by "Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy" (camshaft-chris)
Published 06/20/2017 at 10:15
by "Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy" (camshaft-chris)
Published 06/20/2017 at 10:15
Tags: Promotion means new car
; VW
; Volkswagen
; Golf
; GTI
; Mk6
; Mk7
STARS: 2
It finally happened. I got promoted. It’s been a long story of trials and corporate beaurocracy b/s to get here, but it is here at last. And the whole saga of frustration of previous positions I didn’t get is kind of a blessing in the disguise. This promotion is supposed to be way more of an increase for me compared to the ones I was previously passed over for. But that’s a different story for a different day.
With promotion and salary increase comes new car(s). First up, we’re replacing my wife’s 2012 Ford Fusion and it’s stupid transmission. She’s pretty set on the Mazda5, so there’s not really any questions there. But when replacing my Crown Vic, I’m having a harder time making a decision. My current front-runner based on performance vs. budget vs. dad practicality is the Golf GTI. In my research so far, I’m not seeing a whole lot of performance difference between the Mk6 and the Mk7. But I am seeing a nice price difference that works well with my budget.
However, I have no firsthand knowledge of these cars. I’ve never driven one. I’ve never ridden in one. I don’t know anyone that owns or has owned one. So Oppo, I come to you. Given the tuning potential with either one, is the Mk7 really worth the price difference over the Mk6?
"themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce)
06/20/2017 at 10:22, STARS: 1
I’ve heard that the Mk6 is more of an evolution of the Mk5 while the Mk7 had a lot of updates and improvements. I would argue the Mk7 is worth the premium due to these upgrades and the fact that modern GTIs age more like milk than wine. Often having a multitude of electrical and mechanical issues as you approach and pass 100k miles. Preventative maintenance is a must and poor documentation of services on a GTI is a real deal breaker IMO.
SO yeah, whichever one you get, keep your papers!
"K-Roll-PorscheTamer" (k-roll390)
06/20/2017 at 10:33, STARS: 2
I have no experience other than I researched it heavily before I got my Focus ST back in 2014. I think the Mk7 looks better inside and out compared to the Mk6, but I’d have to imagine the performance between the two must be similar. It’s probably the only hot hatch I’d take in DSG (auto) form over the manual.
"camarov6rs" (mren2011)
06/20/2017 at 10:34, STARS: 1
Just sitting in the two you will notice that the newer one is worth more. With the MK7 try to find the Performance Pack (red GTI emblem) as it will be more popular later and be a kick with the LSD and better brakes.
"Averyrm - GTI YUP" (averyrm)
06/20/2017 at 10:36, STARS: 1
I owned a 2013 gti and now own a 2017. The 2017 is significantly better, specifically due to the performance pack. The LSD makes a huge difference in handling, and the brakes are much easier to modulate. All of the electronic upgrades are nice too. Plus it’s faster.
"DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back" (karsonkinja)
06/20/2017 at 10:44, STARS: 1
I’ve driven both briefly (MK6 and non-PP MK7), they feel pretty similar at first, but I’m sure there are discernible differences with more wheel time. They’re buckets of fun and an APR stage 1 tune makes them way faster than they have any right to be.
Both have great interiors but I think the MK7 is a bit more updated feeling, although I noticed more very slightly more hard plastic.
The MK7 has the great advantage of having the Performance Pack option or as it’s called on the new one the “Sport” Trim. Better brakes, suspension, tune, and a LSD come with that.
I don’t know your budget or financial situation, but I’d like to echo what themanwithsauce said. High mileage GTI’s are riskier, and I think that’s reflected by their resale values. I’d try to find low mileage (under 30k) Performance pack or sport MK7. I think that’s the sweet spot.
That’s just my two cents, there area lot of factors that go into this decision and in the end you know best for you.
"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
06/20/2017 at 10:46, STARS: 1
Mazda5 ftw.
"TDIGuy" (owenrosier)
06/20/2017 at 10:58, STARS: 2
There is one big difference in my eyes, this I’ve noticed with all of the newer VW’s. The MQB platform. This is basically VW’s way of making a lot of cars that share a modular portion of the platform. I had a MK6 Jetta and then a MK7 Golf. Massive improvement in my opinion in just chassis design. Not to say I wouldn’t get another MK6 but it is very nice
"TahoeSTi" (tahoesti)
06/20/2017 at 11:14, STARS: 0
Just turn and RUN away from any modern VW. They are great if you have a warranty, why not a a WRX?
"JalopJeep" (JalopJeep)
06/20/2017 at 12:11, STARS: 1
On the whole I find the MK6 to be more attractive. I don’t know why. Maybe because I drive an MK6. I love it to death. Will probably roll over 50k miles on the way home from work this evening.
"BobintheMtns" (bobinthemtns)
06/20/2017 at 12:15, STARS: 2
Long time MK5 GTI owner here (presently at 150K miles) and the MK6 is (in vw circles) jokingly referred to as the MK5.5 as it’s almost identical minus a the body panels....
But my mk5 has been the most reliable car I’ve ever owned. I hear the mk6's are the same. My buddy just got rid of his mk6 (and already regretting it) but in 60K miles he didn’t have a single issue.....
I hear the MK7's are sweet as hell and def some improvements over the previous cars. BUT mk6's with low mileage are plentiful and the MK6's were built in Wolfsburg Germany, whereas the MK7's are Puebla Mexico built..........
If I was gonna re-up, I’d prob go find a sweet MK6 with some low miles. AND FOR GOD’S SAKE, GET THE MANUAL!!!!!!!!!!
"Old Red Wagon" (wr10)
06/20/2017 at 12:38, STARS: 2
MK7 as far as performance goes is well ahead of the MK6. MK7 has another 10 HP and 50 extra lb/ft of torque on paper compared to the MK6. All while getting better gas mileage. If you ever plan on tuning it the MK7 will make tons more power over a similarly tuned MK6. I have a MK7 and I love the car. I’ve modded it quite a bit and I’m making about 300 whp and 320 wheel lb/ft. Here’s a comparison:
http://www.autotrader.com/car-reviews/2014-vs-2015-volkswagen-gti-whats-the-difference-227873
"RT" (rt-p)
06/20/2017 at 13:06, STARS: 1
Mk7s haven’t gone down in price as much yet, they’re hugely recommended for two reasons:
1. They’re based on one of the best driving Golfs yet and even have a nice differential which almost eliminates understeer.
2. Insurance. I’m not sure if this is the case everywhere, but due to some of the safety gear on the car, it actually costs a lot less to insure than previous gens.
Mk6 isn’t half bad either, but it’s basically a Mk5.5 anyway. They’re nicely priced though, so they could be great value.
Either way, get them in manual, the Mk7 even has a system to prevent stalls.
"Saracen" (manualdoucheelitist)
06/20/2017 at 14:17, STARS: 1
Having owned both a MK6 and a MK7, I wouldn’t ever go back to a MK6.
"Jason Spears" (shadestalker)
06/20/2017 at 16:25, STARS: 1
About that diff: https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-eurocars/vws-vaq-diff-explained/30560
"Moltenburn" (ryanroland)
06/20/2017 at 23:55, STARS: 1
Had a 2010 mk6 Tdi 4dr and just bought this 17 mk7 GTI sport. I will say this drive both. I think you will find the 7 to be measurably better. Even the basic golf 1.8tsi. I believe if you can afford the extra $30 a month financed do it. Here is my new baby.
"Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy" (camshaft-chris)
06/21/2017 at 09:12, STARS: 0
I’m not so worried about where it was built. And after searching so far, it’s been a little difficult to find a Mk6 for sale, locally at least.
And yes, of course I’m getting manual, lol. However, if I had the money for the R instead of the GTI, I would highly consider the DSG. From all the reviews and videos I’ve seen, the R with the DSG is like driving a mini GTR. And to same I’m a fan of the Skyline / GTR would be an understatement, lol.
"Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy" (camshaft-chris)
06/21/2017 at 09:14, STARS: 1
Lower insurance cost is definitely a plus in my book, lol. And yes, definitely manual. DSG would only be considered if I had the budget for the Golf R instead.
"Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy" (camshaft-chris)
06/21/2017 at 09:16, STARS: 0
I haven’t heard any so far of them being unreliable or having maintenance issues. But then again, I haven’t seen any north of 35k either, lol.
"Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy" (camshaft-chris)
06/21/2017 at 09:20, STARS: 0
Tuning is definitely part of the plan. APR stage 1 as soon as possible with whichever one I end up going with. The one hangup I have is that I really want the no-lift shift and launch control, which the tune for the Mk6 has. The Mk7 tune does not though. Of course it could be something they’re still working on right now and will come out with later. I guess an email to APR couldn’t hurt to see.
"Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy" (camshaft-chris)
06/21/2017 at 09:21, STARS: 0
What made you chose the FoST over the GTI?
And yeah, from what I’ve read, the DSG is great. But I’d only opt for that if I were getting the R instead of the GTI.
"Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy" (camshaft-chris)
06/21/2017 at 09:22, STARS: 0
To my untrained eye for VWs, I honestly can’t really tell which one is which when they’re parked side by side, lol. But that’s because I haven’t really paid them much attention until now. And congrats on hitting 50k!
"Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy" (camshaft-chris)
06/21/2017 at 09:23, STARS: 0
Since you mentioned the LSD, I take it you got the Performance Pack? I tried to use the “Build Your Own” tool on the VW website, but it never gave me an option to select the Performance Pack. Is that still available as an option?
"Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy" (camshaft-chris)
06/21/2017 at 09:38, STARS: 0
Why run? I would be purchasing one with a warranty, so that’s not a concern. And as for the WRX, it is a consideration, along with the Focus ST. But so far, I like the styling of the GTI best. This is gonna be a daily driver, not a track toy, so the looks and the creature comforts are gonna be the deciding factor instead of laps times.
"Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy" (camshaft-chris)
06/21/2017 at 09:38, STARS: 0
The only downside: Trying to actually find one for sale near me...
"Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy" (camshaft-chris)
06/21/2017 at 09:42, STARS: 0
Ah, thank you for the clarification. I went on the VW website to build one and couldn’t find the option for the Performance Pack. I was wondering if that’s what the Sport trim was.
And I think a low-mile Mk7 sounds like my best bet. Then definitely getting the APR stage 1 tune. That’s a no-brainer, lol.
"Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy" (camshaft-chris)
06/21/2017 at 09:45, STARS: 0
The performance pack is definitely the one I want. Or apparently if I get a new 2017, the “Sport” trim level. Either way, even though this will be a daily driver and not a track toy, I see the PP being an investment for resale value. That and a little more fun to drive on the street, lol.
"Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy" (camshaft-chris)
06/21/2017 at 09:47, STARS: 0
Looks nice man! I will definitely drive both, if I can find both, lol. I haven’t seen any Mk6s for sale locally; only on the CarMax website. So for now, I just need to find time to go drive the Mk7.
"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
06/21/2017 at 09:53, STARS: 0
Yeah, there were only a couple 5speed ones within 500mi of me
"TahoeSTi" (tahoesti)
06/21/2017 at 09:58, STARS: 0
VW reliability that’s why, my VW has had $18,000 in repairs in the first 100k miles. Entire Fuel System, ABS module, Turbo, DPF, Cat, EGR, CV Shafts....and then there’s all the electronic gremlins it’s always had, Some times the Sun roof won’t close all the way without several trys the re hatch button just stops working sometimes. Stereo is now having some issues. If you plan on keeping after the warranties up plan on buying a lift....that’s what I did.
WRX and Focus ST aren’t really track toys they are just great DDs.
"Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy" (camshaft-chris)
06/21/2017 at 09:59, STARS: 1
Since this 5 is gonna be for the wife for carting around the kids, manual sadly will not be considered. So the goal is to find a facelifted (2014?+) auto in that really cool blue color.
"Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy" (camshaft-chris)
06/21/2017 at 10:02, STARS: 2
Subaru’s reliability isn’t really any better. I’m looking for something newer and with a warranty, so even if I do encounter any of those, I don’t see them being a major problem.
And I already have access to a lift, so that’s fine by me, lol.
"TahoeSTi" (tahoesti)
06/21/2017 at 10:04, STARS: 0
My Subarus are easily 10x more reliability and easy to working than my VW....but I mostly own the Subarus because of the 600" of snow we got last year. I’d be all RWD if it wasn’t for the snow.
"Averyrm - GTI YUP" (averyrm)
06/21/2017 at 11:27, STARS: 1
There’s no longer a performance pack per se, the parts are now standard on the sport, se, and Autobahn. I have the autobahn
"Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy" (camshaft-chris)
06/21/2017 at 12:42, STARS: 0
Ah, gotcha. I was originally looking for S with performance pack so that I didn’t have to get the sunroof (I’ve had lots of bad luck with sunroofs, lol). But I guess I can’t do that if I go new. Thanks for the info.
"Averyrm - GTI YUP" (averyrm)
06/21/2017 at 14:55, STARS: 1
That’s funny, I was going to get the R but really wanted a sunroof, so I got the GTI instead.
"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
06/21/2017 at 16:16, STARS: 0
2012 is the 2nd gen. Seemed to be a lateral move in many aspects (imo)
"Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy" (camshaft-chris)
06/21/2017 at 17:24, STARS: 0
I really want the R, but it’s a bit above my price range atm.
And like I said, I’ve had a lot of bad luck with sunroofs leaking, lol. That and I’m a taller guy, so I need as much headroom as possible in a car, lol.
"Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy" (camshaft-chris)
06/21/2017 at 17:28, STARS: 0
Yeah, 2012, that’s what it was. Lateral move? Yeah, in most aspects. The important one though is the tail lights. It got rid of the god awful Altezza style ones. I can’t stand those.
"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
06/21/2017 at 18:52, STARS: 0
some are better than others
early ones, bleh (but they had better colors) but the later LED GT trim ones are the ones I want.
"Moltenburn" (ryanroland)
06/21/2017 at 19:15, STARS: 0
Sooooo doooo iiiiit. Lol. You will be immediately hooked.
"EvilR" (evilr)
11/27/2017 at 12:46, STARS: 0
Stumbled across this since I was looking at GTIs, without knowing what year yours was (and it sounds like a lemon IMHO with that kind of repair costs), what do people like you recommend if you need a vehicle that is fun that can also haul things (i.e. hatchback)? Subaru killed the WRX hatch, so that leaves you with the miserably slow Sport 2.0i.
The only other competitors in that space are the Focus ST and Mazda3, the Focus has the questionable Ford quality and cheapness to it and the Mazda3 while a sharp little car is also not one for much power since there’s no Mazdaspeed version.
"TahoeSTi" (tahoesti)
11/27/2017 at 13:36, STARS: 0
Do what I’m doing and stop buying new cars until they make something worth buying. I still have the Jetta it’s hopefully getting sold back in the next month or so just got the paperwork all turned in.
I ended up buying a 2006 Outback XT with a 5 speed, I need awd which was one of the reasons I stayed with Subaru. Subaru’s are pretty easy to work on and having 2 that are closely related has already helped.
So my advice buy a slightly used WRX hatchback.
"EvilR" (evilr)
11/27/2017 at 15:50, STARS: 0
I mean...it doesn’t really seem like that may ever result in a good solution. I’ve heard of lots of issues with earlier Subaru’s and gaskets, and 2008 to 2012 WRX/STIs have ringland failure to contend with. So basically leaves 2013-2014 WRX/STI hatchbacks, which IMO the body style really doesn’t look that good.
The other problem, they’re too expensive. I found a 2014 WRX hatch with 21k miles and it’s $28k. I can easily find a sedan version of a 2015-2017 WRX for less and with similar miles or lower. In fact, for only a little more there’s a 2017 STI with around 5k miles for $31k. They’re reliable, but the fit and finish and material build quality is very budget car.
I have had worries of VW reliability, but everything I can see points to Mark 7 GTI’s and Golf R’s being pretty solid cars. Audi has been ranked very high in quality as well, and that seems telling IMO since they’re part of VAG and use the same underlying powertrains. Maybe they don’t last well past 100k miles, but they should be fine up to about 75-80k before there’s much to worry about, no? I sure as hell don’t trust Ford quality on their cars, they’re very sketchy.
The alternative would be buying some awful SUV, and that just sounds dreadful and mundane.
"TahoeSTi" (tahoesti)
11/27/2017 at 16:35, STARS: 0
I really want the VW’s to be reliable I really do. The past ones always were for me and my wife. I think my issues were mostly because it was the first year with the 2.0CR.
I haven’t seen many issues with the WRX and STi, as long as people change the oil regularly and avoid Mobile One like the plague. Most my friends have Subarus.
I see no reason to resort to an SUV.
I spent last week working on a few of them....upgrades and skid plates that kind of stuff. Also, I think all Subarus should have gold wheels....at least one of there sets should be.
"EvilR" (evilr)
11/27/2017 at 16:45, STARS: 0
I’m not much for working on cars, I can do minor stuff but I detest it in general. I’m more about driving cars than working on them, so I guess I’m only partially a car guy. I have a friend who had an older WRX, modded moderately but done right. He didn’t want it anymore after it clicked over 100k miles and advised me against a Forester XT that had 110k miles on it that appeared very clean due to possible issues due to its age and the gaskets. He’s a Subaru fanatic, so I trust his opinion (and he’s how I know about ringland failure even though I’m not a Subaru guy). He perhaps knows of my aversion to doing that sort of thing myself, so I’d end up paying someone to do it even if it may be something you can in theory do yourself. I have no garage though, so that’s a big factor IMO...
What’s wrong with Mobil 1? I ask since my factory owner’s manual recommends it on my Z06. The only situation I remember an oil being particularly bad was on some oil analysis on Nissan VQ35 engines where Royal Purple was the worst oil for them and caused extra metal wear. All others were pretty close, though Castrol GTX was best.
"TahoeSTi" (tahoesti)
11/27/2017 at 16:57, STARS: 0
Mobile 1 is fine for most cars, when looking at oil tests results from Subarus mobile one has more metal in it from the bearings, which can’t be an issue in abused Subarus. Subarus are like legos that’s why I like the parts are easy to get and generally well priced. I do also like working on cars a bit so they work for me.....I don’t think I’d worry about a forester with 110k miles, It takes about 1 hour maybe less to pull a motor out of a Subaru and about as long to drop it back in....Not that it’s a job I’d look forward to....but I wouldn’t expect many issues from a Forester XT as long as it was well maintained...
"EvilR" (evilr)
11/27/2017 at 17:41, STARS: 0
Ah, gotcha. I didn’t know of many others who paid much attention to those oil tests so I thought there might have been something more ominous. I’ve heard as much about Subarus being easy to work on, especially Imprezas since they share a lot in common with the rally versions (esp. older ones). I guess I’ve always been a bit at odds with their looks. I like the ‘04-’07 WRX/STI look, but since then they kinda lost me. And I could never pay the kind of money people want for those old ones these days.
I live in SUV land, so early to mid 2000s cars aren’t ideal when you’re surrounded by 5,000+ lb vehicles everywhere. Perhaps I’m paranoid, but I’d rather not take my chances. The newer the better for safety.
"TahoeSTi" (tahoesti)
11/27/2017 at 17:59, STARS: 0
2006 was peak Subaru. It may be my basis but there’s a reason I have 2 2006 Subarus.
"EvilR" (evilr)
11/27/2017 at 21:23, STARS: 1
It definitely seems to be the most quirky and unique for them period, newer stuff is more normalized. But be that as it may, I tempt fate enough by driving my old C5 Z06. God help me if any of the huge vehicles that frequent my area cross the center line and hit me, they’d probably just use my car like a ramp...