2006-9 VW GTI info?

[einreb]

Looking at picking up a 2006-9 vw gti 4 door. I think I'd actually prefer the DSG. They seem to be had in the 14-17k range?

Anything year/issue specific to be aware of? They seem to be generally reliable cars... :shrugs:

Kaisen - If you read this and can make money off finding me a non-black 4 door in chicago... pm or email me.

Thanks,

Bernie

[onewhippedpuppy]

A buddy of mine had a 2007, I think he put about 40k on it. Generally reliable, he had a couple of sensor-related electrical gremlins like most VWs but nothing major. Also had to replace multiple HID bulbs, I think they were $100+ each. We were rear ended by a Dodge Ram while stopped in traffic, his little car took the hard hit in stride and we were able to still drive home. It was a very nice little car, I enjoyed driving it.

[willtel]

I bought a 2006 6 speed new and it was awful. It had 8 trips to the dealer in 28k miles. I sold it and bought my 930 which was much more reliable.

Some people like them but I will never own another VAG product.

[einreb]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

A buddy of mine had a 2007, I think he put about 40k on it. Generally reliable, he had a couple of sensor-related electrical gremlins like most VWs but nothing major. Also had to replace multiple HID bulbs, I think they were $100+ each. We were rear ended by a Dodge Ram while stopped in traffic, his little car took the hard hit in stride and we were able to still drive home. It was a very nice little car, I enjoyed driving it.

thanks... thats not the sort of stuff that bothers me. I'm not the type to go to the dealer when the glovebox rattles a bit.

that 2.0 is in a ton of other cars and seems to hold up well.

I was impressed in how nice the dsg is. My understanding is the dsg is generally reliable, but when things go bad its $$$.

I wouldn't mind a manual, but I have seen very few available...

-bernie

[quaz]

You want to get a 2008-9 for sure. 2008 had a lot of changes for the good. First are the springs are set to Euro ride height. Next is the FSI engine has the revised cam and fuel pump, so it doesn't have the self destructing cam problem. The DSG has launch control without having to be reflashed. If you get a later 2008 or 2009 they changed to the TSI engine which has a timing chain instead of belt and a slightly different torque curve.

I would stay away from the 2006 and early 2007s for sure. They had a lot of issues that were all revised later in 2007 and 2008. I ordered my 2008 from the factory and took delivery in December 2007. Car currently has 110K miles on it and the only real problem I have had is with the PCV valve. So I have been very happy with it. YMMV :-)

[einreb]

Originally Posted by quaz

If you get a later 2008 or 2009 they changed to the TSI engine which has a timing chain instead of belt and a slightly different torque curve.

is the tsi easily identified? Build date after?

[quaz]

If you look at the engine the TSIs have "TSI" on the engine cover. The engines are two different development tracks for VW and both have their advantages. I think from a maintenance point the timing chain is a big deal. Do some searching on VWVortex.com and you will find all sorts of discussions on it.

[Jeff Alton]

We had an 07 that we put over 60K miles on. Very reliable car, even with tuned software in it. Changed brake pads right before we sold it and replaced a light bulb, fuel pressure switch and a PCV set up. Great car, we are considering adding another new one for general DD duties.

Cheers

[dienstuhr]

I have owned an '07 GTI (4-dr 6-spd in Reflex Silver with Interlagos Plaid cloth seats) since summer 2008 and it has been a great little car. Only major issues (fixed under warranty) were a/c (this is common apparently) and a turbo failure (replaced turbo). I only have ~30K miles on the car right now so these were relatively low-mileage incidents.

Cheers

d.

ps It had the ride height of a 4x4 when I got it and that was easily and immediately fixed with H&R springs. No other mods except 18" wheels - waiting until it's out of warranty to get the chip

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by einreb

Looking at picking up a 2006-9 vw gti 4 door. I think I'd actually prefer the DSG. They seem to be had in the 14-17k range?

Anything year/issue specific to be aware of? They seem to be generally reliable cars... :shrugs:

Kaisen - If you read this and can make money off finding me a non-black 4 door in chicago... pm or email me.

Thanks,

Bernie

Bernie-

They are needles in haystacks, supply wise.... esp 4 doors that aren't black, and in good enough shape to satisfy picky enthusiast buyers.

But there is one in Chicago right now, offered by Motorcars USA Inc, that might be wholesale-able (they've had it a long time).
It's a 2008 GTI 4dr DSG with 48K miles, heated leather, moonroof, NAV, etc.
They want $16K for it. I can give you the contact name/number if you're interested.
I'm sure you could find it online, or on their website, but here are a couple pics
**I have ZERO to gain from this, I don't know them, caveat emptor**

Good luck in your search,

E

[onewhippedpuppy]

That one's missing one of the coolest GTi features - the cloth plaid seats. I just think those are cool as hell, and some of the best seats my ass has ever graced.

[nostatic]

I had an '07 - was a great car. I'm back in an '11 JSW TDI. Another great car. The GTI was a hoot - only reason I sold it was I wanted to get back to manual trans as I was still tracking the 911. In retrospect if I'd kept that car I'd be far ahead financially after cycling though a couple cars and ending up back with a DSG.

[einreb]

Originally Posted by kaisen

It's a 2008 GTI 4dr DSG with 48K miles, heated leather, moonroof, NAV, etc.
They want $16K for it. I can give you the contact name/number if you're interested.
I'm sure you could find it online, or on their website, but here are a couple pics

Thanks. That's somewhat close to me and I did see it online. I was sort of weird-ed out by the seller since it doesn't look to be an actual dealer.

I'm not particularly picky about condition (scratch/ding/etc)... I just want something that seems to be reasonably maintained.

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

That one's missing one of the coolest GTi features - the cloth plaid seats.

no kidding... interlagos plaid!

[NY65912]

I had a '08 GTi DSG (w/plaid seats). Very reliable and quick. Loved it so much we got a '11 GTi to replace it. The new one is 4 door and it seems to be a little easier for DD because of the rear access.

Very fun.

[quaz]

I know I will regret doing this later, but here goes. Any interest in my 2008, it is black but in perfect shape, no accidents and only 1 ding? I don't want to sell it, but for the right price anything is for sale I guess. Not to mention I wouldn't mind a 2012. I have had the car from day 1 and it has every possible option on it including the Votex kit. Only serviced at my local VW dealer and up to date on everything. At 95K (has 102K now) I did timing belt, water pump, tensioner, plugs, coil packs, serp, and control arm bushings. All preventative maintenance. Also has brand new rubber on RS4 reps. Only mods to the car are APR stage 1 flash and cross drilled/slotted rotors and ceramic pads (low dust).

I live just north of the state line so I am pretty close to you. PM me if you are interested.

[algs911]

What "quaz" said. I had an '06 with DSG. Pretty cool car! Nice and zippy for the commute, that's for sure. Two things though!!!

The fuel pump cam lobe wore down and the car began to hesitate. The fuel pump lobe is pressed in to the end of the cam shaft. So, $2000 later and a completed top end overhaul and I was back on the road. I was NOT happy about that repair.

Second problem was the throttle position sensor. That went out and stranded me TWICE!!! $200 repair each time, plus towing, plus lost wages for not being able to get back to work.

I'd get the NEWEST you can afford, then enjoy it!

The DSG tranny is fun. Kinda like your own, personal rally car set up.

Al

[dienstuhr]

Originally Posted by algs911

The fuel pump cam lobe wore down and the car began to hesitate. The fuel pump lobe is pressed in to the end of the cam shaft. So, $2000 later and a completed top end overhaul and I was back on the road. I was NOT happy about that repair.

Question for you - was the hesitation really noticeable - did the car throw a CEL?

My '07 will be out of warranty early next year and I want to be sure to have this problem fixed if necessary.

Thanks!

d.

[einreb]

Originally Posted by quaz

I live just north of the state line so I am pretty close to you. PM me if you are interested.

Thanks... I've got a few in the area located that I need to find the time to look at first, but will keep that in mind.

[zotman72]

Get an A3 2.0 instead, same platform, better looking car, similar price point perhaps a little higher and nicer interior. YMMV

[quaz]

Originally Posted by dienstuhr

Question for you - was the hesitation really noticeable - did the car throw a CEL?

My '07 will be out of warranty early next year and I want to be sure to have this problem fixed if necessary.

Thanks!

d.

At 75K I asked the dealer to pull the fuel pump (2 bolts) and inspect the cam lobe. They didn't even charge me. Some time in 2007 they went to a harder cast on the cam and the problem went away. Mine was fine. If I have to pay to replace it at some point I am going to the APR pump and corresponding flash.

As for the A3 it is difficult to find one with the sport seats and interior. To get those options the car was about $10-15K more than a comprable GTI. So most of the A3s sold have an ugly arse steering wheel, seats, suspension and wheels. All of the GTIs have sport seats, flat bottom steering wheel and the same suspension. If it is a DSG only some of the A3s had paddle shifters too. Not that they are not nice cars, just hard to find one setup correctly.