As a ‘24 base wrx owner, I really enjoyed watching this video. Seeing you enjoy it really made me appreciate for what it is, I was heavily debating between a Gti S and the wrx. I hope the Gti nameplate lives on long enough for me to be able to get one as well. And you’re spot on with those moments/feelings you get seeing randoms with cool cars.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! I tend to think people appreciate reviews and opinions from owners since we are able to give more genuine thoughts on our experiences. GTI’s are truly fun cars!
I just bought a 2022 MK8 GTI on friday. It has less than 7k miles on it, practically new. I think it's either the SE or the Autobahn trim with the business black package, so less red accents. Got the dynamic suspension system and most features, but no upgraded audio system or electrical side mirrors since the car was made during the electronics shortage (here in Germany, they have slightly different variations, so S, SE and Autobahn doesn't exist here) but still. I gave it a test drive on friday and man this thing is FUN. Like seriously fun. Can't wait to get back behind the wheel in 2 weeks after the inspection and oil change. Infotainment is... acceptable I'd say. VW did try to cut costs by making most if not everything touch-based. Still, I am super excited. Funnily enough it turns out that I literally worked on the very same car I am buying (We manufacture the Golf here), so that adds a little bit of pride to it for sure haha. (There's also a 1 in 3 chance I worked on your car as well xD)
MK8 owner here as well, Racingline tune, 18’s and lowered on 034. Couldn’t agree more with the media interface and the propaganda against it out there. It’s an absolute ZERO issue for me and it looks clean af.
Got my new 2024 GTI S in King's Red last week and I luv it. The S model is the "best bang for the buck" IMO also It comes in very well equipped for a base model. 😎
Nice! You're in Texas too (I recognize our registration sticker anywhere lol). I'm in Houston myself. Been considering trying to get into a 24 GTI soon before the 25s hit. Coming from a Caddy CT5-V.
@rjbaldwin_ UPDATE!!! I went to VW dealer today just to look at the cars in person. I ended up leaving with a 2024 380SE GTI in opal white pearl feels good to be back with a manual transmission 😎 I'm officially in the V Dub family!
Sunroofs leak if the bulkhead is blocked, ie by leaves and dirt, so once that's cleaned out the drainage should be free and water will stop leaking into the car
7.5 guy here. Being able to adjust hvac without even looking, not having to avoid touching the steering wheel controls, none of the things you described being OK with like backup camera malfunction, it's a deal breaker for me. I understand at some point I'll have to buy a car that has this crap, but it's not something I look forward to.
The HVAC thing is the only thing that bothers me to be honest having to go through menus, but I would look at knobs and dials in my last car to touch them anyways. ALL cars have little glitchy quirks as well. My last car’s navigation would show you “floating” around the map instead of driving on a road. I mostly hate all the Safety Features the most since a lot of cars implement them now, but I turn them off. Although annoying I look past only a few annoyances for a really great performing car. Overall, like you, I would prefer a more analog interface, but almost all cars seem to be going away from this unfortunately.
I love my 22 dsg gti se, ea888 gen4 can make over 400whp reliably. I went with the pmax route and it is bonkers! Everyday car that will walk many muscle cars on the parkway with shock. Great daily and a great practical/sleeper hatch to drive.
Noticed your driving by Frisco how are insurance rates on the GTI? I’m stuck on either buying an MK8.5 or a Mazda 3 Turbo love the exterior of the MK8.5 but I think the interior of the Mazda is much cleaner.
@@AlanMartinez209 Yep! I would venture you’ll likely pay a little more of an insurance premium over the Mazda given the nature of a GTI, but the GTI would definitely be a more fun natured car and can still do the day-to-day stuff really well. The 3 is nice, inside and out, but I feel the Mazda is somewhere between trying to be luxurious and sporty. Test drive them both and see what makes you happier! 😉
As the owner of a nicely modded 17 MK7 SE DSG. IMO the MK7 interior is really good due to its layout and simplicity. I really like the dash with its old school analog gauges with a small digital display in between them, and of course the physical knobs and buttons work well all of the time. I look at two computer monitors 5 days a week for work and the thought of just having more computer screens in my car (MK8) is not appealing at all to me. Plus VW ruined the DSG trans in the MK8 by deleting the center floor gear selector/shifter. I drive my DSG in manual mode 99% of the time and I also use the floor shifter a lot, along with the paddles to shift. IMO Sometimes progress is not in the forward and positive direction.
I would say you echo the mindset of most MK7 owners. The interiors are definitely more simplistic and techy in nature in the MK8’s. I don’t hate it but I do appreciate what the previous generation had in terms of styling and functionality. As far as manual shifting with the paddles only, I don’t think it’s too big of a deal as I’d likely never use them both in tandem if the stick shifting was still an option.
Have you driven mk8? I used own a golf R 7.5 (eqb0 and currently drives Formentor vzx (eqb evo). I can tell you the eqb evo is way better for chassis control and road noise. I don’t miss the golf R 7.5.
What cosmetic mods have you done? I am thinking of a JCsportline spoiler and a maxton rear valance. But wondering if I should get more performance stuff first like a rear sway bar
@@jaqf2397 right now just wheels and suspension. I’m actually looking at spoiler/extensions and diffusers now since I’ve got a few performance mods out of the way.
@@rjbaldwin_ yeah I think I might go that route as well. I've done a few mountain runs, haven't experienced body roll but I had traction control on. Torn between the sway bar or springs/coilovers. But I have dcc so that complicates things
Just a question if you don't mind. Planning to buy a mk8 gti it was built 12/20 so early 2021 model. it got a stage 1+ (324hp and 462nm) and a dsg stage 2 tune. It had it for around 12k miles now and planning to buy it. Do you recommend buyting a tuned car or?
I personally feel like you’re always taking a gamble buying a tuned car, more specifically if you don’t know the previous owner, how it was maintained, and to what extent it’s been modified. On the other hand, it could be just fine. I’d maybe look get a pre-purchase inspection or hard look-over if you’re concerned. I will say having a tuned DSG is the BIG positive here, since most of our TCU’s are still locked!
how much did you pay for it? I want this to be my first car i been saving up for it, and i dont know if i should do a down payment, or full im just turned 19 a week ago so im not too intelligent with these things
@ it’s honestly not bad. With the soundaktor disabled, in sport mode and music off, you can hear the little burbles and pops. After that taste, I just wanted more but louder 🙃
@ yeah I get that man. I’m looking to get one on finance, so not sure I could put a new exhaust on. I’m wondering how it would sound with just a res delete
I love my MK8 GTI but once I passed around 25,000 miles the interior panels started crackling worse than any car I've ever owned. The cheap plastics seem to degrade quickly and it sounds awful on every little road imperfection.
@@AdiusOmega I’m currently at about 16K miles. My door seals creak a little on slow turning bumps and sometimes I get a small rattle in the passenger dash trim, but mine isn’t bad at all. I’ll keep my fingers crossed when I cross the 25K threshold 🤞🏼
@@rjbaldwin_ It's the honeycomb plastic on the interior and the area around the climate control button that incessantly cracks on every uneven road surface. The door seals creak for me too but I solved that by putting a heavy coating of wax where those seals touch the body. Still though this car is fucking amazing.
@@xiondFirst I was in the same boat, initially was looking at R’s but the price markups were ridiculous on top of it! Saved big money and still having a lot of fun with the GTI and some mods.
You’ll need to be in Sport Mode. If you keep revs between 3K-4K, you can let off throttle for some pops. Shifting above 3K will give you some DSG “farts” if you drive spirited!
As a ‘24 base wrx owner, I really enjoyed watching this video. Seeing you enjoy it really made me appreciate for what it is, I was heavily debating between a Gti S and the wrx. I hope the Gti nameplate lives on long enough for me to be able to get one as well. And you’re spot on with those moments/feelings you get seeing randoms with cool cars.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! I tend to think people appreciate reviews and opinions from owners since we are able to give more genuine thoughts on our experiences. GTI’s are truly fun cars!
wrx boxer is crap
I just bought a 2022 MK8 GTI on friday. It has less than 7k miles on it, practically new. I think it's either the SE or the Autobahn trim with the business black package, so less red accents. Got the dynamic suspension system and most features, but no upgraded audio system or electrical side mirrors since the car was made during the electronics shortage (here in Germany, they have slightly different variations, so S, SE and Autobahn doesn't exist here) but still. I gave it a test drive on friday and man this thing is FUN. Like seriously fun. Can't wait to get back behind the wheel in 2 weeks after the inspection and oil change. Infotainment is... acceptable I'd say. VW did try to cut costs by making most if not everything touch-based. Still, I am super excited. Funnily enough it turns out that I literally worked on the very same car I am buying (We manufacture the Golf here), so that adds a little bit of pride to it for sure haha. (There's also a 1 in 3 chance I worked on your car as well xD)
The fact you are buying what you built is really cool! Definitely a sense of pride there 😊
MK8 owner here as well, Racingline tune, 18’s and lowered on 034.
Couldn’t agree more with the media interface and the propaganda against it out there.
It’s an absolute ZERO issue for me and it looks clean af.
Cannot express how much I love my '24 S DSG. Been such a wonderful and fun little car!
Got my new 2024 GTI S in King's Red last week and I luv it. The S model is the "best bang for the buck" IMO also It comes in very well equipped for a base model. 😎
Does have a point with the leaking sunroof issue. our 2018 tigjuan first had that problem. going for the slick top now when i purchase my mk8
Amazing car indeed ❤
Nice! You're in Texas too (I recognize our registration sticker anywhere lol). I'm in Houston myself. Been considering trying to get into a 24 GTI soon before the 25s hit. Coming from a Caddy CT5-V.
@@treflippa2 DFW area for me! Come join the fun 🙂
@rjbaldwin_ UPDATE!!! I went to VW dealer today just to look at the cars in person. I ended up leaving with a 2024 380SE GTI in opal white pearl feels good to be back with a manual transmission 😎 I'm officially in the V Dub family!
Pro tip: The Golf R pedals fit the steering wheel. Got them installed on my clubsport and absolutely love them!
@@moshcorerider I considered going that route initially! I opted for the pop of red color instead and have had no issues.
I love mine. Got the base model and saved $5K. Used that money for better wheels and tires plus the clubsport muffler.
That was exactly my logic too. Money saved went to Mods! 🤗
Gotta get a different rear lower valance for the clubsport muffler.
I love my Mk 8 GTI 🎉
Sunroofs leak if the bulkhead is blocked, ie by leaves and dirt, so once that's cleaned out the drainage should be free and water will stop leaking into the car
@@bilal6094 Yep! Not surprised, can happen with all cars, but I hardly use them. Saved some money on this car without it!
7.5 guy here. Being able to adjust hvac without even looking, not having to avoid touching the steering wheel controls, none of the things you described being OK with like backup camera malfunction, it's a deal breaker for me. I understand at some point I'll have to buy a car that has this crap, but it's not something I look forward to.
The HVAC thing is the only thing that bothers me to be honest having to go through menus, but I would look at knobs and dials in my last car to touch them anyways. ALL cars have little glitchy quirks as well. My last car’s navigation would show you “floating” around the map instead of driving on a road. I mostly hate all the Safety Features the most since a lot of cars implement them now, but I turn them off. Although annoying I look past only a few annoyances for a really great performing car. Overall, like you, I would prefer a more analog interface, but almost all cars seem to be going away from this unfortunately.
Love my Mk8. Great car.
I love my 22 dsg gti se, ea888 gen4 can make over 400whp reliably. I went with the pmax route and it is bonkers! Everyday car that will walk many muscle cars on the parkway with shock. Great daily and a great practical/sleeper hatch to drive.
The BEST All-Arounder EVER! ❤️
I was gonna do the GTI. Went with the 23 Arteon! Still like the mk8!! Just wanted more room. Beautiful car btw!
@@70malcolm I’ve heard those Arteons are really nice and comfortable. Shame they got axed!
Nice car bro. I had a 2003 Golf TDI. I loved it. When it died at 200k, I bought a '18 Impreza sport. Big mistake. I would love a new GTI.
My mk6 gti just hit 80k miles and my warranty runs out soon so I might upgrade to a mk8 or a 2017 a6 3.0t but it’s so hard to choose
Noticed your driving by Frisco how are insurance rates on the GTI? I’m stuck on either buying an MK8.5 or a Mazda 3 Turbo love the exterior of the MK8.5 but I think the interior of the Mazda is much cleaner.
@@AlanMartinez209 Yep! I would venture you’ll likely pay a little more of an insurance premium over the Mazda given the nature of a GTI, but the GTI would definitely be a more fun natured car and can still do the day-to-day stuff really well. The 3 is nice, inside and out, but I feel the Mazda is somewhere between trying to be luxurious and sporty. Test drive them both and see what makes you happier! 😉
As the owner of a nicely modded 17 MK7 SE DSG. IMO the MK7 interior is really good due to its layout and simplicity. I really like the dash with its old school analog gauges with a small digital display in between them, and of course the physical knobs and buttons work well all of the time. I look at two computer monitors 5 days a week for work and the thought of just having more computer screens in my car (MK8) is not appealing at all to me. Plus VW ruined the DSG trans in the MK8 by deleting the center floor gear selector/shifter. I drive my DSG in manual mode 99% of the time and I also use the floor shifter a lot, along with the paddles to shift. IMO Sometimes progress is not in the forward and positive direction.
I would say you echo the mindset of most MK7 owners. The interiors are definitely more simplistic and techy in nature in the MK8’s. I don’t hate it but I do appreciate what the previous generation had in terms of styling and functionality. As far as manual shifting with the paddles only, I don’t think it’s too big of a deal as I’d likely never use them both in tandem if the stick shifting was still an option.
Have you driven mk8?
I used own a golf R 7.5 (eqb0 and currently drives Formentor vzx (eqb evo). I can tell you the eqb evo is way better for chassis control and road noise. I don’t miss the golf R 7.5.
Solid video bro, would love to get a review of the tune !
Thanks! Check out my previous video!
@@rjbaldwin_ ooooo bet!
What cosmetic mods have you done? I am thinking of a JCsportline spoiler and a maxton rear valance. But wondering if I should get more performance stuff first like a rear sway bar
@@jaqf2397 right now just wheels and suspension. I’m actually looking at spoiler/extensions and diffusers now since I’ve got a few performance mods out of the way.
@@rjbaldwin_ yeah I think I might go that route as well. I've done a few mountain runs, haven't experienced body roll but I had traction control on. Torn between the sway bar or springs/coilovers. But I have dcc so that complicates things
Picking up my 24’ GTI S yesterday and I love it. Came from a bmw m235 so I was expecting it to be way slower but its pretty quick for a lil 2 liter 😅
Once GTI’s get rolling, they are decently quick 😉
Stage 1 hangs dead even with 235 big weight difference
Just a question if you don't mind. Planning to buy a mk8 gti it was built 12/20 so early 2021 model. it got a stage 1+ (324hp and 462nm) and a dsg stage 2 tune. It had it for around 12k miles now and planning to buy it. Do you recommend buyting a tuned car or?
I personally feel like you’re always taking a gamble buying a tuned car, more specifically if you don’t know the previous owner, how it was maintained, and to what extent it’s been modified. On the other hand, it could be just fine. I’d maybe look get a pre-purchase inspection or hard look-over if you’re concerned. I will say having a tuned DSG is the BIG positive here, since most of our TCU’s are still locked!
how much did you pay for it?
I want this to be my first car i been saving up for it, and i dont know if i should do a down payment, or full im just turned 19 a week ago so im not too intelligent with these things
@@venaceu $34K brand new. Market has cooled off some so you could probably get it for a little less now
@@rjbaldwin_ would it really be worth it
@@rjbaldwin_ should i purchase it with a down payment? if so how much would it be?
@@rjbaldwin_ how much should i put for the down?
I just scooped one for 24.9k with 3k miles. Pretty much brand new. I highly suggest getting a low mileage one. You’ll save a lot of money!
sorry maybe i missed it but what kind of exhaust are you running?
@@daver7818 Milltek Race exhaust
What did you think of the stock exhaust? Did you manage to get it to pop and bang atall?
@ it’s honestly not bad. With the soundaktor disabled, in sport mode and music off, you can hear the little burbles and pops. After that taste, I just wanted more but louder 🙃
@ yeah I get that man. I’m looking to get one on finance, so not sure I could put a new exhaust on. I’m wondering how it would sound with just a res delete
@ Could always start there, but I don’t think a res delete alone makes much of a difference.
I love my MK8 GTI but once I passed around 25,000 miles the interior panels started crackling worse than any car I've ever owned. The cheap plastics seem to degrade quickly and it sounds awful on every little road imperfection.
@@AdiusOmega I’m currently at about 16K miles. My door seals creak a little on slow turning bumps and sometimes I get a small rattle in the passenger dash trim, but mine isn’t bad at all. I’ll keep my fingers crossed when I cross the 25K threshold 🤞🏼
@@rjbaldwin_ It's the honeycomb plastic on the interior and the area around the climate control button that incessantly cracks on every uneven road surface. The door seals creak for me too but I solved that by putting a heavy coating of wax where those seals touch the body. Still though this car is fucking amazing.
Doyle Dale
I am thinking about getting a Golf R but yeah you're really convincing me to get a GTI.
@@xiondFirst I was in the same boat, initially was looking at R’s but the price markups were ridiculous on top of it! Saved big money and still having a lot of fun with the GTI and some mods.
@@rjbaldwin_ you know, you are so correct. I feel like GTI here in Canada is like 15k cheaper and I just want a good hatchback.
Need mine to get back from the shop, got t-boned in it 4 months ago :(, but when she's back she gets new shoes and 034 tune :)
Man, I bet you’re missing it SO BADLY! You’re going to love 034 :) Hoping you get the car back soon!
Nice color I have great falls green 7.5 stage1
I so wish VW had the spektrum colors for the MK8’s. I would have loved to have a unique factory color as an option.
I've got the new GTI MK8.5 coming next month. How do I use the paddles to get the exhaust sounds?
You’ll need to be in Sport Mode. If you keep revs between 3K-4K, you can let off throttle for some pops. Shifting above 3K will give you some DSG “farts” if you drive spirited!
Is the 2024 8.5 ? or is the 2025
@@shrimp_bucket I have a ‘23. ‘24 is the last model year for the 8’s. 8.5’s will be introduced as ‘25’s.
@@rjbaldwin_ gotcha that’s what I thought but randomly saw a couple people calling the 2024 8.5 and was getting confused. Appreciate it!
@@shrimp_bucket 8.5
Where your paddles red from stock?
No. The ones I have are aluminum paddle extensions.
I had water get in on my mk6 costed me 8k well my insurance 8k 😂 never get a sunroof on any vw
@@Georgespicedaddy They can’t be trusted 😅
I own a 2023 GTI S and only drawback is the ride is too rough on crappy roads.
Are you lowered at all? I thought stock was still fairly composed on bad roads.
Marilou Islands
Torp Circle
❓
The hell have you done to that car......
Not too much honestly. Just an intake, exhaust, tune, springs and wheels 😉
Oh man, you're very close to my area. Picking up my GTI tomorrow! Maybe we will pass by each other some day
Congrats! We might see each other around!
Anderson Matthew Martin Brian Moore Brian
alot of Americans drive Toyota Corollas, their infotainment systems crap and laggy low res screen yet they think they are the best cars
Touchscreens definitely have become the norm now. Some infotainment systems operate better than others for sure!