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What to look for when buying a Mk5 Golf GTI?

Early Mk5 GTI models were somewhat jerky at lower-speeds due to the mapping of the ECU. A factory recall for these early models was carried out, so its worth checking to see if the work was done on the car you are inspecting. While you are unlikely to come across a Mk5 Golf GTI with a non-stock engine, there are a few out there.

Is the Mk5 GTI front wheel drive or AWD?

Volkswagen retained the tried and tested front-wheel drive layout from the previous generation Golf models, but gave the new Mk5 GTI an all-new stiffer and sharper chassis.

What is the best used Volkswagen Golf to buy?

The range included S, SE, GT, GTI, GTD, R and BlueMotion trims, while Match replaced SE in 2010. There’s no inherently bad Volkswagen Golf model, but there are particular versions in the range that represent the best used buy. As with the Mk5 Golf we’d go for the 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine in SE or Match trim.

What are the Mk5 Golf’s different trim levels?

The Mk5 Golf could initially be chosen in S, SE or GT trim levels, with the sporty GTI joining the range soon after launch, and a more powerful six-cylinder Golf R32 introduced in September 2005. The SE trim level was phased out during a facelift in 2006 – the Match trim level replaced it and the GT trim received an upgrade.

Why is my GTI Mk5 idle funny?

If you notice that the Golf GTI Mk5 you are inspecting idles funny or has slight acceleration problems ( lag after gear changes) it may be down to a faulty positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve. To check for this, remove the dipstick while the engine is running. If the engine begins to struggle the PCV is working as intended, however, if the engine continues to run fine then the valve is faulty.

What is the story behind the Mk5 GTI?

The story of the Mk5 GTI starts with the original model. When the Mk1 Golf GTI hit the roads of Europe it changed the hatchback market forever. The small and light Golf GTI could not only compete in terms of performance with more dedicated performance cars, but it could do so whilst being more reliable and usable.

What year was the last Mk5 Golf GTI?

By 2008 it was time for a new version of the Golf. The 2008 model year would be the last for the Mk5 Golf GTI and it would be replaced by the Mk6 for the 2009 model year.

What year was the GTI 30th anniversary?

When the 30th Anniversary Edition model launched at the end of 2006 (2007 model year) it was the fastest Golf GTI model produced to date. At its heart was the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, but with a few tweaks that boosted power to an impressive 227 hp.

How often should I change the oil on a GTI?

It is recommended that you engine oil is replaced every 16,000 km (10,000) miles or every 12 months. Some owners will change the oil more frequently than this, which is a sign of good maintenance. If the Golf GTI Mk5 you are looking at has travelled much further than this before the oil has been changed, you should proceed with caution or move onto another Mk5 GTI.

How fast should a GTI idle be?

The idle speed can be affected by a number of different factors and problems, but it should hover around 750 – 900 rpm. When vehicle is started for the first time expect the idle speed to be around 1,000 – 1,100 rpm, but it should drop once the car warms up. Additionally, remember to turn on all the electronics, air conditioning, etc. to make sure the GTI doesn’t idle roughly or stall (expect a small bump in idle speed).

How much horsepower does a Volkswagen have?

Volkswagen engineers not only worked their magic on the exterior of the car, but they also massively improved the mechanical bits underneath. The car was given a 197 horsepower (147 kW) 2.0-litre turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that massively boosted performance over the Mk4 model.

What else should I know?

The MkV remained untouched visually during its lifetime, although ?a limited run of 1500 Edition 30 cars ?were released in October 2006 and ?there was another limited edition Pirelli model, both of which used a 230bhp version of the GTI engine with beefier turbos and camshafts. Needless to say, both are sought after.

What engine did the 2006 MkV GT have?

A range of new engines appeared in the summer of 2006, including the 140bhp 1.4 TSI/TFSI twincharger (turbocharged and supercharged) petrol that appeared in the MkV GT. From 2007 there was also the highly fuel efficient BlueMotion (above), which could eke out 62.8mpg. In late 2007, the 1.6 FSI petrol engine was replaced by the new chain-driven 123hp 1.4 TSI fitted with just a turbo.

How much horsepower does a 2.0 Golf have?

But Golf’s three diesels are superb, offering low fuel consumption, pace and power. The 2.0 SDI is a bit old fashioned, gutless and often hard work, so go for a 1.9 TDI or 2.0 TDI – they’re fast, torquey and fuel efficient, albeit noisy. The 1.9-litre gets 105bhp or 115bhp, while the 2.0-litre is available with 140bhp and – from July 2006 – 170bhp.

What is the engine in a GTI?

There’s a wide choice of engines to choose from, ranging from the somewhat flaccid 75hp 1.4 up to the 16v 200hp 2.0 TFSI in the GTI. In between, there’s also a 1.6 FSI (fuel stratified injection), a fast and flexible 150hp 2.0-litre normally-aspirated petrol, and a punchy 140hp 2.0 TDI turbodiesel.

What year did the 1.4 TSI come out?

A 1.4 TSI model was launched in summer 2006 and despite the small engine size it’s available with 140bhp and 170bhp – that’s because it uses Volkswagen’s latest engine technology that combines a supercharger with a turbo.

How fast does a 2005 R32 go?

It could do 0-60mph in a tad over six seconds and featured four-wheel drive, stiffer suspension and beefier brakes to cope with its supercar-like performance.

What is the oil required for PD engines?

PD engines require oil that meets VAG specifications – namely 505.01 (fixed servicing) or 507.00 (variable) – so search through receipts to ensure it’s been used, otherwise the car might have suffered camshaft wear. A sign of a fastidious previous owner is if they’ve changed the oil and filter every 7000 miles and used a long-life brew.

The Volkswagen Golf is a great secondhand car thanks to its hatchback practicality, rock-solid build quality and sophisticated image

Unless you’ve been deliberately trying to avoid knowing anything about cars for the last four decades, you’ll at least have heard of the iconic Volkswagen Golf.

Volkswagen Golf Mk5: used car buying guide

Despite having been around since 2004, the Mk5 Volkswagen Golf still manages to encompass much of the philosophy of the Mk7 model, which was only recently replaced. While the interior is starting to look a little dated, it’s still ergonomic.

Volkswagen Golf Mk6: used car buying guide

The Volkswagen Golf Mk6, introduced in January 2009, wasn’t an entirely new model compared to the Mk5 that went before it – instead, it was more of a heavy facelift, with a revised interior, new bumpers and lights and a new range of engines.