Reliablity issues mk5 gti?

[Alexjonson]

Hello chaps!

I'm new to this forum, so if I put the thread in the wrong place, a moderator could be friendly and change it.
Anyways, I'm looking into buying a used Golf Mk5 GTI when spring comes around here in cold Sweden, which is around easter. I spoke to my dad who has quiet alot of experience with cars, but generally with Evos, however he told me that VW cars are famous for having alot of problems with electricity/wiring.
So the question is then, is there alot of problems with the electricity and wiring or has that issue been solved?

A problem alot of GTI buyers probably face is DSG gearbox or not? I know the DSG has quicker 0-60 times but that dosen't really matter to me since both are fairly quick. The big deal for me is if there is alot of issues with the DSG box after a few years of usage? Following question on that would be, if the gearbox breaks, what would the price of a replacement or repair (roughly) be?
Is there more problems with early GTI's like 05's to let's say 07-08 cars?

Another question on DSG vs. manual gearbox would be how it drives, hard engine braking for example, is that possible on the DSG?
It will be run mostly to school, work and airports but also kicking some laps around the track.
It will never be run during winter months.

I will probably buy the car from Germany and import it to Sweden if that would make any diffrence.

Hope it's not too messy for you guys, preciate all info and experiences, Thanks!

[th3_f15t]

Well first of all, this apparent electrical issue of Volkswagen is a new one on me, but I am UK based. Generally speaking, all cars electronics will fail long before anything else due to the environment they're in. The more modern a car, the less exposure to the damage nature of car life they will have had. I personally have no issues with my 2007 Golf GTI at all.

The famous old DSG vs. manual 'box debate. In terms of issues with DSG, they only concern if it has not been serviced correctly. It's still a very new technology when you think about it, automatic transmission has been around for donkey's years where as DSG is totally different and people just weren't aware of the need of servicing so didn't bother, which leads to failures later on. Generally speaking, those cars that have stuck to the Volkswagen schedule have never had issues.

Which one would I recommend? Both and neither. The only way to really know is to test drive a DSG and see how you feel with it. If it puts a massive smile on our face, you know it's right. If it annoys you, walk away and search for a manual. It's completely personal preference.

Hope this helps you out.

[Ninja]

The MK5 is a reliability issue. 

Joking aside:

After owning DSG - as great as it is, I'd never go back. I couldn't enjoy the car with a potential £1500 - £5000 bill looming. Along with the "quirks" of the box and the feeling (lack of) engagement with the car, I just couldn't enjoy it.

Contrary to what others have said, for me, it guzzles fuel compared to its manual sister.

Other faults I watch out for are:

Cam follower will need changing
Dodgy electrics
Rusty wheel arches
Corroding alloys (18" monza)

There are obviously more, but for me they are the main ones.

[th3_f15t]

When you say electronic faults, are you talking about sensor failures or something more?

Rusty arches is a common one, I still need mine analysed. But from a detailed look myself they seem fine. I have a tiny amount of corrosionon my Monza, but after 80,000 miles, you kknow do of expect it.

I think it's down to luck whether you get a problem free or nightmare Golf. I went for a full history model and have been fine, but others have had no end of trouble...

[Ninja]

When you say electronic faults, are you talking about sensor failures or something more?

Rusty arches is a common one, I still need mine analysed. But from a detailed look myself they seem fine. I have a tiny amount of corrosionon my Monza, but after 80,000 miles, you kknow do of expect it.

I think it's down to luck whether you get a problem free or nightmare Golf. I went for a full history model and have been fine, but others have had no end of trouble...

Interior electrics mate - total PITA

[th3_f15t]

Ah, OK. I'm always keen to learn about problems and issues so I can catch them early, so thanks for the heads up!

Anything in particular that goes or just generally things start to fail?

[Ninja]

I found that my brake light warning light was always on and off - loose connection in the cluster
The midline display was losing pixels on a daily basis.
Also - random relay clicks that sounded as if something was broke, but could not work out what.
Finally - ambient lighting suddenly went dull.

[th3_f15t]

I see. Touch wood, everything in my GTI is fine. I was even lucky enough at one stage to have a mk2 GTI which had a functioning MAF and displayed all the figures in the dash correctly, plus all electronics working sound!

[Ninja]

I see. Touch wood, everything in my GTI is fine. I was even lucky enough at one stage to have a mk2 GTI which had a functioning MAF and displayed all the figures in the dash correctly, plus all electronics working sound!

Haha, my MK2 had a fully working MAF, too. Just everything else broke!

I'm sure you'll be fine mate - interior and reliability aside, I love the aesthetics of the MK5 and yours looks really nice. Best colour too (next to white) 

[th3_f15t]

Thanks man. I prefer red as white cars tend to look bad in Essex...