3 Years and 40k Miles Later Is The VW GTI The Best Car Ever Made? Ownership Update

3 years into ownership of the 2019 Volkswagen GTI and we're still going strong! Been wanting to make this video for a very long time and finally I set some time aside to talk about what it's like to own a Mk7 VW GTI
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[@suneilkumar]

I have a 2019 manual Autobahn with 60k miles (as of 12/23) and it's been a pure joy to drive and own. I've driven Audi and BMW and I couldn't wait to get back in my GTI. I get nonstop compliments from people driving way more expensive cars. Reliability has been impressive with no mechanical issues (i.e. sunroof leaking, engine stalling at stop, water pump, etc.). I do my own oil every 10k (no problems at all), and brake pads/rotors are still performing well. I've kept the car completely stock except for a subframe deadset kit to replace the original stretch bolts. You can tell VW put care and attention to detail in making this car. There is literally nothing I can improve on it. Sad that the GTI has taken a step backwards with the MK8.

[@ChoppinC5Z]

Change your oil every 5k miles, 10k is crazy

[@RickGTI2019]

Nice review. I to drive a 2019 GTI s, dsg. However, I’m 79, but have been a car guy all my life. I did think about an Audi A3 for awhile, but I just can’t give up the fun of driving my pocket rocket ! Thanks, RickGTI….. 🌴

[@MLeung-vl7we]

If I were to do a car video, I would have said everything you said about the GTI. Mine is a 2016 Mk7 S with 87k. Its my stock daily "soccer dad" car. I was able to load up my wife and 3 smaller kids with their backpacks AND my golf bang with clubs regularly. Its an awesome car for NYC midtown driving, and does everything I need it to do while cheap on gas (87 octane). After 6 yrs of almost daily, I still enjoy it. I have a 2nd car with all the front and rear active suspension, slip diff, etc...but I prefer this one. Its quick, small, simple, agile, economical, and fun. No mods except for coding with ODB11 to roll down the windows with my remote. Yeah, pretty boring, but I'm not a 25yr old GenZ blowing 1/2 my paycheck on mods and eating $5 meal deals. Ownership and maintenance costs can be reduced significantly if you're handy. Especially in Boston, your oil changes (probably most important) are practically free if you can DIY and take advantage of a certain lifetime warranty. Stock parts are not very pricey relative to its service life. With the help of youtube, I've done all fluid changes, brakes, suspension, and electricals as weekend projects. The single most noticeable improvement on any car is the tires. Its not as sexy as steel braided brake lines, upgraded dog bone mounts, thicker front sway bars, or drilled rotors, but it makes an instant and noticeable real-world difference in comfort, feel, traction, and safety. This car was perfect for me 6 yrs ago. If I had to replace it, it would be an MK9 (an MK8 with real buttons and knobs).

[@octanetvchannel]

Great video!

[@bjjbrawler1]

I have the same color GTI SE brother. I bought in 2021 ( non-Rabbit). No problems and I'm just about 20k miles. Man I would keep it! Yours looks showroom perfect! One tiny thing- I used a "Legit Speed" license plate bracket which lowers it to the grill just below where you are with the tow hook bracket.... look into them, they are sweet and look better IMO. Love your car and love your style of videos.

[@TechnicaX]

I love mk6. So much usable power and practical

[@JohnnyBitcoin]

Tuned vs non-tuned gti are two different monsters.

[@marshall2754]

I have vw golf gti autobahn 2018 with 67700 miles working great the only thing expensive is replacing the throttle body but that's covered in warranty. In the future I will get a camp/trailer and travel with my gti.

[@psiturbo]

if you want to make the changes earlier than what the manufacturer recommends, do the changes yourself to save some money, for the ones that are out of the 10k bracket. And take it to the dealer for the must do changes intervals.

[@DragomirBozhkov]

I've recently been going through the same as you - got kinda bored with mine but outside of a short shifter and CAI/inlet, no other mods seemed worth it for a daily that also has to transport a small child. I also started looking at other enthusiast cars that could fit the bill like a Stinger GT2 or an Alfa Giulia (had one before the GTI) but the current market is just ridiculous - I got my GTI for a little over $26k new and for this money today whatever you get, won't me much of an upgrade. So decided to stick with mine as well for now. Considering a TCR muffler but its price has also skyrocketed so much, that with shipping it costs almost as much as a full catback...and you have to wait 3 months.

[@psiturbo]

what yr GTi?

[@DragomirBozhkov]

@@psiturbo 2019 Rabbit Edition. Same color (CFB)

[@reeferboy3278]

How is it in New England winters? I live in VT and RI. No awd scares me, but I’ve never been in front wheel drive in snow. Maybe not as bad as I think

[@yxflier8409]

Lower it. You won’t regret it. H&R sport springs. Still works with the DCC if you have it. My GLI looks amazing with them.

[@BostonAutoBlog]

Knowing me, if I lower it then I’ll get spacers. After that it’s the exhaust, a tune, and maybe an aftermarket rear diffuser. It’s a rabbit hole (no pun intended 😂) that I’m willing to travel down lol

[@abrahamcontreras870]

I’m gonna get the same tires..would you recommend the all season ones or summer..I live in Los Angeles if that makes a difference

[@JohnnyBitcoin]

I am never selling my GTI. Stage 2, KW V3, Michelin pilot sport S tires, digital cluster, feels way better as a daily and more capable as sport car.

[@markfoster7564]

3 yrs? Wow!

[@BostonAutoBlog]

Those 3 years went by way too fast lol

[@TopGear759]

I do not go based on what the dealer says. I go based on the owners manual. Only think I change is oil every 5000-7500 miles.

[@psiturbo]

exactly!

[@sonnychhuon2694]

I don’t even need to watch this, lol. Already put 100k on my GTI but I love GTI videos. 😂

[@brasp]

No dealer can deny warranty claims on ANYTHING unless they can prove the mod caused the failure. CAIs will not void your warranty.

[@DwightWBrown]

If you really are doing all that service in just 42,000 miles that dealer should make you a stockholder/part owner. I had a 2015 GTI for 38,000 miles in 34 months for about $400 complete. Do some research on spark plugs. Though there can be some variation certainly, the vast majority of cars built since 2010 can be safely and reliably get 90,000 up to 150,000 on a set of quality plugs.Even when recommended to change at 60k a quick look at 2 or 3 of the plugs will tell if they should last past 100k.

[@hujiannong]

nice rabbit ❤

[@moph7July06]

A local dealer has a 19 GTI Rabbit with 33k miles for $30,800. Kelley blue book says it’s on the higher side of pricing. Given the needed maintenance at 40k, should I buy the Rabbit or a new GTI S?

[@Max_Thunder]

I'd go for the GTI S not much more money but you get so many additional features. It's insane I bought my 2018 GTI SE in 2018 with 3k miles on the odo and it came in under 25k. Crazy how expensive things have become.

[@moph7July06]

@@Max_Thunder yeah the prices are crazy. I have a 2021 Mustang GT Premium. New ones are going for $55k ($12k more then I paid for my used one with 2200 miles) and with the same features as mine.

[@BostonAutoBlog]

That's definitely a steep price for the Rabbit. One thing to keep in mind is that the Mk8 GTI S is also overpriced right now. If you can find one at MSRP go for it, but from what I've seen they're still going for $36k - $38k unless you're looking buying a manual which are far more affordable and closer to MSRP.

[@moph7July06]

@@BostonAutoBlog I bought a manual GTI S for MSRP in Florida for $31,900 on November 1st. Got $38k for my 21 Mustang GT Premium and a $1500 check. I only had a $12k loan on my Mustang. So I got a hell of a deal. Thanks for the feedback. 🤘

[@bowlrice5986]

I just bought a 2023 gti s at mrsp last week

[@addisonpartida-vasquez8275]

im not sure why your shop is charging 1.2 for a stage 1 tune. i got mine done for ~500.

[@BostonAutoBlog]

Dealership is $1200 but a shop is $500

[@r3games1985]

I bought the MK8 for sure. It's the best version of the GTI. Most of the parts are taken from the Mk7 Golf R and Clubsport. Way better seats as well.

[@joezastawny932]

Has anything broken on the car?

[@BostonAutoBlog]

Nothing so far lol *knock on wood 😂

[@the_gtcar]

How do you think a GTI stacks up against it's next closest price competition, the Civic Si or the Elantra N? GTI is definitely still unique in the sense that it's a hatch but there's not much else that's within a few thousand of the GTI's msrp that's a direct competitor

[@limitededition3278]

As an owner of a GTI 2018 Autobahn edition I can not speak on the new generation Civic SI but the out going one was not at the same caliber or level as the GTI IMO.

[@hitmanhart6275]

Add the WRX and you have the 4 ''affordable sport compact'' available here that kinda compete.

[@SWEETVENOM100]

@@limitededition3278 tell me more about your Gti, how has it been? Reliable? Fun? Thanks

[@limitededition3278]

@@SWEETVENOM100 At 10,000 miles I had an issue with two cylinder misfire but that was because they had put one wrong spark plug in from the dealership. It was all under warranty so dealership claims a whole new engine was put in. Had to leave it there for a week. Other than that never had an issue. What was said on this video was true. Keep in mind I believe he has the SE model which does not have the DCC I will tell you that it makes a big difference if you like the best of both world when it comes to comfort when it comes to driving and imperfections on the road. Not sure if you are looking to buy a MK 7.5 if so I would say try and find a 2018 as they had an extended warranty of 60 or 72,000 miles and or 6yrs. So basically it would still be under warranty provided the original owners did not do to much tuning that could void warranty if any issues arise. Keep that in mind. Other than that you will enjoy it especially if you enjoy doing some spirited driving from time to time especially in the mountains and canyons that is where this car shines but also make sure you get it with LSD. Hope that helps.

[@katiecannon8186]

@@SWEETVENOM100. I’ve had a 2020 FTI s for about 4 months now. I’m a 57 year old female, and bought it mostly because I liked the size, hatchback & love the sight lines (minimal blind spots). I just adore it. The fact that it’s also fast is just icing on the cake. Also, don’t pay attention to this guy about the “clunky” first 3 gears. While you do feel them, it’s not at all annoying or weird. Anyway, I like this car even better than my past BMWs. I didn’t know anything about them until I bought this one. If I had, I would have bought one years ago.

[@DwightWBrown]

A 2019 GTI for only nearly the full original msrp? Every car has a downside. Like not the best color, not the trans type you wanted, no sunroof, Cheap replacement tires. They will sell it for between $28,500 and $29,800

[@deanmarr785]

tune it

[@phitur]

The mk8 is not that expensive

[@BostonAutoBlog]

It’s certainly not worth the price especially with markups

[@phitur]

@@BostonAutoBlog In Montreal Canada it's 35K CAN before taxes which is comparable to Mazda 2.5 or Toyota XSE hatch with few options!

[@ivdubgti]

Trash wheel fitment