I hit the 100K mile mark on my 2013 VW GTI yesterday.
I've wanted a VW long before I bought my GTI, but VW reliability scared me off.
I did have two problems since I've owned my VW:
The dual-mass flywheel went out (50K mark) so I replaced it with a one piece flywheel and upgrade clutch kit and the butterfly valves on the intake manifold
quit working (81K) and the fix requires a new intake manifold.
Being that I'm a former Honda and now semi mechanic, I can handle most anything thrown at me.
The intake manifold was surprisingly reasonable at $180, but the clutch kit and tools I needed
ran me about $1500. I could have had the flywheel and clutch replaced under warranty, but I wanted to future proof it for future mods if desired.
My engine is direct injected turbocharged and the intake valves looked pretty nasty, so I cleaned them while the intake was off.
The car has had no other issues so far.
I changed the spark plugs when I did the clutch and they looked like they could have easily went the 60K replacement interval set by VW.
I replaced the brake pads at 78K. The pads had some life left, but I wanted to spare the rotors.
My car is a complete joy to drive and very practical that it's a hatchback. It's very comfortable for a small car, isn't too loud on the freeway
and doesn't beat you up on a road trip. It's very civilized for a small car. There is a little turbo lag, but 207 foot lb's is available from 1700-5000
RPM's making the car feel faster than it is.
The car has some oddities: It came with a full-size French made Bridgestone spare with a higher speed rating than the 4 Dunlops.
I read somewhere the Focus ST actually has a full-size spare?
The Dunlops while not winter tires, had the mountain snowflake symbol on the sidewalls.
The glove box is felt lined and has a knob in it to air condition it, effectively turning it into a tiny refrigerator.
There are adjustable rear passenger HVAC vents in the center console.
My wife tends to drive my car for her job instead of putting miles on her Audi since I'm close to work.
All in all, I like my car and I would buy it again. There aren't too many choices in regards to small, fun and practical cars.
I would take a hard look at a Focus ST if I had to replace it.
I've wanted a VW long before I bought my GTI, but VW reliability scared me off.
I did have two problems since I've owned my VW:
The dual-mass flywheel went out (50K mark) so I replaced it with a one piece flywheel and upgrade clutch kit and the butterfly valves on the intake manifold
quit working (81K) and the fix requires a new intake manifold.
Being that I'm a former Honda and now semi mechanic, I can handle most anything thrown at me.
The intake manifold was surprisingly reasonable at $180, but the clutch kit and tools I needed
ran me about $1500. I could have had the flywheel and clutch replaced under warranty, but I wanted to future proof it for future mods if desired.
My engine is direct injected turbocharged and the intake valves looked pretty nasty, so I cleaned them while the intake was off.
The car has had no other issues so far.
I changed the spark plugs when I did the clutch and they looked like they could have easily went the 60K replacement interval set by VW.
I replaced the brake pads at 78K. The pads had some life left, but I wanted to spare the rotors.
My car is a complete joy to drive and very practical that it's a hatchback. It's very comfortable for a small car, isn't too loud on the freeway
and doesn't beat you up on a road trip. It's very civilized for a small car. There is a little turbo lag, but 207 foot lb's is available from 1700-5000
RPM's making the car feel faster than it is.
The car has some oddities: It came with a full-size French made Bridgestone spare with a higher speed rating than the 4 Dunlops.
I read somewhere the Focus ST actually has a full-size spare?
The Dunlops while not winter tires, had the mountain snowflake symbol on the sidewalls.
The glove box is felt lined and has a knob in it to air condition it, effectively turning it into a tiny refrigerator.
There are adjustable rear passenger HVAC vents in the center console.
My wife tends to drive my car for her job instead of putting miles on her Audi since I'm close to work.
All in all, I like my car and I would buy it again. There aren't too many choices in regards to small, fun and practical cars.
I would take a hard look at a Focus ST if I had to replace it.
