Is the golf gti dependable?

The seventh era of golf-gti is, in broad, dependable sizzling hatchback. It does have quite a lot of effectively -known issues (see beneath), all of that are attentive and restorable.

Components are simply out there due to the massive variety of Volkswagen sellers and impartial specialists within the UK.

Engine: Loud noises from the turbo, a lack of energy, smoke from the exhaust and a warning mild of the engine are all indicators of turbo failure.

The IS20 turbo fitted to early vehicles is susceptible to failure and may even explode, inflicting shrapnel to fly within the exhaust and intercooler. Ouch. If it fails, charge it to the extra dependable IS38 of the Golf R.

Excessive oil consumption is a standard downside with engines. It may be brought on by a worn piston ring, a defective valve seal or camshaft seal. Be sure you examine the oil ranges and take note of any giant drops on a take a look at drive.

Refrigerant can seep from the underside of the thermostat housing (you’ll scent it), however it may be troublesome to see a leak, as a result of the refrigerant has a coagulant in it. Have a look at the oil pan for any surplus and the historical past of the automobile to see if the housing has been changed. Refrigerant can even leak among the water pump if it fails, which might price £ 500 £ 750 to switch.

Wheels: The alloys will be shouted simply, and if they’re diamond -cut gadgets, it’s costly to be renovated. Additionally watch out for ‘white worm’ corrosion, as a result of as soon as it bites, the wheel wants an entire renovation.

Physique: The entrance is susceptible to stone chips, so look rigorously. The home windows are additionally prone to blisters and may rust within the worst case.

Sunroof: The seal of poor high quality can leak, particularly in very moist situations or when you’ve got washed the automobile. Examine the top liner for indicators of water inless, even when the seal has been changed earlier than as a result of any earlier leaks may have brought about additional injury.

An proprietor’s view

Paul Wilson: “I coated 20,000 miles over 18 months over 18 months, proving himself as a go-kart and a long-range crosser. I purchased it as a substitute for an property as a result of I’ve a canine and it presents wonderful lodging with a compliant experience.

“However an early £ 1100 invoice for a brand new air -conditioning condenser and compressor was the unwelcome and sadly not the standard I anticipated – with excessive oil consumption and its physique very susceptible to stone chips and flashy home windows.”

Additionally price realizing

Quite a lot of particular points joined the MK7 GTI ranks, began with the 261 PHP Clubsport 40.

If it is not exhausting sufficient, there’s the Clubsport S. With its rear seats eliminated, 306 hp, new suspension and a weight of simply 1360 kg, it is most likely top-of-the-line GTIs ever – however solely 150 RHD vehicles are constructed and it prices about £ 40k as we speak.

The GTI TCR rounded off the MK7.5. It appears the half, however fails to hit the identical heights because the membership sports activities and may solely be with a automobile gearbox.