High Mileage Driver + GTI = Bad Idea?

[starshippooper]

I have never owned a VW and have always enjoyed bullet proof Honda reliability. In fact, I spend 8-12 hours a day designing them for a living and know exactly how much emphasis is placed on the quality of these vehicles. With that said, I cannot deny the appeal of the GTI over the SI or even the RSX. After only one test drive, I am locked in a heated mental battle over purchasing the GTI or another Honda product.

It all comes down to reliability over the long haul. I drive a total of 82 miles a day to work. I enjoy the commute and would enjoy it even more if I had the GTI to play with. However, with annual mileage averaging 26k-28k, I am not willing to dump tons of money into something that is only 3 years old or worse. Quite the dilemma. It seems as though true VW fanatics have developed a kind of acceptance to theses issues because they enjoy the products so much.

So, any insight on high mileage driving with the GTI? Thanks, great forum.

[LordNikon]

As much fun as the GTI is, I don't think you would expect the same reliability as your Honda. Since you cover a lot of miles everyday, a TDI would suit you better. Like myself, I also face the same dilemma and I'm waiting for the new MKV Golf 2.0 TDI. (If it ever comes )

I can't speak for long term reliability, but I know a couple of friends who own GTIs and they only covered 2,000 km ~ 1200 miles, no problems so far.

[Shovels]

I dont know about this. Granted my last GTI had only had around 27k at the end of 3yrs but my previous MKIV I hammered driving up and down the UK for 2yrs and it never game me any problems. I never used to drive it weekends as I had my Jap MR2 turbo then but been driving GTI's now for near on 10yrs and always found em reliable.

[NorthGTI]

[quote=starshippooper After only one test drive, I am locked in a heated mental battle over purchasing the GTI or another Honda product. It seems as though true VW fanatics have developed a kind of acceptance to theses issues because they enjoy the products so much. So, any insight on high mileage driving with the GTI? [/QUOTE]

Significant reliability problems with VWs is a myth. I have owned them for the last 25 years and know.

And you have hit the nail on the head. No amount of reliability can cover for Honda's extremely boring driving experiance.

[gti5dr06]

reliability problems are not a myth, we all know about the passat's electrical issues for one along with the jetta's issues, honda's worst problems are rattling which though annoying, don't leave you stranded at the side of the road

as far as honda's being boring, that could be true for the base civics, but could also be said for the regular golfs as their acceleration rates are similar.

and just so you know, I currently drive a "boring" civic which hasn't had any problems, but do plan on getting the 5dr gti when it finally gets here.

im hoping the fact that its not built in mexico will make a significant improvement in their reliability

[cmdrfire]

I'm currently covering about 25-26k a year, and my GTI handles it just fine. A lot of it is highway driving so the gas mileage isn't too bad (I'm averaging 27-35mpg, depending on the mood my Fast is in...). At a steady 80mph you'll do just fine, and I'd rather the GTI over a TDI simply because of the extra "fun" factor.

Get the GTI over a Honda... as Jeremy Clarkson said, if you buy a Honda you end up with a Honda, if you buy a Volkswagen you don't.

EDIT - also, as far as reliability is concerned, I've had zero trouble. A piece of trim on the dash started rattling once, I took it in and they fixed it in an hour under warrenty.

[gti5dr06]

Originally Posted by cmdrfire

I'm currently covering about 25-26k a year, and my GTI handles it just fine. A lot of it is highway driving so the gas mileage isn't too bad (I'm averaging 27-35mpg, depending on the mood my Fast is in...). At a steady 80mph you'll do just fine, and I'd rather the GTI over a TDI simply because of the extra "fun" factor.

Get the GTI over a Honda... as Jeremy Clarkson said, if you buy a Honda you end up with a Honda, if you buy a Volkswagen you don't.

EDIT - also, as far as reliability is concerned, I've had zero trouble. A piece of trim on the dash started rattling once, I took it in and they fixed it in an hour under warrenty.

how many miles on the gti so far?

[Slowride]

I went with the 2006 Si, as some of my fans here know. This is far from a boring car to drive, and you don't have to take my word for it...every review says that.

When it came down to it, considering how well a 6 speed Si competes to a 6 speed GTI, I took resale value and reliability and performance.

[cmdrfire]

Originally Posted by gti5dr06

how many miles on the gti so far?

26,700 miles or so thus far. Just had my second service last week.

[Bouston]

Originally Posted by Slowride

When it came down to it, considering how well a 6 speed Si competes to a 6 speed GTI, I took resale value and reliability and performance.

Out of curiosity which value did the GTI lack?

[Bouston]

Originally Posted by cmdrfire

26,700 miles or so thus far. Just had my second service last week.

Wow :eek: . That's a lot of driving. When do you find time to sleep?

[Slowride]

My main concern was reliability. I simply don't have time to schedule dealer visits.

[cmdrfire]

Originally Posted by Bouston

Wow :eek: . That's a lot of driving. When do you find time to sleep?

MY FAST THINKS SLEEP IS FOR THE WEAK!

I calculated how much time I've spent in my car over the course of the year... it's something crazy like a month and a half actually inside my car.

Guess I must love it a lot, huh

[starshippooper]

All good perspectives. Thanks. I also can't side with the "bad VW quality myth" crowd based on simple independent research. I am glad to hear that MKV GTI is getting some high mileage workouts without any major problems. At this point I am thinking I will wait for the 07 model just incase any last minute glitches are being troubleshooted and I will cross my fingers for launch control and painted lower body panels. It will be a hard to wait, but luckily I have my trusty 06' Civic to keep my company. Thanks again.

[Newcastle]

I dont know if this is a dealer to dealer variance, but when I bought mine it included a 4 yr 50k mile roadside assistance warranty, even if I run out of gas. This is my first VW and although I personally know a lot of people who have never had a lick of problem out of their VW's, I think this was a nice touch in addition to the much better warranty than the Honda has.

[LiquidG]

Would you guys suggest me keeping my car, or sell it after its paid off, I was planning to keep it for atleast 10 years, like my mazda 626 with 300 000 km's and runs like brand new.

[MarkVGTI]

Yes VW's warranty is sounding very good to me right now. It might not be as extensive as others but is enough to keep me at ease. Im pretty sure its the same for all dealers but I could be wrong:
12 year/unlimited distancelimited warranty against corrosion perforation
5 year/60,000 mile powertrain limited warranty
4 year/50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty.
(wear & tear items and adjustments excluded after initial 12 month/12,000 miles)

This is the recommended warranty by VW but im sure most quality dealerships are willing to work with their customers and cut you some slack here and there.

[vDubr]

Originally Posted by Slowride

I went with the 2006 Si, as some of my fans here know. This is far from a boring car to drive, and you don't have to take my word for it...every review says that.

When it came down to it, considering how well a 6 speed Si competes to a 6 speed GTI, I took resale value and reliability and performance.

Every Si vs. GTI review I've read, thus far, favors the GTI over the Si. I test-drove the Si the same day I bought my GTI. To me, the GTI is just more of a "driver's car". There's just more of a connection between the driver and the machine. While the Si is a great performer, it's lacking soul. As far as I know, besides the S2000 and NSX, all Honda's are missing that special something that German (and other European) cars have. And this is coming from a 3-time Honda owner; I actually traded a 2004 Accord V6 coupe for the GTI.

That's why I went with the GTI and that's why the Mini Cooper S was my second choice

As far as "resale value, reliability, and performance" goes:

A) VW holds more value than you (and most people) think. As a matter of fact, as far as non-luxury brands go, the three makes with the highest resale value are Honda, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

The difference between the Honda Civic and VW GTI? Well, put it this way: after 5 years and 75,000 miles, a Civic will hold 49% of its value while a GTI will hold 47% of its value. Yes, the difference is that minimal. As you can see, I did my research :redface:

B) Yes, we all know our GTI is less reliable than your Civic. Yet, we still prefer the GTI and paid more money for it. What does that tell you? It's the same reason why people choose to buy a BMW over a Lexus.

C) Pff.. performance?? Are you seriously trying to tell us that your Si performs better than the GTI? It might have just been me but I felt no connection with the Si. It just annoys me how sluggish it is below 6500 RPM and how you have to rev the piss out of it to get some enjoyment. I need my torque!

[vdubGTi]

I bought my mkIV GTI 1.8T in July of 2004, and I have put 48,600 miles so far and that is 1 year and 8 months, so I have averaged about 30K or so miles a year. My usual trips were Chicago, IL, to Whitewater and Madison, WI. Comfort was great and gas milage is awsome. Just drove today another 340 miles and gas wise I averaged 31.2 miles/gallon. The only problem that I have had is with the seat bulsters and it kills my hip some times but not often though. Very mysterious and I hope the mkV seats are bigger and more comfy. Oh and I almost forgot to mention no problems whatsoever except real light bulbs replaced and my driving is beating it up so much that I never thought this car will handle it as good as my honda did.

[herrstreet]

I've always felt that VW made an extremely solid and durable structure. They have had a lot of electrical issues and general reliability problems. I'm in the camp that says a GERMAN VW should be better, if not failsafe. I think that Honda, Toyota and co have a bit of a cult of personality going. They are well made cars. But Toyota has had an engine sludge issue in its minivans, just as VW has had them in their 1.8t motors. What this all comes down to is that you are buying something well engineered but not indestructible. If you are particularly weary of electrical problems, get the package 1 with a stick. If you change the oil, and do a little bit of common sense turbo maintinance, you should get over 100k miles of fuel efficient fun.

[GTI 2.0T]

Originally Posted by NorthGTI

And you have hit the nail on the head. No amount of reliability can cover for Honda's extremely boring driving experience.

+1:laugh:

[GTI 2.0T]

Originally Posted by Auf Wiedersehen!

performance?? Are you seriously trying to tell us that your Si performs better than the GTI? It might have just been me but I felt no connection with the Si. It just annoys me how sluggish it is below 6500 RPM and how you have to rev the piss out of it to get some enjoyment. I need my torque!

Im in a dilemma please help me choose my sig between this and my last post