Volkswagen GTI

[shepherd]

I test drove a leftover, new 2017 GTI on Saturday. Fun car! Does anyone have one? I'm thinking about getting a new daily driver car and keeping the old Avalanche instead of ponying up $50K+ for a new truck. I drove a turbo Veloster a while ago. Not bad, but the GTI made it seem like a turd. The GTI was a lot more comfortable, too.

Now, I'm thinking about test driving the 2018 model. It's about $10K more but the 2018s have more HP, and 6 yr vs. 3 yr warranty, and a few more options (pushbutton start, sunroof).

If any of you guys are familiar with this car, would love to see your opinions.

[MC25]

so I had a 2016 autobahn 6MT GTI, and it was rattletrap. I absolutely hated it. The resale is virtually non-existent, and since they switched from being produced in Germany to Mexico, the quality of them has fallen to the floor. The manual clutch is like paper and can go out pretty quick, stock or tuned. after the tune, mine was pretty much toast after 8k miles.

I will say they have some of the best seats ive ever sat in. of the hot hatches, its probably the best one with the exception of the R variation. with simple bolt ons and a tune, I was pushing 330 horsepower to the wheels. the horsepower they state is extremely underrated from the factory, and is a great tune-able platform. I put the beat down on a new Focus RS in mine, and when I was stock I was beating Focus Sts with full bolt ons.

Dont get one without performance pack. The bigger brakes and the few extra HP is worth the cost.

[zsqure]

Those little things are the best little rocket on the planet. Only problem is their value goes into the dumpster faster than you can wipe that smile off your face. They ride, handle, and go like nothing else, except a Turbo Beetle, or an A3, A4. DSG maintenance, VW maintenance for that matter can get $$. Economy car that is expensive to own.

[Maristar210]

My kid has a 2016 VW GTI. I leased it for him while he's in school. Cool car and fun AF to drive. He's had his 2 years with zero issues. I am pretty sure he's all over the clutch regularly as well. Maybe Aric's just a shiddy driver

[mikeg205]

I kid has a 2017 and loves it... he would do mods if he had the time... got it with a stick - its a pocket rocket.... and a great value

[MC25]

My kid has a 2016 VW GTI. I leased it for him while he's in school. Cool car and fun AF to drive. He's had his 2 years with zero issues. I am pretty sure he's all over the clutch regularly as well. Maybe Aric's just a shiddy driver

Mine wasn’t exactly “babied” lol

[h_2_o]

fun car but their resale value goes in the dumpster because of that. People drive them like they stole them and everyone knows that so who is really going to purchase a car that has been beat like a rented mule. Dont get me wront they are a blast and I like them (in a diesel vw currently) and would get one without thinking twice just remember if you get a used one it will be beat on.

[IBR]

I've worked for APR, LLC for the past 10 years so I am little baised when it comes to VW's but the 2018 (Mk7.5) is leaps and bounds ahead of the previous mk7 (2015+) it basically now has all the good stuff that came in the Golf R/S3, to begin with. It pains me to say this... But just don't get the manual.... but The new DSG's pretty rock solid and so much faster. If it were me I would go 2018 Golf R/S3 just to get the new 7 Speed DSG. So Crisp!

[shepherd]

Automatic transmission only because the wife can't drive a stick and doesn't want to learn. But, the new autos with the manual mode and paddle shifters are pretty slick.

I'm going to go back and test drive the 2018 model. It costs a bunch more than the '17 but it may be a better deal in the long run. I'm not too worried about resale -- I usually keep my cars for a long time until they're virtually worthless anyway.

And I know what you guys mean about beating them up. The dealer let me take the '17 for a few hours and I ran it all around town like I stole it. Didn't want to bring it back!

[zsqure]

Just for a little perspective....we have had 1 VW (an automatic DSG) and still own 3 out of 4 mini coopers all 6-sp. I rarely drive them because I am always speeding, I'm always looking for traffic to weave through when I'm out in one. After all its parent is the ultimate driving machine. The new minis are god awful ugly. Still like the GTI though.

[ac505]

I've had two Golf GTD's (the fast diesel one that you don't get in the US), now have a Golf R estate (wagon or whatever you call them). The R is simply an amazing car, it can either be a run of the mill sleeper to ferry the kids around or when in Race mode it is a proper flying machine. I believe the European spec'd Golf R's are a slightly higher tune, about 307 PS, not sure what that is in BHP, 0-60 is well under 5 seconds with the DSG box, and the car, where legal is good for 160mph. It's certainly one of the fastest point to point cars on the road yet retains all levels of practicality. The GTI has pretty much everything the R has, just a little slower and is a 2WD, avoid the manual boxes if you tune them as the dual mass flywheel doesn't like it.
The downside, I rarely get to drive it as my wife steals it most of the time so I'm left with the other car...

[neil.anderson63]

Lil wifey drives a 09 GTI autobahn edition with a Stage 3 kit in it. Lowered 1.5”. Doesn’t rattle, very solid car. Plus, I love leaving my cousin’s Z28 Camaro in the dust. It’s legit!

[shepherd]

I test drove a new 2018 SE at our local dealership and loved it. But, the dealer wouldn't budge much on the price (MSRP) so I bought one in Alexandria, Virginia -- 1000 miles away -- for about $5,000 cheaper. The Alexandria dealer can offer such low prices because they're a high-volume dealership . I was on a business trip in the DC area so I just bought the car then, used it to drive around town up there, and then drove it home. Great little car, though I'll admit it's not the best for a long 14 hour road trip on the interstate. I figured it was worth $5K to make that drive.

[TStine]

I just picked up a 2018 Autobahn. Love it. As others have stated, it's not a sports car or a luxury car, but it's half way to both. I love the understated appearance compared to everything else in it's class. I also owned a MKV, so both of mine have been Mexico made. Had a few issues covered under warranty with the last one. I don't plan on ever owning one out of warranty, but they're little rockets for city driving.

The 2018 is also a minor face lift, so now it has all LED head and tail lights, and a new HD radio/UI.

[JohnE]

I test drove a new 2018 SE at our local dealership and loved it. But, the dealer wouldn't budge much on the price (MSRP) so I bought one in Alexandria, Virginia -- 1000 miles away -- for about $5,000 cheaper. The Alexandria dealer can offer such low prices because they're a high-volume dealership . I was on a business trip in the DC area so I just bought the car then, used it to drive around town up there, and then drove it home. Great little car, though I'll admit it's not the best for a long 14 hour road trip on the interstate. I figured it was worth $5K to make that drive.

If $350/ hr is "worth it" to you, then I guess so....