What to look out for on a Mark V GTI with DSG?

[Davstylee]

Hey everyone.

I’m new to the Golf world, but I have admired them from ages. I am looking to buy a 2005 55 reg, 5 door GTI with the DSG gear box. The one I’m looking at has done 44,000 miles and has a few extras like, leather heated seats, sat nav, and a sunroof amongst other things.

I was hoping to get some input from GTI owners, past a present, to see if there is anything I should look out for, or any tips you guys can give me? I know the cam belt has to be replaced after a certain amount of time, but apart from that I’m not too sure what else I should be wary of or asking the seller? Things like issues the heated seats? Also if there has been any reported problems with the model or year like service recals things of that nature, or if I should look out for certain notes in the service history?

Any suggestion or help would be great.

Thanks.

[duzza]

Make sure the DSG had an oil change at 40,000

[Davstylee]

Thanks for the info, I'm guessing this will be on the service history or some other sort of paperwork to prove that it has been done?

[duzza]

Thanks for the info, I'm guessing this will be on the service history or some other sort of paperwork to prove that it has been done?

Should be in the service book. Personally I'd want it to have been completed by a dealer too. You don't want to be replacing a DSG gearbox anytime soon 

[Davstylee]

That I don't, im gonna take a stab in the dark and say it's pretty expensive ha ha!

So any other things I should look out for? Any service recalls that should have been done by now or anything like that?

[2007GTI]

there was a DSG firmware upgrade in 2007, should have been done when it had a service FOC.

[andrewparker]

Check the aircon works.

Good luck with your purchase!

[ub7rm]

As said check that the aircon works, this board was full of posts this summer about broken a/c.

Check that there is no grinding noise on hard lock from the steering, if there is it means you need a new steering rack another common problem with all VW of that vintage.  Strictly speaking it doesn't 'need' it - it will work fine and its not a safety issue but to get rid of the noise you need to replace it.

I know my 05 plate went in for an ECU update but that may already have been in place by the time yours rolled off the production line.  If you have the reg no or ideally the VIN no you could phone your dealer and ask whats been done, when the last time it was serviced (they will know the service history as long as its been done at any VW dealers) and what recalls if any are outstanding.

Some of the early mk5 GTI's had an issue with the rear wiper motor where it developed a mind of its own.

There isn't really that many common issues with these AFAIK.

Watch out for 'white worm' on the alloys if they are the 18" Monza 2's and on the boot handle if its one of the early 'flat' types.  Search function is your friend for this...

[JonnyG]

I think ub7rm has stated most of the usual reported faults above.

If you're completely new to the GTi world, I would suggest the following additional checks to ub7rm's

1.  Check the PDI dealer and stamp in the Service Book to see if the car was UK supplied or not.

2.  Check the alloys are genuine VW ones.  They should have "VW" and "BBS 349" or something similar stamped on the inside of the rim.

3.  Check the boot for a spacesaver spare wheel (UK spec) and any signs of leaking - the seals have been known to fail and the boot well get wet.

4.  Check the upper brake light strip in the rear spoiler for bad condensation or bulb failure (another common fault).

5.  Check the fit of the front doors (some early models suffered from the door dropping slightly and excessive wind noise)

6.  Check the DSG is smooth at low speeds, when fully warmed up and setting off on an incline.  If there is a small delay followed by a lurch forward I would get the DSG Mechatronics looked at before buying.  There is a known problem with a batch of these but I think your car is older than this, so you should be OK  .     

Good luck with your purchase .. hope all goes well .. sounds a nice car 

[Hurdy]

As above plus check the door seals as they can be prone to pulling away from the surround as they are only glued.