I’m considering purchasing a new car, and the VW Golf GTI is high on my list. I’m wondering what the millions think.
No. especially one without a good warranty.
Reliability has gone down over the years and repairs can be pretty expensive; I would probably pass.
Great car. Almost nothing else in that category or price range is going to come close. Just buy it.
If you’re looking for AWD, the Subaru WRX is comparable, but for everyday driving the GTI is the superior car, IMO.
The WRX is a lot more expensive (but also much quicker and capable). It’s not really a fair comparison.
I’ve got a 2014 GTI. I’d buy another - in fact, I plan to buy a Mk VII in a couple of years, or maybe an R - but I wouldn’t buy one that wasn’t under warranty. Mine has been very reliable in general but the water pump failed twice (and ultimately had to be replaced with a new design under a recall).
It’s quick, comfortable, and you can fit almost anything in the back with the seats folded down.
The STi will cost you another $10,000-15,000, but the base WRX sedan is in the same ballpark as the GTI.
Yes. In a heartbeat.
It is consistently in the top 10 of best cars year upon year since it was introduced 40 years ago. It’s a top choice for most car enthusiasts, year after year.
For my money, there is no better car in the category.
In my experience as an auto repair professional, European cars tend to be expensive to maintain, really expensive to repair, and not nearly as reliable as one would hope. I advise my customers to look at Asian or American makes.
All of the reviews I’ve seen so far have the quality and reliability rated quite high. What is the basis for folk questioning the reliability?
I’m thinking of replacing my generic 2010 Toyota Matrix. Something like my 5th Toyota, and the first car I’ve had in ages past warranty. Only 70k miles, and I’ve had some infuriating electrical problems that have defied repair. Not much use in driving a shitbox appliance if it ain’t even going to be reliable! :mad:
Not thrilled about committing to premium fuel. And debating manual vs auto…
I’d consider the R - mainly for the 4WD, but that is getting a tad pricey IMO. Driving in the Midwest for 40 yrs, I’ve never perceived 4WD as a necessity.
I play upright bass, so the hatch is my preferred option. WRX was a candidate - when it was still offered in hatch.
I also like the Mini Clubman. But I think the Golf is far cheaper, and my local VW dealer is WAY closer. Curious - when I checked, the Clubman and Golf are within an inch of each other in every exterior dimension. They sure LOOK different, don’t they?
The VW owners I know love their cars but complain about the cost of maintenance and repairs.
The Mini Clubman is… horrifically ugly. I like the regular Mini, but… eesh.
GTIs take 91-octane, which is not sold around here. My options are mixing premium and super, or going miles out of my way to WaWa. That said, when I’ve put 89-octane in it I haven’t noticed any difference in performance or mileage.
Ever since well-sorted Tiptronic/paddle shift gearboxes were introduced I haven’t seen the point of manuals. They’re just as satisfying to drive and much less of a hassle in traffic (where most of my driving is done). And the VW DSG is a gem.
I appreciate that perspective. In fact, we bought our first Toyota (Camry wagon) after asking our mechanic what cars NEVER came into his shop for service.
Like I said, tho, I’m not pleased with the issues I’ve had with my current one, with only 70K on it. I’d seriously consider the Honda Crosstour if they still offered it.
Also, I’m at a point in my life when all of my kids are out of school and on their own. I’ve got a secure job which allows me to not simply make the most economical choice. (Hell, just sprang for 1st class on my last trip for the 1st time ever!) And it isn’t as though I’m considering a BMW, Jaguar - or Lexus. And I’m still young enough that I have a few years of enjoying driving.
Thanks.
Minis are pretty firmly “in the eye of the beholder.” Hell, my wife thinks Golfs are ugly, whereas they are the only compact hatch that appeals to me. My daughter has a regular Mini w/ standard, which is fun to drive. And the Clubman gets pretty good reviews - including head-to-head w/ the Golf.
I realize the manual is the stupid choice. A large part of the appeal is me remembering how much I enjoyed the manuals in my 1st car - a 72 Datsun 510, and my favorite car - 62 Corvair.
We’ll see what the mechanic has to say tomorrow, and then I’ll likely start some test-driving. Always a reality check after deciding what you want, to go out and see what is available…
because automotive “journalists” don’t have to live with the cars they review, and many of them don’t even buy or own their own cars. they get meticulously prepped media/press cars for a week at most, then they give them back, then get another one from a different manufacturer.
How can you say anything about a car’s reliability from that?
ownership surveys put VW mid-pack at best.
I would only buy one if I planned to keep it for just a few years.
Same here, we have 87, 89, and 93 octane, Mazdaspeed3 calls for 91. I just put 89 in it. Modern cars have knock sensors and can adjust. The mileage is about what it should be and I have no complaints about performance.
Just to put it out there but a Focus ST would give you all the same bennies as the GTI and while it doesn’t have quite the same cachet, any repairs you may need are going to be less stratospheric, generally.
Having said that, I would buy a GTI if the price was right. My short list for my next car includes the GTI, Focus RS, and WRX. I know the price on the RS puts into Golf R, STI territory but I really want one… or a Tesla 3.
I have a Skoda Yeti. Skoda is part of the VW / Audi family. Apart from their recent lapse, VW have an excellent reputation for quality and reliability.
I’d be highly unlikely to do it, but that’s because I’ve only encountered a single Volkswagen-family car whose driver’s seat was comfortable to me (a Seat Ibiza) and even that one had a lights system designed by a syphilitic monkey with a bad case of rabies.
So a few things I’m gathering from your post.
- You tend not to keep your cars much past the warranty period.
- You don’t put on high mileage on your cars (under 15K/yr.?)
- You like interesting/fun cars; you’re a bit of an enthusiast.
Get the GTI. You won’t regret a minute of it.
Get the DSG auto. As fun as a stick shift is, the DSG is just so much better in the long run. Splurge on the leather seat package and sun roof.