Considering a 2015 GTI. Any opinions?

G

Grouch

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Oct 28, 2005
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For the past decade, I've driven a Subbie Legacy GT. I've only averaged ~9500mi/yr, mostly just doing my 45 miles round trip daily to work on highways. Occasionally, I take my wife and/or my 10 year old daughter in my car. I'm looking for a new car with the following attributes: 4 doors, at least 6 sec 0-60, auto tranny, either front or AWD (I'm in Massachusetts), and reliable. I first considered the Audi S4 but, while quick, wasn't nimble to me. Last weekend, I drove the GTI and had a hoot. While not uber-fast, it handled great and was adequately peppy. Additionally, I loved the hatch. Unfortunately, neither the Audi S3/RS3 nor the Merc A45 AMG offer hatches in the USA.

How is the reliability of the newer VWs? Any other cars to check out? I can afford much nicer (I even toyed with getting a 1-2 year old 911) but, as I need to use a booster seat in the back for my daughter, I feel a 4/5 door is best.

Thanks in advance.
 
I bought a 2012 GTI new, and love it. I did a lot of researching and for me it was the perfect melding of fun and function. Front wheel drive and corners like its on rails, gets 30+ mph and can seat 5 adults! BTW I'm 6'8 and the GTI is the best fit of any car I've driven.

Thus far, zero mechanical issues - only positives to report. Also, the 2015 is 150lbs lighter than the '12, and another 10 or so HP. Last I checked, you can flash the chip for under $1,000 and get another 40-50HP.

Since you're a knife guy, I think you'll enjoy the many subtle refinements that make this an especially exceptional car for its price. Starting to sound like a fan, but you get the idea. Good luck and I'd be happy to answer any more questions.
 
The new GTI is made in Mexico, not Germany; this is the first production run of the new model. Time will tell if the quality control is there; it wasn't the last time they tried to make the GTI in Mexico. The interior is great, but it's hard to see what's beneath the surface. And Audi engines do not have a great record for reliability and service. They tend to consume oil at an extraordinary rate. You don't want to own a VW/Audi after the warranty has run, unless you also own the dealership.

Take a look at the Volvo S60 R-Design or even the V60 R-Design wagon. AWD, 325 HP, 354 ft-lbs torque, and the best seats in the world.
 
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So I was in the same predicament last fall, and I bit the bullet and bought the 2015 GTI. I can't say anything but good things about it. I love it! It has plenty of room for me, the wife , and one kid. The hatch has enough space to fit a stroller too! Not to mention that it's blast to drive.
 
To those with the GTI, have you used it in snow? Would the AWD Golf R, which sits 2"lower, be better in the snow?
 
Not exactly a hatchback but....the v6 camry.
I drive a 2013 4cylinder with 178hp to the front.
The v6 has 268 to the front... With the moonroof and paddle shifters, it's about as sporty as you can get with that much room. I fit four adults and a carseat in the cabin. A (large) stroller in the trunk, and still room for a gun case, two large backpacks and a toolbox.
Safety and reliabilty are hallmarks of the camry name, they hold their value and are the safest cars on the road.

Just a thought. And yes I do work for Toyota, only very recently though.
I held these opinions long before they held my employment.

There's a reason I drive one and am looking at two newer vehicles.
 
Ford is going to be bringing in the Focus RS. Sounds impressive.
I have also heard the Madaspeed 3 is fairly peppy. It might not have the build quality you are looking for.

I take it the Sti is only two door?
 
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I assume AWD would do better in the snow. I mentioned front wheel drive and great handling as it's better than rear whelk in snow, so better all round.
 
Grouch said:
Is this based on recent models or 5 years or older models?
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All of 'em. Just read owner comments all over the web.

And my son had two GTIs (the previous two versions) before he went upscale to BMW. Oil consumption is high, and the water pumps die.
 
De Plano said:
Ford is going to be bringing in the Focus RS. Sounds impressive.
I have also heard the Madaspeed 3 is fairly peppy. It might not have the build quality you are looking for.

I take it the Sti is only two door?
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Sti is either 4 or 5 doors, depending on year, however, they're not cheap. They also only come with 3 pedals.
The RS will be a cool car as both the Focus and Fiesta STs are very cool! The Fiesta would be something I'd be looking at, considering the price tag.
Also, rumor has it we'll be getting a Civic Type R in the next year or so. It's supposed to be turbo-charged for the first time, too! I drive an older Si, and I would certainly buy another.

Grouch said:
Is this based on recent models or 5 years or older models?
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Probably based on the last 20+ years of history, lol. You need 'specialty' tools to work on many VAG vehicles. Supposedly the MK6+ is much higher quality than previous generations, but of course the company is going to say that. I like VW, but I don't think I'd buy one myself. I'm not too keen on the DSG trans either.

Epicurian said:
I assume AWD would do better in the snow. I mentioned front wheel drive and great handling as it's better than rear whelk in snow, so better all round.
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RWD is waaayy more fun, but it's all doable assuming you're on the right tires. My favorite car to date (in the snow) was a 1987 BMW 325is - 3 pedals, rwd, LSD and no traction control. Very easy to drive once you learn it, and easier to manipulate than a FWD with an auto trans (IMO). My Civic Si is on snow tires, but it's easy to rotate via the hand-brake. I'd rather have my little old E30 back though.

Feeling nostalgic now.. We got 18" this day, and my shift linkage was bent, so I didn't have reverse or 2nd gear, lol. No problem though, just don't stop for anything. :D
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:D :D You can keep that AWD junk!
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What about an older R32 though? DSG, VR6, 5 doors and 4motion. Unless I am confused and the 5 door was not sold state-side?
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Hatchbacks are not big enough. Get something bigger. Acceleration is overrated.

The minivan really is where it is at for the family man. You need a box on wheels to handle the mountains of stuff a first world family requires. The bigger the better.

If aren't ready to hand in your man card yet... You can do 0-60 in under 6 seconds with many of the new station wagons. Just look for the extended versions of the cars you are already looking at.
 
My parents have a Chrysler mini-van, and it's the worst driving car the world has ever seen. I'd imagine a Lada drives better, lol. It has forever tainted my image of minivans. Wagons are definitely cool in my book. Any clean V70r Volvos around? They made the IS300, TSX and Mazda 6 in wagon-form. Even those little Mazda SUVs are supposed to be fun and sporty. The CX-7 and CX-5? The Mazdaspeed 3 is a pretty good value, IMO. They don't hold their value worth a crap, so you can get a nice one in the low 'teens.'
 
sideways said:
Hatchbacks are not big enough. Get something bigger. Acceleration is overrated.

The minivan really is where it is at for the family man. You need a box on wheels to handle the mountains of stuff a first world family requires. The bigger the better.

If aren't ready to hand in your man card yet... You can do 0-60 in under 6 seconds with many of the new station wagons. Just look for the extended versions of the cars you are already looking at.
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As I originally posted
I've only averaged ~9500mi/yr, mostly just doing my 45 miles round trip daily to work on highways. Occasionally, I take my wife and/or my 10 year old daughter in my car
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My wife's vehicle is a small SUV that we use for schlepping necessities. 99% of the time, it's just me goin' back & forth to my desk job. So, a hatch is plenty big for me. Also, cost isn't that big of an issue; just keep it below ~$65k.
 
Fair enough.

I must have missed the part about the wife having an SUV...

Enjoy your hatch! :thumbup:
 
< $65K?!

E60 M5 (507hp, V10, 8,250rpm redline).
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C63.
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:D :D :D

Notable mentions, W211 E63 and E90 M3. :D Snow tires!
 
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I did have a 2013 GTI for about a year, awesome car and FUN to drive. Sold it, no fault of the car. Excellent in snow!!!!
 

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I drive a '11 GTI daily, bought new March 2011, that has 154k on the odometer. Only a couple of mechanical issues (2 water pumps) in all those miles. Plenty of room for my wife and I and 2 carseats. Most of my milage is interstate travel for work or driving around with the kids, but occasionally I'm sans little ones and not working and I can wind it out. I still get a kick out of hearing that turbo spool up. I love driving this car.
 
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