Here's our VW Golf Mk7 Gti buying advice to help you make an informed decision when considering buying this car.
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Top 7 issues with the VW Golf 7 GTI
#1 - Waterpump / Thermostat leak
#2 - Timing chain wear (stretch)
#3 - Cylinder head valve springs
#4 - Fuel Injectors carbon build-up
#5 - High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP)
#6 - Interior one-touch buttons cause windows not go up or down
#7 - Front shocks top mounts
Disclaimer: This is a buyers guide only. Any problem with a sale car should be diagnosed by a competent and professional technician. All information provided is for information only and is not designed to replace a service manual or professional help. Use at your own risk.
7 Things you need to know about the VW Golf 7 GTI
- kingr
- VWCSA Member
- Posts: 3402
- Registered for: 16 years 8 months
- Car Make: VW, Mini, Slowyota
- Car Model: Mk1 2 Door, Hilux D/C
- Membership No: 3337
- Location: Groot Gat
7 Things you need to know about the VW Golf 7 GTI
Kurt #3337
Current:
- 10" Mx5 NC2 (main daily)
- 12" Toyota Hilux D/C 2.5tdi 4x4 (tow car / vacay)
- 2020 Mini Cooper S Clubman (swambo)
- 80" VW Mk1 2 Door Golf 8vt project 192wkw/314nm, 13,3s@173kph Kby Drags
Ex: 07" G5 GTi, 13" ST180, 03" Mk4 2 door 1.8T Stage 2, 07" Velo 1.6, 83" Mk1 GT 2.0 8v MP9, 87" Mk1 1.6 CitiSport, 88" Mk2 2.0 16v, 83" Mk1 GT 1.6 + 40 webers
Current:
- 10" Mx5 NC2 (main daily)
- 12" Toyota Hilux D/C 2.5tdi 4x4 (tow car / vacay)
- 2020 Mini Cooper S Clubman (swambo)
- 80" VW Mk1 2 Door Golf 8vt project 192wkw/314nm, 13,3s@173kph Kby Drags
Ex: 07" G5 GTi, 13" ST180, 03" Mk4 2 door 1.8T Stage 2, 07" Velo 1.6, 83" Mk1 GT 2.0 8v MP9, 87" Mk1 1.6 CitiSport, 88" Mk2 2.0 16v, 83" Mk1 GT 1.6 + 40 webers
- THANAS
- Forum Advertiser
- Posts: 4660
- Registered for: 10 years 8 months
- Car Make: VW
- Car Model: AW Polo GTi
- Membership No: 2035
- Location: Cape Town
Re: 7 Things you need to know about the VW Golf 7 GTI
#1 - Definitely;
#2 - Not really a specific problem, affects most chain driven, modern engines;
#3 - More rocker arm failure, but not a common issue;
#4 - Not as bad as the 5/6 but still a problem despite the local 7s having port injection active at idle and light cruise;
#5 - Not a common issue at all;
#6 - Definitely;
#7 - Definitely again;
and
#8 - Ringland failure / LSPI, again, not as badly affected as say the EA888.2 1.8T, but a present issue nonetheless, high comp TGDI motors are all potentially susceptible, especially since the API SN+ grade oils are not widely available yet. It it needs to be taken into account when modifying, and when approaching how the car is driven (lugging etc).
#2 - Not really a specific problem, affects most chain driven, modern engines;
#3 - More rocker arm failure, but not a common issue;
#4 - Not as bad as the 5/6 but still a problem despite the local 7s having port injection active at idle and light cruise;
#5 - Not a common issue at all;
#6 - Definitely;
#7 - Definitely again;
and
#8 - Ringland failure / LSPI, again, not as badly affected as say the EA888.2 1.8T, but a present issue nonetheless, high comp TGDI motors are all potentially susceptible, especially since the API SN+ grade oils are not widely available yet. It it needs to be taken into account when modifying, and when approaching how the car is driven (lugging etc).
- kingr
- VWCSA Member
- Posts: 3402
- Registered for: 16 years 8 months
- Car Make: VW, Mini, Slowyota
- Car Model: Mk1 2 Door, Hilux D/C
- Membership No: 3337
- Location: Groot Gat
Re: 7 Things you need to know about the VW Golf 7 GTI
Noted on #8. Never knew that was an issue.
Regarding #2, the reason why we mention this is because a timing should actually last much longer on a car than what the VAG chains do and many other makes don't have the issues of timing chain stretch/wear. BMW for one has many problems with their high-performance engines, but not with timing chains/tensioners. Like on the BMW N54 twin-turbo engine the timing chain is not one of the many issues that can be present with that engine.
Overall the G7 GTI is solid car performance car, I would highly recommend it. This is more of a "watch out for these and don't be ignorant".
Regarding #2, the reason why we mention this is because a timing should actually last much longer on a car than what the VAG chains do and many other makes don't have the issues of timing chain stretch/wear. BMW for one has many problems with their high-performance engines, but not with timing chains/tensioners. Like on the BMW N54 twin-turbo engine the timing chain is not one of the many issues that can be present with that engine.
Overall the G7 GTI is solid car performance car, I would highly recommend it. This is more of a "watch out for these and don't be ignorant".
THANAS wrote: ↑Fri Nov 22, 2019 3:45 pm #1 - Definitely;
#2 - Not really a specific problem, affects most chain driven, modern engines;
#3 - More rocker arm failure, but not a common issue;
#4 - Not as bad as the 5/6 but still a problem despite the local 7s having port injection active at idle and light cruise;
#5 - Not a common issue at all;
#6 - Definitely;
#7 - Definitely again;
and
#8 - Ringland failure / LSPI, again, not as badly affected as say the EA888.2 1.8T, but a present issue nonetheless, high comp TGDI motors are all potentially susceptible, especially since the API SN+ grade oils are not widely available yet. It it needs to be taken into account when modifying, and when approaching how the car is driven (lugging etc).
Kurt #3337
Current:
- 10" Mx5 NC2 (main daily)
- 12" Toyota Hilux D/C 2.5tdi 4x4 (tow car / vacay)
- 2020 Mini Cooper S Clubman (swambo)
- 80" VW Mk1 2 Door Golf 8vt project 192wkw/314nm, 13,3s@173kph Kby Drags
Ex: 07" G5 GTi, 13" ST180, 03" Mk4 2 door 1.8T Stage 2, 07" Velo 1.6, 83" Mk1 GT 2.0 8v MP9, 87" Mk1 1.6 CitiSport, 88" Mk2 2.0 16v, 83" Mk1 GT 1.6 + 40 webers
Current:
- 10" Mx5 NC2 (main daily)
- 12" Toyota Hilux D/C 2.5tdi 4x4 (tow car / vacay)
- 2020 Mini Cooper S Clubman (swambo)
- 80" VW Mk1 2 Door Golf 8vt project 192wkw/314nm, 13,3s@173kph Kby Drags
Ex: 07" G5 GTi, 13" ST180, 03" Mk4 2 door 1.8T Stage 2, 07" Velo 1.6, 83" Mk1 GT 2.0 8v MP9, 87" Mk1 1.6 CitiSport, 88" Mk2 2.0 16v, 83" Mk1 GT 1.6 + 40 webers