Things to look out for when buying a 2nd hand MKV GTI

[whitemoo]

Gonna take a look @ a 2006 mkv GTI today, thanks for the informative thread!

[wickee]

Ok, not sure if this has been mentioned by someone else, but I've just had this done on my MK5 and I bought it 2nd hand.

Make sure to look out and hear for the clatter/pebble-like rattle on idle, which disappears when you accelerate or put load on the engine. This is likely the Dual Mass Flywheel throw-out bearing being worn and having play. This will set you back $1400 for the part + 5-6hrs of labour, totalling something like $2100!

Would of been good if I knew about this fault/weakness earlier.

[watevs]

Hi all

I have always driven Jap cars and parts are cheap as chips to replace or repair.

I am looking to buy a GTI in the next couple of months. I'm assuming from what Ive read and been told, parts and repairs cost an arm and a leg.

I have read everyone's post about things to look out for, and taken it on-board.

Can someone give me a list of the most important things to look out for ( especially costly things to replace or repair.)

Thanks in advance

[dick1978]

I got my GTI new in 2006. Both the front door lock mecahnisms have needed replacement, drivers side after about 2 years and passengers after 5 years. No other probs yet...

[Rols]

Hi guys...

Im looking to buy a MKV GTI in the next week. I have just sold my 09 WRX (sad to see it go). But moving forward how many KM's in the car before they start needing a lot of maintenance, show more wear and tear - mechanically and cosmetically etc? Im looking at an 06 right now with ~80K on the clock with full log book service history. Is that a lot of KM's for a second hand GTI? As the above poster mentioned, it seems these GTI's can be very costly to maintain. My 09 wrx only cost me in servicing it was that reliable, and I had a stage 1 kit/tune (37,000K on it).

Looking forward to hearing opinions, and if anyone knows of any up for sale right now, let me know, Ill be interested (Silver or black - leather / sunroof perferable).

Thanks again guys.

[wickee]

noisy timing belt tensioner pullies are common and are worth checking for. Can lead to annoying squeaks on cold start.

Excessive engine movement can lead to the accessory belt hitting aircon lines in the front of the engine bay. Tell tale signs would be rub marks on either the belt or the line. If the aircon line ruptures its a paaaaaain in the arse to replace as the line is one piece all the way to the back of the engine bay. Have seen this on a few cars now.

How much would the noisy timing belt tensioner cost to replace/fix? Is this a similar job to changing the timing belt?

[jamesvdm]

What does everyone think of an 06 GTI with 140,000kms on the clock? It has a full service history. I'll be test driving it tonight so I can't comment on how it feels yet.

[lankfert]

What does everyone think of an 06 GTI with 140,000kms on the clock? It has a full service history. I'll be test driving it tonight so I can't comment on how it feels yet.

If i bought my GTI over again i would get a 08+ model. If it has had regular VW servicing 140,000 should be fine but i would be looking 80-90k instead.

[whitemoo]

What does everyone think of an 06 GTI with 140,000kms on the clock? It has a full service history. I'll be test driving it tonight so I can't comment on how it feels yet.

Sounds like average KM's.

DSG or manual?

If its DSG, check out if its has had its DSG oil replaced every 60,000kms. Also look out how it shifts and notice any jerkyness before/ after gear changes. Test how the car comes to a slow stop and how it holds when stopped in D. If you dont notice anything unusual, then the DSG box will last ages.

Also, the regular other things, such as rattles, tyres, inspect the front and rear supports for any damages.

Havent heard too much about the manual, though i have heard of these gear boxes breaking also, usual checks, see if it goes into gear properly, check how it goes in with wide open throttle, check reverse...

Have fun man! my old MKV GTI was a hoot to drive.

[jamesvdm]

It's DSG, so I'll check everything you mentioned. The budget doesn't allow for an 08+ sadly.