Should You Buy A VW GOLF GTi - MK5? (Test Drive & Review)

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I think I might get more abuse for this video than the time I said I didn't much like the Rover 75... Anyway, today I'm in a MK5 VW Golf GTi - a car I've never been a fan of. Here's my honest summary.

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[Hustwick]

The most honest (honestest?) review of a Golf GTi I've ever watched. And, it's absolutely spot on. Thank you far saying what many don't.

[andywright]

" A bit bland and boring". I'm surprised you don't like it - suits your personality down to the ground.

[pheasantpluckersson]

Yes, the Mk5 is one of the best Gti VW have ever made, and now they are superb value for money

[spainter]

2:10 "To impress the gal dem" absolutely killed me 😂😂😂 You're not wrong though! Doubled edged sword with these, strong residuals make them incredibly expensive for an old hot hatch regardless of what a decent all rounder they are, on the flip side - you benefit from the slow depreciation if you own one!

[viktorahmed]

Those 2.0 FSI Turbo engines are fantastic. They can never go wrong. My dads VRS has more than a 140k miles and the engine is still sweet, tip top. It purrs.

[RoadRunnerMeep]

These cars are good. They're very reliable but you need to look after them. I enjoyed owning mine, but I feel the cars have been dumbed down a bit and tamed because of all the electronics the earlier golfs had less so they were more of a raw car and required more driver interaction


I agree with your comments about service history. It's especially true for all cars, but if you buy a VW (or any car in the vag range), service history is worth it's weight in ownership. The more service history the better the lifespan of the car.


Other things you should look out on these cars
- White worm on alloys, it can cause slow punctures because it's creating micro air leaks between the tyre / alloy
- Rust - yes, they're still plagued by it, primarily around the boot badge, the front arches (there's a sponge there which needs removing) and the front/rear of the door sills, they rust very bad there
- ABS sensors (if the ABS/ESP button lights up, and doesn't go out when pressed), chances are the ABS pump needs replacing or repairing (£200-500) - G201 sensor
- Power steering racks - These fail on earlier models, and bring up an orange/red light on the dashboard, you need to replace them . If brand new from dealer it's around £1500+, if you go from somewhere like EuroCarParts it's about £200, but you will need to recode it to the vehicle at vw for about £100
- Brake calipers, the rear brake calipers always seem to seize on these things. Definitately a maintenance item you should add to your list of constant greasing and checking
- Bonnet locks - they seize up, cheap to replace, but a pain in the arse when they go wrong

Handling wise, these cars are OK, but they're a load of shit without the ABS/ESP package they feel too wobbly. With lowering kit, you're probably a lot better off


I owned the diesel version of these vehicle, they're a pain in the arse when they go wrong, but look after them and they will last you forever. I'd get another one of these cars in a heartbeat (preferably a 4motion one). Too many people don't look after them, or simply don't want to stump up the money for the repairs, they work on the basis. It's cost £500 to fix, what if another £500 to fix .


These cars work out cheaper to maintain the longer you own them, they're not good cars if you plan on chopping/changing vehicles often and they haven't been maintained because you're going go pay for the cost of repairs




That's the above service history of my old car. If anyone wants to review and considering buying one of these vehicles

[rabross]

Drove Mk5 gtis for 10 years..absolute belters ..have a Mk7 now and preferred the mk5s by I'd never sold them.

[mickrepairscars]

I'm a old codger but I had a Mk1 Golf GTI and Mk3 Escort XR3 not even the XR3i, love them two cars but everything changed when I got a Audi GT coupe 5cyl quattro. Met red with wide arches, now that was a hot hatch. Great review as always.
Mick

[paultaylor]

Lovely Jubbly, still my favourite of VW Golf GTI era's, despite the negative review.

[ianmason]

'Looks like a regular Golf with a bit more power' (that is kinda of the point), never really been a Mk5 fan but traded my CL500 (2004) for a MK6 Golf Gti and was pleased with it (ran it for a couple of years). Been running a M140i for the past 2yrs but now you've got me looking at XKR's :)

[affinity]

The GTI is fun when you take corners too fast and magically stick to the road.

[banditbaker]

I LOVE your generalisations about hot hatch drivers and sadly they are completely on point👍👍
We have a neighbour who drives a Golf R and he is a complete meathead devoid of charm, social graces and intelligence.

[ridgy]

Owner description spot on (still laughing) but I think the GTI golf is iconic in the hot hatch market.
Any car which makes you grin while (and after) you drive it is a winner in my book.

[nicksimpson]

I have a hot hatch but I dont do any of those things 😂😂😂 I bought it because I enjoy driving and I cant insure a proper sports car. Loved the video still! 👍🏼👍🏼

[hughjarce]

“ One can only assume it’s to impress the gal dem” on the floor 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[daystatesniper]

Another excellent no B/S review and some of the references to scallywags etc were priceless lol

[sheumais]

I've owned one of these for a few years and love it. It does everything I need it to, but it does break every now and again. The mechatronic control unit for the DSG gearbox can be difficult to find and is expensive, the antilock braking control unit is also fragile. It's not so expensive to replace, but it also controls the traction. No problems at all driving around town with the DSG and the manual change is quick and easy when you want it. You will only have trouble with understeer if you aren't a competent driver and the heated seat can be turned up, down, or off in seconds, so isn't an issue. If you don't like hot hatches, fine. I do, because they do what I want, they're a lot more fun point to point than a diesel Jaguar XF (yes, I've driven two) and a heck of a lot cheaper to run.

[IDBRCvids]

I have one of these and I love it. 7 years tomorrow actually. I got it remapped so it should be at around 240BHP now and it defo feels faster. Bit thirstier on petrol too but only when you drive her on. Also, I replaced the brakes with Mtec drilled grooved discs and Greenstuff pads. Stops so hard now, my glasses might come off my face lol. Alloys are powder coated in dark grey which on a black car looks fantastic. You couldn't buy this car off me now lol. Not parting with her til one of us dies!

[huwd]

Love your generalisations of GTi owners (from a 55 yr old solicitor with a mk5 GTi and a mk7 GTi TCR). Great vid.

[greymark]

Certainly wouldn't call my FK8 boring to look at. You should drive one, Matt. Amazing handling, wonderful gearbox and quick. Also a very practical car, space for 4 adults and generous boot.