Volkswagen Golf has been first seen by the public in 1974, while the GTI type has been brought up in 1976, and quickly became their best-selling car.
Throughout the years this model has encountered some changes in its design and performance, which is why it is best to know that not every VW-Golf GTI is the same.
Some of the years of this particular model haven’t been at their best state, which is why you should keep reading further to find out which years of Volkswagen Gold GTI you should avoid.
Which Volkswagen Golf GTI years should you avoid?
Even if VW-Golf GTI cars are well-founded and generally easier to be used, some of their model years encounter problems and difficulties in their performance.
If you are thinking of purchasing a Volkswagen Golf GTI car then you might consider avoiding some of the following years so that you won’t end up disappointed, those being; 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012 (Mk5-Mk6 generations).
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2008
What can be stated as an issue regarding this model is that it encounters electric issues, as well as the battery drying up more frequently than usual. This is a huge downfall for anyone who thinks about purchasing a Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Having to wake up with a dead battery in the morning whenever you need your car the most is not very a pleasant case.
What is even worse is that this model year experiences difficulties even sometimes with the start-up; the engine has a habit of a stall and sometimes makes the car stutter whenever trying to start it up.
Many other minor issues can happen with the 2008 VW-Golf GTI model; that is why you should consider avoiding it.
2010
The issues that come with the 2010 VW-Golf GTI are the engine stalling, problems with the transmission as well as noise and sunroof leakage. These are the main complaints that customers have made regarding this model.
The neutral shift of the transmission without warnings appeared to be the most annoying downfall for any customer.
2011
The engine and transmission problems didn’t lack with this model as well. Volkswagen Golf GTI manufacturers hadn’t learned their lesson with their previous model and that appeared to irritate the customers.
The side airbag had the habit of malfunctioning constantly, putting people that were in the car in danger.
Some people have mentioned that the engine and transmission problems might be solved when replacing the gearbox however that might cost you some extra money.
2012
Most issues were found with this model year making it to be the worst model since it brought issues related to the engine, the brakes, fuel system issues, the emissions, and others.
Brakes did not work properly very often, scaring customers for their life; putting them in danger without any warnings. The engine failed constantly as well since the throttle bodies malfunctioned most of the time.
Another thing that might be considered as a bad feature regarding this model is the AC spreading a weird unpleasant smell.
Also Read: Which Years of Chevy Cruze To Avoid
Which are the best years of the Volkswagen Golf GTI?
The before mentioned models can be considered as years to be avoided however they still might be preferred by some customers over other models.
As for the best model years, we can say that they are worthy to be purchased since they have been advanced in terms of features and performance.
The VW Golf GTI years considered to be the best are:
The generation of Mk7
Volkswagen Golf DTI made their improvement with the Mk7 generations with a sophisticated and useful car design as well as car performance.
The best features you might find when purchasing a car from this generation are the provision of excessive comfort as well as the possibility of not worrying about constant engine failure along with the offer of great road performance with a very fast speed.
The offer of space in this generation is way larger than the previous generations, providing you with more elbow and shoulder room as well as sufficient headroom.
There are plenty of other pleasant features that will make your mind in purchasing a car of this particular generation.
The generation of Mk8
The improvement of the Volkswagen Golf DTI can be vividly seen in the generation of Mk8. Providing drivers with new tech and highly improved road performance.
The quick-shifting you can make with the help of this car happens because of the existence of the manual gearbox.
What can be considered an improvement with this generation is the brakes, steering, locking diff as well as adaptive chassis control?
Since it is the latest, there is no doubt in its progress, this mixture of old and new-school advantages portrays a generation to which people react with good criticism and review.
Which is the most reliable model of the Volkswagen Golf GTI?
If you are on the search for a model that Volkswagen Golf GTI provides that comes with both reliability and durability then you might think of the Mk5 generation which includes cars from the years 2006-2007 except for the 2008 model year.
Their performance and durability are outstanding.
Also Read: Which Years of Jeep Grand Cherokee To Avoid
Final Words
Volkswagen Golf GTI is a great car in general; however, if you need a car with better performance and slightly smaller issues you might think about avoiding at least two of its generations that were previously mentioned in this article.
The problems you might encounter when purchasing some of the models that have to be avoided are engine failure as well as transmission problems.
Having this summary of which Volkswagen Golf GTI years you should avoid will hopefully be of hand when considering buying your best choice of Volkswagen Golf GTI.