GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: NeilFinn on 30 June 2023, 15:05
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Hi; apologies for the fact that I'm sure this question must have been addressed numerous times...I'm thinking about buying a used GTI, and have got as far as establishing that the Mk7 seems to be best version for my budget (approx £20K), but would appreciate advice as to whether 7, or 7.5. Reliability, controls/switchgear that works, and holding value all more important to me than performance & handling (although can imagine that last two might go in hand-in-hand). Are there any model years, or particular features, to look for/avoid? Thanks for any help...
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Mk7 and Mk7.5 are the same car, just a few tweaks to power and aesthetics between models then later models 2017+ you have additional spec in the form of heated seats as standard and 2019+ a rear camera, then 2017/18 saw the introduction of the GPF filter to the exhaust so if you like changing exhausts you should factor that in.
Must haves would be performance pack imo as it helps retain value, with the bigger brakes, power bump and Limit slip differential.
Things to avoid:
Rear door speakers on 5 doors can leak and let water in, seems less common with the facelift models.
Rear bumper vents can leak and let water in, also seems less common with the facelift models.
Sunroof's can crack around the glass surround.
Bonnet cable housing can come apart, so if you buy just add a cable tie to it.
Otherwise there's not too many issues with them, and if you're unsure go for a VW All-in-One service plan or approved used as you get 2 years warranty.
I'd go with a better example of a mk7 over a mk7.5 with a budget of £20k, prices are still inflated which doesn't help.
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No matter which version you go for, on manual cars the clutch is weak so a car with a replacement is great or budget for a replacement. Also the thermostat housing and waterpump are liable to leak. 30k miles plus and there's a fair chance it'll need replacing so again, check it's been replaced or expect to do so. Those two jobs could easily set you back the thick end of £2k. On the plus side, the engines have a chain so no cambelt change to worry about.
19" wheels can buckle so check those and make sure it has decent tyres, always an easy window into how well a car has been maintained.
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No matter which version you go for, on manual cars the clutch is weak so a car with a replacement is great or budget for a replacement. Also the thermostat housing and waterpump are liable to leak. 30k miles plus and there's a fair chance it'll need replacing so again, check it's been replaced or expect to do so. Those two jobs could easily set you back the thick end of £2k. On the plus side, the engines have a chain so no cambelt change to worry about.
19" wheels can buckle so check those and make sure it has decent tyres, always an easy window into how well a car has been maintained.
Should probably add that the clutch is fine for normal power but goes at stage 1 on the manuals, and the 19s are only soft with the Pretorias.
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Should probably add that the clutch is fine for normal power but goes at stage 1 on the manuals, and the 19s are only soft with the Pretorias.
I had two buckled Santiagos....
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I hired a GTI (Mk 7) in Germany in early 2018 and it convinced me to order a car that I’ve always desired. Mines a Mk 7.5, and (touching wood) it’s been faultless over the 4.5 years that I’ve owned it.
All the possible faults have been covered in previous posts and according to WBAC mines worth £22K with 22k on the clock (no intention of selling), so I’m guessing a dealer or private sale would be be a bit more.
Either way on a 7 or 7.5, buy a decent one at the best your budget allows and enjoy, superb cars.
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If I was in the market, like @willni, I would the best example I could find within budget, whether 7 or 7.5.
They have proven to be reliable, well made cars- nothing to really worry about if well looked after.
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I had two buckled Santiagos....
Did you crash into a small crater? They're pretty substantial the Santiagos when I had them for all of 4 weeks.
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If you can stretch to a well looked after 7.5 it will keep its value better. Not had much wrong with my 2019 car apart from the stealers not doing a software upgrade that led to stop/start error. Worth checking if car has a vw service history for this. Austin wheels not a problem but mine seem a little thin on the laquer so could get white worm in the future?
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Hi All; really great info - much appreciated, thanks very much. Has got me thinking that probably I need to up the budget a bit and look for a 7.5 PP with DSG. Are there any pros at all to having 3 door over 5? I don't need 5 door but I guess most buyers would prefer 5.
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I've had both, style wise I prefer a 3 door but there are practical differences other than getting in the back. The longer doors of a 3 door make seeing out easier for the driver, the B pillar of the 5 door really gets in the way. The biggie though with a 3 door is you can often get parked but can't get out of the car!
If you go 7.5, get a Performance version as you get a 7 speed DSG, 6 speed in the non Performance version. Plus more power, better diff and better brakes. They are all good though, just different levels of good.
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Err, the rear cup holders are better in the three door…
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I'd also say given the mk7.5 is the last golf with 3 doors as an option, it would help sell it privately in the future.
As someone that's had both, 5 door is much handier and if you get the right colour it looks much better than a 3 door. Otherwise 3 door in red or oryx white / white silver is peak golf Gti aesthetic.
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Didn't the 7.5 get various downgrades on the back of Dieselgate?
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Didn't the 7.5 get various downgrades on the back of Dieselgate?
Do you know what the various downgrades were? - it’s not unusual for VW to sneak a few small cost cutting / penny pinching changes in when they make the annual model year changes to their cars.
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Err…..no drawers under front seats and no lock on glovebox I think???
Maybe no extra cover on front of engine too?
The penny pinching on a £30k car passes all understanding.
But I suppose a pound saved on a million Golfs is a million pounds.
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Err…..no drawers under front seats and no lock on glovebox I think???
Maybe no extra cover on front of engine too?
The penny pinching on a £30k car passes all understanding.
But I suppose a pound saved on a million Golfs is a million pounds.
Pretty much on the money. The under seat drawer and glovebox lock (or lack of) don’t really bother me but lack of front engine / manifold cover did so I bought one for about £60 - looks loads better now IMO.
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Exactly what I did. After every service I check it’s still there too!!
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All; thanks, again; partic Watts's re: doors on a 3-door being longer and a consideration when parking etc. The point re: penny-pinching...I thought that re: Wilni's point about it having been 2019 before a reversing camera was standard; one of my other cars is a 2018 Picanto, and even it has one. Thanks.
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All; thanks, again; partic Watts's re: doors on a 3-door being longer and a consideration when parking etc. The point re: penny-pinching...I thought that re: Wilni's point about it having been 2019 before a reversing camera was standard; one of my other cars is a 2018 Picanto, and even it has one. Thanks.
Reversing camera can be retro fitted. If you haven't seen a Golf one then they are particularly good in that they are hidden behind the VW logo/boot handle so they keep clean. Look great when they pop out!
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Didn't the 7.5 get various downgrades on the back of Dieselgate?
Do you know what the various downgrades were? - it’s not unusual for VW to sneak a few small cost cutting / penny pinching changes in when they make the annual model year changes to their cars.
In addition to what others mentioned there was also less soundproofing material used.
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Reversing camera can be retro fitted. If you haven't seen a Golf one then they are particularly good in that they are hidden behind the VW logo/boot handle so they keep clean. Look great when they pop out!
As someone that's done this before, it's very very easy to retrofit and the only thing I'd say that would require professional help is the splicing to the power, as you're better safe than sorry.
Also worth noting you can add the helix subwoofer at the same time, as it has the same wire run through the car, just connect the camera first then connect the helix, as it can play about. Otherwise great upgrade for the standard speakers with the DSP.
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The camera is a clever bit of kit with a superb image, even at night.
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Thanks for the info. Unrelated - but just for general interest - a mate of mine has (had, until few weeks ago) a Mk8 GTi that he bought new year or so ago; sump damage - presumed result of speed bump or similar, but he wasn't aware of anything obvious - caused engine failure and insurers preferred to pay out in full rather than repair; mad.
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Thanks for the info. Unrelated - but just for general interest - a mate of mine has (had, until few weeks ago) a Mk8 GTi that he bought new year or so ago; sump damage - presumed result of speed bump or similar, but he wasn't aware of anything obvious - caused engine failure and insurers preferred to pay out in full rather than repair; mad.
Insurers seem unfathomably keen on writing cars off nowadays. No wonder insurance premiums are skyrocketing
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I had a 6 for years and waited for the 7.5. For many the facelift and updates are worth having. Me too, but I got a late R 😀