Golf GTi (MKV) - What to look for?

Cambelt and water pump should be done at 60k/5 years.

DSG oil change at 45k.

Clutch will die on the manual if remapped.

Thermostats can be problematic, check it gets up to temp and stays there.
 
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If it started as a 1.8T@180 then you're looking between 210 and 220. Not sure if it is a 2 litre.
Sorry, just seen that the 2 litre is 200 standard, so guessing 240 from a remap alone.
 
mk5 gtis are all 2l tfsi lumps

clutch is fine for a run of the mill remap but as said when you start pushing beyond that they tend to die rather quickly other whats already mentioned just watch out for leaky rear lights and make sure its been well serviced on time and with the correct oils
 
Try to get an extended test drive if you're choosing one with the tartan seats. I got chronic lower back pain from my GTi and no amount of adjusting the lumbar support helped.

I don't know if the leather seats are more comfortable.
 
thewanted said:
Try to get an extended test drive if you're choosing one with the tartan seats. I got chronic lower back pain from my GTi and no amount of adjusting the lumbar support helped.

I don't know if the leather seats are more comfortable.
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Went out for 30 mins in one yesterday with tartan seats, found them really comfy actually. Would prefer them over leather I think.
 
Great cars, just picked up my second this week after buying one new back in 2008 and then regretting selling it. There's lots to choose from, I looked at many, the service history of some were shocking. Cambelts were originally at 120k on launch but these got revised by VW later to 4yrs and 60k I believe.

The DSG is a fancy piece of kit but I've always preferred the manuals, I also like the standard seats to the leather. Find one in spec to your personal preference, Xenons are nice, Centre armrest very useful. Air con compressors can go wrong and make sure it's had the various recalls done.
 
Scottland said:
Went out for 30 mins in one yesterday with tartan seats, found them really comfy actually. Would prefer them over leather I think.
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I was doing Cardiff --> London a lot so maybe my definition of 'extended' is slightly different. I appreciate that you can't really can't get a 2.5 hour test drive :)
 
One issue I just had was the adjuster bolts for the suspension seizing up, it cost me just under 1k to replace all the bushes/suspension arms/adjuster bolts to allow the wheel alignment to be carried out.

The difference in handling from replacing the bushes was massive, the old bushes weren't ripped but very soft compared to the new ones with 71k on the clock.
 
Oh, that was one other thing I just remembered. I believe that there was a recall for the steering racks. My car used to make this awful noise when turning left at very low speed, ie. pulling into a parking space.

Make sure that this work was carried out under warranty.
 
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