Used 2014 Volkswagen GTI Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2014 GTI, so we've included reviews for other years of the GTI since its last redesign.
Three years, 48K, no problems, knock on wood.
MD57, 02/01/2016
updated 02/08/2019
2013 Volkswagen GTI 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car's virtues are pretty clear: Smooth and peppy engine, cabin comfort and quality, relatively good fuel economy, roomy rear seats, tight handling. It's a joy to drive, whether on a twisty two-lane road or a long freeway trip. I have the base 4 door with a stick, so I can't join the debate on the merits of the DSG transmission or the stone-age nav. The stick shifts like butter, although it could use a taller sixth gear for fuel economy, this engine has plenty of torque and would easily handle lower RPMs in cruise control at freeway speeds. The negatives are pretty well laid out at this point too: High repair and maintenance costs, particularly water pump and intake manifold problems, along with general brand image degradation from the diesel scandal. I have been fortunate to get the water pump fixed twice under warranty, the last time with an updated part that is supposed to cure the issue. The infotainment system is truly two generations behind, with an Applecentric connector cable and Blutooth that never got along with my Samsung phone. It took VW until 2016 to introduce new technology more comparable to the competition. Right at delivery I replaced the factory 18" "Detroit" rims (too gaudy anyway) with 17" VW Goal rims off a Passat. These do help the ride quite a bit and I don't drive aggressively enough to notice any loss of cornering response. I highly recommend this modification for anyone buying a used GTI that needs tires. UPDATE 2016: Door latch actuator failed at 56k. This would have been $400 to have the dealer fix it. Overall I still really enjoyed the car but looking at other reviews regarding maintenance costs I decided to trade it for a 2016 model, which got me a modern infotainment system and avoided the cost of fixing the actuator, replacing tires, and doing 60,000 mile service. I expect to keep this one no more than 60k based on my experience with the 2013.
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Fantastic car
Andrew Hutchison, 06/29/2018
2013 Volkswagen GTI 4dr Hatchback w/Convenience, Sunroof (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I owned my 2013 GTI with convenience package and sunroof for 2 years and I loved it. I had no issues with the car and it’s such a blast to drive. I loved the Clark plaid interior and the seats were the best I’ve ever had. My navy blue exterior looked great, and wasn’t too showy. The car is peppy yet comfortable for a daily driver. The infotainment Navigation etc worked just great and paired with my Bluetooth easily every time in the car, but it wasn’t the best resolution. I loved the car a ton and I miss it. I moved to an area with lots of snow and thought I should get a car with AWD. I bought a 2015 Audi A3 and even though it’s they same company, same platform as the GTI, I liked driving the GTI more and I miss it. Those seats are fantastic.
Excellent All-Around Vehicle
depassos, 12/15/2013
updated 01/08/2024
2013 Volkswagen GTI Driver's Edition PZEV 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car does everything well. Interior and exterior fit and finish are excellent. The car has plenty of power and delivers it uniformly with almost no turbo lag. The gearbox shifts easily and quickly and clutch uptake is very smooth. Handling is precise with just a bit of understeer which can be corrected with a little extra gas. With 18" wheels, the ride is firm but not punishing. I might consider switching to 17" wheels when it's time for new tires. Fuel economy matches the EPA estimate around town and it's easy to exceed the 31 MPG rating on the highway. It's a pleasure to drive this car anywhere under any conditions. Update: After three years of ownership, this is still a satisfying car to drive. I am about ready to replace the original Pirelli Pzero tires but will keep the 18" wheels to reduce costs. The car still rides hard on rough roads and I hope a switch to different tires will improve comfort. There have been two problems covered by warranty: The water pump leaked and was replaced by the dealer in Flagstaff, AZ during a road trip. The car was later recalled for this problem. The infotainment system stopped working and was also replaced. The body and interior have held up well. We have taken several 1,500-mile-plus road trips and there's enough room inside for two people with their luggage and a bicycle. The infotainment system with Sirius XM has lots of options and the sound quality is good. The navigation system is comprehensive and easy to use. I'll be keeping the car for several more years. This is the last of the German-built GTIs and it has been a good experience. Update 8/2019: Now, after six years and 52,500 miles, all is well. I replaced the 18" wheels with 17" and the car is now much lighter on its feet. I also replaced the Pirelli P Zero tires with Falken all-season radials and the ride is smoother and quieter. There have been no mechanical issues. Interior and exterior remain in good condition. Update 11/5/2020: Beware the check-engine light. The light came on in August but I didn't notice any drivability issues. However, the problem turned out to be a sensor in the intake manifold which required replacement of the entire manifold. This was an expensive repair but it did slightly improve drivability and fuel economy. This is a known issue in some VWs and its repair is covered by VW on other models but not this GTI. After 67k miles and 7 years, the GTI remains both practical and fun to drive. Not planning on replacing it anytime soon. Update 6/12/2022: Good news from VW: Received a letter extending the warranty on the intake manifold to 10 years or 120k miles. They reimbursed me for 90% of the repair in 2020 by my mechanic. Others in this discussion should also be happy. Only one minor problem: had the A/C Schrader valves replaced and system recharged. Continues to be fun, practical, and reliable. Update 1/5/2024: The GTI developed a small leak in the water pump that required replacing it; the same issue that arose in 2015 (see above). This was an expensive repair but worth it for an otherwise reliable, fun-to-drive vehicle. Overall, the vehicle is aging well, now with 87k miles. The car is always garaged so no significant wear on the interior or exterior. No plans to replace the GTI anytime soon.
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Great to drive not so good on quality
raleigh79, 08/06/2015
2013 Volkswagen GTI 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have owned my GTI for 3 years and it has been a pleasure to drive, grips the road beautifully and is very comfortable on long trips. The interior materials, fit and finish are excellent. However, I'm starting to seriously doubt the quality of this car. At 13K miles the cooling pump failed, it was quickly fixed under warranty. In the last month, at 30K miles (mostly highway), my clutch completely failed and was replaced under warranty. I have been driving manual transmissions for the past 20 years and have never had one fail on me, clearly a manufacturing failure. To top it off, last week the cooling pump failed again!!! My dealer charges $750.00 to replace the cooling pump, fortunately it is still under warranty, but an expense likely to be incurred in the future. I have mixed feelings on recommending the GTI. If you can overlook the maintenance and having the car at the shop often, the GTI is an great driving experience. But, if you are looking for something reliable, there are probably better options out there. I will likely trade it for something else.
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White haired kid
white haired kid, 05/02/2018
2013 Volkswagen GTI 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is not a comfortable long distance ride. Performance is great, however, I would have rather had a manual trans that gives you more of a feeling of "driving" not riding.
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