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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: GolfTi on 18 July 2019, 22:07

Title: 6 Years old.
Post by: GolfTi on 18 July 2019, 22:07
And no major problems, an absolute joy to own and live with everyday.
5 services, dealers OK. Nearly 70k on the clock and still going strong.

Minor problems:

Rusting wheel hubs - sorted with hammerite.
Rear brake pads and discs scoring. Replaced and have been fine since.
Key fob batteries replaced after 4 yrs.
Poor front wipers - replaced with Bosch Aerotwin.
Front turning bulbs needed replacing after a few years, Bosch again.
Slippery tyres. (Bridgestones - replaced with Michellin)
Clutch slipping after remap - remap removed and fine ever since.

Not bad for 6 years of ownership. I still really enjoy driving, owning and just looking at it everyday.

This car has been the best car I have ever had.
 :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: Jason b on 19 July 2019, 09:28
totally agree Sir

Having a MK7 GTI nearing 5 years old and covered 27 k the only issues is the rear discs / pads but I have new set of Brembos ready to fit. I don't really use it that much it more of a weekend car
I drove it last night and I concluded and even mentioned it to the wife .. its is a fantastic car !!
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: kmpowell on 19 July 2019, 09:57
My brother's the same(ish). His GTI kicked over 4 years back in March and he genuinely loves it and can't find anything to replace it with. In his ownership he's gone from being single to now having a two kids, and the car still does everything it needs, and more.

It was his experience that made me seriously consider the GTI, and even though I sometimes feel I stepped in late to the party, I am enjoying mine so far and looking forward to a prosperous long-term relationship with mine. The only thing I can see making me get rid of mine is the pace electrification seems to be going, but even so the upfront pricing of those is still a bit silly and only huge taxation of petrol/emissions will make me change.

:)

Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: fredgroves on 19 July 2019, 12:08
The only thing I can see making me get rid of mine is the pace electrification seems to be going, but even so the upfront pricing of those is still a bit silly and only huge taxation of petrol/emissions will make me change.

My car is due for replacement in a year's time - I am in a quandary about electric too.

Personally I feel that its not quite technically feasible for me by 2020 and that maybe the car after next is the thing (2023), but I do fear a sudden government push (ie massive taxation increase on VED or fuel duty) will catch me out of step.

I'm also somewhat alarmed by the price of electric vehicles currently too.

Its a shame VW seem to be about to miss 48v hybrid with the Mk8. I did read with some excitement about the new S4 - its a *diesel* 48v hybrid. (yes no petrol S4!) I was excited right up to the point of seeing the price!!!

Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: Exonian on 19 July 2019, 13:08
The only thing I can see making me get rid of mine is the pace electrification seems to be going, but even so the upfront pricing of those is still a bit silly and only huge taxation of petrol/emissions will make me change.

My car is due for replacement in a year's time - I am in a quandary about electric too.

Personally I feel that its not quite technically feasible for me by 2020 and that maybe the car after next is the thing (2023), but I do fear a sudden government push (ie massive taxation increase on VED or fuel duty) will catch me out of step.

I'm also somewhat alarmed by the price of electric vehicles currently too.

Its a shame VW seem to be about to miss 48v hybrid with the Mk8. I did read with some excitement about the new S4 - its a *diesel* 48v hybrid. (yes no petrol S4!) I was excited right up to the point of seeing the price!!!

The Tesla 3 is now down to a bargain £38k !!

*************************


Good to see there’s so many long term owners still so happy with their cars.
I’m nearly six years (well over six years since the order went in) into ownership but it’s not the same car.
 :grin:

I got sent a link with some wheels for sale yesterday from a friend who has well over 20 years experience in car leasing so gets to drive almost everything going, we had a quick chat. He still rates the mk7(7.5) Golf GTI well above cars costing significantly more on both quality and refinement as well as the driver experience. He’s not one to hold back critisism either. He rates it way above the new A-Class saying they have clunky gearboxes and aren’t very refined.

GolfTi, it’s reassuring to see your car has worn the mileage well. Hardly any faults whatsoever!
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: fredgroves on 19 July 2019, 13:15
The Tesla 3 is now down to a bargain £38k !!

Shame its build quality is about on par with something Chrysler...
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: Exonian on 19 July 2019, 13:37
Jelly mould looks, jelly mould quality!
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: Adam T7 on 19 July 2019, 13:54
I’m only 7 months and 3k in since new.
Initial thoughts - it’s amazing.
Build quality is on par with the BMW’s and Mercedes I have owned and way ahead of the (considerably) more expensive Discoveries I’ve owned.
Performance is magical, DSG better than any auto I’ve driven.
I bought it as I no longer need the space of a Disco and do a fraction of the mileage, so it’s more of a play thing than daily transport.
Hopefully will be one of my better decisions.
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: themaninagolf on 19 July 2019, 14:33
This is really pleasing reading guys.

I'm 6 months and 5K miles into a MK7.5 and love it to bits.  I've had a Mk2 and Mk5 GTi in the past.  Both went over 130K miles without complaint.

I really hope Gloria (7.5) will serve me just the same.

Happy driving fellas...
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: Watts on 19 July 2019, 15:34
Great stuff, a nice change from threads more concerned with issues and gripes (I'm not saying that those with issues and gripes aren't justified before anyone complains, just nice to focus on positives). I've had mine nearly 4 years and 34k miles and so far it has been the most reliable car I've had and great fun to drive. I too haven't seen anything that would cause my wallet to open up for a replacement, a CS has been the nearest. I expect I'll keep it as long as I still enjoy it and so far I'm a long way from tiring of it. :smiley:
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: Moro on 19 July 2019, 18:22
My car has another 3 months to go until it is 6 years old.

In the first year I needed a firmware update to fix freezes on NavPro, and there was a wobble at the first MOT when it failed due to a leaking High Pressure Fuel pump and a split gaiter on a driveshaft - both fixed under warranty.

I now annually lubricate the pano roof to prevent noises when it is closed...and that is it.

Although it is now very much a "fun/long drives only" car and is mainly garaged with 20k miles since new, this has been basically trouble free operation - what a car!

I did go electric last year when I bought a Nissan LEAF 40. No contest with the Golf for build quality, but I love the concept of electric drivetrains and have a VW ID.3 "booking" for one of the first 1500 cars in the UK so expect to replace the LEAF next year, although I have no plans to sell the Golf!

Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: Pixelmix on 20 July 2019, 07:58
My experience pretty much matches the OP, with the only additions being:
- Fault meant that internal fans stayed on when the engine was off sometimes (and didn't operate normally when driving), presumably a faulty sensor replaced under warranty after much head scratching; and
- Air conditioning condenser damaged by stone.

My wife drives this more than me so although now 5 years old, it still feels quite fresh to me. This is the longest we have kept a car and I'm inclined to keep it for another couple of years. Nothing else is grabbing my attention so I might wait for an Mk8 Edition 45 or similar. I wish we had a Clubsport 40 but none of the Mk7 or Mk7.5 models are enough of a change to merit the cost of changing for me.

How are people getting on with maintenance at this age? Are people generally pre-emptively doing the cambelt at 5 years?
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: dippy_x on 20 July 2019, 09:21
Echo the same experience as op here.  Coming up for 6 years too.  Over 100k on the GTD, a bit noisy when idling but still solid.  Have to change this year, timing for the new models isn’t good for me, going to have to go for something else.  It will be missed!
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: Carbon VW on 20 July 2019, 09:43
My experience pretty much matches the OP, with the only additions being:
- Fault meant that internal fans stayed on when the engine was off sometimes (and didn't operate normally when driving), presumably a fault sensor replaced under warranty after much head scratching; and
- Air conditioning condenser damaged by stone.

My wife drives this more than me so although now 5 years old, it still feels quite fresh to me. This is the longest we have kept the car and I'm inclined to keep it for another couple of years. Nothing else is grabbing my attention so I might wait for an Mk8 Edition 45 or similar. I wish we had a Clubsport 40 but none of the Mk7 or Mk7.5 models are enough of a change to merit the change for me.

How are people getting on with maintenance at this age? Are people generally pre-emptively doing the cambelt at 5 years?
I’m pretty sure GTi (7) is chain and has no set change interval. It is however supposed to be checked at inspection services for rattles etc.
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: king monkey on 20 July 2019, 10:17
Great to hear that people are still satisfied after nearly 6 years. I’m 4 months into my 5th performance Golf and think I’ll keep it for a long time. It’s breathtakingly good as a car to live with every day. I also love the fact that other owners want to stop and talk to you. Had another R pull up whilst filling up yesterday morning and had a nice chat. Never happened in the S3 but happens all the time in the R.
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: Pixelmix on 20 July 2019, 10:25

I’m pretty sure GTi (7) is chain and has no set change interval. It is however supposed to be checked at inspection services for rattles etc.

I keep getting conflicting answers on this. Main dealer wants to change it, but other sources seem to suggest as above which sounds plausible. I suspect the dealer was thinking of the GTD.
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: Yusee on 20 July 2019, 10:40
A genuine all rounder. Bats top six and frontline bowler. The Ben Stokes of hot hatchery.
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: Carbon VW on 20 July 2019, 13:04

I’m pretty sure GTi (7) is chain and has no set change interval. It is however supposed to be checked at inspection services for rattles etc.

I keep getting conflicting answers on this. Main dealer wants to change it, but other sources seem to suggest as above which sounds plausible. I suspect the dealer was thinking of the GTD.

The above is what I got in writing from VW Ireland in relation to the chain.i.e no set interval.
My GTi is also approaching 6 years of age and has been the best car I’ve ever owned by a long shop. I did however suffer the thermostat housing failure resulting in the intake manifold having to come off but VW paid for half of that out of warranty as goodwill.
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: GolfTi on 20 July 2019, 14:18
I don’t normally keep cars this long but at the moment I have no reason to change. There is nothing out there I would want, maybe the mk8 will be worth a look when it arrives.

The VW extended warranty is a good thing to have for peace of mind, not had to use it yet though.
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: dereks on 25 July 2019, 21:50
Seen this after replying on the recent water pump failure thread.

My car is 6yo and 28k

So far apart from its yearly service.

Front pads & discs
Water pump and housing
2 front shocks (DCC)
Dsg service

Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: Splashalot on 26 July 2019, 07:27
This thread warms the cockles of my heart! Mine is only one year old, but looking forward to many more enjoyable years.  And agree 100% with the Ben Stokes comments - this car is such an  incomparable all-rounder.
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: Hertsman on 26 July 2019, 08:09
3 years GTD ownership - 27,000 miles - zero issues
2 years 10 months R ownership - 26,000 miles - zero issues

The only real problem I have had is that the R has been a dent magnet and not a single one of my doing!

Onto the TCR in October, quite excited to be receiving my first GTI and finally not having to explain myself having received blank expressions when ever had to describe the previous two  :grin:

In terms of electric, its obvious the cars and the tech are improving markedly and pretty sure there will be some attractive electric performance options out there in next few years.

The big blocker for me and many others is the recharging factor as many like me do not have a drive and you cannot leave car for hours at charging point (and likely fight for one)

So its not the cars, accept that electric will eventually will be the only option, but the charging needs to be at the convenience of current fill up with similar to longer range.

One aspect also not clear on is battery recycling, as they will soon stack up.

I was in London yesterday (train in and got out before madness!) and the cars etc were definitely adding to the poor air quality so obviously the biggest win is the zero emissions - Of course the source of electricity needs to also go as far away from coal burning as possible (maybe naive but I thought solar panel tech would have caught up with battery and every car would simply just need a solar panel roof for much of its power)

Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: Agreeable Slick on 26 July 2019, 09:31
5.5 Years old.

84k.

Spot on.
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: Brenbo on 26 July 2019, 10:35
I have had my Golf R, 3 years only, but still going well with no issues. 

On a different note, I know someone who has an electric car and lives in a terrace house with no off street parking.  Apparently he runs an electric cable through his letter box across the pavement (blocking it in process) to the car parked outside his house (if lucky) to charge it.  So as others have said electric cars may be good in theory but they are not practical when it comes to charging the damn things. 
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: monkeyhanger on 26 July 2019, 14:44
My Dad still has his 2013 GTD and is on 121k miles. He had emissions issues when they applied the dieselgate fix without his permission and it wouldn't run right since until he ditched the DTUK box. Last MOT he had to get new rear shocks, apart from that he's had  no issues.
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: mcmaddy on 26 July 2019, 18:19
Why did they apply the fix Matt when it wasn't needed on mk7s?
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: monkeyhanger on 28 July 2019, 10:13
Why did they apply the fix Matt when it wasn't needed on mk7s?

No idea Chris. It may not have been THE fix, but it was A fix that they did when it was in for its 4th service in 2017. He wasn't told about it, but complained about a week after the service that it was regenning a lot and mpg was well down. They initially denied the fix, then said VW made it compulsory (he'd have avoided it if he'd been independently serviced.
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: joe6 on 28 July 2019, 10:44
My MK 6 GTI is over 9 years old and 80k and had it from new. Only significant problem was the intake manifold flaps after 4 years. Apart from that just oil and filter change every 6 months, tyres and petrol. No pads or discs yet and no white worm. Recently checked the timing chain for stretch and still within spec but think that will be the next outlay. Good investment, enjoyed the car since day 1. Got a good discount when I bought it plus at the time when the government temporarily reduced VAT so depreciation is just over 50% in 9+ years.
Title: Re: 6 Years old.
Post by: Moro on 03 October 2019, 17:42
My car had the major service and MOT today - no failures, no advisories - as it approaches 6 years old in a few days time.

It really is a great car and is also the first car I have ever owned for 6 years, although nowadays it is not my daily driver so it has covered less than 21k miles.

 :smug: