Used 2012 Volkswagen GTI Consumer Reviews
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My Third GTi ...
bobatglp, 01/25/2013
2012 Volkswagen GTI PZEV 4dr Hatchback w/Sunroof, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
Owned a 1996 GTi (4 cyl), 2004 GTi (VR6) and now a new "left over" 2012 GTi 4-door with the DSG automatic and moonroof and nav package. A really solid, well put-together car with a great mix of style, sportiness, economy, and utility. After two cars with maual transmissions I opted for the DSG this time with no regrets. Really like the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Lots of fun. Couldn't deal with the cost of an all-wheel-drive Golf R, so I "settled" for the GTi. No regrets.
Overall brilliance
Patrick, 12/02/2016
updated 06/02/2017
2012 Volkswagen GTI PZEV 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I've owned my 2-door since Sept 2014, and love it. Great balance between performance and practicality, especially on the performance side of the equation. I find no greater joy than hucking it into a corner at a slightly irresponsible speed, and coming out the other side going even faster. Seats are super comfortable for my 6 foot frame. Took my car from New Hampshire to California and back, and at no point did any part of me hurt in a 600-700 mile day. My average mileage sits around 28.7 MPG on mostly 93 octane fuel. There have only been three weak points I've found so far: The car has an appetite for summer tires (expect a new set every 25-30k miles or so), the reliability hasn't been perfect (so far I've had to do the water pump and fuel pump, which are common failure points on the 2.0 TSI motor, in addition to new ignition coils), and the insurance has been on the pricey side. Other than those minor things, this is my favorite car I've ever owned. Update 6/2017: Still good, although maintenance continues to be an expense (as one might expect at this age I suppose.) Recently had to do the timing chain tensioner, and the brake wear sensor is broken. Other than that, car continues to be great!
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2012 Volkswagen GTI for sale near you
Showing 3 of 112 listings
- Base 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $8,99575 mi away
- PZEV 4dr Hatchback w/Convenience, SunroofMSRP: $13,90076 mi away
- PZEV 2dr Hatchback w/Convenience, SunroofMSRP: $8,199375 mi away
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Driver's car
foggnm, 04/03/2013
2012 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback w/Sunroof, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Because I drive so little (4000 miles/yr), I wanted something sporty, stylish, and most of all fun! So after trying several other cars the past 2 years, I found exactly what I wanted in a GTI. It has the perfect balance of sport, economy, and adult-styling. It is quick, but not gas-wasting fast. It is nicely outfitted on the inside, has a wonderful exhaust/turbo sound, and looks sharp from the outside. This car is a bit pricey new, but I found mine one year used with 6000 miles for an awesome price. Got the model with navigation which also has the attractive and functional bi-xenon/LED lights. I'm sure there are longer lasting, more reliable cars, but life's too short not to enjoy your car.
2 weeks and already down for repair
kkastner, 09/08/2011
2012 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback w/Convenience, Sunroof (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
24 of 40 people found this review helpful
Love the Euro-feel of the car, hate the owner experience...only two weeks in and already proving to be what I feared it would be. Flywheel was defective and the car has 600 miles on it. Sitting outside at the dealer in the rain with the transmission out. Waiting for VW parts. Not encouraging, especially given that I've already been down a negative road with VW/Audi in the past. If this one lemons out, it will be the 3rd out of 4 cars that VW is going to buy back. 1995 Golf (my first ever new car) - bought back by VW with engine and wheel bearing issues (1,200 miles) 2000 Audi A4 - great, never had a problem 2004 Audi Allroad - bought back by VW/Audi with electrical issues 2012 GTI - TBD
Does everything well
michel12, 08/01/2012
2012 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
I recently purchased a 2012 GTI with a DSG transmission and I think I like it. This is a car that does everything well: comfortable, fun to drive, excellent build quality, practical. My only criticism is with the DSG transmission. While the car is really fun to drive on Tiptronic, the Drive (D) mode is sluggish because the transmission shifts gears at very low speeds which makes it unresponsive especially on steep climbs, where it constantly hunts for the best gear. For those who don't mind driving a car with a manual transmission, I would advise to stay away from the DSG.