5 Reasons to Buy a 2023 VW GTI (What’s New?)
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- čas přidán 16. 07. 2024
- Buying a VW GTI is not only a practical, economical decision, it’s a rewarding one. In this video, I will go over why this easily stands up to the Honda Civic SI, Hyundai Elantra N, Subaru WRX and more. I will also go over what’s new for 2023, predicted reliability, and the issues plaguing the MK8.
Full review
• 2022 VW GTI 6-Speed Ma...
DSG base trim review
• 2022 VW GTI Base (S) D...
(UPCOMING) Subaru WRX vs VW GTI
Thank you, Royal on the Eastside, for letting me test drive some GTIs over the years!
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00:18 What's new
00:58 Features
02:31 Powertrain
04:24 Handling
05:06 Comfort
05:34 Practicality
06:22 Reliability
07:28 Drawbacks
08:56 Final Thoughts - Auta a dopravní prostředky
My VW Golf MK7 has had zero failures so far after 7.5 years of ownership and I am also running a stage one tune.
"a generously named panoramic sunroof."
I felt that.
Back in the day, a REAL GTI had two doors and NO sunroof - to save weight!
I have the 6spd 2023 autobahn and love it!!! No complains at all.
Great review. GTI is always the winner in the class for me since my 2012 mk 6 with a 6-speed. It’s just an amazingly fun, driver’s car. Slap some snow tires on in winter and my f150 can wait til the super heavy snow. Honestly I may be biased, but I love everything about it, don’t need a sunroof, don’t care about the infotainment, give me plaid heated seats and a 6-speed.
I own a 2015 GTI (70,000 miles) that was made in Mexico and it is the best car I have ever owned. One sensor needed to be replaced when it was new but since then I have had zero problems! Now if I can just find a new Autobahn, manual, moonstone I would be really happy!
Same boat 65k zero issues
Glad to hear you're satisfied with your GTI and haven't had any issues. I keep hoping VW will make a reliable car but I haven't seen a large enough sample size to pull the trigger. It makes me sad because they drive well and I really like a lot about them. But I've been spoiled with Mazda and Honda and I don't know that I can tolerate major repairs in less than 100k miles.
@@mdsmith1019 Exactly how I feel about it!!!
Great review man! Keep em comin!
I have a 2012 MK6 as well. I've been a VW fan all my life. They never let me down. Great cars.
Great review! Honest! Thanks!
Great review. Thank you.
I have been looking for a awesome vw GTI video and this is the best...thanks I just ordered my GTI
I love mine, including the interface & capacitive buttons. I’m actually sad that the reviewers have managed to get VW to kill them off when it does a refresh. I find the capacitive buttons better than traditional buttons.
Anyway, as a former 7.5 owner, you’re gonna love the 8
@katiecannon8186 I agree...I don't understand what everyone is complaining about I like the buttons
Changing the temperature is a breeze!
Simply select APP BAR>select OPEN APP BAR >select FEATURES>select INDIVIDUAL>select CONTROLS>select COMFORT>select between HEAT or COOL>select CONFIRM>select YES when prompted “Are You Sure?”>select YES “Are you Really Really Sure?”>select ON>select digital TEMPERATURE SETTING>Enter desired temperature using the alpha-numeric touchpad>Select “GO” ~~ BINGO!!!!
To change circulation mode simply start from beginning.
Simple as pie! 😂😂😂
I've got The performance trim (top trim in Canada) and it comes with UHP tyres (Hankook Evo which are surprisingly very good). I'm in mid 5s for 0-60 but thing just bangs when driving. Pro tip: in the custom settings you can set the DCC at 3 full levels ABOVE sport!!! Yup car is a different beast when you do that
Great review and perspectives, but I'm keeping my MK7.5 Alltrack for now. Tuned and fun to drive.
My 2017 S DSG MK 7 was completely trouble free and a super driver’s car. Drove 5 years, 50k…one note: loved the dual clutch trans so much I drove exclusively in manual mode to keep road speed and gearing optimal without overrevving or lugging the engine. Really enjoyed driving it. New Mk 8 S has more equipment Standard-and lowest price. As one poster remarked, Toyota-level reliability, too. I’ve owned Toyotas, Hondas, Subarus,Chevyr, Fords, Dodge. I’m looking for another GTI!
You do a good job on a consistent basis.....I am in the middle of a car search and am considering a DSG equipped GTI S or GTI 40th anniversary(preferred) and am also still pondering a BMW 230i with optional 19in wheels (for a bit more $$)....
The 40th anniversary will probably be tricky to find but seems like the best all around package (the S would be my second pick). I can't comment too much on BMW since I haven't driven a new one for awhile but I loved the old M2. Thanks for watching and good luck on your search!
I've put 11k miles on my S with DSG. Love everything about it.
It has a defective oil collector stay away from vw products nice reveiw
Just got a 2023 40th anniversary
This is the spec you want
Adaptive dampeners , club sport wheels ,summer tires , front light bar
Black roof mirrors .
For $3000 more than the s
If performance is what you care about the 40tg is the best package for the money
Great review, I've got a DSG autobahn, my only complaint would be the 19"s are pretty soft, might downsize to 18"s with a little more sidewall.
I have a mk8, and I can wholeheartedly recommend a 17 inch BBS wheel from mk5 gti with a set of 225/45 R17 PS4S. The rim clears the brake no problem, looks incredibly correct and Germanic, handles the horrendous California road easily. I ran into multiple potholes and the car feel nothing. If I was on the original 19”, I will pop my tires and dent the rim.
I love this car. Rides like a luxury sedan! Great exhaust note as well
Signed papers for a '22 Autobahn today. Thank you for your help, especially the Vs. WRX video. I like your style. And your interior opinions especially matter to me, being 6'2".
Do you love it? I love mine. Best car ever.
@@katiecannon8186 absolutely! I'm really digging it. Everyone complains about the infotainment and lack of buttons/dials, but after I took the time to customize to make it my own, I think it's all a huge plus.
@@AdventureMonte
I love the interface. I wouldn’t have buttons back.
@@katiecannon8186 agreed. Keeps it so clean, especially at night! My car has terrific nighttime vibe.
@@AdventureMonte
Ok, so I’m 60 years old. And my car makes me feel much younger. I’m even gonna get a cute GTI poster for my laundry room/office. lol.
I have a 2017 Passat that i bought 1 year old at the dealership.
Drove it beyond 90k miles and and had virtually no problem with it. Threw me an error code once at 60k and that was it- i also cheapened out on maintenance and did nothing besides oil change and new brakes.
I just did a impulse purchase I love mine just got it today!!!! Omg can't believe how smooth and fast it is. My old car ran premium 2011 volkswagon eos
Mine is black all leather 2023 can't wait to take my dog places with all the space!
I remember when the GOLF R was at 38k... now just an autobahn is 40k... Car companies are getting outta hand
It makes second hand mk7.5 gti’s look like more enticing particularly you can get more performance with a cheap tune and upgrade the brakes, wheels and tyres for less to buy a mk8 Gti.
All I want is a base Golf like I have now, but VW won't offer it here anymore. I'll keep my base Golf 6, thank you.
I own a 2023 GTI.
I have had zero issues with the controls whatsoever. Just like a car with buttons after a day or two with the car you know where everything is. The “buttons” are just as snappy as regular buttons. I don’t hit things by mistake ever on the steering wheel when compared to my Infiniti or BMW.
The knock about the controls reminds me of the press line with iPhones and antenna gate, it’s the cool narrative to complain about without any actual negative impact when owning the product. Therefore making this part of the review bogus and fact-less in my opinion.
Maybe this can be used as a learning moment.
That cool narrative to complain about was panned enough by owners to prompt vw to go back on their decision. I think the only “learning moment” is for vw here. There’s always going to be a group of people who like something widely criticized, and that’s okay. I like Mazda’s dial operated system and a lot of reviewers don’t. I won’t try to belittle people though if they don’t agree with me on it.
@@Realistick Honestly, the capacitive buttons are multi functional, that’s the plus side of them. And extremely few reviewers ever talk about that functionality, aside from the few who like them.
Personally, I like them more than traditional, both the feel & the multi functional capability
Can you explain why you like the WRX more. I'm on the fence between the 2.
Yeah Right !! I've bought 2 Golf's every 3 years since 2010 and I can't even walk into a dealership and find one on the showroom floors.Not to mention the mark up the dealers are charging for the R if you can find one,and when you do it's a stick 100% all the time. So good luck
This gti was sold to someone below sticker and the dealer that had it is also getting an R here soon with nobody’s name on it and I believe they are selling it at sticker. The R is much much more rare but there are still some good places out there if you look hard enough.
Do these still have a plastic water pump?
Is it quieter than an Honda SI or Sport Touring hatch? Mazda3 hatch? Elantra-N?
What other car would the manual shifter compare to? Better than the SI or Sport Touring? Better than the Mazda3?
Thanks.
I bought a 22 wrx instead because awd and they're selling under msrp. I'll check out a gti in 2024
This was my default car as I love VAG cars but test drove a WRX first and bought one.
CVT or manual? And did you ever try the GTI?
The radiator coming lose is a big concern for mr with the my 8 and no fix reported 😮
Those wheels look so nice at low speeds. Is the rear legroom second-gen Mazda3 bad? Or is it just a little snug?
Just a little snug, i think there is more knee room to the outside of the seat which makes it more bearable.
If I have $60k-65k I would go for base model, its safe to keep aside some money when you don't know when your radiator is going disassemble itself. Turbos at somepoint will most likely to fail(your car will most likely fail) trim pieces re glueing, carbon build up and DSG service and higher insurance. I probably wont be able to buy new MK8 - i really want to - i don't have that kinda cash, partly because i spent it all on my mk6 golf (3 throttle bodies and service charge) DSG service, hatch struts and a cheap battery. When you buy a VW GTI you will probably wont be able to buy another car which is OK because its practical and you are not missing out much.
You make no sense. Buy a new one and after the warranty is up, trade it in and get another new one. No need to ever pay for repairs. Problem solved.
Was hoping they would iron out the annoying ergo issues for 2023 because it’s such a great engine and chassis. Will hang onto our MK7 until they bring back at least some buttons and knobs.
They should hopefully do that soon though you do at least get volume and tune dials on the base trim!
You shouldn’t just repeat what you heard, drive one, and you’ll forget about your 20th century buttons and knobs. I did, and I don’t miss them
@@geronimooo260 what about laggy ass climate touch controls on a cold start and annoying shit like having to turn off auto stop start every time you get in the car
As someone who just bought another GTI, the reliability has been on Toyota-level for me. I’m currently on a stage 2 tune, and the engine is still running like a champ at 80K miles. VAG has improved reliability considerably and the only reason I didn’t get an MK8 is because of those dumb touch buttons that annoyed me enough on a test drive to not trade in my MK7.5. Also, the forgiving manual gearbox / clutch and standard clutch-pack VAQ LSD make for one hell of a canyon carver / commuter. I will always have a GTI until they don’t make ‘em !
you get the intake valves walnut blasted yet?
Nope. Not yet. I’ll do it if It starts to idle / run “rough” or there’s any kind of issues. I don't do short drives, regularly redline it and put in 93 octane only, which should prolong the carbon deposits. 3rd Gen EA888s don’t need carbon cleaning that often if you take care of them. Besides, ALL direct injection motors without port injection require carbon cleaning, so that’s going to be almost every car on the road at this point.
@647killa mk8 gti runs on 87 though so idk how that will affect the carbon cleaning interval
I am considering GTI manual(SE) or Civic Si(prices are exactly the same in Canada), but I did not have a chance to test drive either of those, but I put in a refundable deposit for both cars.
From your experience which one would you recommend to someone who just wants to have fun driving without tuning or racing?
Thank you for the video!
Civic is much larger & the sight lines aren’t as good. If you’re a taller person, this might not matter. For me, the civic has just gotten too large. I literally can’t drive it.
I got a 7.5 GTI and an 8th gen civic is and it seems the two current cars kinda embody what those cars do. Personally, the civic is is more fun for me because of the transmission and sound but the GTI is the better car if we exclude reliability. With the Honda, I always felt more connected to the car but the GTI is faster and more comfy for the same or better performance.
@@katiecannon8186 Which one of the two was quieter in the cabin from wind and road noise?
Sorry, just saw this. I really can’t say as I didn’t drive the Civic long enough. Just took it in a small circle around the dealership because I really didn’t like the size & seating position for me. But I’m short.
Still, I can’t believe how big it’s gotten. It’s huge. Honda needs to come out with a smaller car for the North American market in my opinion
Great run through. I will continue to look for a 7.5 - not crazy about haptics. To that point, do you think the GR Corolla - availability aside - will push the GTI within the category?
Probably not though I could see them being cross shopped by a few people. I haven’t driven one yet but from the surface and my experience with the Corolla, I think that the GR Corolla could be more of a budget alternative to the R or a more hardcore hatch competitor to the WRX. The GTI is much easier to get with more features, practicality and presumably more comfort. I think the GR appeals more to someone who wants the most performance for the least amount of money.
Probably not though I could see them being cross shopped by a few people. I haven’t driven one yet but from the surface and my experience with the Corolla, I think that the GR Corolla could be more of a budget alternative to the R or a more hardcore hatch competitor to the WRX. The GTI is much easier to get with more features, practicality and presumably more comfort. I think the GR appeals more to someone who wants the most performance for the least amount of money.
Pull out my eyes…..Classic!
Wait the 40th anniversary edition comes with DCC without that $40k price tag? That's actually really tempting, but I see that they are limited.
That search will likely be tricky, I don't see it on their builder yet so I'd call a large dealer in your area asap if you decide to go for it!
@@Realistick Yeah i haven't seen it on the either, so I didn't even know about that trim until you mentioned it.
The closest connection I have is contacting a family member who works for a VW dealership. I don't think it guarantees me of getting one, but if they end up having one I might give in to temptation.
I preordered the 40th anniversary edition by visiting a local dealer. Took a $500 refundable deposit and it’s now in the order system. Delivery timeframe still not known.
@@neilteitelman2428 Did you get it yet?
@@neilteitelman2428 Where is the dealer located(city/state) and are they willing to sell at MSRP?
One annoying feature of the 2023 model GTI is that the center console has a fingerprint-magnet piano black surface. Also, I wish that VW would install the brake hold feature that would be especially useful with automatic transmissions. And if the GTI were to revert to knobs, dials, and buttons for control then the car would be just about perfect. Lastly, VW should improve their quality controls in par to the level of the Japanese counterparts, and then I would seriously consider in buying one.
I love the interface, including the capacitive buttons, which I think work better than regular buttons.
The piano black is 😢
Great review. The $1000 below “holiday” deal is not really a deal after their mandatory addons/options package negates it. That marketing scheme is being used here too. It’s a decent car, but reliability and poor resale value scared me away.
They don’t do that there, it’s just the usual port installed accessories. I think the $1000 comes from the manufacturer incentive and the fact that they dont list above msrp and never have.
@@Realistick there is no manufacturer incentive of 1000
@@kevs2good133 Then this dealership is feeling generous!
@@Realistick When did "Port Installed" accessories begin?
Who at the "Port" does these installs and why?? Is that just B/S from dealer talk?
@@t.k.morrisThose are accessories that are on the window sticker, they come from the manufacturer. Unless it's an order, the dealer has no control over what accessories are equipped. It's stuff like floormats, mud guards, auto-dimming mirrors. Dealer bullshit is paint protection, vin etching, nitrogen-filled tires, etc.
5:57 Tiktokers catching strays 😩😂
May seem a trivial thing, but I like those plaid cloth seats. Wish VW would make them a choice on mid trims of their SUVs. Not everyone likes vinyl (aka "leatherette") seats.
Agreed, they’re special, though the GTI at least gets real leather if you opt out of the fabric!
Right now some of the highest trims are coming with cloth seating and a credit off MSRP. Not sure if it’s the chip shortage or if there’s some kind of leather shortage as well. Also on the mid level trim (SE) cloth is standard and leather is a package upgrade. I agree though, love the plaid cloth!
why are all the detractors owners of older versions? none of them have spent more than 30 minutes in a new version yet they rip it to shreds. trying to boost the resale value of your car methinks.
2007 GTI here with 114k miles, it’s been a great car, I’ve had minimal issues with it all these years. Looking at buying a mk8 this year.
reailbity is king for sure
The best looking GTI ever was the Mk4 '337' model. Gorgeous sporty lines, 2-doors, reliable, and very German looking. Very 'analog' feel to it as well, compared to the way overpriced overly digital, prone to technology breakdowns GTI's of today.
Mk4 gti’s all end up smelling like crayons, if ya know ya know
@@tdub25 My MK4 GTI VR6 smells like a Rottweiler and Border Collie, actually! Those gorgeous, supple leather seats have done very well though, over the decades!
Go Hoosiers!
Odd questions: With the GTI's heated steering wheel, how much of the wheel is heated? All of it, or just the perforated portion on the sides, or the non-perforated portions that comprise the majority of the wheel? Same question for the heated seats. Also, do they get really warm (both the wheel and seats), or is the heating barely noticeable, like the cooled seats in the Jetta?
Lastly, never mind the EPA ratings, what was your observed fuel mileage?
In order to get an accurate gauge of mileage, I'd have to have the car for a much longer period! If you want more details on that, I'd check out the forums. The heated seats worked well, I didn't feel much heat at the top so I want to say it doesn't cover the whole wheel, though it could just be weak. I only tried the wheel once.
The whole wheel is heated
@@bowlrice5986 no it’s not lol. I drive this car everyday and it’s not on the whole wheels. Only on the perforated parts.
If u don't like new electric Mini Cooper, this car recommended to purchase
The last Generation GTI was my favorite. The interior materials were even better than the current Gen. Other than the lame infotainment on the new car (which VW says it will address), I deplore the toggle switch transmission shifter…..I mean, who was asking for that?
Beautiful car apart from that hideous front grill and fog lamp setup and strange lack of real buttons.
Those haptic controls are a deal breaker imo. I was seriously considering the Jetta GLI as my next daily until I realized that the car had haptic steering wheel controls. I'm just gonna save up a few extra grand and get the new Integra
That’s probably one of the best gti alternatives on paper, I really want to drive one.
So slow though
It’s painfully slow especially compared to the gti.
Title should be 5 reasons NOT to by this car: I’ll start!
Infotainment does not work
Electronics don’t work
Everything is touch screen and Haptic Touch , it will drive you insane
Radiator can come lose
Those are drawbacks which is why I mentioned them in this video too. (though I don’t remember hearing that about the radiators for the mk8)
@@Realistick oh yes! It has been recalled, third recall so far, after the engine cover removal, the switch to open the sunroof being too sensitive and third the radiator, but they have no fix for it yet!
@@Mirror1973 I'll do some digging on that for the next video. Honestly, a few recalls do not scare me and should be expected with a new vehicle, I've seen SOOO much worse. I'm curious how it holds up in the coming years, especially that infotainment.
@@Realistick agree with you 100%, is just that VW not being prepared and telling its customers they don’t have fixes or corrections in place to solve the problems yet, is so frustrating to us the owners, who are told to basically, live with it as is 😔
@@Mirror1973 lies. They’ve had a fix for a month now
1 reason not to buy: the terrible ergonomics and usability of the cockpit. Give me buttons, gauges and a modest-sized screen that isn't in your face. After seeing the Mk8, I bought a low-mile used Mk7. eDashboards do no impress me.
Give me a Elantra n over this anyday
Elantra isnt a hot hatch. Different buyer
WW and reliability are not two things that go well together
Vw is by the worst car brand I ever owned I’m never going back again I did it 2 times and didn’t learn my lesson the first time
The problem is it feels like you're in some kind of truck or van, as far as the dash angle, short hood, and visibility go. Weird that I'm complaining about too much visibility, too vertical of a windshield, but it just doesn't feel like you're in any kind of sporty car.
I’m still not sold on these mk8 golf’s. Way too tall and bulbous looking. The interior is abysmal as well.
It would be so nice if the american market could have the Opel Astra, Peugeot 308 and Renault Megane. This current Golf generation is a fiasco imo.
It’s to bad you don’t get the i30 N buy you do have the Veloster N which has a DCT and make impressive power with a tune.
40 k for gti 😂. Horrible overpriced
Orrible line .
Is it made in Mexico like the rest of VW junk?
I don’t believe so
Made in Germany
No but build quality is shit for the price
I hate the term “ Predicted reliability “. It is a dumb way of trying to gain credit for reliability without having to be reliable. GTI have always had buggy reliability and they are still using the same engine. For $40k you can just get a BMW 230i, have RWD, way better interior, way better infotainment, MPG, more power, faster and have a more reliable engine! Before one of you poor scrubs try to downplay BMW based of a meme know that BMW is currently ranking #3 in reliability by Consumer Reports behind Lexus/Toyota and the B48 is one of the most reliable engines BMW has made. Unless you really want a hatchback for practically then it is hard to not give a 230i a look at.
Did you watch the video? When I say predicted reliability, I thoroughly research this history of the previous gen and any current consistent problems to then talk about reliability. The only way you can say a car is reliable is if the generation has been around for awhile.
@@Realistick the new GTI is a hard pass. Questionable reliability, and poor infotainment make the car a deal breaker. Everything else seems nice. Maybe VW has worked out all the bugs but I’d hate to be one of the people having to deal with VWs old problems. Nowadays it is insane to think these entry level performance cars are breaking the $40k price range. I don’t like to compare them to a BMW but if they are going to be that expensive then the criticism is well warranted and they deserve all the scrutiny.
@@postalpancho The GTI seems to be built better (Germany versus mexico or tennessee) than other VWs, and the last gen really was not that bad (read the forums and go through owner reviews) but I definitely understand the hesitancy with the VW brand and the infotainment. Can't say I have driven the new 2 series but the GTI is one hell of a car for $35k~
Can you still get a manual transmission in the 230i ??
That has to be one of the most boring looking cars on the road today. How sad that this is the best that VW can do after 40 years of production. Better off buying a four door Mini Cooper JCW edition or the Mini Clubman JCW. The third gen Mini's are bulletproof and the fit and finish is top notch.
they are 48 grand on up!
@@buildmorefarms1007 So ?
The Mini John Cooper works cost much much more, think.
@@buildmorefarms1007 It's worth it. You get what you pay for.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 Yes
The wheel are orrible !
It´s a good sporty hatchback and has a fair price in North America, unfortunately not in Europe, here in the EU the car is very expensive
Sorry to hear that.
@@Jaeoh.woof765 Thank you 👍
I have an GTI 8 2023 and you are wrong my friend about the 0 to 60 , It's more like 5,2sec!!