GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk8 => Topic started by: ianmair on 23 January 2024, 14:52
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Afternoon all, just new on here so please go easy!
I’m finally in a position to look into buying a Golf GTi, after years of admiring. Been looking at 21 plate Mk8’s just recently and thought I’d found the perfect one, until I was made aware of the ongoing software problems with the car’s computer. The more I googled and the more forums I read, the more I was put off buying a Mk8.
Not sure if I’m reading too much into it or whether I’m concentrating too much on the negatives but I’ve reached a bit of a crossroads, not sure which way to go! I’ve contacted my local Volkswagen specialist to ask his opinion but yet to hear back from him, so wondered if I could pick a few expert brains on here.
Are the Mk8’s really as bad as I’ve let myself believe?
Are the software problems starting to be resolved?
Is there an age where the Mk8’s were made with no problems?
Would you go for a late Mk7 instead? A difference of maybe 12 months older.
Any help, advice, tips or recommendations are more than welcome and would be much appreciated. Really wary of spending around £25k only to be stuck with a malfunctioning car which I may struggle to shift in future.
Thanks in advance
Ian
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If looking at a MY20 Mk7.5, you'd have a lot of kit as standard due to being close to the run out of that model. I was in a similar position 9 months ago, was put off by the software gremlins and infotainment in general on the Mk8, so went for a Mk7.5 (albeit I also just prefer the looks of the 7.5 and it was still a big upgrade from my previous car).
Try and get a test drive in both models though. I'm a big believer that you can do all the research and online shopping you like, but things are different when you see/experience them in the flesh!
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The software issue is irritating rather than dangerous and it comes and goes. In my case I had virtually no issues (Bongs is the term we use here) for my first year. Thereafter following a s/w "update" I had bongs on most journeys for 18 months. It only meant that travel assist and emergency assist were constantly switching between working and being unavailable, so it didn't affect my driving experience at all. A new steering wheel at the start of this month (car is still under VW 3 year warranty) means I am now bong free and I can't think of another car I'd rather be driving unless I won the lottery.
If you go for it, it may be worth getting one from VW for the two year warranty.
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No errors or bong at all on mine.
I think it depends what year you are looking at. Early ones sounds like they had more issues but later ones like mine seem to have sorted themselves out.
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Sure I read on here that a new steering wheel to buy was c. £1800 so a warranty would be essential on a MK8 unless new wheel fitted IMO.
Personally I love my Mk7.5, I’ve had it just over 5 years from new and after 24k (touching a lot of wood here) the only issue I’ve had is the near side door mirror seems to go out of adjustment slightly after a few reverse position changes. It’s definitely a keeper.
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I had an early 2021 Mk 8 and I had very few issues with the bongs but it did make me nervous approaching the 3 year warranty expiring and I sold it. If approaching 3 years, in agreement with the others above already, personally I would advise an extended warranty.
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Welcome ianmair
Is the car you’re interested in a VW Approved used? If you’re buying a mk8 that’s approaching the end of factory warranty make very sure any software (and by default hardware) issues are fully covered by whatever follow on warranty you’re getting.
I had a fairly early mk8 and had no issues other than an occasional random assist warning that appeared for a short time before vanishing again for two years of ownership and then had several months of bing bonging hell after a major software update. After that it was fine again and then after a new steering wheel was fitted it was pretty flawless. I had no other warranty claims in three years and the car drank very little oil between services.
The touchscreen system was universally panned but it’s not *that* bad. Little things like turning on heated seats is an unnecessary faff, as are other HVAC controls, but that depends on how much you like to fiddle with things on the move.
A late 7.5 would likely be better equipped and a more intuitive cabin experience but many of these are overpriced.
If you’re dead set on a mk8 then maybe see what sort of deal you could nail down on an in stock new car, it’s worth asking.
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If looking at a MY20 Mk7.5, you'd have a lot of kit as standard due to being close to the run out of that model. I was in a similar position 9 months ago, was put off by the software gremlins and infotainment in general on the Mk8, so went for a Mk7.5 (albeit I also just prefer the looks of the 7.5 and it was still a big upgrade from my previous car).
Try and get a test drive in both models though. I'm a big believer that you can do all the research and online shopping you like, but things are different when you see/experience them in the flesh!
Thanks mate, I’ve driven a Mk7.5 but not a Mk8 yet. Really liked the 7.5 but I’ve always been one for getting the latest version of anything if the option’s there, not sure why probably because they lead you to believe the newest version is the best!
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The software issue is irritating rather than dangerous and it comes and goes. In my case I had virtually no issues (Bongs is the term we use here) for my first year. Thereafter following a s/w "update" I had bongs on most journeys for 18 months. It only meant that travel assist and emergency assist were constantly switching between working and being unavailable, so it didn't affect my driving experience at all. A new steering wheel at the start of this month (car is still under VW 3 year warranty) means I am now bong free and I can't think of another car I'd rather be driving unless I won the lottery.
If you go for it, it may be worth getting one from VW for the two year warranty.
Cheers for the advice BillSan. Been looking mainly at cars from VW user approved garages so they come with a 2yr warranty - could be worth its wait in gold if and when needed. Seems like a lot of problems occur after software updates, I’m just wondering if the updates are actually needed. I’ve never been one for using satnav and radio much anyway so might get away without updates. Also seems like a new steering wheel solves a lot of problems, which is where the warranty will come in very useful.
Good to know how much you rate the car regardless of any software problems though, cheers.
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No errors or bong at all on mine.
I think it depends what year you are looking at. Early ones sounds like they had more issues but later ones like mine seem to have sorted themselves out.
That’s reassuring to know, don’t often read posts saying no problems as it’s not something people would otherwise share unless asked! What date is yours please mate?
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Cheers for the advice BillSan. Been looking mainly at cars from VW user approved garages so they come with a 2yr warranty - could be worth its wait in gold if and when needed. Seems like a lot of problems occur after software updates, I’m just wondering if the updates are actually needed. I’ve never been one for using satnav and radio much anyway so might get away without updates. Also seems like a new steering wheel solves a lot of problems, which is where the warranty will come in very useful.
Good to know how much you rate the car regardless of any software problems though, cheers.
It’d be worth checking your insurance in relation to not accepting OTA updates. My policy (with LV) has a specific exclusion of loss or damage arising in connection with failure to accept a car manufacturer’s OTA software updates.
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Sure I read on here that a new steering wheel to buy was c. £1800 so a warranty would be essential on a MK8 unless new wheel fitted IMO.
Personally I love my Mk7.5, I’ve had it just over 5 years from new and after 24k (touching a lot of wood here) the only issue I’ve had is the near side door mirror seems to go out of adjustment slightly after a few reverse position changes. It’s definitely a keeper.
Cheers for the advice Adam, you’re definitely right by saying a warranty is essential and the VW approved used 2yr warranty is a deal clincher when it comes down to which garage to buy from.
I do like the Mk7.5’s, they’re a brilliant car, I’m just always drawn to the newer model of anything! If I decide against a Mk8 I’ll definitely go for a 7.5.
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I had an early 2021 Mk 8 and I had very few issues with the bongs but it did make me nervous approaching the 3 year warranty expiring and I sold it. If approaching 3 years, in agreement with the others above already, personally I would advise an extended warranty.
If I do get a Mk8 it’ll be with a 2yr VW warranty, no doubt. Never been one for extending warranties but in this instance I’ll definitely be doing so after the 2yr is up. Like you say, being nervous about driving your car isn’t great so it’s a peace of mind thing really. Thanks for the advice mate.
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Cheers for the advice BillSan. Been looking mainly at cars from VW user approved garages so they come with a 2yr warranty - could be worth its wait in gold if and when needed. Seems like a lot of problems occur after software updates, I’m just wondering if the updates are actually needed. I’ve never been one for using satnav and radio much anyway so might get away without updates. Also seems like a new steering wheel solves a lot of problems, which is where the warranty will come in very useful.
Good to know how much you rate the car regardless of any software problems though, cheers.
It’d be worth checking your insurance in relation to not accepting OTA updates. My policy (with LV) has a specific exclusion of loss or damage arising in connection with failure to accept a car manufacturer’s OTA software updates.
Good point mate, never crossed my mind tbh, thanks for that.
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Welcome ianmair
Is the car you’re interested in a VW Approved used? If you’re buying a mk8 that’s approaching the end of factory warranty make very sure any software (and by default hardware) issues are fully covered by whatever follow on warranty you’re getting.
I had a fairly early mk8 and had no issues other than an occasional random assist warning that appeared for a short time before vanishing again for two years of ownership and then had several months of bing bonging hell after a major software update. After that it was fine again and then after a new steering wheel was fitted it was pretty flawless. I had no other warranty claims in three years and the car drank very little oil between services.
The touchscreen system was universally panned but it’s not *that* bad. Little things like turning on heated seats is an unnecessary faff, as are other HVAC controls, but that depends on how much you like to fiddle with things on the move.
A late 7.5 would likely be better equipped and a more intuitive cabin experience but many of these are overpriced.
If you’re dead set on a mk8 then maybe see what sort of deal you could nail down on an in stock new car, it’s worth asking.
Thanks Exonian, some really good points for me to think about there. If I end up getting one it’ll almost certainly be from a VW approved used garage, as I have one here in Carlisle if the need to use it arises. The warranties VW offer are a good extra but you’re quite right in saying they’re only as good as what’s included in them! I will check when the time comes.
As with so many others I’ve read about, your problems came after a software update then disappeared after a new steering wheel, seems a very common occurrence.
I’m not much of a fiddler tbh whilst driving so not sure how much the buttonless controls would bother me. I took a Mk8 GTD out last week (they didn’t have a GTi available) and had to pull over just to find out how to turn the blowers down! Like with any new device though - phone, tablet, watch, etc - anything new can be hard to navigate but you soon get used to it.
I’m making notes as I go and my list is getting longer, so thanks very much for making me aware of some good queries!
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I should have mentioned earlier that I owned a 7.5GTI for several years before I bought my Mk8GTI. I really liked the 7.5 it was perhaps better finished in some respects but I didn’t regret my change to the Mk8. I liked the lack of buttons and it had some nice touches, wireless phone charging, rear usb ports, nice seats, phone pouches on the rear of the front seats, blind spot assist, and a map pocket on the passenger side of the centre console. It didn’t have a spare wheel and illuminated sill covers to name a few. I don’t know how others feel but overall I preferred the Mk8, the handling was excellent. These are details that stick with me having gone from one to the other.
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One thing to be said... Despite the gremlins the Mk8 is really good to drive. Big improvement over the mk7.5. Very very nimble and chuckable!
I keep going back to thinking that vw almost got it perfect... Except for their terrible decision to in source their software development at exactly the wrong point in their model cycle...
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No errors or bong at all on mine.
I think it depends what year you are looking at. Early ones sounds like they had more issues but later ones like mine seem to have sorted themselves out.
That’s reassuring to know, don’t often read posts saying no problems as it’s not something people would otherwise share unless asked! What date is yours please mate?
2022 but a MY23 model. Generally people don't post when nothing is wrong :grin: so you will only read when something is wrong :grin: Haven't needed anything doing to mine, no new steering wheel, no sensors changed, nothing. All software updates done OTA and none have caused an issue.
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One thing to be said... Despite the gremlins the Mk8 is really good to drive. Big improvement over the mk7.5. Very very nimble and chuckable!
I keep going back to thinking that vw almost got it perfect... Except for their terrible decision to in source their software development at exactly the wrong point in their model cycle...
And ride quality against the 7.5?
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One thing to be said... Despite the gremlins the Mk8 is really good to drive. Big improvement over the mk7.5. Very very nimble and chuckable!
I keep going back to thinking that vw almost got it perfect... Except for their terrible decision to in source their software development at exactly the wrong point in their model cycle...
And ride quality against the 7.5?
Its pretty good. On par with the 7.5 at least, possibly better although I do have 19's on my 8 and only 18's on the 7.5.
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I should have mentioned earlier that I owned a 7.5GTI for several years before I bought my Mk8GTI. I really liked the 7.5 it was perhaps better finished in some respects but I didn’t regret my change to the Mk8. I liked the lack of buttons and it had some nice touches, wireless phone charging, rear usb ports, nice seats, phone pouches on the rear of the front seats, blind spot assist, and a map pocket on the passenger side of the centre console. It didn’t have a spare wheel and illuminated sill covers to name a few. I don’t know how others feel but overall I preferred the Mk8, the handling was excellent. These are details that stick with me having gone from one to the other.
Good to know Ceefeesh, thanks for that. This is the sort of post I was hoping would pop up, someone who was happy with their Mk8 - it’s not something that you’d otherwise post unless you were asked directly.
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No errors or bong at all on mine.
I think it depends what year you are looking at. Early ones sounds like they had more issues but later ones like mine seem to have sorted themselves out.
That’s reassuring to know, don’t often read posts saying no problems as it’s not something people would otherwise share unless asked! What date is yours please mate?
2022 but a MY23 model. Generally people don't post when nothing is wrong :grin: so you will only read when something is wrong :grin: Haven't needed anything doing to mine, no new steering wheel, no sensors changed, nothing. All software updates done OTA and none have caused an issue.
Very very true mate, someone’s far more likely to post when there’s something wrong or about a bad experience than they are if there’s nothing wrong or they’ve had a good experience. This was the reason I initially asked the question, to try and get a balanced opinion of the Mk8. I’m glad some of you replied with good feedback, as well as the bad, as it allows me to form a more accurate opinion. Thanks very much.
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One thing to be said... Despite the gremlins the Mk8 is really good to drive. Big improvement over the mk7.5. Very very nimble and chuckable!
I keep going back to thinking that vw almost got it perfect... Except for their terrible decision to in source their software development at exactly the wrong point in their model cycle...
And ride quality against the 7.5?
Its pretty good. On par with the 7.5 at least, possibly better although I do have 19's on my 8 and only 18's on the 7.5.
Sometimes things surprise you, my MK7 R on 19" prets had a far comfier ride than my old GTD on the standard 18s, the springs/shocks were doing a far better job on the R, despite being 10mm lower.
Not quite comparing apples with oranges, but it's dair to say my 2015 R on 19" Prets is marginally comfier than my 2023 S3 on 19" wheels, but the current S3's (8Y) ride is massively better than the old (8V) S3s ride.
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One thing to be said... Despite the gremlins the Mk8 is really good to drive. Big improvement over the mk7.5. Very very nimble and chuckable!
I keep going back to thinking that vw almost got it perfect... Except for their terrible decision to in source their software development at exactly the wrong point in their model cycle...
And ride quality against the 7.5?
Its pretty good. On par with the 7.5 at least, possibly better although I do have 19's on my 8 and only 18's on the 7.5.
Sometimes things surprise you, my MK7 R on 19" prets had a far comfier ride than my old GTD on the standard 18s, the springs/shocks were doing a far better job on the R, despite being 10mm lower.
Not quite comparing apples with oranges, but it's dair to say my 2015 R on 19" Prets is marginally comfier than my 2023 S3 on 19" wheels, but the current S3's (8Y) ride is massively better than the old (8V) S3s ride.
Ride quality is subjective as well i'd say. I've always had cars with hard suspension so my clubsport feels very comfy to me. My A3 on other hand feels like riding on jelly and make me uncomfortable lol.
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Here is a good video from Johnny Smith, aka Car Pervert, aka the Late Brake Show that I think explains the evolution of the Mk8 from the 7.5, the differences and that the focus was on the handling. It had stiffer springs than the 7.5. Over all I think my Mk 8 struck me as having the nextgen tech.
https://youtu.be/R4YvzrpJTGM?feature=shared
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The new thing the Mk8 has is vdm... Vehicle dynamics manager. It controls all four wheels at once, not just two wheels on an axle. With dcc it's very clever indeed.
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Afternoon all, just new on here so please go easy!
I’m finally in a position to look into buying a Golf GTi, after years of admiring. Been looking at 21 plate Mk8’s just recently and thought I’d found the perfect one, until I was made aware of the ongoing software problems with the car’s computer. The more I googled and the more forums I read, the more I was put off buying a Mk8.
Not sure if I’m reading too much into it or whether I’m concentrating too much on the negatives but I’ve reached a bit of a crossroads, not sure which way to go! I’ve contacted my local Volkswagen specialist to ask his opinion but yet to hear back from him, so wondered if I could pick a few expert brains on here.
Are the Mk8’s really as bad as I’ve let myself believe?
Are the software problems starting to be resolved?
Is there an age where the Mk8’s were made with no problems?
Would you go for a late Mk7 instead? A difference of maybe 12 months older.
Any help, advice, tips or recommendations are more than welcome and would be much appreciated. Really wary of spending around £25k only to be stuck with a malfunctioning car which I may struggle to shift in future.
Thanks in advance
Ian
I have owned 3 Golf GTi's first mk6 dsg cover 81k in that car 2nd 2018 7.5 performance pack owned from new. Covered 79k in that car. Options were 19" Brescia's DCC rear camera. Traded thet in for a 2021 mk8 GTi (approved used) Dec 2022.
So to compare the last 2 the MK7.5 is possibly better build quality (slightly) good to have dials for climate etc very good car only issues I had was thermostat housing (changed under warranty and a relay for the start stop).
I then got the mk8 initial impression felt slightly quicker than my 7.5 (should both be 245) but just a nicer smooth delivery stronger top end. Mk8 uses a different turbo.
Ride is good enliven thou no DCC on my car. You do find you rarely ever swop the settings much on it anyway!
Mk8 has much better seats so more comfortable, slightly quieter than 7.5 due too GPF I presume but still sounds good in sports mode.
Overall imo a much nicer handling driving car the mk8 a nicer place to be.
Tech I have had a few software glitches in that the screen freeze up and require reboot and the odd travel assist not working but this always when window fogged in winter on initial start up.
The tech and travel assist is Fantastic and works very well once you get used to lack if buttons. I mostly use voice control for temp sets wheel heating etc and find it very useful.
IQ Lights are superb also better on fuel than mk 7.5 about 2-3 mpg.
The screens dash very nice mates 7.5 now looks very dated when I go in that.
Would I swop back to MK7.5.
Definitely not the 8 is a much lbetter car imo.
Only thing I miss is my rear camera from 7.5 :grin:
Buy a MK8 approved used warranty and extend it every year that's what I always do extend the warranty with Vw For peace of mind.
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Worth a watch of this savagegeese video if anyone particularly interested in differences in driving dynamics 7.5 v 8. Pretty much in keeping with what people are saying here.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DKPALLEVzEs
They’re a bit Wayne’s World, these 2. They know their cars though.