I Bought a MK7 VW Golf GTI Autobahn!

I'm so stoked on this! Ever since I was about 14 I have loved the Volkswagen GTI. The Mk5 was just released and I thought it was the coolest car out there. Now, I have been looking for a new daily driver for a bit now and figured what better what better time than now to find my own VW Golf GTI. I ended up purchasing a GTI Autobahn with the performance pack and everything. It's very nice, comfortable and relatively quick with it's 2.0 EA888 Turbocharged engine.
I'm excited to share some new videos of my Mk7 GTI and get cracking on the Miata!
Thank you all for watching! Please be sure to subscribe for more and drop those comments and leave a like!
SUBSCRIBE - bit.ly/2IHFZcj
WATCH MORE NC MIATA CONTENT - • Restoring and Refinish...
FOLLOW COLORED IN LIGHT:
INSTAGRAM / coloredinlight
FACEBOOK / coloredinlight
Watch More Colored in Light:
Vlogs: • Custom RPF1 Center Cap...
Car Meets and Events: • Driving with some FAST...
NC Miata 101: • NC Miata 101 | How to ...
ABOUT COLORED IN LIGHT
Jackson Ralston, or known here as Colored in Light, is a video creator and car enthusiast based in Texas. On this channel, we take a deep dive into all things Miatas, cars and life in the pursuit of all things automotive! From how-to videos, vlogs and product features and reviews, Colored in Light is the place for car enthusiasts.
-----------------------------------VIDEO CREATION GEAR-------------------------------------
CAMERAS
DSLR Camera (Sony A7) - amzn.to/2qU95BU
GoPro Session - amzn.to/2sBBcWV
GoPro Hero 3+ Black - amzn.to/2EnfKHZ
CAMERA MOUNTS
Suction Mount - amzn.to/2LYIgUI
Joby GorillaPod 3K Kit - amzn.to/2YTEkcZ
GoPro Accessories - amzn.to/35uDd5X
CASES and PACKS
Cheap GoPro Travel Case - amzn.to/2PpIx55
LENSES
Sony 50mm FE - amzn.to/2M0Vdx8
Sony 28-70mm FE - amzn.to/35oJNLg
AUDIO
Rode VideoMicro - amzn.to/2PPRDai
Rode VideoMic - amzn.to/2PSq8wH
Sony VO Recorder - amzn.to/36I4t1e
THE MOD LIST
All Products and Links - docs.google.com/document/d/1j...

[@cjperlotto]

Fun fact: the DSG shifts in 8 milliseconds... you could hypothetically shift 125 times per second.

[@HOTPLATEGAMING]

I just bought a 2020 GTI Autobahn last night I love it. My first European car.

[@Russellscottx]

Welcome to the club man!!

[@ColoredinLight]

Thanks, super excited!

[@yakuza1970]

Congrats! After a lot of research looking for a good daily driver, I bought a 2018 GTI Autobahn DSG two years ago. It’s not the BEST in any one category but it sure does everything very, very well. Overall, the GTI is the near perfect daily driver!

[@ChaseJunkie]

Wow this video was well put together I loved the intro to the golf! Cannot wait to see what daily mods you do. Congratulations on the new daily!

[@ColoredinLight]

Thanks norm!

[@slipknot8706]

Picking up a 2017 MK7 this week and it’s the same color as yours. I Couldn’t be more excited!

[@donkeykong26]

love it i have the same exact car, trim and all. i autocross it on weekends, and also drove it from NY to CALI with no issues!

[@anthonycoffey816]

I sat in a 2015 version yesterday & couldn't believe how comfortable it was despite being 6' 2". Love those seats! Now to convince my bank to sign on 😆

[@hellodlo]

i got one earlier this year too and i really love it. i also lusted for one since I was younger. congrats on the car and really like that color!

[@BelterLoader]

Love my mk7! Best car I’ve owned so far!

[@Mschrislaupuikwan]

I agree! If you don’t have a gti , you don’t have the GTI

[@francoisrousseaux7141]

I like the gti too, I'm glade you are happy with it and I look forward to see videos of both of your cars

[@ColoredinLight]

Thanks! I'll have new videos this week!

[@marshall2754]

Good choice! I have the autobahn 2018 and surprisingly Gti,s can handle off road as well I went to a country side I was scared at first but the drive on gravel roads was fun!

[@travisburch4907]

For starters, welcome to the club! Secondly, I feel for you and your desire for the plaid, it’s a bit late now, but the 2018 year model allowed you to have plaid seats from S to Autobahn. I personally have the plaid seats, but I don’t have any of the lighting and diff options. I intend on trading my car in once I get into a better financial state, this time making sure I get the plaid seats and all the updated tech. The best way to go would be either the Sport (2017, S with lighting and performance pack, but no fogs) or Rabbit (2019, S with all the goodies and plaid seats, fogs, and rabbit badges to adhere if you want). But if saving money was your game, definitely made the right choice! Personally I wanted the 6MT, and I still do in my upgrade. Though you make a really compelling argument for the DSG, I wanted to finally own and drive a manual transmission full-time. This time around I still want it but I see the allure of DSG. Not only that, the ease of tuning (and overall reliability-search ‘crankwalk mk7 gti’ on KZbin for further affirmation) a DSG car is HARD to ignore. I think you made the right choice, going for DSG, and GTI. Plus you probably got a screaming deal, 17 models are selling for a lot less, at just 3 years later. Not only that it’s your daily driver (as you mentioned) and you have that wonderful Miata just begging to be revved out on the weekends. So I can see the vibes. 😎 can’t wait to see what you do with the golf, and who knows maybe I’ll join you and upgrade to DSG for my next Mk7, then grab an old NA to chuck around (you own both of my favorite cars btw, the Miata and the GTI).

[@vaughan2203]

I've had my first 2019 (7.5) GTI Autobahn since July 2020. It's fantastic! Previous to that I had a Jetta. The two models are worlds apart.

[@mikechopa]

Congrats on the GTI! I have pretty much the same cars as you (2006 MX5 in copper red and mk7 Gti autobahn in grey). The GTI is practical and a lot of fun but I did have a lot of problems with mine initially. Most I’d chalk up to it being the first year of the mk7 (2015) so hopefully yours is much better. Definitely go with a “stage 1” tune from any of the major tuners...it really wakes up the car without sacrificing anything as far as daily driving is concerned.

[@ColoredinLight]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Konos12]

I just watched your video and if all goes to plan I should have my first GTI in a couple of weeks . I too am getting a 2017 . Looks awesome !

[@bluefire025]

LOVE my 2016 GTI Autobahn. only had it for almost a year and it's so much fun. cant wait to get a Stage 1 tune and that's about it for mods for me.

[@ColoredinLight]

Thats awesome man! I'm looking forward to many fun miles.

[@ryanbrazier5172]

So glad I've found your channel I have this exact gti but 2016 with the same trim same colour everything. Had it a year now and love it. Considering going stage 1 and putting a scorpion exhaust. I'm also eyeing up an mx5 (miata) as a toy as well. Big up from the UK 🇬🇧

[@ColoredinLight]

Thanks for watching man!

[@FrankA-973]

Most mk7’s Gti dyno at about 240 at the wheels. With a 15% or so loss in power train that means it’s close to 270 or so at the crank from what I’ve seen. I juts got a mk7 last week DSG and absolutely love it. Good luck with yours.

[@Mschrislaupuikwan]

Switched from mini coop to gti, best choice ever

[@pirodaniel2733]

I drive a 2018 7.5 GTI since 2 years as a Stick Shifter. In Germany they had a bit more power compared to outside Europa. It has 230 bhp. I don't consider it as a sporty car by any means , but it is such a comfortable daily driver which can do anything. Respectably fast if you need it and food for shopping as well as long distance. I gonna keep this one for a very long time.

[@johnjohn505]

Cool! Love your GTI and fact you got a dream car. I had a '16 Golf and when drove I off dealer lot new, was sooo happy! Appreciated every bit of it for 2 yrs until was totalled w me and my mom. Everyone ok, 'cept "Das Wunderkind 1.0" 😢 FFWD 3 months and I'm now in a 2016 VW GTI #csgm and under the payments I making on prior VDub 🙌👍

[@scottroberts5529]

Congrats on the gti for suspension do the rear sway it makes a huge difference in the twistys and another thing I had a 2016 and I heard alot of people and my self having problems wth leaking sunroof

[@andreasnielsen1082]

A bit late on this! But welcome to the VW family, just saw your Turbo Muffler delete video and now beginning the long process of watching your mod series on the GTI :D I own myself a Polo GTI 19 model :D Already so existed to mod my own and see your build progress in my now binge frenzy

[@ColoredinLight]

Thanks for watching!

[@davea1317]

Way to go man! I wish I got a GTI over my Fucus ST... Ford doesn't stand behind their products when there are issues the way VW does... I learned that the hard way. Excited to see a new 'sporty' ride on your channel! Can't wait to see some more action with the miata!!!

[@ColoredinLight]

I did consider the Focus ST, interesting to hear your experience! Thanks for watching!

[@reidlanham2011]

Dude, I'm in the same boat. I've wanted one since the late 90's! Almost bought a 2001 GTI VR6 but didn't pull the trigger. Almost did again last year when my old truck was paid for and I wanted something fun, but for whatever reason I didn't. Now, 2 weeks ago I found a 2017 GTI SE with 15,760 miles on it and I bought it. Long dream fulfilled!

[@ColoredinLight]

Awesome! Hope you enjoy it, thanks for checking out the video.

[@kortnicholauson5735]

Don’t worry man. Got my dream car last month as well - 2016 GTI Autobahn. Best car I’ve ever owned and best decision ever. You won’t regret it.

[@ColoredinLight]

Nice!!

[@nitrobiz]

I just recently sold my e90 ZCP M3 and I'm starting my search for something new, I've narrowed it down to a '17 GTI SE or Autobaun. I'm also looking at a e46 M3 ZCP, e39 540i M Sport and a VW GLI.

[@l.nguyen9176]

Congratulations!

[@ColoredinLight]

Thanks!

[@loveryuvi]

dude i remember getting that dvd too lol I'm with u

[@Mschrislaupuikwan]

Last much longer, reasonable prices on maintain, smooth engine. Fast 💨

[@trippspeed]

Love my 17' GTI SE 6sp. Even when it was stock.

[@ColoredinLight]

I'm definitely enjoying it in stock form so far. It all starts with the little things though and snowballs. I'll have a gti mod video this Saturday.

[@djvincon]

Awsome! I own a 2018 Golf Mk7.5 R and a Miata NC2!

[@ColoredinLight]

Awesome!

[@twinturbogerbil]

Sweet. Have a ‘17 GSW (if only the Golf R Wagon was available in n.america) and an NC2 as well!

[@user-jx5kv2yu6u]

I have all the same gti in autobahn+performance in carbon steel grey 😎

[@nickhernandez2541]

should I get bags or springs for my mk7

[@PEIVOLILLO]

That’s a good car mate! Keep it up

[@ColoredinLight]

Thanks 👍

[@chriskuva]

I love my 2018 GTI se mk7.5. It's a lease but when I turn it in next year, I'm definitely getting a 7.5 Autobahn. (my current GTI has the tartan seats and I love how unique they are. Can't get them anywhere else!)

[@bonifaciomagdiwang1697]

can i ask your opinion which car i am getting the Veloster N vs the Gti 7.5? and why

[@brendonblalock6145]

Vdub club. Just got my MK7 a week ago. I love it!

[@ColoredinLight]

Hell yeah

[@XxSmokeeyxX]

should've got the sport trim! same year had sport trim that i got with plaid seats PP and lighting pack included.

[@ColoredinLight]

I got the autobahn so it comes with basically everything except the plaid seats. That's my only gripe! Love the lighting package and brale package though. Thanks for watching!

[@asfkyak8298]

I'm an mk6 boy but welcome to the family dude

[@davidpetta7873]

Came here to post that I have an NC with the 2.5L swap and a mk7.5 GTI (black). We have great taste! Interested to here if any tunes are in the future.

[@ColoredinLight]

That's awesome. Seems like a lot of GTI owners also have a miata.

[@deanmarr785]

Love my 400hp turbo swapped MK7 GTI.

[@AP-wu1rv]

I want the sport or autobahn trim because it has 220hp

[@smithydandy731]

I just bout one 2 days ago! MK7 GTI Autobahn 🙏

[@ColoredinLight]

Nice!

[@naruto4lfe123]

Great video, I too am looking to buy a GTI for the exact same reason. They’re very cool! Too much plastic in my opinion but it makes it affordable! Looking forward to more

[@ColoredinLight]

There's some plasticy pieces mixed in with quality leather and what not. You notice the cost cutting, but the overall car is great.

[@FrankA-973]

Not many cars don’t have plastic everywhere in the interior. If you see leather or something else on the surface, it’s just covering plastic lololol.

[@ColoredinLight]

Lol like the seats right

[@FrankA-973]

Colored in Light I love my mk7 leather interior. Especially the lighted red accents on the door panels.

[@ColoredinLight]

It makes driving at night feel more fun. The leather seats are nice too, for sure

[@shaunzeiders8562]

Came for the mods, stayed for GTI life

[@cgpandre]

Congratulations !! Got a 17 SE miself

[@ColoredinLight]

Nice!

[@4GuitarTrance]

Personally? For what it's worth? If there were a choice between the GTI (especially the Autobahn version) and the Miata I would choose the GTI, hands down, ANY DAY! Only my .02 cents worth... again, for what it's worth. Congrats on the purchase. You WILL LOVE it! Now, let's see some GTI [enthusiast style] vids, my friend!

[@ColoredinLight]

They're certainly different cars. Loving the gti so far. Got a few videos out already!

[@4GuitarTrance]

@@ColoredinLight More GTI Vids!!! :-D

[@Liam-qb7em]

Get an accessport and a tune. I’d personally recommend EQT.

[@ColoredinLight]

Thanks! I'll check it out.

[@AP-wu1rv]

I actually heard the Veloster N is pretty good

[@steelresilience]

I want an MK7 bad. I rode with my friend in his and was impressed. It'll quell my desire for a 2nd gen Cayenne Turbo till I get financially established. Then the Cayenne can become a tow vehicle :).

[@ColoredinLight]

I love my golf. It does it all

[@steelresilience]

@@ColoredinLight I see. It seems the perfect option to quench my automotive thirst while remaining affordable while I pay off student loans and save for a house.

[@ColoredinLight]

Yea man, it's pretty affordable! I wanted a car that could rip around on backroads, carry the baby to family events and also haul mulch and landscape equipment on the weekends

[@steelresilience]

@@ColoredinLight Quite logical. Subscribed.

[@mr.adventure559]

What to get, used GTI Mk7 or a BMW 128i?

[@ColoredinLight]

They're pretty different cars in my opinion. If I didnt have a miata already, I'd go with the 1 series.

[@yakuza1970]

I owned a 2011 135i before my 2018 GTI and the power and handling was excellent. Not the most practical car and I had reliability issues - three water pumps, oil leak, and broken AC in less than five years.

[@evanburt2766]

A mk6 gti is my dream car. Just can’t find any for sale around me.

[@ColoredinLight]

Gotta keep checking, you'll find it!

[@evanburt2766]

Colored in Light hopefully what websites did you use

[@joshandrade7052]

Does it come with navigation?!

[@ColoredinLight]

Yep!

[@4GuitarTrance]

The Autobahn version comes with some serious features, including Nav. The GTI Mk7 and above are already great rides... but the Autobahn version puts it waaaaaayyyyy out there on the desire and excitement list. VERY well-made car IMO. Open and close the doors and you get a really solid thud... unlike other small hatches in it's class that sound/feel a little more solid than cheap, sheet metal boxes. This is made more obvious by how quiet it is for its class when driving around town and on the highway. You hear the engine... but that's only GOOD noise! :-P

[@2piecenobisuit763]

i dont know if i should get a golf r or the gti

[@ColoredinLight]

If you can afford the R, get the R but the GTI is really nice too. Definitely not a compromise on quality. Power maybe, but you can do a tune and hit R numbers pretty quickly.

[@Diminish12]

My gripe is that I want Leathers and everyone trying to sell the Clothes seats. I don't care if it's Gucci clothes, I want Leather.

[@projectjasmine9448]

But can you still do a kick flip?

[@ColoredinLight]

Bet

[@oneofthosecreativetypes24]

Why do they call it an MK7? (newbie here)

[@ColoredinLight]

Just different iteration of model. So there a mk4, 5, 6 and then 7 and facelift is the 7.5 The newest one is the mk8

[@steamfanboy7536]

I love how americans always say that german cars break down all the time... like fr your biggest car manufacturer is literally an acronym for Fix Or Repair Daily or Found On Road Dead

[@Victic005]

How's buying a car in a pandemic? I had a 2013 Mazdaspeed 3 in 2013.

[@ColoredinLight]

It was pretty normal to be honest, just no visiting multiple dealers. Found the one I needed online, test drove and I was out the door.

[@TheCrimsonChin91]

Parked at a red curb like a G.

[@wg5768]

German cars are great when they are new. We'll see what you think of this car after several years and thousands of miles later.

[@ColoredinLight]

It's a 2017 so it's already several years and thousands of miles later. It's tight as a drum

[@darriusholt]

Haters gonna hate.

[@deanmarr785]

The GTI is going into it's 8th generation. EA888 is as sound a motor as you will find, and takes to power!

[@kyleskitco7235]

i have a 2017 vw golf 1.8 tsi(26,000 miles). In march of this year the head gasket was leaking coolant onto the piston... luckily this fix was under warranty, if not, probably would have cost 2,000k. The thing that makes me mad is that now vw golfs are made in mexico, so quality control is not always the best. BTW mine is a wolfsburg edition that is made in Mexico... WHY? IDK LOL

[@ColoredinLight]

Thanks for the tip. You're right, that doesnt make much sense! Ich komme aus Mexico.

[@John05636]

I had a 2007 Jetta Wolfsburg edition. It was the worst car I’ve ever had. A literal money pit.

[@ColoredinLight]

Yikes!

[@Driverman5777]

RIP Miata 😩

[@ColoredinLight]

Ummm, no? Its still here

[@ariccarney624]

So you’re selling the Miata?! 🤦‍♂️

[@ColoredinLight]

I am just so angry about it

[@Daniel-xu6kd]

vw are some of the most unreliable cars ever made. i dont understand how you guys are all patting yourselves on the back for purchasing such and expensive problematic car.. say what you want, but no good mechanic worth his salt will suggest you purchase a VW.

[@ColoredinLight]

What should we have bought then, tell us

[@jsoso9015]

Ea888 gen 3 are bullet proofs. Don’t know on what planet you have been living ir what have you been smoking but they are pretty reliable 😂👋