2010 Volkswagen GTI: What Owners Think

You know, I love pretty much everything about this car, but the reliability horror stories are enough to drive me away. Doesn't help that my mum bought a brand-new Touareg 2 TDI last year and the water pump failed after about four months.

If you're one that has to choose between something sporty or practical, this is definitely worth taking a look at. I've had mine now since Nov 2009, no issues. After I chipped it, the car was essentially flawless.

At times do I feel like I'm missing a bit of power? Sure, but rarely. The main thing that I do miss is rear wheel drive.

But is the car more practical than a camaro or mustang? If you have more than one friend, most definitely. Unless of course they're midgets. In which case, I want to be your friend.

I've stated this before, but I work with oil tycoons. Guys that drive porsche's, 7 series BMW's, and vette's. A lot of times, I'll be the one to drive them to lunch or something (being that I truly love driving). Every time someone new gets in my car, they all compliment just how nice it is inside. They're all particularly surprised as to how much room there is in the car.

All that being said, I'm probably gonna upgrade to the Golf R when it comes out in the US...

I can't speak for the MkVI cars, but I've had my MkV since Feb 07 and still love it. I figured I'd have gotten the itch to move on to something faster (and RWD) by now - honestly I have no interest in getting rid of it. Personally, I think there are two reasons owners tend to like them so much: they're fun to drive in just about any situation, and VW paid attention to getting the details right.

As for the reliability horror stories... VW does seem to have their problems with bad components from suppliers, but it seems to affect small batches of cars; the majority, mine included, are quite reliable.

Agreed with zcalvert: my 09 and 07 have/were both flawless. This vw horror story is old news, this isn't 2004 guys.

Mine is our second VW, and the experience with the first (01 Jetta) wasn't bad. The MKVI is definitely a cut above. All things considered, the GTI is one of the world's best cars regardless of price. YMMV.

I'm so sick and tired of these boobs who complain about MkVI GTI reliability based on a car they don't own and/or some other VW from years ago. Or some story they heard.

Even the old ladies at Consumer Reports who don't like anything - and especially unreliable cars - have the Mk VI GTI at the top of their list in the Sports Cars: Sporty category. It's also on their Recommended list and the predicted reliability for a new GTI is Average - same as a Toyota Prius or Honda Accord.

So quit blowing smoke out of your butts already.

I have had ZERO problems with mine after 15 months. It's a great freaking car - especially with a Stage 1 ECU upgrade.

The GTI is definitely one of the best practical, economical, real-world enthusiast cars out there right now. Period.

It's in a bodyshop right now:( I miss it a lot.

As I mentioned before, I think it's the best car ever built for the money. I intend to keep it for about 100k miles and prove to all those VW haters that this car is as reliable as Toyota or Honda and still feels like a driver's car.

@f1ndler:
i know your pain exactly. i pray you're not stuck with a prius rental. worst month of my life.

The Golf/GTI is probably the most solidly engineered car Volkswagen produces. While never a huge seller on our shores, the Golf is considered the best all-around car in the European markets. Just check out the reviews in British magazines like Top Gear and CAR. They know their s--t, and then some.

Yep, definitely a practical but sporty commuter car, which is what a lot of folks out there are looking for. Having driven it a few times, I'm not surprised many of the owners are enjoying them.

Zcalvert: I had a nissan cube when mine was in the shop last year. At least it was interesting.

F1ndler: how many miles do you have on yours? I'm halfway there, about to turn 53k. Granted my 09 has the newer tsi used in the mkvi, which I lucked out on finding. Even vw guys know the older fsi turbo isn't flawless.

It seems like Europeans tend to consider this car "reliable but boring". Americans seems to view it oppositely, "unreliable but fun". So weird.

I'm with Gloss: I like it. The new one is the best-looking one ever. Really striking ... but I'm really afraid to touch any VW product.

Aside, why to this very day, do I see that nearly every one-eyed monster I notice on the road is a VW? I mean, that when I see one approaching, there's like a 80% chance it's a VW product (Audi's too). Is there a reason why VW has such a problem with its electrical systems (still!!)? I'm not just talking older models. Some of these are 2010's and 2011's!

The GTI looks great on paper, even feels good on the inside. I'm happy that it makes many people happy, but it doesn't get me going. The interior is subdued and is slightly classy, just like the exterior. It's got a potent torque curve and comfortable back seat along with plenty of room for hauling things. +1 on practicality with a bit of verve. I just don't get the "I love cars" vibe when I see one. Similar to the A4 up the street that is chipped, lowered and CBEed, it has panache to it, but not the visceral tug that draws me to sports cars. Perhaps its the soul that can't be had with torque steer, or not being able to throttle the rear end around a corner.

The GTI nailed the hot-hatch, it just doesn't stir my soul.

Kevin

to eldaino2
I have 16k so far. I know it's a long way to go but I don't plan to buy anything else for another 6-7 years. So far, no problems no rattling and looks like it was built to last.

+1 on the idea that VW's "poor" reliability history is a bit overblown. My '09 GLI (close enough to a GTI, right?) has been flawless for 2 years, and 18,000 miles. Almost wish I would have gotten a GTI, but the deal was much better for basically the same car, except with a trunk.

P.S.: this is my first VW, took the plunge after hearing all the stories, and have not looked back!

+1 on the idea that VW's "poor" reliability history is a bit overblown. My '09 GLI (close enough to a GTI, right?) has been flawless for 2 years, and 18,000 miles. Almost wish I would have gotten a GTI, but the deal was much better for basically the same car, except with a trunk.

P.S.: this is my first VW, took the plunge after hearing all the stories, and have not looked back!

Darex: I'm not european and its fun and reliable to me.

What stories are you hearing about newer vw's that you still find off putting?

F1ndler: you have many happy miles ahead of you bro :)