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.

#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).

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".

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).