2011 VW GTI Autobahn

DWBOX2000 · 02-17-2020, 05:58 AM

I just bought a 2008 vw rabbit this weekend. Fun car, I had no idea how much I would like it. Well gave to son because he drives home on the weekends and the smallness of the Miata was killing my wife.
So I think, I still need a commuter car. I drive about 20 miles a day so higher mileage not a concern.
Well this 2011 VW GTI Autobahn pops up locally. Anyone know anything about these? The rabbit was 3,300 with 115k on it. The GTI is closer to 10 but with 66k on it and all the bells and whistles. Is the package worth the money? Does the fun factor go up that much?
I had a rabbit in the 80's and just love the practicality of them.
Thoughts, concerns?

GothingNC · 09:13 AM

HItJust make sure the timing chain tensioner's are updated.

https://blog.*******.com/vw-audi-mk6-gti-a4-q5-timing-chain-tensioner-symptoms-review

Here is a buyers guide for the Mk6
https://youtu.be/jkjtW4FfDns

https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-buying-guides/vw-golf-gti-mk6--ph-used-buying-guide/37841

DWBOX2000 · 02-17-2020, 12:12 PM

I guess I will drive it and go from there. If I like it, yeah if not nay. My criteria is it can not have been owed by a teenager or someone under 25. Under 120k, drives straight and appears to be well taken care of.

Regarding the timing chain, where I will likely be buying from a dealer; it there some way besides receipts without being too obtrusive to see if the timing chain tensioners have been updated?

GothingNC · 02-17-2020, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWBOX2000

I guess I will drive it and go from there. If I like it, yeah if not nay. My criteria is it can not have been owed by a teenager or someone under 25. Under 120k, drives straight and appears to be well taken care of.

Regarding the timing chain, where I will likely be buying from a dealer; it there some way besides receipts without being too obtrusive to see if the timing chain tensioners have been updated?

Not sure but here is some more info:

https://www.golfmk6.com/forums/index.php?threads/official-timing-chain-tensioner-failure-thread.240478/

I would look at it as a timing belt job, if there are no records; plan on replacing.
See if you can use it as part of the price negotiation.

mrbeverlyhills · 02-17-2020, 04:02 PM

I bought a 2011 GTI Autobahn for my daughter, she has tracked the Porsche and is a good driver. Watch out for injectors, they go out at about $190 per. The car is a dream to drive, I love it, solid German build and 8 airbags. She has an auto and wishes it were stick but in LA traffic it makes sense. Seats are comfortable and you can adjust them 3 ways as well as the steering wheel. Car is fast and corners well, she gets about 22-25 MPG. Cost me $19k 6 years ago and even though value declines, it was worth every penny. She would get another right away.

GothingNC · 02-17-2020, 05:09 PM

I have a 2012 Golf TDI for my DD, no complaints and is perfect for my commute, never get worn out driving it. Averaging about 40 MPG- 50/50 highway and city driving. This is my 3rd VW TDI.

Not as fast as the GTI but has more the enough torque for merging and passing on the highway.

Suspension is not as soft as the gasser Golf and not as stiff as the GTI-just firm enough. Seats are also the same as the GTI, just the fabric upholstery is different.

Picked it up from a dealer last year for $12K
42,000 miles. One owner that was local.
DSG, sunroof, heated seats, 17 inch alloys.
CPO , 2 years unlimited miles warranty
Came with:
New tires
Brake fluid flush
DSG Service
Fuel filter replaced
Air Filter replaced
The emissions fix is warranty good for 4 years and/or 48,000 miles; whichever comes first.
Covers:
All emissions equipment, fuel pump, EGR, DPF, exhaust, turbo, O2 sensors, flow plugs and a bunch of other stuff.

Plan on going with the DSG tune after the warranty expires if I still have it.

Good luck with your quest !

Kraftwerk · 02-17-2020, 06:24 PM

Amazing the mileage one can get in a TDI...

I miss my '86 vw sometimes, was never boring.

speeder · speeder's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kraftwerk

Amazing the mileage one can get in a TDI...

I miss my '86 vw sometimes, was never boring.

He's asking about GTIs, not TDIs. Two different animals.

Kraftwerk · 07:09 PM

Hey Dennis, Yeah, but he & I both USED to own MK1's so there's that..

Sadly, I have not yet driven the "modern" version of. GTI, so YES, I cannot answer his question.. sorry! An 'Autobahn' version sounds about right tho.
Really, the OP might want to head over to VW Vortex and get the low-down on all things vee-dub.

aigel · aigel's Garage

I test drove a MK6 GTI when I was selling back my MK6 TDI. I found the car to be loud and a harsh ride, while not providing noticeable suspension improvement over the TDI. I think the 18 inch wheels with the low profile tires may be to blame? Test drive it and decide for yourself ... I'd comparison shop a 2.5 with a stick. Will be much cheaper and have no timing issues (chain).

G

onewhippedpuppy · 02-18-2020, 02:44 AM

Really nice and fun cars that feel more expensive than they actually are. Just be aware that like all VAG products they will have periodic “needs”, particularly little bits like sensors and electronic parts. Higher mileage you’ll have suspension bushings as well.

ramonesfreak · ramonesfreak's Garage

I had the same rabbit. If you live where it snows be very careful of the front door’s lower forward corners. Mine bent outward multiple times from ice damning. Design flaw fixed by a piece of foam that doesn’t do anything

I had a 2012 GTI drivers edition with DSG. DSG developed an issue that dealer couldn’t figure out. Got sick of throwing money at it so I sold it. I would never buy one with the DSG. Also, be careful of pot holes. Replaced 5 tires in the first year

But yes there’s a big difference in the feel and satisfaction between the two. With the exception of the DSG I loved the GTI. The rabbit was boring. I’ve also had a Golf and Jetta. Practical but pretty boring with expensive repair bills.

DWBOX2000 · 02-18-2020, 04:57 AM

Just bought a 2.5 with stick and it is a hoot. It's on snow tires but came with summers. It's like our Miata, not fast but you feel like your going fast. I wish I had a better vocab to describe, just fun.

Honestly, this is really making me think about the whole Porsche thing. It's not as fun to drive at low speeds and when you hit the fun speeds, it's a better chance of serious injury. I imagine the cost to run must drop considerably too. I just bought a 02 guards red C4S in July. It's gets me preferred parking but fun per $, not even close.

Thanks everyone. I guess I will have to test drive. I definitely don't want a rough, loud driving car. I lowered the suspension on my 00 Box S. It looked great but really ruined the ride for me. I'm evolving I guess.