2019 Golf GTI | The GOOD & BAD about the VW Golf!

[@PrimeAutotainment]

My bad about the armrest, didn’t realize it could ratchet up! Thanks y’all! See the full review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/omG8fHyglqplqLc Overall, I really enjoyed my time with the Golf GTI! VW saw the full review and reached out to me and the fleet coordinator to have the rattle resolved ASAP. Other people commented reporting similar noises and it seems to be coming from Right B pillar up to sunroof. Aside from that, let me know what y’all think of the Golf!

[@ALEX-sh3tx]

Can you please review a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ?

[@PrimeAutotainment]

I don’t have access from a dealership but could potentially get one as a press car this year!

[@ALEX-sh3tx]

@@PrimeAutotainment oh ok

[@jbgahn9016]

Prime Autotainment 0

[@michaelbarrett3312]

I just bought a 2019 GTI Autobahn and it had that same rattling / vibration noise. Took it back into the dealership. The internet told me it could be a few things, one of which is the fuel line padding either not being there or coming loose and shifting. The dealership confirmed it was the fuel line and re-wrapped/insulated it. Rattle/Vibration is completely gone now! (I was freaking out at first to be honest. I'm glad they were able to solve it. I probably should have pressured them for more free things as it's insane to have an issue like on a brand new car.)

[@johnny-mikemachecler7370]

Hi Nolan, Thanks for your video. I own a 2019 golf GTi Rabbit edition (white), bought 3 weeks ago and I am really satisfied. no issues at all from the car. I don't get the vibration you were talking about. for your concern about the 4 wheels drive, I think this will never happen because of the story and the spirit of the GTI. I was between GTI and R and I decided to get the GTI. Honestly, this car gives you most everything you expect for the money put down. The car is Fast enough, fun to drive and can be used on your daily driving (what I am doing every day). I think I will get the R after this one just to get the 4 wheels drive and more power, but right now this car put a smile on my face each time I'm driving it, and that all is mater.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

That’s great to hear! Thanks for watching and enjoy your GTI! 👍

[@rreichar1]

I have a 2017 GTI SE manual. Great car with zero rattles after 2 years. I’ve owned many much more expensive vehicles but none that I like more than this one.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

That’s great to hear! You’ve got yourself a fun car! 👍

[@AndrewKNI]

Nice car Nolan. I have had several Golfs over the years and have found them reliable and squeak free. Their solidity is epic :-)

[@PrimeAutotainment]

That’s great! The rattle surprised me because that’s what I’ve typically heard too and otherwise it felt very solid. Hopefully just a random thing!

[@milanklco]

Must have been faulty car unlucky VW send car which ends up in review oh my :D

[@sylvainmarier4818]

Got one since 2015 and love it....except the paint, little disappointed on it (dark gray), waiting a warranty response from VW. For some sunroof rattles, just clean the rubber and put some rubber lubricant on it in spring and automn, you will never hear rattles. This GTI just put a smile in my face each day and it is still stock (except aur filter) fir now.

[@tedjohnson64]

FYY, there’s lots of threads on vwvortex.com about the many locations of the GTI rattles. I had a massive rattle (mk6) that turned out to be coming from the passenger front seat headrest! Verified by taking it off and shaking it. Some wierd piece of hard plastic was rattling around inside it. Is a sealed unit, so no easy fix. Fortunately was still under warranty, so dealer replaced the headrest. VWs are notorious for annoying rattles. VW knows this, which is why the fine print on their 6 year warranty actually says rattles and squeaks are only covered for the first year/12k miles.

[@brianmerrill2362]

Like that little laugh and smile after you took off in sport mode. I'd like to test drive one. Really want a hatchy

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Brian Merrill it sure was a fun one to drive! Just wish it had AWD 😕

[@MoNoK15]

I like the headlights and the fact the red color door rims are seen on the inside, which matches the red stitching 😁 Good points Nolan!!!

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Those headlights are awesome...easily could have been a like lol. Thanks man!

[@MoNoK15]

Prime Autotainment - You point out the things people be thinking about, which are important when it comes to spending 👍

[@TWOhype23]

The armrest is adjustable by the way. I always drive with it up a little bit because when fully closed it is definitely too low for me

[@ramonrios01]

I have a 2019 GTI SE in pure white and so far no rattle inside the car . Great video btw

[@PrimeAutotainment]

That’s great to hear! Thank you and enjoy your GTI 👍

[@maveric0738]

The limited slip diff was in the 2016 GTI Too. I have a Mk7 GTI. no rattle over where you’re describing.

[@vinceclark6164]

Great video Nolan! Coincides great with your full GTI review. I really like the 5 & 5. I do admit I like that car, especially white.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Thank you Vince! Glad you like the 5 & 5. I feel like it’s a shorter option for people with some bullet points 😁 I like it too!

[@NoZenith]

The armrest ratchets like an old school lawn chair. You can lift it up a little bit by little bit and it will catch at different heights on to lift it all the way up to then close it back down. If your telescope it out and lift it up a couple notches it will be the right height for your elbow no matter where the seat is at for a comfortable driving position

[@muznick]

I got the Rabbit edition. No sunroof, so no rattles.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Excellent!

[@Fly2kill1]

Mine gets here Thursday. Too bad it’s white but I’ll live.

[@AMIS4ME]

I just got mine few days ago, only 25 miles on odo, has exact same rattling noises, especially from passenger side lower door panel, it seems its coming from inside the panel, i tried anything but didnt help,

[@cmarnold78]

No rattles in mine... but that one sounded bad! Also NBD about the USB ports. There are 3 power outlets so only like $10 for an adapter for 7 potential USB outlets.

[@peabody2884]

I just purchased a 2019 tornado red GTI Autobahn. It took me a while to find that USB port. I got the Autobahn so I could get all those safety features. My wish list for the next GTI. 1. Eighty more horse power. 2. Available two door version. 3. Available AWD. 4. Powered folding outside mirrors on cars with blind side. 5. Heads up display. 6. Available V6 turbo engine @ 350 hp. 7. Powered passenger seats. 8. Slightly bigger sun visor. 9. The Autobahn package made standard equipment. 10. Seats fold flat with headrest attached.

[@davesearle2766]

We have a 2016 GTI manual, no rattles, feels 'lighter" than the R to drive, maybe if we did not have so much connection we would pay more attention to our driving although we can get ACC etc in the base models now. Our 2019 Jetta GLI had a similar rattle from the passenger side, turned out to be where several fuel lines go through a "conduit" behind the passenger seat, a zip strip around them solved the problem. Looking forward to the reveal of the Mk8 at the Geneva Auto Show in March

[@bruceleeroy8302]

As far as your dislike #3. There are two cigarette lighter outlets. You can get cheap plug ins for extra usb ports that way. I have a 2017 and I use my plug in from my last car and it works fine.

[@dgeviper]

While it's true, and annoying, that the center console storage is very small, it ratchets up and down, allowing you to raise it to the level you prefer.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Great to know, I wasn’t even aware. Thanks for that!

[@NoZenith]

I thought it was and otherwise clean review but I came here to say the same thing haha

[@stephenhendricks103]

Nary a squeak, rattle, or vibration is either the 2012 or the 2018 GTi's I've owned. And I'm sensitive enough to such things to have become concerned by a faint scraping noise I heard occasionally while driving my new GTI last year. Took me awhile to realize it was the sound of the rear window wiper blade doing its job. If I had a squeak, I'd know it. I'd also add that my 2018 7.5 generation built in Mexico on the MQB platform is significantly quieter and overall "tighter" than my previous MK6, the last model built in Germany on the old platform. My guess is that it's associated with the sunroof in some fashion. I've never had a problem with any vehicle I've owned, most of which have sunroofs/moonroofs but I know folks who have had problems various vehicle brands. Obviously not common considering the number of sunroofs out there but it happens. The AWD vs FWD issue is a complicated one. I think the Golf R is a great vehicle and when I purchased my GTI last year I seriously considered "upgrading" to a Golf R. The main reason I did not was the price difference between my GTI Autobahn/DSG and the Golf R. While reviewers sometimes claim there's only a "few thousand dollar" difference in the MSRP's of the Autobahn GTI and the Golf R, that was NOT my experience last spring. In the first place, there were very, very few Golf R's available in the Pacific Northwest. I found four within about 200 miles of my home, only one of which was offered at MSRP. (It sold within 24 hours of its delivery to the dealer.) The other "R's" each had second sticker "market adjustments" that added between $2000 and $3000 to the total price. I might well have eliminated the premium of the second sticker via negotiation but even if I had the $32,043 I paid for the GTI Autobahn including about $300 of dealer accessories would have meant a price difference of at least $10,000 between the GTI and the R. Ten grand is a lot to pay for AWD and more power. But it didn't end there for me. First, VW's 4Motion AWD is a reactive FWD biased system. Power is shifted to the rear wheels only when wheel slip is detected. Otherwise the R is an FWD vehicle. That's useful on the track and in messy driving conditions but I don't do track days and in the Puget Sound area winter tires on an FWD vehicle is nearly as effective as AWD if you know how to drive in that environment. Furthermore, 4Motion adds about 250 lbs to the weight of the vehicle. That's like carrying around an NFL linebacker in the back seat. The GTI is simply more nimble than the R. And though it may not matter to some who don't live in cloudy, overcast Seattle, the GTI comes with a sunroof that's not available on the R. Around here we need all the light we can get in that dark Golf cabin. As far as power/performance is concerned, the 2.0L engine is eminently tunable. Even a 30 minute ECU tune alone can bring HP and torque numbers close to a stock Golf R, all for a price of about $800. And if the GTI is a DSG you don't have to upgrade the clutch and/or replace it periodically. (Of course, the R engine can be tuned, as well, though not with the same level of marginal improvement. But frankly, unless one is racing an R I don't see much point in a near 400HP Golf.) I had my 2012 GTI with an APR Stage I tune for about 30,000 miles with literally no problems. And contrary to rumors, it does not invalidate the VW warranty. My VW dealer, in fact, is "tuner friendly" and some dealers even offer third party based tuning services. And if that isn't enough reassurance, APR offers a substitute for the VW "People First" warranty with the same coverage. Other tuning companies may have similar products. Of course, 300 or so HP and torque in any FWD vehicle presents some challenges in terms of putting the power down. But a variety of suspension upgrades and learning to access the power appropriately can ameliorate those issues. All in all, even a Stage 1 tune and some other bits and pieces can transform a GTI while maintaining its reliability and durability. And doing so costs less than $2000, often far less. That's a far cry from the $10,000 price difference between the GTI and the R. I wouldn't criticize anyone who opts for an R rather than a GTI. For that matter I think good cases can be made for hatches like the Veloster N, the WRX and the Civic Type R. Not to mention some hot hatches we don't even have the opportunity to purchase here in the US. It all depends on one's priorities and budget. But for me the GTI is near perfect. That's why I bought a second one.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

That’s great to hear you haven’t had any noise in yours. I’m sure it’s sunroof related and hopefully an odd ball. Either way VW and the fleet coordinator were getting it taken care of right away. That’s an excellent point in the AWD being front biased as well. That’s a big deal especially with the weight like you mentioned. The tuning is a great idea and several people have mentioned what they had done, always fun when you get easily do that to a car like this. Thanks for the input as always, Stephen! 👍

[@brandonstelzl]

By any chance is the rattle you are talking about noticeable only when you are around 1700-2000 rpm? This is noticeable to me if I am either in park and I rev up to there or driving and off the throttle I hear it, try this out and see if that’s the case for you.

[@TheEvanProject]

if you keep it in sport mode, you’ll hear the vibration because there’s a “sound box” that makes the car sound louder on the inside when accelerating. it should be on top of the glove box i believe. happens in mine, and i finally figured it out.

[@jpmccormac]

Re armrest. Doesn't the armrest have ratcheting that allows you to set the height at different levels? My '14 Jetta SE has this feature, but it's subtle if you don't know it's there. Also, what's going on with the regular 2019 Golf? Is it even in production, as I don't see it at any dealers in central FloriDUH.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Thanks for the armrest information. I wasn’t even aware! My bad! It should be lol...I don’t have a VW dealer in my town to see on a regular basis but that’s interesting..

[@milanklco]

Yeah I can confirm on mine golf 7.5 tdi armrest is telescopic kind of can go into front maybe 15cm rougly but it is definitelly ok adjustable :)

[@ericsimpson1697]

My 2018 but autobahn had a rattle in the sunroof. Dealership needed to replace the sunroof as a resolution.

[@jcsrst]

I had an alltrak with a rattle in the same area. I disassembled they plastic on the B pillar and discovered that the seat belt retractor and anchor was loose. Tightened it up and the rattle was gone.

[@dietmarkrauss-varban475]

Good review, but lack of AWD is really a strange complaint, since this has always and "forever" been covered by the "R" in performance models Lack of AWD in non-GTI models is another longstanding question / problem in the US... - apart from the Alltrack that I drive. ;)

[@PrimeAutotainment]

I’m just being picky lol. Good choice with the Alltrack! 👍

[@valuedcustomer9614]

VW sells the Golf SportWagen S with 4-Motion all-wheel drive in the US and Canada.

[@drsnowmon]

I have the 2019 golf gti s and this thing has suspension squeaks from day 1, not to mention the engine stall issue which was fixed by ECU flash

[@aw125]

I had the same issue. It was almost a pop sound but hadn't happened since interesting you heard something similar.

[@jaclynmetcalfe4898]

Happy to have found this review. Traded my 2016 Manual GTI in for a 2019 Manual and the buzzing/rattling is sooo annoying. I find it happens in second gear when you let off the gas and it seems to come from the passenger side front, not so much a sunroof sound. Dealer can't reproduce and blames it on the extra HP.. but I'll mention fuel line padding when I head in next week. Had I known i would have kept my 2016 which didn't rattle or buzz in the 5 years I owned it.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Dang I’m sorry to hear that! I’ve heard some people talk about it possibly coming from the headliner around the sunroof so maybe something can be looked at there. Good luck with it!

[@jaclynmetcalfe4898]

Prime Autotainment good news! I took it to the dealer and mentioned this post. They padded the fuel line and found a broken clip! No more buzzing!

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Jaclyn Metcalfe that’s awesome! Glad to hear it 😁

[@chriskeegan8919]

Going to try and pickup a 2021 late November/Early December. I will be on the lookout for these rattles and keep a note of the padding you mentioned!!

[@SG-sz5vh]

The armrest ratchets up to meet your arm. I know as my gti does...the storage is too small i grant you, but plenty high

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Thanks for that, I didn’t realize it! That’s a bummer I didn’t lol. My bad!

[@charithmettananda7129]

I have the same vibration. Super annoying. I don’t care when I’m on sports mode though

[@05blkgti]

Uh yah, they do want you to get Golf R as the AWD option. It’s a different car. The whole point of the GTI is that it is front wheel drive which keeps it affordable. Much less getting a manual trans (which is the best way to drive imo) brings down the price considerably.

[@BOBspellitbkwrdsSMFS]

i had a 2015 and heard the rattle as well, then i fastened the passenger seat belt.

[@tristanlitzau5982]

I have a 2019 gti and I have the same problem like the vibration yours

[@Fly2kill1]

I got a white rabbit in the mail. I was trying to hold off for the R but that’s just not going to happen. Maybe next time.

[@GISJIng]

That's bad buzzing type sound in that car! I have different noises coming from mine pretty much from the start. They've tried to fix it several times, they have gone away, but on occasion reappears. And AWD is not necessary for most people. Invest in really good tires and prior just need to learn to drive! It's extra weight, cost, worse fuel economy and maintenance is not with the slight advantages.

[@nettejean5912]

My 2018 GTI started squeaking at 3,000 miles I am at 3,600 now and its driving me crazy. I think it’s the right side pillar. I have to take it to the dealer. I have seen others complaining on KZbin. I have the Autobahn trim.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Dang that’s a bummer. Good thing you’re still within warranty period and something like that should be taken care of. Good luck with it!

[@MsShots123]

Don't neglect to take it in! I went in with my 2018 SE for several different rattles only to get them partially fixed. My dealer told me the squeak/rattle related warranty expires after 1 year/12k miles, not the full warranty term. I suspect it's because they know the issue and are trying to protect against payout warranty related to that.

[@nettejean5912]

@@MsShots123 thanks! I will take it in before than! That's crazy that they don't want to honor the full warranty! I want to try to pinpoint it. If it's the sunroof or pillar before I bring it in.

[@MsShots123]

I picked up a 2018 GTI SE last year and it's been nothing but rattles. My brief research indicates it's not too uncommon... Mostly from sunroof and center console as well as occasional B pillar. Also the speakers rattle at the slightest hint of bass. Maybe the Fender system upgrade would fix this. Love the dynamics, simple but solid design and 6 speed. However, the rattles are very disappointing and the dealership says they can't do anything past the major squeaks and rattles so I have to live with the many little ones coming from all over. I really like a lot of modern Audis but out of principle my next car won't be from VW group.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Ah sorry to hear about the rattles. Possibly pull back some pieces or if you dare the roof liner to see if there’s anything that can be done. Maybe explore some forums and see what people are doing. I hope you enjoy it otherwise and thanks for watching!

[@rjwintl]

the REAL reason they call it a GOLF and not a WOLF is, of course, the conciliatory nature of ALL Germans after WW2 , and because they know that the perception of GOLF is universally LIKED while WOLF , (unless you're in the Sierra club) is universally FEARED !!! .... I still think my 2018 VW Golf "S" w/ the 170hp engine is a "GTI in TSI clothing" !!! ... either one, great cars !!!

[@seabiscuit726142]

VW names majority of their cars after winds: Golf (golf stream), Scirocco, Jetta (jet stream), Bora (Adriatic wind), Passat (trade wind in German), etc. So the name GOLF doesn't have to do with the sport of Golfing.

[@dalevepi]

I got a 2019 GTI S manual and I don’t have the rattle/ vibration noise. I think you got the GTI “maracas” trim

[@elhisaucedo9966]

All GTIs rattle. My 2015 GTI rattles.

[@LiLgPnoy15]

The biggest dislike is that comes in automatic transmission. Stick shift is the best, especially for this car.

[@pulldpin67]

Rattle probably your passengers sun visor not being snapped in...

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Nah I checked pretty much everything. Other people have talked about it coming from moonroof and passenger B pillar and VW even had this fixed once they picked it up

[@puretoronto]

A GTI without Clark cloth? Bah

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Weird huh

[@puretoronto]

Prime Autotainment The Clark cloth is tradition. Just like the red stripe in the grill. It’s says GTI. The leather looks good... but growing up in the 70’s and 80’s... plaid seats is how I remember a GTI. I’ve had 4 Rabbits or Golfs over the years... currently driving a MK6 golf. But never had a GTI.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Michael Hype I definitely understand that. That’s awesome though, having that many Golfs

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

The seats look cool but feel awful. The side bolstering is way to much and it feels like you are in prison. Also your right knee will constantly hit against the center console all the time. Couldn't wait to get out of it after driving for 20 minutes. I really wanted to buy one but I just can't stand driving it.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Dang sorry bout your experience with them. I was comfortable with it, but I’m sure you’re not the only one who doesn’t like em

[@Blkojo]

I want one (my son has one) but my right shin (I am only 6' 2 1/2" but have really long legs) rubs against the console. If only that could be alleviated......

[@Blueskybuffalo]

Why'd they call it a Golf? Is it what you drive to get away from your family?

[@valuedcustomer9614]

Golf is what the Germans call the Gulf Stream.

[@atabeymedia5364]

I have the GTI 2019 and it has 2000 plus miles and not a rattle

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Glad to hear it! 👍

[@atabeymedia5364]

Prime Autotainment mine is not automatic DSG it’s a 6 speed manual.

[@atabeymedia5364]

You should take it to the Volkswagen and have them check that vibration

[@atabeymedia5364]

Prime Autotainment my complaint was that the first three days I was driving the car it had the delivery blocks on the front suspension and it sounded like I was running on flat tires

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Even better!

[@rmontena4583]

maybe VW epects that GTI drivers want to drive heir cars and not have lots of driver assist functions?

[@JEFFSMITH95]

Watch other reviews, they all rattle ?

[@PrepareYourself85]

Your trim in the US is horrible.

[@pwdt4r313]

GTIs are notoriously rattly lol

[@PrimeAutotainment]

That’s what I’ve been hearing lol

[@pwdt4r313]

Prime Autotainment I got lucky with mine so far I think. I had a rear rattle but it was just the spare tire thing not tightened

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Good deal! It’s a fun car for sure!

[@puretoronto]

That rattle... prolly a Mexican left a beer cap in the door. I’m waiting for the MK8... being built where they belong, back in Germany.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

I didn’t know the MK8 were gonna be built in Germany, that’s awesome!

[@puretoronto]

Prime Autotainment Yep, production starts in June. Revealed at the auto show in September. I’ll buy in spring 2020. It’s gonna be a mortgage is paid off present to myself.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Hey hey that’s great and what an awesome present lol. Enjoy it!

[@gustavopaulette3496]

Very racist as unacceptable comment. I have a 2018 GTI and I race this car everyday. Not one rattle. Had a 2011 GTI built in Germany that had rattles

[@puretoronto]

Gustavo Paulette I wasn’t aware Mexico was a race. Please explain.