Hi folks,
Yes, another new guy to the forum. Excellent forum by the way.
I have recently purchased a black Mk5 GTI after owning a Mk3 Gti for 2 years then a Mk4 for 6 years. I can't see past them.
My Mk4 had 145k on the clock (never broke down in the 115k I drove) and was still going strong until a car driver drove into the back of it at a roundabout killing it. However, the good news is that this was the final push (and the fact I now had no car) to get my new Golf.
Its a totally standard 06 Black Golf Gti with only 20k on the clock with full VW service history. Its like a new car.
So after a few weeks I've had my ups and downs. It broke down with two days as a coil pack failed. That was sorted without any problem. I was polishing it and found the start of corrosion on two really small patches on both front wings. I thought WTF! I was totally sick and couldn't believe it.
So a search of the net brought me to a couple of mk5 forums (one being this one) and found this corrosion was a common fault and that VW may fix same.
So, off to local VW and within a week the car's wings were repaired. The work was carried out by Audi on behalf of them. The bodyshop stated they had repaired 6 mk5's in two weeks. VW paid as a 'goodwill gesture' as they acknowledged this was a manufacturing fault as the arch liners rubbed on the inside of the wings.
They used to replace the wings on the car but this was obviously costing too much so they now repair the existing wings. Thankfully the corrosion on mine had just started. I'd rather they replaced the wings but that wasn't going to happen. They modify the liners by removing 10mm of plastic co they no longer rub. They made a cracking job and I hope the repair lasts for at least the time I have it.
A word of warning, I assume due to the amount of mk5's going back for this repair the service manager at VW stated VW will not repair cars at their expense that do not have a full comprehensive service history.
I am now finally enjoying the car. It's fantastic to drive and nothing like my old mk4. It seems to be pretty good on the fuel too which is a huge bonus considering the ridiculous fuel prices.
Cheers guys.