View Full Version : Should I buy a Golf (mk 6)?
My mother needs a new car and we are strongly considering a Mk 6 Golf.
77 TSI is ruled out because too basic, 118 out because of too many engine issues, diesel out because of DPF issues (90% of driving is city). So that leaves the 90TSI.
Im fairly familiar with most models of Volvo as well as Subaru, and know that by picking the right model I could confidently have a car that'll last many years without causing too much pain... but I don't have that confidence with the Golf. There are so many comments on various forums along the lines of "I'll never own a VAG car again" etc etc.
I've also been told by people not to worry and that the 90TSI is a solid car, but these are the sort of people who say "mine has 57,000km and still going strong"... my mum's last car had 280,000 on it so I am interested in the long term perspective too.
Apart from reliability concerns the Golf ticks every box, but I know I need to be realistic about it too!
So any thoughts on that would be appreciated.
(I should point out that only manuals are being considered so no DSG concerns.)
Another question - I understand that the MK 5 and 6 are essentially the same but with a restyled body and different engines; the 7 is completely new but retains the engines from the 6. Is that right?
The_Hawk
23-10-2017, 06:22 AM
What about the GTI?
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mythik
23-10-2017, 07:33 AM
From a mechanical perspective on the GTI front - MY11.5 and newer have the new timing tensioner, anything older needs to be changed. Don't let this put you off, they are a great car. Also anything newer than a MY12 I think comes Bluetooth standard. Don't get anything older as you'll be in for $$$ with it.
Mythik - wasn't the corrected tensioner 06K109467K manufactured from May 2012? (therefore MY11.5 is still at risk). Interested as I'm currently looking for a MK6 GTI.
... but I don't have that confidence with the Golf.
My opinion is that if the car is for someone other than yourself (who doesn't necessarily care about cars), who is not likely to come on the forum themselves to troubleshoot issues (that may or may not eventuate), buy them something else lol. A Corolla for example.
A friend bought a MK6 90tsi with the DSG7. I told her not to because of the transmission but she did anyway.
It's proving to be a great car and she loves it. I've only driven it once (Sydney - Broken Hill - Sydney) and it was terrific.
I've asked her how the gearbox is (mainly stop/start Sydney Traffic) and she says it's fine.
gldgti
23-10-2017, 11:59 AM
Forums tend to give a warped perspective of the overall "market experience" I think, because by and large people on forums are either: ordinary owners with problems; or enthusiasts who come across a lot of problems because they own lots of a particular make/model and deal with everything themselves in a more hands on way.
Now that former group of people are, since a couple of years ago, now largely disassociated from VAG, because of dieselgate. They are the "I will never own a VW again" people, for the most part.
The latter group are by and large still here, giving advice in this thread :-)
The 90 TSI has to be one of the least talked about models there is.... on that basis, seems like a good bet.
I would also think about a GTI, and dont forget to look at brand similes like the A3 and the Octavia, as sometimes you will find that they offer better value for money on the used market for whatever reason - even though the basic car underneath is the same.
Finally, my personal experience with VAG vehicles in general, is that I always end up with a more satisfying ownership experience when I buy the 'premium' trim version of whatever model I am interested in - and often it seems not to cost a lot more to do so, in the used market. I suppose thats another recommendation for a GTI.
The latter group are by and large still here, giving advice in this thread :-)
lol .. wonder who you're referring to ..
From a mechanical perspective on the GTI front - MY11.5 and newer have the new timing tensioner, anything older needs to be changed. Don't let this put you off, they are a great car. Also anything newer than a MY12 I think comes Bluetooth standard. Don't get anything older as you'll be in for $$$ with it.
If you factor in the tensioner repair into the cost of purchase (and bargaining with the owner) I don't see why you couldn't get away with it with a good outcome !
I have considered another car and a cheap GTI runaround was on my list - there are plenty with high kms when I last looked and if well looked after, they are a bargain. Just look out for the tensioner as mentioned, water pump seal leak (costly repair) and that DSG services (if you're not getting a manual), together with on time services have been done .
If the car was for myself, I wouldn't think twice about a GTi, but I don't think it's necessary in this case. Also because of budget, it's need to be a mk5.
That being said, I've no issue with test driving a GTi to see how much better it actually is!
I guess part of the problem is that these cars are too new to be able to know how realiable they are in the long run. But I do get the feeling that they're designed as 'disposable cars' that you keep for a few years and then move on.
Do you think it's worth speaking to a mechanic who's familiar with Euro cars to get an opinion from that point of view?
Ive found a 2013 mk 7 for sale with only 55,000km for 10k. It's a 90TSI comfortline. Sound like a good deal?
The One
23-10-2017, 05:32 PM
The 90TSI paired with a manual gearbox is the way to go. Absolutely bulletproof combo, great car, economical and a pleasure to drive, you cannot go wrong.
Thanks for the reassuring advice!
What does 'bulletproof' mean in VW speak? Cheap and reliable daily driver, or just that it won't leave you stranded somewhere?
I understand that a VW won't have Japanese-like reliability, but I've had experiences with very dependable European cars too and really that's what I'm hoping for in the Golf.
Thanks for the reassuring advice!
What does 'bulletproof' mean in VW speak? Cheap and reliable daily driver, or just that it won't leave you stranded somewhere?
Octavia 1.8tsi
185,000km / 9 years. 4 "breakdowns" that didn't quite leave me stranded (in the city) but would have out west.
Fuel pump @ 3 months (warranty)
N249 Valve @ 3 years and 1 week - warranty denied ($400)
Water Pump @ 6 years ($1200)
Water Pump @ 8.5 years ($400 DIY)
I don't think that's terrible
craig_the_german
24-10-2017, 01:16 PM
I have a 2101 90TSI Manual. Has been faultless since new. Regular services but that's all. Mine has the comfort pack which included alloys, climate control, auto wipers, lights leather steering wheel etc.
VW Convert
24-10-2017, 01:21 PM
I have a 2101 90TSI Manual. Has been faultless since new. Regular services but that's all. Mine has the comfort pack which included alloys, climate control, auto wipers, lights leather steering wheel etc.
2101? Back to the future Craig! LOL
Sorry, couldn't help myself!
Cheers
George
Ok any thoughts on Octavia vs Golf?
I assume because it is a wagon it wouldn't handle as well?
And also be slower and higher fuel consumption because it'd be heavier?
(Not that they'd be deal breakers - I'm just interested.)
According to Wikipedia... the latest Octavia is based on the Golf mk 7, but the second latest (2004-2013) is based on the mk 5, is that correct?
Ok any thoughts on Octavia vs Golf?
I assume because it is a wagon it wouldn't handle as well?
And also be slower and higher fuel consumption because it'd be heavier?
(Not that they'd be deal breakers - I'm just interested.)
According to Wikipedia... the latest Octavia is based on the Golf mk 7, but the second latest (2004-2013) is based on the mk 5, is that correct?
The Golf V and VI are basically the same platform, and i assume all the other VAG cars like skoda octavia, Audi A3, VW Golf etc were based on that platform during that period.
The handling will vary depending on weight, suspension, wheels, body etc. 16 inch rims feel softer than 17s or 18s over bumps etc
Your best bet is to just start visiting vehicles and test driving them. Get yourself to a big used car dealer and give him the contact details of someone you don't like. Then test drive his golfs, skodas, audis etc and feel it for yourself.
The advice you're getting here about the 90TSI is pretty spot on. The 6 speed manual is reliable. Ask if the clutch has been replaced and when as that's never a cheap job in any car.
You'll have costs in whatever car you buy whether it's a corrola, golf, skoda or i30. The golf feels nice inside, the parts are fairly cheap and plentiful and the cars are dirt cheap now.
I will certainly be visiting some dealers, but the issue is in Canberra that there isn't actually a lot of choice in cars - plenty of Golf's for example but not a manual 90TSI so makes it hard to get a feel for a particular variant. Hence my questions.
Thanks for the advice though.
anthony
25-10-2017, 08:36 PM
I'm selling a 2009 manual 90 TSI.
It's been bulletproof.
I've just posted an ad ,check it out
Regards
Anthony
Thanks, I've sent you a PM.
Ok any thoughts on Octavia vs Golf?
I assume because it is a wagon it wouldn't handle as well?
And also be slower and higher fuel consumption because it'd be heavier?
(Not that they'd be deal breakers - I'm just interested.)
According to Wikipedia... the latest Octavia is based on the Golf mk 7, but the second latest (2004-2013) is based on the mk 5, is that correct?
i have a 118tsi (1.8 litre) manual 2007 Octavia hatch (it looks like a 3 box sedan but it's a hatch). The boot is enormous.
It handles 95% as well as a Golf.
It averages 7.2L/100km with lots of inner Sydney driving and occasional trips on the motorway. 2 weeks ago, a free flowing drive from Crows Nest to Campbelltown and return averaged 4.8L/100km.
There's not a noticeable difference in acceleration under normal driving conditions.
Generally, the Octavia is better equipped than the equivalent Golf.
Thanks for that.
I assume that being a 1.8 litre, it is a different engine from that found in the Golf which I thought was the 1.4 litre twin charge version? Even though they are both 118TSI.
Is it decent reliability wise?
Thanks for that.
I assume that being a 1.8 litre, it is a different engine from that found in the Golf which I thought was the 1.4 litre twin charge version? Even though they are both 118TSI.
Is it decent reliability wise?
Totally different. Single K03 turbo. EA888 block. As such, they have similar issues to the Mk6 GTI engine - timing chain issues on any of the CDxx engines (BZB seems OK); water pump issues; possible oil usage issues and inlet carbon build-up. Mine doesn't use oil and is a BZB (timing chain seems to be OK). It's had 2x water pumps in 175k. Inlets were cleaned at 175K as well but I could have left them alone. Not much else other than normal service items.
I like the car because it's comfy, has lots of bells & whistles & has a big boot.
OK... my instinct tells me that an engine that goes through two water pumps in 175k hasn't been designed anywhere near as well as it should have. But I'll still keep an open mind...
forgive my ignorance - how does one tell the difference between a CD and BZB engine?
OK... my instinct tells me that an engine that goes through two water pumps in 175k hasn't been designed anywhere near as well as it should have. But I'll still keep an open mind...
forgive my ignorance - how does one tell the difference between a CD and BZB engine?
If you want a guaranteed, really reliable car, then don't by a VW Group product... they can be a bit hit and miss.
I think the VW product is generally a good balance of performance, fuel economy, reasonable service costs, good equipment levels and a certain "fun factor" in the driving.
Sure, the Skoda has had some minor issues compared to my 1990 Suzuki Swift and 1994 Nissan Bluebird but it uses less fuel, has more power and is more fun to drive. Compared to my Gen2 Subaru Liberty, the Skoda is a dream.
The engine code is on a sticker at the top of the timing cover.
In regards to Golf vs Octavia - a 2009 Golf has a 5 star safety rating, a 2009 Octavia has a 4 star rating. Any idea why?
In regards to Golf vs Octavia - a 2009 Golf has a 5 star safety rating, a 2009 Octavia has a 4 star rating. Any idea why?
The 2009 Octavia test is for the 2007 base model. The 2009 Golf test is for the 2009 model. I'm not sure why 2 years would make a difference.
The Golf is classified as a small car, the Octavia a medium car. I believe the ANCAP test procedure doesn't allow for comparison between sizes ? (i'm not sure)
In the side impact test the Octavia scored a full 16/16 and the Golf 15.99 due to some minor chest injury probability. Also the Golf earned 2 extra bonus points as VW decided to subject it to a side pole test as it had a side airbag. The test results say the Octavia didn't have a side airbag but in Elegance spec & above there is a side airbag fitted.
The Golf tested had a knee airbag and this gave it a higher score in the frontal offset test.
Did you actually bother to read the test analysis or just look at the stars?
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