Newbie question

[ACAPULCO AL]

Afternoon all. I'm new here so please bare with me, apologies in advance if there's already a million and one threads just like this.

A friend of mine is looking to buy a mkV GTi in the next few weeks. She's after something 08-plate onward so there's still a good year's warranty left

I have a few queries -

Firstly, is DSG the dual clutch gearbox? If so, is it a steering column-mounted flappy-paddle shift?

What is the service interval on the GTi?

Is it camBELT or camCHAIN?

Are there any common problems/issues that i need to be looking out for?


Cheers gents (& ladies) 

[Jimp]

Yep, DSG is the double clutch gearbox. I think the paddles were optional but most people took the option, it may have been standard by 08. It more than likely will have the paddles and if not you can still manually control the gears from the shifter.
I get my 1.4 serviced every 10-15k depending on what needs doing, I'd imagine the GTI is similar.
Not sure about the cambelt/chain to be honest.
If the car has had a remap the OEM diverter valve can fail but they uprated it to a much stronger version after a while. Not sure what year though. Some people have needed to replace their water pump. Look out for white worm on the alloys. Can't think of any other common issues right now.
Hope that helps 

[maxp]

I dont really know much about the mk5, but off the top of my head, i think they introduced a revised engine mid 2008 that had a camchain instead of a belt, slightly better thermal properties and a bit more torque.

[smartypants]

Its a CamBELT - should be changed every 4 years or 60k miles. Get the water pump changed at the same time as its the same cost of job and its a known potential weakness

Service interval depends on whether you're on a fixed or variable service regime. Someone more in the know can point you to the relevant thread on it!

[nr123]

Paddles were standard from 06 onwards. If you're looking at 08 cars they ironed out all the creases by then really.

[DJGTi]

If you're looking at 08 cars they ironed out all the creases by then really.

Agreed.

Early (54,05,55 plate) cars had many common faults. Most 06 onwards are fine, so 08s should have no worries.

Service intervals you can choose between Time and Distance (every year or 10k) or LongLife (the car tells you: up to 2 years or 20k with special oil).

99% recommend Time and Distance as LL is too long to leave between services.

[FamilyDub]

Most 06 onwards are fine, so 08s should have no worries.

^^^ agreed. Mine's an '06, and the only real issue I've had is the diverter valve.

Service intervals you can choose between Time and Distance (every year or 10k) or LongLife (the car tells you: up to 2 years or 20k with special oil).

^^^ Most owners (on here, anyway) will use T&D every 10k/12 months, but most will insist on using the longlife oil. I know I do.

Here's a thread on it:- http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=65779.0

There are others discussing tyres/oils/etc... search function is your friend!

[Hurdy]

VW dealer serviced cars all use LL oil now, whether on LL or T&D service regimes

Look here for things to check whether new or used.

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=64432.0

[ACAPULCO AL]

you lot are gents, cheers for the help 

[ACAPULCO AL]

just though of another one - when did the engine go from 197 to 210bhp? is the 210 only in the new mk6 model?

and the monza alloys - are they 17" as standard, with 18s as an option?

i can't wait to go test driving with her