1ltr of oil which seems very little compared to this review.
Only one visit to dealer for 'squeaky' rubber gaiters.
Gave good clean weekend and interior and exterior in near perfect condition.
Couple of edge chips on the lazor edging.
Things like
DCC - Super Comfort and anyone who says it does not make a difference must not have any experience of this DCC.
DSG - Must admit down to 5% use of car in manual, have real DSG Love
Auto Hold - In conjunction with DSG makes drives effortless
Radar - Not fan of ACC as see below but do like the passive protection which most of time its warned me is due to cars turning left or not taking into account that in full control but has saved me once. Its nice to have there passively working away
Performance - As stated, its not a rocket ship but its satisfyingly quick even from comfort when needed, and more so when make decision to go into Sport
Styling - 18 months on and still have that satisfied feeling when walk up and get in as do when driving.
Economy - Considering doing less miles than expected and shorter journeys overall MPG is decent into late 30s and still get 50+ MPG on long journeys. Though it seems achievable do not think anyone should have any expectation of too much beyond 50MPG and nowhere near the 60s
Interior - Has that quality feel though think the dials could do with being far less busy. Tend to stick to the LCD screen for speed.
Heated Seats - A must!
Things do not like
Auto Hold - Why is brake light on? surely replicating hand brake is what it should do? The longer waiting the more conscious get of person behind me.
95% of time have no issue with start/stop but there are times when it cuts out just when would like it not to!
ACC - This is likely very personal, but never use it as it now just annoys me. Suppose control freak and like to drive car myself
Media System - Do not like is not quite right just think the UI needs a lot more work and screen could be of better quality - Sound - Have upgraded on previous Audi to Bose but did not this time and sound is perfectly acceptable. Have standard Navigation and it does what says on tin, works but again feel could be better overall in UI.
Exclusivity - Knew this would not last, but have gone from pretty much the only MK7 in area to seeing quite a few now, especially GTD
Wheel Spin - Far less of an issue now swapped out the Bridgestone's but having come from Quattro its something still personally struggle with the most in having to think about wheel spin in the wet.
Summary
Very simple, If you do decent mileage and want sport/economy/comfort/styling as a combination then you really would not regret choosing the GTD bit of a no brainer especially for a company driver.
Given my reduced mileage and missing of the Quattro its very likely given how much love the overall MK7 package that be joining the R brigade.
Think best testament is that you sometimes look at other models for a change after being so long with one model but have no qualms at all for signing up for same again over Audi/BMW (though do like the RS3 if not little rich for me)
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Interesting review :D
If you like Quattro so much and want an oil burner, can't you have an A3 184TDI with Quattro?
I'm fairly sure I had it on the Audi configurator before I thought "why am I paying all this much money for an Audi badge?"
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Interesting review :D
If you like Quattro so much and want an oil burner, can't you have an A3 184TDI with Quattro?
I'm fairly sure I had it on the Audi configurator before I thought "why am I paying all this much money for an Audi badge?"
My previous six years of ownership were 3 door A3 S Line 170BHP Quattro :)
That A3 was a solid lump on the road with nothing then all acceleration. Can say with assurance now that the GTD is a superior car in every way except for the Quattro though they were on the P platform and not the V platform so sure the new A3 was improved also.
So did look at the 184BHP combination and the reason moved to VW GTD was because the GTD had lots of standard options as well as giving me room to add even more due to the ££ saving for badge swap you alluded to. That's a big factor as you really do not get much on your base model out of the configurator!
Also the VW GTD looks great in 5 door where as not a fan at all of the Sportsback styling.
Would only have an A3 in 3 door and having had 5 door for 18 months with all previous hassles removed and that would be hard to get past unless someone offers me a mad discount on a RS3 of course ;)
Will do the full garage sweep of all the marquee brands as that's part of the fun but unless something comes on market that really turns my head its highly likely be Pure White R with DCC DSG and maybe Pretoria Wheels that replaces the GTD.
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I guess its horses for courses, but apart from the Audi price premium, I would have left Quattro alone along with DSG or petrol simply because the CO2 figure kills me as a company car driver.
You pay one lot of money for the options, then a shed load more for it being several CO2 brackets higher - and the percentage is worked out against list price... which makes things like Quattro, DSG or an Audi badge even more expensive things to have.
Nope, I sticking with my nice green, frugal but pleasantly quick and stylish GTD :)
We also have a 130g/km limit on what we are allowed to choose from anyway - so even a GTI is beyond reach. Its burn oil or drive some kind of noddy car or an electric milk float :-/
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I guess its horses for courses, but apart from the Audi price premium, I would have left Quattro alone along with DSG or petrol simply because the CO2 figure kills me as a company car driver.
You pay one lot of money for the options, then a shed load more for it being several CO2 brackets higher - and the percentage is worked out against list price... which makes things like Quattro, DSG or an Audi badge even more expensive things to have.
Nope, I sticking with my nice green, frugal but pleasantly quick and stylish GTD :)
We also have a 130g/km limit on what we are allowed to choose from anyway - so even a GTI is beyond reach. Its burn oil or drive some kind of noddy car or an electric milk float :-/
The GTD is capable in wet conditions but the Quattro is something genuinely miss.
The R would cost me more but not substantially from my calculations and that extra ££ is just me spending something from salary on something enjoy, have to have some reward for the work do.
As for DSG, never had auto before, never thought would love it so much as 'tried' it and easily saw myself going back to manual stating it was unnecessary etc. Be a hard option to drop now as would the DCC coming from bone shuddering S lines.
Something to look out for with company cars is how Diesel is now being demonised for its other pollutants as the goal posts might move in next 18 months?
The GTD meets current regulations but Companies are quick to move to be seen to be green and it might not just be C02 that's the incentive.
As you can see from my review love my GTD and if had to have another then be more than happy to have another if truly best option for me again. Its about 8 months till choose again so its a little while and nothing set and will do the due diligence to see what balances best for me at the time.
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I'm not sure whether derv is going to be something that you will get spanked for anytime soon.
As I've said on here loads of times before, Euro 6 engines are super clean - even on NOx figures.
Sooner or later road tax will have an additional modifier based on NOx output, but I'd not worry about Euro 6 engine vehicles... its the others that will pay a high price.
Which is probably why they won't be able to introduce it - most of the dirty things are commercial vehicles... and that lobby won't except a knee jerk unless they don't get a say because its an EU directive. Even then, it will be a target for something like 2025 or even longer...
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No service yet
Why did you miss the service?
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No service yet
Why did you miss the service?
Imagine I am on long term service that's mentioned here as had no request for service by the vehicle or any garage. Will check but imagine it will be at 2 years? or so many miles which not sure what that would be?
So not missed a service its just not had one yet and did find it strange oil and coolant usage in review that starts this thread as to this day only put 1ltr of oil in (and yes do check them physically also)
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I'm not sure whether derv is going to be something that you will get spanked for anytime soon.
As I've said on here loads of times before, Euro 6 engines are super clean - even on NOx figures.
Sooner or later road tax will have an additional modifier based on NOx output, but I'd not worry about Euro 6 engine vehicles... its the others that will pay a high price.
Which is probably why they won't be able to introduce it - most of the dirty things are commercial vehicles... and that lobby won't except a knee jerk unless they don't get a say because its an EU directive. Even then, it will be a target for something like 2025 or even longer...
You likely right in timescales and was not overly worried on the GTD again for the reasons you state and sure the Diesels become even cleaner though can see the Electric Hybrids overtaking the Diesel as the green car that companies promote with incentives.
Wife fell in love with the Tiguan R Line last time we were in a showroom which is last thing needed as she tends to get own way on most things.
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Imagine I am on long term service that's mentioned here as had no request for service by the vehicle or any garage. Will check but imagine it will be at 2 years?
Unfortunately you have missed the service - it should have been done at 12 months or 10,000 miles unless you qualify for the special conditions of so-called Longlife operation (which is very unlikely unless you are doing daily long journeys with very little stress on the car).
Its up to the owner to ensure the car is serviced correctly but many are set to the Longlife service regime from the factory - which the majority of cars are not suitable for....
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If the car is a company car on a 25k pa lease, its probably set to longlife:
http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/owners/servicing/regimes
I know mine is.... at 18k she was serviced.
If are doing less than 10k pa, you might want to get it changed - mind you, not sure that they will - the lease price will be on the assumption of xx mileage and so many services - if you do less, they won't service it more!
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You likely right in timescales and was not overly worried on the GTD again for the reasons you state and sure the Diesels become even cleaner though can see the Electric Hybrids overtaking the Diesel as the green car that companies promote with incentives.
Have a read of this:
http://www.automotiveworld.com/megatrends-articles/life-beyond-euro-vi/
2020 seems to be the key date - 95g/km target - down from the current 130g/km.
Thats going to take some serious engineering!!
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If the car is a company car on a 25k pa lease, its probably set to longlife:
Not sure the members car we are talking about is a lease or a company car.... as he does around 13k a year it should have been serviced at 10,000 miles or 12 months - I can't really see a case for it being suitable for the Longlife regime - unless, as you say, he is doing 25k a year - but clearly he is only doing half that......
Time to get it booked in pronto - target price 149 quid :-)
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If the car is a company car on a 25k pa lease, its probably set to longlife:
Not sure the members car we are talking about is a lease or a company car.... as he does around 13k a year it should have been serviced at 10,000 miles or 12 months - I can't really see a case for it being suitable for the Longlife regime - unless, as you say, he is doing 25k a year - but clearly he is only doing half that......
Time to get it booked in pronto - target price 149 quid :-)
Its company lease and was going to do 15k a year but as role has changed the longer journeys that regularly did have been removed so imagine its more in the 9k territory now which not moaning about as quite happy as the longer runs were to the same locations for not the most pleasurable of meetings.
Going out in it shortly so will check the service data.
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If its set to 'Longlife' (which clearly it is) you may find its not calling for a service yet - my point is essentially that it should not be set to 'Longlife' and you should have either had it changed to time/distance or (as I did) just go ahead and get the car serviced on its first birthday or at 10k miles - whichever came first.
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It seems from my experience that all cars are delivered set to long-life - mine certainly was, but I made sure it was serviced at 12months (about 8,500 miles) and then had the computer reset from flexible interval to time and distance.