2022 Volkswagen GTI Mk8 vs Mk7 VW GTI - Why Now Might Not Be The Right Time To Buy New

The 2022 Mk8 GTI is unquestionably a better hatch than the Mk7 VW GTI when it comes to performance. While the interior for the Mk8 is up for debate, the exterior is an acquired taste. However it boils down the pricing, as used Mk7 and Mk7.5 GTI's can be had for less than $30k, where as new 2022 Volkswagen GTI's are experiencing dealer markups and prices that just don't reflect the value they provide. So the question is whether buying a 2022 VW Mk8 GTI is a better decision than buying a used Mk7 GTI.

Follow Boston Auto Blog on Instagram: @BostonAutoBlog

[closg]

Went from a MK6 to a MK8


HUGE difference and in a good way. It handles and drives so good ! The tech is awesome. The touch screen only is not bad after a week. I’m already used to it.

Take it for a test drive !

2022 GTI SE for 2k under MSRP 6 speed manual in Kings Red Metallic, I’m a happy camper

[JacesOwnWorld]

Bought my MK7 GTI brand new in 2017 for $23k. Almost paid off now, and pushing 400whp/420wtq, and gets 28mpg city/38mpg hwy, with an ease to use interior. MK7 is just way better, especially considering the price MK8’s are…

Great video overall

[imbeggar]

Good comparison. I had a MK7, just got the 8. The 8 feels a little more premium, solid, planted, and very quick. The mk7 is awesome, but feels a little more go cart. I also got my mk 8 S for 31.5k. Can’t go wrong!

[trackeagle]

Most of the hate towards MK8 is coming from MK7 owners and they are being biased. They just don’t want to admit MK8 has a superior tune, suspension, handling and tech over MK7. I love my MK8 it’s an amazing car.

[frogery]

hate all the digital stuff. i work on a computer all day, i don't want to feel like i'm driving one too.

[DavidToback]

Great comparison! I’m in the market and you’re not finding a used R under $42k and that’s for 2020 and older…Meanwhile a used 2020 GTI SE is $35k. You’re over paying on either side of the market. What I’m more concerned about is which car and deal will hold up best when the market returns to some sort of normalcy in a couple of years. That’s going to be a new car (now) that will still have warranty, has much lower mileage, and won’t be 4+ years old.

[MrJoeprior]

I had a mk7 gti for 5 years, I just sold it and bought a mk8 - made sense when the prices for used are so strong - it worked out, I only lost 6 grand GBP in depreciation driving a mk7 for 5 years,

[ShepsGarage]

This was a great video explaining the major differences with the MK7 compared to the MK8. As a MK8 owner in Massachusetts, the big main difference that I noticed and as you said is the performance. And the bug major downside is the interior, the screens are slow at times and the quality of the MK7 does feel better. Over all though I still do Believe that the GTI is the best bang for you buck in terms for a entry level sports car.

[markday]

I plan to keep my MK7.5 for now. May buy a MK8 GTI S in 2024, as the MK8 is starting to grow on me as long as it is in a darker color.
Thanks for the good review.

[RickGTI]

Problem is, you can’t get a new MK 7 anymore. So if you want to buy new, MK 8 is the way to go. glad I have a MK 7.5 with extremely low mileage. Love those knobs and switches ! Thanks, RickGTI….. 🇺🇸🌴

[jimmys_mk]

I didn't pause at all. I absolutely love my MK8. The buttonless dash you get used to. The looks are a step up it's more mature. And the tail lights reminds me of something you would find on Audi

[jdipietronh]

I think this was a well balanced presentation. The only other major performance improvement I would note on the MK8 is the torque vectoring front diff that now runs through the vehicle dynamics system. In addition to the chassis changes you mentioned, the front diff significantly contributes to that improvement in cornering and just putting down the power in general. It also might not be a small thing to mention considering the price of gas these days that the MK8 achieves its full power ratings on 87 octane as opposed to 93 like the previous gen. :)

After the initial batch of MK8 GTIs and the introduction of the MK8 R, it seems like the mark ups on the GTIs evaporated pretty quickly and most can be had for MSRP now. I got my MK8 Autobahn at MSRP and it is worth every penny to me, I love it. All that said, I think your points are valid and that the used MK7.x is still an attractive consideration for the reasons you mentioned.

[ParadiseProjectsGroup]

I think all the complaining about the controls has become simply a meme. I had a 2015 MK7 and now a 2022 MK8. I love every single thing about the MK8, and I feel most complaints are simply a lack of user familiarity. Driving the MK8 vs MK7 is a no brainer, the MK8 is far superior in all respects.

[malcolmn.]

I have only test driven both mk7 mk8 GTIs and Rs and not owned. However, I do believe the infotainment system is a huge upgrade for me. I am looking to get into tuning the gti at some point after purchase but having the the tech in the car I don't think will be a bad Idea.

[katiecannon]

Can you say more about the cloth seats? Did you not like them due to looks or comfort, or both?

[bbpearl]

You make an intriguing argument for buying a used MK7 R over a new MK8 GTI for similar money.

[SteevWest]

Still I’ll got with mark 7 everything on it i love it classic and easy to use while driving

[bluecent]

The MK8 interior looks cheap compared to the MK7.
The MK7 had the tidy hidden cup holders whereas they are exposed on the MK8.
The MK8 does however address some of the cheap look of North American MK7 models.

[mystictrunks]

The s is great, if only that spec could have a sunroof

[rgames]

The Mk8 is better in everyway duh. It has most of the parts from the MK7 Clubsport and Gold R.