Used 2012 Volkswagen GLI Consumer Reviews
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Fantastic sport sedan
tastycakes55, 02/08/2012
2012 Volkswagen GLI Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
17 of 17 people found this review helpful
In a perfect world, everyone could afford a 65k BMW M3. If you're like me, you want a fun to drive car which gets good mileage & doubles as a family car and doesn't cost a ton, the GLI autobahn hits on all counts. This car tells you what to expect when you turn the ignition and it lets out a low growl, and it will make the chore of driving around town an absolute pleasure. Around town it hugs turns and twisties and gets up and goes as fast as any other sedan in its class. Was easy to install car seats making the wife happy. It may be a Jetta but has a distinctive enough look that it turns heads. I'm a bit concerned about reliability long term, but bought a warranty for peace of mind.
Worth the test-drive!
georgekm, 09/12/2011
2012 Volkswagen GLI Autobahn PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
80 of 86 people found this review helpful
So I recently got engaged and decided to sell my 2006 Infiniti G35 Sedan 6-speed manual, which I loved. I looked at the following: Kia Optima, Chevy Cruze, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, BMW 3-series, Jetta, and Acura TSX. My criteria: had to be 4 door sedan, and had to be manual transmision. I get so tired of salesmen trying to sell me on tiptronic fake manual transmissions! I test drove all of those cars, and I was very close to getting a kia, however, the only way to get a 6speed was getting the base model with plastic hubcaps. I went to VW with my fiance, we drove the 5 speed SE Jetta, and was bored. Then... I saw the GLI and was instantly in love.
2012 Volkswagen GLI for sale near you
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Great for what I need!
vdubtsi, 11/20/2011
2012 Volkswagen GLI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
First off I have only had my new GLI for a month. Interior quality is much better than the standard Jetta models. The 6 speed m/t shifts smooth with long throws. The gearing is quite tall for a "performance" minded vehicle. Thankfully the 2.0TSI produces a flat torque curve to overcome the long gears. Fuel economy has been quite good so far with a combined average of 28.2 mpg. The ride handling balance is quite good with a nice firm ride and accurate steering. I'm 6'6" tall and have plenty of front leg space. Seats are firm and made for slender guys like myself. All in all good car for what it is!
Fantastic sub $30k sport sedan!!
jhatfie, 04/26/2012
2012 Volkswagen GLI Autobahn PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I have owned several performance sedans through the years including a current generation Nissan Maxima SV with sport package, 07 'Civic SI, 05' Subaru Legacy GT Limited, Mazdaspeed 6. I was able to grab this 12' GLI Autobahn for $23500 which is a steal honestly for what you get. Coming from my SI, the GLI has way more torque and much better gas mileage while having equal handling, but with better interior materials. I average 29mpg in mixed driving and on straight freeway trips usually see 34-35mpg and as high as 37mpg. Had the APR stage 1 ECU update done and the car is a rocket now without even a dent in gas mileage. Some interior plastics could be better but overall a great car!
Loving the GLI!!!
dawookiee15, 12/10/2012
2012 Volkswagen GLI Autobahn PZEV 4dr Sedan w/Nav (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I really love my GLI - it looks great, I get asked questions about it all the time and it gets second glances in parking lots and driving by. The 2.0 turbo engine is an absolute peach, don't be fooled by its relatively low power numbers, it pulls effortlessly. There are also a great variety of modifications available if thats your kind of thing. The DSG transmission takes some getting used to but it shifts extremely fast and smooth. The manual would be nice but it feels kind of rubbery. Ride comfort is OK. The car is a blast on the back roads with scalpel-precise steering. Great seats, decent interface, and a ton of trunk space make it practical as well. Overall very happy.
VW 2012 GLI
sh2013, 04/14/2012
2012 Volkswagen GLI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I was looking for a car a) Under 25k MSRP, b) Sedan c) sporty engine with a slick 6 speed d) independent suspension e) At least 30 +/- 2 MPG highway f) FWD with some form of LSD Your options are slim - I ended up having to choose between an Si and a GLI (Focus is close). Main diff between the 2 is the engine/power band feel in day to day life - Free revving Nat Asp. Si vs. turbo 2.0T, low end torque vs. high end power. In the end, GLI has a better interior than current Si, I could not wait for re-designed Civic, which is out in the fall and VW had better financing. If you plan to keep it for 100K, I recommend extra warranty.- Entitles you to lower APR's in some regions; check with dealer.
My 2012 GLI Autobahn
faautobahn, 03/03/2013
2012 Volkswagen GLI Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Originally ordered GLI Autobahn with Nav in Aug'11 when 2012 GLI was announced but that, in particular, and other GLI models were extremely difficult to be found. Car has done 8500 miles, and am overall quite satisfied with it. Had two main issues: bass spkr used to break even when played at normal sound levels, and rear attachment inside on top of right rear tire came off at 4000 miles making scrapping sound with tire when four people would sit. First issue was somewhat fixed by dealer, and second was completely fixed by replacing attachment under warranty. Of course not a BMW/Audi but an excellent value. Paid 29200 out of door including NJ sales tax. Car has performed very well.
Not a bad car until the engine failed.
Steve Shambert, 11/27/2018
2012 Volkswagen GLI Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
There's a known issue with the timing chain tensioner with 2008-2014 2.0 Turbo engines that causes that can potentially destroy the engine, as it did mine. VW knows about and there was a settlement in 2018, unless you're over 100K miles, like I was. See https://timingchainlitigation.com/ I'm done with VW.
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VW MX6 GLI Apr
Harry D, 08/11/2017
2012 Volkswagen GLI Autobahn PZEV 4dr Sedan w/Nav (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Check under the car for work bushings. Michelin PSas3 run great on it.
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Never spent so much in repairs!
Unhappy VW owner, 12/13/2017
2012 Volkswagen GLI Autobahn PZEV 4dr Sedan w/Nav (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've never had a car with this many problems. Every week, something new goes wrong. I've barely rolled 100,000 miles and its like the car is falling apart. It has been meticulously maintained its entire life, but now it wants to quit on me. No A/C, no heat, no turbo, no cruise control, dash is lit up like a Christmas tree and the dealership isn't sure whats wrong with it. Transmission hitches constantly, vibrations and rattles galore, I could go on and on. I will never purchase another VW/Audi! Nothing but expensive headaches.
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Phantom Red
jcwcoupe, 03/29/2012
2012 Volkswagen GLI PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
5 of 12 people found this review helpful
Bought My GLI over the Mini Cooper Clubman "S", I Love the dynamic stability control (dsc), The DSC Transmission is what "sold Me" and Pushed me toward the GLI, and away from my favorite Car, Mini Cooper "s".. Who Knew..BUT My Next Two door car will be 2020 John Cooper Works Coupe. Another reason besides the DSC, is the cargo space I Needed, being a stay-at-home-dad, and the roomy back seat in the four door GLI, and the trunk cargo area....the Mini Clubman can't compare.
Very Classy looks, decent performance
steven KIM, 04/11/2016
2012 Volkswagen GLI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
for the price range, you can't touch the Jetta GLI for it's understated good looks, decent turbocharged performance which can be amped up to the Nth degree with mature aftermarket support, and the safe usability of a 4 door sedan in a medium gray. for the money, there is no other car with similar performance which has the looks to satisfy a craving for a german engineered, understated styling and clean logical interior layout. All cars that match or exceed the Jetta GLI's performance are garishly styled, and all other offerings from other German makers are loaded with unnecessary bits that price to nearly double that of the Jetta. You can get the same engine and tranny of this car in an A4 for almost twice the cost, and you know what, most people won't be able to tell you which was the more expensive car, it looks so fantastic. Everyone that has seen the car has remarked on what a great car it is for just under $16K for 22k miles! How did I even consider the car, let alone buy it? I own a 2010 VW GTI that has upgraded engine, tranny, suspension and braking (to substantially above stock MK7 Golf R levels, so apprx. 310 hp to the wheels, around the same torque to the wheels, 335mm front brakes upgrade, KW Variant 2 coilovers, and stage 3 endurance clutch and flywheel + a whole lot more). The GLI is staying stock until the Certified warranty runs out. Then we shall see... I had forgotten how this platform felt when it was stock - just adequate performance, but it's styled like the current A3 or a baby A4, and I happen to love the whole classic lines and severly dark interiors thing happening here. Reliability on my 6 year old MK6 GTI has been outstaning. If not on par with the best from the land of the rising sun, then at least nothing of the nightmare that VWs are made out to be. So yeah. Happy with purchase, and would buy again. I sort of think I benefitted from the whole Turbo Diesel emissions scandal that's rocking VWs boat right now. and honestly the prospect that would influence dealers to let the cars go at any price is what made me buy the car. It's true, I shopped Civic SIs against the GLI and the Hondas were consistently $3-4K more and the dealers playing much more hardball.
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Beware of owning 2012 Jetta GLI for long...
Daniel Perkins, 04/06/2016
2012 Volkswagen GLI Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
Purchased 2012 VW Jetta GLI from Martin's VW in Washington, DC brand new in the summer of 2012. Experience started bad as we requested vehicle with electric start and navigation, upon waiting 3 weeks for the car to be delivered we didn't receive navigation or the electric start option. Upon confronting the deal he said we never requested those options. Due to needing a vehicle we just decided to take this car instead of waiting another 3 weeks. While owning the Jetta we were very pleased for the first 36,000 miles (conveniently as long as the warranty lasts). At around 38,000 miles the tires continually have begun to rapidly wear for reasons unknown, as we are not hard on the vehicle at all. At 40,000 miles the read seal and other items went out simultaneously which lead to a $3,600 maintenance bill at our mechanic. Then at roughly 42,000 miles our axles have begun to leak and has led to an additional $2,000 maintenance bill. Upon checking on Kelly's Blue Book to sell our vehicle which is in great condition, the resale value is currently roughly $12,000. Fuel economy on the car has begun to steadily decline as well during trips from Washington, DC to New York City, NY. Very disappointed since I was always under the impression that VW built solid cars, but after this experience will never own a VW again. Notice that all positive reviews regard this model in its early stages. If you're looking for a solid vehicle that will last upwards of 100,000 miles with just the average maintenance then VW is not for you. Please beware of owning a 2012 Jetta GLI for long...
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Fun car but trade or sell before 50k miles.
James, 07/27/2024
2012 Volkswagen GLI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Let me say first of all that I love this car. Fun to drive, lots of comments from car guys. However, once it reached 50k (took about 8 years to get there) the $$ started being siphoned from my pocket. Expect a valve cleaning (I had the walnut blast done) for about 700-800 dollars. Currently I am looking at needing a replacement for my intake manifold (expect to be 1200-1400 dollars minimum) because of an error code P2015.
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