Anybody consider the VW GTI to replace you TDI hatch??

AL_X1 · Oct 25, 2016

I've been doing my homework on what car I should replace my A3 with. Nothing I seen interest me when comparing interior, handling, quality ect...

The only car that comes close is the 15/16 GTI (not trying to buy new). But I'm not too sure of going with a VW product. The 210hp/260tq sounds really interesting though. And handling should match my A3's...

Anybody have experience with this car?

Got Haggis? · Oct 25, 2016

only if VW makes me a great deal (and sounds like they won't)...otherwise **** that company

AL_X1 · Oct 25, 2016

Got Haggis? said:
only if VW makes me a great deal (and sounds like they won't)...otherwise **** that company

I hear ya man!

DUBPL8 · Oct 25, 2016

Yeah....like 3-4 years ago.

Now? Won't catch me dead in one.

LogicBomb · Oct 25, 2016

My wife bought a 2015 GTI Autobahn when they were first released. Great car, and we both enjoy it. If I had the choice between a 2015 and a 2016, I hear the entertainment system was updated to a better one in 2016. I haven't had the chance to actually play with one, so I can't speak to the truthfulness of that claim.

AL_X1 · Oct 25, 2016

LogicBomb said:
My wife bought a 2015 GTI Autobahn when they were first released. Great car, and we both enjoy it. If I had the choice between a 2015 and a 2016, I hear the entertainment system was updated to a better one in 2016. I haven't had the chance to actually play with one, so I can't speak to the truthfulness of that claim.

That's what I've heard too. How do you feel the reliability of the car is? I'm looking at a 16 GTI Autobahn that I'm going to try to test drive soon.

drshaws · Oct 25, 2016

We bought a MY16 GTI SE 6MT with Performance Package, Lighting Package, and DCC. JSW TDI parked.

I really wanted a MY16 because to get DCC in MY17, you HAVE to buy an Autobahn. I can pass on power seats and factory nav.

Having CarPlay available made skipping factory nav a lot easier to boot.

So far, 2K miles and and we love it. Yes, we do at times need think about cargo space having come from a JSW, but we have a minivan to swallow cargo as needed at this point.

We live in semi-rural northern MA 'burbs. I appreciate the lighting package all the time now.

Can't speak to reliability or other TCO aspects yet.

LogicBomb · Oct 25, 2016

AL_X1 said:
That's what I've heard too. How do you feel the reliability of the car is? I'm looking at a 16 GTI Autobahn that I'm going to try to test drive soon.

We've only put about 15,000 miles on it, but we've not had any issues yet. I know there was an issue with the HPFP actuator shearing off the cam in some of the 2015/2016 1.8T/2.0T equipped cars, 91,800 cars total. She hasn't gotten anything in the mail about it yet, so her car may not be one of the affected.

In all, I'm sure you'll enjoy the car, I'd personally go for one trim below the Autobahn as the Nav is slow and always warning us of cars travelling in the wrong direction, and I mean it's a daily occurrence, some times multiple times. I know I live in California but I find it hard to believe its happening that often lol

AL_X1 · Oct 25, 2016

drshaws said:
We bought a MY16 GTI SE 6MT with Performance Package, Lighting Package, and DCC. JSW TDI parked.
I really wanted a MY16 because to get DCC in MY17, you HAVE to buy an Autobahn. I can pass on power seats and factory nav.
Having CarPlay available made skipping factory nav a lot easier to boot.
So far, 2K miles and and we love it. Yes, we do at times need think about cargo space having come from a JSW, but we have a minivan to swallow cargo as needed at this point.
We live in semi-rural northern MA 'burbs. I appreciate the lighting package all the time now.
Can't speak to reliability or other TCO aspects yet.

That's kinda what I want but having finding the PP & Light package without the Autobahn. I going to the dealer later to see if they want to make me a deal...

TDIinMA · Oct 25, 2016

Thanks for the heads up on the Autobaun not being worth the extra ca$h. I would love to get the S trim with a sunroof and lights only, but I guess you have to get the SE and leather seats. Oh well.

There are a bunch of 2016 SEs near me, many marked 5-6K off MSRP.

blondeshady2001 · Oct 25, 2016

Looking at getting into a GTI sport with the DSG. However, I can't say that the R hasn't crossed my mind... but i'm not here to hijack.

radereb · Oct 25, 2016

Is it true that a GTI only uses premium fuel? I have heard that you can put 87 octane in a GTI but it will hurt performance. If that is true, would that hurt anything mechanically in the car?

TDIinMA · Oct 25, 2016

radereb said:
Is it true that a GTI only uses premium fuel? I have heard that you can put 87 octane in a GTI but it will hurt performance. If that is true, would that hurt anything mechanically in the car?

I can tell you the 1.8 TSI takes 87 fine.

radereb · Oct 25, 2016

TDIinMA said:
I can tell you the 1.8 TSI takes 87 fine.

That's the regular golf, correct?

conejo_a_cuatro · Oct 25, 2016

I drove some gti's while I was deliberating, but for the price of an Autobahn GTI, I got a CPO BMW 328d wagon. More room, awd for the lack of plowing around here, only thing missing is a manual transmission. For the right price, I was tempted for sure, I really like vw's implementation of car play, but I drive a lot, and an awd wagon that gets in the 40's easily, without cheating was the deciding factor. Got the lights and sunroof too.

Michael A · Oct 25, 2016

Looking at a MK7 GTI/Golf R or S3 myself. Not entirely sure which way I will go

Matt927 · Oct 25, 2016

I purchased a 16' GTI, Autobahn, 6MT, DCC, Lighting package, Performance package last July to replace my parked '15 Golf TDI. We like the car so much, planning on another to replace our other Golf TDI.

Like others have stated infotainment system in MY 16 cars is vastly improved and CarPlay capable. Torque comes on low and the car pulls where the TDI falls off obviously. I see mid 30s with regards to fuel economy on my way to work, 50 miles one way. The manual tranny has some long gears though and I need to get fuel half way through the week. You can run regular in the car, power figures were generated with premium fuel. I run the car hard with premium fuel in hopes to avoid any carbon buildup issues.

Space is not much of a concern for me though as we have a truck for weekend duty.

TDIinMA · Oct 25, 2016

radereb said:
That's the regular golf, correct?

Yep, but also the base engine in most of the line.

nattyboh2027 · Oct 25, 2016

I was considering a GTI as a replacement, I did research and GTI's start to have reliability issues after 60,000 miles, even with babying scheduled maintenance! No GTI for me....Subaru WRX in the works for me

Matt927 · Oct 25, 2016

I don't think many Mk7 GTI vehicles are near 60,000 miles yet, scheduled maintenance is similar to TDI. 10k oil changes mostly.

engineered2win · Oct 25, 2016

I test drove a Mk7 GTI last year, around the time Dieselgate started, and it was really nice. The engine wasn't quite as torquey as the TDI, but it has 200 ft-lbs available at 1500rpm. Fuel economy is better than the Focus ST. Everything seemed to be an improvement over the Mk6 platform.

My only hesitation at the time was it still wore a VW badge; and my TDI has been frankly a piece of junk having had basically every failure short of the HPFP. Now over 1 year after this whole crap show started, and I still can't get a respectable offer for my TDI, there is no way in hell I'm buying another VW. The Mk7 seems to have the same amount of issues as the Mk6, so they really haven't learned anything.

Highly considering a Focus ST w/ 401A or 402A package OR WRX Premium.

nattyboh2027 · Oct 25, 2016

engineered2win said:
I test drove a Mk7 GTI last year, around the time Dieselgate started, and it was really nice. The engine wasn't quite as torquey as the TDI, but it has 200 ft-lbs available at 1500rpm. Fuel economy is better than the Focus ST. Everything seemed to be an improvement over the Mk6 platform.

My only hesitation at the time was it still wore a VW badge; and my TDI has been frankly a piece of junk having had basically every failure short of the HPFP. Now over 1 year after this whole crap show started, and I still can't get a respectable offer for my TDI, there is no way in hell I'm buying another VW. The Mk7 seems to have the same amount of issues as the Mk6, so they really haven't learned anything.

Highly considering a Focus ST w/ 401A or 402A package OR WRX Premium.

I test drove a WRX Premium a couple months ago....feel in love right then and there haha. Go test drive one, you won't be disappointed!

TDIinMA · Oct 25, 2016

engineered2win said:
I test drove a Mk7 GTI last year, around the time Dieselgate started, and it was really nice. The engine wasn't quite as torquey as the TDI, but it has 200 ft-lbs available at 1500rpm. Fuel economy is better than the Focus ST. Everything seemed to be an improvement over the Mk6 platform.

My only hesitation at the time was it still wore a VW badge; and my TDI has been frankly a piece of junk having had basically every failure short of the HPFP. Now over 1 year after this whole crap show started, and I still can't get a respectable offer for my TDI, there is no way in hell I'm buying another VW. The Mk7 seems to have the same amount of issues as the Mk6, so they really haven't learned anything.

Highly considering a Focus ST w/ 401A or 402A package OR WRX Premium.

Think your numbers are a bit off.

The MKVII GTI gets 258 lb ft @ 1500 and the CR 2.0 TDI gets 236 @1750.

And the GTI's 210/220 HP vs. 170 will blow a TDI away off the line.

GnJ · Oct 25, 2016

Got a 16 GTI Autobahn with end of year discounts to replace 15 Golf TDI SEL. Both manuals. Like the GTI more everyday. Mileage is great even without trying. Fun to drive for sure. VW I forgive you. I no longer had a long commute so leaving TDI behind made sense and will only cost me $1,500 once buy back is complete.

coolbreeze · Oct 25, 2016

I have had a 2011 mk6, 2015 mk7, and a 16 mk7. As mentioned before the 16 has a better infotainment system. Also bugs worked out from the early release 15's. My 15 was a suspension nightmare. The 16 was a dream and only sold to buy 2 tdi's to flip back to VW.

The 16 had a APR stage 1+ tune, done by my VW dealer and transformed it into a 316hp rocket, and at the same time increased my avg mpg. I am torn between buying an economy Golf Wolfsburg for 19k and doing a APR to 225hp and reg gas or going 17GTI SE for 27k and going full 316hp and premium. It is a daily driver and I drive 60 miles a day, so most likely the Golf for much less will win out.

I would just stay away from 15's, but highly recommend the GTI.

soccerpeople · Oct 25, 2016

I like the idea of the GTI. But my head tells me its a VW, meaning more frequent and expensive repairs then other car brands. I just won't put myself through that again.

AL_X1 · Oct 26, 2016

So I test drive a used 16 GTI Autobahn with 13k miles. And I really like it. I really feels like an improvement over my 11 A3. The interior feels more modern & more upscale. You can feel the power difference right away. The fact that it's a certified car gives you an extra 2 years 24k miles of warranty which means you get a better warranty than buying a new one. They are asking $27,888 for it (which is the cheapest 16 Autobahn I've found) gonna go back & see if the want to give a better deal.

VOS · Oct 26, 2016

Called the local VW dealer to preorder a GTI, and they wanted a $5,000 deposit. They knew that I had a TDI involved in the buyback, and that they were chosen as the dealership for the buyback. I ended up buying a Crosstrek with Eyesight 2 weeks ago.

nattyboh2027 · Oct 26, 2016

VOS said:
Called the local VW dealer to preorder a GTI, and they wanted a $5,000 deposit. They knew that I had a TDI involved in the buyback, and that they were chosen as the dealership for the buyback. I ended up buying a Crosstrek with Eyesight 2 weeks ago.

You rock! That's what I like to hear! I test drove the Crosstrek and I liked it was a top all-around practical vehicle......but then love hit me when I test drove the WRX! haha I have superstitions that if I buy another VW, especially a gasoline VW, its going to have to go through a lot of repairs. Did the research on Subaru and one of the best out. Team Subaru!....well whenever I get the backback.

Got Haggis? · Oct 26, 2016

interesting...i test drove a crosstrek last weekend after reading here that some people were considering it....i hated it. interior felt very cheap and the drive wasn't great

Anybody consider the VW GTI to replace you TDI hatch??

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