Why The MK7 VW GTI is the Best Daily Driver

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After two years of ownership, I share why I feel the MK7 GTI is my favorite daily driver I've owned.

[@domiggy4455]

Got my 2018 GTI S with about 16800 miles stock. Around 31k now with Unitronic stage 2 ECU and TCU/cts Catted dp/ECS intake/Conti DWS 06 tires(Ohio). Oil changes every 5k. DSG Service at 30k. As far as looks, I only have a license plate frame. This car has been a dream for me. I'm obsessed.

[@FocusedGarage]

Thanks for the comment! They're awesome cars.

[@audieconrad8995]

Dude - I have the Unitronic stage-1+ with the DMK stage-2 clutch on my MK7. Love the UNI tune - very linear power throughout.

[@domiggy4455]

@@audieconrad8995 at 43k now. No issues.

[@scottroberts5529]

Loved my mk7 gti highly recommend upgrading ur rear sway bar it completely changes the way the car handles I currently now have a 7.5 Golf R

[@FocusedGarage]

That is a mod I am considering! Thanks for the suggestion.

[@LacrossePunk20]

Do you recommend a certain rear sway bar?

[@scottroberts5529]

@@LacrossePunk20 I ran the neuspeed race rear sway bar 27mm

[@mikegreen2229]

Just got a low mile 18 GTI S, awesome car. I’ve been a vintage VW maniac for over 22 years and it’s my first watercooled VW. So, it’s definitely special for me. Also: water pumps are an issue with every car. It’s just a common wear item that should be changed anyway regularly

[@FocusedGarage]

Nice buy!

[@ivdubgti]

My "Stage 2" MK7 GTI Is pushing over 500hp. Yeah its a nice DD

[@FocusedGarage]

Haha sounds like some serious fun.

[@drwhotardis]

I agree with everything you said. In Australia we don't get different trim levels...just the one model GTI with options, e.g. metallic paint, sunroof, leather seats. We also get limited runs of "special" models. Like my GTI Original Mk7.5 MY18. 200 white and 200 red in 2-door only. Mainly DSG but some manuals (like mine). VW Australia stopped importing manual GTI and R's in 2018. Idiots! Also stopped importing 2-doors which I think look even better.

[@FocusedGarage]

Always blows my mind the way they change the models and options across different parts of the world. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@notmaassa]

They had the GTI Performance model here in Australia as well

[@alang13]

Re: your point about easy to find. The 2021 GTI SE's with manual transmission in either Dark Iron Blue or Cornflower Blue have become almost impossible to find, at least here in New England. Still, the fastest and most fun car to drive since I owned a BMW 2002 from 1972-1985.

[@FocusedGarage]

Manual with specific color definitely makes it harder to find! Very neat about the 2002, awesome cars!

[@stealthlabel]

I love my 2018 over the 2015 that we had!! only thing is you got leather interior and not the Clark plaid which also changes the look. but heated cloth seats is awesome!!!

[@FocusedGarage]

Love that VW offers heated cloth.

[@matthewgaffney9578]

I there a big difference from lets say a 2016 gti vs a 2018? I have the opportunity to possibly purchase a 2016 but I wanna make sure it is still good compared to the newer models.

[@stealthlabel]

@@matthewgaffney9578 yes it is a solid car. I had the 15 and loved it just had a deal to good to pass up. the 18+ has Golf R brakes and a few other things but the mk7 is a great daily!

[@FocusedGarage]

Biggest difference will be the styling of the MK7 vs MK7.5.

[@matthewgaffney9578]

@@stealthlabel thank you! That’s good to hear

[@gregschmidt2256]

What tune did you do? Cobb? APR? Other?

[@FocusedGarage]

EQT through a Cobb Accessport.

[@prs314]

My major complaint for mk7 is road noise, but that's only compared to the premium segment cars.

[@FocusedGarage]

Have you tried different tires? I noticed road noises varies alot from my winter to summer setup.

[@domiggy4455]

Going from the pirellis that came with the car to the conti dws I noticed more road noise. Not too bad though

[@FocusedGarage]

My summer tires (few year old Continental Extreme Contacts) are pretty loud. My winter set isn't that bad at all.

[@prs314]

@@FocusedGarage I am on Sottozero 3 and the noise is manageable. X-ice xi3 were much worse. Still compared even to an old Volvo it's pretty noisy inside at highway speeds.

[@FocusedGarage]

I agree, the car could benefit from some added sound deadening.

[@mtpocketz4]

If I owned that, the lil lady would be driving it.she would steal it. Hence still running the 15 Jetta tdi. And why I won’t let her drive the Touareg tdi. Volkswagen is straight forward on interior packaging, which is great. Not having to upgrade too far to get what you want or need. Maintenance maintenance maintenance is key. Can be said for most cars but, their isn’t that gremlins aspect like other manufacturers do

[@FocusedGarage]

The Jetta TDI and the Touraeg TDI are both great dailys as well, I'm sure!

[@ryanbrazier5172]

My lady steals mine :( lol

[@chadwhite1198]

What year is your car?

[@FocusedGarage]

My car is a 2016.

[@daviddisegna7297]

Everybody knows the GY6 scooter is the best daily driver. prove me wrong

[@FocusedGarage]

I can't prove you wrong since you are right...

[@bjjbrawler1]

No manual? Sacrilege!

[@FocusedGarage]

For a daily that will primarily sit in traffic, I'd rather have a DSG. If it were a weekend car or second car, the manual would be the choice.

[@Dcc357]

I just bought me a brand new GTI SE with manual. Tornado red with black wheels. I'm just waiting for it to be delivered since the one I wanted was 100 miles away.

[@iKnollex]

@@FocusedGarage Agreed, I also got a DSG because I hated dealing with traffic in a manual. It shifts faster than I ever could anyway.

[@FocusedGarage]

For a daily, DSG is great. If it's a toy or weekend car, manual is the move. Haha.