Buying a Mk7 GTI - Things To Know!

Have any questions? Don't hesitate to comment below, or DM me on Instagram. I would love to help anyone get into one of these cars!
EVERYTHING that BROKE on my Mk7 GTI:
• EVERYTHING that BROKE ...
Hopefully you guys enjoy the video!
2015 Volkswagen Mk7 GTI SE DSG
Mods:
Borla S-Type Catback Exhaust @18,000mi
APR Downpipe @25,000mi
APR Stage 2 w/ Crackle Tune @26,000mi
APR Intake @23,000mi
Torque Solutions Engine Mount @25,000mi
19' Santiago Rims @19,000mi
Euro Tailights w/ harness @16,000mi
NGK RS7 Spark Plugs @27,000mi
Vibrant 1141 UQ Resonator @27,500mi
Michelin Pilot Sports A/S 3+ @34,000mi
APR Turbo Inlet Pipe @36,000mi
Maxton Front Splitter V2 @36,000mi
Maxton Diffuser @36,000mi
APR TCU Tune @39,000mi
APR Stage 2 w/ Aggressive Crackle Tune @41,000mi
Check out my Instagram - / newenglandpete

[@paulwilliams6534]

Pretty solid video. A car with the LSD is night and day for some. Better for drag, cornering, and track use. 17' Sport model is best one imo. The foglights are merely aesthetic and serve no purpose. If buying a used sporty car (GTI) check for oil leaks on and around the engine bay. Mk7-7.5's can leak coolant around the waterpump(faint coolant smell), oil around PCV and HPFP(If driven hard I've seen). Check for crankwalk on all 6MTs, especially if the clutch is OEM. Perform compression/leak down test, look at plugs, maybe do oil analysis to check engine health. Thoroughly inspect all areas of the car! I flew to Phoenix to purchase a used 2017 DSG Sport, super excited but it was buyback(lemon). That dealership actually had 10 GTIs but they were all buybacks. Next, I checked out a 2016 DSG Autobahn, front and rear end damage but only front was reported to insurance, broken fasteners and body clips werent noticed during the dealers inspection. Lastly a VW sales woman owned 2017 6MT SE which was overpriced but drove great, but they wouldnt come down on the price since it had a error light for adaptive cruise module which was $2k to repair. They would of lost thousands on that car..I finally SETTLED on a new 19 6MT S because of a days worth of bs. It's been good, but I could of waited a couple months, saved thousands and picked up a GTI/Rabbit for the same price. I'm on my fourth VW so I've seen and been through some things. Just be patient, do your research, get receipts if available and thoroughly inspect/drive the car. If you have a bad feeling don't be afraid to walk away.

[@NewEnglandPete]

Thanks Paul, great feedback too!

[@nsbioy]

Even a base model without LSD is fine. I have a '17 base model that has no LSD and no performance package. It's fine. Of course, it already had a coolant leak requiring thermostat replacement under warranty, but that's VW so I expected that.

[@pd649]

I have a mk7 gti performance pack and agree on the LSD. The car just goes where you point it.

[@zman8340]

Just buy an Acura and save yourself the nightmare

[@bartderijck172]

Just bought one... great video!

[@christianvargas1237]

Im on the verge of buying a gti, was undecided with either the SE or autobahn. Thanks for the video man! PS- IMMA GET THE SE

[@xdread8713]

I've recently purchased a 2015 golf gti performance pack, super excited for it and going to end up driving it as much as possible within the first week

[@ldz19851]

How's the car doing? Just purchased a 2015 GTI Autobahn w/ 40K miles. All good so far?

[@xdread8713]

@@ldz19851 I’ve put 40,000kms on since I received the vehicle with 120,000 and the only actual fault is my left side mirror indicator has gone out, otherwise it’s been Fantastic! Can be a struggle keeping your foot from going to the floor when the road opens up 😅

[@ShmurdaaaA]

@@xdread8713is it a good car for daily usage like my main car to drive or should I go for the GTD for that?

[@xdread8713]

@@ShmurdaaaAI would definitely go with the gti over the gtd, both amazing on fuel but diesel engine problems are far more expensive if you ever have to fix them

[@nathanolkers1831]

Very refreshing review

[@NewEnglandPete]

thanks!

[@BJackson.]

I’m buying it tomorrow, my wife and daughter will be so happy, so I have to watch your video because of that

[@bcastine1975]

My 2015 S DSG just rolled over 102K, its had an APR Stg 1 93 Octane High Torque tune since 13 miles lol. Only problem was a failed steering wheel clock spring at 2K miles fixed under warranty. Brakes made it too 92K miles, then replace with Hawk talon cross drilled and slotted rotors with Green stuff pads. 3rd set of spark plugs (Stock, Denso IK24's and now NGK rutheniums) oh and a couple sets of pilot sports and two sets of Blizzaks(i'm also in NH, need those) and this car been bomb proof. No oil leaks, (mobil 1 and castrol edge 0w-40 its entire life), no consumption. Tornado Red paint has held up way better than my previous shadow blue MK6. Car still feels brand new, normally i would have replaced it by now, but just can't justify it.

[@matt34003434]

Brad Castine hows the DSG held up, have you been on top of the 40,000 oil changes for it?

[@mannyg1578]

I overpaid for mine but I fucking love it

[@jimyjimboslice4187]

I just bought a 2017 silver autobahn gti with 25k miles and I’m in love with it

[@Brad540]

What did you pay for it?

[@jimyjimboslice4187]

26k Canadian dollars

[@NoZenith]

I was looking at an SE and then hopped in an Autobahn with DCC... I was down near Detroit Michigan and the roads were very telling. That Comfort mode is so freaking nice for a daily driver. I was looking at a 17 for $26,500 last year with 10,000 miles on the clock but somebody had completely roasted off the tires and it was a lease so it was obviously thrashed with half the factory warrantee gone and a gaping hole in the grill for that forward radar system 😆. I ended up finding a 2018 Autobahn just south of Atlanta Georgia shopping online. Still new on the dealership lot with less than 300 miles on the clock. $30,100 tt&l out the door and $170 for a plane ticket to take a road trip home 😁. I stayed with a friend from Facebook car group that actually went and test-drove the car before I went down there so it was a great experience. I say shop around online for those lower volume smaller dealerships. There were a lot of brand new cars available and some trade ins with less than 500 miles on them all over the United States for great deals on "last year's model" in June when I was shopping. Don't forget the warrantee changed in 2020, you can probably get a 2018 used with better Factory warrantee than a 2020 😉.

[@oneofthosecreativetypes24]

@@NoZenith How is your GTI treating you? I'm looking at a '16 with performance package.

[@NoZenith]

@@oneofthosecreativetypes24 effortless so far. The DSG definitely does learn the way you drive. When you first get the car new (the Autobahn has three different Drive settings, normal, eco and sport), the turbo is so well engineered there's really no turbo lag except in eco but after me leaving it in eco most of the time because I don't need anything but that in my daily driving around town, no more turbo lag and it it's better than any average car I've driven and the fuel economy went down a little bit LOL = the only negative about driving engaged in your eco mode haha. I average around 37 miles per gallon if I go on a road trip with at least an hour on the freeway. I have scratched 41 miles per gallon several times on the freeway but the beginning and end of the trip getting to the freeway always brings it back down a little

[@WhenzLunch]

Legit 🔥🔥🔥 intro...👍

[@NewEnglandPete]

thanks Carlos! 🙏🏻

[@Ares14]

I just got a 2015 GTI SE with 28k miles. Loving it so far.

[@luisjalvareztorres8481]

I always thought that the performance package came standard with the SE and Autobahn trims and that it was only optional on the S trim. I guess I was wrong. Great video man. Thanks.

[@NewEnglandPete]

Depends on the year, the face-lift is standard, preface-lift is optional among all trims.

[@luisjalvareztorres8481]

NewEnglandPete Thanks for the clarification.

[@NoZenith]

It wasn't standard till 2019 on se and above right? I though in 18 (first year of 7.5) it was still an option below Autobahn

[@Hazmatx220]

Im looking to buy a used Golf GTI - always been a VW boi xD Thanks for the helpful video !

[@jstnerl]

Great vid. Recently came across a listing for a 2017 Dsg S with 24,500 miles. I'm not really a "car guy", so I'm not all that familiar with cars, just basic knowledge. Was wondering what I should look for when I go to check the car?

[@eklektikTechno]

I’m an older Gen X’er and just purchased my first GTI 2020 S to avoid any aftermarket tuning or other issues, so far I’m loving the car especially its practicality for daily driving. My only complaint is the engine and exhaust sound isn’t as appealing as my 2013 GLI was which I traded,.. it had a better growl almost like a small V8. But maybe as it breaks in the sound will get better.

[@oh_look_bananas]

Just curious. Did your GTI end up sounding better after break in?

[@TheSunsEnergy]

Fr answers needed ???

[@Blinkhs1]

@@TheSunsEnergy My 2020 Gti S sounded a little after break in but really only on a cold start and when shifting at high rpms in low gears

[@Daribrahim]

Bro! You tripping fam! 2015 GTI mk7 ❤️ same engine

[@NewEnglandPete]

sorry fam.

[@LIFEOFSTUFFEDANIMALS]

I got a mk7 laster year. two months later valve spring broke and stranded me on the highway. Hopefully it's bad luck I'm too in love with it to get rid of it.

[@im.weasel]

Just bought one in the same colour. Got a 2017. Picking it up in a few days. I got the fully loaded autobahn trim.

[@greatguy6503]

video about it?

[@JacksonGTI]

i just got mine i think its the performance package cause its got the golf R brakes, sunroof, nav, and the plaid seats

[@oneofthosecreativetypes24]

How would you find out if its a tune car. I don't know what tune is. I'm looking at one with a performance package. Are these more expensive to fix?

[@fraserpitkethly2265]

I am in the market to buy a 2016-17 gti performance pack sometime in the summer/late summer.

[@volly2268]

Im choosing between mk6 gti dsg and mk7 manual but i really dont know what to chose

[@kalifidler3062]

I recently bought a 2015 gti autobahn with 120,000 miles and have had no issues yet!

[@alyamoney]

Still good? Lol. I’m looking at a 2015 SE with 65,000 miles

[@ISmigue350]

Looking to get my hands on one this week!!

[@virgilfranken873]

I say that every week if only it was cheap🤣

[@jakenelson944]

How cautious should you be if the car has like minor bolt ons say intake and exhaust?

[@NewEnglandPete]

Should be fine, they don't really maximize performance so low impact.

[@NoZenith]

The 7.5 has a bump in power, the Autobahn gets everything as standard (led lights, clomatronic as you mention, the 8" MIB2 with sat nav that can give directions on the Guage cluster (I thought it was gimmicky until I was in traffic in Atlanta Georgia. It was SO NICE!), everything the se gets plus all performance pack options with the updated limited slip differential as well as DCC (adaptive dampers: 3 modes =Sport is more firm than base, Normal... possibly less firm? (I test drove a 2017 SE without DCC and 10,000 miles on the clock back to back and I couldn't tell a discernable difference between that and normal with DCC) And Comfort which makes it ride like A Much larger car). Love it for cruising on broken Michigan roads (even just freeway long distance) 🥰. Mine is 2018 and had the only real "option" which was the bezel-less Homelink Auto dimming rear view mirror. I've had no issues with that yet but that has the camera in it that adds rain-sensing windshield wipers while the Homelink part is mostly 3 programmable buttons for garage door openers and the vw assistance plan stuff i didn't bother with.

[@hoodrichlam325]

Im 19 with a 724 credit and im about to lease me a gti soon 😩😩😩 they are so nice

[@ajdexter4195]

In the uk we had the mk7 gti in 2012 ? I’m looking at getting the 2013 gti Sti with the DSG gear box … 230 brake stock I think? Can’t wait as I currently drive a mk4 polo lolll 75 brake 😅

[@MauriceNL1]

People say the 2015 to 2016 have a bad turbo, is this true?

[@Kahzio]

any tips on how to find decent priced mk7’s? bc i’ve been seeing like 25-30k and that’s way out of my price range, anything will help

[@namesbinge3073]

In the UK, you can get any GTi that is before 2015 for as little as 15k to 23k (MK7 specifically). Obviously, with high mileages to come. Normally the price for newer GTi are priced between 24k to 30k. So don't expect to find something that is after 2017 to be around the budget you desire. Even if there is one, just ignored it, chances are the car has a lot of serious faults, which I highly doubt it for newer GTi, but just in case. You're going to spend just the same amount if not more to the price of a GTi around the 24k to 30k price range and hassles.

[@neontetra2780]

It says automatic transmissions. How can i be sure it's a dsg

[@deanmarr785]

2017 sport trim. Sweet spot.

[@zeitgeist2720]

Just bought my 17 sport last week

[@noahkennedy229]

white 2016 pfp autobahn for a year now shes great only water pump issues

[@starstrikes]

Just bought a 2016 GTI Performance with 75.000 miles on it. Owned by a 30 year old office-commuter. I’m hoping for the best.

[@Mo_R9]

So how’s it been ?

[@starstrikes]

@@Mo_R9 I unfortunately was temporarily laid off due to Covid so i had to sell it 2 months after getting it. But in that time i had so much fun with that car, and the noise it made with an intake, bov, and catback will always sing through my head. And the speed always surprised people. I now have a 2.0 tdi 4motion mk7 which works great up here in Norway in wintertimes. Looking to get a 2016+ Focus ST next perhaps.

[@yungkleina5631]

Hi, I'm 17 and thinking of getting a GTI. My dad is pushing me towards getting a Golf. Both my older brothers had golfs as first cars and my dad is an experienced mechanic who has owned, and worked on a lot of golfs. I really want to get a GTI but my dad says they wear out quicker than regular golfs and can be a hassle to work on. I'm also thinking I could get a GTD because they get a little better mileage. Anything you could point out or help?

[@aidanw2392]

Go for a GTI, you wont regret it.

[@fahim4853]

In south Africa the first year of Production was 2013

[@bentd4526]

I’m turning 17 soon and thinking about getting a 2018 GTI with about 20k kilometres on it, this will be a first car

[@NewEnglandPete]

Not a bad choice!

[@fraserpitkethly2265]

jeez. 17 and looking to buy a gti. mate errrmm have you not thought about how much insurance would be

[@hakancihan7818]

I never understood how people say the pricr on these things are LOW how bro how it's still expensive as hell how do you manage to purchase one

[@soulmateseverywhere6309]

How do you get a mk7 with DSG farts? I tried to buy a few but they are all quietly and no farts :( Do you know why?

[@NewEnglandPete]

Soulmates Everywhere what year. and GTI or GLI?

[@soulmateseverywhere6309]

@@NewEnglandPete golf GTI 12/2017

[@Swaggy.buckets553]

I have a 16 GTI S with performance package and what I did was add an aftermarket down pipe and car back exhaust, I get DSG farts closer to the redline

[@dirkcurritzki9585]

instead of getting the lighting package, just get the aftermarket led bulbs?

[@mohamadkhalifa3269]

Hi Pete, I’m from Boston and I’m a MK7.5 R owner, I’m going full APR stage 2 March 19th at Das Auto with Nick. The only thing I haven’t decided yet is; whether to go with the new APR tuning “aggressive pops and bangs” or not? Thought I can use your opinion. Thank you!

[@NewEnglandPete]

Hey Mohamad! Great car choice, I highly recommend the aggressive pops and bangs as they are pretty much the same as the less aggressive pops and bangs, they just last longer. Overall even with a loud exhaust, these are more burble-like with the occasional SNAP. Thanks for watching.

[@mohamadkhalifa3269]

NewEnglandPete Thanks for the reply Pete, I’m taking your recommendation. I have one more question; How can I be sure that all the parts I ordered are brand new? Like am I gonna be able to actually see them unboxing the parts and installing them? Or can I even request that? Honestly, I’m only asking cause you had experience with Das Auto and with Nick, and I kinda trust you man!

[@NewEnglandPete]

@@mohamadkhalifa3269 I have never purchased parts through Das Auto before, but I know they are a certified APR dealer and I assume that they do purchase parts new from APR. Also don't hesitate to reach out to me via IG, if you are interested, I would really love to film a quick video with your car during the process!

[@LunaOoze]

Get the pops and bangs!

[@robertmcgee3616]

I am a 6’1 and just wondered if the car is going to be big enough for me. I rode in a MK6 golf tdi once and I felt that the head room could’ve been better, but I don’t think that seat was able to be lowered. Do you have an issue with space in your mark 7?

[@thewildnato5820]

Robert McGee my friend has one and he’s like 6’3 I think you should be fine with headroom space

[@robertmcgee3616]

Bwizzle forizzle okay good

[@peterhokemeir-seim6825]

I’m 6’1” and fit just fine

[@NewEnglandPete]

tall or small GTI’s accommodate all!

[@robertmcgee3616]

NewEnglandPete lol okay good!

[@aaronthomas3889]

Do you have any suggestions for GLI

[@NewEnglandPete]

Buy the newer 2019+ models to get the same equipment as the GTI.

[@golfgtd777]

Where can i find it second hand?I love mk7 gti

[@NewEnglandPete]

cargurus, car buyer, other websites!

[@stashub8306]

Would you still recommend the car ? I'm looking at a 2016 manual with 44,000 miles any suggestions?

[@jeremiahvazquez3802]

Intro song?

[@killer_vette351]

Only issues I've had is a mount problem when I started doing work and upgrading the car. Did a very low roll, spun like a bitch and mount broke.

[@NewEnglandPete]

Easy fix?

[@killer_vette351]

NewEnglandPete yup, 400hp on the aftermarket mount from ECS

[@flowwmk7]

Of course I get this after I buy a golf lmao

[@scratch1200s]

Nice! I’m in the market, and it’s between an si, wrx, and gti.

[@NewEnglandPete]

GTI won't let you down!

[@scratch1200s]

@@NewEnglandPete I keep hearing that. It’s time for a test drive. It’s a great time for gti’s, especially because the mk8 should be coming out soon. #choices 👍

[@2wheeldom11]

I'm thinking of grabbing a 2021 gti se with dsg. Was set on a golf R but they are just too pricey for me. They quoted me 35k out the door for a gti ...still kinda pricey , I think I'll wait a bit and see if they reach out with a lower price. Alot of them have been sitting on the market for over 140 days .

[@scratch1200s]

@@2wheeldom11 are you in California? I’ve seen some dealerships in the Bay Area have GTI’s for a little over msrp, but I’ve also seen some at a little below.

[@2wheeldom11]

@@scratch1200s ended up buying a used 2018 gti se yesterday. Got a great deal I couldn't pass up .

[@MatthewMonaco17]

Why did you gauge not raise to max than go back down... that is definitely not normal

[@NewEnglandPete]

normal. needle sweep.

[@1UpQuest]

Hey man I’m in the market to buy a GTI 2017 any chance I can message you by IG or something to ask you some questions?

[@NewEnglandPete]

hey daniel, yes you can message me there.

[@dadurbin1876]

Narrowed down your list for your next car??

[@NewEnglandPete]

I have! The new car has been figured out, now I need to find the right deal.

[@dadurbin1876]

S3? 😎

[@ajzepp8976]

I've wanted a GTi for years, but seems like a lot of folks say they turn into money pits after about 75k miles.

[@namesbinge3073]

Not really if you took care.

[@peejayem4700]

I bought my 2014 Mk7 GTI at 80k miles and has been faultless 3 years later

[@ethangordon4861]

Here in south Africa we have if from the 2014 model

[@jacoballen5837]

I’m looking into a 2016 w only 6k miles. Rebuilt title. Asking 13,500!

[@NewEnglandPete]

Not too shabby!

[@peterzebot9863]

Probably been in a wreck.

[@nathanblake110]

Cyaa wait bro to buy my car

[@Speedster709]

How you close your side mirrors in lmao my friend got 2015 one & he don’t how to

[@Codename.996]

Speedster709 Not every Gti has this feature equiped

[@Speedster709]

Travis Scott oh fr? So they don’t close at all ?

[@killer_vette351]

@@Speedster709 Its a certain feature, my GTI has it but my buddy doesn't.

[@aidanw2392]

just push them hard.. scared me the first time on my GF's golf because of how stiff they were!

[@fullsendit-5441]

What years are mk7

[@NewEnglandPete]

In USA Mk7 2015-2017 Mk7.5 2018-2020

[@colsonzack]

Just bought a 2016 GTI 6M with Performance Pack, 34k miles, one owner, for $15k

[@Steven-cr1og]

Nice safe driving

[@tilidie5272]

doubt

[@dumbeezy5480]

Where you from

[@SnoqualmieShredder]

*Salvage Title

[@Alexander10000001]

Loved the video mate, certainly helped. I have found a beautiful example that's fully loaded, but it has 70k British miles on the clock. Is that too high, or is there life in the old girl yet?

[@surfjujitsu2456]

How much power can a gti motor handle.

[@MelonMan3]

surf jujitsu stock can push 300bhp

[@surfjujitsu2456]

@@MelonMan3 thanks what about the golf r ?

[@MelonMan3]

surf jujitsu depends on the map but The Golf R stage 1 Revo software gives up to 370 bhp & 488 Nm of Torque

[@surfjujitsu2456]

@@MelonMan3 nice but I'm trying to se show much the stock motor can handle. Might trade my wrx in for one .

[@ProdPxwolf]

Mine is pushing 320whp with full boltons on stock turbo atm and I drive it hard daily, I just do 5k mile oil changes and never beat on it till the oil is at proper operating temp. I've had the car for three years and just hit 100k

[@wolvoman1]

Roy Orbison

[@depfknr9211]

Can u get cloth seats on se trim?

[@chrislassoz852]

You can only get them on 2018-2020 se. 2015-2017 se only comes with black leather

[@Lorenzo_542]

they start in 2013 not 2015

[@NewEnglandPete]

US Market.

[@oneilanderson7840]

But there's a 2013 model as well

[@NewEnglandPete]

time and time again, this video is covering US models.

[@oneilanderson7840]

@@NewEnglandPete oh sure, I missed that. Wasn't a attack though, keep bringing us the good content 👌

[@ajjoyner1909]

I love these cars but I’m too tall for em.. why am I here

[@bluecent]

Interesting. I would have prefaced the video with, “This video applies to Mexican built cars sold in the America’s”. The MK7 commenced in 2013. In other markets there was one model, the GTI. No need for American style trim level codes. Only differentiation was the “Performance Pack”.

[@1kobra485]

MK7 actually started in 2013 mate! You just didn’t get it in North America.

[@NewEnglandPete]

yes, this video was for the USA market.

[@wolvoman1]

Stevie Wonder

[@alj7094]

Nice thumbnail

[@NewEnglandPete]

thanks homie!

[@wolvoman1]

Ray Charles

[@amandadrootin]

first

[@NewEnglandPete]

it appears you are first

[@kapacapekapacape4619]

Gti mk7 came out 2013

[@NewEnglandPete]

for europe

[@samb8996]

Are you old enough to drive ? Legally I mean !

[@NewEnglandPete]

could you imagine being salty about someone else’s success

[@drogenfeld]

Really, those equipment packs suck ass. Hard to even keep track of what is included in which configuration. Back in our country, we can simpyl do it 100% individually. There's just the difference between say a GTI and a Performance GTI. Rest is up to the buyer. Also, just to the guys wanting to upgrade performance later, you might want to choose a manual. DSGs are really maintenance heavy and you often need a new clutch pack and/or software for the gearbox when you put extra horsepower and torque into the car. Manuals usually just need a stronger clutch.

[@johne0824]

Automatic transmission. Blasphemy

[@nikolamilenkovic8441]

Throw away the hat and shades 😉, and common picture more the car than you

[@NewEnglandPete]

when you run a nearly a 6k subscriber channel, let me know. ;)

[@nikolamilenkovic8441]

@@NewEnglandPete sorry didn't mean to hurt your feelings, I have no interest or won't to run any channels, It seems to me that the portrayed character you present just doesn't fit in, 6k is not much, wish you to achieve higher number, all best from here

[@vaughan2203]

Stop nodding those GTIs! Grrr. You're not smarter than the team of engineers that designed them.

[@NewEnglandPete]

what.