Volkswagen Reliability... My Experience

Hopefully you guys enjoy the video!
Merchandise: DASDRIVEN.com
2019 Mk7.5 Golf R DSG:
IE Intake - bit.ly/3eIwdIT
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IE Intercooler - bit.ly/3MvsnBx
IE Stage 2 ECU + TCU Tune - bit.ly/3981RRa
Remus Catback - bit.ly/3H0GRIq
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[@NewEnglandPete]

Hey guys! Thanks for checking out the video. It’s super sweet reading all your comments about all of your experiences with these cars.

[@johnwjeromejr]

I have a 2016 Mk 7 Golf R (bought in 2015) that is APR Stage 2 tuned. There are zero drive-ability issues and zero reliability issues (since 2017) as the car drives as smoothly as stock but is much much faster. So go ahead and pull the trigger - you won't regret it. I keep the oil temperature readout visible at all times and always drive it very easy until it reaches full operating temperature.

[@unassailable6138]

Yes they are, Subaru WRXs however are a timebomb perpetual

[@Letsgetitgointlilcuz]

@@unassailable6138elaborate please

[@9847tristan]

My first car was a 2003 VR6 Gli. Let’s just say I was nervous to get into another VW after that experience but I’m glad that I did. This mk7 gti is something else. A simple tune gets you 280hp while still getting 30+ mpg. To me it is the greatest daily driver you can get

[@d3vilscry666]

Did the tune make it less reliability?

[@ianm5814]

Great video. Don’t forget to turn your mirror heating off before the glass falls out. It’s a common problem 😁

[@NewEnglandPete]

I have the best viewers in the world ❤️

[@Nate-bm8vk]

Good to know lol😀

[@garrettnethery3991]

This is great news to know! Just got a mk7 gti last week n I definitely would’ve been missing a mirror soon if I didn’t see it lol

[@hamididdy]

Sick of my 15 mk7 gti. Constant issues after 80k miles. Original owner and kept up with literally everything and she still has issues. Coolant leak, belts, oil leaks, sunroof leaks, electric steering shuts off randomly, fuel pump, o2 sensor, rear brake issues and probably other shit I can't remember.

[@bucknut2000]

I got a 2015 also. I think that year is really inconsistent. Ive heard a lot of stories including a friend with a similar story as yours. He had leaks, a turbo replacement, and it rattles like hell. But for me I got a 2015 GTI SE manual an I got 221K miles., and I think its built like a vault, original turbo, barely squaks, etc... I did replace the water pump and timing chain though at about 200K.

[@GregLopes]

I have a 2016 Golf R, APR stage 1. I've had no real issues with my car. The only problems I've had has been with the quality of maintenance and VW service technicians in the USA. I do as much as I can at home, but the few times I've had to go to a VW dealer for service, it's almost always been a disappointing experience. Several times I've had to go back to correct mistakes made by the dealer. But, the car itself has been great.

[@joetrebuchet4381]

I feel this on a spiritual level

[@NewEnglandPete]

Great point! I always forget to cover this, but VW dealers are simply the WORST.

[@CoyCaughy]

I have a very good VW dealer near me butttt I haven't brought it in for any major issues yet

[@timmiekat6072]

It´s a US thing apprantly here in europe people love volkswagens drive them for hundreds of thousands of miles and dealer maintain them for much better prices and apparantly better quality maintenance. But VW´s are good cars just need good mechanics to work on them that know how to work on them and they will serve you well without being extremely costly

[@carlosmonroys3515]

​​​@@timmiekat6072same on mexico Never had major problems with VW... And people love VWs

[@savagepandaprojects]

Remus sounds killer man! Love the MQB platform. Very tunable & very reliable! Running APR stage 3 IS38 on the A3 it's been rock solid 💪

[@NewEnglandPete]

Yessir! Nothing beats MQB!

[@hu5kyy280]

I’ve had my MK7 GLI for about a year and a half now and it’s been surprisingly reliable. Only issue I had was at about 8000 miles, where my gas door was stuck closed. Was in a bit of a pickle as I had only 5 miles of range and the service center was 12 miles away, but I somehow made it without running out of gas. Learned my lesson there haha. But yeah, it was a warranty fix so I didn’t pay a penny. Other than that, at 10,000 miles now with other no issues and I absolutely love it. Currently Stage 1 Cobb, but recently got a CTS catted downpipe and going Stratified E30 Stage 2!

[@Plupx]

I'm looking to go e30, let me know how you like it ! thanks :D

[@NewEnglandPete]

Hell yeah! Quite the setup. With proper maintenance, you will be on the roads for years to come.

[@Dcc357]

Here in Arizona, the coolant temp is already 200 degrees in less than 1 mile from my house, and that's with like 30 seconds of idling before leaving. Water cooled exhaust manifold really helps get that engine hot faster. When the temperature becomes like 95+ outside, the coolant thermostat opens more and my oil temps are about 10-15 degrees cooler than on a cooler day. Never seen a car behave that way for cooling.

[@Spccain]

I had a 2011 GTI 6sp manual. Now I own a 2021 GTI SE DSG. I love it! My 2011 had a few problems. Oil leak, coolant smell, misfiring. But it never ever broke down on me

[@jeschr3462]

Skip to 3:30 for his experiences.

[@mattalki]

I've had a mk4 Golf TDI and a mk7 Golf TDI. Both have been very reliable. I bought the mk4 new in 2001 and drove it until 2019 when I bought the mk7. I put 400K miles on it. It still had the original engine, transmission, and turbo. It had various bits that had worn out (alternator, AC compressor, etc), but overall it was built like a tank. I bought the 2015 mk7 in 2019 with 43K miles on it, and it now has 102K. So far it's also been very reliable, though the sunroof has been a pain in the rear. I've found that they are very reliable.

[@Catgat37]

Good to know these things.

[@Steve-on6fu]

I’ve owned 4 vdubs. My 2004 Passat W8 wagon was by far my favorite. Unfortunately, it had an inherent flaw in the engine and it needed cam adjusters and timing gears, chain’s tensioners etc. My MKVI TDI was probably the most reliable car I’ve ever owned. If you take care of them VW’s are as reliable as other cars. IMO

[@kevincarlson668]

I just have an old man's '18 1.8 TSI and it's still enough to draw the po po.I used to buy Saabs(last was an Aero).Since that marque's death it seems all Golfs are just as ballsy,though.Both VW's have been flawless,and I don't feel like I gave up anything.

[@3for4PA]

🤗 You too....I had a 9/5 AERO til my EX destroyed it 😩

[@kevincarlson668]

@@3for4PA That's great you had an Aero too,though.I'm loathe to say it but mine destroyed itself soon before the company itself did.I didn't need an ex.What year's your Golf?

[@nicka8718]

Currently, I have a 2010 MK6 GTI running APR Stage 1. 121,000 miles, I've put about 6,000-7,000 miles on the car. Its a great car, makes power, extremely fun, handles great. The reliability is... ok. Timing chain cost me $1400, rear main seal cost me $800. Other people will probably have different experiences than me since the owner before me beat the shit out of the car and never took care of it. Its a fantastic car though and I wouldn't change anything if I were to do it again. For my next car, I'm seriously considering a MK7 or MK7.5 in manual. The DSG is fine, but does get boring.

[@NewEnglandPete]

Thanks for the input! I have been scoping out some Mk6 GTI's on the market. What a bargain!

[@TheAngelChristine]

I don’t know why but his voice is just so nice to listen to. I might get a golf car too so I was nervous about it breaking from bad news

[@NewEnglandPete]

Appreciate it! 😎

[@Hernsama]

I’m tired of these noobs thinking 60k,80k even 120k as a car that has a lot of miles. Those are rookie numbers here. I’ll let 160k slide but anything less please don’t talk about reliability. I want to see numbers in the 200k+ range

[@M20AFKS]

trueeee !

[@ReviewedByAndy]

My MK7R has had some stupid problems but I still think overall it’s a good platform. In 58k miles it’s gone through two water pumps and a rear diff.

[@dimitrisfilopoulos10]

I got the 2018 MK7.5 R, with the APR Stage one tune. It truly is a beast of a car now 😅

[@NewEnglandPete]

She must FLY!

[@1UpQuest]

I have a Toyota Corolla and I’ve been thinking of getting a GTI 2019. I’ve heard some people tell me that the reliability in these cars are bad. So, since you have been owning this car for a long time should I be scared to get one? Also I won’t be adding mods or anything like that. Any advice would help really.

[@Pika_Gabe]

I've been debating between a mk7 GTI and the mk6 R. I had a mk6 GTI and I absolutely loved it! But I was T-boned so now I need a new daily driver. The good news is that I can now do plenty of research to find out what I really want since I wasn't really into cars when I bought my mk6. Everyone I find says different things, but it looks like the PCV valve, main rear seal, carbon buildup, sunroof leaks, and the Clutch on the MQ250 are some of the most mentioned issues. I'm certainly hoping I can get your kind of experience with these cars though!

[@davidb9477]

Was thinking about getting a gti and now you just convinced me even more good video man!! keep up the good work car sounds amazing

[@NewEnglandPete]

Thanks. I definitely recommend a GTI, such a beast.

[@Adreyan]

I just bought a 2016 gti with only 22k kms on it. Im so hyped to pick it up on Thursday

[@rugger8136]

I have an 18 GTI with about 27k miles on it. No real issues. Had 2015 Jetta SEL that I traded in for the GTI after 3 years and 40k miles, no issues. I'm debating trading my MK7.5 for the MK8, or buying it out when my lease is up.

[@NewEnglandPete]

Time will tell in your situation! But those Mk8’s are pretty sweet.

[@user-id3bg3kc3l]

I think the real question is: reliable compared to what?. The VAG group has gremlins issues with their electronics, and the cost of their service are a bit on the expensive side. So if you are coming from JDM Toyota, Honda, etc... you are going to have to adjust. There are more issues and usually it will cost more to fix and maintain the volkswagen. If you are coming from other german cars, you are gonna feel probably on par with them. As for american cars.... depends on what years... the older ones (90´s) the engines are pretty much bullet proof. As usual, there are trade offs. The germans have better paint, better interior, more modern electronics. The japanese are more spartans (unless you go lexus/acura). But it compensates in reliability.

[@brettpanzer]

i've had a 2019 alltrack dsg for 24k miles now and it's been great. no issues. i feel modern vw reliability was at its best from 2017-2019..

[@NewEnglandPete]

Yes sir! Such great vehicles.

[@chriskeegan8919]

What about my 2020 🥺 lol

[@AYouTubeChannelwithNoName]

@@chriskeegan8919 What about your 2020?

[@CT-zq3kz]

Man i grew up in CT, living in FL now. I DO NOT miss that snow lol

[@rwsteiner100]

My experience (2001 Jetta VR6) coolant problems, plastic deteriorates the coolant piping is all plastic. Same with the timing chain guides they break. Cam sensors fail. The window buttons fall out of the door on both I have owned 160Kmiles. All of the lower subframe bushings rotted out making the car drive weird. Love the 2.8L VR6 engine though sounds awsome. The interiors in this year car don't age well imo. (2012) VW GLI, tuned Stage 2 APR 93 octane tune, intake and down pipe. Ignition coils replaced three times 90kmiles, new clutch (standard maintenance._)) Had to replace the recirculating blow off valve for underboost codes replaced it with the all metal valve from the new 1.4 T engines. The intake manifold needed replaced because the first revision has an intake running selector tha that can easily be pulled out (probably by a mechanic) that throws under boost codes. Intake cakes up with deposits and needs blasted. Shift linkage (plastic) completed deteriorated into pieces making the car not shiftable. Have to completely remove the exhaust and heat shield to rebuild the shifter box. The interior in this vehicle aged much better than the MK3 Jetta. The head liners in both cars fell down around 40 or50K. Texas summers are apparently hard on the plastics. Also recommend ECS street shield to protect the oil pan. I loved both cars. The 2001 Jetta VR6 was the best riding car I have ever owned. The dude who designed it made a bunch of other successful cars and it shows in the MK3

[@Golfr2020]

You can opt for a tuning box. Now sitting on 330hp. Bluespark tuning box. I recommend it being my second one now.

[@ElberGalarga22]

So is this car reliable or not? 👀

[@RichardWebsterUK]

Just a thought about a video idea. I’ve only ever driven manual cars so how about a quick pov video on getting the best out of dag?

[@NewEnglandPete]

Great idea! Thanks Richard!

[@dcampb555]

My experience is very reliable, however I know that the smell of anti freeze means I have a well known coolant pump issue materializing.

[@rockyarchambeau5820]

Great video brother!! Spot on if you maintain,and take care of your Volkswagen it will take care of you maintenance is 🔑 key !! I have a beautiful 2012 GTI Autobahn 115k runs ,and drives like new only had to replace water pump ,and service transmission (new fluid ),change the oil ….

[@cristianrey4856]

I just got a 2015 Mk 7 Golf TSI super excited!! Can’t wait to start modding it

[@jackmcgowan]

Pete, you ought to try Bay rd. going from Durham just past the Irving, towards Newmarket. Gem of a road

[@NewEnglandPete]

I love that road! I have filmed a few recent videos on it too!

[@alejandrobeltran8052]

I know this isn’t a question you probably get a lot but would you recommend VW’s as daily drivers?

[@MUQR]

Absolutely

[@chrisgouger9299]

no

[@battlefild2148]

Do you get any drone with the Remus valves opened? If yes, does it drone when closed. Planning to also get a Remus Catback system, but not sure if I want to pay extra for it to be resonated. Thanks and love your content!

[@NewEnglandPete]

I love my Remus! Super aggressive, but can also be totally civil once the valves are closed. The resonator is not needed if you don’t want to put a downpipe in. The sound is very livable. Contact Michael with any exhaust inquiries... he can help you out! [e-mail]

[@nick-knock]

I just bought a mk7.5 GTI this summer and have always wondered about tuning it to stage 1. From your experience was it reliable at stage 1? I am an outside sales rep and drive roughly 100 miles a day, so I definitely value reliability, but I also love performance lol. So if the reliability is good I’d probably consider it someday. Any thoughts would be great!

[@Plupx]

Hey, I have a mk7 GTI and for what it's worth they're still very reliable once tuned. On your normal commute the tune won't affect much since it plays with turbo pressure. I've been stage 2 now on my mk7 for just over 20k miles and no issues at all, just got to keep up maintenance. I'd say go for the stage 1, best bang for buck in terms of performance upgrades on the mqb. Brings it from 220whp to around 280whp which is a whole lot of fun.

[@NewEnglandPete]

You are gonna love it! Stage 1 is the biggest performance bump, with stage 2 being more of a slight improvement over stage 1. Reliability will be based on if you keep up on your maintenance and don’t beat it up.

[@rdnyg99]

Good video bro!! My 2017 Audi A3 is my first Audi and it’s been very reliable. I’m at 60K miles now and other than 3 software-related recalls that Audi took care of no problem...I haven’t had any problems. Glad I took a chance on this MQB platform. The new MK VIII coming out makes me wanna go back to a GTI tho! Lol

[@NewEnglandPete]

Thanks! These cars are really reliable - so I expect nothing less. Keep motoring!

[@dadkis]

Hey! Like your video! Could you share more about the DCC experience with this car? How soft does it go? What setting you usually drive on? THX!

[@Ken888]

It's been about 3 months of ownership for me and the keyless entry keeps bugging out, doesn't want to work when the car is cold or if the outside temp is cold. I haven't taken it to the dealership yet but it's really annoying..

[@NewEnglandPete]

There is always one little issue. Hopefully that gets resolved!

[@petel6945]

Try a new key battery first.

[@Ken888]

@@petel6945 I have. I've tried every troubleshooting step aside from taking apart the front doors, unfortunately.

[@mrmiralg]

Bought a mk7 gti q1 2020. I LOVE this car. It came w a stage 2 tune among other things. I would like to upgrade the headlights to the 7.5 as well as a head unit that has android auto. Any tips?

[@micaiahreese]

I've been looking at a GTI for more power coming from a 2018 Mazda 3, only thing I was worried about was reliability and interior space. I've been hesitant lol. I gotta test drive one soon to know

[@RichardWebsterUK]

If I can’t find one with akroovic (however you say it) I’ll have to get one

[@ninjamonkey1]

We don’t get the Akrapovic in the US

[@RichardWebsterUK]

@@ninjamonkey1 it’s a £3000 option so not that many cars with it

[@RichardWebsterUK]

Is that the Remus in the intro part of your vid mate or stock? Keep the content flowing bro

[@NewEnglandPete]

Remus! The best sound you can get from a catback.

[@bradleyb-radmangadi4832]

@@NewEnglandPete so your car has a full cat back system?

[@bryanb8094]

Appreciate the honest review brother!

[@spawn11]

Hey bro hows DSG automatic transmission?? If I buy one i would prefer automatic over manual

[@rSb.Benjaminz]

Hey Pete, I own a ‘15 mk7 tdi dsg. I know u got the gti or is that the R, but dude… how you get those gauges on your infotainment center?? What is that… boost gauge, and a couple other gauge readings?? Bro, is that a GTI/R-only feature for your infotainment center or is that something I can somehow update my own infotainment system to display those type of sporty gauge readings?

[@capax1559]

It's for the facelift versions. There isn't this option on the phase 1 R and GTI.

[@BelterLoader]

I’m about to go to stage 2 on my mk7 GTI!

[@NewEnglandPete]

Hell yeah Arun! Let me know how it goes!

[@martinflawless675]

I was thinking about getting a 2016 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T S would you say they reliable and is maintenance expensive

[@powderedSugar4192]

Would y'all trust this as a cross country car? I travel about twice a year and could be on state over or 10

[@phhuynh9881]

thank you so much for loving german cars !they are just essential !

[@kirk8359]

Car is stock, but you’ve done a cat back and an intake? Those are called modifications…which are not stock.

[@NewEnglandPete]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@richie1837]

I want one because i was so shocks how fast they are they smoked me 😢

[@samiginonacerdepaoli2413]

how many miles u had on the first MK7? any crank walk issues?

[@NewEnglandPete]

48k miles. No crank walk, it was also DSG.

[@mav1733]

where is the oil temp reading on the golf ive never found it

[@hellriser180]

you can see it in the rpm gauge on the bottom.

[@jr45482]

0 problems with mine. We have the exact same car

[@NewEnglandPete]

twins!

[@nickboyco2666]

What’s the exhaust that you’re using?

[@NewEnglandPete]

remus valved

[@goongoon9299]

Just like any car, if u take care of it, it will last (unless the car is pure garbage)

[@joecaseyj]

That’s a very contradicting statement 😂

[@kylesheehan3813]

Pete was your gti faster than stage 2 wrx?

[@futball24]

My facelift has 292. 2018

[@M3CoupeC50]

Reliability is typically mediocre on these these things and clowns “tune them” until until an inch of their (engines) lives. Additionally, why do all this tuning crap to a a FWD car? It’s like a kids Big Wheel. Torque through the front wheels is a kids car. Get a proper RWD vehicle. Front wheels are for steering, rear wheels are for torque.

[@NewEnglandPete]

this comment definitely leans more towards your opinion and not actual fact.

[@donjohnson2428]

Yeah because there are so many fuel efficient, practical, and affordable hatchback RWD vehicles on the market….

[@Illegaltmrw]

I hate this guy he didn’t say anything!

[@jefftalbot2905]

Okay, so I turned off your video because you didn’t get to the point for the first third of your video. I don’t care about your mods, what was your favourite, or your driving habits.

[@NewEnglandPete]

subscribe for more!

[@LechuzaSoul]

Debating it currently

[@sko1beer]

You seen the uk old man video who has it turbocharged and still drives it as a everyday car?

[@imquatic3034]

My 2019 gti got totaled, might get a golf R now 😁

[@NewEnglandPete]

I hope you are okay! And yes, great upgrade.

[@devn3813]

I wish I could afford one

[@TheDiger32]

Vw and reliability 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@toplespecah666]

Vw reliable than bmw

[@duderoyal4203]

Volkswagen Das Auto😂😂

[@jalenfabregas2457]

Tbh man, these past few videos have been lame. We all know the modern VW/Audi are relatively reliable. Solid engines and great transmissions. Make videos on hard driving or some more interesting rather than essentially “car reviews”. Looking forward to better videos in the future, keep it up.

[@NewEnglandPete]

I have some SWEET videos planned. Stay tuned.