Calling Golf MK5 owners

Participant · 12 Aug 2007 at 14:34

I'm looking at getting one of these new / approved dealer in grey, 2.0 GT TDi. Have you been happy with the quality and reliability of yours? Is there anything I particularly need to watch out for or any advice you can give about diesel models and which are the best? My budget will be no more than £20k so I should get a decent example I'd have thought, but I'd be very happy to spend less than this if it gives me what I want, with a lot of the goodies that I want such as climate control, winter pack, leather seats, gas discharge lights, side airbags, multi-function steering wheel...etc.

Many thanks for any opinions.

caeteez · 12 Aug 2007 at 14:38

Delete, didnt read O/P properly.

pany · 12 Aug 2007 at 18:25

I don't have a diesel so can't comment on that drive train but I really think my GTI is superbly well put together. In fact, that well that they are bringing v6 of the golf out early, because of the build time with the mk5.

I would recommend the armrest as imo the cabin looks unfinished without it. Also the highline computer upgrade, it lets you alter a number of things that the dealer normally will charge for, plus it looks much better and is a steal at £50.

Don't spend a fortune on VW audio upgrades as they lag a long way behind other companies in terms of flexibility.

The MFSW is also limited in terms of what it does and how well it controls things so read up on it before you commit to the £300.

Plus the DSG really is the bees knees. I wasn't allowed to spec it on mine, but having driven it for a while, it can either be a relaxed auto or allow you to recreate your F1 fantasies.

hominid · 12 Aug 2007 at 21:00

Gti here also but will add me 2p's worth..

Some of the options I had on mine included the Highline computer, Sunroof, and Cruise control, all of which you should consider if you are buying new.

DSG is excellent, it does it's own thing sometimes but it's very good in sport mode giving it a good thrashing.

Agree about the audio, for a £23k car it's poor. Satnav, which I was interested in, is very expensive for what it is and is not worth the money.

Very happy with mine and it's well put together, the only thing that I'd be careful of is the paint work as it's very delicate - had no problems otherwise.

richolmes72 · 12 Aug 2007 at 23:09

Don't own any of the cars, but have driven in the last month the 2.0 TDI engine in the golf, the Jetta, the Sharan and the Passat- in both Manual and DSG in most, and various combinations of Trim levels, as well as the 1.9TDI and 1.6 FSI engines. Favourite was the Passat, although it wasn't as composed round the corners as the Golf, the higher interior quality and smoother ride (even in the sport edition) made up for it.

They are very good cars, solidly built and the engine pulls strong - like any diesel it runs out of steam quickly but the turbo kick is nice and strong.They are fast solid cars. When absolutely thrashing the Jetta - redlining in sport mode - even the DSG didn't deliver under 40MPG on a journey with little motorway.

With the sports - watch out as cruise isn't standard! Only standard on the SE I think.

Also the grey colour is good (if its the one i'm thinking of) - but avoid the black imo - the paintwork is delicate as has already been mentioned - and small marks seem to show more obviously than on other cars.

Hope that helps, As I said I don't own one, but have driven various different ones so let me know if you have any other questions.

Participant · 13 Aug 2007 at 13:33

Thanks all that's some great helpful comments there.

Looks like I can revise my wants and don't wants...

WANTS:
- DSG
- cruise control
- xenon lights
- cabin and front armrest
- computer upgrade
- convenience pack
- metallic paint effect (or pearl?)
- 2 zone climate control
- [edit: rear] side airbags
- sunroof
- winter pack

DON'T WANTS:
- leather
- sat nav
- any audio upgrades (doing own install anyway)
- multi-function steering wheel
- "Charleston" Volkswagen Individual - don't know what this is
- iPod gismo
- luxury pack (seems to be electrically folding wing mirrors only)<--not sure about this one
- rear parking sensor (surely just for girls?

and £315??!)
- front seat storage pack

Any other additions / changes you'd make? I tell you something, VW aren't like Ford, they don't give you much standard!!

Wolfchild · 13 Aug 2007 at 13:44

Ignore the folding mirrors, they fold in about 1 inch, pointless. Mine had them.

Dual zone climate also pointless as it upsets your temp on your side if passenger goes to mental with it. Mine had as standard but would not spec.

I had almost fully loaded 05 plate GT TDi and i loved it to bits. But i wish i had got the leather rather than the sat nav. I would certainly want the leather if getting one though.

Xenons are great, there bi-xenon too. Defo get the highline comp upgrade as mentioned.

One to watch is the spare, mine was a spacesaver and wish i had specced the full size spare option. Although this does raise the level of the boot floor a bit so you lose some space.

Only things ever to go wrong on mine was a clip that allows the front seats to fold forward. 3 door model only of course.

Oh, and when it went at 66k miles and after 2 years the turbo went pop week before. Replaced under warranty though.

Great cars, well built no matter what others say and fun too. Mine was the older 140Ps engine and once mapped was just immense fun. Ate tires though compared to previous car. PS2's lasting about 10k at the front and 15k at rear.

laissez-faire · 13 Aug 2007 at 15:07

Robbie G said:
Thanks all that's some great helpful comments there.

Looks like I can revise my wants and don't wants...

WANTS:
- DSG
- cruise control
- xenon lights
- cabin and front armrest
- computer upgrade
- convenience pack
- metallic paint effect (or pearl?)
- 2 zone climate control
- side airbags
- sunroof
- winter pack

DON'T WANTS:
- leather
- sat nav
- any audio upgrades (doing own install anyway)
- multi-function steering wheel
- "Charleston" Volkswagen Individual - don't know what this is
- iPod gismo
- luxury pack (seems to be electrically folding wing mirrors only)<--not sure about this one
- rear parking sensor (surely just for girls? and £315??!)
- front seat storage pack

Any other additions / changes you'd make? I tell you something, VW aren't like Ford, they don't give you much standard!!

We have a 2.0 GT TDI with DSG, computer upgrade (worth having), Dual climate control, armrest extra. You get side airbags as standard.... you have on VWs since 1998 so not sure why that made it on to your want list!

It is just coming up for 2 years old and because mother hardly does any miles it hasn't needed to be serviced yet, the computer only just came on saying 'service in 400 miles or 46 days'. In the time we have had it the rear hatchback mechanism broke + the handbrake leather came off, oil sensor broke and climate control broke.

2.0TDI engine is great, although surprisingly poor below 2000rpm.

With regards to the Ford comment, trust me, the attention to detail on VWs is much much better. You really get the impression that after road testing the engineers have said 'yeah, it would be better if we had a footrest here' and 'I think button would be easier to reach if it were there' etc. It is simply a nicer place to spend time. I know that if I have to do a 400 mile journey on the motorway I'd take the VW, but if I want a big smile on my face doing a 20 minute commute to work I'll take my Focus. VW also have ESP as standard which it amazes me Ford don't.

Participant · 13 Aug 2007 at 15:20

laissez-faire said:
You get side airbags as standard.... you have on VWs since 1998 so not sure why that made it on to your want list!

Sorry, I meant rear side airbags which aren't standard on any of the S, Match, or GT Sport by the looks of it.

My journey to work is only five minutes in each direction 5 days per week so I also need to consider whether it's actually worth getting a diesel, but I've set my heart on it as I like the feel of driving a diesel (torque, lower revs) and occasionally I drive to Europe and this would be ideal for such journies. There's nowhere on my journey that I can make use of a "put a smile on your face" car so I'm sticking with reliable and sensible. Plus I'm an accountant so it makes sense

.

Anyway, thanks for the input. That's quite a list of broken items but nothing at all major I suppose. I particularly like the look of these cars but have been tempted by Audis as I'm a car audio nut, and apparently the MK5 stereo is poor yet difficult to replace.

Wolfchild · 13 Aug 2007 at 15:40

Stereo is not difficult to replace at all. Even the trim removal only takes 5 mins after you have done it once. Just do it slow as the main panel has little metal clips just plastic welded onto that main piece. Slow and easy to remove and all is well.

Get the fascia adaptor from VW, but when i got one it was from the Touran.

This is the best one which fits the interior, single din with an oddiments tray under neath.

Then you just need a iso to canbus adaptor from any good audio place.

I did this when i got fed up with the poor navigation from the factory fit sat nav. Installed an Avic-X1r and loved it! Speakers are pants though, upgrade them if you value your ears.

Participant · 13 Aug 2007 at 15:51

Ok so replacing the head unit isn't a problem, good news. The standard speaker locations however seem really bad! Middle of the door type thing. I'm keen on my staging and stereo imaging so far as it's possible in a car! Still I'm set on the Golf and I'll have to sacrifice one thing, so if I can fit some reasonable speakers in the stock location I'm happy enough with that. There will be no butchery of the new vehicle, I'm determined!

Wolfchild · 13 Aug 2007 at 15:55

Robbie G said:
Ok so replacing the head unit isn't a problem, good news. The standard speaker locations however seem really bad! Middle of the door type thing. I'm keen on my staging and stereo imaging so far as it's possible in a car! Still I'm set on the Golf and I'll have to sacrifice one thing, so if I can fit some reasonable speakers in the stock location I'm happy enough with that. There will be no butchery of the new vehicle, I'm determined!

That is the one downside as the speakers are actually rivetted into the doors

But electric drill is your friend and et voila!!

All depends on how serious you want to go. I bought some rainbow audio (i think) 3 ways for the front of mine. Night and day. Left the rears alone as only my daughter was ever really in the back.. And i'm not one for huge bass these days so left out a sub. Was really good after that and the staging was not too bad. Did me anyway. Was a lease so in the end did not want to spend a lot on it but this did the trick.

unclelonghair · 13 Aug 2007 at 16:01

Robbie G said:
DON'T WANTS:
- "Charleston" Volkswagen Individual - don't know what this is

No, you do want this - it's the 18" wheel upgrade, and they look gorgeous.
It was the only must have option when I got mine.

Expensive, but worth every penny.

pany · 13 Aug 2007 at 16:45

forgot to mention, you can get cruise control retro-fitted by the dealer for £150 inc parts and labour and vat. This is cheaper than to spec as an option and worth considering if your otherwise ideal car doesn't have it.

My car is pearl black metallic and i haven't had the issues re soft paint, VAG paint is generally regarded as some of the toughest on the detailing forums. Although it is a pain to keep clean, but that is down to the colour choice

PeterT · 13 Aug 2007 at 17:48

Watch out for issues with the seat material. I have seen examples of "bobbling" (as found on worn jumpers) or bad creases on the side bolsters.
Interior quality not as good as the Mk IV golf. Tried to ignore these issues and nearly bought a GTI or an R32. Didn't in the end and bought an Audi S3 instead.
Have you thought about an Audi A3 instead of the golf, better interior quality?

PeterT

Participant · 13 Aug 2007 at 17:49

pany said:
forgot to mention, you can get cruise control retro-fitted by the dealer for £150 inc parts and labour and vat. This is cheaper than to spec as an option and worth considering if your otherwise ideal car doesn't have it.(

Great point to mention but I wonder if this comes with an equally good warranty as if it were fitted from factory?

PeterT said:
Have you thought about an Audi A3 instead of the golf, better interior quality?

Yes, and I love the Audis, but they're generally more expensive pound-for-pound...are they not? I've heard the interiors are superior as you say but...I really love Golfs, I'd say my love of the brand is overshadowing my reasoning but I'm a material person and when my mind wants something my body never stops!

laissez-faire · 13 Aug 2007 at 19:06

Robbie G said:
Great point to mention but I wonder if this comes with an equally good warranty as if it were fitted from factory?

It will be 2 years from date of fitting if it is dealer-fit - but seriously how many times have you heard of cruise control going wrong?

djjuk · 13 Aug 2007 at 19:13

Had my GTI for about 6 months now. Only problem I have had was a rattling air diffuser vent on the dash, was easily fixed though.

Great car, I have DSG & it's a blast