Questions re 2008 Golf GT Sport DSG

[RaID]

Hi
Im new to the forum, this looks like a good place to start learning about golfs.

I'm looking at getting a car for me and my girlfriend that is also semi fun to drive yet still economical.

Ive got a good opportunity to buy my cousins car, it’s a MkV 2008 Golf GT Sport 1.4 TSI MY09 with DSG. The car has only done 40k km, has all the options as well as aftermarket Bluetooth and sunroof. I know the car has been looked after throughout it’s life as I know both the owners who have had the car. It has had all of the log book servicing done. The car looks wise is in great conditions.

The cost of the car will be $18k.

What should I look out for in a MkV Golf GT Sport?

What are the potential things to pay attention to during the test drive I should look out for in this car when I drive it?

Is this good value?

Based on some carsales research most GT Sports at this price range don’t have all the bells and whistles plus they have much more kms on the clock.

I have driven my parents’ MkVI 118TSI quite a bit during my visits to them and I love the way it drives and they haven’t had any issues with the 7 Spd DSG. From my understanding the GT Sport with more power and sports suspension should be a more sporty/ precise drive.

From the reading I’ve been doing it sounds like the 6 Spd Wet Clutch DSG on the GT Sport (shared with the GTI correct me if im wrong) is a more robust unit less prone to breakdowns compared to the newer 7 spd Dry Clutch version.

Based on the research Ive done, sounds like you want to stay clear of the 7 SPD dry clutch DSG. Unfortunately I have to compromise and get an auto car, as my girlfriend doesn’t want to drive a manual. I cant stand traditional autos, the DSG is the compromise.

Also looking at the sub $20k price range a few <60k km, 2007 and 2008 Audi A3s FSI and TFSI Ambitions with 6 DSG come up for sale (my understanding is the 6 spd DSG would be the wet clutch version). Is this a good alternative to the GT Sport?

Thanks for any advice and hopefully being a Golf owner

Cheers

RaID

[Ryan_R]

Seems like you've got it all worked out. I don't actually know if that car is 6 or 7 speed. To add to your research, keep in mind that the 60,000km service is quite a doozy ($$$$) due to changing the oil in the wet clutch DSG. Be sure to ring around as dealers charge differently (by quite a bit in some cases).

I would recommend finding some unpredictable stop/start traffic during your test drive and see if the car is smooth or jerky.

[Greg Roles]

Yep the MKV GT 1.4 had the better 6 speed DSG and the "better" engine then the 1.4 in the MK6's ( initially ).

You need to look up Paul_OH, who has had a GT 1.4 since 2008, and knows them backwards, plus there's quite a few other longer term 1.4ers still around on the forums, I am sure they will add their bit.

An Audi is always a great alternative, and usually a better car, at a higher initial price. Really comes down to what you can get for what you want to spend, and what you like the most.