2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn: The Oppositelock Review

"PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power" (petarvn) 08/17/2014 at 21:56 • Filed to: None

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Grace, pace, space. These were the 3 words used by Jaguar when asked about their cars in the early 1960's, and I feel that a car like my 2012 GLI carries on this legacy of effortless style and performance. Being the VW nut that I am, I decided to forego buying a new car, and went the CPO route with my first car, and boy was it the right choice!

( Full Disclosure: VW made this car in 2012 and sold it to a fine Gent who sold it. I then saw the car on Autotrader, and lusted after it, but thought it sold before I was able to go and buy it from the dealer. To my surprise, when I got back home from Europe, I found that the car was still on the lot, and I went for it! Also, I love the car, this is slightly biased)

When asked to describe my car, I tend to just tell people it's a Golf GTI sedan, and for the most part, it is, except for a few crutial differeces. Unlike the GTI, the GLI tends to not evoke images of 20 year olds with snap backs and tank tops, but images of a relatively reserved middle age businesswoman. After all, it is only a jetta, right??? Well, we'll just have to see about that!

Exterior: 8/10

There is no denying that this is one attractive car. Being based on the design on the MK6 Jetta, it takes the already nice design and pushes it further with different facia, side skirts, and meaner rear valance at the bottom. The lip spoiler also adds to the sporty profile of the car. Another note about the car are the stunning 18" alloys added by the Autobahn package.

The car truly is a looker, but these looks aren't anything overly racy. They make the car look mean, but just by looking at it, you can't tell just how good of a driver it is! I did knock off a couple of points though because like any design, it's not perfect, and there are sedans that do look better (even if they are few and far between.)

Interior: 8/10

Like the exterior, the interior is also really nice. There is more than enough legroom both front and back, and the whole layout is simple and easy to understand. The AC controls are really cool, allowing for dual zone climate control. There are no real blind spots to speak of on the car, and visibility is excellent. The car uses the same steering wheel that can be found in the MK6 GTI, and I think I'm not exaggerating when I say that it is THE BEST steering wheel conceived by man. Period. Also, unlike the normal Mk6 Jetta, the GLI has a lot more soft touch materials inside, adding to the appeal of the car.

Like outside, all is not perfect though. The car loses a point for inadequate bolstering. The GTI's front buckets are just SO much better, and I wish they were used in the GLI. Also, the car loses a point for the AC system, because in Auto mode, it sometimes randomly goes to full blast.

Acceleration: 7/10

This is not an R32, nor is it an APR modified GTI, nor is it a V10 TDI Touareg. This car has the stock 2.0T engine, and that engine allows this car to accelerate quickly. With an official 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds, this car goes faster than it's numbers would indicate. 200hp and 200ft-lbs might not sound like much, but trust me they are more than enough. In the last 3 days of ownership, I've had my fair share of above 100mph runs, and the pace and easy with which the car gets there is astonishing and even a bit frightening! Like I said, it won't beat a hellcat to any speed, but if a lane opens up, and you've got a lead food, you'll quickly find the car to be going 110, 115, 120…

Braking: 6/10

No! not Breaking! I know it's a VW, but it shouldn't break down that much! Oh wait, this is the Braking portion, isn't it? The car has the exact same brake setup as the GTI does, and those are really good brakes. They slow the car down nice and fast. So, why does it score a 6? Well first off, the brakes are not ceramics, they are good old steel discs. Second, the discs are not cross-drilled, so they heat up quickly. Third, I may have cooked the brakes on a tight, twisty downhill road last night, so I'm pretty sure they fade FAST. Lastly, I've driven a modified APR stage2 GSR bug that had a set of brembos on it, and that thing stopped on a dime. This doesn't really, but who cares? It stops well enough!

Ride: 8/10

It's got the sportiness of the GTI, but the comfort of the 2.5 SE jetta. A PERFECT blend IMO. It loses points because there is such a thing as a Mercedes-Benz S-class, and because it's a bit firm, but that's all there because of…

Handling: 8/10

This car REALLY shines in the corners. Like, REALLY REALLY shines. It's just heavy enough to stay planted, yet it's nimble enough to pull through turns at silly speeds. The tires grip like you wouldn't expect, and the FF layout allows for the car to dip in nicely, and pull out with little to no drama. The car's Electronic power steering is also amazing, as it gets REALLY heavy in the corners, allowing you to feel EXACTLY what the car is doing. It can easily take "suggested speed 15mph" corners at 40-45mph, and doesn't even bat an eye! Really, really good handling car, that I believe Is overlooked by performance shoppers.

It loses points for 2 reasons. 1) Not an AWD car, so it's not SUPER planted. 2) I did have one bad case of understeer.

Gearbox: 6/10

6-speeds, 6 points. Nothing special to write about here. Clutch is light and easy to learn, and the shifter feels nice. It loses points because the gears are kind of vaugue, and I have a tough time with getting the car in to 1 st gear sometimes. Other than that, it's a great 'box. Not as fast as a DSG, but who wants to drive a clutchless manual anyway?

Toys: 9/10

I'll put it like this. THIS IS THE BEST EQUIPEED CAR ANYONE IN MY FAMILY HAS OWNED EVER. Music? 8 speakers and a subwoofer totaling to 400watts of Fender made awesome. The 6.5" display? Amazing. Crisp. Fast. Responsive. There's also an in-dash 6CD changer, which I've already filled with assorted Pop music. Also, Dual zone climate control! First time I've had that! My favorite feature is the sunroof. I LOVE THEM but have never had a car with one. well, now I do! Also, the heated seats will save my ass (literally) in the winter! The one thing that is missing from this car is a GPS system, and honestly? I didn't even want one since I've got a nice TomTom unit that has a screen that's just as big as the car's!

Audio: 8/10

The engine has a deep, burble t it when you really get on it, and you can hear the car blow off pressure if you REALLY listen. I tend to either listen to that sweet burble, or drown myself in music from that AMAZING Fender sound system mentioned above!

Value: 7/10

I bought this car for $21,000 (before tax). Seeing as though a new GLI autobahn is priced about $26K (before tax) these days, I think that's a great deal on a car that essentially has the same warranty as a new car for the next 3 years/ 30,000 miles! It gets a 6 because on day 2 of ownership, it had to go in to the dealer to get a fuel pump sensor module replaced, and that kinda annoyed me. Also, I know VW's aren't THAT reliable, so I'm just waiting for my water pump to fail now. But besides that, I love my car. It's exactly what I wanted. A civilized, comfortable car that if pissed off can buckle down, and kick ass. It is me in car form, if you will. It is a part of me, that I love and care for, and that has an infinite value.

Total: 75/100

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/17/2014 at 22:01

1

Seeing the sub 6 second 0-60 makes me almost hate the short gears in my FiST. It has a kinda sub 7 second 0-60 but 2nd gear tops out at 50ish so you have to shift up again and lose all that time. In the real world, you don't care and it actually helps the 1.6L engine stay in power but for benchmarks and armchair racing........bleh.

Tom McParland > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/17/2014 at 22:03

1

I really like the GLI...if I could get all the go-fast goodies of the MK7 in the GLI I would get one.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/17/2014 at 22:05

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here's the thing. I need to shift in to 3rd to get to 60 a well. the 2.5SE doesn't but I do. that means i'll NEVER get bellow 6 seconds in the car

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Tom McParland 08/17/2014 at 22:05

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I think the GLI is very adequate. definitely cross shop it and the GTI

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/17/2014 at 22:09

4

Didn't know that you are in a Sorority.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/17/2014 at 22:10

1

It will kill you with a smile on it's face. That's why I love the aggressiveness in the design of newer VW's

GhostZ > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/17/2014 at 22:11

4

Grace, pace, space. These were the 3 words used by Jaguar when asked about their cars in the early 1960's, and I feel that a car like my 2012 GLI carries on this legacy of effortless style and performance.

http://www.spacetimestudios.com/attachment.php…

followed by

http://www.quickmeme.com/img/2e/2e770e4…

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > GhostZ 08/17/2014 at 22:13

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I did say it's biased didn't I?

and here's my logic: fast cool sedan that people like= Jag MK2 and Jetta GLI.

^THE LOGIC BE FLAWLESS YO! :P

GhostZ > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/17/2014 at 22:15

5

"Jaguars are good. And they're mostly made of metal. And my VW Jetta is mostly make of Metal, therefore, it is a Jaguar."

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > GhostZ 08/17/2014 at 22:16

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yeah it is a Jag! didn't you read the part about how it growls? only jags do that dawg!

\trolling.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 08/17/2014 at 22:16

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I'm not, but my car is!

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 08/17/2014 at 22:17

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yeah! exactly! and it'll do it systematically like all germans do. first, it'll go for the wallet, then the wallet's owner!

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/17/2014 at 22:18

1

That's a cruel joke, but I like it. I like your sense of humor.

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/17/2014 at 22:22

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Dat gas mileage tho

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/17/2014 at 22:42

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You're sure? Have you ever ran the car up to fuel cutoff in 2nd? I did at an autocross once after everyone insisted I could hold 2nd (they weren't in FiSTs) and I found out that no, actually, fuel cutoff is 52 mph.

Coty > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/17/2014 at 22:48

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Deathstar!

Tom McParland > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/17/2014 at 22:55

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i drove a '13 GLI, I liked it almost got one when the lease was up on my Mazda. But unfortunately all the MK7 upgrades haven't carried over to the GLI.

Zach Campbell > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/17/2014 at 23:08

1

Great review!

I've always had a soft spot for GLIs. I'd much rather have a GTI, because GTI, but if I had a family or was older, the GLI seems like a perfect fit. Respectable enough to take the wife to dinner on Saturday night, but still playful enough to hoon on a Sunday afternoon.

I hope you have years of problem free ownership. Unfortunately, it's not likely, but there's always room for hope. At any rate you were smart and got it CPO, so at least you'll have 3 years covered.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 08/17/2014 at 23:26

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why, thank you!

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen 08/17/2014 at 23:27

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That's what happens when you drive like a maniac for 100 miles

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/17/2014 at 23:28

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Yes. I did a 0-60 run in my mom's 5-speed 2.5SE jetta, and I got up to 64 mph before I shifted in to 3rd, and I wasn't even at cutoff yet!

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Zach Campbell 08/17/2014 at 23:30

1

HA funny you should say that... I've already been to the dealer because repairs :P

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/17/2014 at 23:44

1

LOL

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/17/2014 at 23:44

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Oh I meant on the GTI. I'm pretty sure I could do 60 in 2nd in a MkV. Mazda used to do this with their cars to game the 0-60 times in reviews. My friend's old automatic mazda 3 could do 62 in 2nd. It only had a 5-speed but they made sure to be able to wind it up to 60 in 2nd just for review numbers.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen 08/17/2014 at 23:49

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More like SOL (sobbing out loud) when I pumped earlier.

CURSE YOU 92 OCTANE FOR BEING $4.21 a gallon!

Zach Campbell > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/17/2014 at 23:50

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So I've read! Fuel pump sensor on the what, second day of ownership? Might want to ring VW. That might be a record! I'm sure they keep records of those happenings in they're book containing they're quest to take over the world by producing hideously unreliable cars while convincing every unsuspecting buyer they're not, then obtaining control of all repair shops. Does Mein Kampf ring a bell?

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/17/2014 at 23:50

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Yeah, the GLI is just shy of redline in 2nd at 52-53ish, and I don't wanna push it more. I do know it's good for 118 in 4th though

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Zach Campbell 08/17/2014 at 23:52

1

hahah it's my 2nd day of ownership! keep in mind that sensor lasted 23,200 miles and 2 years in the northwest before it went kaput

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/17/2014 at 23:53

0

LMAO diesel around here is $3.50-3.70 per gallon, with 87 octane being $3.15-3.25 (!) per gallon.... Premium is around $3.45 per gallon!

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/17/2014 at 23:58

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Aerodynamics/lack of power stop the FiST at about 130ish in 6th. Which sucks because it pulls real well up to 120 or so. I need some upgrades.

Zach Campbell > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/18/2014 at 00:03

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Well, that's better, but still that's not exactly something to brag about. I'm willing to overlook its shortcomings for its performance and practicality, though!

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Zach Campbell 08/18/2014 at 00:04

1

that's what I did, and I'm in love!

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/18/2014 at 00:05

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my GLI pulls like a freaking train up to 120, but I have yet to proceed to V-max

Zach Campbell > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/18/2014 at 00:10

1

And that's all that matters! It's like me and my Volvo. No matter how much money I continuously throw at it I still cannot refuse to love it. While she's no track star (XC70), I can throw everything including the kitchen sink in the back, turn the key knowing that she'll always start (now that I've replaced the starter), and blast down the interstate, thanks to the turbo, at 100 mph in complete comfort and safety. It's a bug and once your bit, you're hooked.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Zach Campbell 08/18/2014 at 00:12

1

^THIS. just this

spanfucker retire bitch > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/18/2014 at 10:52

1

Braking: 6/10

I once had a rental Jetta when my old car was in the shop getting repaired. Obviously it wasn't a GLI, but that car had the worst brakes I've ever the displeasure of experiencing. Absolutely no linearity to them at all.

You'd depress the pedal expecting a slow bleed-off of speed, only to realize it isn't doing shit. You lower the pedal a little more and you're still barely slowing down. A little more and BAM, the whole nose just dives forward like you're standing on the brake pedal. It makes you look like someone who's literally just learning how to drive.

nermal > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/18/2014 at 11:10

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Sweet car, I echo your sentiments as I have a 2012 GTI Autobahn.

How many miles are on yours? I just had the 30k service done on mine, which included changing the brake fluid. That made a very noticeable difference in firming up the brake pedal.

Also, what tires do you have? I can't tell from looking, but if they're the original all-seasons, dump them ASAP for some good summer tires. I have the Continental DWs, and they completely transformed my car. Highly recommended, for about $600 installed. If you live where it snows, you'll want to get a 2nd set of wheels with dedicated snow tires as well.

Vintage1982Benz > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/18/2014 at 12:05

1

I drive a 13 GLI Autobahn, and this is a spot on review. Only thing I would quibble with is the toys - I would give it a 6 or a 7. The touchscreen looks like it is from 2005. I love the look of the wheels, too, but Midwestern potholes and low profile tires cost me a few hundred in flats this winter/spring.

I love this car. I've been driving it for over a year now, and it has taken me on camping trips, helped me move to a new city 700+ miles away, hauled multiple friends on road trips (best in class rear seat leg room!) and has generally been a pleasure to drive. I've hauled ass through mountain roads and more.

The HP/torque is really about as much as you need to have fun on public roads and not break too many laws. Mine is on lease, and I am looking at buying it when it is up and adding some lighter wheels and flashing the ECU for a little more power.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Vintage1982Benz 08/18/2014 at 13:00

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Awesome! I didn't know we had more GLI owners here on oppo! Glad to hear I'm not the only one who is enjoying this awesome VW!

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > nermal 08/18/2014 at 13:03

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Another GLI Autobahn owner? that makes you the 3rd besides me and another guy I just spoke to! My car is sitting pretty at just a midge over 23,200 miles. Since I bought it certified, i'll have a warranty for another 3 years on it, so I'm pleased about that!

Right now, the car is on the Original Dunlop rubber it came with, and I don't plan on swapping them out. being a teenager, anything I have to give a lot of money for is going ot be tough, plus the tires are good enough for my uses

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > spanfucker retire bitch 08/18/2014 at 13:04

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Not how the Jetta's I've driven behave, so I can't really say

nermal > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/18/2014 at 14:11

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Mine is a GTI, not a GLI. Pretty much the same except for hatch vs trunk though.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > nermal 08/18/2014 at 14:42

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oh whoops, I read GTI as GLI (just goes to show how much I love my ride!)

Mike_Smith > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/18/2014 at 15:57

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" Unlike the GTI, the GLI tends to not evoke images of 20 year olds with snap backs and tank tops "

I think you have the GTI confused with a base model Lancer painted purple with vinyl tape, a foam spoiler, and a fartcan exhaust.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Mike_Smith 08/18/2014 at 15:58

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Nope! sorry, but when someone says GTI all I see is a rich daddy's boy street racing. Maybe it's because I live in an area where most teens get nice/expensive cars...
But hey! my stepdad drives a GTI, and I still think that

SantaRita > Tom McParland 08/18/2014 at 16:20

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aftermarket is cheaper & quite faster

Tom McParland > SantaRita 08/18/2014 at 16:32

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limited slip diff, and larger brakes are quite expensive aftermarket...and I like keeping my warranty.

flashgordon > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/19/2014 at 10:38

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I hate to be that guy. But the DSG has 2 clutches. Maybe change it into something about a 3rd pedal?

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > flashgordon 08/19/2014 at 13:06

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My GLI has the 6-speed manual transmission. I'm saying that the manual isn't as fast as the DSG, but that I'd rather drive it over a comparable DSG GLI

dubgasm > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/19/2014 at 13:52

1

Glad to see you're loving it! I am typically just a lurker on here but I have a '13 GLI and wanted to chime in. I feel the exact same way about my care. Went on vacation and had to drive a Nissan Altima for 5 days. I hugged my car when I got back to Ohio

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > dubgasm 08/19/2014 at 14:25

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glad to see another GLI owner! and yeah, I hug my car often as well

dubgasm > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/19/2014 at 15:33

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entering my third year of ownership and about to hit 30k miles... starting to get the APR/GIAC bug...

Alex B > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/20/2014 at 08:51

1

Great choice. There are two GLI's in my neighborhood. Not sure if they're autobahn though. May you enjoy many miles in your "new" car!