Burn Rubber on a Budget? The 2024 VW Jetta GLI Put to the Test!

[@genzigzag]

I bought a new MKV GLI back in 2008, really enjoyed that car. My nephew is still driving that very car today!

[@BrianMakse]

Love it!

[@kd6836]

In the past 5 years, we bought an 18 Atlas, 19 Beetle, 19 Jetta SEL and a 22 Taos. With all of them still in the family and a total ownership of 18 years and over 200,000 miles there have been 2 total unscheduled service visits. VW has been more dependable than any Honda or Toyota we’ve had. We are going to get the 2025 GLI with 6MT. Hopefully I can find one in black by the end of the year. Good video.

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks for watching and enjoy your GLI when it lands in your garage!

[@Kenjis9965]

Great review. I picked up a Rising Blue GLI 40th in NY about a month ago and I absolutely love this thing. I got a DSG, manual is out for me unfortunately due to bad joints. I swapped the Hankooks off for some Pirellis pretty quickly. Not only do I have more grip but it quieted the thing down quite a bit. I absolutely adore the fact it's quick and fun one moment but quiet and comfortable the next and depending on the route I've hit 39mpg lol. Really nice little gem of a package

[@BrianMakse]

It was a total surprise and I loved driving it. Great move with the tire swap. Enjoy!

[@sethh4628]

What do you do with the brand new tires you are swapping out to get a different double set of brand new tires?

[@Kenjis9965]

@@sethh4628 I had them recycled by the Tire place, I had literally no idea what else to do with them. I know, wasteful, just really had no idea what else to do

[@donaldpiper9763]

@@Kenjis9965- They didn’t recycle them they turned around and sold them .lol

[@ShadowBend]

I have a '23 GLI which has quite a few features over the 40th, but if I bought one today I would look at the 40th. This coming in under $30k in the US is alot of car for the money in a time when everything is getting expensive.

[@austinkesler4493]

How many miles have you put on it so far?

[@ShadowBend]

@@austinkesler4493 Whopping 3,500 miles. Work from home has meant I haven't been driving too much 🤣

[@austinkesler4493]

@@ShadowBend respect. Can’t say I’m not jealous lol

[@johndandrea8034]

my 2019 25th anniversary is one of the best cars I ever owned. I get 38-40 mpg on highway all day long. never one issue with car except it was very hard on tires for some reason. I only get around 25-30K on a set.

[@BrianMakse]

Is it the fronts that are wearing out? That’s always my problem with fwds.

[@joeschepis]

Hi: I bought 40th anniversary edition in white and it is a looker! I bought this car because it was the best of the manuals available. Fit and finish is great, interior is above its class. It is a fun car to drive, and it brings a smile to my face, always in sport mode too. Faster than Civic si, and the seating position is much better at least to me. Thanks for an informative video.

[@BrianMakse]

Cheers! Enjoy!

[@stevens1646]

Did you cross shop the Kia Forte GT manual? Both cars seem comparable on paper except the Kia is thousands cheaper. Any reason to go with the VW over the Kia?

[@joeschepis]

@@stevens1646 Hi: For some reason I was unaware of the Kia forte GT manual. I can saw I do like the 40th anniversary edition GLI appearance, and build quality. Whatever you purchase I am sure if you like manuals as I do, it will be great for you.

[@stevens1646]

@@joeschepis Thanks for replying. I'm willing to pay more for the VW if it is of better quality. Will definitely have to check them both out in person. Cheers.

[@joeschepis]

@@BrianMakse I do encourage you to look at one. They are only making 1984 of the 40 th anniversary edition and I am surprised there are still a few left. The car was 33000 out the door. Surprisingly they are keeping the manual in 2025 but I do like the 40th anniversary edition badging.

[@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer]

They look down on you because they don't know that car, until you show them how clueless they are. Very good review and you've got a new sub. However I like the autobahn 2023 better because of the black trim, the leather seats and and the rooftop annnnnnd the DSG is faster.

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks for coming along for the ride. DSG may be quicker...but until I join the cast of the next The Fast & The Furious film, I'll take a hard pass.

[@clubracer6]

Picked up a CPO 21 Autobahn as I did not like those fake red scoops, the interior and especially the haptic buttons on the wheel that come with the 22 and up version. I sold my F80 last year and while this is nothing like that, it is quite fun. Yes, no lurid 2nd gear slides, but a fun tossable play thing. The tech works great and when not beating the snot out of it, I can get over 30mpg. It's the perfectly sized sedan and looks pretty good too. The adaptive dampers really make a difference. Negatives - #1 has to be that you cannot fully disable stability control. #2 Some plastics are harder than my desk at work (although the top of the door is softer for my elbow than in my F80) #3 Stereo was better in my 2017 GLI, as was the overall build quality. For the money tough to beat. I like the Civic Si, but this feels so much quicker and has nicer amenities. These cars are really undervalued. Best bank for the buck out there.

[@BrianMakse]

Agreed.

[@Maree1989]

I drive the regular Jetta 1.5L turbo and I just love the car!! It's so easy to drive and comfortable! And I also drive very close to the steering wheels cause I'm short 😅😂!! But it saved me some damages when I got into an accident cause it kept me on my seat 😮!

[@chuckcribbs3398]

I bought a used 2009 Jetta Wolfsburg 2.0T in 2011. I really liked the car. Seats were great and very durable, loved the looks and it was loaded. But man that engine was constantly throwing CELs. Fortunately I bought it CPO. But at 64k miles I was on my own. I did get it to 144k and then I sold it after the oil pressure gauge was going to need replaced.

[@FastGojira]

@@chuckcribbs3398 no worries, the new ones are more along the lines of, engine explosion or decently reliable. Now days, your infortainment is more likely to throw a fit than the engine actually having a CEl

[@MP5..]

The VIN was just produced for my ‘24 manual gray Jetta Autobahn w/ black package. Mid-July can’t get here soon enough. Paid $35.8k OTD in case that helps anyone

[@Key-z2x]

that's a lot of money my guy

[@MP5..]

@@Key-z2x a lot of money in general or for this car? Paid nearly $2k under MSRP for a fully loaded car that has very little wiggle room to negotiate due to low production and niche high demand for manual trans. The dealership put a build order in for me

[@MP5..]

@@Key-z2x I wrote a whole reply to you and youtube throttled it because I wrote ‘manual transmission’ but without the ‘mission’ part in the sentence.

[@MP5..]

@@Key-z2x a lot of money in general? Or for my car? I paid $2k under MSRP for a fully loaded car. There’s not a lot of wiggle room for negotiation of the manual transmission due to low production and niche high demand. Dealership had to put a build order in for me

[@Key-z2x]

@@MP5.. Cool, that has happened to me in the past especially when trying to reply via the notification bell, something happens and I leave the page and the reply is gone LOL Anyways, like I was saying, for half what you are going to pay for that car, you could buy a 2019-2020 Jetta GLI manual under 80k miles in basically brand-new unmolested condition. Volkswagens in general really don't hold their value all that well, 5 years down the road, your little GLI will only be worth roughly half of what you paid for it.

[@teutguy1]

I've got great memories of my 89 GLI...those were great days. It was very reliable and cheap to maintain!!! Oh and ice cold AC...burrrr...

[@BrianMakse]

Oh yes!

[@IceMed90]

Just got my 40th in red and loving it so far. Great review

[@BrianMakse]

Enjoy it

[@d.ferdon9664]

the 40th does not come in red

[@IceMed90]

@@d.ferdon9664 it does in Canada with a very sexy blacked out package

[@franklinriccelli]

Bom dia, esse teve alguma mudança mecânica em relação ao anterior? Aqui no brasil perdeu 4 bicos e a injeção indireta. Mas ficou bom o desempenho?

[@sandropasquariello224]

They should keep the manual

[@xianshep]

Test drove a used 2022 a few weeks back and hated the following: (1) Rev hang, and (2) the ridiculously low-mounted center air vents - might be great with the heat on, but borderline unacceptable with a/c. Still, with the improved face of the 2025, will have to take another look - especially with most of its rivals dropping their sticks (or forcing you to buy cloth or alcantara seats).

[@petarradovic8110]

I have a 2017 Highline Sport 155 KW and I wish it was still available here in Sydney Australia. Only negative thing the new Golf GTI gets the new 265 HP (195 KW) compared to the current same engine line in the current Jetta which is down 10 KW to the current GTI which is 180 KW.

[@msalvag]

That Drake reference was gold!

[@BrianMakse]

I’m here to serve!

[@pjwuor2415]

Love my 40th anniversary model.

[@BrianMakse]

Congrats!

[@brayinha6534]

Hello how is it ? Is the car isworth the price I’m about to finance one for 28k

[@lotsasnuggles]

Answered ALL of my questions!!

[@BrianMakse]

I’m here to serve. Cheers!

[@gregorypatzelt6964]

Looking at either the 2024 GTI in manual or the GLI. I think the GLI is the more practical choice.

[@BrianMakse]

I dig the hatch, but the point is moot for 2025 because VW isn’t offering the GTI with a manual.

[@cw4623]

The light steering in "Comfort" is best. Mature/experienced drivers prefer light steering.

[@BrianMakse]

Experienced drivers know.

[@dcaudwell]

I only just drove my first Jetta and was impressed! Nice review of a great value car! Just one comment - it's really nerve-wracking seeing you take both hands off the wheel so many times during the video!

[@BrianMakse]

Glad you enjoyed. You're not the first, nor will be the last, to share that sentiment, but my driving resume speaks for itself.

[@miscboy5056]

Nice review. How is the input shaft bearing noise when clutch depressed and in neutral? Is it loud when the oil is hot? Also the pause is probably due to clutch delay valve.

[@bustermv]

Old in the tooth but still a sporty ride as decked out here.

[@lollol-jr9st]

rlly liking my 40th gli so far so glad i went for pure gray

[@BrianMakse]

Enjoy!

[@osnowdeal]

Still liking it? Picking up one tomorrow!

[@FastGojira]

I also thought the seating range was good for many types. Beefy trunk space too, get some grippy tires to hush the traction control 😂🎉

[@BrianMakse]

Love this car.

[@r3games1985]

My dealer had like 5 of these just sitting on the lot. Here in Canada a GTI is the same price so why would you get this?

[@BrianMakse]

For those who want a trunk.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

@@BrianMakseThe MK8 GTI has a cavernous trunk plus it is a hatchback. The GTI has the EA888 evo 4 engine with a better turbo, reinforced internals and more power/torque than this A7 MK7.5 GLI (EA888 evo 3). Dynamically the MK8 GTI drives and handles much better than the GLI. Heck you even get rear HVAC vents and 2 USB-C ports both absent of the Jetta and GLI no matter the trim level. Finally the GTI is made in Wolfsburg, Germany while the GLI is made in Puebla, Mexico.

[@BrianMakse]

@@Pamlicojdjdj1487 people who want a trunk don't care about any of that stuff!

[@Brandon_501]

Definitely a great car that i will be getting one day soon, but the restriction of a black on black interior is a personal disappointment. Still, for the price, it can be overlooked.

[@BrianMakse]

Agreed.

[@sayedur32]

I use my handbrake on steep uphill to prevent falling backwards. This vehicle doesn't have a manual handbrake. How do you manage on steep uphill situations? Thanks

[@ForAFewDollarsMore9]

Just took one out for a spin. I never used the hand break for a steep hill in my old civic years ago. Move your foot really fast and shift quick.

[@MP5..]

It has hill delay. Gives you 1-2 seconds to accelerate uphill before the car could roll backwards

[@BrianMakse]

Lots of practice. I’ve been driving manuals for decades. Keep working on it.

[@sayedur32]

@@BrianMakse thanks for your reply. I have been driving manual cars for last 16 years. I lived in the hilly areas in the UK. When I was stuck on heavy traffic jams on very steep uphill, I occasionally needed to use handbrake to prevent falling backwards from idle. Does this car come with Hill assist system?

[@BrianMakse]

@@sayedur32 yes, but IIRC it's not sold in the UK

[@gregoryhansborough3260]

I own a 2019 GLI...I really wishing it had another 10-15hp.

[@ronj9933]

Nothing that a tune can’t handle

[@gregoryhansborough3260]

@ronj9933 I'm guessing VW doesn't want in house competition for the GTI

[@driximus]

​@@gregoryhansborough3260its the MK7 GTI powertrain. Even though its the handme down powertrain turbo upgrades and tuning is super easy on that motor.

[@mitchfortson8413]

It's a good car ,it needs new tires a stage one tune , tinted windows and imo DSG I have one the 2020 GLI DSG .great video

[@gazadan6623]

What kind of tune u got

[@mitchfortson8413]

Apr stage 1 and DSG tune 93 octane

[@leviefrauim1425]

Looks like a winner from Volkswagen- solid review. Thank you.

[@BrianMakse]

Much appreciated!

[@ronj9933]

Have you seen the facelift 2025 GLI? They just might twist my arm next year.

[@backtoshallabal6662]

Brian I have the 24 GLI Autobanh edition DSG. Took 4 months to arrive at Maple VW. Love the car, but do you think I should have settled for the 2024 BMW 330i M-Sport instead? Same 2.0T 4 cylinder.

[@thenewvirus6855]

Its not like the 330 would outperform the GLI in any sense besides straight line speed by a hair. Has 30 more Hp but its also 300 lbs heavier... basically evens out and the GLI probably handles better. Either way, the 330 STARTS at 46k... thats golf R money and it would destroy a 330.

[@backtoshallabal6662]

@@thenewvirus6855 yeah your're right. I was thinking about it after the fact. The 330i probably does not have the LSD even with the M-sport. And Golf R performance wise is more comparable to the M340i it would blow the doors off the 330i.

[@JroyalFLYness]

What's budget?! I currently got this car quoted (in NY) as I'm car shopping and it's more than the Acura Integra! 😮 Even my car broker was surprised! It's a beautiful looking car. The Autobahn is much better than this one. It comes with a sunroof and leather seating! 🏎️💨

[@jtherealtor]

Crazy that you don't have way more subscribers

[@BrianMakse]

The story of my life…but do me a solid, if you will, and be sure to subscribe and more importantly share the channel. Much appreciated.

[@vr6gls]

The DSG hate certainly won’t help him get more subscribers. lol

[@BrianMakse]

@@vr6gls hate's a strong word, which I didn't use. This is a channel for drivers, so if the non-drivers don't like it, they can exit through the gift shop at brianmakse.myspreadshop.com/

[@vr6gls]

@@BrianMakse Here is a shocking concept. You can actually like both transmissions at the same time. As someone who has owned several manual cars before my DSG GTI. I can tell you the DSG is just as fun to drive as my previous manual transmission vehicles. You can’t call yourself an auto journalist, but have a clear bias you project into your videos. Sorry, but pushing a pedal down and moving a stick backwards and forwards, does not make you a special snowflake. ❄️🤣

[@BrianMakse]

@@vr6gls Here's a shocking concept...I have never called myself an "automotive journalist" because it's disingenuous. As someone who has not gone without a manual since 1990, you can just refer to me as a special snowflake who has earned a US national racing championship whose current racecars are mandated to have automated gearboxes. Sorry you're miserable. 😥

[@al_f.miami.semperefideles2879]

Wonder if you could comment on road noise, there’s lots of “ hum” coming through as it seems .

[@BrianMakse]

Yep. It’s the tires, which need to go anyway.

[@al_f.miami.semperefideles2879]

Last weekend my son and I were car window shopping so. We test drove an Audi A3 same Ea888 2l as in the GLI or GTI … asking was USD 41,500. I told the salesman that it was a bit too much for young driver .. he said go to a cheaper brand bec we are a “ luxury “ brand .. .. “ yes “ I replied I’ll go for the $ 30k cheap cousin the Jettta GLI

[@kobusmostert5377]

A car that will never come to South Africa what a pity I had the 1.6 Jetta 6 trendline

[@ricardoteixeira6377]

I had my 2024 standard for 2500 km only😢

[@pokerfred68]

The GLI seats used to be leather with heating and ventilation. Those don’t look like leather.

[@perfectperfecto]

40th anniversary trim doesn't have it. Gotta get the autobahn trim. There were shortages for ventilated seats on the earlier refresh years though

[@pokerfred68]

@@perfectperfecto yes. My son had a 2020 autobahn

[@cliffpeterson8430]

I have a 2019 35th GLI and the car has been great however those Hankook tires are garbage come on VW supply better tires on this car.

[@BrianMakse]

No kidding. What did you replace them with?

[@cliffpeterson8430]

@@BrianMakse Continental dsw06.

[@BrianMakse]

@@cliffpeterson8430 nice, great tire!

[@christineperkins4380]

I drove my 2020 Jetta GLI autobahn limited edition. Pulled him off the lot w 16 miles. He & I were separated due to others need to steal. The Nightmare & I took our fair share of wins, he NEVER left me stranded in the Snow. Here in NV we can get snow The GLI does NOT DISAPPOINT, with handling, performance, safety,. The ONLY down falls, All VW should come with the breaking system wear, you can purchase it and add it has all the features to connect through thr computer system. The EXTRA space between the front seats.. It enough space you loose lots of things under then & between the seat & the console.. The carpet Seriously let's put BETTER carpet sure u give us the perfect rubber mats . But the carpet Seriously put a few bucks out & got us a better carpet .... And the biggest flaw.. The gps location. Theft deterint .. WELL if you DISCONNECT the battery It's NO NO GOOD . Come on now let's attach 1 that does not need car power to use, next if a cat is taken without key Lets alert the faub The technology is pretty amazing now days Why can't all cars vw or not Alerts us on the faubs somehow that the car is running SOMETHING . Anyways BETTA GETTA A JETTA !!!!!!!!!!!

[@somecharactersnotallowed1319]

2024 will go down as the last aesthetically pleasing Jetta year. the 2025 is a fugly Kia ripoff.

[@BrianMakse]

I haven't seen pix of the 25 yet. I hope I'm not disappointed.

[@stanbiryukov501]

Yep, 2024 was the best in terms of looks for VW overall.

[@jonlosito2004]

At least they still have the 6 speed manual :)

[@VitoC.]

Great to see a sedan still offering a manual Lol at the Drake comment

[@BrianMakse]

Lol who knew The Bridle Path could be so dangerous?

[@MP5..]

Big rumor is this is the last year they’ll offer manual for Jetta. VW drinks the koolaid and wants everyone to drive e-cars

[@claudebenford4934]

I LOVE VW'S , I HAVE HAD SEVERAL. THE JETTA IS UGLY TO ME. LOOKING AT THE 2025 REFRESH.

[@ghaithalkayyem6012]

I got 2024 and i regret this purchase.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Why? You should have gotten the MK8 GTI instead

[@ghaithalkayyem6012]

@@Pamlicojdjdj1487 should have gotten the civic si

[@ollyvoxx]

​@@ghaithalkayyem6012why? This is faster, arguably more composed. What makes you want the Si more?

[@ghaithalkayyem6012]

@@ollyvoxx reliability of Honda is always much better.

[@ohnoanyways6672]

How does he drive so close to the wheel like that 😂😂😂

[@BrianMakse]

Because he’s a championship winning racing driver and knows how to sit properly.

[@Key-z2x]

Wait till he gents into an accident he will thank us later. 🤣 Not only that but he looks like a fool sitting like that.

[@OGtruthserum]

Why would I get this when I can get a GR86, MX-5 Miata, among others?

[@BrianMakse]

If you need two more doors and a massive trunk.

[@OGtruthserum]

@@BrianMakse 2016 Subaru WRX :)

[@tomkinross7213]

Wow..the seating opinions from all these top tier keyboarders is weak af! Perfect form for sport/touring car competition.

[@DrJuice-we5vc]

It's definitely not a sleeper.

[@Key-z2x]

Why are you sitting like that? ROLL THE SEAT BACK!!!!!!

[@BrianMakse]

Here we go again. Two time national racing champion, over twenty five years teaching racing driving. I might know how a driver is supposed to sit in an effective seating position. You?

[@Key-z2x]

​@@BrianMakse Yeah right buddy, with that physique you're not getting very far in the automotive racing industry. you're at least 100lb overweight

[@BrianMakse]

@@Key-z2xlol as soon as you start with insults, you’ve lost. Regardless, you’re wrong. Sorry you’re miserable.

[@Key-z2x]

@@BrianMakse What insults? I'm just pointing out that all actual race car driver (Not just some Billy the street racer) have an athletic physique for reasons you should know if you have any experience in the racing world.

[@BrianMakse]

@@Key-z2xwhatever you say, bro. Also, try Google. Have fun.

[@FM-gv7sb]

The only problem is it is a VW and the reliability is going to be iffy. German manufacturers needlessly make their cars complicated, IMHO. Also, the fact that it's made in Mexico doesn't help. Germans tend to take a bit more pride in their craftsmanship. It's a great car when new. It's just that if you're on a budget, which is why a person would be considering the Jetta, it likely means that you need to keep the car for at least years if not longer and this Jetta is more likely than not going to be prone to high repair bills. My two cents.

[@NoHandleAT]

It's not really a "sleeper" if it is actually slow... beating accords and corollas is not something to brag about. Just saying. Hehe

[@MP5..]

0-60 scores 6.1 seconds. This ranks as a slower fast car rather than a faster slow car for its class

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

What do you drive?😂