2008 - 2010 GTI thoughts?

[railer]

This would be a 3rd vehicle.

Basically just looking to get a fun stick, but not quite ready yet to get a new Focus ST.

Is buying a 6 YO / 100k mile VW a stupid idea?

I would take care of minor issues myself.

Again this will be a play car, not something that I'm going to need to put 500 miles/week on.

Thanks.

 

[Riverhound777]

I would say you are asking for a pain in the ass. If you want a fun third car to work on, get a Miata. Then instead of fixing it, you can spend that time modding it. Or even a Speed 3.

 

[HitAnyKey]

New or CPO, maybe. 6 year old, nope.

 

[Harrod]

My sister has a 2010 gti, she said that if she could go back she wouldn't have bought it. I'm sure there are some great ones out there, but she is constantly having to fix stuff.

Here is whats involved with replacing the water pump on them, which is supposedly a pretty common issue with them. Oh, and I almost forgot it's buried under the intake manifold.

 

[tracerbullet]

I wouldn't do it unless it was a heck of a bargain.

I've got 2 friends with GTI's and while both love their cars both are starting to have issues. Some of it is expected (in the neighborhood of 100k miles) like struts, brakes for the 2nd time up front and first time in the rear, clutch, etc. but some of it not - including electrical issues preventing his car from starting, oil consumption issues. If you bought one at those miles you might also consider timing belt, water pump, swapping all the fluids, or more.

I think GTI's are great little cars for the money, and they are practical enough for daily drivers. If you really want one I'd consider getting a new one using whatever you have now as a trade in (if possible), or if you are locked into a 3rd car being the fun car then as mentioned do something else like a Miata and just really go for it.