Hey, welcome, I am going to start like a repeating record here
Check your PCV.
A stuck-open or clogged PCV can cause a vacuum leak, which can make the engine run lean at low RPMs, especially when cold. That can feel like hesitation or slight misfires.
It can also cause the engine to run unevenly at idle or when accelerating gently.
If the PCV isn’t venting properly, excess crankcase pressure can force oil past seals or gaskets into the intake, which could explain the light oil deposits on your new plugs.
On most VW 2.0 TSI engines, the PCV valve is under the intake manifold. It’s relatively cheap and easy to swap. If it’s been 80k miles, it’s worth replacing anyway.
The rough ride and feeling the road too much could be a few things. Check your tyre pressures and inspect for uneven wear, as underinflated or worn tyres can make the car feel harsh. At 80k miles, suspension components like shocks, strut mounts, or bushings could be starting to wear, which can also make the ride feel firm or bouncy. That said, GTIs have a sportier, stiffer setup compared to standard Golfs, so some of that road feel is fairly normal.
The clutch squeak you mentioned, if it’s very quiet and only when the car is off, is probably just the pedal pivot a dab of grease usually fixes it and it’s nothing urgent.
Overall, some of the “rough” feeling is likely just how a GTI rides, but it’s worth checking tyre pressures, inspecting suspension components, and monitoring the plugs. The clutch squeak isn’t a big concern unless it worsens, and minor oil on plugs isn’t urgent yet.
