GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: AudiA8Quattro on 22 October 2019, 23:44
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I’m looking at getting one, so as title says, is the new face lifted model worth getting?
I’m looking at a 2015/16 model, or a newer 2018/19 model.
Any thoughts or opinions?
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2018/19. Much more kit as standard. :grin:
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2018/19. Much more kit as standard. :grin:
Such as?
Bare in mind the price difference is around 8 grand 🤣
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The pre-facelift did actually look like a standalone model with unique bumpers and skirts plus the double U headlamps, inside they had beautiful dials.
The facelift models are much less ‘unique’ looking, wheels and exhausts aside but have loads more kit the newer they get.
The 2018 310PS model is probably the best of the bunch.
Definitely the best engine spec.
The 2019 models have reduced power and slightly strangled by an OPF but have masses of standard kit. They’re both expensive and relatively good value at the same time!
Depends on what you want really, what your budget is and how long you want to keep it.
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I’m looking at getting one, so as title says, is the new face lifted model worth getting?
I’m looking at a 2015/16 model, or a newer 2018/19 model.
Any thoughts or opinions?
It’s a very tough question in some ways. For sure there’s more standard kit and the more modern digital dash with the facelift/7.5 R so possibly some tempting changes; but the mk7 (pre facelift) is still such a good car in so many ways. I’m just into my 5th year in the latter and have felt no desire to swap to a 7.5 despite usually changing cars at 3 years. Testament to what a fantastic car it is. If I were buying from scratch today? I really don’t know, it would come down to available budget and how long I’d want the car for.
Would you be intending keeping the R for a few years, as that may well sway you to the 7.5 as it will feel more current for longer.
But here’s a bit of info on both versions that might help your quest.
Mk7 R - For the 2015/16 mk7 pre facelift model, have a look for cars built after end May 2015 (MY2016) as those cars will have the 2nd gen MIB2 infotainment system which was an improvement over the original MIB1 system. Also at that time App-connect (CarPlay, Auto Android) was introduced but remained an optional extra unless pro nav was specced as it was included with that. The later pre facelift models have revised turbo over the earliest models, as there were some failed turbos early on.
Facelift / Mk7.5 R - As well as the slight engine power upgrade on 2018 version to 310ps (albeit later reduced back down 300ps, torque unchanged), the facelift/mk7.5, heralded the introduction of the digital dash over the previous analogue dash, including performance gauges (bit of a gimmick), App-connect became standard along with lane assist etc. Most notable aesthetically, was the move to more generic headlight design (shared with other golf 7.5 models), but that also brought the upgrade to LED headlights (pre facelift are bi-xenon), LED tailights and the LED sweeping indicators (the latter on hatch version only, not on the estate). There are also a number of other cosmetic exterior changes, the biggest being the altered more aggressive front end with lots of added gloss black trim, some minor styling changes to the rear and side skirts (both for the worse imo); and some other interior changes, including darker cloth seats as standard and new style perforated leather on the normal (non nappa) leather option. Another important change in the DSG version of the 7.5 was the move to the 7speed DSG (DQ381 box) from the mk7 6speed DSG (DQ250). Differing views as to whether one is an improvement over the other. 7.5 has additional wheel choices and colours (Atlantic Blue and Indium Grey, after deletion of some mk7 colours). And the very expensive optional Performance Pack with the Akrapovic titanium exhaust (and some with upgraded brake kit) but rare and adds ££££
Then came the WLTP (DPF and single port injection) version of the 7.5 R!
As well as here, if you haven’t already, it’s well worth paying a visit to the VWROC forum as that’s an R specific forum, and there’s a wealth of information and advice from owners of all iterations of the 7 and 7.5 R. And always a ton of help with questions asked. And lots of photos too!
https://www.vwroc.com/forums/
Member JeffR on there has pretty much had every version of the R (think he’s on his fourth one) so worth looking at his threads/posts.
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I adore my 310, couldn’t want for more from a car at this price after 30 months of ownership.
For sure I intend to upgrade stuff exhaust, stage 1, brakes maybe. Then I intend to keep i for many years.
I don’t think the mk8 will date mine. So I couldn’t recommend a 2017/18 Mk7.5 more. R :kiss:
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Have owned a MK 7 GTD and R and have just moved to a MK 7.5 GTI so know the MK 7 well and the differences now in a MK 7.5
Rebecca has done the detailed summary in her usual impeccable manner :) so will just give you a complementary narrative view.
Its pretty much as you would expect with any later version in there is more bells and whistles on the MK 7.5, with upgrades on varying features and they are appreciated, personally taking to the improved lights (LED) the traffic sign recognition and the High Beam Assist, as well as the improved screen and speed of the MIB unit.
Surprised myself by being a quick convert to the new active display as staunchly stuck to its dials as the preference. I always though the MK 7 dials were good, but always though the Audi dials were better.
However, if look through that list, its all little conveniences, or lifts over something that was already good in the MK 7 and the car drives no differently, i could have happily carried on driving my MK 7 R for many years without a thought to missing out on anything as you really would not be.
There is also the engine changes for WLTP that 'may' make the MK 7.5 more susceptible to issues later in life though of course thats to be seen and would not personally put me off purchasing one.
The competition is not really the car but what is your #1 consideration to satisfy and thats where we here cannot really advise you on.
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Thanks for all the info.
I’m really only interested in the car as a drivers car, I’m not really bothered by all the gimmicks.
At the dealers, a 2019 model is at least £30k, and a 2016 is about £21k.
That’s a very big difference, if the car drives pretty much the same.
The only must is a DSG, I’M getting old.
Oh and I would like leather, but it’s not a must.
I notice that the later models list a faster 0-60? I take it that’s just a gearbox tweak?
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I would recommend getting DCC so you can change the damper stiffness depending on your mood, particularly if you are getting 19" wheels. However, that limits your choice of cars as DCC is quite a rare option. The Evo magazine reviews of the Mk 7 R are worth a read as they reckoned it was a 5 star car.
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Thanks for all the info.
I’m really only interested in the car as a drivers car, I’m not really bothered by all the gimmicks.
At the dealers, a 2019 model is at least £30k, and a 2016 is about £21k.
That’s a very big difference, if the car drives pretty much the same.
The only must is a DSG, I’M getting old.
Oh and I would like leather, but it’s not a must.
I notice that the later models list a faster 0-60? I take it that’s just a gearbox tweak?
I might have missed something but what would be wrong with a 2017 car? You can get a facelift 7.5 R with the 7 spd DSG starting off around £22.5k which would be a much better bet than the last of the 7 for very little difference. For around £24-25k you will get something with decent miles and perhaps leather.
I don’t think the mk8 will date mine. So I couldn’t recommend a 2017/18 Mk7.5 more. R :kiss:
I think the Mk8 will date the Mk7.5 massively - the interior is a huge change.
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Thanks for all the info.
I’m really only interested in the car as a drivers car, I’m not really bothered by all the gimmicks.
At the dealers, a 2019 model is at least £30k, and a 2016 is about £21k.
That’s a very big difference, if the car drives pretty much the same.
The only must is a DSG, I’M getting old.
Oh and I would like leather, but it’s not a must.
I notice that the later models list a faster 0-60? I take it that’s just a gearbox tweak?
I’d probably prefer not to pay over about £21k, otherwise I’ve got to get more finance.
Although that could be option.
I might have missed something but what would be wrong with a 2017 car? You can get a facelift 7.5 R with the 7 spd DSG starting off around £22.5k which would be a much better bet than the last of the 7 for very little difference. For around £24-25k you will get something with decent miles and perhaps leather.
I don’t think the mk8 will date mine. So I couldn’t recommend a 2017/18 Mk7.5 more. R :kiss:
I think the Mk8 will date the Mk7.5 massively - the interior is a huge change.
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Personally I don’t rate leather - I had it in my mk7 GTD and it wore pretty quickly and became saggy in the 4 years I had the car. It also took forever to warm up in winter with the heated seats whereas cloth takes a couple of seconds.
Newer cars come with a 7 speed DSG ( I’m not sure when that changed from the 6 speed in earlier cars but someone will know ) which is great
The leather in the Golf is not the best that’s for sure, but my experience is it tends to sag in the first few months of the car, but not get noticeably worse over the following months/years.
I expect the cloth seats do heat up quicker as it’s thinner material for the heat to penetrate, but the leather gets well warmed up within 5 mins and in a few more mins is pretty hot (depending on the chosen setting).
The DSG changed to 7sp with the facelift.
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Thanks for all the info.
I’m really only interested in the car as a drivers car, I’m not really bothered by all the gimmicks.
At the dealers, a 2019 model is at least £30k, and a 2016 is about £21k.
That’s a very big difference, if the car drives pretty much the same.
The only must is a DSG, I’M getting old.
Oh and I would like leather, but it’s not a must.
I notice that the later models list a faster 0-60? I take it that’s just a gearbox tweak?
I might have missed something but what would be wrong with a 2017 car? You can get a facelift 7.5 R with the 7 spd DSG starting off around £22.5k which would be a much better bet than the last of the 7 for very little difference. For around £24-25k you will get something with decent miles and perhaps leather.
I don’t think the mk8 will date mine. So I couldn’t recommend a 2017/18 Mk7.5 more. R :kiss:
I think the Mk8 will date the Mk7.5 massively - the interior is a huge change.
Judging by the pics so far, I think the mk8 will make the original mk7 R look an absolute classic (in a good way)! :laugh:
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Thanks for all the info.
I’m really only interested in the car as a drivers car, I’m not really bothered by all the gimmicks.
At the dealers, a 2019 model is at least £30k, and a 2016 is about £21k.
That’s a very big difference, if the car drives pretty much the same.
The only must is a DSG, I’M getting old.
Oh and I would like leather, but it’s not a must.
I notice that the later models list a faster 0-60? I take it that’s just a gearbox tweak?
I’d probably prefer not to pay over about £21k, otherwise I’ve got to get more finance.
Although that could be option.
I might have missed something but what would be wrong with a 2017 car? You can get a facelift 7.5 R with the 7 spd DSG starting off around £22.5k which would be a much better bet than the last of the 7 for very little difference. For around £24-25k you will get something with decent miles and perhaps leather.
I don’t think the mk8 will date mine. So I couldn’t recommend a 2017/18 Mk7.5 more. R :kiss:
I think the Mk8 will date the Mk7.5 massively - the interior is a huge change.
I think at the start you said were looking at either spending £21k or £30k hence my suggestion of getting a 7.5 facelift for around £22.5k.
If your budget is £21k then you’d best forget the 2019 option!
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Thanks for all the info.
I’m really only interested in the car as a drivers car, I’m not really bothered by all the gimmicks.
At the dealers, a 2019 model is at least £30k, and a 2016 is about £21k.
That’s a very big difference, if the car drives pretty much the same.
The only must is a DSG, I’M getting old.
Oh and I would like leather, but it’s not a must.
I notice that the later models list a faster 0-60? I take it that’s just a gearbox tweak?
I’d probably prefer not to pay over about £21k, otherwise I’ve got to get more finance.
Although that could be option.
I might have missed something but what would be wrong with a 2017 car? You can get a facelift 7.5 R with the 7 spd DSG starting off around £22.5k which would be a much better bet than the last of the 7 for very little difference. For around £24-25k you will get something with decent miles and perhaps leather.
I don’t think the mk8 will date mine. So I couldn’t recommend a 2017/18 Mk7.5 more. R :kiss:
I think the Mk8 will date the Mk7.5 massively - the interior is a huge change.
I think at the start you said were looking at either spending £21k or £30k hence my suggestion of getting a 7.5 facelift for around £22.5k.
If your budget is £21k then you’d best forget the 2019 option!
I already have an existing loan, I can pay this off on the mortgage, and I’ve got a few extra quid spare. Hence the £21k budget.
If I go for the 2019 model, I can get a new loan, but obviously that will be more money!
The point of my post was, is it really worth paying the extra? The 2016 versus the 2019 model is a huge saving, probably up to 10 grand!
If I go for 2017 plate, I’ll still have to get a new loan!
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Thanks for all the info.
I’m really only interested in the car as a drivers car, I’m not really bothered by all the gimmicks.
At the dealers, a 2019 model is at least £30k, and a 2016 is about £21k.
That’s a very big difference, if the car drives pretty much the same.
The only must is a DSG, I’M getting old.
Oh and I would like leather, but it’s not a must.
I notice that the later models list a faster 0-60? I take it that’s just a gearbox tweak?
I’d probably prefer not to pay over about £21k, otherwise I’ve got to get more finance.
Although that could be option.
I might have missed something but what would be wrong with a 2017 car? You can get a facelift 7.5 R with the 7 spd DSG starting off around £22.5k which would be a much better bet than the last of the 7 for very little difference. For around £24-25k you will get something with decent miles and perhaps leather.
I don’t think the mk8 will date mine. So I couldn’t recommend a 2017/18 Mk7.5 more. R :kiss:
I think the Mk8 will date the Mk7.5 massively - the interior is a huge change.
I think at the start you said were looking at either spending £21k or £30k hence my suggestion of getting a 7.5 facelift for around £22.5k.
If your budget is £21k then you’d best forget the 2019 option!
I already have an existing loan, I can pay this off on the mortgage, and I’ve got a few extra quid spare. Hence the £21k budget.
If I go for the 2019 model, I can get a new loan, but obviously that will be more money!
The point of my post was, is it really worth paying the extra? The 2016 versus the 2019 model is a huge saving, probably up to 10 grand!
If I go for 2017 plate, I’ll still have to get a new loan!
Yes, that’s why the suggestion of the facelift model for around £22-23k. You’ll get the newer model with most of the extra kit without spending nearly £10k. Simple.
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Thanks for all the info.
I’m really only interested in the car as a drivers car, I’m not really bothered by all the gimmicks.
At the dealers, a 2019 model is at least £30k, and a 2016 is about £21k.
That’s a very big difference, if the car drives pretty much the same.
The only must is a DSG, I’M getting old.
Oh and I would like leather, but it’s not a must.
I notice that the later models list a faster 0-60? I take it that’s just a gearbox tweak?
I’d probably prefer not to pay over about £21k, otherwise I’ve got to get more finance.
Although that could be option.
I might have missed something but what would be wrong with a 2017 car? You can get a facelift 7.5 R with the 7 spd DSG starting off around £22.5k which would be a much better bet than the last of the 7 for very little difference. For around £24-25k you will get something with decent miles and perhaps leather.
I don’t think the mk8 will date mine. So I couldn’t recommend a 2017/18 Mk7.5 more. R :kiss:
I think the Mk8 will date the Mk7.5 massively - the interior is a huge change.
I think at the start you said were looking at either spending £21k or £30k hence my suggestion of getting a 7.5 facelift for around £22.5k.
If your budget is £21k then you’d best forget the 2019 option!
I already have an existing loan, I can pay this off on the mortgage, and I’ve got a few extra quid spare. Hence the £21k budget.
If I go for the 2019 model, I can get a new loan, but obviously that will be more money!
The point of my post was, is it really worth paying the extra? The 2016 versus the 2019 model is a huge saving, probably up to 10 grand!
If I go for 2017 plate, I’ll still have to get a new loan!
Yes, that’s why the suggestion of the facelift model for around £22-23k. You’ll get the newer model with most of the extra kit without spending nearly £10k. Simple.
Not so simple, anything over £21k, I need new finance.
There doesn’t seem to be many 2017 plates about, they mainly seem to be 15/16 and 19 plates for sale.
Also the 2017 plates seem to be nearer to £25k, unless I get a manual, which I don’t want.
I found a 2019 plate for £29k in Camberley, why are the prices so different? Is this just down to the equipment levels?
I am tempted to extend the finance and go for 2019, £29k sounds like a steal!
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https://www.arnoldclark.com/used-cars/search?make%5B%5D=Volkswagen&model%5B%5D=Golf&payment_type=monthly&min_engine_size=1945&sort_order=monthly_payment_down
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https://www.arnoldclark.com/used-cars/search?make%5B%5D=Volkswagen&model%5B%5D=Golf&payment_type=monthly&min_engine_size=1945&sort_order=monthly_payment_down
Thanks for the link.
It’s got to be blue!