Newbie considering purchasing a MK5 GTI

[uk345]

Hi guys,

In the market for a Golf GTI MK5 and was wondering what the common problems with them are ?

[berg]

if dsg make sure is smooth and not juddery. rust in wheel arches and sills. other things like torn diverter valves and PCV issues are quite cheap to sort out

[RifGTi]

I've recently bought one and there are a few things to look out for

-diverter valve an be faulty. This can affect all gtis and is very easy to replace
-PCV issues but again not to bad to replace and easy to diagnose
- Seals can be faulty and let water in. Best thing to do is to get a bucket of water and splash it over the car then check for problems as well as check the cloth for signs of damage
- Cam follower will need replacing as a pre cautionary measure failure of this part can cause immense repair bills. This is cheap to replace
-Check the tyre tread pattern to make sure its uniform across the width of the tyre. Ive read in the rear insides become worn it can be as a result of bad rear shock absorbers
-If its a private sale make sure you find out if super unleaded has been used
- If DSG make sure its had the service done for the DSG box I cant remember which intervals they are but they must be done and can be pricey

Also do all the usual checks you would when buying a car.

Hope that helps! 

[Marc-5-GTI]

DSG is supposed to be done every 40,000 miles

[gjseb16]

just thought I would add my 2 pence worth a gti does not have to be run on super unleaded either people do run them on on super unleaded but this is not a must matey like the rest off the list above

[rsrob]

Above list is a good look out for what goes wrong.

Also if 3door watch out for the seats sliding becoming faulty.

Owned mine for 6 years and still love the car, only use Super unleaded due to how the FSI unit works. Also more noticeable higher up the rev range.

[kenGTI]

white worm corrosion on 18 inch monza alloys

corrosion on boot VW badge

not necessarily problems, but unsightly

also, when buying check the history of the cambelt, these should be replaced every 4 years or in 60k, if its approaching needing one you should haggle to try and either get it done or get some money knocked off with that in mind