VW GTI Mk8: 2 Year Long Term Review - The Best GTI Yet?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 พ.ย. 2023
- I've owned the Mk8 GTI for 2 years. Here is my long term review.
Car: Volkswagen GTI
Model: SE
Color: Moonstone Gray
The Mk8 is a excellent car that might just be the best GTI model that VW's made to date. After two years of ownership I love it. Its performance, comfort, quality and looks exceed my initial expectations. The only problem I have is that the infotainment is terrible. Its complicated to use, sometimes doesn't work, and dangerous. But, even with that, it's still a great car and I would recommend the S model, or the 40th Anniversity, to anyone who is interested.
Wheels: Apex Race Parts SM-10 18x8.5 - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
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As a former 7.5 owner, I think the drive quality of the 8 is a vast improvement.
And absolutely love the new interior of my 8. It’s my favorite car I’ve ever owned & I’m almost 60 years old.
With a GTI it doesn’t really matter how old you are. It suits everyone.
Good on you my friend 🫱🏾🫲🏽
I bought mine after watching your 1 year review. It’s only been 2 months but I love it. The infotainment is a lot less annoying than I thought it would be. As for video recos, track days would be great, any tips and tricks, also curious of any issues you’ve had though it sounds like not many.
Thanks for the practical and down to earth video. I'm in the market for a Mark 8 after not owning a GTI since my Mark 1! Have driven a number of GTI's over the years, always fun. Always loved the styling and practicality.
I’m older too. I bought the S trim because it’s just a great value.
The only thing I wish I had is keyless entry.
Maybe keep your eye out for a certified higher trim. Thats what I’d do I think.
Just bought an 380 SE.
Only one for a couple months. Manuals harder to find.
@@katiecannon8186 The S IS a great value!
@@johnharris1655
Congrats 🎊🍾🎈🎉
Do you adore it? I just love my car so much. lol.
@@katiecannon8186 so much fun! It was between a Mustang V8 and the GTI won.
I have the base, S, model. Adore it. I have a 2023 & actually really like the infotainment system.
Awesome vid. I just got myself a 40th AE in manual with less than 3k km on thee dash. I am picking up the car in the next few days.
Congrats!
The GTI is VW's best car and has been for a long while. For several generations now it has provided far above par quality and materials when compared to its competition. As you've stated here, they are very solid cars. I have a MK6 GTI with 213K miles that I (clearly) daily as my commuter. After 11 years the car still doesn't rattle and I'm running the OEM shocks. I've taken very good care of the care both cosmetically and mechanically and it's incredible how new my car still looks. Other than several minor rock chips from the road, the car is a 9/10 inside and out. Part of that is taking care of it, but it's also the quality of materials. The seats have no wear and have held their shape perfectly. The headlight lenses are perfectly clear and so on. They are just fantastic cars.
I especially like your color and wheel combo, but there's one problem...your odometer. You gotta drive that GTI more! :)
Love the color and I’m a white color guy got a order in for a 380 models s we will see if I get one as the last of the stick are almost gone Great video thanks
I know this was 4 months ago but was wondering what tire size you are running with your rims. Car looks amazing and I am thinking about getting one in that same exact color but I think I am going to wait for the 2025 model. Thanks for your updates. It helps out alot.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 235/40/18
I had a weird one. I was getting a “Please check Starting System” on my 2023 with less than 7,000 miles on the clock. Turns out the start/stop button was sticking on the console and shorting to ground, causing the error code. They replaced it under warranty.
I have a 2023 40th anniversary and am experiencing a malfunction in my upper head unit. It'll call/cancel call emergency roadside assistance 20+ times. I can't get my front dome lights to function properly. Sometimes the unit will work sometimes the unit will act up. I have a slight theory it has something to do with Android auto but that is speculation off of a few tests of the unit before and after plugging my phone in. Part is on backorder
Currently at 5200 miles
I’m really thinking about pulling the trigger on one of these, or a Golf R, but I’m concerned about the reliability. Have you had any issues? Maybe you could make a video discussing any reliability issues and maintenance cost. I too am in New England which is why I’m considering the Golf R too for the AWD.
I have had zero reliability issues. No maintenance costs other than fluids after 2 years.
Agree with just about all points in this review, but highly recommend stage 1 tune.
I have also had my emergency braking trigger eroneously a few times while backing up, and once on the highway (dangerous).
There's also the dreaded issue with the assist features failing because of the wiring harness in the steering wheel.
If you could have the engine, transmission, chassis, suspension, and seats from this car and everything else from a MK7.5, the car would be about perfect.
Very well said. I had an erroneous braking trigger for the first time last week. Luckily it was just in my garage with no one around.
I'm also thinking about documenting my attempt to get a new steering wheel. Specifically one with physical buttons and see if that resolves my driver assist issues.
I'd consider a stage 1 tune. Wheres the best place for me to start with that?
Do your knees hit the steering column? Had that issue test driving the MT but will also try the DSG soon
I've never had that issue, but I have heard that from others. I'm just about 5' 10".
Why do the American ones have the orange light reflector on the wheel arch? We don’t have those in uk?
Its a regulation for all cars in North America to have them.
Mk 8 owner here for 1.5 years. Camera works every time for me and so does carplay. I don’t really switch between car play the radio and android auto so I can’t speak to that pain point; but my guess is if you were doing that with any other vehicle it would not be a seamless transition. I agree totally that the layout of the volume and ac controls suck but that’s about it for my review. So those considering the vehicle know that while he has had some issues some other owners have not. The ac and volume controls still not even close to being a game changer. If anything it’s probably the smallest complaint you will have on a car because it’s damn near perfect so that’s what we have to resort to. For instance on other cars the engine might suck, the transmission, the road noise, the comfort, etc.
Thanks for the vid, been debating between this and a mk7. Only thing thats been pushing me away from this is the infotainment. Hoping to find a deal on an s model so i can at least have the volume knob
You don’t need a volume knob. There are volume controls on the steering wheel. I have a 2023 40th anniversary GTI in Canada and it doesn’t come with a volume knob. The only minor annoyance I find is trying to set the fan speed in AC menu while driving. Other than that, it has been an enjoyable car and it’s totally livable.
I’m currently trying to decide between an S and an SE. i was surprised to hear you recommend the S even though you own the SE.
One of my main considerations between the S and SE actually pertains to the infotainment. I seems to me that the sliders on the larger screen would make it easier for adjusting temperature on fly, assuming you have your fans set to auto. If I’m not mistaken, in the S, in order to change temperature settings you have to go into the climate menu every time. On the SE, you could adjust your temperature while still having carplay on the main screen. That seems like a pretty huge advantage in day to day use living with the vehicle. Do you think the smaller screen on the S is better even with that in mind?
Also, how has the sunroof been for you? I’ve about some units having problems with the sunroof switch.
I had never considered that infotainment difference, but you are right. The SE would definitely be a day-to-day improvement, but you'll still be finding yourself switching menus all the time with either one. I'd still choose the S even with that, but you should sit in both to test it. Also test both while driving if you can.
I haven't had any sun roof issues, although I am aware that others have have. The touch sensitive control isn't confidence inspiring, but its always worked for me.
@@wellequipped You should do a slow, thorough, walkthrough of the infotainment system.
I own the S version. After testing other versions, I ended up buying the S. Best value in every sense.
The ergonomics of the infotainment system for me are way better than the fully touch version.
The car drives phenomenally, I don't need or miss any of the other premium additions to higher tiers. All the GTI driving experience is included in the S version. I didn't care too much about the adaptive suspension tbh
@@RodKings-ef9ny The only thing I kinda wish I had is keyless entry. But that’s not actually a big deal.
The chassis is so phenomenal, I figure the adaptive suspension is just another complication that can break.
I love my car so much - lol. It’s ridiculous. And I’m a 60 year old female. I’m down right emotionally attached to my car. It’s a hoot.
What rims are you running? They look great!
Apex Wheels SM-10
Can you comment on any mechanical issues , repairs costs ..is this a long term buy and hold or a lease and dump …
No cosmetic or mechanical issues in the two years. A few software issues, like backup camera not working, audio/radio not starting with the car, and adaptive cruise control faults. Those are infrequent, but they happen. Other than software and tech, its been very reliable. I purchased the car and intend on keeping it as long as it still fits my life situation.
Are you on stock suspension? Thinking about getting the same wheels.
Yup, I'm on stock. Stock looks great with the wider wheels in my opinion.
@@wellequipped wow it looks awesome! I just picked up a slightly used 2022 GTI SE in moonstone just like yours! 32k out the door. I’m so excited for it!
@@donmiranda4645 Congrats!
Isn't the S model knob just for volume control?
Yes, it is. Much better than the slider that you can't see in the dark!
It has two.knobs, one for volume and the other one for selection. Works great
I live in South Africa im definitely getting One next week i almost bought a used a 7.5 over this but after much consideration spec for spec 8 appears Superior
I really want a GTI but i've had too many mechanics warn me about them. I think i'll eventually just go for it.
If you're comparing it to a Toyota or Honda, you'll be frustrated. It's a finicky european car. Just do the maintenance on time, take care of it, don't trash it and it'll easily go 150-200K miles. The EA888 engine has proven to be very robust and reliable over the years and it's now in it's 4th generation.
I have a mk8 after having a mk7. Did yours come with a bib and diapers for your whining?
2 years and a few miles in it
Mod the car
I detest driving this car daily because of the trash infortainment system. There are November 2023 software updates for the faulty back up camera as well as issues with apple car play
How do you download that update? I checked the update section and didn't see anything there.
I had a whole list of complaints lodged with the dealership. They asked me to leave it there for diagnostics. When i got back, they mentioned they did a 18gb TP update from VW South Africa. Most of the issues i reported still persist .. apple car play works ok now though.
@@altaafm Thanks for the info. I'll look into that.
@@wellequippedcool. Good luck!
cry baby stuff