With the tough economic times, one wants to spend less on a purchase but we all want to buy that dream car. A dream car can quickly become a nightmare if a buyer is not aware of the ins and out of the used car they are buying. The VW Golf is one of the premium quality offerings in the hatch market with variants that are designed to suite most lifestyles. Before SUVs were the dominant cars we have today, the hatches were one of the big segments and the Golf was a vital part of that segment. The Vrrrr phaa can quickly turn into an owner crying with maintenance costs. Today we give insight into what to look out for when buying a Golf 7 and 7.5.
The Golf 7 was sold between 2012 and 2016 with the facelift 7.5 arriving in 2017 selling till 2020 when the Golf 8 was unveiled. The variants appealed to a wide audience with TSI petrol engines and TDI engines. 1.0 to 2.0 engine sizes covered varying transmissions form 6 speed manual, 6 speed DSG and 7 speed DSG depending on the engine size. The famous models included the Golf GTI, GTI Clubsport, GTI TCR and the Golf R being the all wheel drive monster that killed the Subaru WRX craze. There was also a GTD which unfortunately didn't get on well with Mzansi buyers as the exhaust note proved to be the one USP Mzansi buyers wanted with a GT badge.
For the 2012 to 2016, the Golf 7 came in the following model spec: 1.2 TSI (77kW), 1.4 TSI (90kW), 1.4 TSi DSG (103kW), 2.0 TDi (81kW), 2.0 TDI (110kW). These were the standard spec models with the performance variants being the GTI, GTI Clubsport and GTI Clubsport S which had 162kW, 195kW and 228kW respectively. The Golf R came with 213kW.
The facelift Golf 7.5 came with the following model spec: 1.0 TSi (81kW), 1.4 TSI 92kW, 2.0 TSi in the GTI (169kW), GTD 2.0 TDI (130kW), 2.0 TSI R 228kW, TCR GTI (213kW).
What to check:
- Great interior quality: The fit and finish was peerless on these models with soft touch materials used in most areas where one touched around the cabin. This build quality ensures that even used models retain a high element of good quality. Be aware of abuse though as if there are buttons falling off (this was before the large touchscreens we have today) means it's been abused. Non performance models also came with lighter colours for seats and lower trim which means a not well looked after model will have dirt but this will be easy to sort with a proper valet.
- Infotainment and instrument cluster: The earlier models came with infotainment screens raging from 5 inches with buttons on either side. There was no Android Auto/ Apple CarPlay meaning you might need to get an aftermarket unit that uses the screen or if you have the budget, change the infotainment screen for one with crisper look and colour. There was also no wireless charging but there were USB ports in the front and back. The instrument cluster came with analog dials with a digital screen in between dials. Check if the small screen still shows all drive info and service info. The steering controls allowed one to change info with the cruise control set up done on the left hand stalk. Its best to check if the control for the cruise works properly.
- Engine : The TSI engines are reliable if serviced at the correct intervals. The timing chains are prone to fracture and this will cause an extensive and expensive engine repair. Turbos are known to give problems if not maintained especially for the performance models (GTI & R) which were tuned. If there is oil leak on the floor if parked or oil leak around the engine seals, take it to a recognised technical centre to verify cost of repair. Check for small engine knock sound when idling with the bonnet open. These might hint at internal issues which might need a proper diagnosis. TDI engines are known to be bulletproof but lack of servicing will give black cloud smoke with black tailpipe smudge. Well looked after TDI engines had a light colour exhaust which was unusual for diesel engines but these hint at a well looked after unit. The 1.0 TSI engine came with 3 cylinders and a good reputation for reliability but its prone to give issues if not well looked after.
- Transmission: The manual transmission are good but check for clutch condition when pulling off or when accelerating from an incline. Clutch pedal shudder when pulling away or a bite high up hint at a need to replace. These are not cheap so be extra careful. The famous DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) is a dual clutch transmission used by VW and as much as it's great for sporty driving, it can kill your wallet if it breaks. Delay bite when pulling away is normal even when new but if this is unusually slow, check it out. Slow speed driving can expose issues with the DSG so test drive one carefully before signing on the dotted line.
- Suspension: The front wheel drive Golf 7 and 7.5 in GTI spec, came with a trick electronic differential that ensured excellent handling dynamics (Performance Spec ONLY). Check if your GTI model had that option fitted as it makes a huge difference in drive. The DCC adaptive suspension was an optional extra that was worth every cent when ticked. Check that the drive modes allow for the suspension to change between Comfort and Sport or even Race for Golf R. Check for suspension damage by comparing all sides have equal distance between the tyre and the wheel arch. Accident damage thats not properly done right is easy to see as the front tyres dont align properly when standing still. Versions fitted with aftermarket suspension systems or have had dropped suspension are a recipe for disaster unless you are into that kind of thing, then good luck.
- Recalls: Major Golf 7 Recalls: Check if the Golf 7 or 7.5 you are looking to buy had these recalls taken care of by a franchised VW dealer.
- Fuel Tank Suction Jet Pump (MK7 GTI): A defect in the fuel tank suction jet pump seal can cause fuel to leak into the EVAP system, creating a fire risk.
- Takata Airbag Recall: Certain Golf models are included in the massive Takata airbag recall due to potential rupture of the passenger side airbag in a crash.
- Child Lock Defect (2016-2017): Some models have a defect where the rear child lock can unexpectedly deactivate, posing a safety risk.
- Passenger Seat Belt (Various): A faulty sewing process on the lower anchoring point has triggered recalls.
