Used 2009 Volkswagen GTI Consumer Reviews
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Plan on replacing the DSG transmission at ~120k mi
Mostly electrical niggling issues. Door locks are problematic. 3 door lock units have failed. The car seems to want to lock the doors 15-20 times when you start out driving the car. The sunroof seems to have a mind of its own. Opening on its own even after the key is removed and the car has been parked. I just remove the fuse and it stays put. Like the title says, I had a complete DSG trans failure at 120k miles. VW did provide a replacement but install cost me $6000-7000.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Engine, Tranny and Suspension But.
Engine is first rate with very little turbo lag and it has great torque throughout the RPM range. Handling is very good for FWD car and DSG transmission is awesome. Lightning quick shifts. Interior has nice materials and good ergonomics. Seats are great as is the steering wheel. VW got the big stuff right with the GTI. Unfortunately, the little details are what they missed. With only 1,000 miles on the clock my seat squeaks, my dash squeaks over every bump, my rear hatch rattles over bumps and there is an engine rattle between 2500 and 3000 RPM which is an issue with other MKV GTI's too. Unacceptable in a new car. I heard VW has terrible quality control and now I believe it.
King of Hot Hatches
Very fun to drive. Handles amazingly well on windy roads. Braking is good enough. Great engine noise. No turbo lag whatsoever. Has all the power you would ever need in a front wheel drive car. Love the horseshoe wheels, though I got the 17" ones since I parallel park so much (already have some marring). I had a 08 Rabbit before and all the little improvements are completely worth it. I'm nervous about the resale value and long term reliability being a VW, although I like this car so much I can't see parting with it while it still runs. Plan to have it for a long time. Very easy to park in the city being a small 2 door hatch.
Great MPG and Fun to Drive!
We needed to upsize from my 2 seater to something our growing family. The VW can hold 5 for lunch or 2 adults and 2 kids comfortably. My commute is 35 miles each way, this thing is great for moving through traffic on the freeway. It has a quiet interior and solid feel. The ride is superb. While some of the competition is stiffer and rolls less, that is a very low percentage of the real world driving needs. It is fun to drive in a nicely composed package.
Awesome/Practical/Affordable car
I've had my GTI for about 7 months now, and I still get excited every time I get behind the wheel. It's got the style, performance, reliability and practicality covered, and it doesn't break the bank to own one. Great car!