Looking For GTI Advice

GSTim

GSTim

Formerly M3Tim
My son is looking to buy his first car (he's buying so skip the lectures! ;)). It looks like he's interested in GTIs, and I have heard that the Gen 5s (2006.5-2009?) are a good combination of performance a reliability (in our price range of ~$5K). I'm going to look at a few this weekend. Most of the Gen 5s in our price range have high miles as expected, but is there anything in particular that you think I should look for other than CEL or other codes? Do you know how long the 2.0 Turbos can go without issues? Any advice would be welcome. Here are a few I'm interested in:

https://allentown.craigslist.org/cto/d/2007-volkswagen-gti-farenheit/6605002453.html

https://cnj.craigslist.org/cto/d/2007-vw-gti-fahrenheit/6605378553.html

https://www.carsdirect.com/used_car...stings&savedVehicleId=&recentSearchId=7487515

Thanks for the help.

@jimvreeland ?

Tim
 
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Steve Vai

Steve Vai

Endurance Guy: Tolerates most of us.
If you want something pretty bombproof do a MK5 Rabbit 2.5. With the mileage you'll be seeing in your price range a 2.0t might be ready for a bit of refreshing. More than likely timing chain tensioners which is about a grand to do. Otherwise you really can't go wrong either way, GTIs are well built, fun, and hella practical.

Something you may not be looking at are MK4 VR6s. Probably the best bang for the buck out there. Indestructible cars. Mine had 180,000 miles on when I sold it and it still ran amazing. And it's by far the best sounding engine on the planet.

If you have a specific car in mind, PM me the link and I'll check it out. I've owned 17 GTIs at this point :)
 
GSTim

GSTim

Formerly M3Tim
jimvreeland said:
If you want something pretty bombproof do a MK5 Rabbit 2.5. With the mileage you'll be seeing in your price range a 2.0t might be ready for a bit of refreshing. More than likely timing chain tensioners which is about a grand to do. Otherwise you really can't go wrong either way, GTIs are well built, fun, and hella practical.

Something you may not be looking at are MK4 VR6s. Probably the best bang for the buck out there. Indestructible cars. Mine had 180,000 miles on when I sold it and it still ran amazing. And it's by far the best sounding engine on the planet.

If you have a specific car in mind, PM me the link and I'll check it out. I've owned 17 GTIs at this point :)
Click to expand...

Thanks Jim. What are the years for the MK4s? This is one we are going to look at:

https://allentown.craigslist.org/cto/d/2007-volkswagen-gti-farenheit/6605002453.html

From talking with the guy we can probably get for <$4K
 
ChrisG

ChrisG

Unapologetic Lifer for Rock and Roll
I would defer to @jimvreeland on specifics, as I've only owned 4 GTIs at this point (I tend to keep them a long time). My current 2014 MkVI is probably the best car I've ever owned, all things considered.

I'd back the idea of looking for a solid MkIV VR6 24v car. I had a 2003 that I adored and should have held onto longer.

One practical consideration with DSG might be maintenance. I've never owned one as my daily driver (my wife's 4 Motion wagon has DSG) but I'd look into the service costs for a high-mileage car.
 
Magic

Magic

Formerly 1sh0t1b33r
Team MTBNJ Halter's
Come on; knee steering, best steering.

Manual FTW. If you know how to drive, your clutch will also last quite a while. I have 160k on my hamstermobile, and that's a Kia. Automatics definitely present more potential issues and shit to break if you plan on buying a car, plus they're cheaper when you buy rather than lease. I've also been considering a GTI as of late. I love hatchbacks, and it's the right amount of power for me to enjoy without getting in trouble like my S14 days. I was always turned off from VW from past issues where friends had electrical and heater core issues, one guy had ice crystals blow out of his vents on cold days. They seem to be much better now.
 
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