peoples opinions on the golf mk7.5

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RickW

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#230736 10-Mar-2018 23:26

Hi all,

Let me start by saying that im not a car guy and this is the first vehicle I have brought new so would like peoples thoughts on the golf/what else you recommend in the 40-50k range in terms of a hatch that looks good and is relatively fun to drive.

We have a 3yo son so can't be something smaller than a golf as we like to go on decent walks so needs to fit a chunky stroller in the back.

We Have been looking at a 2018 Golf R-Line and are just wanting to see what peoples opinions are good and bad. also the price we have been given from miles continental in Christchurch is $41,800 drive away, does that sound like a good deal?

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#1972577 11-Mar-2018 00:07

We have a 2017 TSI Highline DSG - the mk7 model that was before the 7.5 update. I really like it - It's fun to drive, reasonably sporty for a 1.4L (turbo) and has heaps of tech. The mk7.5's are even better tech wise.

Not sure how the models are done in NZ (I'm in Oz), but we bought ours with the "Driver Assistance Pack" that gives you adaptive cruise and a few extra safety features and I would say make sure you get that - no question (Unless it's standard on the mk 7.5?)

I kinda wish we had gone for the GTI now - but it was about $10k extra (maybe even a bit more), and pretty happy with the value of ours.

I'm not really a fan of the look of hatches, but the wife loves golf's and likes something compact and easy to park. I wanted an Audi A3 - she wanted a Golf, so we compromised on a Golf :) (We only have/need 1 car between us)

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mattwnz

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#1972597 11-Mar-2018 01:45

I would suggest looking at Mazda 3 hatch, top of the range model, which has all the safety features too. Otherwise the sp25

alasta

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#1972620 11-Mar-2018 09:31

The Golf is widely considered to be dynamically excellent, but not noticeably better than much more reliable Asian made alternatives. There is also the issue of Volkswagen's ethics. I personally wouldn't buy one.

If I were in the market for this type of vehicle I would be looking at the newly updated Hyundai i30 with the 150kw turbo petrol engine as my top preference. As mentioned above the Mazda3 SP25 is definitely worth test driving.

The Subaru Impreza has also had a recent update and is getting good reviews, however the standard version is a bit gutless. The WRX is obviously a much better performer if you can afford it, however it's only available as a sedan which may not be suit your cargo requirements.

1eStar

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#1972878 11-Mar-2018 22:40

The golf is nice. The Android auto/Apple Carplay stuff is a must in a vehicle these days.

kryptonjohn

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#1972933 12-Mar-2018 08:30

As much as I like the engineering in the Hyundai and the Mazda, I don't particularly enjoy sitting in one as they are still very plasticky. Sit in the VW and it feels like quality.

dafman

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#1972935 12-Mar-2018 08:39

alasta:

There is also the issue of Volkswagen's ethics. I personally wouldn't buy one.

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dejadeadnz

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#1972944 12-Mar-2018 08:58

At a high level, I 100% endorse what Alasta has said. As someone who has owned VWs and having a partner who previously also owned a VW, what I would immediately ask is "How long do you intend to keep the car?". If it's longer than 5 years, I'd say you should keep an open mind and look at other brands as well. I am surrounded by VW owners at my work and at previous workplaces and there's a very clear pattern -- VWs just tend to develop problems around the 4 to 5 year mark and the repair bills can get very high. I've also talked to someone with access to mechanical warranty insurance claims data and the picture for VW isn't pretty. Even in Auckland, I have heard of people needing to wait a week from authorised dealers before they can get a simple $200 part to fix a car that would otherwise be without AC or whatever (and the cars concerned are typically only a few years old).

Aside from Dieselgate, I'd also be concerned about VW's ongoing/previous treatment of owners with DSG problems. Their cars are undeniably nice in the first few years but also note the interior tend not to be all that robust - scuffs and more come easily. Been there and seen that in person. Their guaranteed service pricing is however very nice. If it were me, I MIGHT be able to hold my nose and buy one but only if I keep it for less than 5 years.

MikeAqua

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#1972994 12-Mar-2018 10:28

mattwnz:

I would suggest looking at Mazda 3 hatch, top of the range model, which has all the safety features too. Otherwise the sp25

+1 for the SP25 which we have. We got ours for about $40k new. I test drove every hatch I could get my hands on.

There is higher a spec Mazda 3 model, which comes with additional safety features and a nicer trim package, but no increase in performance. It's fun to drive but not what I would call fast. Comparable to the golf GTi. Fast would be a Golf-R.

I think a new Mazda 3 has recently been released or is due, so there may be deals to be had on demo models.

If I was buying again I would (on paper) drive the Civic-R. It looks like a little beast.

Mike

MikeAqua

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#1973005 12-Mar-2018 10:35

dejadeadnz:

I'd also be concerned about VW's ongoing/previous treatment of owners with DSG problems. Their cars are undeniably nice in the first few years but also note the interior tend not to be all that robust - scuffs and more come easily.

Friends of ours just had to replace the DSG in their Golf (4 or 5 years old). Cost was horrendous. I can't remember the number, just that it made my eyes water.

Mike

dejadeadnz

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#1973045 12-Mar-2018 11:01

MikeAqua:

Friends of ours just had to replace the DSG in their Golf (4 or 5 years old). Cost was horrendous. I can't remember the number, just that it made my eyes water.

I'd be stunned if they got much change from $10k.

ajobbins

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#1973120 12-Mar-2018 12:20

dejadeadnz: Their guaranteed service pricing is however very nice.

Many manufacturers have this now - but it doesn't mean anything, it's just a marketing trick.

All cars at every dealer ever have 'capped price servicing'. There is always a set list of things to do at a given service interval, and anything outside of that is extra regardless. Need new wiper blades and they aren't in the list for that service interval? Extra. Seal gone causing an oil leak? Extra. Brake pads worn? Extra.

The dealers have standard servicing down to an art. They can predict very well how long they need to spend on the car to cover the listed service items, therefore there isn't really any variability in the time taken, which would be the only cost variable they'd need to consider. Most service books already quote the time needed for a given service, so they couldn't really change beyond that anyway.

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#1973136 12-Mar-2018 12:41

MikeAqua:

If I was buying again I would (on paper) drive the Civic-R. It looks like a little beast.

By all accounts it is an excellent Hot Hatch...problem is - IMHO - it looks like it was designed by a 12 year old. The Go Faster styling is just abysmal - there is something to be said for restraint.

MikeAqua

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#1973152 12-Mar-2018 12:56

Item:

MikeAqua:

... Civic-R ...

By all accounts it is an excellent Hot Hatch...problem is - IMHO - it looks like it was designed by a 12 year old. The Go Faster styling is just abysmal - there is something to be said for restraint.

Good point. It does look like a styling that will age rapidly.

Mike

dejadeadnz

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#1973153 12-Mar-2018 12:56

ajobbins:

Many manufacturers have this now - but it doesn't mean anything, it's just a marketing trick.

Not quite in NZ. Especially not if you've ever experienced what AHG-owned Ford dealerships (and there are a few other brands that apply similar models) charge when the manufacturer does nothing to limit scheduled service pricing. In 2011, I was paying over $400 on the first year service on a Fiesta, with the oil alone costing nearly $100. VW has also killed off the ludicrous variability between servicing costs between the dealers. For quite a few brands, it's still perfectly common to find the South Auckland dealer being 20% minimum cheaper than their central city counterparts. That's just ridiculous.

With the truly fixed price manufacturers, what people who drive fairly standard mileage are reporting is that they pretty much only have to do what is scheduled plus the odd minor extras. I spent 6 years paying on average nearly $500 for servicing my Ford without counting anything off-schedule.

MikeAqua

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#1973157 12-Mar-2018 12:59

ajobbins:

Many manufacturers have this now - but it doesn't mean anything, it's just a marketing trick.

All cars at every dealer ever have 'capped price servicing'. There is always a set list of things to do at a given service interval, and anything outside of that is extra regardless. Need new wiper blades and they aren't in the list for that service interval? Extra. Seal gone causing an oil leak? Extra. Brake pads worn? Extra.

The dealers have standard servicing down to an art. They can predict very well how long they need to spend on the car to cover the listed service items, therefore there isn't really any variability in the time taken, which would be the only cost variable they'd need to consider. Most service books already quote the time needed for a given service, so they couldn't really change beyond that anyway.

I always tell the workshop they are not to do anything outside the agreed price without verbal confirmation.

Mike

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