5 things I LOVE & 5 things I HATE about my VW Golf GTI (Mk5)

[@JordanGWallis]

best bit: discovering the wheel is telescopic

[@Max34557]

@@GiannhsPrivate Watch the video

[@yerpster]

Im pretty sure all modern cars have that, no?

[@oscarbrown3160]

I'm 6'4" and had a big smile when you mentioned the steering wheel positioning, alas someone understood me. My jaw then dropped when I discovered you could move it towards the seat. brb running outside to my car.

[@panz3r696]

alcantara steering wheel, scorpion exhaust, remap and different wheels and theres nothing wrong with your car mate !

[@JackScarlett1]

Want want want

[@theoneanton]

Get some nice aftermarket wheels to reduce your unsprung weight. Something like a 1kg reduction in unsprung weight equals 15kg reduction in sprung weight equivalent

[@danllew91]

You've just infinitely improved my driving experience by pointing out the telescopic adjustment on the steering wheel. T-Rex arm problems.

[@castin5244]

Weird. the steering wheel and seating position are my 2 favorite things about this car.

[@b-roader8908]

I think you’re absolutely right about the sweet-spot for hot hatch BHP. With the exception of a few manufacturers (Pug, Renault, Alfa, Hyundai lol, some others), quite a few have lost the sense of what a hot hatch is all about. Usable power in a chuckable chassis. A lot of them seem to focus on cramming more and more power leading to 310+ hp, just to keep up with the competition.

[@letsdrivecars]

You're on the slippery slope of modification now 😉

[@JackScarlett1]

I fear you're right. Fortunately I have a good method to restrain myself: being poor

[@natron6992]

@WhyOWhy i know this is from a year ago but are they reliable if you put bolt ons on?

[@Tiyratania]

@@natron6992 if you know your shut you'll know. Do a ton of research before emitting something huge in

[@paddythomas2628]

this guy's stuff is classy AF

[@koteyn]

just came from a scotty kilmer and am starting to think this car review things aren't for everyone , find myself waiting on the notification telling of another masterpiece completely epic.

[@trenbolonie]

Got myself a nice low mileage black Mk5 GTI a few days ago. Such a brilliant car. Perfect balance between comfort and sportiness. Your videos confirmed my choice for the GTI.

[@JackScarlett1]

Awesome. Congrats on your car, hope it's a good one!

[@trenbolonie]

@@JackScarlett1 Thanks! Btw, you forgot to let us hear what the new air intake sounds like! :P

[@JackScarlett1]

@@trenbolonie yeah my bad. It's quite hard to get a recording of but will try my best to get it into the next GTI vid!

[@jeffreynanatakyicollins101]

What’s the mileage ?

[@trenbolonie]

@@jeffreynanatakyicollins101 115k km. Not very low but it was serviced every year.

[@MichaelRodriguez-vl8by]

I wish there was this much mk5 content when I had mine, makes me miss my mk5

[@rowanbelindawilson8888]

Such an awesome car!. Best version of the GTI in my opinion. I had a 2007 model as a work vehicle for over 3 yrs - I absolutely loved it, and I'd challenge anyone to find another car, that puts a bigger smile on your face every time you get in it. It just begs to be driven, and it can be driven hard! Tons of grip and the harder you push it, the harder it pushes back. The DSG box is magic, and in my case super reliable, as I always had it serviced when required - was bullet proof and we still have it at work as a loan vehicle. Clocked up 170kms, but still runs fine, and I jump in it from time to time, to put a smile on my dial. Now running with a BMW 335i wagon- 2007 model - more performance, and arguably a superior vehicle in some ways, BUT the GTI is still more fun. If you haven't driven one, or are looking at buying one, take Nike's advice, and just do it!

[@georgiaboland2493]

Dude, thank god for your discovery on the wheel being telescopic, because I've owned my golf for over a year and being a tall person, I always complained about the driving position. Best discovery ever!!!!

[@JackScarlett1]

Game changer 😉 glad it helped!

[@georgiaboland2493]

@@JackScarlett1 Seriously a life saver!!!!

[@eRn9912]

You just taught me a new thing about my GTI. Damn I’m gonna adjust that steering wheel tomorrow 😂😮

[@mbardos]

The steering wheel is leather wrapped! At least mine I noticed getting softer from my sweaty hands, so bought some driving gloves. About power: a simple ECU resoft gives you 45 additional horses, which totally transforms it. I went for Stage 2, with sport cat and K&N intake, this totally solved the sound issues too. Perfect now.

[@JackScarlett1]

apparently so! I'm gonna give mine a major clean soon and try to un-sticky it

[@dgzxx15x48]

It's amazing what just a simple map can do to this car. I've got a 2005 MK5 that my brother owned for years, and he always suspected that previous owners had done some sort of map to the car - he works in the motor trade so driving other MK5s made him notice the power increase. It's still running stock intake and exhaust but the power and torque feels like it must be way above the 197bhp stock figure. It's such a fun car to drive and one of the previous owners also went for some lowering springs (or coilovers, not entirely sure) and fitted MK5 R32 breaks ... definitely gives more confidence when hooning it around with those haha

[@riccccccardo]

I feel front wheel drive shouldn’t go over 200bhp due to tramling unless the cars got special tech to stop this like the Honda Civic type r fk6 etc.

[@jordyvandeven3954]

Thank you so much for doing this video! I always had the same problem with the position of the steering wheel and my feet being too close to the pedals 😂. Now I know I can adjust that to my liking as well 👌🏻

[@hardworkingtaxpayer]

Just bought a mk5 GTI for my wife with 197kms. Beautiful ride and extremely fast. So far so good. I'm thinking of buying one myself😎

[@925vincent]

I sold my mk5 GTI Ed30 4 years ago and I really miss it. The driving position was perfect for me (after adjusting the steering wheel of course). The interior quality was better than most of the premium brand (Merc Audi BMW) at the time and I would even say it’s better than most modern ones.

[@lyf6626]

Love your videos. No need to do full exhaust on your car, just do the downpipe. That will give you the 'little extra' loudness you need. Trust me, you'll love it 👍

[@poosh6529]

I did downpipe and resonator delete on a fiesta st150 and it gave it a much nicer sound without being anti social loud, with audible crackles and pops on the overrun

[@OldDirtyCollector]

I don’t care what people say, I like very Generation GTI all for different reasons. Also, for how different they all look from each other. Love what, you love brother. 🍻👍

[@MattiaGiallombardo]

Love my GTI, I sold my 3.0 A6 Avant TDI Quattro to avoid the ULEZ charge, and the GTI doesn’t feel like a downgrade. It has every single toy on board and a new Pioneer Car Play that gives a modern touch to the interiors. To be honest I have spent quite a bit of money to make it right, engine was a bit noisy, but after a new cambelt, tensioner, adjuster (400 pounds just this bit) timing chain etc. it’s now silky smooth. 66000 Miles and it feels like a new car. It makes me smile everytime I walk to my parking space. I’m a drummer and I have enough space for my gear, overall a good compromise between practicality and performances...and yes, I won’t refurbish my alloys, pointless in London really 😅

[@ChrisGYT]

I related way too much to the realisation that the wheel moves back and forth, I did EXACTLY the same thing a few days ago with my A3.

[@jgwm3574]

I reckon a remap would change how 'fast' the car feels, bigger boost spike etc. Stock they're too smooth for my liking also.

[@AJRestoration]

I used to have a white MK5 DSG, and man that was by far the best car i have ever had.

[@averageoutdoorsmannz2015]

Spot on with the naughtiness factor mate, I sometimes miss my old nissan where foot flat 180km/h seemed insane, now it's almost too easy. And of course having to get to 5000+ rpm just to hear the engine isn't great on fuel so i'm considering some exhaust modifications, got recommended a half straight pipe. Just for those moments where you're feeling a bit excited but don't want to ruin the sensibleness and comfort of normal driving. oh and as soon as I finish uni today i'm extending that telescopic steering wheel, something I didn't know about either , one of the main things I love about the mk 5 is how many little secret things it has that you keep finding out months later.

[@JackScarlett1]

Spot on mate, just want it to have a bit more drama at the top end, but not be loud all the time. Also glad to know I wasn't the only one who wasn't aware of the telescopic wheel 😂

[@jimjam8149]

Fantastic video. You’re spot on about hot hatches having ridiculous amounts of HP. We’re in a strange place now HP figures are so high that car companies think that’s what we need. Like you said it’s great but 200/250hp is still plenty for the road and real life driving in a small car

[@robertschweishelm3054]

Hi Jack. Here in Toronto, I drive a 2007 gti. I actually like the steering wheel and think that it’s better than on the Hino 280 I drive all day. My biggest complaint would be the mirrors_not enough blind spot view. When the oem one fell off, I replaced them with aftermarket blue tinted convex. That’s about it. The roads here Toronto are destroyed so I’ve got two broken rear springs.

[@liamsutcliffe473]

Spot on about the power of hot hatches.

[@YuStudios]

You could get more noise if you'd like by taking off the engine blanket on the hood latch. Also disable your soundaktor if mk5s have them :) You'll hear your engine noises better and its free!

[@creman12]

Don’t stop with gti vids I love my mk5! Make this a gti oriented channel, would be cool

[@AM3GSmith]

Great videos. Just picked up a 2007 36,000 mile DSG coupe for my son. Your videos are a great resource for us to get to know the car.

[@simodthebod4256]

Nice video mate. Pmsl at the steering rake revelation 😂😂 I put a Milltek non res on mine and the sound makes the experience much better. In fact, I’m so sad I even drop the back seats down so I hear even more of the exhaust! 🙈

[@Kudosdnb]

Simod Thebod been thinking about this exhaust! What’s the drone like on the motorway? Want it to sound loud when your giving it some but don’t want it to be too annoying loud when on the motorway or city driving etc!

[@simodthebod4256]

Samuel M Not going to lie, there is a little bit of drone on the motorway, but generally only when you have your foot down (i don’t really mind it as I haven’t grown up yet haha). Cruise at 70 and it is fine. Around town it is pretty docile until you put your foot down and then you get the full beans. Never regretted buying it, especially on a DSG car which I think needs an exhaust to give some sensation back to changing gears.

[@Kudosdnb]

Simod Thebod will be investing in that case then! 😁👌🏼

[@dallas4616]

Ya I used to really not like the styling, and I would say it definitely isn’t the best looking GTI but, it’s starting to grow on me and I’m actually thinking about getting one

[@freddiejeorge6027]

If you take the bonnet insulation off you can hear the whooshing from the air intake better :)

[@DarkPhoenixTSi]

Your presentation has some Jezza with a touch of The Hamster. Throw in some Capt. Slow and you have the makings of a great auto show on Amazon.

[@Saif0412]

Jack can you do a video on the common faults and what to look out for when buying a mark 5 GTI?

[@sm1else]

One thing that annoyed me about my Mk7 was the lack of a CD player. I had the thing for 2 years before I noticed it did indeed have a CD player. Granted, it was in the glove box but it was there.

[@AndrazFr]

Nice video, I totally agree with things you like. But I think that MK3 is not even close to MK5 styling. Here is my GTI rank: MK1 (legend), MK2 (lenged), MK7 (very nice styling, but too expensive), MK6 (OK, but too expensive), MK5 (the most price/performance, nice styling), MK3 (OKish), MK4 (meh)

[@JoshW1ck]

You've literally saved my life with that steering wheel hack 😂 glad to see the hairs still better than Jezza 👌🏻

[@TheTechCguy]

Almost 200 hp! That beats an early 2000s Impala with the 3.4 V6. It's that turbo, man! Wow.

[@jpeeps76]

I actually prefer the MK5 body style. I purchased mine over all other body styles haha but I guess to each their own.

[@davidryan5482]

I’m currently driving my third mk5. 👍

[@Darkturbo960]

I have a Golf 5 GTI its a really nice car and drives fantastic.

[@engiidville]

Get urself an alcantara or pierced leather one. They look major and are oem. The stitching can be a pain but it's worth it. 😉 There is also an insert for a 7" screen with apple car play maybe less than 400bucks with speakers

[@ademineshat]

What a Talent for doing car reviews. I can't believe you have 11k subscribeers. You deserve milions 👍

[@maffy715]

You ought to try and get the stereo and steering wheel upgraded to the ones from a Mk6 GTI. I drove one not long ago and it made the interior very modern.

[@graemeadamson7272]

Totally agree about how it looks . I honestly think it's on a par with a Mk 1 or 2 . They still make me look twice at one today . 6,7&8 all pants compared to a 5 . Would love one but couldn't justify the petrol and insurance . Shame . Great honest reviews on this true icon . Cheers

[@ashkanyavari]

I just love your presentation man ... you look so chill and cool never getting tired listening to you 👍

[@joshuawilson2386]

I've got a VAG car and done the exact same thing with steering wheel. Took me like 2 months to realise 😂

[@LeoMulrine]

I have a silver 4-door that looks exactly like the gti in this video with an air intake. Only problem @ 135,000 miles is the oil leaking from the turbo

[@elliotmeek3375]

Looks as though my man has got it SORN’d at the minute… hope you can enjoy it again soon jack👍

[@ieatsaladwithaspoon5001]

I drive my leon 1m for 1.5 year now and also just realized last week my steering wheel was adjustable in both ways

[@lukabenji3113]

You should have way more views

[@MUSTASCH1O]

The Mk5, has always been a good looking car to my eye.

[@noratown]

Your video was A+. Really appreciate you making it as I’m considering getting a used golf. Thank you!

[@JackScarlett1]

Glad it helped mate

[@jimpark9712]

😂, telescopic steering, that had me rolling! A stage 1 tune will increase your visceral fun for a modest price!

[@stanleytobin6470]

One rather tall person and two shorter adults travelled very nicely in the back of that lovely car so plenty of room .

[@ravipeiris4388]

Writing from California: I had both the 1996 VR6 Mk lll and the 2007 Mk V. Straight line acceleration, the VR6 felt better but the Mk V had a level of refinement that made the car feel more luxurious than the Mexican built VR6 I had. You Europeans are fortunate as the Volkswagen built here in the States and Mexico are of substandard quality. VW here is a niche car and is on it's way out as there are better (& more reliable) competitors with better build quality to boot.

[@albertodelafuentecordova4785]

i actually think this is my favorite generation gti, the mk5 is the roundest gti made, and I really love it, im saving money to buy my first car and am thinking of an mk5 gti.

[@supermanbatman493]

U come up in the suggestion on my KZbin home page lol now I’m a subscriber top videos. Keep them coming

[@andrewcoulson7738]

So since you’ve discovered the wheel is telescopic, I guess there’s only 4 things you don’t like about it. Great video by the way, I’m thinking of picking one up myself and your review was very informative….. Thanks!

[@danielfl.9347]

You need to clean your steering wheel. It's leather.... Use a leather cleaner and a soft sponge to clean it. It feels clingy because you haven't maintained it like most other people. You need to clean it at least 4 times a year and condition it 2 times a year. Should state that in the manual as well

[@nsoper19]

I was half way through writing a comment explain why you were wrong about the steering wheel adjustment but then you figured it out haha

[@Tim4Games]

got the notification for this upload during lecture. Honestly mate time seems to slow down by 50% if you can't watch a video you're eager to see... Can I do a few modding suggestions too? How about a cheeky short throw shifter and a new leather wrap on your steeringwheel ;)

[@JackScarlett1]

Haha thanks dude, glad you enjoyed. Actually I would say those are two of the mods I'd most like to do. Wheel especially. Have heard great things about some of the short shifters available for mk5s but then again I do like the shift as it is so I'm on the fence with that one

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

I love the mark 5. Weve had one for ten years and it still looks good. Imo

[@Birmingham_racing]

If you want abit more sound out the induction kit remove the sound deadening from under the bonnet it will make it louder

[@neilritson7445]

I thought that too!!!!!

[@ntube7]

You need to get an RNS 510 in there, MFSW and a highline cluster. 3 upgrades that will make a big difference to your daily driving.

[@JackScarlett1]

I don't know what any of those things are... But I shall look into it. Thanks mate

[@ntube7]

Check out the Mk5 Golf Gti forum and all will be revealed :)

[@tusharbhat2367]

Can't believe that you have just 3k subs. Btw.... I love your videos!

[@teeminger5111]

cant believe ur dad is dead

[@sneakylamb1877]

Things about the MK5s is you either love them or you hate them, unfortunetly for me its the latter. My brain just cant deal with the front bumper lol

[@JustZB1]

Do a resonator delete to improve sound even more, that job practically costs no money.

[@SeanNukem]

Love your videos Jack. I'd like to see you do a video on some of the more underrated and less common hot hatches out there like the Twingo Gordini, Mazdasport 3 or the Scirocco R. I've just gotten a Scirocco R myself and the lack of content coverage on youtube, and lack of other owners on the road that I can politely nod at the lights on my morning commute saddens me deeply...

[@JackScarlett1]

Thanks a lot Sean! I'm 100% interested in niche/lesser known performance cars line that. If it's fun and sporty I want to drive it!

[@bonkerz1423]

been looking at a few videos on these recently and I really wouldnt mind buying one as a budget car I'm really starting to love them but I'd want to try the dsg and the manual and see which one I'd scope for.

[@hooahvapors2466]

broooo hahahaha. That so reminded me on my mk5 gti, i didnt think it telescoped for like 2 years of owning it. Nice vid man.

[@gimmicarchannel4147]

here i am watching this as i've owned my fahrenheit for well over half a year now

[@konioklonio1]

4:20 It's not plasticky, just so dirty you can't feel the leather below that gunk. KEK

[@markmckay4964]

Cracking video as always,personally though i think the MK5 GTI is a great looking car, it has aged so well.

[@larrymee1484]

1:18 My 2006 absolutely cannot relate. Maybe I need to upgrade lol. Edit: 2:10 another thing my 2006 cannot relate on. Everytime people get in the backseat you can tell they are being nice when they say they have enough room haha. Still love my GTI.

[@matthewporritt8797]

Interesting review. I have a virtually identical Mk5 GTI. When I got mine, two years ago, it had a a K&N filter and a dump-valve, but changed it back to the stock intake and rec-circ valve very quickly as the chuffing and tooting on every gear change was pretty embarrassing. It also has the Millteck exhaust, which is a little louder than I would consider ideal. Mine has had a re-map, which does make it exciting, but I live in Scotland where the roads are frequently damp and it is constantly losing traction accelerating in 3rd and 4th gear. The traction-control struggles to keep up. You can get the Mk7 with a clever diff, and I suspect it would make a big difference. When the time comes to replace it, I think I'll look in the direction of a 1-series for some RWD jollies!

[@JackScarlett1]

Thanks for watching mate. Sounds like we have similar taste - interesting to hear that you found the miltek exhaust too loud, I'd been looking at those. What stage is yours mapped to?

[@matthewporritt8797]

@@JackScarlett1 To be fair, the Milltek is probably not too loud. It's just I'm nearly 40 and my workmates love teasing me about my "boy racer car". I don't know what stage it was mapped to or who did it as it was done before I bought it. I was told it's 250bhp, and that seems about right.

[@LivegoodWilliam]

I had a cone filter on a corsa VXR. My machanic told me to change it back. Apparently, it's a MOT failure

[@robdog9265]

Keep up the GTI info! I purchased a GTI because of your content! Keep it up m8!

[@JackScarlett1]

Love that mate. Plenty more GTI content to come, glad it helped!

[@alexandremeireles471]

I think the 18'' wheels of Golf V GTI's are called Detroit, not Monza.

[@metalfan3858]

I rarely have such a good picture about a car without driving it. Great video you got my subscribe. I'm also can't decide between Clio sport & golf gti. I might go for a Clio and if it's too annoying for me I'll switch for a golf. Otherwise I'll keep thinking how it would be.

[@thequantumduckling]

I strongly agree with everything you said! I want to buy one...

[@kirkdyer89]

Three years later and I'm just finding out about my steering wheel being telescopic 😂

[@tk-jv4zd]

wouw

[@alexmanosjr.4966]

Love the humor in your videos, keep'um coming:)

[@johniepee]

Young Jeremy Clarkson here, dope video bro ahah!

[@Skrenseland]

thanks man blinker feel is very important!! i want one of these. just abit more pricy in norway for a good one

[@enginehobbies9483]

You need a catch can for sure for that thing. You won't regret it. Cheers

[@ericbelle1122]

All that your looking for in that gti you can find it in a Toyota starlet ep80 or glanza

[@Markb23236]

I'd like one but a car of that age has too many problems. I had a 04 1.4 golf and i had nothing but problems with electrics and suspension and whatnot. They cost so much to maintain once they go over 150k km.

[@BMW_Z4idiot]

You look like Callum Chambers, former Arsenal footballer who now plays for Brimingham Villa

[@SniggidySnag]

First things first the wheel is leather wrapped. Secondly: the rims are not called Monza, these are Detroit wheels if they’re 18 inch or Denver if they’re the 17 inch once.

[@thegoodshit1970]

Your humor is just brilliant, dude. Love your vids!!

[@davidhayes4814]

“When I mean 110 , I mean km/p/hr” ... that works :)

[@jeffreysegal2065]

I like the wheels. Hate that it needs a wash.

[@steveo8533]

Only dislikes for me are the easily marked wheels and rusty arches.

[@mattmctavish8350]

Pretty easy to fix complaints. Wheels, exhaust, remap...

[@JackScarlett1]

Very true. That's the plan!

[@ClaudiuB]

3:33 Loool he skipped mk4! If he mentioned it I'd be pissed too, haha

[@tobycoles9737]

Claudiu B. Mk4 is a beauty, way prettier than mk5 in my eyes

[@mr.adventure559]

Dude, your list of dislikes are not bad things. You should have called this video " the10 things you love about your gti".

[@FluffyUnicornXR]

I just re-watched this vid, I gave my wheel a good scrub and it feels nice and AFAIK it is leather(?)