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Volkswagen GTI Maintenance and Repair

185 messages,  Last post on Jul 12, 2012 at 7:17 AM

You are in the Volkswagen GTI Forum.

What is this discussion about? Volkswagen GTI, Hatchback

Messages Page 18 of 19

#166 of 185 Re: 07 GTI end of lease report [extech2] by upstatedoc

Mar 05, 2010 (9:58 am)

Replying to: extech2 (Feb 26, 2010 11:40 am)
Great story extech, I almost shed a tear.
Loved my GTI as well but alas, i had to find something a little more practical (and with auto trans).

#167 of 185 oil change on 06 gti by gold88x8

Jun 17, 2010 (8:52 am)

can some one kindly post the pictures of how to oil change 2006 gti ??
thanks !

#168 of 185 Re: Oil Change Costs [rudyjack] by jdubbs19

Mar 13, 2011 (11:06 am)

Replying to: rudyjack (Jan 04, 2010 6:48 pm)
I have a MkV GLI with a 2.0T FSI, I purchased my car prior to the free scheduled maintenance program that VW offered.
 
... at first I thought I got cheated, but I change my oil every 5,000 miles anyway as was the recommended service interval when I bought it (November 2007). Most dealerships offer coupons for just a flat oil change and no other servicing for about $70. Although it seems steep, the required VW 502.00 oil isn't cheap $8-9/quart x 4 quarts = $32-36 for oil + $9.00 for the filter element an o-ring. I could afford the extra $20 every other month or so to make sure my service records are documented should any catastrophic failures occur. I'm happy to report however that my car has been pretty easy with no significant or catastrophic mechanical problems. I'm not burning any significant amount of oil between oil changes and will start doing my own oil changes between the current 10,000 mile dealership interval.
 
Regarding dealership vs. independent... I'm not saying that independent service shops are incompetent, but I would do more than just preliminary research before trusting the car to anyone. A German specialist doesn't necessarily have good experience with VW, and even if they do... they may specialize only in classic VW's. If you're doing research here, you're obviously smart and will do further research to help sway your opinion... so go with your instinct.. you should be okay. I've only done dealership because:
 
1) there is a degree of accountability should something go wrong
2) i've got a great dealership that i'm working with (VW-Riverside)
3) prices are competitive if you wait for coupons.

#169 of 185 Re: Oil Change Costs [jdubbs19] by qbrozen

Mar 14, 2011 (7:29 am)

Replying to: jdubbs19 (Mar 13, 2011 11:06 am)
what year is your car and how many miles do you have now?

#170 of 185 Re: Oil Change Costs [qbrozen] by jdubbs19

Mar 14, 2011 (6:21 pm)

Replying to: qbrozen (Mar 14, 2011 7:29 am)
2008 GLI 6-speed manual, approx. 61800 miles on it.
Currently averages 26 mpg with a mix of highway and city driving. It used to be better, but I suspect the fuel filter needs changing. Mechanically, no issues aside from a MAF-sensor replaced under warranty 13,000 miles.

#171 of 185 Re: Oil Change Costs [jdubbs19] by shipo

Mar 15, 2011 (3:36 am)

Replying to: jdubbs19 (Mar 14, 2011 6:21 pm)
A clogged fuel filter is extremely unlikely after only 60,000+ miles (should be more like a quarter of a million), and even if it was clogged it is unlikely to negatively affect fuel economy.
 
Said another way, I'd look for a different cause.

#172 of 185 Re: Oil Change Costs [shipo] by jdubbs19

Mar 15, 2011 (5:51 am)

Replying to: shipo (Mar 15, 2011 3:36 am)
Normally, i'd agree. But this is maintenance sensitive VW. I believe that part of the reliability that i've experienced is being proactive in getting general maintenance completed as the car starts to need it or before it needs it.
 
I agree that a fuel filter normally should last longer than 60,000 miles, however other GTI/GLI forums suggest changing it at 50,000 miles. Many reported claims support that the drop in MPG i'm experiencing is typical of a fuel filter nearing the end of it's life. I do not recall VW recommending a mileage interval for it off the top of my head for getting the filter changed, but my dealership did mention that it was something I should look into soon.
 
Granted that I never experienced something like this with my Honda, but my Honda never drove like my GLI. There are tradeoff's to every car, and this is probably one that i'm willing to put up with. The only other tradeoff/ 'extra' expense the car has cost me is a carbon build up engine flush that I did to be on the safe side since direct injection engines have a tendency to build up carbon deposits on the intake valves (other manufacturers are experiencing this: GM, Ford, Hyundai). Aside from these two items, it's been general maintenance, something I wasn't expecting getting into the car. It hasn't been the cheapest to maintain, i'll admit that... but it hasn't been the raging nightmare that people paint German cars to be. (Esp. this Mexican-assembled German car).
 
Here's a link to support my theory:
http://www.golfmkv.net/blog/archives/10#

#173 of 185 Re: Oil Change Costs [jdubbs19] by qbrozen

Mar 15, 2011 (8:28 am)

Replying to: jdubbs19 (Mar 14, 2011 6:21 pm)
I'm right at about those same miles with my '07 GTI. I bought it with 50k, but the service records from the dealership don't show anything out of the ordinary.
 
I had the coils recall and ECU reflash recall done when I bought it. I replaced the PCV system with aftermarket to cure the oil pushing out the cap problem, and I replaced the fuel pump cam follower to keep that dreaded issue at bay. I have an occassional check engine light caused by the intake flapper, which when cleared with my vag-com stays away for a couple of months at a time.
 
So far, I'm pleased with the car.

#174 of 185 Re: Oil Change Costs [qbrozen] by jdubbs19

Mar 16, 2011 (12:09 pm)

Replying to: qbrozen (Mar 15, 2011 8:28 am)
You've got VAG-Com? Is it worth the investment?
 
The intake flapper was suspect in my car and triggered the CEL once, other than that it has mostly been some parts that prematurely failed (gas struts on the trunk, door lock module) as well as some wear and tear parts they just changed under warranty to just keep me a happy customer (xenon bulb , Battery ,) . Nothing caused me to take the car in between service intervals... so i've been very happy with it myself as nothing has been out of the ordinary and recurrent.

#175 of 185 Re: Oil Change Costs [jdubbs19] by qbrozen

Mar 17, 2011 (8:10 am)

Replying to: jdubbs19 (Mar 16, 2011 12:09 pm)
for me, the vag-com is worth it. I liked being able to set certain features to my preference. For example, I now have it set to unlock all doors with one push of the remote and to unlock all doors when I pull my key out of the ignition. Things like that.
 
I'm still trying to figure out how to turn off my TPMS, though. I know there is a way, but I haven't figured it out. It would be nice not to have the light on when using my winter wheels.
 
Biggest reason is to diagnose any CELs, though. I do all my own repairs, so it is a necessity for me.
 
If you are so inclined, keep an eye on the vwvortex classifieds. I picked up a very slightly used one for about $50 less than buying new from ross-tech. So only about $200 and I've turned off the CEL 3 times so far with it. It has already paid for itself as far as I'm concerned, and I've only had it about 7 months.

Messages Page 18 of 19

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