VW Golf GTD MK7 - LONG TERM TEST REVIEW

[@TIM612826]

I think the build quality is better on the mk7 compared to the mk8. Great review

[@TheJohnlyh]

that rear camera position is amazing!

[@iknowyoureright8564]

I kknow what you mean about the power at low revs. At times I’ve had to drop right down the 2nd to get away sharp at a roundabout or junction…….but sometimes 2nd seems wrong, like if I don’t Rev match properly then it’ll jump when the clutch comes up…..it Almost feels like it needs a gear in between 2nd and 3rd. And yes, great pull between 1900-3500rpm. I had an old mk5 golf 1.9tdi (fantastic engine) and I could sit at 30mph in 5th, hardly using a penny in diesel….also it didn’t have a DPF to block the back pressure.

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

You appear to be doing 600 mph in this video at times....not bad for 2l diesel.

[@mohda.9420]

😂

[@magirusdeutzjupiter2234]

I bought one just over 2 years ago, and apart from regular service, normal wear and tear tyres , wipers, I have had only the front discs worn a bit which got sorted for £120. I noticed the mpg is not the best, 40, to 50mpg at best. I really like the car overall, and love the body style. Cam belt due after 5 years, as it is a 16 plate, getting done for £435 getting done by VW main dealer for the same cost I quoted from a none VW garage., I wonder if any one gets there done cheaper. I will be sad to let it go in a few years time.

[@OurTim]

I had the exact same experience. It is a brilliant car, but, for me, the engine lets it down. The MPG should be better for the performance it has, or it should have more performance for the MPG it does... I've been told a remap transforms the car. Makes sense given this was designed in the era of DieselGate. The Golf's replacement will be revealed soon... 😉😉

[@thomasbrannigan123]

Best I ever got out of mine was 54mpg but sat happily in between 48-51mpg with normal well for me driving

[@pdavidson6047]

I have the same experience, not much different in price between Main VW Dealer & non gen only difference is VW you get 2 years warranty with them, on fuel economy is get just over 51mpg and worst low 40s. I think that is really good for the car, happy with it as old car never got over 30 mpg.

[@switchbladeromance1466]

I bought a GTI when my other half was expecting 😅

[@CzechEngine]

Congratulations Tim :-)

[@OurTim]

Thank you sir

[@MK-gt1ez]

I have the Leon 5f that has the same engine 2.0 TDI 184hp and the biggest down side is oil consumption, and I'm not the only one , all my mates that have this exact engine, are complaining about the oil consumption...

[@OurTim]

Yes I did notice it did drink more oil than other modern engines

[@wakaflockaproject]

Think most gtd have issue with oil consumption.

[@jigzonyt517]

Yep. Proper oil burners this generation. Not like the pd engines 😂😂😂

[@jasonjay7650]

And water leaks. Plus blocked heater matrix ​@@wakaflockaproject

[@eden4949]

got mine tuned and i can honestly say it makes a world of a differece. BTW: Huge props for actually censoring your kids face, never saw someone acutally do that, people underestimate dangers online.. Cheers mate

[@OurTim]

I did think about it but it wouldn’t of changed the practicality of it. And thanks, I think it should be her choice if she is on the internet, there are some truly horrid people out there.

[@fhg1066]

​@@OurTim hi mate Would you say 87k 14 plate gtd is too much mileage?

[@jigzonyt517]

​@@fhg1066 in this day and age I'd choose a higher mileage deisel over a low milage one. It should have had most wear n tear parts done plus regular service intervals and the dpf should be ok.

[@peterepeat7066]

It's a baby who gives a $hit it gonna look different in a week😂😂

[@jasonjay7650]

Thinking of having mine mapped. How does it feel?

[@askelvis27]

I've got a December 2015 model. Done 43,000 miles a few electric niggles brakws,tyre's, glow plugs. Still good now. Only issue is dpf have to drive like a stolen car once a month.

[@charlesdenholm338]

My Golf gtd use to cut out a lot, and I found a way to stop it, but putting heater car fan on about 4 lights and I know that the stop and start won’t work, but I don’t get cut outs anymore, give it a try and see…

[@kb8729]

Probably best all round car you can buy.

[@paulwilkinson3963]

I test drove one of these and I was surprised how unrefined it Felt noise wise for a 2017, I had a mk4 for many years and it the interior was better quality!

[@bensmithkent22]

The noise i agree on the interior was on point though. I leased one for 2 years 2015 - 17 coming from a 123d coupe on an 08 so i expected it to be refined quiet if not quite as quick outright. Yes it was loaded with toys and looked gorgeous. Still a looker now but the ride was hard af and the engine was so so noisy. I didnt drive it in sport so it wasnt the piped in sound it was just clattery. Im currently 3 years with a b9 a4 and its essentially the same engine but its whisper quiet. Even on nearly 60k. Had an xe with the ingenium in between. One awful engine in a great handling car.

[@paulwilkinson3963]

@@bensmithkent22 I have driven a 2018 A4 with the Diesel engine I think that’s a B9. Definitely more refined than the golf, The tartan seats in the golf didn’t help I’d want half leather at the money they want for A GTD

[@geoffers7521]

Congratulations :) I love the chase camera, how did you do that?

[@kb8729]

I have a remapped GTD, it's been past a EP3 Type R in 3rd gear which is quite amazing considering a Honda Type R EP3 is a 1300kg 197bhp VTEC.. and it's got the economy side. Having both is brilliant especially with the fuel shortages.

[@OurTim]

I’ve heard a remap is the key to unlocking its potential. Maybe I should try a remapped one… 😉😉

[@kb8729]

@@OurTim yes ! Not a tuning box though a proper map! The DSG will be quicker than a man..

[@OurTim]

@@kb8729 such as you own? 😉

[@vIMONST3RIv]

Can’t complain about mine really, just making mine look nice lowered it spacers on it and gti style exhaust and some new wheels coming soon for mine, funny how you got rid of it because you became a dad, but I got mine because I became one and needed a 5 door 😂

[@OurTim]

They do look great standard and wear mods very well. What colour? The Golf’s replacement is on the channel now… 😉

[@vIMONST3RIv]

@@OurTim mines carbon grey, I’ll check your new car out !

[@OurTim]

@@vIMONST3RIv nice that’ll wear mods well

[@aratyal]

good review, what the app your running mate? and congrats on the baby too

[@OurTim]

The app is called Road Trip. Used it for 14 years now. It's great! And thank you, she's a little know-it-all toddler now!

[@sandorkovacs9989]

How about the consumption? How many L/100miles?

[@jamie-rc2vc]

Perfect car and now VW have now removed the 5 year cam belt due back to the milage and not the years I believe

[@nathanmulvaney2587]

You’ve convinced me to get a gtd with stage 1 remap :)

[@OurTim]

Let me know how you get on. I always thought about mapping ours but wasn’t big enough in the end

[@jigzonyt517]

Go straight to stage 2

[@EinkOLED]

Congratulations. The golf is still a very capable family car.

[@OurTim]

It is indeed. We found the boot was too small and only big enough for the baby’s pram and one bag. I’ll be doing another update shortly with the Golf’s replacement…

[@chrismurray3198]

58mpg sounds good to me compared to my current insignia which on returns 52mpg at best.

[@wolfqlf2287]

Ikr 58 is really good tho you can’t get 70+ now days

[@chrismurray3198]

@@wolfqlf2287 I now own one and getting around 56mpg on motorway runs and 50mpg mixed roads.

[@wolfqlf2287]

@@chrismurray3198 that’s impressive and if you set it in sport how much then around 40 probably

[@joyantonygunasekara5232]

@@wolfqlf2287them 1.6 TDI (105 hp) still give you 70+ in high way if you drive sensible

[@thomasbrannigan123]

Loved my dsg one you are right if you hold the revs out it feels slow but with the dsg in sport shifting at the optimal point it feels quick as fuck. Congratulations on the baby funnily enough it's the same reason I got rid of mine! Now looking to get another.

[@wolfqlf2287]

My brother has the mk7.5 gtd with a dsg and believe me if you put it in sport and let the gearbox do it thing it feels way waster then you would expect

[@thomasbrannigan123]

@@wolfqlf2287 from rolling stat in sport gears its like shit off a shovel. I had a GTI have ago just after I got it and in real everyday situations the gti is no quicker from a rolling start that is... traffic light grand prix definitely weren't its strong point. But that gti was probably getting 23mpg driving that way thrashing the tits off of the gtd still returned an average of 41mog most days. Did manage to average 31 mpg but that really took some doing to get it it that low. My normal driving was about 48-51 and I don't hang about. My ex was 43-47 but I think that was more me being smoother. She used to moan that I drove like a duck but I'd break out the how am I? I'm getting better mpg than you do haha. But it may be more she never utilised the clever coast mode the dsg has

[@masonscardiary1101]

Great all round car tim 👍

[@OurTim]

Have you seen its replacement? kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJq0iYupgJZsitU

[@Adz_Win]

Ok engine cuts out because of your stop start Power wise .. they can’t make it fast when a golf gti in same model is pushing Similar power .. Golf R is now the flagship hot hatch for VW Best car to get is the GTI..really good mpg when poodling , ample performance. BMW 330i petrol gives you 55mpg on a motorway believe it or not ..

[@Bcwilderness]

try a lo pass filter on the sound guy its rough on headphones

[@OurTim]

Will do, thanks for the tip 👍

[@soultanasmaga9661]

Nice

[@steveo8533]

I agree on performance and MPG but I find the boot good.

[@OurTim]

We did… until the pram filled most of it 😂

[@steveo8533]

Out of curiosity what did you replace it with?

[@OurTim]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3XCoHaqaL-mgZI - and there is any interesting update coming on that car this month

[@switchbladeromance1466]

Map it!!!!..it's 349

[@enorrie1462]

surely a stage 1 map would give it the extra needed power?

[@OurTim]

Yes I've heard that, but out the box, it was a disappointment. Nothing will change the boot size though, which was a big reason why it went

[@TenPester]

I have a Jaguar XE R-Sport 180. Same power as the Golf but heavier. I get about 40mpg because dynamic mode is good. Over 40 now, so A golf GTi is maybe a bit too flashy for me, so I quite fancy a GTD. Getting bored of the Jag now. It costs a fortune to fix, and burns through tyres like crazy.

[@OurTim]

I would go GTI over GTD if I was to do it again, but check the comments and many say a GTD with remap is the perfect combo

[@TenPester]

@@OurTim GTD tax is £30 and the GTi is £180. Quite a difference, and the MPG of the GTD is probably better, although in Glasgow all cars get 42mpg lol no matter if it's diesel or petrol

[@ajfromthelane5207]

Hi guys I’m 20 years old and looking to own a mk7 golf gtd in the near future. I haven’t got the money to buy one cash, but I’d like to know the monthly finance payments on one of these in 2021. Any current or previous owners help!

[@OurTim]

Your best bet is to start with insurance and make sure that is affordable, although the mk7 GTD was lower than previous models thanks to the safety and technology on board - the auto-braking / radar cruise helped with this. If this is affordable, my recommendation would be look at a personal loan options, as they offer better interest rates than car finance, especially used. Based on £10k over 3 years, you'd be looking at £290 / month.

[@vIMONST3RIv]

Hi, I’ve got a 2015 plate gtd, 42k miles, paying 244 a month

[@james7477]

that was exactly what I did and you`re right, get a personal loan, mine was £10k/3yrs £294/month and it`s now paid for, so just maintenance costs. I`m currently in a 2014 GTD with 126k on it (mway daily driver) and it`s solid. Had a clutch slave cylinder issue last year, but simple replacement and all is good. I`m keeping mine as I love the balance between sportier appearance and good MPG, and the adaptive cruise control top it off as a super comfortable car for long distance driving, but still fun on country roads. My previous MK5 GT TDI had 344K on it when I decided to get my GTD, and it had 10months MOT on it and no mechanical issues at all, damn I miss it! Look after it and service when needed and these VWs are bomb proof.

[@ips2477]

Should of got it remapped too get performance then engine would be great

[@OurTim]

Thought about it. Heard good things but then it’s more money on it and would probably devalue it too. I would always take a unmolested example over a re-mapped car. Unless it was documented from a reputable company, but even then I’m not keen.

[@stevenvater2681]

Golf achilles heel is its tiny boot

[@hp-je1cy]

Would you recommend one of these maybe 2016 with a similar sort of mileage (motorway miles hopefully)? I've heard of people buying high mileage GTD's and having no issues but would just be worried in case something went very wrong in which case might as well spend a bit more and get a minter

[@OurTim]

With any car, start with the paperwork and see what kind of maintenance has been done. GTD’s are known for water pumps so check that. If you go for high mileage, chances are it’s been maintained properly. A lower mileage ‘minter’ might seem a safer bet, but then you’ll still pay the maintenance of it as you put miles on. I’m running at 150k 525d at the moment, a 10k mile update will be coming soon…

[@hp-je1cy]

@@OurTim thanks for the reply appreciate it will keep an eye out for the video and yeah another of the issues with lower mileage examples that I'm a bit wary of is DPF problems

[@OurTim]

@@hp-je1cy start by finding the spec you want, you live with the car everyday so make sure it has what you want on it. Then look through the paperwork. You should be able to see the story of the car from that. If not, walk away, there are more out there. If you are happy with the paperwork, check the car over carefully, especially wear areas - tyres are a good one, all matching is a good sign, cheap brand isn’t! - and the interior. Then start up and listen for anything that’s not right. Check oils and fluids. Then test drive, warm it up, push it to make sure it pulls clean and true. Feel for vibrations at speed or under braking. If all ok, you’re on to a good car. If not, either haggle or look else where.

[@hp-je1cy]

@@OurTim thank you very much for your advice appreciate it

[@pdavidson6047]

I bought a 2016 GTD with 104k on it. 1 owner and FVSH, and it's mint and very high spec (only missing a sunroof ) Got a Reversing Camera (love it) had cambelt/Water pump changed when i bought it and had a Full Service done by VW, had brakes all round changed last year by VW as not much price difference & comes with 2-year warranty, this year had another minor service and new tyres (standard) and just replaced seal in nsr door due to water ingress & osf master window control switches. I get around 45 to 55 mpg but not bothered as use to or run a Volvo 850 2.5 GLT (2nd car) never got over 30mpg 🙂it doesn't knock/rattle, and it's been totally reliable Best 2nd car I have owed.

[@swantaker6197]

Hi Tim, the app you used to track the mpg and costs. What is the app and do you have to pay?

[@OurTim]

The app is call 'Road Trip' but you may have to search for 'Road Trip MPG'. I've used this app for years, its rock solid, great for keeping track of cars... Link here: darrensoft.ca/roadtrip/

[@Olleh987]

you sold this for less than £10k? that is madness, that is mk6 GTD money.

[@OurTim]

Check current prices… @93k it was pretty much bang on the money. Go above 100k and you can get a mk7 for even cheaper.

[@justdevz36]

Mk6 gtd money is around 6k, just under 10k sounds about right for a mk7 with 90k miles

[@Olleh987]

@@justdevz36 I have to disagree mate. £11k will probably get you a high mileage MK7

[@OurTim]

Check Autotrader… 2014 MK7 with DSG showing 190k, asking £8250 (Feb 2022).

[@justdevz36]

@@Olleh987 can disagree all u want 🤣 8k will get u a high mileage one with around 150k on the clock, and even then that’s only because of how crazy the used car market is right now, could pick one up for as little as 7k just over a year ago

[@fcfaz21]

Hi Tim, I've got GTD mk7 ,105k , at what mileage would you advise getting rid of it , full service history , i tend to change oil every 5k and full service around 10k. Thanks

[@OurTim]

Sounds like a solid car so it depends on three things… 1) annual mileage 2) depreciation and 3) how much you like it… 1) if you are doing big miles and the car is working well, I’d keep hold of it providing… 2) you are happy with the depreciation. Mileage will the deciding factor on its value now. I would look at values of cars now, looking at the differences in values between mileages. Make sure your happy with that level of devaluation. You might also want to hold on to it if the value isn’t going to go down that much. 3) like the car? Keep it. Fed up with it? Sell it. Simple. Whatever you drive there is maintenance costs and depreciation. GTDs wear miles well so it’s all down to value and how much you like it

[@LindsayImms]

Your praising it’s torque but moaning about top end pull??🤷🏼‍♂️

[@OurTim]

Yes, pretty much all diesels suffer this, plenty of low down torque but not much power up the top end, where as petrols are the other way round. In my opinion, GTD suffered with this balance more than I would expect it to

[@jigzonyt517]

In all honesty its a gtd. Its not a gti or an audi s3. Its supposed to be sporty and not outshine. Throw a custom map and some bigger injectors and your talking abiut a different car

[@JackWarr3n]

“Way more gadgets than a 5 door hatchback should” - what makes you say that? Why shouldn’t it?

[@OurTim]

2014 hatch back with radar guided cruise control. 10 years on, that is impressive. My point is the spec of it is really impressive

[@dndkillaztreble5317]

Tim's right the amount of tech in these from 2014 is crazy you get the 17 reg to 20 reg ones and their basically the same as the mk8

[@sarahmillington8287]

Hi how are you

[@navstaruk2324]

Mk7 golf 1.6 TDI will give you better mileage and its blue motion so no road tax.

[@Mr330d]

Injector issues

[@joyantonygunasekara5232]

@@Mr330dexactly, it’s have less power hence give you more mpg

[@Mr330d]

@@joyantonygunasekara5232 But the injectors are notorious for going wrong on 1.6 TDI

[@joyantonygunasekara5232]

@@Mr330d my brothers ford focus 1.6 tdi give injectors fault so I can’t complain about vw engines as me and my cousins always drive 2litre only (1.9tdi before now they stopped making them as they too reliable as companies don’t make profit on parts)

[@Mr330d]

@@joyantonygunasekara5232 but the 1.6 TDCI is much cheaper to replace injectors on than 1.6 TDI

[@danieldaniel43]

I’ve had many golfs through my years, maybe your GTD is a little bit of a turd