Problems to look for in mk6 GTI

[Duzz]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently in the market for a mk6 golf (preferably 2010-2011), just wondering what I should be looking out for when looking at these beautiful cars, and how many km's is deemed "safe" when purchasing, as most are more than 120xxx km's. also, what are the known issues that I will have to keep in mind if I proceeded with purchase. (Please excuse this post, I now realise and should have realised before that there is plenty of these posts on the forum...)

Kind regards.

[Lucas_R]

Hi and welcome.

There's a few things to be mindful off and definitely worth checking on the cars you are looking at or at least budgeting to replace after buying the car.

1) Timing chain and timing chain tensioner issues. The earlier engines (2009-2011) had a poorly designed timing chain tensioner which fails without notice and best case scenario you need a new head, worst case you need a whole new engine. In 2012 VW updated the tensioner design so that it could not longer fail so try to buy a 2012 onwards car if you can to minimise this issue.

Budget approx $1000-1200 to have the timing chain, tensioner and other related parts (timing guides etc) replaced by a mechanic if you do buy a pre-2012 car.

2) Inlet manifold issues. Runner flaps get stuck or break causing the engine to run rough and check engine light on your dash.

3) Water pump (leaks) so you loose your coolant over a period of time.

Quite a few Mk6 GTI's have had water pumps and inlet manifolds replaced under warranty.

Apart from these main things they are generally quite reliable and robust little engine.

If you are buying a DSG, make sure it has been serviced (60,000km or 4 years) and make sure it drives smoothly and changes gears swiftly and smoothly.

[Transporter]

Hi and welcome.

There's a few things to be mindful off and definitely worth checking on the cars you are looking at or at least budgeting to replace after buying the car.

1) Timing chain and timing chain tensioner issues. The earlier engines (2009-2011) had a poorly designed timing chain tensioner which fails without notice and best case scenario you need a new head, worst case you need a whole new engine. In 2012 VW updated the tensioner design so that it could not longer fail so try to buy a 2012 onwards car if you can to minimise this issue.

Budget approx $1000-1200 to have the timing chain, tensioner and other related parts (timing guides etc) replaced by a mechanic if you do buy a pre-2012 car.

2) Inlet manifold issues. Runner flaps get stuck or break causing the engine to run rough and check engine light on your dash.

3) Water pump (leaks) so you loose your coolant over a period of time.

Quite a few Mk6 GTI's have had water pumps and inlet manifolds replaced under warranty.

Apart from these main things they are generally quite reliable and robust little engine.

If you are buying a DSG, make sure it has been serviced (60,000km or 4 years) and make sure it drives smoothly and changes gears swiftly and smoothly.

Isn’t it what they said when they updated that tensioner for the first time, then again for the second time and third time and the fourth time?

[Duzz]

Thankyou for your thorough and easy to read response! "Unfortunately" I will be looking at pre 2012 but will keep an eye out for any reasonable 2012's. What is the general consensus around the 6spd manual? Is there any known issues in relation to these that you are a are of?
I will most definitely be negotiating to open up room in the budget to replace or fix any of these issues. Thankyou again for this response.

Kind regards.