Anyone drive a 2015 VW GTI?

[atalarico]

Hey all,

I got a nice new job with a nice new salary back in August and I was toying with the idea of getting a better commuter car for my 60 mile RT commute from Denver to Boulder. At the time, the newest GTI was getting great reviews on the car sites I follow as a huge upgrade over the 2014s, etc.

Given the troubles with VW, I figure they might start doing some crazy promotions sooner or later and I might be able to get a deal on one. Also, I have a new-ish friend that is a VW dealer salesperson for the time being, so there might be something he can do to help a bit, but I get the impression that it's not much.

I'm just curious if anyone here drives one and what you think of them. I had a 2000 Golf prior to my 4runner and I wasn't the biggest fan of it, but I also knew a lot less about cars then as I do now. I'm interested in either a fast and fun hatchback like the Fiesta or the GTI, or going stupid and buying something a little larger and faster (Lexus iwhatevernumber comes to mind, or a BMW 3).

Now, with that in mind, I don't think I can get a manual. I know, I know...not a "man" unless I do, but despite all of my climbing and mountaineering exploits, I have crappy carpel tunnel and nerve issues from working in IT and I've pretended with my 4WD shifter and that reach sets off some nerve issues for me. I've heard the newer automatics like that in the GTI are pretty fun anyway and would still be way more fun than a auto trans in some more boring car.

Since they're mostly highway miles to work, I haven't been doing too bad in the T4R (around 19-21mpg avg). I've also been given a bus pass that helps break up the week a bit, so it's not the end of the world if I end up waiting on this. I'm mostly just curious what anyone else here thinks about them.

Thanks!

 

[Thai]

Not sure about the GTIs but VW is discounting VW like crazy! My brother just got his son a Jetta at ridiculous low price...and he did not even have to haggle much!

The extra savings now will pay for the "extra" maintenance that is needed from owning a VW!

 

[4Running Daily]

I absolutely love my Fiesta ST. It's been driven all around the west coast. 34mpg on the freeway. It lacks some of the creature comforts of a GTI, but it also lacks the price. Can't say enough good things!

DSC_0189 by Connor Rhoades, on Flickr

 

[T4R2014]

Like most of the recent GTI's, they should be great driver's cars. With that said, my experience with two GTI's has been pretty bad in terms of having things work. Seriously, the VW was at the dealer every few months while the 2007 Land Rover of all vehicles was flawless for four years with more usage.

I think I'll skip getting another GTI and go for a diesel this time.

 

[atalarico]

Dang, good input, all!

To be fair to the fiesta ST, it is very high on my list but unfortunately the wrist issue and the fact that it only comes in manual knocked it off my possibilities list.

Trust me though, being a product of the Motor City, my extended family would love to see me in a Ford. I even can still get my late grandfathers family discount on a ford too.

I also like creature features as I get older, so that's why the Lexus i series is on the list too. what boggles my mind is that VW uses some whacky ass proprietary USB connectors?! That almost upset me enough to stop considering it. I mean...really.

 

[marshal]

Get a Focus RS and don't look back.

 

[atalarico]

Get a Focus RS and don't look back.

Trust me...I want an RS so bad. I've been drooling over them since they have been featured on some car blogs over a year ago. Again...shitty nerve issues...manual = no bueno.

 

[atalarico]

Aww dammit. I just watched videos of the RS again. I hear modern manuals are a lot easier to drive. Something about "throws"? Dammit I want it so bad...

To be fair though, I doubt the RS has significant enough MPG gain over my 4runner to make it worth it's while. The GTI does.

But...DRIFT MODE BROBANK!

 

[marshal]

Aww dammit. I just watched videos of the RS again. I hear modern manuals are a lot easier to drive. Something about "throws"? Dammit I want it so bad...

To be fair though, I doubt the RS has significant enough MPG gain over my 4runner to make it worth it's while. The GTI does.

But...DRIFT MODE BROBANK!

I'd say it's milage is between 1-2 of the ST, since it's the same displacement engine. It really turnt up though.

Most recent manuals in cars that I've driven are effortless, even moreso with one that have short throws. The worst thing for a manual would be the clutch in traffic. You say nerve issues, is that a medical thing or like a nervous thing?

 

[Thai]

Since you want automatic, why not consider Acura ILX? Big engine for the mountains, luxury (for the price), warranty, decent handling, low maintenance, and great crash test scores.

 

[atalarico]

I'd say it's milage is between 1-2 of the ST, since it's the same displacement engine. It really turnt up though.

Most recent manuals in cars that I've driven are effortless, even moreso with one that have short throws. The worst thing for a manual would be the clutch in traffic. You say nerve issues, is that a medical thing or like a nervous thing?

Yeah, it's a medical thing. The actual motion of extending my arm repetitively can set off some pretty nasty nerve pain. Id be getting this car and spending most of my time in rush hour, which isn't exactly where manuals are fun to drive.

I hadn't considered Acura! One of my ex's had a civic and it wasn't bad. It was kind of meh overall but I think I'll check out the acura while I'm at it. Thanks!

 

[02SE]

I'd consider getting the Carpal Tunnel issues fixed. The Wife of one of my best friends recently had hers taken care of in both arms, and she couldn't be happier.

 

[Thai]

Yeah, it's a medical thing. The actual motion of extending my arm repetitively can set off some pretty nasty nerve pain. Id be getting this car and spending most of my time in rush hour, which isn't exactly where manuals are fun to drive.

I hadn't considered Acura! One of my ex's had a civic and it wasn't bad. It was kind of meh overall but I think I'll check out the acura while I'm at it. Thanks!

Another to consider...since you live where there is snow, maybe you need something with more ground clearance while still sporty? For example, the Mazda CX-5 maybe a good choice...practical, good mileage, fun to drive (relatively), decent clearance for bad weather, and available AWD.

Of course, if you go down this route, then there is the Subarus, RAV4, etc.. But for fun to drive, it is hard to beat CX-5. More expensive is the Lexus NX200t.

 

[AKmoney]

I haven't driven a MK7 GTI but I've sat in them at dealers / auto shows several times and, for the money, they have the nicest interior and most comfortable seats of any car on the market today. Mazda is the only other car company with similarly nice interiors at the same price point. I think a GTI would make an awesome daily driver, especially given the discounts VW is offering right now.

If I were you I'd seriously consider a 2016 Chevy Volt. They go 53 miles on juice so most of your RT commute is covered. You get a $7500 federal tax credit plus it appears Colorado offers a very generous state tax credit for PHEVs as well.

 

[atalarico]

Thanks for the input all. Yeah, the carpel tunnel stuff will be a surgery down the road, but hoping to stave it off until I'm at least out of my 30s. Oddly enough, the rock/ice climbing I do seems to help because it strengthens supporting structures and muscles, so if I keep up with my PT routine and climbing, it's not too bad. The less I can do to stress it, the better, and I think (depending on the ergonomics of these cars) a manual would be one of those things I can avoid so I can do the things I'd rather not avoid (work...play, etc.).

Sounds like my buddy at the VW dealership is staying on until March or so of next year, so I might still have that help for longer than I thought. I'm really only in the preliminary discovery phases here, and it's a bit of a pipe dream still right now. I was just curious what you all thought.

Thanks for all the input and recommendations! A lot more cars to consider, but that's always a fun thing!

 

[thecalm_7]

Dang, good input, all!

To be fair to the fiesta ST, it is very high on my list but unfortunately the wrist issue and the fact that it only comes in manual knocked it off my possibilities list.

Trust me though, being a product of the Motor City, my extended family would love to see me in a Ford. I even can still get my late grandfathers family discount on a ford too.

I also like creature features as I get older, so that's why the Lexus i series is on the list too. what boggles my mind is that VW uses some whacky ass proprietary USB connectors?! That almost upset me enough to stop considering it. I mean...really.

My wife has an IS250, nice car, they can get pricey with the way the options are in large packages.
My last car was a Mini Countryman ALL4. Optioned nicely for 34k (NAV, HIDs, AWD, 6 speed Auto). It has decent ground clearance for what it is, full time AWD unlike many that go to AWD under skid or slip, this AWD is permanent. It alters rate to 70/30 at highway speeds. 6 auto is a nice unit from Aisin with paddle shifters. Unlike many autos with sport shift ive driven, this will hold the gear til the fuel injectors cut out. I averaged 29 mpg in mine. Maintenance wasnt bad, but getting straight answers from MINI about any issues with the car is a joke, I recommend it over VW. Carbon build up is not an issue with the N18 motor (the old N16 motors were awful). I do recommend the dual Climate control. The 500$ option gives far more control than the 4 speed ac i had.

 

[Thai]

Check our new Civic: 2016 Honda Civic Sedan 1.5L Turbo Test ? Review ? Car and Driver

 

[Boats&Hoes]

Hey all,

I got a nice new job with a nice new salary back in August and I was toying with the idea of getting a better commuter car for my 60 mile RT commute from Denver to Boulder. At the time, the newest GTI was getting great reviews on the car sites I follow as a huge upgrade over the 2014s, etc.

Given the troubles with VW, I figure they might start doing some crazy promotions sooner or later and I might be able to get a deal on one. Also, I have a new-ish friend that is a VW dealer salesperson for the time being, so there might be something he can do to help a bit, but I get the impression that it's not much.

I'm just curious if anyone here drives one and what you think of them. I had a 2000 Golf prior to my 4runner and I wasn't the biggest fan of it, but I also knew a lot less about cars then as I do now. I'm interested in either a fast and fun hatchback like the Fiesta or the GTI, or going stupid and buying something a little larger and faster (Lexus iwhatevernumber comes to mind, or a BMW 3).

Now, with that in mind, I don't think I can get a manual. I know, I know...not a "man" unless I do, but despite all of my climbing and mountaineering exploits, I have crappy carpel tunnel and nerve issues from working in IT and I've pretended with my 4WD shifter and that reach sets off some nerve issues for me. I've heard the newer automatics like that in the GTI are pretty fun anyway and would still be way more fun than a auto trans in some more boring car.

Since they're mostly highway miles to work, I haven't been doing too bad in the T4R (around 19-21mpg avg). I've also been given a bus pass that helps break up the week a bit, so it's not the end of the world if I end up waiting on this. I'm mostly just curious what anyone else here thinks about them.

Thanks!

Hi there!
I have plenty experience with VW, and I currently own a MK7 as well as a MK6 GTI. Feel free to ask anything.

I am not a VW fan boy by any means. It's just I currently live in Germany, I work in the automotive industry, and I have experienced firsthand what VW is all about in Germany.

-In regard to the GTI's automatic. IT IS AMAZING. The DSG is by far one of the best auto trans currently offered on production cars today. It works quite well and fast, dependable and you have wiggle room in case you are ever in the mood to tune it. Never had issues with the many times I've gone around the Nürburgring. Solid and very pleasing to drive! I sincerely hate driving automatics, but I would certainly make an exception for their DSG.

- The Fiesta is a ''cute'' little car, however they are not apples to apples. The GTI should be compared to a Focus ST if you are really wanting a Ford. Fiesta or Focus (yes even the RS), you will be far more satisfied with the interior of the GTI. Light years ahead...Remember, you spend most of your time inside the car. As far as performance, GTI is far superior. Consider picking up the GTI with the DCC suspension. You'll have the ability to switch from comfort, sport, eco, & normal with noticeable differences.

If you want a really quick car that handles better than a go-kart, allowing you to get 30 MPG, and with so much aftermarket support, get the GTI. If you want a car that gets amazing gas mileage with very little thrill, get the Fiesta...With the recent VW problems, you have a great opportunity to pick up a GTI at a great price. You'll certainly get a lot for your money. HOWEVER, I still question VW's long term reliability. I also question Fords. When purchasing a VW, you must understand that maintenance is key to ensure a healthy VW after the 5 year mark or whenever the warranty runs out. Oh and please, unless its the LFA please do not get a Lexus.

 

[marshal]

Hi there!
I have plenty experience with VW, and I currently own a MK7 as well as a MK6 GTI. Feel free to ask anything.

I am not a VW fan boy by any means. It's just I currently live in Germany, I work in the automotive industry, and I have experienced firsthand what VW is all about in Germany.

-In regard to the GTI's automatic. IT IS AMAZING. The DSG is by far one of the best auto trans currently offered on production cars today. It works quite well and fast, dependable and you have wiggle room in case you are ever in the mood to tune it. Never had issues with the many times I've gone around the Nürburgring. Solid and very pleasing to drive! I sincerely hate driving automatics, but I would certainly make an exception for their DSG.

- The Fiesta is a ''cute'' little car, however they are not apples to apples. The GTI should be compared to a Focus ST if you are really wanting a Ford. Fiesta or Focus (yes even the RS), you will be far more satisfied with the interior of the GTI. Light years ahead...Remember, you spend most of your time inside the car. As far as performance, GTI is far superior. Consider picking up the GTI with the DCC suspension. You'll have the ability to switch from comfort, sport, eco, & normal with noticeable differences.

If you want a really quick car that handles better than a go-kart, allowing you to get 30 MPG, and with so much aftermarket support, get the GTI. If you want a car that gets amazing gas mileage with very little thrill, get the Fiesta...With the recent VW problems, you have a great opportunity to pick up a GTI at a great price. You'll certainly get a lot for your money. HOWEVER, I still question VW's long term reliability. I also question Fords. When purchasing a VW, you must understand that maintenance is key to ensure a healthy VW after the 5 year mark or whenever the warranty runs out. Oh and please, unless its the LFA please do not get a Lexus.

You are aware that the RS Focus has torque vectoring AWD, electromagnetic suspension and 345 horsepower right? ...right?

 

[atalarico]

Uh oh, I sense a Focus RS vs GTI war coming on. Please, let's not turn this thread into that! I like both of the cars, and I think there's room in the market for both of them. Ultimately it comes down to personal preferences at some point.

I really appreciate the insight, boats! It sounds like you might work for VW? I'm not saying that would change my opinion of what you said, but just curious. What you said about the DSG does echo what I've heard, so that's why it's the more appealing one for me considering the issues I might have with nerve pain and driving a manual in stop and go traffic.

What do you think tuning the DSG would do for me? Also, I've heard there's a maintenance routine for the DSG that is pretty pricey. Do you know more about this?

The MPG is appealing as hell too because that increase over my 4Runner really does make it more worthwhile to drive as a daily, whereas a few MPG more like the Focus, is a bit harder to justify. I have a weird 97 4runner that gets an average of 19MPG, but sometimes gets 22 if I'm just cruising highways. I haven't even adjusted for the slight mileage difference because of my a little larger than stock tires too. Weird, right? I'm not complaining, it just makes the interest in a smaller sporty commuter a bit harder.

Cheers!