Looking into getting a mk5 gti dsg

[johnnyh182]

Looking into getting this car first VW and I don't know alot about them.  So any advice would be welcome things like common problems, general running costs, mpg, hazards of mapping the car and what to look out for when getting one.

Cheers John

[Tinytim]

Welcome,

When it comes to what to look out for there's not to many known faults.
In general just make sure the air con works properly, that's its been serviced on time (cam belt should be done at 4 years or 60,000 miles), the DSG changes should be smooth so look out for clunky changes.

The DSG boxes can go wrong but I think this is only a small percentage. Do a search on here and you'll find plenty of info.

As for mapping a lot of the users on here have their car mapped without issues.
Look at some of the reputable tuners and I'm sure you'll be fine. Just look at other people's cars on here to see what the majority are running.

[johnnyh182]

Okay cheers Tim just worried if I was to get a car that had previously been mapped it will have worn alot of the components at a greater rate.  What are the main differences with the edition30 ie suspension setup or just trim?  Love the look of them but feel they are overpriced but I am a complete newbie so will probably eat my words.  What model do you have Tim and are you getting decent fuel economy?

Cheers John

[Luka]

Bare in mind that the GTI is a 200bhp hot hatch. Any concerns with fuel economy then a GTI wouldn't really be a sensible choice. Funny how so many people ask though! 

[Tinytim]

Hi John,

Personally I think the premium for the ED30 is well worth it.
The suspension and brakes are the same I believe but you get fully painted side skirts and rear bumper which I think makes the ED30 much nicer. 18" alloys, It's also a limited edition.

The biggest plus point for me however is the engine, it is supposed to have been strengthened up compared to the standard Gti plus has the all important KO4 turbo compared to the K03 on the Gti. This gives it an extra 30 hp from standard.

So the ED30 has a lot more tuning potential plus you'll be putting less stress on the engine as the increase in power will be less. 200-300bhp for a standard Gti is quite a big leap, I'm not saying the engine can't cope but if you go to 300bhp in an ED30 your not pushing it so close to its limits.

I have a Pirelli edition which is pretty much identical to an ED30 apart from a few different but the car and engine are the same. I preferred the Pirelli edition over the ED30.

Have a test drive in both and see if it feels that extra bit special.

[Tamiyoman]

With prices of ED30's comin down so much in last 12 nmonths its deffo worth the premium, took me 4 months to find one I wanted, but worth every penny, its quick std but a stage 1 remap gives you 300bhp and thats hardly stressing the engine, lots will say this is how they should have come from the factory. A stage 1 GTI will only give around 240-245bhp and I think stage 2 only gets you 270bhp, stage 2 in an ED30 will give a solid 330-350 (depends on what you go for, TBE, CAI, INtercooler, HPFP etc etc).

For the sake of £1.5K go ED30, you wont regret it