One Year Later: MK8 GTI Long Term Review

It has officially been one year since I drove my GTI off the dealership lot! It's been a fun daily with a positive ownership experience thus far. Tune in for my thoughts on having had this car for 13K miles.

NEWLY Upgraded Audio:
-GoPro Media Mod
-Godox Magic XT1 wireless external microphone(s)

Follow Me on Instagram: @sauerkart

[kubap]

As a ‘24 base wrx owner, I really enjoyed watching this video. Seeing you enjoy it really made me appreciate for what it is, I was heavily debating between a Gti S and the wrx. I hope the Gti nameplate lives on long enough for me to be able to get one as well. And you’re spot on with those moments/feelings you get seeing randoms with cool cars.

[Netsuko]

I just bought a 2022 MK8 GTI on friday. It has less than 7k miles on it, practically new. I think it's either the SE or the Autobahn trim with the business black package, so less red accents. Got the dynamic suspension system and most features, but no upgraded audio system or electrical side mirrors since the car was made during the electronics shortage (here in Germany, they have slightly different variations, so S, SE and Autobahn doesn't exist here) but still. I gave it a test drive on friday and man this thing is FUN. Like seriously fun. Can't wait to get back behind the wheel in 2 weeks after the inspection and oil change. Infotainment is... acceptable I'd say. VW did try to cut costs by making most if not everything touch-based. Still, I am super excited. Funnily enough it turns out that I literally worked on the very same car I am buying (We manufacture the Golf here), so that adds a little bit of pride to it for sure haha. (There's also a 1 in 3 chance I worked on your car as well xD)

[Godfamcountry]

MK8 owner here as well, Racingline tune, 18’s and lowered on 034.
Couldn’t agree more with the media interface and the propaganda against it out there.
It’s an absolute ZERO issue for me and it looks clean af.

[treflippa]

Nice! You're in Texas too (I recognize our registration sticker anywhere lol). I'm in Houston myself. Been considering trying to get into a 24 GTI soon before the 25s hit. Coming from a Caddy CT5-V.

[davidjames]

Got my new 2024 GTI S in King's Red last week and I luv it. The S model is the "best bang for the buck" IMO also It comes in very well equipped for a base model. 😎

[homeskillet]

Cannot express how much I love my '24 S DSG. Been such a wonderful and fun little car!

[rgames]

I love mine. Got the base model and saved $5K. Used that money for better wheels and tires plus the clubsport muffler.

[moshcorerider]

Pro tip: The Golf R pedals fit the steering wheel. Got them installed on my clubsport and absolutely love them!

[nhrockcrusher]

2024 GTI Autobahn. So far I am really enjoying this machine. Had a 2021 Golf 1.4 TSI before my GTI. Going to miss the 45 mpg average but the GTI is so fun to drive I’ll deal with it.

[GlitchPGD]

My uncle had one manual I don’t know maybe anniversary something but he owned it for less than a year and I wish I could’ve ridden in it. Cool car though I’d buy one!

[jonvice]

Solid video bro, would love to get a review of the tune !

[particularlynothing]

7.5 guy here. Being able to adjust hvac without even looking, not having to avoid touching the steering wheel controls, none of the things you described being OK with like backup camera malfunction, it's a deal breaker for me. I understand at some point I'll have to buy a car that has this crap, but it's not something I look forward to.

[dyllman]

I love my 22 dsg gti se, ea888 gen4 can make over 400whp reliably. I went with the pmax route and it is bonkers! Everyday car that will walk many muscle cars on the parkway with shock. Great daily and a great practical/sleeper hatch to drive.

[bilal]

Sunroofs leak if the bulkhead is blocked, ie by leaves and dirt, so once that's cleaned out the drainage should be free and water will stop leaking into the car

[bradq]

Nice car bro. I had a 2003 Golf TDI. I loved it. When it died at 200k, I bought a '18 Impreza sport. Big mistake. I would love a new GTI.

[malcolm]

I was gonna do the GTI. Went with the 23 Arteon! Still like the mk8!! Just wanted more room. Beautiful car btw!

[xiondFirst]

I am thinking about getting a Golf R but yeah you're really convincing me to get a GTI.

[cyclistman]

As the owner of a nicely modded 17 MK7 SE DSG. IMO the MK7 interior is really good due to its layout and simplicity. I really like the dash with its old school analog gauges with a small digital display in between them, and of course the physical knobs and buttons work well all of the time. I look at two computer monitors 5 days a week for work and the thought of just having more computer screens in my car (MK8) is not appealing at all to me. Plus VW ruined the DSG trans in the MK8 by deleting the center floor gear selector/shifter. I drive my DSG in manual mode 99% of the time and I also use the floor shifter a lot, along with the paddles to shift. IMO Sometimes progress is not in the forward and positive direction.

[jonathanrecinos]

Picking up my 24’ GTI S yesterday and I love it. Came from a bmw m235 so I was expecting it to be way slower but its pretty quick for a lil 2 liter 😅

[AlanMartinez]

Noticed your driving by Frisco how are insurance rates on the GTI? I’m stuck on either buying an MK8.5 or a Mazda 3 Turbo love the exterior of the MK8.5 but I think the interior of the Mazda is much cleaner.