The MK5 GTI chassis is still very good by today's standards, absolute hoot on the twisty sections but compliant enough to be civil daily driver. Things to look out for are:
External
- Rust, particularly on the front arches which are common. Depending on the age and goodwill main dealer can fix this at no cost.
- Hazy headlights reducing light output. Can be rectified with a gentle sand and polish.
- Diamond cut Monza wheels are stunning to look at but are prone to white worming. Look out for peels in the lacquer or from wheel scrapes.
- Centre caps can fall victim to whiteworming, no biggie as it’s an easy replacement from dealer network (TPS or Trades Part Specialist) or from eBay.
Internal
- Paint finishes on the switches can peel off and look ugly. Thankfully they are generally easy to replace, look for MK6 Golf switches with the chrome tips for an upmarket finish.
- Check the Air Conditioning is working, air compressors can fail and is quite expensive to fix.
- Check the condition of the seat bolsters, particularly the drivers side as they can sag or even rip from prolonged use.
- Very rare but the roof liner can sag and droop down! Inspect the top to make sure this is not the case!
- Check the footwells, squidgy or damp carpet suggests poor seals or blocked drain holes in the pollen filter letting water in.
Mechanical
- GTI’s are generally meant to be driven hard so they are ill-suited to the “Longlife service” regime that allows it to run up to 2 years or 18,000 miles. Stick with the standard annual (or less than 10k) oil changes to keep the car happy in the long run.
- Camshaft Follower (aka Cam Follower or the tappet) are prone to wear out on the MK5 GTI and can cause significant damage to the Camshaft and HPFP (High Pressure Fuel Pump) if left to self-destruct. Be aware that this is not a typical service item so don't be fooled with "Full Main Dealer History" as they don't check this in their normal services. Failure can potentially cost thousands to fix so it's really a case of prevention over cure, the part itself is about £30-ish so it's well worth getting this replaced on every major service to be on the safe side. Be weary with cars that are mapped beyond Stage 2 as most likely they would have their HPFP upgraded which generally adds more pressure to the Camshaft Follower leading to faster wear.
- Lack of boost can indicate the rubber diaphragm being split on the Diverter Valve (DV). Three options are replace like to like (Revision G) but will need to replace again at some time, get a plastic piston design (Revision D) which are durable but doesn't hold boost weel compared to the Revision G unit or upgrade with a DV+ kit which costs around £100.
- If the engine clatters like a diesel then the Cam Chain Tensioner probably needs adjusting, not a cheap job but will need doing to prevent major damage in the long run.
- DSG automatic gearboxes requires periodic fluid change services (typically 40k). Failure to do this can potentially lead to long term gearbox damage.
- Lurching, slack or inconsistent gear changes with the DSG can indicate a failing mechatronics unit, not a cheap item to repair.
- Ensure the Cambelt & Waterpump change is done, every 4 years or 80k I believe. If there is no history on this done then get it replaced asap.
- Check the car can warm up to 90c and stay there, if it doesn’t it may indicate a faulty thermostat.
- Check Suspension Spring condition, stock springs tend to have a habit of breaking off due to rust.
- Check tyre condition, uneven wear indicates poor wheel alignment.
