The Mega MK7 & MK8 Golf GTI/GTD/R thread - Part II

PHEV Golf hasn't made any sense for a few years - much better value getting an ID4

Anyone used VW's 0% percent offer on Hire Purchase of new cars? Am tempted by a new mk8 Golf.

Just had a look. An R for under €500 a month. 23k deposit and 36k final payment

Anyone ever had an issue with the coolant tank leaking? Warning light came on about a month ago out of the blue in my 171 GTD. Topped it up but it's come on almost once a week since and needed topping up. Can't see any leak on the ground under the car, have it booked in for a service so will see.

[Replying to Comic Book Guy]

Had the same issue on my 181 GTI a week ago. Water pump and thermostat housing needed replacing. Was driving got an error coolant level low. 1.3k to fix on a Indy garage as VW (Frank Keane) would only be available to diagnosis in June . Done a week now and seems to be all ok.

Seems like is a known issue on TSI engines, that VW dealer denied. But plenty of discussion on other forums.

Frank Keane booked out until June for any servicing etc!!! Had to unfortunately book in with Joe Duffy whose service leaves alot to be desired (it doesnt exist and they dont care, you're just an inconvenience to them)

Right sorry for a rant but I just have to! Joe Duffys are saying my front parking sensor isnt covered under warranty because its stone chipped….. I rang VW Ireland customer care to try and get onto them for some kind of resolution to this (VW or dealer pays for it as a "goodwill" gesture - otherwise its €350 for 1 sensor!!), they are to contact me tomorrow supposedly regarding this. Never in my entire life have I had so many issues with one bloody car (all electrical). I really want rid of this!!! And on top of this they try sell me a new GTD on the 0% finance with the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree in the video (that was unsolicited I may add) - actually enraged me. Anyway I need some recommendations for cars at this stage. pref 600 ish max a month decent power and decent enough on fuel , diesel if possible as I do alot of motorway driving. Cheers 😁

Yes I had considered but one the guys in work had one and had all the glitchy radio system with all the issues (failed electrics also) and went into limp mode. Im very weary of any VW group product now, I know it doesnt really leave many options :(

Was talking to manager, said that many cars are coming back with sensors failing though, so it seems a common issue and agreed with me re MK8 quality has gone downhill and actually downgraded back to a 7.5 herself so that says it all really! Bearing in mind this car has been back to same garage multiple times with issues, power steering failure the biggest with car off the road for 6 weeks for diagnostics and repairs. The least they can do in my eyes is fix the sensor, whether its them or VW pay I dont care

I think you'd have to do a lot of stop start driving in heavy traffic for it to make a difference. But then you'd be mostly doing driving that will use for fuel anyway. It's probably nicer to drive in that kinda traffic. With some benefit to local air quality.

I read somewhere a mild hybrid keeps the engine off in that inefficient zone, starting stopping, which means the engine spends more time in efficient zone. Well unless you hammer it everywhere.

Depends a lot on your driving style. What type of roads you drive on etc.

Spending close to €40,000 to save €20 a week rarely makes sense

I don't have an iPhone but I don't think you will get google maps on an iPhone as google maps is an android app so you might have to install something from Apple that is similar or the Waze app on your iPhone.

When you go into Carplay then the car's infotainment screen should display a mirror of your phone's screen. Just use your phone's apps then via the infotainment touch screen.

I'm pretty sure Google Maps are on iPhones. I know in the early days of smartphones it was an Android only app but afaik it is now on iPhones.

edit: I Googled it and you can use Google Maps. Look up a guide to help you OP.

That's good to hear. Newer cars you can do it wirelessly just to add salt to the wounds.

Both Apple's and Android's versions are an absolute game changer in car infotainment. Always wondered how multi billion car companies can butcher user interfaces so much on their own takes.

You can get a dongle to have it connect wirelessly that's plugged into your USB. Note that the phones battery will drain substantially but for sub hour drives it's great.

Something like this: https://amzn.eu/d/9ZtHGe5

In my experience of an MK8 Golf, check all electrics work, infotainment, sensors, anything electrical!. and double check!! I do not want to own this car out of warranty (had to fight for service even within warranty) . Mechanically I had nothing wrong in 2 years of ownership though. Ive had so many issues and all electrical, maybe I just bought a dud? Lost track how many times it went back to dealer with issues. Ive literally given up though and just placed an order earlier for a 3 series diesel for August, last of the diesels being produced apparently. Just hybrid and petrol moving forward.

I would say keep the EV and get a cheap and fun petrol car for the weekend. Maybe something that would qualify for classic insurance?

Ah I wish I could, only space for two cars outside the house (parking spaces, thanks SDCC).

Not many Leons on the market anyway. Either too new or the pre-facelift with the manual handbrake. Don't think anyone but Cupra would touch the EV either. Probably for the best! I'm sure I'll revisit the idea again next year.

Nice wheels alright

Was Lapiz blue available on GTI of mk8? It should have been kept for the Golf R only, not R Lines, not Tiguans, not GTIs

175bhp is probably just the power coming from the engine. The old mk7.5 GTE was 140bhp from the engine and 205bhp combined.