Stage 2 MK7 GTI After 50,000 Miles | 2 Year Ownership Review VW GTI

[@tuffy11111]

I just bought a 2017 GTI SE with 22k miles about a month ago, and have been trying to watch videos like your to see how I can keep it running long-term.

[@FocusedGarage]

Stay up on oil changes with good fluid, if you have a DSG make sure you do the fluid service every 40,000 miles, and don't beat on it until the oil is warmed up. Those will all help to ensure longevity.

[@audieconrad8995]

10k on a oil change on ANY car is insane. Change every 5-6k on eurospec oil religiously. I have 106k on my '17 GTI with Unitronic stage-1+ tune added at 75k. Have never added a drop since new. Have used Valvoline exclusively.

[@FocusedGarage]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@allensimpson8533]

On topic with the RMS check the PCV. They are a common failure around 60k and if they fail it causes to much pressure and usually it pushes out the RMS first. It’s very easy to check and replace yourself. I replace mine every 50k for preventative maintenance.

[@FocusedGarage]

That is a great idea !

[@bluefire025]

I have the same car stock and I’m loving it. No issues. At 55k. I’m in the Chicago subs too. What are your thoughts on winter tires?

[@FocusedGarage]

If you can afford them, get them! Winter tires are sooo much better than all seasons in the snow. Highly recommended.

[@MLeung-vl7we]

Own pretty much the same car. 2016 S trim as CPO with 21k about 2.5 yrs ago. It has 47k now with no major problems. Avoided other trims just because of any potential leak from sunroof. Like you, changed Molly oil every 5k from FCP. Just did the front pads, waiting for parts to do the rear and brake fluid flush. DSG fluid is next on the list. Plan to keep it stock, no need to add more power since its plenty as a daily driver. On the day of test drive, it overheated. Coolant sprayed out so either a loose hose or burst hose. The coolant pump was just replaced. From time to time, I still have to add a little coolant and I do get a hint of coolant smell. Nothing obvious from the top of the engine. Just hoping there's a little seepage from a hose connection. CPO warranty from BMW, Mercedes, VW are pretty much the same. Failure has to be pretty obvious for them to step in. The interior is holding up well. No squeaking or rattling. I do hear from the cabin a faint thumping from front suspension on day one when going over rough roads. Dont know if its normal or maybe a loose strut mount or sway bar bushing. Aside from that, wonderful drive. Everytime I have it jacked up (rotating tires, brake job), I do spray silicon all over parts that are rubber to keep it from drying or cracking.

[@FocusedGarage]

Thank you for your honest ownership feedback on the vehicle!

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

I can attest that the factory VW pads dust like crazy

[@FocusedGarage]

Very dirty haha.

[@NORTEskXIV]

Have a mk7 gti now stock. Wanted to tune it and full bolt on. Wondering if it can be a good daily. Drive about 50 miles round trip for work and want to keep the life span of the car decent as well. Shkhld be good i think lol

[@FocusedGarage]

It will be perfectly fine to do that as long as you take care of the car and take proper precautions.

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

Guess the rear main leak is beneficial that I went with manual transmission haha. When I install the clutch I'll have to do the seal.

[@FocusedGarage]

Most people when doing a clutch upgrade the seal! It is a great idea.

[@nsbioy]

Mine has had a coolant leak from the thermostat and an oil leak from filter housing, both fixed under warranty. Now there is another oil leak from the oil sending unit, now it is on me. 25K miles in 4 years, bone-stock.

[@FocusedGarage]

The thermostat is a common failure for sure. Haven't heard much about the other leaks.

[@zues2013]

That’s Seepage and is normal Like they said a leak is actually leaking all the time Warranty is the same for l manufacturers ford Chevy vw As a tech I won’t touch it unless it’s dripping All will say the same thing to you Plus warranty pay is trash for techs they want you to go out of warranty so it’s cp(customer pay)=more in the dealer and techs pocket

[@FocusedGarage]

The fact that it is leaking onto the ground is what makes me feel it is an active leak and not just seeping. Either way, I do understand the dealer denying the claim. It is honestly what I expected to happen.

[@DamedFilms]

you voided your warranty the moment you tuned it..... you would not have gotten your free oil fix from them. They are very strict with warranty

[@FocusedGarage]

Your experience will vary greatly based on dealer.

[@rashenry4675]

Definitely varies. Both dealers in Atlanta allow us to tune. They are used to vw drivers doing things to their cars

[@buffalobill2965]

I had a Unitronic stg 1 performed at a VW dealer in Ky... yes they were an authorized unitronic dealer

[@beecnul8r]

Amazing. My VW dealer in SoCal refuses to install any after market parts or software! Fortunately, i found a dedicated VW/Audi shop that is extremely expert in all updates, repairs ,etc.

[@AndrewSu180]

What kind of "problems" could come up with a stage 1 ECU tune without a TCU tune?

[@FocusedGarage]

It all depends on the tuner, how the car is driven, and the overall build quality of your engine. You can blow up a totally stock car, or your big turbo car can run forever without issues. There are too many factors at play to say the car is promised to be trouble free or promised to give you issues.

[@screechy2011]

Can I ask what size wheel spacer u used for the neuspeed wheels ?

[@beecnul8r]

Yes, don't follow VW's 10,000 mile oil change! Go with 5,000 miles and your engine will be properly lubricated.

[@FocusedGarage]

Sounds about right.

[@ivdubgti]

Wait for leaking thermostat housing cam seals and valve cover. Its Covered under Factory Warranty. Under 60k

[@FocusedGarage]

Oddly enough, I've been waiting for the water pump to leak the entire time I've owned the car lol. Everybody always talks about how common it is for these to leak coolant but for some reason mine has not yet lol.

[@slayednpked1]

68k no issues

[@FocusedGarage]

That's great!

[@_Ezio__Auditore_]

EBC Red Stuff when you get to pads.

[@FocusedGarage]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Wtj491]

What width/offset/spacer are your running on that Neuspeed setup?

[@FocusedGarage]

The wheels are 18x8.5 ET45 with a 10mm spacer in the rear.

[@Wtj491]

@@FocusedGarage any rubbing issues?

[@FocusedGarage]

None whatsoever on stock height.

[@alang13]

I just bought a 2021 GTI SE which has Pirelli 245/40R18 tires. I'd like something a little bigger. What's the largest size the car could take?

[@FocusedGarage]

If staying with 18", you can do a 255/35/18.

[@beecnul8r]

Look upon Tire Rack. You can get all the sizes, etc.