GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Happy on 09 March 2026, 13:24
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Hi
Been a while but I could do with some advice.
Bought a mk7 manual about 5 years ago and never really got on with it. I was gutted because I lusted after one for years.
Anyway I'll be 50 soon I'd like a new car but there isn't a car on the market that suits my needs more than another GTI.
Was I just unlucky with the mk7? Would a 7.5 be better? Would an 8 make more sense because it looks different to a 7/7.5?
Issues I had with mk7:
Notchy gears - especially 2nd
Electronic handbrake auto release was jerky not smooth
Both rear speakers let water in and needed replaced
Buzzing from under drivers seat (almost finished me this one)
Clicking drivers door check strap
Drivers door wouldn't close when temp was below zero - kept bouncing back open
Drivers mirror glass fell off on motorway
Whistling wind noise like door seals needed replaced
For info it was an approved used car from a Volkswagen main dealer. I traded it in after 18 months and bought a Honda diesel - which has been faultless for 3 and a half years. But god is it boring.
I realise I'm asking a golf gti forum if I should buy a golf gti :huh: but I'm sorry to say I was underwhelmed by the mk7 - especially the build quality. Not a single squeak or rattle from my 10 year old Honda and nothing has fallen off. Gear change is a dream and auto parking brake release is super smooth. But god is it boring.
Any thoughts appreciated.
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Had a 7.5 for 87 months from new angle covered 35k, no issues to report on (touching lots of wood)
My wife’s Polo would not lock when frozen, a squirt of WD40 followed by a squirt of lithium grease fixed that.
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My mk7 - a CS - feels beautifully built. I too had the buzzing under the seat. Turned out to be tiny piece of plastic trim in the lower part of the centre console, down by the back of the seat base. Removed it. Silence :)
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My 7.5 pp manual has never given me any problems (touch wood!) that your mk7 appears to have given you. Bought 18 months old and now coming up to 7 years. Not using any oil and tyres seem to last well. Fuel consumption is around 35 overall. The only addition I have made is to fit the additional undertrays to provide additional protection from grit etc. I would class myself as an enthusiastic driver but find the car does all that I need. The road out of our village is in worse condition than some of the rally stages I used to drive on but no rattles so build quality seems good. I prefer the dash style on the 7.5 to the 8 because it has the smaller MMI but that is my preference and you also get a better spec as standard. Early mk8 had lots of software issues and not sure they have all been fixed so that could be a worry unless it has warranty. If you go for a 7.5 choose the pp version but you might have to wait a while for the nice one to come on the market. Good luck with making the right decision for you.
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Thanks for all replies.
Sounds like I've just been unlucky. There were other issues too but they could've happened to any car - nothing to do with it being a gti. Eg. Transport blocks still in car suspension (seriously) damage to brake disc back plate caused by garage when getting new mirror glass fitted (they gave it a full health check) scratched paintwork and alloys courtesy of said garage when they valeted the car before I picked car up (stone in sponge) 3 out of 4 centre caps fell off etc you get the idea.
Sadly, in the end I felt it was cursed and was glad to see the back of it.
Just realising I'm still mildly traumatised. :smiley:
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I bought my Mk7 in 2017 (when 3 years old), and have enjoyed 9 years of motoring except:
Used coolant, VW replaced coolant bottle and I think water pump under warranty after 6 months of ownership, been fine last 8.5 years.
My Drivers mirror glass also fell off on motorway
Alternator went at 60,000
First set of new discs and pads at 50,000
1 x new Battery
Heater matrix blocked, very common on many VW/Audi/Seat, new one installed, car now burning hot!
Drivers door electric window switch broke, replaced myself with OEM
No gearbox problems as auto
Normal Alloy white worm, wheels refurbed
Infotainment was crap, paid to have later VW OEM CarPlay headunit installed, its great
I think that is everything, all in all, I am very impressed with it, and will be keeping it for as long as I can, as it is now being talked about as peak car, ie. no lane assist or other boll0cks no one wants!
Sounds like you have been unlucky, but obviously all second car cars have issues. I wouldn’t touch a 8, better off with a 7.5 IMHO
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Dupe
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I bought my Mk7 in 2017 (when 3 years old), and have enjoyed 9 years of motoring except:
Used coolant, VW replaced coolant bottle and I think water pump under warranty after 6 months of ownership, been fine last 8.5 years.
My Drivers mirror glass also fell off on motorway
Alternator went at 60,000
First set of new discs and pads at 50,000
1 x new Battery
Heater matrix blocked, very common on many VW/Audi/Seat, new one installed, car now burning hot!
Drivers door electric window switch broke, replaced myself with OEM
No gearbox problems as auto
Normal Alloy white worm, wheels refurbed
Infotainment was crap, paid to have later VW OEM CarPlay headunit installed, its great
I think that is everything, all in all, I am very impressed with it, and will be keeping it for as long as I can, as it is now being talked about as peak car, ie. no lane assist or other boll0cks no one wants!
Sounds like you have been unlucky, but obviously all second car cars have issues. I wouldn’t touch a 8, better off with a 7.5 IMHO
Thanks for that, appreciated.
I've always had manuals but wondering if DSG would avoid the jerky auto handbrake release I had on my mk7 manual. Might seem like a small issue I found it really annoying. And as you said the notchy 2nd gear wouldn't be an issue.
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Just turn the auto handbrake off ;)
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Just turn the auto handbrake off ;)
Do you mean auto hold? I always had that switched off. Didn't like it. I mean when handbrake is on and want to set off, get to biting point and handbrake automatically releases without you having to press the button. This was always jerky for me, not a smooth release at all. I've had plenty of cars with electronic handbrakes but I just didn't get on with the Golfs.
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No issue with the handbrake on mine apart from when wheels washed with power wash and left for a day or so it would stick before releasing. Simple resolution is drive a mile or so after washing, use brakes a lot, problem disappears.
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I've always used just as I would a normal handbrake (plus no autohold).
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Always love driving mine since the day I picked it up new in 2014. Electric handbrake is faultless as is auto hold. Yes a mirror came loose after year 8 but Silicone sealant fixed it and no issues since.
I went for DSG and is smooth as anything and can go into manual mode when needed(never). Wouldn't go back to manual ever now. Especially after a map and full CobraSport exhaust.
Sounds like you were unlucky as my GTI is better build quality than the BMW 335i that I had before it.
After the Mk7 remember they started removing knobs so I will be sticking to the older stuff from now on.
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Great info. Thanks everyone.
Might give this GTI ownership another bash then. 2nd time lucky hopefully.
Cheers
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If you get a 2020 model under 6 years old pop it on the 'all in' vw service plan and you'll have some piece of mind with the warranty etc. They're great cars :)
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I had a MK7 but it was a GTD - Late 2015 Plate (acutally registered in 2016)
I bought it on 54k had FSH, as part of the purchase, it had the timing belt and waterpump done.
Took it straight to VW to see if it was good enough to be eligable for VW All in package which it was and thank god I did.
I had the following issues;
- Fuel flap acutator broke so couldnt put fuel in (VW fixed under warranty).
- Window switches on Drivers door stopped working (VW fixed under warranty).
- Start button was tempremental (VW fixed under warranty).
- Water came in via speakers (VW fixed under warranty).
- Boot struts failed (VW fixed under warranty).
- Infotaintment system failed (VW fixed under warranty).
- Heater Matrix blocked (Had quite a fight to get VW to help on this I had to pay £480 towards this getting fixed)
- Drivers Wing mirror glass fell out (Fixed myself)
Soon as my "All in" Warranty expired I traded the car in at VW and bought my MK6 GTi Edition 35 which I have loved to be honest but I did like thew MK7 platform, but if was me, I would probably get a TCR 7.5 if I went back to the MK7 platform.
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I had a MK7 but it was a GTD - Late 2015 Plate (acutally registered in 2016)
I bought it on 54k had FSH, as part of the purchase, it had the timing belt and waterpump done.
Took it straight to VW to see if it was good enough to be eligable for VW All in package which it was and thank god I did.
I had the following issues;
- Fuel flap acutator broke so couldnt put fuel in (VW fixed under warranty).
- Window switches on Drivers door stopped working (VW fixed under warranty).
- Water came in via speakers (VW fixed under warranty).
- Boot struts failed (VW fixed under warranty).
- Infotaintment system failed (VW fixed under warranty).
- Heater Matrix blocked (Had quite a fight to get VW to help on this I had to pay £480 towards this getting fixed)
- Drivers Wing mirror glass fell out (Fixed myself)
Soon as my "All in" Warranty expired I traded the car in at VW and bought my MK6 GTi Edition 35 which I have loved to be honest but I did like thew MK7 platform, but if was me, I would probably get a TCR 7.5 if I went back to the MK7 platform.
Interesting. Maybe I should keep my Honda diesel to commute and buy a mk6 gti ed35 for the weekend. :laugh:
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You must have just been unlucky as my drives have been 2013 MK 7 GTD > 2016 MK 7 R 2019 > MK 7.5 GTI TCR and am running a 2019 MK 7.5 R now and none of those cars had any issues or additional work aside from regular servicing.
All these were DSG and I was originally very reluctant to move from Manual but within a week there was no going back, its amazing technology.
The MK 7.5 was the perfect evolution, a really balanced mix of buttons and new tech, with upgraded media system and driver display and something still prefer over the new models which are cabin bare and screen driven.
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You must have just been unlucky as my drives have been 2013 MK 7 GTD > 2016 MK 7 R 2019 > MK 7.5 GTI TCR and am running a 2019 MK 7.5 R now and none of those cars had any issues or additional work aside from regular servicing.
All these were DSG and I was originally very reluctant to move from Manual but within a week there was no going back, its amazing technology.
The MK 7.5 was the perfect evolution, a really balanced mix of buttons and new tech, with upgraded media system and driver display and something still prefer over the new models which are cabin bare and screen driven.
Yeah I think I probabily was.
I do like the Edition 40 but I think I will get a TCR when I can afford it.
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You must have just been unlucky as my drives have been 2013 MK 7 GTD > 2016 MK 7 R 2019 > MK 7.5 GTI TCR and am running a 2019 MK 7.5 R now and none of those cars had any issues or additional work aside from regular servicing.
All these were DSG and I was originally very reluctant to move from Manual but within a week there was no going back, its amazing technology.
The MK 7.5 was the perfect evolution, a really balanced mix of buttons and new tech, with upgraded media system and driver display and something still prefer over the new models which are cabin bare and screen driven.
Yeah I think I probabily was.
I do like the Edition 40 but I think I will get a TCR when I can afford it.
Really hard to find a really clean, reasonable mileage ED40 and you not getting the MK 7.5 lifts, and having had a TCR as company car that handed back at 3 years, and watched their prices, the decent ones are premium, which is reason we personally went for a 2019 Golf R as wife car replacement over a GTI TCR, the GTI TCR would have cost us £3500 more like for like in age and mileage, has less power and no AWD.
Loved the GTI TCR but its mainly for its special edition status and TCR trim. The sub £25000 ones are higher mileage, pushing the 80,0000 miles, whereas the sub 50,0000 miles are in the £26000 > £28000 still.
If really want a GTI, the sweet spot would be a GTI Performance, it will drive no differently from the GTI TCR in real world, but you will save quite a few thousand ££ over the TCR for same year (2019) and mileage
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You must have just been unlucky as my drives have been 2013 MK 7 GTD > 2016 MK 7 R 2019 > MK 7.5 GTI TCR and am running a 2019 MK 7.5 R now and none of those cars had any issues or additional work aside from regular servicing.
All these were DSG and I was originally very reluctant to move from Manual but within a week there was no going back, its amazing technology.
The MK 7.5 was the perfect evolution, a really balanced mix of buttons and new tech, with upgraded media system and driver display and something still prefer over the new models which are cabin bare and screen driven.
Yeah I think I probabily was.
I do like the Edition 40 but I think I will get a TCR when I can afford it.
Really hard to find a really clean, reasonable mileage ED40 and you not getting the MK 7.5 lifts, and having had a TCR as company car that handed back at 3 years, and watched their prices, the decent ones are premium, which is reason we personally went for a 2019 Golf R as wife car replacement over a GTI TCR, the GTI TCR would have cost us £3500 more like for like in age and mileage, has less power and no AWD.
Loved the GTI TCR but its mainly for its special edition status and TCR trim. The sub £25000 ones are higher mileage, pushing the 80,0000 miles, whereas the sub 50,0000 miles are in the £26000 > £28000 still.
If really want a GTI, the sweet spot would be a GTI Performance, it will drive no differently from the GTI TCR in real world, but you will save quite a few thousand ££ over the TCR for same year (2019) and mileage
Honestly, that is really sound advice and you are right. being honest with myself, I am not a fan of the rear defuser, looks too "Chavvy" I love the spoier on the Edition 40 and the Steering wheel but like the TCR's front end, lights etc and digital dash and upgraded infotainment.
Being realistic, I cannot afford anything until my loans are paid off and with the way the world is right now, I am not going to tie myself into any further financail burden. I love my Edition 35 tbh, does everything I need it to and it's quick enough for me (Not that you get much oppertunity to get out of 4th these days) Hopefully with me keeping it standard with only really adding a headunit and retrofits along with keeping VW service History, I should see a good return onit if and when I decide to part ways in the future.
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You must have just been unlucky as my drives have been 2013 MK 7 GTD > 2016 MK 7 R 2019 > MK 7.5 GTI TCR and am running a 2019 MK 7.5 R now and none of those cars had any issues or additional work aside from regular servicing.
All these were DSG and I was originally very reluctant to move from Manual but within a week there was no going back, its amazing technology.
The MK 7.5 was the perfect evolution, a really balanced mix of buttons and new tech, with upgraded media system and driver display and something still prefer over the new models which are cabin bare and screen driven.
Yeah I think I probabily was.
I do like the Edition 40 but I think I will get a TCR when I can afford it.
Really hard to find a really clean, reasonable mileage ED40 and you not getting the MK 7.5 lifts, and having had a TCR as company car that handed back at 3 years, and watched their prices, the decent ones are premium, which is reason we personally went for a 2019 Golf R as wife car replacement over a GTI TCR, the GTI TCR would have cost us £3500 more like for like in age and mileage, has less power and no AWD.
Loved the GTI TCR but its mainly for its special edition status and TCR trim. The sub £25000 ones are higher mileage, pushing the 80,0000 miles, whereas the sub 50,0000 miles are in the £26000 > £28000 still.
If really want a GTI, the sweet spot would be a GTI Performance, it will drive no differently from the GTI TCR in real world, but you will save quite a few thousand ££ over the TCR for same year (2019) and mileage
Honestly, that is really sound advice and you are right. being honest with myself, I am not a fan of the rear defuser, looks too "Chavvy" I love the spoier on the Edition 40 and the Steering wheel but like the TCR's front end, lights etc and digital dash and upgraded infotainment.
Being realistic, I cannot afford anything until my loans are paid off and with the way the world is right now, I am not going to tie myself into any further financail burden. I love my Edition 35 tbh, does everything I need it to and it's quick enough for me (Not that you get much oppertunity to get out of 4th these days) Hopefully with me keeping it standard with only really adding a headunit and retrofits along with keeping VW service History, I should see a good return onit if and when I decide to part ways in the future.
Wife ran a clean MK 6 2012 GTI with only 60000 miles on it for a year and it was only the lack of heated seats, parking sensors/camera and folding mirrors + lack of Car Play that she decided to move to the 2019 R (if it was mine I would have lived with it, but she wanted the modern upgrades) but in terms of the build quality and drive, could not fault it, it really pulled hard and was great to drive, and so a ED35 is still a decent car to have and own, and when you do sell it, if in good condition, you will get a decent price still.
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Happy - what Honda do you have?
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Happy - what Honda do you have?
2016 Honda HRV 1.6 i-dtec EX
Can't fault it really other than being a bit bland and boring.
It's worked well for us as a family for nearly 4 years.
(https://i.postimg.cc/vTy9GJCg/20231230-115541.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8JysH0pN)
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May aswell fling in a few photos of the Golf that broke my heart. :cry:
(https://i.postimg.cc/zB8KNmsK/20220524-132031.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wt475rTj)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mDBC4xv9/20220625-153034.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LqQnkW64)
(https://i.postimg.cc/XJ4dWMRp/20220729-091857.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NyC58nfc)
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You must have just been unlucky as my drives have been 2013 MK 7 GTD > 2016 MK 7 R 2019 > MK 7.5 GTI TCR and am running a 2019 MK 7.5 R now and none of those cars had any issues or additional work aside from regular servicing.
All these were DSG and I was originally very reluctant to move from Manual but within a week there was no going back, its amazing technology.
The MK 7.5 was the perfect evolution, a really balanced mix of buttons and new tech, with upgraded media system and driver display and something still prefer over the new models which are cabin bare and screen driven.
Yeah I think I probabily was.
I do like the Edition 40 but I think I will get a TCR when I can afford it.
Really hard to find a really clean, reasonable mileage ED40 and you not getting the MK 7.5 lifts, and having had a TCR as company car that handed back at 3 years, and watched their prices, the decent ones are premium, which is reason we personally went for a 2019 Golf R as wife car replacement over a GTI TCR, the GTI TCR would have cost us £3500 more like for like in age and mileage, has less power and no AWD.
Loved the GTI TCR but its mainly for its special edition status and TCR trim. The sub £25000 ones are higher mileage, pushing the 80,0000 miles, whereas the sub 50,0000 miles are in the £26000 > £28000 still.
If really want a GTI, the sweet spot would be a GTI Performance, it will drive no differently from the GTI TCR in real world, but you will save quite a few thousand ££ over the TCR for same year (2019) and mileage
Honestly, that is really sound advice and you are right. being honest with myself, I am not a fan of the rear defuser, looks too "Chavvy" I love the spoier on the Edition 40 and the Steering wheel but like the TCR's front end, lights etc and digital dash and upgraded infotainment.
Being realistic, I cannot afford anything until my loans are paid off and with the way the world is right now, I am not going to tie myself into any further financail burden. I love my Edition 35 tbh, does everything I need it to and it's quick enough for me (Not that you get much oppertunity to get out of 4th these days) Hopefully with me keeping it standard with only really adding a headunit and retrofits along with keeping VW service History, I should see a good return onit if and when I decide to part ways in the future.
Wife ran a clean MK 6 2012 GTI with only 60000 miles on it for a year and it was only the lack of heated seats, parking sensors/camera and folding mirrors + lack of Car Play that she decided to move to the 2019 R (if it was mine I would have lived with it, but she wanted the modern upgrades) but in terms of the build quality and drive, could not fault it, it really pulled hard and was great to drive, and so a ED35 is still a decent car to have and own, and when you do sell it, if in good condition, you will get a decent price still.
I know exactly what she means. Coming from a MK7 GTD, I did miss the toys. I have since retro fitted:
- DAB antenna in the spoiler.
- Wireless apple carplay via an Alpine iLX-705D.
- Focal VW MK6 Speaker upgrade with the tweaters (The rare set)
- Power folding Mirrors with puddle lights that fold from fob.
- Colour MFD clocks.
Other than that, its completely standard and on 83k it doesnt have reverse camera or parking sensors but im happy with it so far.
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May aswell fling in a few photos of the Golf that broke my heart. :cry:
(https://i.postimg.cc/zB8KNmsK/20220524-132031.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wt475rTj)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mDBC4xv9/20220625-153034.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LqQnkW64)
(https://i.postimg.cc/XJ4dWMRp/20220729-091857.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NyC58nfc)
Lovely Colour.
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Have always thought Atlantic Blue is the best GTI colour. Not sure why dropped for the Mk8; esp when there are 3 x greys......
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Might be wrong but as the car is a Mk7 not 7.5 won't that be Night Blue ? Atlantic only came out with Mk7.5 - does look like Atlantic in the photo due to light maybe
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For what it's worth (and to offset the bias :wink:) I've had a similar experience with mine, a few things stop me really enjoying the car;
- notchy manual gearbox, notably 2nd & 3rd). Gets better as it warms up but still not great. Have considered replacing clutch but haven't committed yet as not entirely sure it's the issue.
- Creaky driver's seat & rattling belt clip / buckle.
..and two things that are probably more my fault than anything:
- squeaky and now slightly warped brakes after replacing all round with brembo. Should have gone OEM.
- sawtoothed rear tyres. Should have had alignment checked more frequently!
Mine is blue too, maybe that's the problem.