Volkswagen MK6 GTI Buyer's Guide - What To Know Before Buying/Owning/Diagnosing/Repairing One

[@whiterabbit6669]

This was the most helpful, least pompous GTI video. Thank you

[@fcpeuro]

You're welcome, Tyson! Glad you liked the video!

[@xMooD1]

Straightforward, no-bullshit, informative video. Subbed.

[@bonganisiziba6154]

BMW owner here...... The mere mention of "water pump" had me sweating with a mild stomach drop🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@EdwoodCA]

You speak the truth of many BMW owners /used to have an '01 e39. 'used to' being the key phrase

[@MassiveLoop]

Modded Mk6 owner here, you guys touched on everything in pretty much the order they should be known for this platform! As for not being sure about the r8 red tops, they DO provide more power when used along with a tune and other hardware mods but should be used with one heat range colder spark plug like the NGK Iridium BRK7EIX. I went with COBB stage2+ and my packs and plugs wernt really that worn but I went ahead and swapped anyway, you can definitely feel an increase in power in the butt Dyno. By itself though I'd be inclined to say probably not so much as you aren't modifying your spark and fuel maps like a tune does.

[@truevizard]

I’m in the market for an MK6 GTI. Used to be an owner of an Integra and ST focus. This is a very good quality video! Thank you

[@fcpeuro]

You're welcome! Give us a shout when you pick up your GTI!

[@franciscosoto4920]

I have one for sale 2011 MK6

[@lasrazonesdenuestrafe1417]

Mk6 2013 gti manual owner. It is awesome and I love it.

[@JLMGOLF]

I’m 5 for 5 on repairs. This video was head on. Mk6 gli

[@orbytl2799]

my mk6 gti was pissing out water from the water pump at 25k miles, by 53k miles it needed a full engine rebuild due to tensioner failing and cracking a piston, on top of that coil packs, injectors and control modules going down ownership has definitely been an experience, funny thing is i still love the car though lol

[@jeffleonard343]

Man I love my GTI but I sure bought someone else’s problems lol. Had the timing chain, tensioner replaced and about to have the intake manifold replaced. 77k miles currently. At least I’ve got the 2 big jobs done for now.

[@fcpeuro]

Ya the 70K+ mileage marker becomes the danger zone a bit on these cars if they haven't been well maintained. Hopefully youre enjoying GTI ownership aside from those major fixes.

[@jeffleonard343]

@@fcpeuro For sure, I'm loving the GTI. Handles great! Had no problems fixing the issues was more annoyed how quickly they had to be addressed after buying it. Bought it back in July and inspection checked out and drove it home without issues. 2 months later it's like "mayday, mayday" lol

[@Whynot-mp3fw]

Jeff Leonard I just did my intake manifold high performance coils and spark plugs and custom boost gauge 2120 In parts and labor and I had Independent shop do the work lot of money to own this car I have 76 on it good luck to you

[@itsjustsaeko4066]

Hey, how much was it in total for replacing the timing chain, tensioner? I just bought my first mk6 2013 GTI. And was at 75k when bought. Just wanted to know so I can tell how much to save up, just in case lol.

[@jeffleonard343]

@@itsjustsaeko4066 Grats, they really are fun cars! The biggest give away that I needed it replaced was the super loud rattling of the timing chain when you start the car. I went to a shop that specializes in European models cause I wanted it done right and everything total came out to around $2,100. They replaced quite a few parts besides just the tensioner which is recommended. Pretty sure it was like $900 in parts and rest in labor. If you can find out when your car was manufactured I THINK they started putting in the new tensioners in July of 2012 (don't quote me on that though)

[@theslicefactor5326]

I'm considering a mk6, and this video was very helpful and informative on the potential issues. Thanks :)

[@fcpeuro]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful! Let us know if you pick one up!

[@JoshC6]

@@fcpeuro Just got one saturday

[@tubejorrit]

Even with those weak points, after you have done them the car is so fun to drive. I have a 2011 with dsg and stage 1 tune, couldn't think of another car around the same price range that can do what the golf gti can do.

[@pawin-je8ff]

Dont you have a problem with drinking Oil defect?

[@Alenation]

Best review video on youtube I’ve been looking for. Thank you

[@ty8575]

My car has had every single issue that you addressed 😂 when I bought the car the manifold was leaking oil and needed replaced, few months later the timing chain tensioner + turbo, then my rear main seal started to go and caused most my coil packs to die, then when replacing the pcv and intake camshaft they said the engine has too much internal damage and I had the whole engine replaced with a used one and my water pump is currently leaking

[@aaron___6014]

So glad I went to college and got into cycling and out of my car hobby. So spensive!

[@fcpeuro]

Untill you start buying carbon fiber wheels, and clip on pedals that are $400 ;-)

[@aaron___6014]

@@fcpeuro true. I'll be keeping my mk6 tdi stock to save for bike upgrades.

[@jacobvolker4002]

Thank you guys! I've had pcv and manifold issues and this video made it very clear on how to diagnose the issues.

[@Rhosticks]

Spot on! I replaced the pcv with an oil catch can. Rear main seal was blown and replaced. Already got R8 coils. Intake was replaced according to previous owner. I have no history of the water pump. Dreading the day it fails if it wasn't already replaced.

[@zolphdiggler]

i was looking at a mk7 with high mileage(average for its age) but this vid helped out a ton. ill know what to look for when i check it out

[@fcpeuro]

Happy we could help, Zolph! We also have a video specifically on the MK7 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqjdnpSBjs6dhcU Let us know when you pick one up!

[@hungrychowhound11612]

Great video. I have a 2013 GTI 2.0 dsg. Fun little car. Learned some good things today about my car. Armed with this knowledge I know what are some of the things I need to look at as well as what to expect. I also have a CC. 2.0. I've ordered from you guys before , and I'm very happy with the service I received from FCP. As soon as the weather breaks like mid-July I'll be ordering from FCP again. Your the go to guys. Cheers.

[@fcpeuro]

We appreciate your support, and are happy to help you out with your VW ownership, sounds like you have your hands full ^.^

[@digital.world95]

it would be alot helpful if u tell also the cca mileage of the issue, ive replaced so many things but also idk what was replaced before that

[@TheAllEngineering]

Very poor engineering on these cars, so many problems that just cost the owner money. Just replace the car with a reliable Japanese car.

[@isaafridi7146]

@@TheAllEngineering with reliable but BORING Japanese car

[@TheAllEngineering]

@@isaafridi7146I have owned and worked on these and the poor design is unbelievable, you really have to shake your head in dismay. Yes they may be nice to drive but it is not acceptable for products to be put out that are fundamentally designed to have major failures relatively early on in their life. For example a timing chain set up should last a lot longer than the life of a cam belt set up. It is a scam that the manufacturer makes a lot of money and they know the fanboys can't see it. Surely It does not get much more boring than a car sitting there broken down. In the meantime I will stick to DRIVING my BORING ISF

[@keithdevereux4046]

great job... actual facts and specific content

[@donnymars4405]

Just grabbed my self platinum spark plugs and the R8 coils, had 2 misfires. I also have a stage 1 apr tune tho. Other than that she runs mint

[@fcpeuro]

Sweet! That should clear up the misfire and back to boosting! Thanks, Donny!

[@GhadSpeed]

You still have the car? If so how is it running today?

[@donnymars4405]

Yea i still have it. runs mint, just hit 180,000km@@GhadSpeed

[@CO2K8]

Wow, what a video, straight forward, subbed

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks D2Cohen 1995 we appreciate the sub, and glad you enjoyed the video!

[@boogati9221]

This video is perfect. Thank you for this!

[@fcpeuro]

You're welcome! Glad you like the video!

[@EdwoodCA]

Any 3rd parties making a non-plastic water pump for the Mk VI? I've heard of such a wondrous thing existing for the BMW S54 engine.

[@danielscales1201]

Actually super helpful 👌 👍 👏 🙂 thank you.

[@nikdibrov8802]

You guys are amazing!

[@fcpeuro]

You are amazing, Nik!

[@RK777PL]

Great video I decided not to get the car I'm waiting for the new Nissan z all the problem sounds crazy through

[@stepsidelandscapinglawnsol3093]

Awesome video. Subbed because I'll be heading to Milford CT soon to visit!

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks! Looking forward to having you here!

[@quebeclima2006]

Got Intake Manifold issue on my Mark6 Gti, 700Euro to replace it.

[@quebeclima2006]

This is damn cheap!! Good for you! Maybe VW maintenance is cheaper in the US than in EU 😑😑😑

[@tumbojackson180]

Does Gti Mk6 have DSG Mechatronics failure

[@HatsuneM1ku01]

Coming from mk4s. Two generations newer and we are still using plastic water pump impellers 😵‍💫 Wnen will they learn😫

[@fcpeuro]

Great question!

[@jeffpinto7444]

Deciding whether to get a 2012 gti should I get it?🤔

[@busterlouie6176]

Going to possibly buy my 2012 gti tomorrow but now I'm afraid

[@anjelvillafranco3267]

Amazing video

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you think so!

[@IndoItal66]

Excellent Video. Could you expand more on how one can determine if the water pump is failing or worth replacing? I just crossed over 85k miles and did the timing chain and coil packs only.

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you like the video! If you are having cooling problems or are leaking coolant from the water pump, that's a tell tale sign of needing a replacement. Of course you can replace it as preventative maintenance, but if you aren't having any issues currently, you should be okay!

[@photomakerman]

Great video, very helpful. Is there a way to find out all the updated parts they’ve released for the engine Bay Area?

[@fcpeuro]

Michael Keating thats a really good idea as there really is no public resource for people to look that up. We will try to work on a blog post containing all the information! Thanks for watching the video.

[@photomakerman]

FCP Euro That would be fantastic, look forward to it.

[@leefang1178]

German WWII war strategy was called Blitzkrieg. Through this they were able to concur Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium and France within An unbelievable speed. Although the French had more troops and materiaal they were beaten seriouly as they were not as organized and didn't have modern equipment as they relied on their Maginot Line. So Blitzkrieg has a negative German aggression meaning. I drive a mk6 GTI ED35 myself, but please do some checkup on the exact meaning.

[@allypandullo8263]

Hi! I just bought a 6speed gti ! It didn’t make any noises the first couple times I was driving it , but a couple days later I hear a little rattle ... maybe it’s nothing ? Sos !

[@fcpeuro]

Hi, Ally, congrats on the new purchase! What sort of rattling noise are you hearing?

[@allypandullo8263]

FCP Euro It’s like a scrapping noise , I think I need to replace the tensioner but I don’t want to bring it to a shop an they charge me for a whole bunch of extra stuff !

[@82dupont]

Where would I spray the CRC valve cleaner on this engine? I’m in the market for a 2013 GTI, autobahn edition Volkswagen, with 45,000 miles. So I’ll be visiting you guys as well for parts. I live in Westport.

[@resjon7981]

What type of wheels are on the white mark 7 parked next to the mark 6?

[@samiginonacerdepaoli2413]

so buy a 2014 gti ? to have all the upgraded failing parts.?

[@Mar1wan1]

Very helpful , thank u

[@WildDanHibiki]

Do these issues apply to the same era A3/S3 as well?

[@fcpeuro]

Since the A3 of that generation had the same TSFI engine as the MK6 GTI, the engine issues would still apply.

[@probolehla]

should I wait till something went wrong or symptoms came out.. or just replace them after buying it 2nd hand

[@fcpeuro]

Preventative maintenance never hurts!

[@samiginonacerdepaoli2413]

yes great videos

[@ucheuwah5729]

I'm thinking of buying a used 2012 mk6 gti. However the existing owner changed the engine from the original tsi to a non turbo fsi. Also the gearbox was changed. Should I drop the idea of buying it? Thanks.

[@fcpeuro]

whether or not to buy it would depend on the workmanship of the swap and how well the engine and transmission that were put in were maintained.

[@ucheuwah5729]

@@fcpeuro Thanks for the reply. I was concerned it won't have the bhp and torque designed for the GTI

[@TheMospre]

Hi guys, how many miles can mk6 gti last? Thinking of buying one with 140k miles. Can I drive it at least 50-60k miles before it dies if it is well mentained?

[@fcpeuro]

You certainly can Perica Mutic, its all about staying on top of your preventative maintenance and the car can easily last over 200k miles!

[@AUDITHISWORLD69]

my timing went bad and destroyed my valve, my egr no bueno. and my intake mamifold was bad lol and now im leaking coolant so i have to check my water pump lol

[@fcpeuro]

Sounds like you have a textbook case of the mk6's Christian... hope your car feels better soon!

[@AUDITHISWORLD69]

@@fcpeuro yeah everything had already been replaced, intake manifold, egr valve, coils. plugs, timing tentioner... we good over here! lol

[@marzzgli1278]

Looking at a 2014 DSG with 55k miles. Car fax shows all scheduled maintenance at VW dealership. Asking $15,500, California car only. This sound like a good deal?

[@fcpeuro]

Not a bad deal at all!

[@grimmoftheforest5365]

Would a mk6 golf R have the same problems as the gti ?

[@fcpeuro]

Similar and different, we can probably do a video specifically on the MK6 R

[@grimmoftheforest5365]

That would be awesome if you guys could

[@halimhadjameur3585]

I didnt have to worry about none of that on my mk4.i like mk6 . im not sure now

[@stealthxmonk]

How much does each of the parts costs??

[@fcpeuro]

We have a website just for that! fcpeuro.com

[@kylesheehan3813]

What car would you recommend a 2012 GTI MK6 or a 2013 Genesis coupe 2.0T? the genesis is the second generation with the HP upgrade to 274. I live in Quebec canada and have snowy winters

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Kyle! Given the fact that you live in Quebec and get a lot of snow, I would definitely recommend the GTI, since its front-wheel-drive, it will be more manageable in the snow compared to the rear-wheel-drive Genesis. Plus, since the GTI is a hatchback, overall it a more practical car! Both are good cars, it just depends on what your needs are. Let us know if you have any other questions!

[@willkeane8357]

I live in the Chicagoland area and my buddy has a genesis. On the first big snow this year he couldn't even make it 4 blocks down his street before having to push it back into his driveway. The genesis is notorious for having a back end easy to swing out even on dry pavement. The gti would be much better in the snow even though an AWD car would be even better for heavy snow...

[@kylesheehan3813]

@@fcpeuro thankyouu

[@kylesheehan3813]

@@willkeane8357 Thanks for the reply i know what you mean my friend has one on studded tires and its an insane drift car. With Studs the car grips so well even better than my friends impreza with good snow tires. Im not willing to spend $1500 just on winter tires before tax so im going to not get the genny. Also considering the amount of snow we have all wheel drive vehicles are so expensive. A 2012 Wrx with decent mileage is around 18-25000 when a gti is $12000

[@fcpeuro]

@@kylesheehan3813 You're welcome!

[@dha588]

Getting my water replaced by vw right now 😣

[@fcpeuro]

For freeee? We need to put up a new DIY on this one actually.

[@dha588]

@@fcpeuro i took it to vw for the service. My 2012 gti is under extended warranty. Its free but I have a $250 deductable 😅

[@bettywhipz6346]

Am looking into buying a 2012 golf gti 2.0 tsi with about 170km, would you say that’s a lot for an engine like this, or they fairly run long?

[@philipkeeling8647]

Did you buy it? If so how's it going with the car?

[@remseyhumphreys917]

@@philipkeeling8647 lmao word up I WANNA KNOW 🤣

[@remseyhumphreys917]

@@philipkeeling8647 Welp since dude is Mia i’m guessing he either didn’t get it, or it isn’t going well for him 😅. But as for me I ended up grabbing one with 76k on it. Stock engine, carbon fiber trunk spoiler, with a bbk, and a set of “18 neuspeeds ANNNDDDD BOOOYYY LET ME TELL YOU 🙃🙃🙃 Oh and I grabbed a 2010 btw

[@bettersteps]

7:05 may be a bit of an exaggeration. Just a touch.

[@siriusc9564]

Does a mk5 gti have the same problems?

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Sirius, if you are reffering to the timing chain problems, the 2008.5-2009 MK5 has all of the problems that the MK6 GTI engine has. If you are going for a MK5, 2006-2008 is a better buy in terms of reliability.

[@siriusc9564]

@@fcpeuro thanks a lot!

[@JD-kr3xu]

Subbed!

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks, James!

[@bayramilhan30]

thanks a lot really..

[@fcpeuro]

You're welcome, Bayram!

[@liamneilson7521]

its a euro, what do u expect?

[@JavierGomez-lh8uj]

How much does the water pump cost and from 1-10 how difficult is it to replace?

[@fcpeuro]

Hi, Javier. Here is the water pump: www.fcpeuro.com/products/vw-audi-engine-water-pump-rein-crp-wpc0016 From 1-10 its probably a 4-6 in difficulty depending on your scale.

[@tombrown5508]

Legit info

[@momoma92sss28]

How much it cost to change all the parts in one shot? Any clues?

[@fcpeuro]

Hey momoma92 sss I just built a cart for you with all the discussed parts and it looks like it totals around $694.76 (give or take some options in which kit you were to buy). Hope that helps! www.fcpeuro.com/cart?R510185682&shared_items=1060793011%231%2C1060864522%231%2C1060797494%231%2C1060818751%231%2C1060874418%231

[@Sergygo]

Ive owned my GTI for 8 months now. And ALL of these parts failed on me except the coil packs (which i bought the R8 ones already) but fr fr in 6 months i had replaced everything. Got an extra drive belt tensioner for prevention and at this point am just waiting for the turbo to notoriously go out🤣 (oh and if you guys wanna send me a free coolant reservoir since mine looks like shit that’d be greatly appreciated 🥺🤣)

[@fcpeuro]

Hate to hear it but happy to hear it GDbaby lol. Sounds like we weren't too far off with this buyer's guide at least, and glad youre MK6 is basically brand new at this point!

[@Sergygo]

@@fcpeuro thats what i tell Myself to go to sleep at night🤣

[@sundaydrive7695]

Makes me wanna run right out and buy a Honda!

[@mikuelmellieha7943]

Vw group water pump problems 😅😅😅

[@jaimeortegaarredondo6065]

Mmm Many more reasons to keep my Mazda miata.

[@nopama]

You forgot rear main seal...

[@u1richh]

But do Mk6s smell like crayons inside?

[@fcpeuro]

Depends how many kids you have between the ages of 2-9.

[@u1richh]

@@fcpeuro What are kids?

[@Uhdi_gaja]

2012 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛𝑒𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑟

[@shippingdepartment7114]

GTI should be in the title..

[@lexiherman196]

Shipping Department well the gti is not the only car to have a 2.0t...

[@shippingdepartment7114]

@@lexiherman196 He's not talking about all 2.0s....hence the comment.

[@sizzahandz1]

lol so I guess a shouldn't get one...was about to get a 2013 GTI

[@fcpeuro]

You won't 😁.....But seriously, if you do get one we got your back on any parts you might need. I know it may sound like a lot of issues, but many people own and love these cars and you can sort them out pretty well with some good preventative maintenance. We've got like 10 in our parking lot right now and at least 8 of them run! 🤣

[@sizzahandz1]

@@fcpeuro dose the 2013 manual escape some of these problems?

[@fcpeuro]

@@sizzahandz1 with a manual there is one less thing to worry about with the potential of the Mechatronic unit failing! So thats a +

[@sizzahandz1]

@@fcpeuro ok thanks

[@ParadoxdesignsOrg]

I'm afraid to be a VW owner after watching this.

[@fcpeuro]

Knowledge is Power paradoxdesigns... everything will be okay!

[@ravipeiris4388]

This is one of the best videos out there to preach why NOT to buy volkswagen, like most other european vehicles. To say that when a car is "european" and you have to "expect" some electrical/mechanical issues alongside the statement that it's fun to drive doesn't hold european cars accountable for their dismal reliability and lack of engineering prowess. If your life depended on having a reliable car for five years (i.e. a gun to your head), which car would you depend on going the distance? European or Asian vehicle? Exactly, Ravi Peiris M.D.

[@justinc9732]

Now I don't want to buy one anymore

[@zachsteele6964]

Every car has problems

[@nmambo]

This is a very serous problem and this we should sue VW for this failures

[@shanemitchell5807]

My recommendation is....DON'T buy one unless you like money pits.

[@prudentjb]

U forgot to mention mechatronic part