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Used 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
1

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5 out of 5 stars

Das Review

Isaac Coard, Clinton, MD, 04/04/2016
Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

I went into the dealership wanting a 2016 GLI but I could not take my eyes off the red GTI sitting out front. Before I knew it, I was test driving it. From the moment I stepped into the vehicle, I knew I had to have it. There is something oddly satisfying about the look and feel of the cloth interior (as well as the leather). The simple touches that VW added to the GTI (even in the "base model") make this vehicle leaps and bounds more valuable and desirable than any "similar" vehicle. In the GTI S (base model) you get the same quality that you'd expect out of a BMW 5 series. The ride is very comfortable. With one tap of the gas peddle, you hear the guttural growl of the 2.0L TSI engine, and you basically feel as if you're riding a steed into battle. Its an exhilarating drive. I took it home and had my neighbor take it for a spin. He has a 2016 Porsche 911 and when he got back with my car, he voiced his displeasure with the fact that my GTI rivals his Porsche in overall get-up and feel. I call that a win my friends. Get yourself a GTI.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

Great car if you can deal with the problems

GTIowner, Halethorpe, MD, 07/26/2020
Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I just bought a used '16 GTI S with manual transmission. Its a VERY fun car, but with a big asterisks. What is not fun is the constant repairs and cash you have to pay out for this car! They have known thermostat and water pump issues, but VW has not recalled them yet, so this is an out of pocket fix considering many '16 models will be out of warranty soon. Also, the master window switch gave out on me, causing creeky, slow window movement, and sometimes no window movement at all (windows get stuck down). VW has also cheaped out on some parts, leading to cracking, such as the oil pan and the timing cover. All-in-all, if you can get past the mechanical short-comings, and fork out the cash to get repairs, I think its a good car. I usually never buy extended warranties, but I wish I had when I bought this because my mechanic knows me by name now.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

This is my third GTI. Do I need to say more?

Paolo Bozzo, Brookfield, CT, 12/13/2015
updated 06/15/2017
Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

If you enjoy driving, this is the car for you. If driving is a chore, don't bother. Still the best manual transmission I have ever used. Changing gears is seamless. The handling is go-kart like, without sacrificing comfort. The only issue with the car is that there's nothing below 2,000 rpm, which is quite different from the old VR6 engine I loved.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great choice in a great model year

Jerry M, San Diego, CA, 04/18/2016
Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Downshifted from a boring BMW boat and now there's suddenly a reason to get out every day.

Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

I've owned 30+ cars...this one is the best!

NBinCO, Broomfield, CO, 02/04/2019
Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I consider myself to be a very honest reviewer - the good and the bad. This is a complete rave review from someone who has experienced nearly every type of vehicle under the sun, and has fallen completely in love with the GTI. I purchased mine right after VW's legal issues, resulting in a fantastic deal. I bought this car for the cost of a base model Golf! First, the performance. Though I haven't modified my GTI, it's easy and cheap to make this car a total pocket rocket. Base performance is already stellar, though. The motor is peppy and eager, and hardly needs to downshift to give you a huge burst of passing speed. Not overly fast, but quick enough to make you smile when you want it to. Power is smooth, and the turbo spools up at the right time. I have the 6MT, which is fantastic. Shifts are snappy, clutch is easy, and the gear ratios are ideal for the right blend of power and efficiency. I often get 40-45 MPG (yes, really!) on my commute, which is on the freeways of Denver. Brakes are awesome, stopping distance is still very short after 34K miles. Technology is good for this segment - Apple Car Play is awesome. Stereo sounds fantastic. I love the data available on the infotainment screen (driving data, turbo PSI, G-meter, lap timer, etc...) I've done a few 10 hour drives, and find the seats to be decently comfortable and great for taller drivers. Not one problem with this car in 34,000 miles! Two downsides come to mind: One, the recommended service interval is 10K miles. Even with synthetic, it will burn off some oil before it's due to be changed - I recommend a 5K interval instead. Second, the rear seat is a bit cramped. It's a compact though, so this shouldn't be news. I can still fit 4 adults, but it often requires moving the front seats up a bit too much for comfort. I trade in and out of cars constantly, but 3 years later I'm planning to keep it indefinitely and pass it down to my son in ten years. That's how much I love this car, and I know it will still be a great car in a decade!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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