The Volkswagen GTI stands out among the top rated hatchbacks. The car has engineered the hot-hatchback genre. If you are looking to buy a used Volkswagen Golf GTI, there are multiple models to choose from. The GTI’s earliest models had 115 horsepower, while the latest ones have 228 horsepower. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is a valuable addition to look for in used models. Read on to know more about the used Volkswagen Golf GTI.

First things first, the GTI can be considered a superior model from Volkswagen. It may not be the first, but it clearly convinced everyone about the sportiness of five and three-door economy cars.

The history of the Golf GTI
The Golf GTI has had a commendable and stable record for as long as it has been in production. The car has had seven generations so far. Volkswagen launched the Golf GTI Mark 1 in 1976 in Germany. The vehicle went on become a favorite around the world. Around 1984, the company used the same design and concept, and came up with Mark 2. The second generation GTI began to get a few classic features, namely it’s insignia in the radiator grill and the tartan sports seats.

The Mark 3 was launched in 1991. A few years later, in 1996, Volkswagen came up with a turbocharged diesel version (TDI) of the GTI. In 1998, The Mark 4 model came with two trims — the GLS and GLX. This marked the beginning of cleaner designed GTIs. The car’s Mark 5 models saw an advancement in innovations, especially with the inclusion of the Direct Shift Gearbox and the Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection. The vehicle could go from 0-100 km per hour in 6.8 seconds, which was phenomenal. The models also had 100 horsepower/liter, which was commendable.

The Mark 6 and 7 models only continued this legacy forward. The latter was based on the innovative Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB) platform. This article focuses on the models ranging from Mark 5 to 7 since these are easily available.

Gearbox and engine
The Golf GTI models from the Mark 5 to 7 variants have a turbocharged engine. It is regarded as one of the best in its class, particularly in terms of efficiency, power, reliability, and tunability. The engine’s EA888 variant can be easily upgraded. Moreover, its aftermarket parts are widely available for car owners to customize.

These cars run on the 6-speed DQ250 DSG wet clutch gearbox – a reliable piece of machinery. This led to a whole generation of vehicles with dual-clutch gearboxes. It remains relevant, especially when you see how forward-looking this technology is for the Golf GTI.

When it comes to buying a used Volkswagen Golf GTI , you should always check the mileage the car has undergone. Typically, the clutches last 150-200,000 km, but this will depend on one’s driving style. The car’s mechanical units are reliable, but they may need replacement over a period of time.

Brakes and suspension
In used Volkswagen Golf GTIs, the suspension can be tuned for routine use. Tuning can help you get a firm edge for handling. The suspension is known to be durable and will only show wear on hard use or with extended mileage. One can keep an eye out for signs like a stiff ride quality to assess their suspension.

Interior and body
You can get a used Golf GTI with a fine finish and top-quality paint. The Mark 5 variant has a plastic cladding at the bottom. This part is mostly painted to give the car a contemporary look. In general, the GTI’s Mark 7 models come with better interior quality. Furthermore, a number of options like instrument cluster have gone digital in these models.