Likes
- Euro image
- Some are cheap on the used market
- GTI variants are still cracking fun to drive
Used Volkswagen Golf (MK6) review
2008 - 2012
Dislikes
- Expensive servicing and repair costs
- Expensive parts
- A growing list of common issues
- Zero factory support left
Stuff you should know
The Volkswagen Golf is a small family car that has been produced by Volkswagen since 1974. The Australian-delivered 2008-2012 Golf was the sixth generation of the car, and it was known as the Golf Mk6.
The Golf Mk6 was available in a variety of petrol and diesel engine options, including a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol, a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel. The Golf was also available in a variety of body styles, including a hatchback, a sedan, and a wagon.
The Golf Mk6 was well-received by Australian buyers, and it was awarded the Wheels Car of the Year award in 2009. The car was praised for its stylish design, its comfortable interior, and its excellent driving dynamics.
The Golf Mk6 was available in 4 main trim levels: Trendline, Comfortline, Exclusive and GTI. The Trendline was the base model, and it came standard with features such as air conditioning, a CD player, and power windows. The Comfortline was the mid-level trim, and it added features such as alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel, and a sunroof. The GTI was the top-of-the-range model, and it came with features such as a turbocharged engine, a sport suspension, and a body kit.
The Golf Mk6 was a popular car in Australia, and it was sold in significant numbers. The car was also relatively affordable, with prices starting at around $22,000 AUD.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
The Golf can be prone to electrical problems, such as the sunroof not working or the windows not rolling down.
Interior:
There are several reports of drainage issues causing water to accumulate near the bottoms of the doors. This can lead to damaged trim and rust.
Some owners have reported seatbelts failing to lock into place correctly.
There are sporadic reports of the steering becoming loose.
Worryingly, there are also reports of airbags firing inadvertently.
Mechanically:
This is a notorious issue with the Golf. The fuel pump should be replaced every 20k miles, even if you can’t hear the rattling sound that is caused by it.
The Golf can be prone to suspension problems, especially if it is not well-maintained.
The timing belt should be changed every 60k miles. If it is not changed, it can cause serious engine damage.
In some early Mk6 Golfs, a faulty component in the mechatronic unit would cause jerky gearshifts.
Specifically in terms of the GTi variants:
- There are multiple reports of timing chain tensioner failures
- The high-pressure fuel pump can also fail on the MK6 GTI. This can cause the engine to misfire or not start.
- Carbon buildup on the valves can cause the engine to misfire or run rough.
- The intake manifold on the MK6 GTI can develop cracks. This can cause the engine to lose power or run rough.
- Ignition coils on the MK6 GTI can fail. This can cause the engine to misfire or not start.
- The coolant temperature sensor on the MK6 GTI can fail. This can cause the engine to overheat or run poorly.
- The wastegate on the MK6 GTI can rattle. This is usually not a serious problem, but it can be annoying.
- The PCV valve on the MK6 GTI can fail. This can cause oil to build up in the engine and can lead to other problems.
Recalls:
- February 2012 – Certain units of Volksagen Golf, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, and Transporter from 2009-2011 are affected by engine resonances causing cracks in the injection pipe, which may result in diesel fuel leakage and potentially lead to vehicle fires.
- June 2013 – Faulty DSG 7-speed transmissions in Volkswagen Polo, Golf, Jetta, Passat & Caddy models produced between 2008 and 2011, affecting 25,698 units, can experience power supply failure causing the clutch to open and potentially leading to a sudden loss of power while driving, posing an accident hazard to occupants and other road users.
- November 2013 – A fault related to electrolysis in the gearbox of Volkswagen Polo, Golf & Wagon, Cabriolet, Beetle, Jetta Passat & Caddy models manufactured between 2012 and 2013 affects 11,043 units, causing conductive particles
Exterior:
The Golf can be prone to electrical problems, such as the sunroof not working or the windows not rolling down.
Interior:
There are several reports of drainage issues causing water to accumulate near the bottoms of the doors. This can lead to damaged trim and rust.
Some owners have reported seatbelts failing to lock into place correctly.
There are sporadic reports of the steering becoming loose.
Worryingly, there are also reports of airbags firing inadvertently.
Mechanically:
This is a notorious issue with the Golf. The fuel pump should be replaced every 20k miles, even if you can’t hear the rattling sound that is caused by it.
The Golf can be prone to suspension problems, especially if it is not well-maintained.
The timing belt should be changed every 60k miles. If it is not changed, it can cause serious engine damage.
In some early Mk6 Golfs, a faulty component in the mechatronic unit would cause jerky gearshifts.
Specifically in terms of the GTi variants:
- There are multiple reports of timing chain tensioner failures
- The high-pressure fuel pump can also fail on the MK6 GTI. This can cause the engine to misfire or not start.
- Carbon buildup on the valves can cause the engine to misfire or run rough.
- The intake manifold on the MK6 GTI can develop cracks. This can cause the engine to lose power or run rough.
- Ignition coils on the MK6 GTI can fail. This can cause the engine to misfire or not start.
- The coolant temperature sensor on the MK6 GTI can fail. This can cause the engine to overheat or run poorly.
- The wastegate on the MK6 GTI can rattle. This is usually not a serious problem, but it can be annoying.
- The PCV valve on the MK6 GTI can fail. This can cause oil to build up in the engine and can lead to other problems.
Recalls:
- February 2012 – Certain units of Volksagen Golf, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, and Transporter from 2009-2011 are affected by engine resonances causing cracks in the injection pipe, which may result in diesel fuel leakage and potentially lead to vehicle fires.
- June 2013 – Faulty DSG 7-speed transmissions in Volkswagen Polo, Golf, Jetta, Passat & Caddy models produced between 2008 and 2011, affecting 25,698 units, can experience power supply failure causing the clutch to open and potentially leading to a sudden loss of power while driving, posing an accident hazard to occupants and other road users.
- November 2013 – A fault related to electrolysis in the gearbox of Volkswagen Polo, Golf & Wagon, Cabriolet, Beetle, Jetta Passat & Caddy models manufactured between 2012 and 2013 affects 11,043 units, causing conductive particles to accumulate and potentially leading to an electrical short circuit, blowing the gearbox fuse and resulting in a complete loss of power to the wheels while driving, posing hazards to occupants and other road users.
- March 2017 – A fault in the ABS control unit of Volkswagen EOS, Golf, Jetta, Scirocco, and Caddy models from 2008 to 2010 affects 13,249 units, potentially causing a loss of ABS functionality and increasing the risk of accidents, particularly in critical driving situations.
- March 2018 – The fault in Volkswagen Golf, Passat & Passat CC models from 2010 to 2012, affecting 841 units, involves a bent or broken spring obstructing the clearance of the spindle in the starter motor relay, leading to a blockage and potential permanent current supply to the relay, which can result in overheating and local scorching damage, posing a risk of vehicle fire.
- April 2020 – A production fault in Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, Passat, Polo, Caddy, and Beetle models manufactured between 2009 and 2015 has led to a crack in the transmissions pressure accumulator, causing the loss of oil and pressure in the gearbox and increasing the risk of accidents for the 119,138 affected units.
Exterior:
The Golf can be prone to electrical problems, such as the sunroof not working or the windows not rolling down.
Interior:
There are several reports of drainage issues causing water to accumulate near the bottoms of the doors. This can lead to damaged trim and rust.
Some owners have reported seatbelts failing to lock into place correctly.
There are sporadic reports of the steering becoming loose.
Worryingly, there are also reports of airbags firing inadvertently.
Mechanically:
This is a notorious issue with the Golf. The fuel pump should be replaced every 20k miles, even if you can’t hear the rattling sound that is caused by it.
The Golf can be prone to suspension problems, especially if it is not well-maintained.
The timing belt should be changed every 60k miles. If it is not changed, it can cause serious engine damage.
In some early Mk6 Golfs, a faulty component in the mechatronic unit would cause jerky gearshifts.
Specifically in terms of the GTi variants:
- There are multiple reports of timing chain tensioner failures
- The high-pressure fuel pump can also fail on the MK6 GTI. This can cause the engine to misfire or not start.
- Carbon buildup on the valves can cause the engine to misfire or run rough.
- The intake manifold on the MK6 GTI can develop cracks. This can cause the engine to lose power or run rough.
- Ignition coils on the MK6 GTI can fail. This can cause the engine to misfire or not start.
- The coolant temperature sensor on the MK6 GTI can fail. This can cause the engine to overheat or run poorly.
- The wastegate on the MK6 GTI can rattle. This is usually not a serious problem, but it can be annoying.
- The PCV valve on the MK6 GTI can fail. This can cause oil to build up in the engine and can lead to other problems.
Recalls:
- February 2012 – Certain units of Volksagen Golf, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, and Transporter from 2009-2011 are affected by engine resonances causing cracks in the injection pipe, which may result in diesel fuel leakage and potentially lead to vehicle fires.
- June 2013 – Faulty DSG 7-speed transmissions in Volkswagen Polo, Golf, Jetta, Passat & Caddy models produced between 2008 and 2011, affecting 25,698 units, can experience power supply failure causing the clutch to open and potentially leading to a sudden loss of power while driving, posing an accident hazard to occupants and other road users.
- November 2013 – A fault related to electrolysis in the gearbox of Volkswagen Polo, Golf & Wagon, Cabriolet, Beetle, Jetta Passat & Caddy models manufactured between 2012 and 2013 affects 11,043 units, causing conductive particles to accumulate and potentially leading to an electrical short circuit, blowing the gearbox fuse and resulting in a complete loss of power to the wheels while driving, posing hazards to occupants and other road users.
- March 2017 – A fault in the ABS control unit of Volkswagen EOS, Golf, Jetta, Scirocco, and Caddy models from 2008 to 2010 affects 13,249 units, potentially causing a loss of ABS functionality and increasing the risk of accidents, particularly in critical driving situations.
- March 2018 – The fault in Volkswagen Golf, Passat & Passat CC models from 2010 to 2012, affecting 841 units, involves a bent or broken spring obstructing the clearance of the spindle in the starter motor relay, leading to a blockage and potential permanent current supply to the relay, which can result in overheating and local scorching damage, posing a risk of vehicle fire.
- April 2020 – A production fault in Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, Passat, Polo, Caddy, and Beetle models manufactured between 2009 and 2015 has led to a crack in the transmissions pressure accumulator, causing the loss of oil and pressure in the gearbox and increasing the risk of accidents for the 119,138 affected units.
Should you buy it?
Probably not. If you’re shopping in one of the segments that the MK6 Volkswagen Golf occupies, there’s no rational reason why this car should ascend to the top of your shopping list.
Despite this, time and time again, buyers are drawn to the alluring VW badge and the myth of German engineering. In reality, you should avoid buying a Volkswagen Golf pushing 15 years old.
If the idea of higher-than-average parts and labour costs isn’t enough to steer you away, the growing list of common issues should do it.
Sure, if you’re a diehard lover of the brand, have always loved Golfs, and are happy to plow time, money, and emotional energy into it should something go wrong, that’s your prerogative.
But if you simply need a reliable hatch or wagon to be trouble-free and inexpensive to maintain, you’re better off looking elsewhere.
Probably not. If you’re shopping in one of the segments that the MK6 Volkswagen Golf occupies, there’s no rational reason why this car should ascend to the top of your shopping list.
Despite this, time and time again, buyers are drawn to the alluring VW badge and the myth of German engineering. In reality, you should avoid buying a Volkswagen Golf pushing 15 years old.
If the idea of higher-than-average parts and labour costs isn’t enough to steer you away, the growing list of common issues should do it.
Sure, if you’re a diehard lover of the brand, have always loved Golfs, and are happy to plow time, money, and emotional energy into it should something go wrong, that’s your prerogative.
But if you simply need a reliable hatch or wagon to be trouble-free and inexpensive to maintain, you’re better off looking elsewhere.
Should you buy it?
Probably not. If you’re shopping in one of the segments that the MK6 Volkswagen Golf occupies, there’s no rational reason why this car should ascend to the top of your shopping list.
Despite this, time and time again, buyers are drawn to the alluring VW badge and the myth of German engineering. In reality, you should avoid buying a Volkswagen Golf pushing 15 years old.
If the idea of higher-than-average parts and labour costs isn’t enough to steer you away, the growing list of common issues should do it.
Sure, if you’re a diehard lover of the brand, have always loved Golfs, and are happy to plow time, money, and emotional energy into it should something go wrong, that’s your prerogative.
But if you simply need a reliable hatch or wagon to be trouble-free and inexpensive to maintain, you’re better off looking elsewhere.
Need help with finance?
Powered by
Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body Styles
5 door Hatchback
3 door Hatchback
5 door Wagon
2 door Cabriolet
Engines
1.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (90TSI Trendline)
1.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (118TSI Comfortline, 118TSI, 118TSI Exclusive)
2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (103TDI Comfortline, GTD)
1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (77TDI Trendline, BlueMOTION)
2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (GTI, R, GTI Adidas, GTI Edition 35)
1.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (77TSI)
Power
90kW – 1.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (90TSI Trendline)
118kW – 1.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (118TSI Comfortline, 118TSI, 118TSI Exclusive)
103kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (103TDI Comfortline)
77kW – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (77TDI Trendline, BlueMOTION)
155kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (GTI, GTI Adidas)
188kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (R)
125kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (GTD)
77kW – 1.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (77TSI)
173kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (GTI Edition 35)
Torque
200Nm – 1.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (90TSI Trendline)
240Nm – 1.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (118TSI Comfortline, 118TSI, 118TSI Exclusive)
320Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (103TDI Comfortline)
250Nm – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (77TDI Trendline, BlueMOTION)
280Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (GTI, GTI Adidas)
330Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (R)
350Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (GTD)
175Nm – 1.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (77TSI)
300Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (GTI Edition 35)
Transmissions
6-speed Manual (90TSI Trendline, 118TSI Comfortline, 103TDI Comfortline, GTI, R, GTD, 77TSI, GTI Edition 35, 118TSI)
7-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (90TSI Trendline, 118TSI Comfortline, 77TDI Trendline, 77TSI, 118TSI, 118TSI Exclusive)
6-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (103TDI
Body Styles
5 door Hatchback
3 door Hatchback
5 door Wagon
2 door Cabriolet
Engines
1.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (90TSI Trendline)
1.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (118TSI Comfortline, 118TSI, 118TSI Exclusive)
2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (103TDI Comfortline, GTD)
1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (77TDI Trendline, BlueMOTION)
2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (GTI, R, GTI Adidas, GTI Edition 35)
1.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (77TSI)
Power
90kW – 1.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (90TSI Trendline)
118kW – 1.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (118TSI Comfortline, 118TSI, 118TSI Exclusive)
103kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (103TDI Comfortline)
77kW – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (77TDI Trendline, BlueMOTION)
155kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (GTI, GTI Adidas)
188kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (R)
125kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (GTD)
77kW – 1.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (77TSI)
173kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (GTI Edition 35)
Torque
200Nm – 1.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (90TSI Trendline)
240Nm – 1.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (118TSI Comfortline, 118TSI, 118TSI Exclusive)
320Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (103TDI Comfortline)
250Nm – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (77TDI Trendline, BlueMOTION)
280Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (GTI, GTI Adidas)
330Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (R)
350Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (GTD)
175Nm – 1.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (77TSI)
300Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (GTI Edition 35)
Transmissions
6-speed Manual (90TSI Trendline, 118TSI Comfortline, 103TDI Comfortline, GTI, R, GTD, 77TSI, GTI Edition 35, 118TSI)
7-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (90TSI Trendline, 118TSI Comfortline, 77TDI Trendline, 77TSI, 118TSI, 118TSI Exclusive)
6-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (103TDI Comfortline, GTI, R, GTD, GTI Adidas, GTI Edition 35)
5-speed Manual (77TDI Trendline, BlueMOTION)
Fuel Consumption
3.8 – 8.7L / 100km
Length
4199 – 4212mm (5 door Hatchback)
4199 – 4212mm (3 door Hatchback)
4631mm (5 door Wagon)
4337mm (2 door Cabriolet)
Width
1785mm (5 door Hatchback)
1785mm (3 door Hatchback)
1781mm (5 door Wagon)
1782mm (2 door Cabriolet)
Height
1461 – 1479mm (5 door Hatchback)
1461 – 1464mm (3 door Hatchback)
1524mm (5 door Wagon)
1423mm (2 door Cabriolet)
Wheelbase
2574mm (5 door Hatchback)
2574mm (3 door Hatchback)
2574mm (5 door Wagon)
2577mm (2 door Cabriolet)
Kerb Weight
1233 – 1496kg (5 door Hatchback)
1340 – 1496kg (3 door Hatchback)
1370 – 1491kg (5 door Wagon)
1424 – 1443kg (2 door Cabriolet)
Towing
640kg – 960kg (unbraked), 1300kg – 1500kg
ANCAP Ratings
5 stars
Body Styles
5 door Hatchback
3 door Hatchback
5 door Wagon
2 door Cabriolet
Engines
1.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (90TSI Trendline)
1.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (118TSI Comfortline, 118TSI, 118TSI Exclusive)
2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (103TDI Comfortline, GTD)
1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (77TDI Trendline, BlueMOTION)
2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (GTI, R, GTI Adidas, GTI Edition 35)
1.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (77TSI)
Power
90kW – 1.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (90TSI Trendline)
118kW – 1.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (118TSI Comfortline, 118TSI, 118TSI Exclusive)
103kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (103TDI Comfortline)
77kW – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (77TDI Trendline, BlueMOTION)
155kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (GTI, GTI Adidas)
188kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (R)
125kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (GTD)
77kW – 1.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (77TSI)
173kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (GTI Edition 35)
Torque
200Nm – 1.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (90TSI Trendline)
240Nm – 1.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (118TSI Comfortline, 118TSI, 118TSI Exclusive)
320Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (103TDI Comfortline)
250Nm – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (77TDI Trendline, BlueMOTION)
280Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (GTI, GTI Adidas)
330Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (R)
350Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (GTD)
175Nm – 1.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (77TSI)
300Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (GTI Edition 35)
Transmissions
6-speed Manual (90TSI Trendline, 118TSI Comfortline, 103TDI Comfortline, GTI, R, GTD, 77TSI, GTI Edition 35, 118TSI)
7-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (90TSI Trendline, 118TSI Comfortline, 77TDI Trendline, 77TSI, 118TSI, 118TSI Exclusive)
6-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (103TDI Comfortline, GTI, R, GTD, GTI Adidas, GTI Edition 35)
5-speed Manual (77TDI Trendline, BlueMOTION)
Fuel Consumption
3.8 – 8.7L / 100km
Length
4199 – 4212mm (5 door Hatchback)
4199 – 4212mm (3 door Hatchback)
4631mm (5 door Wagon)
4337mm (2 door Cabriolet)
Width
1785mm (5 door Hatchback)
1785mm (3 door Hatchback)
1781mm (5 door Wagon)
1782mm (2 door Cabriolet)
Height
1461 – 1479mm (5 door Hatchback)
1461 – 1464mm (3 door Hatchback)
1524mm (5 door Wagon)
1423mm (2 door Cabriolet)
Wheelbase
2574mm (5 door Hatchback)
2574mm (3 door Hatchback)
2574mm (5 door Wagon)
2577mm (2 door Cabriolet)
Kerb Weight
1233 – 1496kg (5 door Hatchback)
1340 – 1496kg (3 door Hatchback)
1370 – 1491kg (5 door Wagon)
1424 – 1443kg (2 door Cabriolet)
Towing
640kg – 960kg (unbraked), 1300kg – 1500kg
ANCAP Ratings
5 stars
Warranty & servicing
Warranty
3 years / 100,000 km or 3 years / unlimited km (depending on build year)
Service Intervals
15,000 km / 12 months
Buying a used car? Buy a PPSR report first.
Have ultimate peace of mind when buying a used car by purchasing an official PPSR report.
In the market?
Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of July 12, 2023.
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.
