Used 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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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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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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2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI for sale near you
3 of 8 listings
- 40th Anniversary Edition 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $29,539179 mi away
- 40th Anniversary Edition 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $30,985In-stock online
- SE 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $30,998In-stock online
See all 8 listings
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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My 8 GTI rocks!
Rich, 08/08/2023
2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI 40th Anniversary Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The VW MK8 GTI is the best yet and only continues to impress. I have a MK6 GTI that I have owned since new and the MK8 is in a whole different class. Fit and finish is excellent, the power delivery is spot on and the electronics are easy to navigate once you get used to them. I would buy another MK8 to replace my MK6 if my son would let it go.
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I get one before they go extinct
Dr_Nano, 10/31/2023
2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
When I was a poor college student, I desperately wanted a GTI. But tuition came first and now I am secure enough in my career to go back in time and get one. I am glad that I did. First, the boring bits. Yes, the infotainment system is a tad byzantine and the haptic controls don't help. But after a few months I seem to understand their idiosyncrasies. I even discovered the problem with the steering wheel lurching suddenly was due to the lane marker sensor reading the tar snakes on the roadway as lane markers (remedied by turning the sensor off). Yes, some of the interior plastics look a tad cheap. But in this car I am watching the road, not them. Finally, I dislike the shift pattern. Reverse is obtained by pressing the stalk down and then shifting into first. I've learned to watch the screen and if the backup camera comes on, then I know I am in reverse and not low gear forward. The great bits? It's fast and it holds the road. Merging onto a highway takes no effort and presses you back into a sculpted seat that can either be cooled or heated. I live in New England and it's perfect for the curvy back roads. It cruises effortlessly on Interstates and I often look down and see that I am going 20 mph over the limit. There are tons of interior features, including a lighting package that you can color tune to your liking. I typically get reasonable mpg, with 30 to 35 on the highway and the high 20s around town. This model likes premium though, so be prepared to pay more at the pump. VW is discontinuing the manual with this model year, so I am happy I managed to sneak in under the deadline and nab the car I always wanted. Also, my dealer sold these as fast at they came in, so good luck finding one that has exactly what you want.
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