Mk5 VW GOLF GTI - All you need to know!

[@paulanderton9424]

Great review and glad you finally got time to make it. My standard GTI was recently remapped at Rtech and the difference is amazing. I just dont like the Rainsport tyres I put on mine, they are too soft. I much prefer the Falken Azensis I had previously - brilliant tyres. Still cant get my aircon to work tho! And yes I was told it just needed gasing by the previous owner.😲

[@volkswizard]

Hi Paul, thanks! Yes it took a while to get the right cars available to film. The red GTI has been around for 18 months but I wanted a standard Edition 30 as my project car that was sold in April wasn't representative. Glad we concur about the Falken tyres, that corner I took in the video in the red one really felt good thanks to the tyres making the most of the engineering. Rtech are the place to go for Mk5 Golf GTI tuning. My project car had a Revo but a proper map from Rtech was on the cards before VW Driver mag folded. Hopefully I'll make the trip there one day!

[@paulanderton9424]

@@volkswizard Hi Andrew, thanks. I would really like a pirelli version but they are hard to find and expensive. I need my water pump and cam belt doing again for its 3rd time. 140k on the clock. I have had it 2 years and spent a fair bit on it, but hoping it lasts me another 2 years. Mine is an early car on a 54 plate.

[@daleboyles3805]

Paul I had the same problem with my mk5’s air con. Long story short - it needed a new compressor. Relatively cheap part BUT you have to order/buy a compressor with the correct code to match your engine code or it won’t work. Engine code will be in your logbook.

[@justinevans1894]

I also had an R Tech remap on my Mk5 GTI, it was awesome!

[@dirtydonsunny]

the air con pressure switch was the problem on mine (common fault apparently) got a good discount on one from GSF changed it and regassed and its all working fine now

[@Junesba]

My MK7 GTI got totaled a year ago and have since bought a MK5 GTI. I find it more fun to drive, more hot hatch-y! Shorter gears, smaller size, and just feels more fun in terms of driving dynamics!

[@volkswizard]

Hey B, I meant to say but didn't but the Mk5 is usefully narrower than MK7 so you don't have as many of those scarey moments on narrow country lanes. Yet oddly it doesn't feel much smaller inside.

[@sheldonm3535]

b but a lot slower

[@pauljonkers4359]

Agree, and much better front seats.

[@Microphunktv-jb3kj]

@@volkswizard ... heh yeah.. ive seen gti and other cars/bikes videos of UK... always baffles me.... why ur roads are so NARROW...

[@vancityflyguy]

I have an ‘07 Gti and I truly love it. Have a stage 1 unitronic tune on the engine and DSG tune also that makes the dsg even better than before. Great little car. I’m glad to see that not only the very young generation drives this car. I’m 38 now and i’m planning on keeping my car till it runs.

[@luckyboy4766]

I owned an '05 Mk5 GTI. It had no roof antennae because it was built into the rear window. VW changed to roof antennae and removed an internal light to save costs. Also window tints are different colour in early models.

[@PUU7]

Great summary of the mk5 GTI Andrew. Absolutely loved the 40,000 miles I did in mine. Only other thing I’d add to the buyers guide - if a car feels underpowered it’s often caused by a split in the diverter valve. Thankfully they’re cheap to replace and easy enough to fit, if a little awkward to get to. Revision G is the one to go for IMO rather than the plastic piston type. (I know you already know this, but for anyone else watching that might not!)

[@Gary_Bocking]

Edition 30 have a relocated diverter at the front of the engine which makes it much easier to change.

[@chrisward7582]

Forge or the latest VW one is great for the mkv

[@jamiethompson7329]

Enjoyed the review I owned a mk5 edition 30 from 2011 until earlier this year and enjoyed it thoroughly Totally reliable and reasonably cheap to run and maintain Whilst also being really good fun to drive The wife used it during the week for day to day duties And I used it weekends for fun Ironically it was a very similar spec to the one in your video Steel grey metallic/ manual / sunroof /2007 Great car Very good at holding its value as well Replaced it with a mk7 r Keep up the good vw content

[@Corsa15DT]

How does the MK7 R compare to the MK5 Gti?

[@jamiethompson7329]

Corsa15DT Different cars The edition 30 was manual and front wheel drive The r is dsg and 4 motion the r is effortless to drive quickly and soooo rapid But the edition 30 felt special and was quite rare and in my opinion looked better I love them both but if I had a choice of one car I would probably say a edition 30 with dsg and a remap would be my choice As I feels more special

[@Will-ob7sh]

Great video! I’ve recently bought a 151,000 mile MK5 GTI as a project and agree with all of the recommendations you made - they’ve all affected the car I bought! However I don’t recall you mentioning the diverter valve. The DV on my car was ruptured so would only hold limited boost. It’s a 10 minute job to change and the difference afterwards is night and day!

[@boostedbliss07MK5]

I had a mk5 gti for almost 10 years. It was modded perfectly for the street. Definitely one of my top favorite cars I've owned! Fun, and functional!

[@Tenr540]

boostedbliss07MK5 tryina chat about your experiences with it? I’m looking to buy one within the month

[@OwainF]

I bought a mk5 gti as my second car at 20, after lots of enthusiastic driving it hasnt missed a beat. They're such good value for money plus they've aged really well, especially the interior design compared to other hot hatches of the same era. A stage 1 map is definitely worth it too!

[@boristheblade209]

Hell yeah brother

[@neilmellon100]

I am thinking of a stage one remap on my mark 5 gti. Just to give it a wee bit more kick.

[@alexking8579]

Neil Mellon apr is good

[@davidking2528]

I loved my Edition 30 and generally still miss it now when I sold it 5 years ago. I got an edition 35 to replace it and although it’s better in every way it’s lost some of its sole. The edition 35 feels less mechanical. That’s also been sold now as well. Got myself a small up GTI and can honestly say it’s as much fun as my edition 30 was.

[@lukerodgers2713]

Could you do a piece on the 9n3 polo GTi? I've had mine for almost 6 years and I often think it is one of the most overlooked gti's bcos it rang along side the mk5 golf GTi. The 9n3 GTi was only produced for 3 years 2006-2009 and used the awesome 1.8t 20v. It would be much appreciated 👍

[@stevehulbert]

Great Video as always Andrew, I've owned my Edition30 since it was just 14 months old and now over 11 years later and 90k miles, I cannot bear to sell it, such a great Car and With its stage 2 RTech and DSG mapping makes for a very quick and fantastic alrounder. I've spends 1000's on mine to keeping it looking Mint I also have the Mk7.5 GTE which you know I also think its probably the best all rounder version Golf which ticks the other boxes which the eddy doesnt lol. Keep up the Great Work as always Andrew. Hope to catch you at one of the shows in 2020 👍

[@Diminish12]

Interesting, I've had my MK5 GTI for 12yrs 90k miles also. And last week I purchased the MK7.5 GTI. I'm in the same boat. I know I should sell it, but my MK5 has been solid and still a joy to get in and drive.

[@itsallinthewrists4251]

Great comparison video. Im just about to go out and give my mk5 a clean. I bought a 2009 standard 3 door dsg with 63k miles on it and full service history. Its got Black heated leather seats, sunroof, autolights, AC, skirts that say gti in the doors. Its a minter! I love driving it. I do miss my VR6 sometimes but this is the best car ive driven.

[@ianchambers2731]

Brought back memories of my '57 Mk5 GTi in blue graphite (best colour to show up the extra little GTi touches!) I did about 50k in mine before selling it on at 80k. I'd add that the ignition coil packs are a bit fragile (standard VW fare at the time I think), and seemed to guarantee to pop one if you stalled the engine - happened to me twice!

[@volkswizard]

Hi Ian, the coil packs seem to have settled down now thankfully but back in 2009 ish I sold a Mk5 GTI and buyer stopped at services on way home and coil nearly set fire to the car, melting the loom. Can only assume pressure washing did it. There is a water deflector collar around oil filter neck that often falls down and right underneath it is a coil. I always refit this (never in place) and avoid the area when cleaning.

[@ianchambers2731]

Hope the customer had a sense of humour! 😀 Mine always seemed to be directly caused by stalling the engine... once when a pedestrian ran out in front of me from between parked cars and I jammed on the anchors (he didnt quite make the windscreen but got halfway up the bonnet), the other time was....erm....operator error! Great car though - mine had leather, though i craved tartan. It also had an iPod dock which worked, though required an adapter to get charge for a newer iPod, and the iPod often jumped out going over bumps - lifting the lid of the armrest and shoving it back down became automatic!

[@duncanhembury3401]

Great video. I have owned 3 Mk5 GTIs and they were all amazing. Moved onto a Mk7.5 GTI Performance now which is more capable but still the Mk5 is my favourite car. Not everyone gets why they are so good which I always liked. Just brilliant cars.

[@neilmellon100]

I just bought a 2005 mark 5 GTI. Honesty I totally love it. Had to spend a few quid getting her serviced etc but now its driving beautifully.

[@1known2]

Love your passion for the mk5 ! Brilliant !

[@castin5244]

Just bought mine for $3,300 with 118,000 miles here in the states. Best price for the performance and comfort you can get in my opinion.

[@allseeing357]

A mint, low mile stage 1 ED30 3 door is still on my bucket list! I had a Tornado Red 3 door as a hire car when they first came out for about a week...I was fairly young at the time so I was like a pig in ****! Even now that basic car still stands as one of my all time best to drive cars. I heard an interesting story that the cost of developing the independent rear suspension for the Mk5 cost more than the entire development of the Mk4....kind of explained the quality drop as they definitely weren't as well made as the Mk4. However it drove so much better who could complain!

[@ConorBurrow]

I loved my MK3 it wasn’t a dark day at all! It introduced the bulletproof 16v ABF and the VR6!!

[@terrificspokesman7416]

He means that when the mk3 gti when it was was launched it was heavier and felt more dull than the mk2 but the mk3 was a more comfortable car. People also don't like the mk4 so the MK5 is the best of both worlds

[@morganneedham155]

Thank you for finally covering the mk5!! I have a silver 4 door with 71,000kms on it and its just perfect. Awesome video mate :))

[@SPIKE-0000]

Loved this review from start to finish..MK5's are the mutts nuts..inside and out. Looked after versions..they still look new/modern today and blend right in with the MK6/MK7 on the road....Also..I'm glad you pointed out the Pirelli-Edition..love the trim in them with the suede tyre-tread-print seats, with yellow piping..so nice. Also..a good one to own is the MK5 GT-170's with the R32-style grill..(but colour-coded to the car)..They had various luxuries..depending on what you went for..(they also did a 140 version which was identical apart from it it didn't have twin exhausts sticking out like on the 170 version)..They look good..drive well..and sensibly tuned to around 210/220 bhp can dish out some serious torque when mated with a Wavetrac-Diff to keep it on the straights and plant the power to the tarmac....Some even have a GTI-Kit thrown on them for an all-round performance/economy/looks car....

[@daleboyles3805]

Proud owner of a GT-140 with 125k miles on the clock - runs perfectly, mint inside and out and is quick enough to satisfy til I turn 25 and can insure a GTI. Will be keeping the 140 regardless and mapping it as you mentioned - manual @ 220bhp sounds great.

[@SPIKE-0000]

@@daleboyles3805 Yes buddy..220bhp for most on the road..especially a beefed-up GT-170/140 with a strengthened diff to plant the power to the tarmac and keep you on the straights and avoid torque-steer is more than adequate. The 2006/2012 Leon FR's are also a good choice....

[@brianrowe5125]

An excellent video as ever Andrew. You mentioned having to apply to VW UK for numbered plaques for Edition 30's...…. If I remember correctly this was a big issue back in the day because there were a significant number of enthusiasts 'upgrading' from Mk4 Anniversary's (that came with numbered plaques) to Ed30's, and it was seen as scandalous that paying £22k+ for a special edition Golf Gti didn't even get you an exclusively numbered plaque!

[@sheldonm3535]

I think MK5 GTi is best bang for buck. For me my favorite is the MK7. I have a 2016 with performance pack. I like it bc it has hydraulic E brake. No blind spot or none sense. Golf R brakes, Diff, and 10hp extra. The extra hp I don’t care as I have a Cobb tune but the diff is totally worth it. Yes I know the newer 7.5 comes with PP standard. But I feel my 2016 is more pure than 7.5. Yes my 2016 had apple car play and USB stock. Under the armrest there’s a cig light too. Really love my GTi. It’s in beautiful night blue metallic over black leather. I added the Cobb tune 1, Dogbone insert, 034 solid rear sway bar and superpro end links. I also removed the snow catcher in the air box and dropped in a K&N. Lastly I went with wider tires all around BFG Comp 2 235 instead of 225. What a difference! It’s a sleeper. I love it and many ppl get surprised. Lmao! Imo GTi all need OEM mud flaps. Helps so much esp if you drive in the winter. Keeps the car cleaner and prevents the paint chipped.

[@jamesrichardson4604]

Still prefer my mk4 golf gti,owned for 16years. Modified to 300bhp hybrid turbo and imaculate inside and out. I'm always getting compliments on it.

[@pheasantpluckersson2138]

I owned a 2006 Dsg Mk5 Gti,5 door, really nice car, it was ordered from Denmark new ( for tax reason maybe?) and came with every single factory option on it! God knows how much it cost the original owner! Xenons, sunroof, nav, 18 inch diamond cut Monza’s, cruise control, reverse sensors, blue tint glass, auto lights and wipers, full leather, Highline dash, multi function steering wheel Was a superb car to own and drive and cheap to buy and run, was proper fast once it was mapped by Amd and had a Miltek fitted

[@malcolmscott4150]

Excellent video Andrew - the mk5 my favourite yet suffers in Australia from DSG, headlight fading and power loss ECU issues that prompted a local recall post a fatal incident on a Melbourne freeway when a semi rear ended a car that suddenly lost power - my sister in law has a 2010 Audi A3 1.8 DSG and second gear shudder annoying (from 5 years old) otherwise brilliant car with S line pack and now close to 200,000 kilometres with same GTI exhaust barp - plush ride compared to my RS265 :)

[@Diminish12]

The most common AC issue on the MK5 was the solenoid in the compressor. Shops would replace the the whole pump when its usually the solenoid for only $40-$60. I had to do it on my MK5 when they told me it was the Compressor, I went evacuated the Freon, the replaced the solenoid from under the car. You don't have to remove the compressor. Just undo the radiator fans, in order to pull the solenoid out from the bottom of the car. Once replaced I refilled with AC haven't had any issues since. other people seemed to have had the same issue, not the compressor but the solenoid was the issue.

[@mz5956]

There should be an auxiliary port in your glove compartment near your owners manual (push the CD button to access it)

[@timothymertenton6981]

I still have my mk5 GTI Dsg 138000km apr stage 1 and catless downpipe it hasn't missed a beat since day1.

[@FriendlyNeighborhoodCrow]

I'm getting a Mk6 GTI in about 4 month's not realy much that changes the GTI is just a great car to own and drive so i can't wait to finally drive my new ride :)

[@joeboe998]

The no.1 problem the Diverted valve power drops off, £40 to £50 and 20 to 30 mins to fit no problem . The rubber seal perishes and lack of boost ,go with the Rev. D piston type more reliable and the bwa engine is the stronger one to go for. Luv my GTI 9 years now and still going strong

[@DarrenJMHughes]

Nice review as always. My mk5 gti is currently in the bodyshop because of the front wings rusting. Hopefully get it back Wednesday. One thing you forgot to mention was that the earlier cars had blue glass.

[@-Dash-]

Great video for a prospective buyer... I have had MK1,2,3,4 (still have a 1992 oak green MK2 16v locked up in the garage) but not had a MK5...

[@ramarakeshv]

Id love to see ur mk2 16v sir

[@pininprestatyn]

What an excellent buying guide and review. Straight to the point and informative. I’ve had my mk5 now for a year and love it. I do wish I’d opted for the edition 30 sometimes but I enjoy the standard car still. I have had mine remapped by Revo to approx. 275 BHP and it transformed how it feels. It’s savage. I’d love to fit an LSD in the future as traction can be a struggle!

[@alistairpowers8129]

Yes, I had a Tornado Red GTI with DSG and can honestly say it was one of the best cars I have owned

[@TheChazas]

Would love to see Mk6 GTI / 35 Edition video, maybe even R. Great review.

[@sixsilverstringsguitars8998]

I remember in 2005 I worked for a VW dealer and one evening realised that the pre launch GTI wasn’t going home with anyone so grabbed the keys and took it for the evening ... I was astonished at how much better it drove than the Mk4 ... such fun at the time ..... will be interesting to see where clean low mileage examples of these go in terms of value now ...

[@MrElectricSkittles]

I remapped my mk5 GTi yesterday and it is a completely different animal.. absolutely beautiful delivery of power across the revs.. the pick up on 4th and 5th is astonishing

[@Tefloncoated]

Great video once again. I prefer the seats on the mk5 to the new golf r which is crazy when my GTI was 13 years old.

[@sunsetgarage755]

I love these little things. Here in Australia we don’t get the rust problems, but the trade off was that the interiors tend to suffer more, some of the plastics can literally melt themselves to pieces due to the higher temperatures here. they were quite expensive when new, & have held their value quite well as the build quality of the body keeps these cars looking good in mild climates. We also never got the ED30. We did get the Pirelli, but only in DSG unfortunately. I’ve had a few of these & currently working on 2 manual 3DR’s (no sunroof) which is my preferred body style & spec. Just need to finish off the Pirelli engine conversion to the track car. Definitely a future classic.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks for the feedback from Aus! Weird how you got Pirelli DSG and Japan did too - would love to import one but can't risk the DSG box being ruined from stop start traffic when it arrives here - zero comeback even if misdescribed so looks like it's rust for me then!

[@stuartcampbell4414]

Or buy a GTI and get a k04 turbo put in and some other hardware,intercooler,downpipes and a stage 2 and you will notice a big difference

[@scottchampion3511]

Love the mk5. I have a mk7 gtd just because of the amount of motorway miles I do. I’m very tempted to get a mk5 gti as a weekend car for pure fun driving 😅

[@MSPstance]

sounds like a smart plan ;) my daily is a mk7 GTD aswell , and i have a Mk5 GTI Dsg stage 2 for shits and giggles ( running right below 300hp )

[@inbloom08]

Love my 2008 mk5. Tornado red, manual and stage 2+ tuned. Mine has a aux input from factory though, they must have added it later in the model cycle.

[@volkswizard]

Last of Mk5 has AUX IN as per Edition 30 in the vid

[@inbloom08]

@@volkswizard Oh cool, thanks for the clarification. Wish we got manual edition 30s or pirellis in Australia, only thing that stopped me from getting one was that I didn't want to deal with the DSG. Love your vids mate keep up the great content!

[@aaronblack2897]

Had an edition 30, was a fantastic car. Now have a PP mk7 DSG and I can't wait to get rid of it, way too much computer intervention and find the DSG so frustrating.

[@nemtizz]

Care to expand a little on both of your last points? Genuinely curious. Cheers!

[@aaronblack2897]

With the dynamic chassis control it feels like the composure of the car is constantly changing, suspension is changing as is steering weighting. The front radar intervenes far too often. The windscreen based sound maker is just stupid and makes it sound like you're driving around in a computer game. The DSG hunts about for gears the whole time and the interaction between throttle pedal and gearbox response is frustrating, particularly the click in the pedal at the end of the travel.

[@justinevans1894]

@@aaronblack2897 Aaron you can unplug the soundactuator very easily, just take off the plastic cowl below the windscreen and its under there.. I did on my R and its miles better. Stops all the rattles and resonance as well. 15 minute job.

[@jasonjuggler3457]

@@aaronblack2897 all your problems can be changed with a decent mapper to plug a computer into it and turn all the crap off, dsg remap and as said 15 mins under the hood to unplug the fake sound crap

[@s9523pink]

My MK 5 GTI, has a lot of the same appointments as that edition 30, down to the leather bound driver’s manual...it’s tornado red and identical looking to the track model you ran. It has a front lip like the edition 30, but the side panel sills are different at the back. I had it tuned to APR Stage 1 with a German cold air intake from ECS Tuning. When I bought it from the dealer, they said it was a 2006.5, and that they hadn’t ever, at that time, seen another one quite like it, stock. It has the Wolfsburg certification, built in Germany. I’m in the USA. What are your thoughts, Volkswizard?

[@phil3038]

I have a 3 door mk5 Gti and what a car it is. For 3.5k I got a tastefully modified car with the R32 bumpers, side skirts and brakes, bilstein supsension, 19 inch alloys, stage 2 remap, 3 inch exhaust and cold air intake. The only gripe I have is the wheels are slightly too wide on the rear and rub over bumps with passengers in the back. The next mod I want is to fit an LSD and any othet chassis upgrades to improve handling. Any advice from all the GTI Lovers would be welcomed.

[@IgorBagayev]

Can you tell how hard is it to prepare the car for track days? I mean is it possible to do the wheel angles alignment, especially on McPherson struts. How hard it is to install harnesses? Is it possible to add an LSD into the DSG, or better to go with the manual? Is it enough to get performance brake liquid and pads (like EBC or Hawk) or should I swap the whole system for a bigger one? And all the other stuff, you know ))

[@JakobusVdL]

Great review Andrew, down here in New Zealand the Mk5 Gti is a really popular used import from Japan. I got my 2008 model 8 years ago with 20,000km's on it, and its been a joy to own and drive ever since. It's just over 100,000km now and I can't see a reason to replace it. It drives beautifully, still looks great (apart from stonechips on the bonnet and front wings) and people like yourself tell me the Mk6 and 7 aren't any better to drive. I'll just put a fraction of the money I'd drop on trading up into a re-map, and a front end respray ;-)

[@volkswizard]

Hey JakobusVdL! Funnily enough I bought a black 3 door Edition 30 for a friend that was original NZ registered, the owner was from UK and came back home with the car. Lovely and rust free but looked odd when she advertised it as had the Monza wheels in black with polished edges which as correct but not for UK, when said NZ it all made sense. Also covered in radar detectors and speed conversion was not very good but otherwise it was identical to UK and unlike Japanese cars, I could read the history. You can see it hear (on different wheels) kzbin.info/www/bejne/naS5l56Cl7Z8eK8 Seeing as your cars don't rust as readily I'd definitely invest in your Mk5 as it could last forever with good servicing. Enjoy it 👍

[@JakobusVdL]

Cheers@@volkswizard, thanks for the sound advice. We're lucky to have a couple of independent VW specialists here in Christchurch, so my car is well maintained and its not too expensive either. The person who imported the Edition 30 must have loved it. Used car prices in NZ are so much higher than in the UK. They could probably have sold it here, picked up a very good replacement in the UK and still have cash in hand. This might be a dumb question, but when you talk about not being able to 'read the history' of a Japanese , is that just the hard copy documentation (in Japanese) or are electronics in the car somehow different?

[@JakobusVdL]

One more thing@@volkswizard........ as I'm thinking about keeping my Mk5 long term, I'm wondering about refreshing the suspension. Do you have a video on that topic, or what would your advice be on when a refresh is necessary, which components will need replacement (bushings, arms, springs, dampers, etc), and if I wanted better road holding, but without worse ride and noise, what VW or aftermarket suspension kits would you recommend?

[@markr5132]

Awesome channel, a youtube that gives his valuable and experienced knowledge actually acts like an adult and loves GTI's!! What could be better!! For the record, I bought a 1984 MK1 GTI new and owned a MK5 Fahrenheit Edition for years and loved them both. Hands down I think the MK5 is the best looking and best GTI for the money and best for value for a fun driving car you could even do track time with.

[@NB_NB_NB]

The prices of the Eddies are still strong, around 6k for a good one. Add an extra 1k for Candy White! I test drove a standard GTI but was underwhelmed, however the Eddies pull much harder.

[@danl4252]

Tempted to get one of these next. I’ve got a MK4 ‘GTI’ at the moment and the 2.0 8V engine in it which I know is probably the worst of a bad bunch. Like the car but mainly just got it as a workhorse and a bit of a project until I get a bit older and my insurance goes down a bit, then might starting looking at the MK5s. I’d have to have a 3door though. Definitely like the idea of a MK5. The good ones seem to be creeping up in value now though. I think the MK5 is probably the drivers car of choice. The MK4 seems to be purely set up for comfort, a bit of tank in all honesty. I do really love it but I’ve been In a MK5 as well and the chassis in them is leaps and bounds ahead. Good video and tips for future!

[@daleboyles3805]

Dan L Mk5 insurance will be cheaper than your mk4... I’d advise you go to a comparison website and get a quote - I’m 22 and have had my mk5 since I was 20, cheaper than my mk4 before that and similar in price to my mk1 ford KA (first car)

[@danl4252]

Dale Boyles seriously? That’s ok then. I might check it out as I’m due for renewal In February. Will see what they can do

[@stevenclarke2192]

Probably the best vid yet, was thinking about getting a mk6R just because of the rarity value but I think an ed 30 is the way to go and than a stage 1. Keep my r32 as stock daily driver

[@The-Audi-driver]

My Quattro Audi has the 2.0tfsi BWA engine, sounds ok in sport. the seats are excellent, Alcantara with leather edges and electric back support.

[@rupesh.nz0613]

Really enjoyed how this video went over all the little differences between stock models that most people wouldn't really care about or notice.

[@xlvke194]

First minute of the video already disagree on the "dark days" the mk4 r32 and gti 25th anniversary imo still look amazing even by today's standards

[@lovevwltd7114]

Great video, look forward to more. I’m a massive fan of the mk5, I have four at this point in time.

[@russ6362]

Front wings are prone to rusting under the wheel arch. Luckily had mine replaced by VW under warranty but it's a common fault

[@TRiBaL1981]

There is an updated tensioner for the mk6 TSI which fixes the problem if you relpace it early on. Other than that it is a better engine in every way

[@volkswizard]

Agreed and thanks for your comment

[@tractor453]

One thing to add about the edition 30 , is that the engine is part forged it has bigger rods bigger engine bearings too over the gti standard :) other than that perfect 👌

[@shaunwells251]

good review.I own mk5 2009 pirelli,i've had stage one remap it now pushing 330bhp and its insane.......

[@darrenlaville4993]

The mk5's also came with the optional extra of wing back bucket seats.

[@jameslove888]

Darren laville yeah I have them in mine. Pretty rare to come across. More common in the R32. The GTI only had them available for a limited time.

[@ianchorne8129]

Europeans get all the cool stuff

[@darrenlaville4993]

James Love we have 2 gti mk5's both in silver. One with leather and one with tartan. I would love to have the bucket seats but I can't justify spending nearly £2000, and that's for a second hand set.

[@jameslove888]

Darren laville yeah it’s shocking how much they sell for. They were expensive at the time. Around an £1800 option iirc. I have the build sheet somewhere for the car with the exact price.

[@jays9213]

I love my ED30, running stage 1 revo and surprises a lot of faster cars...soon Stage 2+ with Rtech, can't wait for that 😀

[@petelikesstuff]

Loved the overview. The mk5’s are fantastic value for money. Had a manual GTI mk5, DSG GTI mk6 and DSG ea113 Jetta and they were all very fun to drive. Current VAG is a R36 Passat and will probably go a mk7 R next, but I’d love to one day add an Ed30/Pirelli to the stable - no room for another car. :(

[@Ep3homda]

What's better the mk5 gti 3 door or 5 door

[@Negativvv]

Still worth getting one in 2023? It'll be my main car but mostly for weekends, shopping trips and family days out. My other big choice is a Honda CRV 2.0 of some description. I'm relatively handy mechanically and would be happy to do oil changes, brake overhauls, and I have OBD tools available. Also DSG or auto? Most of my driving would be on the open road. I'm not actually that fussed about performance anymore, guess I should go drive both...

[@volkswizard]

CRV is an SUV so a totally different car. It's good that you are hands on and can enjoy the open road so go for the Golf. Loads of support online and parts are still easy to come by.

[@Negativvv]

Yes I'm getting on a bit and think maybe a crappy SUV would be better for family duties. However I was brought up in the era where we made do with whatever car the family had so I was shipped around in various cramped 3 door things! Mileage much to worry about? I'll likely only be doing 5k miles a year if that even.

[@marcvanweert85]

Fantastic video. I had a 2005 seat leon tfsi which I think had slightly less power but was a brilliant car.

[@andymitchell368]

My first car mk1 scirocco storm my second mk1 golf gti campaign 3rd mk2 golf gti 16v well you get the picture

[@kumstar28]

Best In detail vid of the mk5 gti👌🏽

I want to swap the standard BBS wheels on my edition 30 for some VMR 701. I've got the S3 big brake upgrade so I have a huge drilled disc and I intend the take the calipers off and spray them up red. Anyway I love my edition 30.

[@jasonjuggler3457]

What do think of the astra H vxrs? your review is making me want a golf gti now but they do command a higher price for one that's in better than usual condition.

[@garymitten]

Seems like you're the man to ask ... I have a lovely black GTi that I've looked after and really enjoy driving to work via b roads. However am very tempted to go for a stage 1 rather than changing the car. What are your thoughts on this? My main concern I guess would be stressing other parts of the car and fuel consumption. Thanks in advance

[@volkswizard]

Hey Gary. If it's a Mk5 GTI then it's an old car so might not be the best idea to remap it so late in its life but if you are prepared for issues then go for it as they do respond well although I'd keep a normal GTI standard and remap an Ed30 as these are designed for it. I wouldn't worry about mpg as it may even improve as long as you don't use the extra power too often as more speed equals more fuel, there is no getting away from that and Edition 30 is pretty bad standard as are all the bigger power 2.0 TFSI engines (Scirocco R, TTS, S3 etc). Just make sure you get a proper map from a proper tuner like R Tech or MRC. You ask them to make it boost gently but pull stronger further up which is better on an older car. You must keep it serviced impeccably (5k mile oil changes recommended) and run on min 97 RON fuel (this is wise on a standard car anyway as you won't be getting full performance without it). HTH

[@garymitten]

@@volkswizard thank you that is really helpful - I'm going to keep it standard - get a service and perhaps some nice new tyres 😎👍

[@riccccccardo]

I owned mk4 FYI for 8 years decent cat not the fastest but loverly on the motorway cruiser.

[@ingopaul67]

Your knowledge on VWs is astounding, always great videos.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Paul, you are too kind 🤗

[@paulsheather7657]

I prefer the tartan I have a MK5 GTi. with a DSG and it has 180ks on it and has been great.

[@shifty277]

Great knowledge as always - love you calm presenting style in which I have said many times in other videos you have done. Despite making this over a year ago i'm just now coming across it and getting up to date with other videos I haven't yet watched on your channel. Please keep the enthusiasm and content coming - you are onto something here with the VW group content sharing your knowledge and thoughts on the cars. Thumbs up.

[@marlonbaird6070]

I have mk5 estate 2.0tfsi here in New Zealand basically a longer GTI without the bumpers and seats

[@suvvx900]

Comprehensive knowledge on a great car. With a few modifications this car is a true modern classic. My 57 plate DSG is stage 2 tuned by Rtech, completely standard on the outside and surprises a lot of newer stuff out there. Looking to track it this year, what would you recommend as a brake upgrade?

[@berniejaw6552]

Thanks Andrew great review. Since you still have this mk5 Gti and you have also tested the mk5 R32, would you be able to give me some advise? I currently own a mint condition stock 08 Mk5 Dsg Gti. I enjoy it but thinking of selling it and buy a mk5 R32. My plan is to use as daily for 1 to 2 years initially then keep it for weekend use till i hope becomes future classic. A few people i talked to advised me against R32 coz issues with timing chain, uses more mpg, less practical. What is your take? Would you sell the gti for R32? thanks

[@volkswizard]

No way, GTI all the way!

[@rabross4703]

Great video...best GTi ever made..traded mine for a minter Mk7...worst mistake ever

[@Corsa15DT]

The MK5 Golf is not behind anny new car in any department. But it is better than some.

[@charlie5273]

Just a quick question Andrew, have you ever had a vw radar sensor fail on any car you’ve had in stock or owned before? My 2015 golf says stop start error and the adaptive cruise control does not work, just wondering if you’ve ever had this problem? Cheers

[@super_slav91]

mk 5 R32 is my favorite Golf. FK10 tyres are amazing. There are cars with fabric seats and are heated. not unique to leather which is great because I hate leather.

[@jondonnelly3]

The skirts and bottom part of rear bumper let the red one down, needs to be body color and thats not a cheap fix or easy to match the red.

[@none-qq9lg]

What's the difference between the AXX and the BWA engine?, looking online it appears the AXX is weaker?

[@benh8944]

I test drove a 56 plate with 67000 miles yesterday. When you turn the ignition on and you get service now appear, does that mean it will hold back power? While I drove it the only light it had was the tyre moniter symbol. It felt like the turbo wasn't kicking in at all when you floored it. It felt like it was in limp mode but without the lights. It idled OK before and after the test drive. The garage/dealership selling it have said they will do the cambelt and water pump change and will also check the turbo and maybe even fit a new 1. They have quite a few gti's in stock so hopefully they work on them often. I'm going to drive it again once the work has been done.

[@volkswizard]

Service light doesn't affect power nor does tyre light. If the garage are that good why are they presenting cars to customers with blatantly obvious faults? I'd personally run a mile

[@benh8944]

@@volkswizard They actually contacted me today and said the diverter valve was faulty. Now say it makes proper boost. I still had doubts but they have said I can have a years free warranty thrown in, as well as a service, cambelt and water pump change, mot, refurbed wheels and new disc/pads all round. They also said the pcv valve and cam follower will be checked and changed if required. I've said I'll want to drive it after all the work is done, if someone gets in before me so be it.

[@rootsmanuva82]

Very little difference between an MK5 and an MK6. Furthermore, very little difference between an MK6 and MK7. So by and large a 2005 GTI isn’t much different than a 2019 GTI. Of course electronics, infotainment and active safety features are very different. MQB is also a far superior chassis in many ways. But it’s basically the same car, interior and all. This goes to show how VW nailed the formula with the MK5.

[@darrencottrell5541]

Quality as per; all you need to know and more. Your enthusiasm and knowledge evident throughout. Now where do I get one from... 😉

[@Stryka365]

My neighbours I known since childhood own 2 of the 08 gti on their drive way way all blacked out looks badass

[@K33EEE]

Would you recommend upgrading from a gti to the edition 30 then ? Also how does it compare to the cupra?

[@danmoney9932]

Is the Audi A3 with the same engine just as good to drive? They seem to go for less and arguably the interior is nicer?

[@MsMicheal12345]

cambelt £350 I wish Andrew not where we live in Nottingham,and cambelt & water pump at VW was £540 fitted and I got a very pale stamp in the service book off them,one of those stamps with no ink on ,ghost stamp lol

[@pk-zx2vb]

Hi. Nice video...i have simple question... Gti or Audi a3 2.0tfsi SE quattro?? I did run a3 2.0tdi 170 manual and what a fantastic car...pulling like a train but it was SE so still very comfy even in 17's When i changed down to 16's 205/55 it was almost silent at 70mph😁 I drove mk5 golf with the 1.6fsi which is not a bad engine but i feel like the audi its just much better build and ofcourse it has bigger presence on the road with the large front grill... Its like 5k for nice Gti vs 4k for nice A3...i think this engine with the Quattro system must be much better in putting the power on tarmac right?

[@Danny-1875]

Love the Mk5 Gti! Ed30 stage 2+ is a great daily

[@Minicity-ew1bc]

I’ve owned my mk5 for several years now and easily the best car I’ve ever driven.

[@danielmason9484]

Great review The similarities to my polo GTi mk7 are uncanny! As a kid my uncle has a GTi Mk5 and it was my dream car deffo swayed my hand in buying one! Ps imo the tarten looks great!

[@kresa22]

Love your videos and of course beeing the vw fan I love seeing that notification in the morning 😊 I am subscribed only on two channels and your is one of them. If you ever go through Serbia, you have a call for coffee and sightseeing of Belgrade 😎 Cheers

[@deanheylen]

11:00 - the sill cover you mention that doesnt have a GTI logo on the original... well, I own a G5GTI and it does say GTI on my sill covers...

[@volkswizard]

I saw that on someone else's Mk5 GTI. They either took it off for 2006 MY or added it for 2007 MY, what year is your car Dean?

[@deanheylen]

@@volkswizard mine is also a 2007 model

[@SasanBehjat]

Great video Andrew! I'm deciding between a lovely Mk5 and a lovely slightly lower mileage MK6 with a couple of grand between them. In your opinion it worth the extra for a fun runabout/weekend car?

[@volkswizard]

Thanks! Just buy which is in the best condition with the best history and least modified. Mk5s are generally quite poor condition, Mk6s are younger and a bit better and they sold fewer so owners tend to be better. Apart from Mk5 Edition 30, I'd probably go for Mk6 if the spec was right, Bluetooth is non-existent on Mk5s for example!

[@sasanbehjat5821]

Thanks loads (I posted the question from a different profile by accident). That’s really helpful. I don’t mind very basic spec as long as condition is great and you are right great condition mk5s seem a rarity. To be fair to them they are anywhere up to up 18 years old!! Appreciate the info

[@peterb443]

Hi, My name is Peter I’m 69 years old and have been a VW fan and driver for as long as I can remember I’ve owned mk1 gti a mk2 gti a mk4 and my last golf was a 2003 V5 I bought the V5 in 2005 and had it for 10 years loved that car, watching your video’s on KZbin has got me wanting another gti maybe when this current crisis is over I’ll have to give you a call and see what you have as you seem to know all there is to know about them and I feel the gti’s you sell will be as good as they can be. Many thanks for posting your reviews 👍 Peter

[@volkswizard]

Hi Peter, thanks ever so much for commenting. Really great to hear from a long standing fan of he cars! Yes that would be great, drop me a line when the time comes and keep commenting, they all mean a lot. Thanks Andrew