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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: MrJollygood on 06 November 2023, 21:29
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Hi all,
I'm looking for a few opinions on what to do with my MK7 GTi PP.
It's an early 2013 car. I've had it since about 40k and it's just hot 120k. It's my daily driver, covering the 60 mile round trip to the office and back every day.
It's been one of the best cars I've owned, very easy to live with every day, quick enough for a back road blast and apart from a few small things has been pretty faultless despite having a tough life.
It's just had it's annual MOT - it passed but with an advisory for an oil leak.
They've advised that while everything is off, because of the mileage, it might be worthwhile doing the timing chain at the same time (I know these are supposedly for the life of the car, but at 120k it's probably a sensible idea)
Do I spend the money (awaiting a quote, but can't imagine it's going to be insignificant) and get it back to a reliable state and hope for many more miles of trouble free motoring and run it into the ground, or cut my losses and replace it without spending on it.
Any thoughts?
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In the UK we have a fear of 100k+ miles, but elsewhere in Europe and the USA that's just breaking in! In my experience cars start to go wrong 80-100k miles but once you're past 100k they're fine. Going off Autotrader adverts the car is circa £8k-£9k private sale, so the cost of change is £ xxxx depending on what you want to change to.
Personally if you still like the car I'd keep it going!
With regard to the DCC, if you love it then you can get new shocks, but if you're not fussed change them out the standard shocks and save yourself a bit of money there, I think they're £250+ a pop.
Timing Chain - Are they not 100k miles to change? Typically with the VR6's you can get 90-130k out of them but it's best the get a read of the slack on them, not sure if this is a thing for 4 cylinders though.
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As per VW Ireland anyway there is no set interval for timing chain replacement but you can check some values on VCDS or similar to check for stretch. But as tech says, while you’re in there I would change it.
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Yeah, used the DCC once for a trackday then just left it as is, so will definitely replace with standard shocks
had a pair of DCCs replaced circa 45k and it cost a small fortune.
Waiting to see what the garage quotes me for all the work...😬
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Agree with the thought that everyone in the UK hates a high miler though. I think it's partly because no-one maintains their own cars anymore and because cars are white goods for most people these days. Swapped out like a mobile phone for a new one after three years.
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Agree with the thought that everyone in the UK hates a high miler though. I think it's partly because no-one maintains their own cars anymore and because cars are white goods for most people these days. Swapped out like a mobile phone for a new one after three years.
Agree. The salesperson I dealt with when I bought my current car in 2020 has contacted me twice this year trying to get me buy a new car. I won’t be doing so though - current car is 38 months old with less than 14k miles on the clock so should have plenty of life left in it 🙂.
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It's a chore to change a car you like every couple of years to keep the value up, but it's easier to change more frequently for lower a lower cost to change.
For example changing to another newer 2018 GTI with 40k miles it's roughly a cost to change of £8-10k, for what is the same if not a lesser car (if it doesn't have PP & Options). Which is a large jump and something you'd need to bare in mind.
So the question is do you keep driving the car and pay maintenance costs and later down the line pay £15k+ to change, or stomach the cost to change now and pay £8-10k? No one else can answer that one for you unfortunately.
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Yep...it's a tricky one. Paying 8-10k to have a newer version of the same car doesn't make much sense. Especially as mine is a launch year car and fully loaded (ACC, rev camera, DCC, performance pack etc) Trying to match the spec is hard.
Erring on the side of take the hit, get it fixed up and hopefully get a few more years out of it before needing to replace it...
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It's a chore to change a car you like every couple of years to keep the value up, but it's easier to change more frequently for lower a lower cost to change.
For example changing to another newer 2018 GTI with 40k miles it's roughly a cost to change of £8-10k, for what is the same if not a lesser car (if it doesn't have PP & Options). Which is a large jump and something you'd need to bare in mind.
So the question is do you keep driving the car and pay maintenance costs and later down the line pay £15k+ to change, or stomach the cost to change now and pay £8-10k? No one else can answer that one for you unfortunately.
Probably the most logical answer, and an approach I take as well.
I don't lease vehicles because I like to keep them for a while, and I'm not as fussed by keeping up with incremental updates every couple of years. That being said I am in a similar position to you in that I've got my mk7 PP up for sale now having owned it for 7 years, and I'm not selling because I'm bored, but because my life has changed so now I need something to carry those needs.
If it's a vehicle you love and have no real driver to sell and don't mind the maintenance costs (which lets be honest are generally low on these cars) then I would recommend to keep it and start putting some money aside to build a pot for when you do need to get it replaced.
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Keeping mine.
10 yrs old and nearly 100k, had it from new so my choice of spec.
Just had the DCC shocks replaced otherwise no issues.
Still love it to bits.
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My 2 pence worth @MrJollygood is if you: like the car, it puts a smile on your face, you can't think on what you'd swop it for and it's safe to drive. Then I'd be inclined to keep it and maintain it for a while yet.
Yes of course you could replace it with another car, but I sometimes think better the devil you know. A new or newer car is no guarantee of troublefree motoring, all the things you've fixed and repaired may appear on the new one :whistle:. Of course there comes a point where it becomes uneconomic to repair a car, and that may be strengthened if you've had no end of issues and are bored with it. But that doesn't appear to be the case from what I can tell, plus I think you've got a fair few miles left in her yet.
I agree with willni and SRGTD that the UK does seem to have rather a snobbish view on high mileage vehicles. If they've been maintained and looked after with a good service record. Then in my opinion that gives more confidence than low mileage car with a limited or non-existent maintenance history.
I too have a rather high mileage GTI, a 2009 Mk6 that I bought in 2013 with 25k on the clock at the time.
Willni's correct with the car wibbles around the 100k mile mark. Had a couple then (timing chain pop anyone! :grin:) Though mine was more at 160k mile (turbo seals and rear main seal). After than she's been fine, sitting at 213k miles now. Still on original DCC shocks which I too was quoted about £250 a corner if they 'went'.
Decision is of course yours, but I'm sure the car's still good for a while longer yet.
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Wondering what else could 'go' soon...or is worth changing out while I'm having the oil leaks repaired.
I'm still on the orginal clutch...!
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My mk6 is on 98k and had from new. Only recent issue was the dmf, not the clutch. Been cheap on repairs until then. Intend to keep it as still a good daily runner and know what will require some tlc before long. Agree with Bluto et al that often better with a car with history you know rather than take a chance and repeat repairs on a newer car as you still seem happy with your present one.
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Difficult decision indeed.
Fix oil leaks and replace any ancillaries that may as well be replaced whilst everything is disassembled.
Then add four Bilstein B4’s at around £300 with discounts, a set of standard VW springs (£500?) as they’ll be past their best at 120k, plus any bushes as they’ll be worn too, as will the top mounts.
Then geometry set up.
Quite a hefty bill!
But less ££££ than to change car, and if you were doing that you’d want to get a new(ish) vehicle to ensure you’re not going to face any unexpected repairs in the near future and backed up by a proper VW warranty.
It sounds like the car does a decent commute and with winter approaching you’ll need something you can rely on day in and day out. There’s no reason your existing GTI can’t still be that reliable workhorse for years to come with regular high quality maintenance.
A friend of mine has a 167k mile mk5 GTI that continues to happily do 15k a year, but it does have a regular slot booked in most months on the ramps of the local VW indie. Oil changed every 5k and bits dying of old age reasonably frequently (bear in mind his car is about seven years older than yours). Funnily enough he’s in the process of getting ready for a suspension overhaul too.
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Difficult decision indeed.
Fix oil leaks and replace any ancillaries that may as well be replaced whilst everything is disassembled.
Then add four Bilstein B4’s at around £300 with discounts, a set of standard VW springs (£500?) as they’ll be past their best at 120k, plus any bushes as they’ll be worn too, as will the top mounts.
Then geometry set up.
Quite a hefty bill!
But less ££££ than to change car, and if you were doing that you’d want to get a new(ish) vehicle to ensure you’re not going to face any unexpected repairs in the near future and backed up by a proper VW warranty.
It sounds like the car does a decent commute and with winter approaching you’ll need something you can rely on day in and day out. There’s no reason your existing GTI can’t still be that reliable workhorse for years to come with regular high quality maintenance.
Yep, it's not an easy decision.
It's my daily commuter so yes it does need to be realiable. I do around 20k a year and rely on it a lot. Weekend / trackday fun is served by a two seater from Stuttgart, so the Golf doesn't get used in anger very often apart from the occasional B-road run when the other half isn't with me.
Like you said, all the work it needs is probably going to cost ££££, yet if I was changing it (let's say I'm lucky and get 8k for it) then I'd need to add that again to get something halfway new - and might just inherit other people's problems.
Other option I guess is sell it and then take out a lease on something new...
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I've traditionally taken a 'buy new(ish), maintain it well and run it till it drops' approach though have been leasing for the last few years. Last car I owned (Renault) did 180k with very little outlay - until it finally gave up the ghost at which point I donated to charity.
I do a lot of motorway miles which is easier on engines & gearboxes. I will probably be re-entering the ownership world soon (when I can decide what to buy...!) and will be wanting at least 200k out of the next one.
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Same here - never leased before, always buy 3-4 years old, maintain well and run it until for as long as possible.
I don't like renting or leasing things generally - like to own things outright if I can. Maybe that's an old fashioned view these days...
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Same here - never leased before, always buy 3-4 years old, maintain well and run it until for as long as possible.
I don't like renting or leasing things generally - like to own things outright if I can. Maybe that's an old fashioned view these days...
I started leasing more or less by accident as needed reliable wheels at short notice. I was doing an awful lot of miles so made sense to continue. Leasing has become a lot more expensive recently and my annual mileage has dropped a bit so makes sense for me to go back to ownership - I still do mostly motorway miles so thinking maybe diesel.
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At 20k miles a year surely leasing doesn't make sense?
https://www.selectcarleasing.co.uk/car-leasing/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/20-tsi-320-r-4motion-5dr-dsg?mileage=20000&term=24&initial_payment=9
Using a Golf R here as an example as it's closest to the current GTI, Roughly £5k down then £540 a month for 2 years / £545 for 4 years, roughly similar so £12,960-£26,160.
Obviously there's better deals and different cars to choose from, but you'd spend £18k for 2 years driving or £31k for 4 years driving, with no asset at the end to trade into something else.
At that point I'd say I could've spent the £1-3k to fix the issues of the current GTI, have it still in service for 2 years and have the £15k (if the 2 year lease was chosen) to add to the GTI to buy something nice outright. (and if you still like the current GTI you could put a new engine in and still save money)
Leasing / PCP only benefits those doing low miles or get a great offer from your workplace to go electric.
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Thanks for that. This is why I've never considered leasing before, but need to look at the sums more closely as you've shown.
My decision is somewhat complicated by the fact that I need a reliable daily for the 60 mile tround trip to work (currently the GTI) I already have something for the weekends from Stuttgart tucked away in the garage.
We're expecting out first little one soon so I need a family car too...that will prob be more like 5-8k a year so a lease for that might work.
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It sounds to me like the perfect time to buy a Cupra Leon estate.
Plenty of room for prams and baby stuff, still quick, still familiar VW group running gear and interior bits and…
… on 0% interest.
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What other items would be worth checking / replacing while the car is apart?
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While the car is up in the air with the suspension in bits it’d be well worth checking all the bushes, exhaust hangers, boots and wheel bearings for cracking, play etc.
As for the engine, whilst they’re doing the leaks it’s a matter of visual inspection of everything to see if anything is perishing or worn but you’d not expect anything too drastic at that age.
Oh, and new wiper blades DIY fit ready for winter!
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I would expect a car like the Golf to do easily more than 120,000 miles. Or are cars so much more badly built than they were in the 90's and 00's?
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I would expect a car like the Golf to do easily more than 120,000 miles. Or are cars so much more badly built than they were in the 90's and 00's?
Good to know seeing my 7 PP has just turned 60. :cool:
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I would expect a car like the Golf to do easily more than 120,000 miles. Or are cars so much more badly built than they were in the 90's and 00's?
I’d not describe a few leaky oil seals as a car at the end of its life.
Engine oil seals can and always have had a chance of failing at any point. Some cars never develop (significant) oil leaks and others do. Very thin modern oils will creep through anywhere there’s a slight weakness developed. And DCC dampers are overly complicated and prone to leaks.
By 120k I’d expect dampers to be well past their optimum operating and springs will have had to deal with potholes, speed humps and road salt so are well worth replacing before one eventually fails if the dampers have to come off anyway. Same for top mounts and if you’re replacing suspension hardware on a sports hatch then doing the geometry it makes sense to replace bushes too to restore tautness. I’d have done (and indeed have done!) the same on a 1990’s or noughties car as much as a more complex modern car.
The biggest weakness of modern cars are the expensive to replace and in some cases legally required electronics. Manufacturing tolerances have vastly improved over the years, so engines and turbos can go on for big mileages, but there’s no doubt there have been a cheapening of other components over the years, things like plastic sumps and inlet manifolds on some cars as an example.
You could get away with replacing much less if you’re Mr Average but if you’re Mr Jollygood you want your car tip top not just “should get you through until the next MOT mate”.
Preventative maintenance is something car enthusiasts will pay attention to where affordable whereas your average drive won’t give a damn so long as the MOT tester is satisfied. Shame the NHS don’t work in the same way as it would save them a heap of money in the long run too.
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This is a great topic given my impression that many more 7 and 7.5 owners are going to hang on to their babies contrasting with the “old days” when we would have been going for the next mark up when it came out.
I have changed “up” every two years since my first Mk6 but here I am heading for 5 years and nothing I see tempts me.
I had a brief “extra- marital” flirtation with a beautiful Giulia this year but came to my senses. You can look but don’t touch.
Came to my senses and walked away from Italian temptation.
I will find it interesting to see how many owners are running their cars way up the age and mileage charts.
I’m a long way off at 38,000 miles but I can see me at double that age and mileage going for a mild renewal of things that will just tighten up and revitalise the car.
One simple thing is a 4 wheel realignment. Got one done at 35,000 to find the steering wheel sat a few degrees out and all 4 wheels needed serious restoration to factory spec.
My local tyre depot charged me £25 for the service.
As I said, little things keep the car in tip top condition and expect more significant renewals at 75 to 100K.
The way I look after my engine would hope for a very long life. I know the joker is electricals but every car owner is in the same boat, new or old!
I would reiterate my previous posts in saying this is the most reliable car I have ever owned or run. And I’m not going to let on how long I have been driving…….
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I'll say it now, the CSS lightweight bits will become very sought after for the mk7's, as these car age and long term owners get more tempted by upgrades while they're doing the general rejuvenation work to the suspension.
Bar the fact mine is currently eating coil packs (or possible a HPFP / LPFP issue), mines going well, I do regret selling the 18inch Belvederes though far more enjoyable than 19s.
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Thanks for this thread and the replies, very informative. Just bought a 2015 GTI PP with 90k miles (I don't do many annual miles now) and starting a list of jobs. Had a couple of Golfs, Audis and Polos in the past.
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Interesting thread and thanks for starting it.
I've been the happy owner of 2013 PP 2-door with DSG, DCC and 95k on the clock. The car has been brilliant! Waterpump replaced under warranty, a new PCV manifold valve and rear-wheel speed sensor this year. Other than that, nothing wrong whatsoever. I've used the DCC a fair bit. Car just flew through MOT. Think I'm keeping this one for a good while longer.
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This is a good read. Have to say a GTI/R can stealthily get under your skin… before you know it. I had never kept a car for much more than 5 years from new. I carefully specced a Mk6GTI in 2012; DPB, 18” Monzas, Mirrors, Storage Pack Dynaudio, Cruise….a lovely thing. I like buying late on in a model cycle when bugs are cleared and kit gets added. Kept my GTI nearly 7 years, and Part Ex’d for a factory order R in March 2019. A mistake, should have kept it and used it as our second car. My fault. It had under 30k when sold and in fab condition.
I’ve grown to love the R and can’t see a4reason to replace it Not yet done 9 k miles and in lovely shape. I’ll give the Mk8 a miss and wadi for the treats an 8.5 brings a couple of years after launch. Maybe An Ed50 could tempt me.