2017 MK7 GTI Q&A

I answer a bunch of questions that you guys have asked within the comments of my videos.
Pinalloy MK7 GTI Paddle Extensions: www.ebay.com/it...
S2T DSG Paddle Shifter Full Replacements: www.fastuningst...
Burger Motorsports JB1 and JB4 Tune: www.burgertunin...
/ thegermandriver

[@YoWassupFresh]

For you tall people, I'm 6'5, ~260 I fit in my mk7 Gti perfectly. Just gotta throw the driver seat all the way back.

[@buzzednetworks7673]

6ft4 here, long legs. I had a 2015 wrx and absolutely was never comfortable with the high seats. Sold the car. Test drove a Golf GTI twice, and i fit in it so damn well, low seating=better for tall peeps. Thanks for the input cazmeus

[@Russ_C]

Thanks for the update Chris. I've subscribed and noted the new channel name :).

[@gladdy02]

Hey! Was VW's reputation for poor reliability something you considered when buying the GTI?

[@EdGeyy]

Not gona lie, I prefer the GTI to the R. It just seems more refined and complete.

[@TheAir305]

Thinking about getting a 17 GTI sport. Your vids have been super helpful. I personally like Chris on Cars.

[@infinite.static]

You won’t be disappointed! The Sport was such a great trim level. I liked Chris in Cars as well but I think it was too close to Chris Harris’s channel Chris Harris in Cars.

[@raftlawyer]

My GTI Sport now is up to 1,000 miles. It did not come with "Fender" audio as did autobahn/SE. Does anyone know a simple upgrade path?

[@Todd-bb5bz]

The Helix subwoofer replaces your spare tire which may or may not be a concern for you. Another option is the Soumatrix replacement speakers (see review on VW Vortex forums).

[@David-qt8bg]

how is the base stereo in the sport trim. No fog lights and fender stereo is what is pushing me towards the SE.

[@Uskok7611]

The stock sound system is my biggest complaint about my 2016 GTI S. The sound quality is pretty terrible, and I'm not even a major audiophile. I'm really considering getting the OEM Helix system put in. I hear that it's a dramatic improvement over the basic default sound system. The price has come down. It's $300 to order the part direct from VWOA, and it's only a total of $472 installed from my local dealer. It would mean I can't carry a spare tire, but I'm really considering it. The stock sound system is that bad.

[@Uskok7611]

Yeah, it's really not. I think I'm gonna go for it soon, though I just dropped a few hundred on a JB4, so I'd better wait on this until I'm sure it will pass the wife test. ;-)

[@darexdarex]

I've never understood how VW's year+ -long delays are acceptable or their reasoning is credible. MINI has no problem matching US models and features 1-to-1 with European versions, with MAYBE a month's delay? We're getting the brand-new F60 Countryman only a month after its European release, for example. Granted for the Mark VII, there was the starting up of a new Mexican plant, but for just the facelift? Sounds like the usual VW b.s. excuses. As for your height, you're 5'7" and freakin' adorable! 😉

[@peterprimes497]

Hi Chris, I'm happy to have found you & your channel. I live in Lexington. It's Oct 2017 & I am looking at a gti Autobahn edition at Colonial Medford. 36665 msrp. They are asking 31 & change for it. I will offer 29k. You think they will take it? Thx for all the good info i learned from u.

[@bcbeardsley]

Given the choice, the DSG is a no-brainer. I'm with you, I love the 6-spd manual, but the DSG shifts faster than you can blink. Ignore the trolls. I'll be curious to see if we get the euro-spec 7-spd dry-clutch DSG in the MK 7.5.

[@davidfuhrer6679]

New Ch name suggest: ActhunGTI. And a "?"...I don't have the LP....what do you suggest for swap out front headlights to Xeneon headlights & can we in MA get European taillight cluster & pass inspection? Keep it rolling Chris.

[@rreichar1]

I like the current name personally. Thanks for answering the questions though. I am shopping VWs now. Want a Golf R But wife thinks a GLI makes more sense. Maybe will do a GTI SE.

[@TunedByJ]

Great video Chris. I actually test drove a 2017 GTI SE with the 6 speed and I really liked it. Problem is I also drove a 2017 WRX Premium and I liked that too. These are the two cars I'm debating on right now. Both are same price however the GTI comes with nicer interior and more technology which I like. WRX was faster. What worries me with the GTI is the reliability versus the Subaru. Thoughts on reliability?

[@joelm3954]

Finally my wife and I are going back to VW and getting a GTI Sport. It'll be her commuter car and just trying to decide between the DSG or MT. We live in San Francisco and learned to drive a manual on our hills. She had the original white on white Cabrio 5 speed manual with rack and pinion steering😂. Still trying to convince ourselves that we're too old to drive a MT and will get tired driving one. Beautiful car though, understated but stealthy. By the way we became Audi owners and drove a 2003 Allroad and 2010 A4 ( kids...though all gone!😎).

[@MooksyCA]

Does the VW GTI MK7 2017 come with LED front/tail lights when you buy straight from the dealer as brand new? or just normal standard lights?

[@canhon1986]

Some fun fact to share. In China we have the "Chinese model" GTI, which is made in China and only sold in China. The equipment is quite loaded (xenon lights/8 inch infotainment screen/leather seat/DCC/7 speed DSG, yes 7 speed!). The price is OK, similar to the mid trim 1.8tsi passat.

[@timothyhein1493]

Hi Chris. Just wanted to let you know that I have about 500 miles on my '17 GTI Sport now. Loving the car and liking the Carbon Steel Gray color, too! Had a hard time finding a comfortable seating position at first (my daily driver the last 8 years was an '08 Miata) but now that I've figured that out I'm pleased at how comfortable this car is to drive. And I'm amazed at what I bought for the money! Though I'm babying the car as it breaks in, I took a descending radius freeway ramp the other day at a pretty good clip and grinned from ear to ear - firmly planted with no squat or dive! Felt better than in my Miata...and I LOVE my Miata. Thanks again for your reviews and helping me to decide to get this car!

[@Bluesmaster27]

Just picked up my 2017 GTI Sport in white yesterday. I opted for the manual and loving it so far! I watched your vids many times before pulling the trigger, thanks for your opinions.

[@HambertHM]

New sub here! Getting a GTI in Argentina anytime soon, great videos! About the channel name, to be honest the first time I read Chris on Cars it gave me the impression of a big, professional type channel. I also liked the quality of the videos so I was surprised when I saw you were just starting here in YT. No need to make changes there IMO. I would just redesign the animated name logo for the intro, it looks kinda like one of those canned designs you get with consumer editing software, like those "type your text here" templates.

[@nnszelc44]

keep up the good work Chris. I am thinking of getting my own 2017 VW GTI and watching your videos has been nice to compare to what I read online.

[@larrycahill405]

Chris, what's your average mpg and fuel range in your gti? I'm looking to get a sport dsg also. And for winter setup with the larger R brakes, what are you going with? I like the heritage setup. Last thing. Are you dipping in all your videos? lol.

[@KINGxGOPRO]

Im 6'3 I test drove a 3 door Golf GTI autobahn and I was completely comfortable the bolstering was a little skinny tho

[@hellodlo]

Can completely relate to being uncomfortable in a new car. Glad I'm not the only one who's experienced this. Really looking forward to trading in my current car for a new gti or possibly r. Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@navsinghg]

Hey Chris, i just got a 2015 GTI used and also got VW Protection Plus. What are your thoughts on the added coverage?

[@ryanjaubuchon]

I like the new channel names. only thing is GDTV might be mistaken for "god damn tv" I like German driver though.

[@saqibzulfiqar8025]

Hey Chris! How has your experience been with new GTI on snow and wintery conditions. Just curious how it does. If you would to compare in similar conditions with an Impreza sports premium , let me know. I live in wboro too.

[@Jacked153]

You're potential new channel name could be a bit limiting in the future, not that I have any better ideas :D

[@christophermercer1220]

It works if the meaning is based on the driver and if HE is German. Doesn't completely work for the car since he is driving a Mexican GTI. LOL

[@garybaugh8302]

Miss my mk6, will look at the mk7.5 upon it's release here in the states. Great channel.

[@YasumotoUS]

I see no issue with the current channel name. It is simple and honest. KZbinrs have a million different opinions on how channels are run. The one which matters the most is yours.

[@30NLF]

I got my 2017 GTI delivered on Monday and absolutely love it.

[@jrarael90]

Will those paddles shifter fit the MK6 GTI??

[@fonzdj]

Unless someone needs the power and awd then GTI autobahn is the way to go.

[@damionrowe]

I'm 6'2' and I fit fine. In fact if I have my seat all the way back I can't push the clutch all the way in.

[@DrummerBoii1411]

I'm from Europe and car prices are linear here. The Golf GTI is like 30K. But in America, the price of the GTI you can get another car that's American with double the power and torque. European is more expensive. In the U.K. you could get an Mustang for 40K with 500bhp and a Golf R for 40K with about 300bhp.. that's probably why Ze Germans don't give the USA the Best custom car options because with no extra power to gain you'll be paying up 15K more for tech you get standard on some American cars that are cheaper.

[@foxalive3554]

You'd be surprised, the GTI's are going for 5k off msrp now so you can pick up one for like 22-23k which is 10k cheaper than the mustang gt base (In the USA)

[@DrummerBoii1411]

Fox Alive It's still a lot of money though, and you'd have to pay a little more money to get the same options you get standard on some mustangs after seeing some reviews and then mustangs are brutal American muscle, and they have much more power.. so you're still losing out id say.. but I don't tend to buy new cars any way, generally doesn't bother me lol.

[@acchaladka]

Fox Alive Yeah and in Canada pricing is also wonky...a loaded GTI is 39k here while the R is $44k. The upgraded Mk VII.5 (what he calls the 'facelifted' Golf) will only arrive here some six or 12 months after they arrive in the US. Every country is slightly different.

[@acchaladka]

Avais Hussain We have similar linear pricing in Canada and the shorter answer is that I buy for torque to weight ratio and handling, not hp - I'm not a drag racer. Other factors are the build / interior quality and handling in the snow.

[@Bare_Essence]

Already is a GDTV on KZbin.

[@deflep007]

great job,once again Chris,still considering a gti,,2 questions if you have time,,1-definitely wanted a 2 door and was just wondering if you heard if it will come back in 18,,and 2-I am looking at a base gti in 25000 range,,you said you got about 5000 off sticker,do you they would take a comparable amount off a base of 25000,,thank you very much

[@deflep007]

Chris On Cars thank you very much,,your videos are tremendous,keep up the good work

[@ConnorRianHickey]

I thought I was watching a tj hunt video in the beginning lol

[@larryfreestone6135]

The burgermotorsports products looks pretty good for the money. Unfortunately, I live in CARB California and therefore will have to spend more for APR or unitronic ECu flash products. Thanks for the video.

[@larryfreestone6135]

Chris On Cars you wouldn't today. The drought is over. My GTI is only 3 days old and is running well in the torrential rain!

[@davidh5210]

Hello! Thank you for your great videos. If you have time, could you please advise me on the GTI? I am also from Massachusetts but I am worried about driving the GTI during the winter snow conditions. Have you had any problems with driving the GTI during snow or rain? Thank you!

[@davidh5210]

Awesome, thank you for all the great videos and information!

[@marcvalme7732]

Hey Chris, what are your thoughts on getting the face-lifted mk7.5 Golf R in a few months vs waiting 2 years for an mk 8. I'm not a fan of new cars, seems illogical, but I'm passing 40 and looking for a mid life crisis, this will be the only new car I ever purchase, I can be patient, I'm on the fence. I'm a fan of the channel, do wish you post more often though! thanks again

[@marcvalme7732]

Valid Point, the brave who purchase a complete redesign are not only the beta testers for mechanical issues, but they pay premiums (sometimes above sticker) as dealers don't tend to negotiate. You've said this before, but I must disagree with you. The the Golf R isn't supposed to scream, I love that only car people recognize it, and lay people lose to it when the light turns green... The GTI/Golf R dynamic is not analogous to the WRX/STI dynamic. The STI is by definition a special version of the wrx. While the Golf R/GTI are more akin to siblings with different audiences I think. Glad Business is going well, hopefully it means you can afford more cars to review! hope to see more videos soon!

[@aceventura2515]

Might have missed it, but why not go Cobb Accessport for the GTI? I think they just released it for the 7 GTI. Their products are great.

[@Caymanec]

JB4 is already available for GTI 7

[@michaelg8007]

Keep chris on cars... love the gti...maybe you could do a comparison video with your mk6 vs mk7...also did you test drive the manual at all?

[@michaelg8007]

that's interesting, thx for the response. i love that golf ball looking shifter, i gotta try one

[@aamerayoob257]

the current name is fine, however GDTV is also fine

[@avina95]

I really wish we could get the Club Sport Gti here in the US!!! It's a beautiful beast, two seater which I don't mind at all.

[@avina95]

I do wish they had the sun roof or the panoramic roof

[@JBsC6]

Don't change the name of your channel

[@WestparkRugrats]

How about "Chris Autobahn, Das Auto Reviewer, Das Chris" 😃

[@_Mario_PL_]

As far as the name of the channel goes, I would just keep it. Like you said, that is your name and you named it because that's what came to your mind.

[@_Mario_PL_]

Chris On Cars you're welcome, see now you have another reason to keep it 👍

[@AdilZaman87]

looking into getting a gti sport in the near future but hesitant about VW reliability ... please comment on how you have found your two GTIs to be from a reliability standpoint.

[@67GreenBay]

The new gti i heard is very very good as it's all new and on a shared platform

[@AdilZaman87]

guess my reservation on the newer ones is the fact that they are now assembled in mexico

[@timothyhein1493]

Hi Chris. Thank you for your frank assessment of your new GTI Sport. You have helped me to decide to purchase my own GTI though I bought one with a manual. I wanted mine in white like yours but my dealership only had a single carbon steel gray car in stock and they gave me a super 'end-of-the-month" deal on it. I could have opted for a black one from a dealership across town or ordered a white one but my discount would have been reduced significantly. Not sure if I like the gray even though a similar shade looks great on your MKVI. I looked at numerous photos before heading to the showroom and think the color is elegant and sophisticated looking but I test drove the car during a snow squall. I've only seen it dirty or covered in salt. None-the-less, I own it now and hope the color grows on me. Love the features, utility, and fun I have driving the car. I asked one of the service techs if the dealership worked with a tuner company. Unfortunately they don't but he told me that flashing the ECU wouldn't necessarily void the warranty. He said the onus is on the dealer to prove the flash caused whatever complaint the customer might have. He, himself, has a APR tuned '08 GLI. He told me he couldn't be happier. Thank you again and wish me luck tomorrow morning picking up my GTI. Hoping the color wows me after the car's been washed, buffed and readied for delivery!

[@Uskok7611]

The dealer doesn't really have much say in the determination of warranty coverage. If there's any question, a readout of the ECU is sent directly to VW AG in Germany (not even VWOA), and they make the determination there, so you're really gambling with your warranty coverage by flashing the ECU.

[@Uskok7611]

I understand that some dealerships are more mod-friendly than others and may choose to eat the cost of a minor repair to keep a happy customer (especially if they've partnered with someone like APR and caused the damage themseleves), but for major warranty determinations, readouts are indeed sent to VWAG for determination, at which point it's out of the dealer's control.

[@alj7094]

hey Chris. just wanna know if your GTI does have a rubbingish noise when steering? like when it's 80 to 90 degree locked? the rubbing noise sounds just like the break pads rubbing against the break pad when it's cold in the morning (not the high pitch noise tho)

[@alj7094]

sry I meant 80 to 90% steering locked

[@alj7094]

German Driver okay thanks for the reply. I heard a few people saying it's happening to few MK7 GTIs an Rs. And....any rattling, creaking clicking sound coming from the car when driving?

[@freedmfighter089]

I currently have a 07 jetta wolfsburg but would love one of these new gti's. Great videos! Im curious what they will be "facelifting" for the 2018 model.

[@67GreenBay]

They already showed us in November, the question is just when will in come over here to the us

[@konstantinoalexander5936]

For the gti, bumper, headlights, tail lights, wheels, interior will get a way nicer screen, and as an option the digital cluster, and in Europe forsure a 7 speed dsg, in the US I'm hearing that's 50/50 due to even a DOT regulation, so I'm not positive. I like this car manual but for the dsg guys that's a big thing. We don't know when they'll come to the US, forsure Europe this year

[@bettertraining3491]

GCC German Car Chris

[@joelripley7543]

This intro👌👌

[@RumblestripDotNet]

Kraut Kars TV

[@costasmandylor1565]

Thanks for your vids and your time and dedication. Quick question: I'm thinking about the Neuspeed Power Module for a little extra "kick" What are your thoughts about those? Cheers

[@quentinrs2507]

Nice video Chris !

[@cale262]

You'll love the S2T paddle shifters, I have the ones you are using now sitting on top of my tool box. The S2T's sat on my bench for a while as I was hesitating to put them on, I thought they would be a PITA to install but after doing...well it only took a couple minutes and the install was very simple. Getting away from "Chris on Cars" is a good idea, honestly the first of your videos I watched, I was expecting the other Chris ;)

[@delicaseyyy5729]

I just bought this car a couple weeks ago, I'm 6' 3", and I have plenty of room. I'd guess someone up to 6' 5" or so would be comfortable.

[@amehta11]

Europe does get all the best stuff, especially when it comes to Vdubs and Audi's. They have a GTI version of the TDI golf, GTD and I sooo wished they'd have those available here. Not to mention folding mirrors, headlight washers and electronic parking brakes on the GTI's or even options to get plaid seats for the SE model and different wheel options with performance package. Really wish they'd have those options available stateside. Also, the leather is actually faux leather in SE and Autobahn. They're just as comfortable as cloth seats but the wear and tear is easily noticeable. I've had mine for a little over a year with 20g miles and you can easily see the difference between the driver seat and the passenger seats. And GDTV is good but how about Das Boost Network? I actually have a europlate for my GTI which reads Das Boost. A bit silly but its a suggestion.

[@danI43541]

amehta11 in Europe you can actually spec you car however you want! Take a look at the German or UK VW/Audi pages, you have sooooo damn many options to choose from! I'm from Germany and when I saw how many options you guys have on the GTI... it's horrible :D and we have Škoda and SEAT which are great alternatives! In my opinion the GTD should have more HP, 184 is enough and nearly every station wagon you'll see here will have those power figures but a "GTD" should have at least 220hp... its very underpowered when you compare it to the petrol GTI (Performance/Clubsport etc)

[@pproba]

I was also surprised by the missing options (and even models!) in the US. Regarding the power of the GTD: it's a tiny bit underpowered, but also very easy to be tuned with external control units like for example "Racechip". The torque levels are already great at stock, but will improve even more after a VERY easy install of such a box. Overall it's a fun car (I've had the Mk6), but you need to like the TDI characteristics of the engine (low-rev torque).

[@danI43541]

Patrick Proba the 2.0tdi engines have much potential for tuning but I think VW themselves should improve the power figures! And when modifying the ECU your warranty is.. well fu.. gone

[@pproba]

I think it's marketing. The same engine is used for models like the VW Passat or the Audi A3 with the same power figures. If they'd offer the very same engine with more power than in these other models for the GTD, the owners or potential buyers of A3s or Passats would complain. Also, what's the point? The GTD, even with a factory tune, won't be as fast as a GTI. I'm not sure if it's supposed to be a direct competitor in the performance department, but it's most certainly not.

[@LastHumansGarage]

dude i have "missed the GTI" so many times over the last few years. I know the feeling. But i dont miss it these days.

[@juanfranco7533]

thought the same.. then i test drove one and now i own it lol

[@alvalv007]

👍🏼

[@kylenewberry8598]

Did you decide to get the OBD 11?

[@kylenewberry8598]

Great! Looking forward to it! Love your vids.

[@Bmwguy2011]

Chris, keep the name. I like it. You are a perfect fit for the 17 gti. .