Buying dilemma

[ianmair]

Afternoon all, just new on here so please go easy!

I’m finally in a position to look into buying a Golf GTi, after years of admiring. Been looking at 21 plate Mk8’s just recently and thought I’d found the perfect one, until I was made aware of the ongoing software problems with the car’s computer. The more I googled and the more forums I read, the more I was put off buying a Mk8.

Not sure if I’m reading too much into it or whether I’m concentrating too much on the negatives but I’ve reached a bit of a crossroads, not sure which way to go! I’ve contacted my local Volkswagen specialist to ask his opinion but yet to hear back from him, so wondered if I could pick a few expert brains on here.

Are the Mk8’s really as bad as I’ve let myself believe?

Are the software problems starting to be resolved?

Is there an age where the Mk8’s were made with no problems?

Would you go for a late Mk7 instead? A difference of maybe 12 months older.

Any help, advice, tips or recommendations are more than welcome and would be much appreciated. Really wary of spending around £25k only to be stuck with a malfunctioning car which I may struggle to shift in future.

Thanks in advance
Ian

[jh_97]

If looking at a MY20 Mk7.5, you'd have a lot of kit as standard due to being close to the run out of that model. I was in a similar position 9 months ago, was put off by the software gremlins and infotainment in general on the Mk8, so went for a Mk7.5 (albeit I also just prefer the looks of the 7.5 and it was still a big upgrade from my previous car).

Try and get a test drive in both models though. I'm a big believer that you can do all the research and online shopping you like, but things are different when you see/experience them in the flesh!

[BillSan]

The software issue is irritating rather than dangerous and it comes and goes. In my case I had virtually no issues (Bongs is the term we use here) for my first year.  Thereafter following a s/w "update" I had bongs on most journeys for 18 months.  It only meant that travel assist and emergency assist were constantly switching between working and being unavailable, so it didn't affect my driving experience at all.  A new steering wheel at the start of this month (car is still under VW 3 year warranty) means I am now bong free and I can't think of another car I'd rather be driving unless I won the lottery.

If you go for it, it may be worth getting one from VW for the two year warranty.

[WelshGolf]

No errors or bong at all on mine.

I think it depends what year you are looking at. Early ones sounds like they had more issues but later ones like mine seem to have sorted themselves out.

[Adam T7]

Sure I read on here that a new steering wheel to buy was c. £1800 so a warranty would be essential on a MK8 unless new wheel fitted IMO.
Personally I love my Mk7.5, I’ve had it just over 5 years from new and after 24k (touching a lot of wood here) the only issue I’ve had is the near side door mirror seems to go out of adjustment slightly after a few reverse position changes. It’s definitely a keeper.

[Ceefeesh]

I had an early 2021 Mk 8 and I had very few issues with the bongs but it did make me nervous approaching the 3 year warranty expiring and I sold it. If approaching 3 years, in agreement with the others above already, personally I would advise an extended warranty.

[Exonian]

Welcome ianmair
Is the car you’re interested in a VW Approved used? If you’re buying a mk8 that’s approaching the end of factory warranty make very sure any software (and by default hardware) issues are fully covered by whatever follow on warranty you’re getting.
I had a fairly early mk8 and had no issues other than an occasional random assist warning that appeared for a short time before vanishing again for two years of ownership and then had several months of bing bonging hell after a major software update. After that it was fine again and then after a new steering wheel was fitted it was pretty flawless. I had no other warranty claims in three years and the car drank very little oil between services.
The touchscreen system was universally panned but it’s not *that* bad. Little things like turning on heated seats is an unnecessary faff, as are other HVAC controls, but that depends on how much you like to fiddle with things on the move.

A late 7.5 would likely be better equipped and a more intuitive cabin experience but many of these are overpriced.

If you’re dead set on a mk8 then maybe see what sort of deal you could nail down on an in stock new car, it’s worth asking.

[ianmair]

If looking at a MY20 Mk7.5, you'd have a lot of kit as standard due to being close to the run out of that model. I was in a similar position 9 months ago, was put off by the software gremlins and infotainment in general on the Mk8, so went for a Mk7.5 (albeit I also just prefer the looks of the 7.5 and it was still a big upgrade from my previous car).

Try and get a test drive in both models though. I'm a big believer that you can do all the research and online shopping you like, but things are different when you see/experience them in the flesh!

Thanks mate, I’ve driven a Mk7.5 but not a Mk8 yet. Really liked the 7.5 but I’ve always been one for getting the latest version of anything if the option’s there, not sure why probably because they lead you to believe the newest version is the best!

[ianmair]

The software issue is irritating rather than dangerous and it comes and goes. In my case I had virtually no issues (Bongs is the term we use here) for my first year.  Thereafter following a s/w "update" I had bongs on most journeys for 18 months.  It only meant that travel assist and emergency assist were constantly switching between working and being unavailable, so it didn't affect my driving experience at all.  A new steering wheel at the start of this month (car is still under VW 3 year warranty) means I am now bong free and I can't think of another car I'd rather be driving unless I won the lottery.

If you go for it, it may be worth getting one from VW for the two year warranty.

Cheers for the advice BillSan. Been looking mainly at cars from VW user approved garages so they come with a 2yr warranty - could be worth its wait in gold if and when needed. Seems like a lot of problems occur after software updates, I’m just wondering if the updates are actually needed. I’ve never been one for using satnav and radio much anyway so might get away without updates. Also seems like a new steering wheel solves a lot of problems, which is where the warranty will come in very useful.

Good to know how much you rate the car regardless of any software problems though, cheers.

[ianmair]

No errors or bong at all on mine.

I think it depends what year you are looking at. Early ones sounds like they had more issues but later ones like mine seem to have sorted themselves out.

That’s reassuring to know, don’t often read posts saying no problems as it’s not something people would otherwise share unless asked! What date is yours please mate?