Used 2012 Volkswagen GTI Consumer Reviews
Used GTI for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Great real car
dingol, 05/27/2012
2012 Volkswagen GTI PZEV 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
I drive sports cars. I frequently end up selling them due to not being able to use all their power and features on the road. The GTI Gives real world performance. You can utilize all the gears without committing a felony. Well balanced. Powerful but not too much. Power comes on smoothly from about 2000 rpm (when boost is entered) all the way up. No need to keep it up at redline all day. I finally have a car that is comfortable enough to commute in yet still sporty enough to take the twisty way home. If you're a number racer, buy a Ferrari. If you love to drive pick up the gti. Easy real 4 passenger commuter near mini s performance. Corners near red territory.
So far, very impressed
zct808, 04/20/2012
2012 Volkswagen GTI 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
I've owned cars that cost $20K more than this GTI. Yet none of them were more refined, fun to drive, or as well executed as this car. The moment I took a test drive I was sold. The fun factor, the way it handles, the performance, the amazing build quality, the steering wheel and pedals, and the incredible DSG gearbox that has to be driven to be believed (it changes gears in 1/10th of a sec and is faster AND more economical than the slightly lighter and cheaper stick shift). I think this is one of the best value cars out there, even the base model is generously equipped. It's the most fun car I've owned in a very long time, really loving it so far.
2012 Volkswagen GTI for sale near you
Showing 3 of 16 listings
- PZEV 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,497109 mi away
- Base 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $8,49093 mi away
- Autobahn 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $11,990166 mi away
See all 16 listings
So Far, Love this Car
caseydog3, 01/16/2013
2012 Volkswagen GTI PZEV 4dr Hatchback w/Convenience, Sunroof (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
After buying a new 2012 VW passat in July 2012, I decided to trade it in for a new 2012 GTI. While the passat was a nice BIG family sedan, I wanted to drive something fun and sporty. Also, I was having alot of trouble seeing at night with the Passat. Anyway, I got the new GTI over the weekend. It is so entirely different than the passat. I can understand why people say they look forward to driving it everyday. I feel the same way. The visibility, comfort and feel of the car is so great. It's smaller, but still has plenty of room. I find that I'm playing the stereo less now because I like listening to the sound of the engine and the turbo.
The 50-mile review
nkanafan, 06/10/2012
2012 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn PZEV 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
This is a 50 mile "first impressions" for my GTI autobahn, DSG, 4dr. The plethora of positive reviews online are right: excellent build quality, amazing driving dynamics, quiet smooth ride for size, excellent brakes, and great looking with a squat, low stance. The DSG takes getting used to and does feel hesitant at first but "squirts" you around town. As with previous GTIs, torque is abundant. I put two boosters and a nine year old in the back no problem! They are skinny though. Issues. There are a few minor ergonomic foibles. With the correct driving position for me, the steering wheel obstructs the top of speedo. Some controls are too low and parts of them cannot be visualized.
1-yr Review
shdwblumkvi, 12/24/2012
2012 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2012 6MT shadow blue GTI 1 year ago today. Here is my 1 Year Review. After 365 days of owning a brand new GTI, my first VW, I can say it has been great. But along with the good, I've had to accept some problems. My fuel injector failed at 20k miles and left me on the side of the road. This is a common weakness of the GTI. If you want reliable and dependable, buy a Honda. If you want German and high performance, expect to have some issues with this car. Some people have zero problems. You may get lucky. But plan on not being so lucky. I love driving this car, but don't know if I will keep it once the warranty is over. Expect to have problems, but it is a wonderful car.
So far so good
deeperseoul, 11/18/2012
2012 Volkswagen GTI PZEV 2dr Hatchback w/Sunroof, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
My first VW ever and digging it!. I've always had interest in GTI and there was 0% apr opportunity back in July. One test drive pretty much sold me the car. My attachment of this car is almost equal to the time when i got my first car back in 1988(Nissan Maxima). Although, brand new car picked up from the dealer was already defective with faulty head light ballester, it has not given me any other issues so far. I see why people rave about this car...driving this car is very gratifying. It may not be the most powerful or reliable car but for me, this car has more personality than competitors.
The greatest fun to drive car value in the world!
hpowders, 05/20/2012
2012 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
15 of 18 people found this review helpful
Much more fun to drive than my 2007 Porsche 911 and my 2007 328i! Excellent suspension over the bumps. Incredible acceleration with the DSG. Very comfortable driver's seat. Nice thick sport steering wheel. Wonderfully balanced ride. Not at all harsh. You want harsh? Check out the Porsche 911 with 19" wheels or the 328i with run flat tires! Terrific interior and a real looker in Candy White! The best looking hatch I've ever seen! This car was an absolute steal at $24,000! Never had so much fun in a car! There is absolutely no justification for Porsche to charge $100,000 for the 911 when at $24,000, the GTI provides so much more fun! If you love to drive, the GTI will put a smile on your face!
Wow! What a blast!
gti12, 03/29/2014
2012 Volkswagen GTI PZEV 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Great car... fun to drive, well made, roomy and comfortable. Great MPG and performance too! Recently returned from a trip from Eureka, CA to Palm Springs. Returned via Santa Barbara, then up the coast on Hwy 1. Great drive. 29MPG average for whole trip... was better until the leg up Hwy 1.
Awesome and fun little hatchback
iisgenius, 12/05/2011
2012 Volkswagen GTI 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Got my red manual GTI last week. Put in 420 miles in 6 days. I love this car! It will give you power when you need it with no torque steer - considering it's turbo with front wheel drive! Car is beautiful in and out. The interior is just beautiful with the interlagos seats - reminds me of burberry. Fuel consumption is also excellent. I averaged 28 mpg. 25% stop and go driving; and 75% freeway driving with speeds from 65 to 70 mph (trying to break in the car and haven't gone over 70 mph). Handling is a hoot!!! Only complain is the ride - it can get uncomfortable on imperfect freeways but it's a sport car!
Great car until it gets old
Good car until it gets old, 06/21/2022
2012 Volkswagen GTI PZEV 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Original owner of a 2012 GTI (base model). My wife and I loved this car, from the way it looks to the way it drives, but issues starts coming out as it gets older. First, the biggest issue with this car is the carbon build up. At around 50,000 and 100,000 miles, the carbon build up got so bad that it caused the engine to hesitate really bad, and the 'check engine' light to come on. I have tried the chemical induction cleaning, but it never worked, even if done at a regular interval. The only solution is a mechanical cleaning, which is not cheap. This is not an isolated issue. I had a 2010 CC, with the same engine, and had the same issue with carbon build up at around the same mileage. Another issue, at around 100,000, the ignition coil, water pump, and thermostat failed - again, not cheap to fix. And, once again, it was the same issue with our CC, at around the same mileage. We love this GTI, but I don't think it will be economical to keep it for as long as we kept our Honda Civic.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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.
Great car.
jdfoster, 11/04/2011
2012 Volkswagen GTI 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
2 weeks into ownership. Simply put, great car! Performance is fantastic. The DSG transmission must be experienced. Ultra smooth, instant shifts. Average MPG 31 city/hwy 70/30 combined. Front seats are extremely comfortable. In this price range, nothing comes close to matching the GTI.
My first VW
stlpilot, 05/13/2017
updated 06/14/2021
2012 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I am writing this review after driving this GTI for a full two years. I purchased this car slightly used with 20k miles on it after driving a Camry for over ten years. After two years of owning it, it still puts a smile on my face while I drive it. It is a lot of fun to drive and surprisingly it has a lot of utility for such a small car. The GTI is a fast and nimble car, performing better at highway speeds and on twisty roads, than at low speeds. It is a great all around car, balancing the fun factor, with the ability to load it up with four or five people, and the ability to put down the seats and load it up at the Home Depot. I occasionally find new features on it and I'm constantly surprised how much I can put inside of it. The best features I like about it are: the sound system on my fully loaded GTI is amazing along with comfortable seats. Only few negatives, but keep in mind I owned a Toyota for ten years. As with any German car, this GTI is a little overengineered so simple car maintenance may be overcomplicated. The spark plugs and the DSG need to be maintained every 40k miles or so. Lastly, I'm not overly happy about putting premium fuel in my everyday car. Overall, this is neat car, which is super easy to park, with lots of power. I understand why there aren't too many GTIs on the road though - most Camry/Accord drivers would never appreciate a car engineered for the car enthusiasts. This is an update to my original review. I'm currently at about 60k miles. I'm still extremely happy with the car. No mechanical issues. I highly recommend this car. At this point, my VW has been more reliable than the Toyota Camry I drove before. The fit and finish is excellent. Another update on my 2012 GTI. The car has 63,000 miles and it still puts a smile on my face. I thought of trading the car in for something else but I just can't find anything wrong with this car. It continues to be a very solid car. Apparently, VWs made in Germany are much better than those made in Mexico. Another update at 80k miles. The car is great. I recently had the carbon cleaned from the intake valves. No big deal but I do notice a much better mpg. The carbon build up is something normal on the GDI engines and the 2.0T is no exception even with me using premium fuel.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Amazed
ryanzno, 11/14/2011
2012 Volkswagen GTI 4dr Hatchback w/Convenience, Sunroof (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love this car. As my daily driver, it's fun, convenient, and unique. It's extremely versatile, and surprisingly roomy. I can't get over how well this car is made either. The materials and fit and finish feel like it belongs inside a far more expensive vehicle. Normally a car has weak points, and I find them quickly. This is the first car I've EVER owned that I haven't found at least 1 thing I don't like. If you're on the fence, hop off and buy it! In summary, it's well made, handles and performs excellently and is very affordable. Can't beat it
A ride above the rest!
cjcanada, 01/09/2013
2012 Volkswagen GTI PZEV 2dr Hatchback w/Sunroof, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is my first VW and it's been great! I bought my fully loaded 2012 gti in July 2012 and now have almost 12K on it (7400 Miles) and have had no issues. I have even taken it on a road trip from Alberta Canada to California and back (5600 km) and no issues whatsoever. This is a great car and fun to drive. I have no rattles or issues with this car so far. Love this car! Very few dislikes. I would recommend this car as a daily fun commuter car. I have the DSG and love it! Sport mode revs too high though. The car is a little light on the front end. Spin the tires often.
sensible, and sensational.
Nate93460, 05/18/2016
2012 Volkswagen GTI PZEV 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Best "bang for your buck" to be had. Surprisingly spacious and comfortable, exceedingly practical and thoughtfully designed. Want the car because it's fun to drive, buy the car because it's fun to drive every single day. My 45lb dog is perfectly comfortable in the hatch, even with the rear seats up, so she never again has to be left behind when my partner and I go out with friends. Simple controls and unassuming performance under light throttle make it a car you could lend to your grandmother, but selecting "S" on the DSG transmission yields remarkably aggressive shift points and an eagerness to brake the front tires loose. The small "poof" sound you get from the exhaust thanks to the near instant shifts made by the DSG are extremely satisfying, encouraging you to time your up-shifts just around the 3,500 rpm mark. It may not be as outright fast and sharp as its key rivals, but it is far more comfortable and refined. completely sensible when you're stuck in suburban traffic, totally sensational when you're not.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2012 MK6 GTI
alfrnas, 08/06/2012
2012 Volkswagen GTI 4dr Hatchback w/Convenience, Sunroof (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
2 of 8 people found this review helpful
The car is just amazing, very fun to drive. very nice exhaust system sound. excellent dual clutch gear box. the sporty steering wheel and the sporty seats gives you all the feeling of the sport car. loved it and recommend it for as a daily, mid-sporty use car.
worst mistake on buying this brand
Tony, 08/08/2017
updated 08/09/2018
2012 Volkswagen GTI 4dr Hatchback w/Convenience, Sunroof (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
We purchased a vw golf at first and we were very impressed how it performed that we upgraded to the 2012 GTI. It was my wife's daily driver. Under 12,000 miles the AC condenser quit working had to be replaced under warranty, no issue. less than 30,000 miles the dealership charging approximately $1,000 to replace the main fuel pump and an auxiliary fuel pump. I have owned other vehicles and never had a problem with the fuel sys. I'm very disappointed in this VW Brand, I will get rid this car by the end of the week. Update: I no longer own this vehicle. A loss of about 21,000 since buying. I replaced my GTI With a Toyota and no regrets after a year.
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Be Careful
jmp9, 06/02/2012
2012 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
7 of 54 people found this review helpful
I just bought the 2012 GTI last week. So far: non-linear acceleration i.e. the pedal has about two inches of dead travel before the car reacts and then it engages and the car shoots forward, which makes it very dicey in traffic. Over rough pavement the dash and the A pillars buzz like a hornet. I couldn't have a bigger case of buyer's remorse. Will VW fix this? Maybe they will surprise me; if not I'll follow every nuance of the Ohio Lemon Law and they can buy it back.
2nd Mark 6 GTI for me
shadrach2, 09/22/2012
2012 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn PZEV 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Owned a first gen GTI from '83 to '95 and decided in '10 that it was time to go back. Manual, cloth). Lease up in 7 months so contacted my excellent dealer who hooked me up with a "can't say no" deal on a new '12, full boat GTI. Well, I liked my '10 and I have to say that I like the '12 even more. I've been driving manuals for 35 years now and thought I'd never give the nod to a non-manual. But the DSG, dual clutch deal in the GTI is amazing. Telematics is way improved over '10. Interior with leather is classier. Mileage is super. Just a total win.
First 30 days - Flawless
harlequin1971, 08/08/2012
2012 Volkswagen GTI PZEV 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my GTI a month ago and have driven it on a few 50+ mile rides and many shorter trips and can say that it has delivered on all the gripes I had with my 08 GLI. Traded out the manual for the DSG and it makes city driving much more peaceful, but the ability to go to the paddles for more spirited runs is just a flick away. The car is quiet - more so than my GLI had been. Getting 24-25 mpg on each tank with mainly city driving. Seems like 33mpg is possible on a road trip if you stay off the after burner. Wish I would have stepped up to the sunroof/convenience package, but otherwise, I am very happy - this one is a keeper!
Loving my 2012 GTI PZEV
Thomas Castleton, 01/01/2018
2012 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback w/Sunroof, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I couldn't afford a Brand New GTI yet due to my credit. However, Dave Suchocki over at https://www.douglasvw.com was able to get me into a 2012 GTI and this car is amazing! Super-fast, drives nice, and good gas mileage. If it weren't for Dave' I would of never been able to finance this car. Thanks Dave!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Good car with one major flaw
Mahalo, 06/19/2022
2012 Volkswagen GTI 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Original owner of a 2012 GTI, which currently have around 112,000 miles. Even for a 10 year old car, it still looks great. With regular washing and waxing, the paint job is still bright and shinny with no fading at all. It still runs great, and no noticeable loss of power. The interior is holding up as well, except the headliner, which is now drooping. One major flaw is carbon build up. This is not just for the GTI, I had a 2010 CC, and it had the same problem. At around 50,000 and 100,000 miles, the engine started misfiring and the 'check engine' warning came on. I tried the chemical induction cleaning, but it did not work, even when done at a regular interval. The only solution is a mechanical cleaning, which is not cheap. Both times I had it done, it cost well over $1,000 each. Maintenance of this car is not cheap either, both preventive and corrective, as expected from a German car.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Mk6 gti 3yr ownership
Austin, 01/16/2019
2012 Volkswagen GTI 4dr Hatchback w/Sunroof, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Overall not a bad car. I owned it for about 3 years. I bought it used and is a rebuilt title. The first 2 years it had no problems and was a great car. The last year it started having lots of problems. It started with my coil packs then i needed a new clutch. After that the subframe was clucking so i out a kit to fix it. The power steering went out and the passenger side window went out and wouldnt roll up. Gti's are super fun but i just didnt have luck with this one. Maybe i will have more with a golf r
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value