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Model specific boards => Golf mk8 => Topic started by: PACE on 01 August 2024, 12:28

Title: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: PACE on 01 August 2024, 12:28
I picked up my first GTI yesterday!

Base UK spec so I didn’t have to wait long. Love it so far and did better on fuel than expected on the 2+ hour drive home from the dealer.
Does have a front plate on but used an app to hide the reg number for social media and it removed the whole plate which looks so much better!

(https://i.postimg.cc/qMCtF8gh/IMG-4911-Copy.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hfcPzQLc)
Title: Re: UK Mk8.6 GTI arrived!
Post by: ar899 on 01 August 2024, 12:50
Congratulations - more pics at some point a must! What did you drive before?
Title: Re: UK Mk8.6 GTI arrived!
Post by: PACE on 01 August 2024, 12:59
I’ve come from a 5 series estate and a few 3 series estates in a row. I got sick of the dealers and poor service so wanted to try something else and seemed to get my timing right!
More photos will come soon - I’m a photo nerd so looking forward to getting it out with my camera.
Title: Re: UK Mk8.6 GTI arrived!
Post by: PACE on 01 August 2024, 13:02
By the way, I have a deposit down on a moonstone base spec GTI too that I’m in the process of cancelling. If anyone wants to contact me to pick it up - get in touch soon. I think my order will be cancelled tomorrow and the car is due “in the next week” according to the dealer.
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: jon87 on 01 August 2024, 13:30
Looks amazing! I've ordered the exact same spec as you a couple of weeks ago. Have been told December for delivery though. When did you place your order?

I'm going to be selling my 7.5 GTI when this arrives, only bought that in Feb this year as expected this to be in the luxury tax bracket.
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: Exonian on 01 August 2024, 13:52
Welcome and congrats PACE  :smiley: the car looks really good without the plate!
Looking forward to hearing more about the car as you settle in.
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: PACE on 01 August 2024, 13:56
Looks amazing! I've ordered the exact same spec as you a couple of weeks ago. Have been told December for delivery though. When did you place your order?

I'm going to be selling my 7.5 GTI when this arrives, only bought that in Feb this year as expected this to be in the luxury tax bracket.
This one I ordered Tuesday after the dealer sent a video showing it arrived!  :shocked:
The moonstone car was ordered on 22nd July. Base spec cars are easier to get because dealers have plenty coming. The one I got this car from said they have 75 coming for dealer stock for the group. Like I mentioned above, a moonstone grey car will be available from a midlands dealer when I cancel my order (waiting for them to call me back to sort it) and that should arrive very soon. My old car finance was expiring in a few weeks and didn’t want to risk any delays causing hassles for me so went for the one that arrived first.
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: fredgroves on 01 August 2024, 15:28
Very nice! Well done ducking the luxury car tax  :laugh:
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: ar899 on 01 August 2024, 15:52
You mentioned the fuel - what were you getting?
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: PACE on 01 August 2024, 15:57
Around 41mpg after around 100 miles but that was with me shifting down a bunch  to vary engine RPM for running in on the motorway so less than ideal for fuel economy.
37.7mpg average for my first 150 miles
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: ar899 on 01 August 2024, 16:00
Around 41mpg after around 100 miles but that was with me shifting down a bunch  to vary engine RPM for running in on the motorway so less than ideal for fuel economy.
37.7mpg average for my first 150 miles

That's pretty good esp. considering running in.
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: PACE on 02 August 2024, 00:30
A weird thing I noticed about the car so far - not a complaint but something that feels like it might be not quite right....
The windscreen washer jets are useless! 200 miles in and as bugs hit my screen I fired the washers almost instantly and not a single one seems to have been cleaned off. Also there is a delay of 1.5-2 seconds after pulling the lever and any water coming out (even if you stop and start again). Seems like it's lacking pressure compared to every other modern car I have driven.

Are all recent Golf/VW models like this or is there possibly an issue with my car?

The only actual complaint I have about the car so far is that the infotainment touch sound is SOOOO LOUD so I had to disable it or I can't input sat nav data etc without it being audible from inside my house even with all car and house windows closed. I regularly leave/return home at unsociable hours so this is an issue for me. Also I can only seem to disable it for the touch screen not the buttons for lights etc. I can't find a volume setting for it, just enable or disable.

Whinging over - I went out for a drive tonight and had the most enjoyment I have had driving for years - no music or podcasts, just spirited driving (with restricted revs). I made the right choice with this GTI.
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: PACE on 02 August 2024, 09:24

(https://i.postimg.cc/SsgDVVh3/IMG-4914.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/62GrprTf)

(https://i.postimg.cc/s29nGs0V/IMG-4917.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yJxhw4H5)

(https://i.postimg.cc/wvqwhZSD/IMG-4918.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Nyn8tJG0)
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: fredgroves on 02 August 2024, 09:30
You are right, it is a hoot to drive if you give it some beans but equally it's perfectly happy to just pootle along and give good mpg. Sometimes I forget just how quick it can be after driving slow and casual for most of the time.
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: dfm on 02 August 2024, 09:33
Look great Pace. Enjoy.
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: JoeGTI on 02 August 2024, 09:51
Very nice indeed!

The GTI puddle lights are a nice touch, a definite improvement on the MK8 effort. Hope they've sorted out the problem whereby they disintegrate after a year or two.
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: DrivenToDistraction on 03 August 2024, 11:43
The only actual complaint I have about the car so far is that the infotainment touch sound is SOOOO LOUD so I had to disable it or I can't input sat nav data etc without it being audible from inside my house even with all car and house windows closed. [/b].

Wow, that must be loud! To be clear, you mean the "beep" sound the car makes when you simply touch the screen? Seems odd that you cant adjust the volume, unless it is hidden in the menu system...
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: PACE on 03 August 2024, 22:59
Yes, it’s like a click on this infotainment and I can only enable or disable. Checked all volume sliders etc. hopefully it’ll get an update because it seems insane you can’t adjust it.
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: Carlosfandango on 04 August 2024, 08:42
Looks great that👌, my Mk8 has a small delay with the washer jets too, I presume it’s normal, but annoying none the less, I actually bought some in line non return valves to add to the washer tubing, but decided against adding them, as I’ve been told that in this case, the water being allowed to drain back is by design, and a preventative measure to reduce the chance of freezing during cold weather, I’ve no idea if that is correct or not, but they have never frozen up, mine has heated washer jets, but so did my Mk7 and that would freeze in the tubing if cold enough. 🤷‍♂️
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: SRGTD on 04 August 2024, 10:04
Looks great that👌, my Mk8 has a small delay with the washer jets too, I presume it’s normal, but annoying none the less, I actually bought some in line non return valves to add to the washer tubing, but decided against adding them, as I’ve been told that in this case, the water being allowed to drain back is by design, and a preventative measure to reduce the chance of freezing during cold weather, I’ve no idea if that is correct or not, but they have never frozen up, mine has heated washer jets, but so did my Mk7 and that would freeze in the tubing if cold enough. 🤷‍♂️

I’ve also been told - and read somewhere - the washer fluid draining back to prevent freezing of the jets is by design.

I’ve never had heated washer jets. As you’ve said, if the washer fluid does freeze in the tubing then it kind of defeats the object of having heated washer jets. IMHO washer fluid of the correct concentration for the weather conditions is the key, which probably also reduces the need for heated washer jets.
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: PACE on 04 August 2024, 19:33
Thanks for the feedback. Glad it’s not a fault in that case.
Cleared 330 miles today and enjoyed every one of them!
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: Watts on 04 August 2024, 19:57
I’ve never had heated washer jets. As you’ve said, if the washer fluid does freeze in the tubing then it kind of defeats the object of having heated washer jets. IMHO washer fluid of the correct concentration for the weather conditions is the key, which probably also reduces the need for heated washer jets.

Pretty sure the purpose of the heated nozzles is to stop them freezing over, not to stop the washer fluid freezing. The washer fluid will only freeze if it is at the wrong concentration for the conditions.
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: Carlosfandango on 04 August 2024, 22:20
I’ve never had heated washer jets. As you’ve said, if the washer fluid does freeze in the tubing then it kind of defeats the object of having heated washer jets. IMHO washer fluid of the correct concentration for the weather conditions is the key, which probably also reduces the need for heated washer jets.

Pretty sure the purpose of the heated nozzles is to stop them freezing over, not to stop the washer fluid freezing. The washer fluid will only freeze if it is at the wrong concentration for the conditions.

Yes, you’re absolutely correct, but even with a winter mix, if it gets colder than it’s mixed for, those tubing lines are very exposed, and with so little liquid in them they could easily freeze. so having it drain back is a sensible precaution if indeed it is by design.
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: fredgroves on 17 August 2024, 10:15
Yes, it’s like a click on this infotainment and I can only enable or disable. Checked all volume sliders etc. hopefully it’ll get an update because it seems insane you can’t adjust it.

Settings, screen, tones for other stuff... Off!

Job done

(I've just turned mine off as weirdly it had become enabled)
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: PACE on 21 August 2024, 13:18
Small update after 3 weeks of owning the car.
Had a random DSG fault one morning when starting the car that caused it to stall (all before pulling away). Reported to local dealer and was advised not to worry about it unless it reappears which it hasn’t so far.

Just about to clear 1000 miles later today with any luck which is the end of the running in procedure according to the manual which I have followed purely for warranty and lack of hassle if I encounter an issue.

Looking forward to letting it rip very soon but have been super impressed with fuel economy - 45.8mpg on a 100 mile run into London last week.
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: JG220 on 30 August 2024, 10:44
Can we have some more pictures please  :smiley:
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: PACE on 03 September 2024, 09:38
I keep meaning to actually get out and take some photos since I’ve totally fallen for the car but I’ve not had time since getting it. Will happen soon!

Cleared 1200 miles with family camping trip last weekend where the car was great.
Been enjoying the full range of the engine since passing 1000 miles too! It’s plenty fast for me these days and is genuinely really fun to drive well before 10 tenths, which is ideal for me these days.
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: JG220 on 03 September 2024, 11:00
And you're on passive dampers aren't you. No issues with ride/handling?

I keep thinking I should have DCC, but that involves waiting too long and risking 40k luxury VED.
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: PACE on 03 September 2024, 11:19
Yes, completely stock with no options added as far as I’m aware.
Ride is firm but totally fine. I had a 5 series touring before this and so obviously it’s much firmer and more crashy over bumps than that but the Golf is perfectly find with stock dampers. Performance is great.

On a side note  the one thing that actually feels less premium than the BMWs I’ve had is wind/road noise. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not an issue but it just made me notice how quiet the BMWs were.
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: fredgroves on 03 September 2024, 12:22
Much less sound deadening on a small car than a 5 series oil tanker...
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: simonwhite2000 on 09 September 2024, 12:53
Very nice - I don't personally see the point in getting a clubsport over the standard GTI for the 8.5, new front end looks great!
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: Adam1986uk on 10 September 2024, 20:11
I picked up my first GTI yesterday!

Base UK spec so I didn’t have to wait long. Love it so far and did better on fuel than expected on the 2+ hour drive home from the dealer.


Mine arrives Thursday and I'm currently trying to get insurance. I'm having trouble finding the exact model on the comparison websites - the best I can find is "Golf GTI TSI FWD 261" - is this right? I thought it was 265 hp, not 261?
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: Sharpe on 10 September 2024, 21:32
265 PS would be 261 BHP
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: nubedriver on 10 September 2024, 22:57
I picked up my first GTI yesterday!

Base UK spec so I didn’t have to wait long. Love it so far and did better on fuel than expected on the 2+ hour drive home from the dealer.


Mine arrives Thursday and I'm currently trying to get insurance. I'm having trouble finding the exact model on the comparison websites - the best I can find is "Golf GTI TSI FWD 261" - is this right? I thought it was 265 hp, not 261?

I had mine delivered yesterday. That's the exact same model of car I chose the the insurance. Has to be it, was the model in the image.



(https://i.postimg.cc/QNp1sS5S/Screenshot-2024-09-10-233837.png) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: nubedriver on 10 September 2024, 22:59
265 PS would be 261 BHP

So does that mean its the correct model? I also selected that on my insurance
Title: Re: UK Mk8.5 GTI arrived!
Post by: Adam1986uk on 13 September 2024, 21:00
Mine arrived yesterday (Dolphin Grey), love it!

Here are a few small issues I've noticed...

I don't have the same issue with the touch screen noise being loud but the parking sensors are insanely loud, even on the lowest setting!

The ride is slightly firmer than my mk7.5, but not too noticeable.

The VW app includes an option for remote unlock but absolutely doesn't work...the app is awful and practically useless.

Some functions on the screen (such as "shop") say they require a software update and to access it in notifications. When you go to notifications, no such option exists.

Other than that all good so far...