Used 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Golf GTI, so we've included reviews for other years of the Golf GTI since its last redesign.
2023 VW GTI 40th Anniversary Edition
Michael, Oceanside, OR, 05/17/2023
2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI 40th Anniversary Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
I had been looking at the 2022 MK 8 since its arrival to the USA in late 2021. Here’s the deal. I only captured my first glance of one about three months ago, passing through the small town I live in. Whenever we went to the dealer, none were ever in stock. When I first read about the 2023 40th Anniversary Edition, I thought this might be the car for me. One of the area dealers showed a pomelo yellow 40th inbound sometime in March or April, and the salesman kept me posted. We arrived at the dealer the day following its arrival, and when I first laid eyes on it, I was smitten - most beautiful automobile I’d seen in my life! So we took it for a test-drive, and with the adaptive dampers, placed it in comfort mode. While the ride was a little stiffer than my 2017 Golf, the GTI felt incredible. I quickly got used to the clutch and six speed manual shift feel. Quite frankly, though, I was concerned about the infotainment system, as there had been so many complaints about it in the reviews I read. Well, despite the fact I’m an old guy, almost 67 years old, I found using this intuitive, and not the deal-killer I thought it might be. Since the 40th AE is based on the GTI S, it still has a volume control knob, and the climate control is easy-peasy. So not the nightmare I expected. However, I do NOT like the new GTI fuel gauge, please, make it electronic if you will, but give me a traditional looking one, not a straight line that’s tiny like this, then reads out mileage until empty. The other thing I dislike is the inability to easily set a trip meter. What I do like is you have two or three viable options as to how you want your instrument cluster to look. And the color changes you can make inside your car is cool, too. Three other disappointments: no Sirius/XM capability (VW, shame on you cheapskates), and no storage bin under the driver’s seat, and no wireless phone connectivity on the 40th AE (again, shame on you, VW for eliminating this - should be standard on the entire lineup). Those complaints aside, I decided to buy the car and have little regret. Our dealer offered a 10 year unlimited mileage warranty including repair of electronics and replacement of wheels and tires should they incur damage (some of the roads in our area are horrible) which I would recommend. The 40th AE has the 19 inch wheels with 35 profile tires, so there’s little rubber between you and the road. I’ve driven over 1,000 miles in the month I’ve owned it and feel good about the fuel mileage. I’ve gotten up to 37.1 mpg, but I suspect on a long haul I could get 40 mpg on this vehicle. I love the feel of the road, love the cornering, and love the acceleration. I see all these younger guys on YouTube modifying their GTI’s, and quite frankly, there’s no need for that - performance is stellar - you’ll never want for power or have a need for greater cornering ability unless you’re a weekend racer. I plan to leave mine stock (maybe it will be the only one in the country left as it came from the factory). I like the look and feel of the interior, do not object to the materials used, either. Mine has been tight as a drum and rattle-free, even on rough pavement. The fit and finish of both interior and exterior seems perfect to me - something I’ve appreciated about VW over the years. In order to protect my investment, I had a local shop apply Paint Protective Film on the front grill, headlights, front badge, hood, front fenders, A pillars, front door sills, roof, and the top of the rear bumper (where you load cargo) to prevent scratches and rock chips. I think this is wise, no matter the car you drive, as it will reduce if not eliminate damage to your paint. VW has excellent paint by the way, and this pomelo yellow color is just incredible - looks green in some light, sometimes yellow, and what an attention-getter! This is my retirement vehicle that I plan to drive until I cannot drive anymore. Did I make the right choice? Time will tell. I’m happy so far, and I’ve a unique car (quite likely the only one in my entire state) that doesn’t look like all the Japanese and South Korean clones out there. I’ve never had a problem with VW reliability and suspect this new GTI will be no different. Is the GTI the right car for you? Only one way to find out. Drive one. Look it over. But I will warn you, they’re hard to find. They pretty much sell as soon as dealers get them in stock. If my wife and I had passed on buying this one, three other buyers behind me were chomping at the bit, disappointed that we were the ones who left the dealer with it in our possession. So how would I rate it on a scale of 1-10? I’d say about an 8.5 - 9, with my only complaints being the ones I’ve already mentioned. I am a satisfied owner!
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Still a fun car to drive!
Mike, 01/10/2023
updated 07/10/2023
2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I had the MK7 and now the MK8 GTI and I am really impressed with the performance of this car, also the touch screen and haptic controls are really easy to use once you know where everything is.
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2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI for sale near you
3 of 95 listings
- 40th Anniversary Edition 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $33,995212 mi away
- SE 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $33,998359 mi away
- 40th Anniversary Edition 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $27,994403 mi away
See all 95 listings
Sad but true
M, 01/08/2023
2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
19 of 21 people found this review helpful
I’ll really like everything about the car’s chassis, engine, motor, and interior. I dislike the overly complex infotainment system with no mobs for radio or HVAC. It’s hard to concentrate on driving with this system. Hopefully they will add some physical knobs since it seems to be universally abhorred.
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One Last Ride
Charlie Egan, 03/25/2023
2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Straight opinion: it’s fantastic! 1. Feels new while also familiar 2. Noticeably more power 3. Haptic buttons and infotainment mechanics are just fine. After owning and loving my MK7.5 for four and half years, I jumped on the opportunity to purchase a 2023 GTI, as there were and are very few available in our area. The exterior looks fantastic in person. The interior is very clean, sporty, and minimalistic. I thought I would miss analog gauges and buttons, but the transition has been very easy. Everything functions as it should. Having the S model gives you volume and option knobs on the infotainment screen. The standard speakers work well and sound clear, but they do lack deep bass, if that matters. The seats are sporty but supportive. I love the classic GTI plaid and red leather and alcantara accents. The engine is noticeably quicker than the previous gen., especially at higher speeds, though this is not “throw you in the back of your seat” power. Rather, it is dependable, consistent, and very smooth. The exhaust system is also noticeably louder but not obnoxious. I’m simply going to enjoy what will probably be the last GTI generation with an internal combustion engine.
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Not a MK7
Isobar, 07/09/2022
2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
18 of 21 people found this review helpful
Totaled my MK7, naturally the new GTI was my go to choice. I should’ve stayed with the old model. Performance and driving dynamics are solid. Styling is very handsome. That’s where it stops for me, the infotainment system and lack of buttons is infuriating. The MK8.5 will be close to perfect if VW takes an evolutionary approach rather than the current revolution. Won’t be keeping this one.
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Owned a 1 year and it's just getting better with a
Tim is Making Great Coffee, 10/28/2022
2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I have owned many cars in my 30+ years of driving. Many Volkswagens and many luxury cars. This is my first GTI. I have owned it for nearly a year and I look forward to driving it everyday. I also look forward to maybe buying another, next time a Golf R. But for now it is a tremendous car. There have been a few negatives but the positives way outweigh the negatives. I have the Autobahn Pomelo Yellow. Yes there have been some electronic bugs and quirks but they all have been under warranty and taken care. I have had couple of flat tires, one warrantied. I think it's because the roads here in Southern California suck and the tires and suspension really rock when going over potholes and road hazards. The stereo radio would go off and stop working for like ten minute intervals when i first got the car but probably due to software updates, those are not a issue anymore. I do now have a sensor issue within the parking brakes but no problem; its under recall and it will be fixed. This care is tremendously fun to drive, and the quality and craftsmanship is beyond expected. Long Live GTIs!
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A classic hot hatch!
JamesT, 07/09/2023
2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
After years of owning a SUV, I really wanted a smaller and efficient car. I also wanted something fun, this car fits the bill to a tee. I looked at a lot of cars, including a Miata, GR86, WRX and Elantra N, but if I wanted a sunroof and premium audio without resorting to a leather interior the GTI was really the only option. The car is seriously quick. It handles like it’s on rails. It’s also surprisingly quiet and comfortable. The infotainment has a pretty steep learning curve, but once you get used to it, it is easy to use. I’m very happy with my purchase.
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Best Hot Hatch ever in North America!!
Bennie, 11/25/2022
2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
The criticism this car gets from journalists and supposed owners (mainly infotainment related) is massively overblown. This is my second Golf GTI, the first being the MK6, and the improvements are massive. The new GTI drives MUCH sharper, with crisper steering, a much more rigid platform, and with the adaptive dampers, has a much broader bandwidth for driving dynamics. All the hate the car gets for the haptic switchgear and infotainment system is unfounded. I love how clean the interior design is, and the infotainment system is super intuitive after a few uses. Android Auto works flawlessly and the system is quick to load with no lag. Also, the new GTI is both more powerful than older models, more fuel efficient, and gets full power on 87 octane. What's not to love?
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5500 miles and still having fun
Tim is Making Great Coffee, 05/07/2022
2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
19 of 26 people found this review helpful
I have owned many cars the last few years, all of them just to take me from Point A to Point B. But then the pandemic struck and I realized life needs to be about fun. I own a electric vehicle and from a budgeting perspective, it make a lot more sense to drive the electric - especially since I get free electricity. But look I haven’t traveled as much the last few years and being inside has driven crazy. The electric car or should I say appliance just got me from Point A to Point B. I work hard and I deserve the fun of driving, and since I don’t have money for a Porsche right now, then the GTI will have to do. Actually I could have waited for the Golf R but didn’t know how long wait would have been, and between the extra cost of premium fuel and higher insurance with Golf R - the GTI made better financial sense. It is much better suited for a daily drive than the R. I have now put 5500 miles on it, going to month number 5. It is the funnest car I have owned.
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Stay away
JAR, 10/26/2022
2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
30 of 45 people found this review helpful
I have had four VW iterations of the Golf in my life, a 2000 Golf, a 2017 Rabbit, a 2015 GTI SE, and the 2022 Mk8 GTI Autobahn. As you can tell I kept the first three for a lot of years. The 2022 GTI I only kept for nine months. Why? for problematic and unreliable electronic issues, ranging from sensors not working, functions turning on and off on their own, screens freezing unresponsive, faulty Harman Kardon sound system, faulty keyless entry, etc. BUT the absolute worst? Was when I was told by three different VW dealers there was NOTHING they could do to fix the problems, that they were aware of many other owners facing the same issues but that VW had not issued a fix, so I had to suck it up. So I got rid of it and pray for whoever buys it ass a CPO
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