Which year/model used Mk V DSG GTI?

[MovieDude]

I am looking to get a Mk V GTI whatever I can get for my MY10 WRX. It is probably worth around $34k so that would be my top price to pay. I would need tints as a minimum and would like bluetooth, xenons and leather in that order but they are likes and not mandatory. I am concerned about getting a model with a damaged DSG or at least one that fails within the first few months. Are 5-year manufacturer's warranties rare and do the extended warranties cover the major mechanicals like the DSG?

With these requirements and concerns which year and or model should I be looking at getting? Is a late 2008 likely to be better than an early 2008 that is out of warranty and likewise will a 2006 with an extended warranty be a better choice over the lat 2008 model still under the original warranty? I am hoping some of you owners can give me an insight how reliable your Mk Vs have been.

[triode12]

I am looking to get a Mk V GTI whatever I can get for my MY10 WRX. It is probably worth around $34k so that would be my top price to pay. I would need tints as a minimum and would like bluetooth, xenons and leather in that order but they are likes and not mandatory. I am concerned about getting a model with a damaged DSG or at least one that fails within the first few months. Are 5-year manufacturer's warranties rare and do the extended warranties cover the major mechanicals like the DSG?

With these requirements and concerns which year and or model should I be looking at getting? Is a late 2008 likely to be better than an early 2008 that is out of warranty and likewise will a 2006 with an extended warranty be a better choice over the lat 2008 model still under the original warranty? I am hoping some of you owners can give me an insight how reliable your Mk Vs have been.

If you are looking for a low kilometre model then look at the MY08 or MY09 models. Which would mean that you'd be paying $30K to $35K. If that is the case, then have a look at the Pirelli Limited Edition models. The Pirelli has a larger K04 turbo producing more power with DSG, leather, RPC and 18 inch rims as standard. Some had Xenons but all none of them came with sunroofs. You can extend the warranty by 3 years for about $1400 which is highly recommended. The P-zero tyres and rims alone cost a premium of $6K. So if you can get a Pirelli for $35K, you'd be doing well.

[isaw]

Any MY08 model onwards will have the full height MFD, trust me you want it.
the later models have a few tweaks in the DSG, and alot of the other issues are fixed too. As above a pirelli would be a good investment if you can find one!

You can buy an extended warranty as long as the car is STILL in its manufacturers warranty. Price has gone up, but you should find it for $1500ish for a GTI. Just get what you can afford with a proper booked service history. Make sure its not missing anything.

You can tell if its been drive hard by a subframe "pop", by stretched bolts. its an easy fix, but do a hard/fast tight uturn and listen.

[jessv3]

The later the car the better its going to be. No point looking at an 06 or 07 even with an extended factory warranty (max 5yrs) it will now be expired or about to expire.. Having said that I have an 06 with 122k on the clock and nothing has gone wrong with it, the most expensive thing to factor in is the timing belt and water pump change which was about $1300.

For 35k you're talking MK6 territory, the MK6 engine doesn't require a timing belt change as it uses a chain which is a huge saving maintenance wise.

[triode12]

The later the car the better its going to be. No point looking at an 06 or 07 even with an extended factory warranty (max 5yrs) it will now be expired or about to expire.. Having said that I have an 06 with 122k on the clock and nothing has gone wrong with it, the most expensive thing to factor in is the timing belt and water pump change which was about $1300.

For 35k you're talking MK6 territory, the MK6 engine doesn't require a timing belt change as it uses a chain which is a huge saving maintenance wise.

But with the Mk6 GTI, you get a car with a K03 engine(less power) that drinks oil and is a bit too refined to be fun.

[jessv3]

But with the Mk6 GTI, you get a car with a K03 engine(less power) that drinks oil and is a bit too refined to be fun.

That depends if you're comparing an Mkv Pirelli or just regular a GTI. Both models are known to be heavy oil drinkers and the cam tensor issues of the earlier mk6's should all be fixed under warranty by now.

[AdamGTI]

You can pick a pirelli up for 32k if you wait around for one.

But for 35k, I'd be getting into a mk6, nicer interior, nicer shape.

[TomC]

the most expensive thing to factor in is the timing belt and water pump change which was about $1300.

I just had mine done (inc. the tensioners as well) and all up it was just over $800, so depends where you get it done. Another big servicing slug is the 60k major service + DSG - that cost me $1200. Assuming you look at a late '08 model some of them might be coming up to the 60k mark, so double check whether that major service with DSG has already been done (or expect a big hit soon into ownership!).

[csd1uk]

For 35k you're talking MK6 territory, the MK6 engine doesn't require a timing belt change as it uses a chain which is a huge saving maintenance wise.

If all is well that is the case....I am having to get my chain replaced (on the R32 mind you) on a car which has only 65k on the clock nice little bill of about $2000

[triode12]

That depends if you're comparing an Mkv Pirelli or just regular a GTI. Both models are known to be heavy oil drinkers and the cam tensor issues of the earlier mk6's should all be fixed under warranty by now.

True, but still a less inspiring drive over the MkV due to the extra refinement.

[MovieDude]

So get a late 2008 model that has had its 60k service and check for signs of hard driving. Consider the Pirelli edition - other than cosmetic differences is the turbo the only difference mechanically? And don't bother with anything pre-2008. My concern over going for a Mk VI is that my tight budget may only get me a basic model without even tints.

[triode12]

So get a late 2008 model that has had its 60k service and check for signs of hard driving. Consider the Pirelli edition - other than cosmetic differences is the turbo the only difference mechanically? And don't bother with anything pre-2008. My concern over going for a Mk VI is that my tight budget may only get me a basic model without even tints.

With the Pirelli, You also get a larger intercooler, forged internals (good for modding) and larger (S3) injectors. Basically you get a detuned S3 engine with a different intercooler (plastic endcaps as opposed to all aluminium) .

[MovieDude]

I've seen a Pirelli (but only the one because they are rare) and I don't like the wheels. Did any of them have the standard GTI wheels (sorry but I don't know what they are called)? The interior is fine (no better and no worse than the standard GTI).

[DonJuan]

nope, no standard wheels, all pirelli rims... $2,500 to buy a set... i'm going to get mine redone in black...

[kryten2001]

Hey guys, long time no post - thought I'd jump in.

Go the pirelli, if you can get one. I agree the original wheels look a little tame, but that's easily fixed.

Mine is extensively modified. Going a GT2871R turbo right now actually.. Should be good for 400HP or so.

The pirelli was somewhat special, so if you want a Mk5, this is the one to go for..

Mine: