VW Golf GTI Performance-17

Used Volkswagen Golf GTi (Mk7/7.5) review

2014 - 2020

Likes

  • Excellent levels of performance
  • All the practicality of a Golf hatchback
  • European class and good looks
  • Perfect for almost any scenario

Dislikes

  • Major reliability concerns
  • Tech is starting to feel its age
  • Expensive repair bills
  • Questionable longevity

Stuff you should know

The Mk7 Volkswagen Golf GTI, when new, was quite possibly the perfect car.

A perfect blend of performance and practicality, an understated yet sporty aesthetic, a comfortable yet purposeful interior, the GTI was (and still is) a classless and immensely enjoyable car.

But this was when the GTI was new, which it no longer is. Does it still live up to its new car reputation? Hopefully this Cheat Sheet will answer that question.
The seventh generation Golf and GTI received a mild cosmetic and equipment mid-life update in 2017 (commonly called the Mk 7.5) as well as incremental upgrades each year.

VW Golf GTI Performance-17 VW Golf GTI Performance-16 VW Golf GTI Performance-18 VW Golf GTI Performance-19 VW Golf GTI Performance-20 VW Golf GTI Performance-21 VW Golf GTI Performance-12 VW Golf GTI Performance-11 VW Golf GTI Performance-10 VW Golf GTI Performance-9 VW Golf GTI Performance-7 VW Golf GTI Performance-6 VW Golf GTI Performance-5 VW Golf GTI Performance-4 VW Golf GTI Performance-3 VW Golf GTI Performance-2 VW Golf GTI Performance-1

What goes wrong

  • Turbo failures on early year models
  • Water pump failures
  • Thermostat failures
  • Inlet tract issues
  • Injector faults
  • Oil pan faults
  • Excessive oil consumption
  • Intercooler issues
  • Clutch concerns in manual versions
  • DSG issues
  • Subframe bolts have stretching issues
  • Hood cables and release handles can fail
  • Engine bay plastics fail
  • Water incursion and leaking issues
  • Infotainment systems known to fail
  • Interior and exterior trim can age badly
  • Turbo failures on early year models
  • Water pump failures
  • Thermostat failures
  • Inlet tract issues
  • Injector faults
  • Oil pan faults
  • Excessive oil consumption
  • Intercooler issues
  • Clutch concerns in manual versions
  • DSG issues
  • Subframe bolts have stretching issues
  • Hood cables and release handles can fail
  • Engine bay plastics fail
  • Water incursion and leaking issues
  • Infotainment systems known to fail
  • Interior and exterior trim can age badly
  • Turbo failures on early year models
  • Water pump failures
  • Thermostat failures
  • Inlet tract issues
  • Injector faults
  • Oil pan faults
  • Excessive oil consumption
  • Intercooler issues
  • Clutch concerns in manual versions
  • DSG issues
  • Subframe bolts have stretching issues
  • Hood cables and release handles can fail
  • Engine bay plastics fail
  • Water incursion and leaking issues
  • Infotainment systems known to fail
  • Interior and exterior trim can age badly

Should you buy it?

We’ve genuinely lost count of how many horror stories we’ve heard regarding the Mk7 Golf GTI. Interiors leaking, engines imploding, catastrophic and hugely expensive failures are becoming almost common.

If you’re ok with that level of stress and impending doom and you can find a GTI with some factory warranty remaining, that has been completely cared for, that includes a faultless service history, then yes, buy one. When they’re working, they’re quite possibly the perfect car. Just make sure you sell it before the warranty is up.

However, if you require a completely reliable and dependable hot hatch that will provide many years of trouble-free, practical and performance motoring, even when it’s out of warranty, sorry, it’s a no, you shouldn’t buy one.

We’ve genuinely lost count of how many horror stories we’ve heard regarding the Mk7 Golf GTI. Interiors leaking, engines imploding, catastrophic and hugely expensive failures are becoming almost common.

If you’re ok with that level of stress and impending doom and you can find a GTI with some factory warranty remaining, that has been completely cared for, that includes a faultless service history, then yes, buy one. When they’re working, they’re quite possibly the perfect car. Just make sure you sell it before the warranty is up.

However, if you require a completely reliable and dependable hot hatch that will provide many years of trouble-free, practical and performance motoring, even when it’s out of warranty, sorry, it’s a no, you shouldn’t buy one.

Should you buy it?

We’ve genuinely lost count of how many horror stories we’ve heard regarding the Mk7 Golf GTI. Interiors leaking, engines imploding, catastrophic and hugely expensive failures are becoming almost common.

If you’re ok with that level of stress and impending doom and you can find a GTI with some factory warranty remaining, that has been completely cared for, that includes a faultless service history, then yes, buy one. When they’re working, they’re quite possibly the perfect car. Just make sure you sell it before the warranty is up.

However, if you require a completely reliable and dependable hot hatch that will provide many years of trouble-free, practical and performance motoring, even when it’s out of warranty, sorry, it’s a no, you shouldn’t buy one.

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2020

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Models, pricing & features

VW Golf GTI Performance-17

GTI

Price when new: $40,990 - $46,690

Price used: $18,400 - $41,600

Equipment

  • 12V Socket(s) – Auxiliary
  • 18″ Alloy Wheels
  • 8 Speaker Stereo
  • ABS (Antilock Brakes)
  • Adjustable Steering Col. – Tilt & Reach
  • Air Cond. – Climate Control 2 Zone
  • Air Conditioning – Pollen Filter
  • Air Conditioning – Rear
  • Air Conditioning – Sensor for Humidity
  • Air Conditioning – Sensor for Pollutants
  • Airbag – Driver
  • Airbag – Knee Driver
  • Airbag – Passenger
  • Airbags – Head for 1st Row Seats (Front)
  • Airbags – Head for 2nd Row Seats
  • Airbags – Side for 1st Row Occupants (Front)
  • Alarm with Motion Sensor
  • Alarm with Tow Away Protection
  • Ambient Lighting – Interior
  • Armrest – Front Centre (Shared)
  • Armrest – Rear Centre (Shared)
  • Audio – AAC Decoder
  • Audio – Aux Input Socket (MP3/CD/Cassette)
  • Audio – Aux Input USB Socket
  • Audio – MP3 Decoder
  • Audio Decoder – WMA
  • Bluetooth System
  • Body Colour – Bumpers
  • Body Colour – Door Handles
  • Body Colour – Exterior Mirrors Partial
  • Bottle Holders – 1st Row
  • Brake Assist
  • Brake Emergency Display – Hazard/Stoplights
  • CD Player
  • Calipers – Painted Front
  • Calipers – Painted Rear
  • Camera – Rear Vision
  • Cargo Cover
  • Cargo Tie Down Hooks/Rings
  • Central Locking – Once Mobile
  • Central Locking – Remote/Keyless
  • Chrome Exhaust Tip(s)
  • Chrome Exterior Highlights
  • Chrome Interior highlights
  • Clock – Digital
  • Control – Electronic Damper
  • Control – Electronic Stability
  • Control – Park Distance Front
  • Control – Park Distance Rear
  • Control – Traction
  • Courtesy Lamps – in Doors Front
  • Cruise Control – with Brake Function (limiter)
  • Cup Holders – 1st Row
  • Cup Holders – 2nd Row
  • Daytime Running Lamps
  • Diffuser – Rear
  • Disc Brakes Front Ventilated
  • Disc Brakes Rear Solid
  • Door Pockets – 1st row (Front)
  • Driver Attention Detection
  • EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
  • Electronic Differential Lock
  • Engine – Stop Start System (When at idle)
  • Engine Immobiliser
  • Exhaust System – Dual
  • Floor Mats
  • Fog Lamp/s – Rear
  • Fog Lamps – Front LED
  • Footwell Lamps – Front
  • GPS (Satellite Navigation)
  • Gloss Finish Inserts in Centre Console
  • Gloss Finish Inserts in Centre Stack/ HVAC
  • Gloss Finish Inserts in Dash Board
  • Gloss Finish Inserts in Doors
  • Gloss Finish Instruments Surround
  • Glovebox – Cooled
  • Headlamps – Clear Lenses
  • Headlamps – Electric Level Adjustment
  • Headlamps – See me home
  • Headlamps Automatic (light sensitive)
  • Headrests – Adjustable 1st Row (Front)
  • Headrests – Adjustable 2nd Row x3
  • Heat Insulated – Side Windows
  • Hill Holder
  • Illuminated – Entry/Exit with Fade
  • Illuminated Vanity Mirror for Front Passenger
  • Independent Front Suspension
  • Independent Rear Suspension
  • Intermittent Wipers
  • Leather Steering Wheel
  • Lock Nuts
  • Map/Reading Lamps – for 1st Row
  • Map/Reading Lamps – for 2nd Row
  • Memory Card Reader
  • Metallic Finish Steering Wheel
  • Multi-function Control Screen – Colour
  • Multi-function Steering Wheel
  • Park Brake – Electric
  • Parking Assist – Graphical Display
  • Pedals – Sports
  • Power Door Mirrors – Auto Dipping (Reversing)
  • Power Door Mirrors – Heated
  • Power Steering – Electric Assist
  • Power Steering – Speed Sensitive
  • Power Steering – Variable Ratio (more lock faster)
  • Power Windows – Front & Rear
  • Power Windows – Remote Control Open/Close
  • Rain Sensor (Auto wipers)
  • Rear View Mirror – Electric Anti Glare
  • Rear Wiper/Washer
  • Remote Fuel Lid Release
  • Scuff Plates (on door sills)
  • Seat – Drivers Lumbar Adjustment Manual
  • Seat – Height Adjustable Driver
  • Seat – Passenger Lumbar Adjustment Manual
  • Seat – Rear Opening for Skis/boot access
  • Seatback Pockets – 1st Row (Front) seats
  • Seatbelt – Adjustable Height 1st Row
  • Seatbelt – Load Limiters 1st Row (Front)
  • Seatbelt – Pretensioners 1st Row (Front)
  • Seatbelts – Lap/Sash for 5 seats
  • Seats – 2nd Row Split Fold
  • Spare Wheel – Space Saver/Temporary
  • Speed Dependant Wipers
  • Spoiler – Rear Roof Mounted
  • Sports Seats – 1st Row (Front)
  • Steering Wheel – Sports
  • Storage Area – Under Dash
  • Storage Compartment – Centre Console 1st Row
  • Storage Compartment – In Cargo Area
  • Storage Compartment – Overhead Console 1st Row
  • Storage Compartment – Under Driver Seat
  • Storage Compartment – Under Passenger Seat
  • Suede Look – Seats Partial
  • Sunvisor – Illuminated Vanity Mirror for Driver
  • Suspension – Lowered
  • Suspension – Sports
  • Tacho
  • Tail Lamps – Tinted
  • Trim – Cloth
  • Trip Computer
  • Tyre Pressure Sensor

MY15 update

  • Cruise Control
  • Seat – Height Adjustable Passenger
  • Speed Limiter

MY16 update

  • Central Locking – Key Proximity
  • Keyless Start:- Key/FOB Proximity related
  • Smart Device App Display/Control
  • Smart Device Integration – Android Auto
  • Smart Device Integration – Apple CarPlay
  • Starter Button

MY19 update

  • Body Kit – Lower (skirts
  • F & R Aprons)
  • Collision Mitigation – Reversing
  • Collision Warning – Rearward
  • Digital Instrument Display – Partial
  • Door Pockets – 2nd row (rear)
  • Gloss Finish Inserts
  • Headlamp – High Beam Auto Dipping
  • Headlining – Colour
  • Illuminated (puddle lamps) Door Mirrors
  • Metallic Finish Instrument Surrounds
  • Metallic Finish Interior Inserts
  • Power Door Mirrors – Folding

GTI Performance

Price when new: $46,490 - $48,490

Price used: $23,100 - $28,100

Adds

  • 19″ Alloy Wheels
  • Daytime Running Lamps – LED
  • Diff lock(s)
  • Disc Brakes Rear Ventilated
  • Headlamp – Auto Dipping
  • Headlamp Washers
  • Headlamps – Bi-Xenon (for low & high beam)
  • Headlamps – Corner (Fixed)
  • Rear Windows – Extra Dark/Privacy
  • Tail Lamps – LED

GTI 40 Years

Price when new: $46,990 - $48,990

Price used: $26,600 - $30,400

Adds

  • Blind Spot Sensor
  • Brakes – Regenerative
  • Collision Mitigation – Forward (Low speed)
  • Coloured Door Mirrors
  • Cruise Control – Distance Control
  • Decals – Stripes on body
  • Mesh Grille – Lower Bumper
  • Scuff Plates – Embossed or personalised
  • Suede Look – Interior Inserts
  • Tail Lamps – Blacked Out Surrounds
  • Warning – Rear Cross Traffic (when reversing)

GTI Performance Edition 1

Price when new: $47,990

Price used: $30,800 - $34,000

Adds

  • Lane Departure – with Passive Steer Assist
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Lane Keeping – Active Assist
  • Leather Look – Seats Partial
  • Parking Assistance – Automated Steering

GTI Original

Price when new: $37,490

Price used: $24,900 - $27,700

Adds

  • Control – Pedestrian Avoidance with Braking
  • Power Windows – Front only

GTI TCR

Price when new: $51,490

Price used: $43,700 - $47,500

Adds

  • Chrome Air Vents Surrounds
  • Decals
  • Disc Brakes Front Vented Drilled/Grooved
  • Headlamps – High Beam Active Shadowing
  • Painted Roof
  • Performance Brakes
  • Steering Wheel – Race/Special

Tech specs

Body Styles

  • 5 door Hatchback
  • 3 door Hatchback

Engine Specs

  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 162kW / 350Nm (GTI 2013 – 2017)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 169kW / 350Nm (GTI Performance 2014 – 2016, GTI 2017 – 2018, GTI Original 2017 – 2018)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 195kW / 350Nm (GTI 40 Years 2016)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 180kW / 370Nm (GTI Performance Edition 1 2017, GTI 2018 – 2020)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 213kW / 350Nm (GTI TCR 2020)

Transmission

  • 6-speed Manual (GTI, GTI 40 Years, GTI Original)
  • 6-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (GTI, GTI Performance, GTI 40 Years, GTI Original, GTI TCR)
  • 7-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (GTI Performance Edition 1, GTI)

Fuel Consumption

  • 5.4 – 8.4 / 100km (GTI, GTI Performance Edition 1)
  • 5.5 – 8.3 / 100km (GTI Performance)
  • 6.1 – 9.3 / 100km (GTI 40 Years)
  • 5.6 – 8.4 / 100km (GTI Original)
  • 6.5 – 9.2 / 100km (GTI TCR)

Length

  • 4268mm – 4361mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 4268mm (3 door Hatchback)

Width

  • 1799mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1442mm – 1467mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 1442mm (3 door Hatchback)

Wheelbase

  • 2626mm – 2631mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 2626mm (3 door Hatchback)

Kerb Weight

  • Unknown kg (All Models)

Towing

  • Unknown kg (unbraked) – 1600kg (braked) (5 door Hatchback)
  • 680kg (unbraked) – 1600kg (braked) (3 door Hatchback)

Ancap Ratings

  • 5 stars, tested 2013 (All Models)

Body Styles

  • 5 door Hatchback
  • 3 door Hatchback

Engine Specs

  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 162kW / 350Nm (GTI 2013 – 2017)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 169kW / 350Nm (GTI Performance 2014 – 2016, GTI 2017 – 2018, GTI Original 2017 – 2018)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 195kW / 350Nm (GTI 40 Years 2016)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 180kW / 370Nm (GTI Performance Edition 1 2017, GTI 2018 – 2020)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 213kW / 350Nm (GTI TCR 2020)

Transmission

  • 6-speed Manual (GTI, GTI 40 Years, GTI Original)
  • 6-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (GTI, GTI Performance, GTI 40 Years, GTI Original, GTI TCR)
  • 7-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (GTI Performance Edition 1, GTI)

Fuel Consumption

  • 5.4 – 8.4 / 100km (GTI, GTI Performance Edition 1)
  • 5.5 – 8.3 / 100km (GTI Performance)
  • 6.1 – 9.3 / 100km (GTI 40 Years)
  • 5.6 – 8.4 / 100km (GTI Original)
  • 6.5 – 9.2 / 100km (GTI TCR)

Length

  • 4268mm – 4361mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 4268mm (3 door Hatchback)

Width

  • 1799mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1442mm – 1467mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 1442mm (3 door Hatchback)

Wheelbase

  • 2626mm – 2631mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 2626mm (3 door Hatchback)

Kerb Weight

  • Unknown kg (All Models)

Towing

  • Unknown kg (unbraked) – 1600kg (braked) (5 door Hatchback)
  • 680kg (unbraked) – 1600kg (braked) (3 door Hatchback)

Ancap Ratings

  • 5 stars, tested 2013 (All Models)

Body Styles

  • 5 door Hatchback
  • 3 door Hatchback

Engine Specs

  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 162kW / 350Nm (GTI 2013 – 2017)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 169kW / 350Nm (GTI Performance 2014 – 2016, GTI 2017 – 2018, GTI Original 2017 – 2018)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 195kW / 350Nm (GTI 40 Years 2016)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 180kW / 370Nm (GTI Performance Edition 1 2017, GTI 2018 – 2020)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 213kW / 350Nm (GTI TCR 2020)

Transmission

  • 6-speed Manual (GTI, GTI 40 Years, GTI Original)
  • 6-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (GTI, GTI Performance, GTI 40 Years, GTI Original, GTI TCR)
  • 7-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (GTI Performance Edition 1, GTI)

Fuel Consumption

  • 5.4 – 8.4 / 100km (GTI, GTI Performance Edition 1)
  • 5.5 – 8.3 / 100km (GTI Performance)
  • 6.1 – 9.3 / 100km (GTI 40 Years)
  • 5.6 – 8.4 / 100km (GTI Original)
  • 6.5 – 9.2 / 100km (GTI TCR)

Length

  • 4268mm – 4361mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 4268mm (3 door Hatchback)

Width

  • 1799mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1442mm – 1467mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 1442mm (3 door Hatchback)

Wheelbase

  • 2626mm – 2631mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 2626mm (3 door Hatchback)

Kerb Weight

  • Unknown kg (All Models)

Towing

  • Unknown kg (unbraked) – 1600kg (braked) (5 door Hatchback)
  • 680kg (unbraked) – 1600kg (braked) (3 door Hatchback)

Ancap Ratings

  • 5 stars, tested 2013 (All Models)

Warranty & servicing

Warranty

  • 3 years / unlimited km (GTI, GTI Performance, GTI 40 Years, GTI Performance Edition 1, GTI Original)
  • 5 years / unlimited km (GTI, GTI TCR)

Servicing

  • 15,000 km / 12 months (All Models)

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Disclaimer

Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.

Information correct as of Feb 23, 2024.

The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

Read our full terms and conditions here.

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