Confidence with buying a 4-yr old GTI

[MovieDude]

Owning a car isn't supposed to be a prison sentence.

I understand Paul's concerns about the DSG, there are many more that haven't had issues. I'd be certain to buy one with a warranty if I was doing DSG or make sure it was real cheap in case the worst happened.

Maybe teach your wife to drive manual, it's not that hard. They can multi-task I am led to believe, moving 2 feet and both arms while talking could be a problem. Then you could use it as an excuse to ask her not to speak??

Don't buy the most expensive one you find.

Gavin

I understand your recommendation to avoid the most expensive model and the 2010 model is not but it's either that for $36,000 or a 2008 for $30,000. I agree that having a warranty is a lot of peace of mind.

---------- Post added 02-05-2012 at 03:43 AM ---------- Previous post was 01-05-2012 at 11:34 AM ----------

Should I be concerned if a car has missed its last service by 12 months but has not done the mileage?

[h100vw]

I understand your recommendation to avoid the most expensive model and the 2010 model is not but it's either that for $36,000 or a 2008 for $30,000. I agree that having a warranty is a lot of peace of mind.

---------- Post added 02-05-2012 at 03:43 AM ---------- Previous post was 01-05-2012 at 11:34 AM ----------

Should I be concerned if a car has missed its last service by 12 months but has not done the mileage?

Services are done, on time and mileage. They should be serviced annually if they are not driven.

Items like brake fluid have a 2 yearly life, so getting a service done at 18months from new on distance, then going 12 months (2.5 years) because of a change in use of the car wouldn't be ideal.

Ultimately, your call but a modern car isn't going to suffer greatly from that.

Gavin

EDIT in case I read your comment wrong. Has the car had a service at say 15000/6 months, due again at 30000/18 months. Then has done only 25000k but is in fact now 24 months since being serviced?

[MovieDude]

It was supposed to have had a 42,000kms service in May last year but didn't and it's mileage is now 39,000kms.

[h100vw]

It was supposed to have had a 42,000kms service in May last year but didn't and it's mileage is now 39,000kms.

In that case I'd hit VW up with the question, be sad to have them decline warranty on an engine failure (unlikely) because of that. And you want the answer in writing if before purchase.

Gavin

[MovieDude]

I forgot to mention that it's a 2008 model already out of warranty. I'm going to ring VW anyway.

---------- Post added 03-05-2012 at 06:52 AM ---------- Previous post was 02-05-2012 at 08:26 AM ----------

VW servicing said it was not a problem but the next service due would not be the skipped 42,000kms but the 60,000kms which will cost around $1200.

[h100vw]

I forgot to mention that it's a 2008 model already out of warranty. I'm going to ring VW anyway.

---------- Post added 03-05-2012 at 06:52 AM ---------- Previous post was 02-05-2012 at 08:26 AM ----------

VW servicing said it was not a problem but the next service due would not be the skipped 42,000kms but the 60,000kms which will cost around $1200.

That's a biggy with the DSG oil change in. If there's no warranty, I'd not be bothering with VW.

Gavin

[MovieDude]

But is an independent likely to be much cheaper?

[h100vw]

But is an independent likely to be much cheaper?

Enough to be worthwhile in my opinion and they will have more experience on older VWs I would expect. I am happy to be corrected but once out of warranty very few MK5s would be going to dealers, so familiarity would be dropping away.

Gavin

[Doddso99]

I bought a 2nd hand 2007 Jetta DSG Turbo which engine wise is similar to the GTI nearly a year ago and the car has had no major problems. I had to replace the PCV valve which set me back about $400 but have not had any other issues with the engine, dsg or interior in any other way.

I did get Mike at Prestige and performance to give the car a once over to make sure everything was fine and it has been an absolute joy to drive.

Al

[TomC]

But is an independent likely to be much cheaper?

Do the simple ring-around and get some quotes. They should be able to provide that over the phone. I had my 60k service done at the dealer because they gave me the cheapest quote but I have my minor servicing done at an independent because their minor service prices were much lower. Go figure?!!!