MK5 Golf GTI
All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: DJM on July 14, 2011, 08:35:44 pm
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Looking at buying a mk5 gti this weekend, Staying away from dsg as will be looking at aorund a 2006 one.
Just wondering if people got any advice or things to check. What are signs to look out for to know if its been well looked after or not. Any common problems?
Thanks in advance.
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Hopefully a big welcome to the GTI world!!! Make sure cambelt has been done if buying one from 206....as for anything else just make sure there isnt any excess turbo whistle!! Also, drop links and wishbones are a particular issue with 2006 Gti's!! Happy hunting and good luck!!
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Cheers for the info. Are the cam belts a big must? was looking at one thats done 59k but hasnt had belt done. Would this be a first thing to get done. Im sure my mate will be able to do it for around 170-180 all in.
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The cam belt is supposed to be done every 4 years. Also listen for knocks coming from the car when you have lock on , steering racks are notorious for wearing out and arent cheap to replace. Check both front wheelarches very carefully for rust , mine is an 05 and its just starting , so maybe an 06 still has one more rust free year left in it!
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Why are you avoiding DSGs?
Check that the AC works, check the cold start up and listen out for chirping noises (but you should be getting the cambelt done anyway).
Basic stuff as well like does it have the same tyres on each axle? This should show if the owner knows how to look after a GTI.
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Heard that quite a few people have started to have issues with them when going over 5 years, was speaking to a trader other day and he was saying he avoids DSG's over 4 years as if they go under his warranty its costing him over a grand a time.
This not correct? I love the concept of DSG just dont fancy a repair bill if it does go wrong.
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Mines a 2006 with DSG & never had a problem with the gearbox
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Heard that quite a few people have started to have issues with them when going over 5 years, was speaking to a trader other day and he was saying he avoids DSG's over 4 years as if they go under his warranty its costing him over a grand a time.
This not correct? I love the concept of DSG just dont fancy a repair bill if it does go wrong.
It's true that DSGs do have issues. But that's only a small portion in context to how many there are on the road. You won't hear of one that runs perfectly all it's life, forums are usually topics on faults only.
2006 cars have no specific problem, make sure it is serviced and drives properly. If you're extremely concerned then you could get a VW warranty or a third party warranty. DSG is a great bit of kit.
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Mine's an `07 dsg with no problems. Here (US), the cam belt is done at 80k miles. The common issues here are the dv, pcv, and fuel pumps cam follower. I upgrades the dv to a porsche dv by AWE tuning, and the pcv to a BSH stage 1 pcv. I change the cam follower every 10k miles. Also, the intake cam was a revision "A" and I put in the Revision "B". Not sure if you guys have these same issues, but very common with us here.
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In no particular order:
1.) Full VW Service History - cambelt should have been changed so ask for them to do it if it hasn't been already
2.) starts first time from cold
3.) idles ok with no odd noises or splutters
4.) no oil patches on the ground beneath the engine
5.) check body work for dents and major scratches - this will involve multiple walk rounds the vehicle - take your time, it's amazing what you can miss on a first look
6.) check rear lights and rear brake light for unsightly condensation
7.) white worm on alloys and VW badges
8.) rust under wheel arches
9.) when test driving check car doesn't pull noticeably left or right under acceleration and that it brakes in a straight line
10.) No cabin rattles when going over bumps
11.) check the all the electrics work including air con
good luck and don't rush into things :happy2:
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The cam belt is supposed to be done every 4 years. Also listen for knocks coming from the car when you have lock on , steering racks are notorious for wearing out and arent cheap to replace.
Hmmm not sure if mine is making knocking noises when i have full lock on, i think it might be, especially in reverse and full lock - i'm going to check the noise it makes but what exactly am i listening for?