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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Nino on 05 June 2025, 15:17

Title: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: Nino on 05 June 2025, 15:17
Hey folks,

Long-time member here and just looking to pick the brains of those of you who currently own (or have owned) any of the following MK7.5 Golfs:

> Golf R
> GTI TCR
> GTI Performance

I’m not in a rush to change cars, but I always like to research the living hell out of potential next cars well in advance helps me go in with my eyes open when the time comes.

Current car: Edition 35 GTI – Absolutely love it and plan to keep enjoying it for at least another year or two. It’s been a solid, characterful daily with enough poke and practicality to tick all the boxes.

Previous car:
65-plate MK7 GTD (low mileage, full history, etc) and honestly, it left a bit of a scar. Despite the “on paper” quality, I had no end of issues:

- Heater matrix replacement
- Multiple solenoids failing
- Dodgy switches and electrics

It’s made me a little cautious about stepping back into another MK7 chassis car even the facelift.

About me: I’m the kind of enthusiast who keeps his cars meticulously maintained with no expense spared preventive over reactive always. I also like to own cars that are a bit left-field or rare so I’m not sure how the R snuck onto the list, but here we are 😂

So here’s what I’m hoping to learn from owners of the above:

> What do you love about your car?
> What do you dislike or find annoying about it (no matter how small)?
> Any common issues or niggles you've run into that I should be aware of?
> And if you’ve had more than one of these (or driven them back-to-back), which felt better in terms of driving feel and reliability?

I know there’s loads of threads on each of these individually, but I’d really appreciate some head-to-head, real-world feedback from long-term owners or anyone who’s spent time with more than one of these cars.

Thanks in advance!  :cool:
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: fredgroves on 05 June 2025, 15:50
The only "rare" one on your list is the TCR.... the rest are about as mainstream as a Fiesta ST.

The TCR was the last hurrah of the Mk7.5, not quite a Mk7 CSS rare or crazy, but still out there as a rare beast.

Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: Adam T7 on 05 June 2025, 16:01
Had my GTI Performance for nearly 6.5 years from new. Great car, possibly best I’ve ever had. Only niggle (and it’s really small) is the heated mirrors, no apparent auto turn off and no warning light to indicate they are on.
Like you, great believer in pro-active servicing and keeping it immaculate.
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: Toeman on 05 June 2025, 17:47
As Adam said  the 7.5 golf gti performance is  as good a car as anything out there  and if you have good spec on your car  its very hard to see past it  if you go to look at something else     the tcr is certainly bit more special      good luck in your search 
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: fredgroves on 05 June 2025, 20:28
Oh BTW, top tip... Avoid one with a sunroof unless you want to keep paying for replacement surrounds when it cracks
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: P6GTD on 05 June 2025, 23:03
7.5 Performance. Best car I have ever had and is the reason I still have it after 6 years with no plan to change. Only problem has been
the most common…. water pump/thermostat leak at 40k miles and 5 years.
The only different tip I can pass on to you is to look for a GTI (early 2019 onwards) with GPF to get the best genuine exhaust sound. No pops and bangs but a lovely deep bass note.
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: Nino on 06 June 2025, 07:21
Oh BTW, top tip... Avoid one with a sunroof unless you want to keep paying for replacement surrounds when it cracks

Ohhh I am glad you said that! Pan roof was something I wanted - you were right with your first comment too, TCR is the only rare one :D
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: Nino on 06 June 2025, 07:22
7.5 Performance. Best car I have ever had and is the reason I still have it after 6 years with no plan to change. Only problem has been
the most common…. water pump/thermostat leak at 40k miles and 5 years.
The only different tip I can pass on to you is to look for a GTI (early 2019 onwards) with GPF to get the best genuine exhaust sound. No pops and bangs but a lovely deep bass note.

Sorry to sound dumb, what GPF? and yes I agree, the pops and bangs crap grinds me, why anyone would want that on a car baffles me.

and regarding the Waterpump/thermo, I read about that in the MK7 R's its hitting the 7.5's too? :(
Isn't that like 1k+ to sort? :O
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: Nino on 06 June 2025, 07:23
Had my GTI Performance for nearly 6.5 years from new. Great car, possibly best I’ve ever had. Only niggle (and it’s really small) is the heated mirrors, no apparent auto turn off and no warning light to indicate they are on.
Like you, great believer in pro-active servicing and keeping it immaculate.

Thanks for that - Now that you mention it, I am sure the glass fell out on my GTD :D
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: MinchCS on 06 June 2025, 07:53
I would avoid later cars with GPF. But having had a GPF fail recently in a family member's car (a 5 year old Cayman) costing £2500 to replace, I might be biased.

Worth Googling GPF problems in forums to see various makes starting to be affected now - and costs involved (the GPF tends not to be covered by extended warranties).
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: Nino on 06 June 2025, 08:18
I would avoid later cars with GPF. But having had a GPF fail recently in a family member's car (a 5 year old Cayman) costing £2500 to replace, I might be biased.

Worth Googling GPF problems in forums to see various makes starting to be affected now - and costs involved (the GPF tends not to be covered ion extended warranties).

Just researched it, basically a DPF for a petrol car what idot thought that was a good idea  :angry:
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: Watts on 06 June 2025, 09:17
Oh BTW, top tip... Avoid one with a sunroof unless you want to keep paying for replacement surrounds when it cracks

Ohhh I am glad you said that! Pan roof was something I wanted - you were right with your first comment too, TCR is the only rare one :D

The panroof surrounds can and do crack, mine did at a few months old. The issue was poor fitting at the factory. Mine has been perfect since it was replaced (famous last words) and I would think that if one has lasted this long then it's likely to be fine. It's a great feature and I'm glad to have it.

I had a MK7 GTIPP before and changed to the TCR as the 'R' engine was so much better. The bigger turbo is still giving loads of power at the top of the rev range which for me makes it more exciting to drive. Also torque comes in a bit higher and I find it breaks traction far less often than the GTIPP ever did and has never given any wheel hop, one thing I hated about the PP. I also like the deep bass note of the exhaust and the looks, still relatively subtle but is more purposeful.

GPF can be annoying when it needs emptying but is easy to sort out. Overall I find the TCR a great ownership experience, a little crashy with the suspension but okay and even with the bigger turbo, fuel economy is excellent. 45mpg on a run is not uncommon, 48+ achieveable. Around 36 as a long term average.

Of the three you asked about, TCR everytime for me.
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: Nino on 06 June 2025, 11:02
Oh BTW, top tip... Avoid one with a sunroof unless you want to keep paying for replacement surrounds when it cracks

Ohhh I am glad you said that! Pan roof was something I wanted - you were right with your first comment too, TCR is the only rare one :D

The panroof surrounds can and do crack, mine did at a few months old. The issue was poor fitting at the factory. Mine has been perfect since it was replaced (famous last words) and I would think that if one has lasted this long then it's likely to be fine. It's a great feature and I'm glad to have it.

I had a MK7 GTIPP before and changed to the TCR as the 'R' engine was so much better. The bigger turbo is still giving loads of power at the top of the rev range which for me makes it more exciting to drive. Also torque comes in a bit higher and I find it breaks traction far less often than the GTIPP ever did and has never given any wheel hop, one thing I hated about the PP. I also like the deep bass note of the exhaust and the looks, still relatively subtle but is more purposeful.

GPF can be annoying when it needs emptying but is easy to sort out. Overall I find the TCR a great ownership experience, a little crashy with the suspension but okay and even with the bigger turbo, fuel economy is excellent. 45mpg on a run is not uncommon, 48+ achieveable. Around 36 as a long term average.

Of the three you asked about, TCR everytime for me.

Appreiate that Watts, thank you.

I also read that jacking the car up on one side can cause the roof to crack, how true that is, I don't know but interesting to know that you have had no issues since (Fingers crossed).

Good feedback on the crashy suspension, for this reason I think I would want DCC as a minimum.
and being honest, at the moment, I am learning towards a TCR, the GPF thing does worry me though.

Does anyone know if the 7.5 still had heater matrix issues?
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: Adam T7 on 06 June 2025, 11:17
No heater matrix issues I’m aware off unless the silica bag splits in the expansion tank - I removed mine. What’s the big worry with a GPF? easy enough to do a regen when needed.
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: Watts on 06 June 2025, 11:22
Mine has DCC which I run in comfort. 90% of the time it is very good but sharp ridges and potholes feel like you had run into something.

Don't worry about the gpf, yes it is something else to go wrong but I'd be more worried about a broken headlight, very expensive but far more likely!

Mine's 6 years old now and apart from the sunroof surround it has been 100% reliable. If you can get one under 6 years you can buy the VW all in one plan. 2 years servicing, 2 years warranty, 2 years RAC and 2 MoTs for under £40pm. Takes a lot of the worry away.
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: SRGTD on 06 June 2025, 11:24
I’ve never had any GPF issues. I’m on 3 other VW forums and the main Seat / Cupra forum and I’ve never read of anyone having issues with a GPF either.
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: Nino on 06 June 2025, 12:06
That's good to hear, my worry comes from I acutally don't use my car all that much, maybe 4-5k miles a year and generally only motorway 1-2 times a week.
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: Adam T7 on 06 June 2025, 12:10
That's good to hear, my worry comes from I acutally don't use my car all that much, maybe 4-5k miles a year and generally only motorway 1-2 times a week.

Same as me, have only needed to do a regen twice in 6.5 years, no bother at all.
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: fredgroves on 06 June 2025, 12:36
On the sunroof surround, there are posts on this forum about repeated replacement under warranty and it failing time and time again.

Could just be the UK's nasty roads, but personally I'd avoid having the roof in the first place...

BTW burnt out heaters definitely a Mk7.5 problem - and not due to the silicon bag either - had mine go on my mk7.5.

Also the same with the water pumps, those are still a problem too.

Suspect the same is true of any car though - water pumps will always fail eventually. Whether its the housing or something else. Don't think its a VW problem specifically - my family have had it on Minis just the same and my old Fords and Vauxalls similar.
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: P6GTD on 06 June 2025, 13:03
GPF was a mandatory pan-Europe change as a result of WLTP regs so I guess all cars made or sold in Europe
got one circa 2019.
I have only had one regeneration in 6 yrs/45k, despite lots of cold running and urban use.
Another plus if you have OCD is the chrome exhausts inside and out are as clean as the day they were made in contrast to my last GTI which got very sooty.
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: Toeman on 06 June 2025, 16:13
If u  nerves had a problem with thd pan roof  and it such a class feature  these summer months  must have for me
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: DSGboy on 07 June 2025, 00:30
Owned my R from new in March 2019.  Fully serviced, well maintained. Lives in the garage, just about to cover 10500 miles.  Have taken advantage of the All In from VW. No issues at all, yet.  Not in a hurry to part with it, not when the upgrade to an Mk8.5 to my spec will need £23k+.
Boot space reduced in the R; not an issue for all tho.
Turning circle with Factory Pretorias is unwieldy.
A rapid car in all weathers. Solidly safe. Unflappable. Makes you feel happy when lovely wife is out in bad weather in it.
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: Nino on 07 June 2025, 18:00
TBH - The more I look into it, the more the R doesn't nessacarily appeal to me.

I am however looking over the Clubsport edition 40 which I like!
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: jcrollie on 07 June 2025, 20:11
I’ve had my TCR for about 3 months now. Done just over 3000 miles already. As you would expect, no problems but that isn’t very useful given the short ownership.

As a package it ticks every box as a GTI does, this just has a bit more special about it - the looks, interior, performance, etc. Mk7.5s are just brilliant imo.

I personally prefer GTI over R - just the look of them, FWD playfulness and lightness. If you want a manual car, go for the GTI performance I dont think you can go wrong with them at all. There are some nice cars available at good prices from VW. The TCR is a real bit of kit, but I haven’t experienced the others myself so little one dimensional. Unlike the GTI PP, there’s no urge for more power, etc. TCR looks and rarity are big selling point. The front diff makes it hook up really well when you are hammering it down a country lane or equivalent. IMO if you want a TCR I would say Performance Pack is essential, or at least DCC (although would be rare to find without PP but with DCC). There aren’t many for sale with good spec and mileage, certainly not for a reasonable price. Surprised what a deal I got on my car considering the spec and mileage. Another benefit is values have stayed strong since they came out, but MK7.5s are also generally strong. 

My MPG hasn’t been as good as what others have quoted. I get 300-350mpg per tank, includes some spirited driving but 90% gentle in normal. Long journey to Scotland I got just shy of 40mpg so get about 400 miles. When I got the car its long term was just shy of 25mpg, now its approaching 27mpg. Although, I am getting 30-33mpg when not commuting in and out of school so my MPG should improve now that I am almost done with that. So if you got a TCR I would suspect your mpg would be dependent on driving style/journeys. Doesn’t like stop start at all!

Hope this helps. Obligatory photo :grin:


(https://i.postimg.cc/kM2sybXR/IMG-2885.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4nTpfncX)
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: willni on 08 June 2025, 08:42
I personally think the mk7.5 performance is the best of the bunch, albeit the only thing I dislike about it which isn't a bad thing, it never feels like it's trying. The engine feels like it's jogging instead of sprinting when you put the foot down, even though it picks up pace very quickly but a remap would sort that.

Best thing about my car is how it suits every occasion and does it well. It'll definitely be a car that will age very well especially in the next 4-5 years, when you start to see less of them on the road.

My only advice is get one with as much options as possible as it makes it feel like a different car than a bog standard one.

There's two things on my car that do annoy (very very loose sense of the work) me though:
1. The larger discovery radio, the middle button between the up and down volume isn't illuminated. (Yes, it's as pedantic as it can get)
2. My rear seats don't quite lock hard enough which causes a slight rattle every now and then. But a bit of tesa tape fixes that.

Other than that it's more down to what I picked, I do wish I had a 5 door one and I also wish it was white silver, but I bought mine as it was the embodiment of what a GTI is, red and 3 door.

I will be in the minority here, but I do still believe the GTD had a better driving feel to it due to the torque from the diesel engine, but again it's because the GTI engine feels underworked, I would love to drive a GTI with a remap to see what it's like.

P.S I love my Pan Roof, wouldn't buy a golf without it.
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: Nino on 08 June 2025, 21:24
Thanks for the input - At this point, its down to two cars.

- TCR
- Edition 40
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: jcrollie on 09 June 2025, 21:09
If you haven't already, I am sure there's some comparison video you can watch (probably Volkswizard?). I'm no expert on the edition 40, but I think it's more appealing if you get it in manual guise (i.e budget CS). If it is DSG, then I think the TCR is a better package all round - although they are more money so that factors in.
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: Nino on 10 June 2025, 07:35
If you haven't already, I am sure there's some comparison video you can watch (probably Volkswizard?). I'm no expert on the edition 40, but I think it's more appealing if you get it in manual guise (i.e budget CS). If it is DSG, then I think the TCR is a better package all round - although they are more money so that factors in.

Yeah I have watched all of his videos :D

This is my issue at the moment, I prefer the TCR front end and front lights. I love the grey colour and like that it has virutal cockpit and upto date infotainment system.

With the clubsport, I like the rear spoiler, the artantara steering wheel and the fact it can come with wingbacks & a build plaque.
But, its the older model and have the older lights and less aggressive front end.

I am leaning towards the TCR as its newer so by the time I am ready to get one, I should still hopefully be able to get VW all in for peice of mind - if not, I may also pull towards the Clubsport.

 :laugh:
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: fredgroves on 10 June 2025, 10:17
Just go with the TCR, its peak Mk7.5 and really quite different to any other Mk7.

Also they are 2019, so not ancient.

CS40's you'll get stuck after deciding you desire the rarest spec combo (bucket seats) and endlessly chase cars...

The TCR will drive much better, more bang for the buck and easier to find one.

Just my 2 pence.
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: Hertsman on 10 June 2025, 10:30
Recent cars are a 66 plate Golf R followed by a 69 plate GTI TCR and presently a 19 plate Golf R and BMW 128Ti.

The Golf R and the GTI TCR are equally great. With the Golf R you get little bit more BHP and that all important AWD for ensuring all that BHP is used to maximum and the drive is assured, on rails even, you feel the additional weight and AWD planting you to the tarmac.

The GTI TCR gives you all that pace of the R but its a lot more lighter in the hand, agile, its a very different drive. the one thing the TCR nails is that it rarely tramps, you really have to floor it in damp conditions, and never had one experience of torque steer, so the TCR drive feels very secure, not quite R like, but with the Front Diff doing its wonders, you do not have to mediate your driving. Front tyres did go off and need replacing at 13k

In contrast, the BMW 128Ti which is very similar in spec, has this special ability to torque steer in damp from nowhere, making for some mild butterfly moments. Great car, but you cannot drive it to its performance in wet unless on newer tyres.

Looks? At time, some thought the TCR was a little too much, but personally think VW nailed the TCR in styling, mine had performance pack, with the reifnitz wheels and the Akra exhaust (great exhaust note) and loved walking up to it. The MK 7.5 interior is the best you will ever see in a Golf, again VW nailed it, nice blend of buttons, switches and updated tech.

Had little choice but to move on from my TCR at time, finances did not work out and took on the 128Ti on lease, but would love to have kept it, and when we bought the 19 plate Golf R we did look at a TCR, but they were an extra £3-4 k at time and in reality the Golf R is the better car, and head over mind, to which we have no regrets, the Golf R brings its own smiles, especially when weather is shocking.

TCR are really keeping their price, they more expensive than much younger MK 8 R and Clubsports with less mileage, so they will always hold their money.

Can see me picking up a 10 year old TCR down the road, weekend car..

My lease is coming up for renewal and hoping a MK 8.5 Clubsport sneaks into my allowance, as spec looking at is very TCR, the grey (moonstone i think) with the Black Estoril Alloys
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: jcrollie on 10 June 2025, 14:54
The wing, plaque, etc. are bonuses tbf. The previous owner did a series of OEM+ mods to mine, including a clubsport alcantara steering wheel which was a welcomed addition when I saw the car. If you want that so much you could always get an OEM clubsport alcantara wheel? But leather will wear better over time and you got to maintain the alcantara.

Depends what purpose the car is going to serve. If it is your daily, the niceties of the TCR are great and I haven't seen another on the road myself (although that will also come down to a bit of luck and area... but a rare sight regardless). Will be curious to see what you choose in the end  :smiley:
Title: Re: Future Car Research – MK7.5 R vs TCR vs GTI Performance – Owner Input Wanted!
Post by: AGB on 23 July 2025, 12:16
Perhaps a little late on this thread but I'm not sure how future your future is so some comments that may be of use. A lot has been written about these cars so will try not to duplicate. One thing I will say is that TCR was an exercise in marketing, not engineering. That doesn't detract from what is an excellent car though.

Doubtless, you'll have read that 7.5 is peak Golf. I generally agree. I think from a build perspective, they've ironed out the problems before the accountants and haptics were unleashed on the MK8 and the 7.5 still feels modern. I had a MK8 Clubsport which lasted weeks before I gratefully returned it - it felt cheap, chintzy and the interface design was awful and distracting to use. By contrast, my Clubsport S which is a Mk7 has an infotainment system screen that was stolen from a Nokia 3210 and feels ancient. You still need to find your way around and doing so on a screen the size of a postage stamp isn't ideal. They may as well have saved the weight and put a phone mount in as my iPhone Pro Max screen is larger, higher fidelity and has a faster processor. Depending on how long you want to keep the car, connectivity and this aspect is worth considering in terms of daily usability and perhaps resale later down the line.

We bought a TCR new in 2019 and still have it. I think it was the first one on the forum so there is a thread with lots of pictures going back. It's just shy of 50,000 miles and has performed flawlessly. The only issue I have had with the car to speak of is relatively recent where stone damage killed the central radiator and it required replacement. I specified the smaller head unit (standard If I recall) which still retained a physical volume control button as I didn't really want the yawning expanse of screen that came with the upgraded head unit either. I have a burning hatred for centralising every function into a touch screen and piano black finishes show every spec of dust and fingerprint.

FWD vs AWD is a personal decision as are the aesthetic differences. I can offer subjective opinion but in general terms, I don't think you're going to see as much of a difference as the 0-60 time might suggest. I have a MK7 Clubsport S which has equivalent power (FWD) and I've never thought the car wanted for much more power. I could feel the power difference in a Performance that I had as a loaner when the CSS was in for a major service but that's probably an unfair comparison point. Torque is not dissimilar.

I think the TCR is a more desirable car than the R or Performance, certainly within enthusiast circles and apart from the styling kit, you have an exclusive colour option in Pure Grey which I think suits the car particularly well. The rear spoiler, diffuser in particular and skirts are actually more aggressive than on my CSS.

I don't know if you have any specific questions but happy to answer or share some pictures if you need them.