Volkswagen Golf 7

While the fifth and sixth generation of Golf can be equated, as both used the same platform and similar technologies, the Golf 7 is a completely different story. The VW Golf VII is similar to the sixth generation model, but there are many design differences. The previous generation did not have the best opinion. In the seventh variation, Volkswagen Golf received a new MQB platform, well known from other models of the concern. There are new engines under the hood. Instead of the old and rather problematic 1.2 and 1.4 TSI gasoline engines of the EA111 series, units of the EA211 family with a belt-driven timing system began to be used. The EA189 series diesel engines gave way to the more modern EA288. The seventh Golf was packed with electronic novelties. Already at the time of debut, it was possible to order active shock absorbers, a rear-view camera, etc. Later, the list of options was supplemented by active cruise control, a blind spot control system and an automatic braking system.

Loss of weight

Additional concerns may be due to the fact that the Golf 7 has lost a lot of weight. For example, the body became lighter by 37 kg, the running gear - by 26 kg, and the electrician - by 6 kg. The difference in weight between the basic Golf VI and Golf VII is 100 kg. Did it affect the quality? It seems to have a little impact.

We have heard, for example, about easily scratching front windows, as well as about perishable seals of the rear doors in five-door versions (water through them fell into the cabin). Interestingly, in later cars (from 2017) can mist the headlights.

In cars with an engine capacity of less than 120 hp, a twistable beam is installed behind, and in stronger modifications, a multi-link suspension.

Otherwise, nothing deadly. Workshops serving corporate cars, and drivers themselves speak positively about this model. So far, Volkswagen Golf 7 is not a serious problem. However, some faults have been encountered. First of all, in popular versions were not very durable bearings of manual transmission. The box was either changed under warranty or more or less successfully repaired.

As part of the service campaign, the front wheel claws were updated, which in the first batch cars were made of poorly tempered steel. Some of the cars had problems with the brake booster. The brake pedal became tight, and the indicator of the faulty braking system was displayed. The culprit was a vacuum hose. It's pretty hard to change.

Petrol engines

The 1.2 TSI engine had problems with the timing system phase regulator at the beginning of production (until 2015). Official services changed the phase regulator under warranty along with the regulating valve. Check if the replacement was in the car you are interested in. VW has been fixing the defect for free until 2020. A common problem that worries the 1. 2 and 1. 4 TSI engines after 100-150 thousand km is an increase in oil consumption. The reason is coking and laying rings. The cost of repairs is 100-150 thousand rubles. In 2014, modernized rings appeared. In rare cases, when the pistons are destroyed, it comes to bullies on the walls of the cylinders. After 100-150 thousand km of attention may require the actuator of the turbocharger. His rod is wedging, or there is a backlash. The new actuator is available for 16 000 rubles, and for a replacement in the service will ask about 3000 rubles. All the above-mentioned engines have problems with the water pump (7-18 thousand rubles), which does not withstand the manufacturer's range of 210,000 km. It is better to replace it with a belt of the timing system after 100-120 thousand km. The set of the hydraulic armour will cost 7-14 thousand rubles, and the work on replacing the belt is estimated at 5-8 thousand rubles. The more powerful 1.8 and 2.0 TSI turbo engines (the EA888 is already 3rd generation) have proven themselves well. They no longer have a tendency to increased oil consumption, and the problem of accumulation of swelling on the intake valves is solved with the help of an additional nozzle. At the same time, there is a loss of coolant through the temperature control module. Thermostat is not an exact term, as the module also includes a water pump.

Diesel engines

Diesel units from the new EA288 series also proved themselves well. However, there are no incidents without it. A typical problem of turbo diesels with a volume of 1.6 and 2.0 liters is a low resource of a plastic coolant pump.

In addition, there are problems with the tensioner of the belt timing system. After replacing the old Gates strainer with a Dayco product, the problem no longer recurs. The belt should be replaced with it.

In the two-liter diesel engine, the engine cushion from the gearbox side prematurely ends. The cost of a new part is 6-11 thousand rubles.

Mechanics also note cases of gasket burn under the head of the diesel 2.0 TDI cylinder block after 100,000 km. The reason for this is aggressive driving and too thin a gasket. It is thinner than the engines of the previous series. The cost of repairs is high.

Among the typical faults of diesel units should be noted clogged DPF particulate filter. Sometimes it can be cleaned. But even if it is necessary to change, the costs will not be as high as a few years ago – about 27 000 rubles.

The last element that sometimes fails is Bosch electromagnetic nozzles. The cost of one nozzle is about 27-30 thousand rubles. For repair of nozzles in a specialized service will ask in the area of 14 000 rubles.

Transmission

If the vehicle has a dual-clutch DSG transmission, the transmission fluid should be updated every 60,000 km. In the case of a 6-speed box, the cost will be from 10 to 15 thousand rubles - depending on whether the original oil or a substitute is used. The filter should only be installed in the original. The cost of updating the fluid in the 7-speed robot is less – about 8000 rubles. Here, the oil is poured into the mechanical part of the box and mechatronics separately.

Calm driving manner will significantly extend the service life of the mechatronics, clutch kit and two-mass flywheel. Flywheel and clutch often have to be updated after 100-150 thousand km. Mechatronics usually withstand more than 150-200 thousand km.

In the case of repairs, the costs will be considerable. For the resuscitation of mechatronics will need from 17 000 to 50 000 rubles, clutch - about 40-60 thousand rubles, two-mass flywheel - 30-50 thousand rubles. To maintain smooth operation of DSH, it is necessary to adapt the clutch in a timely manner.

Clutch manual transmission will cost in the amount of 14-50 thousand rubles, and work on replacement - more than 15 000 rubles.

Additional costs will require all-wheel drive modifications 4Motion. Oil updates in the Haldex coupling are required every 60,000 km. It is also necessary to replace the filter, although the manufacturer does not recommend it.

Walking

The pronounced noise in the rear axle area is usually emitted by faulty shock absorbers. It's typical of pre-restyling machines. As a rule, shock absorbers were changed under warranty. The cost of depreciation rack is 5-7 thousand rubles.

Silent blocks of the front levers run over 100-150 thousand km (200-900 rubles). The back suspension silencing blocks are even more durable.

Other problems and malfunctions

No reaction of the rear-view camera to turn on the reversing gear. The reason is dirt through the door opening mechanism and damage to the camera.

Humidity in the front and back of the cabin. If water appears in the front, then the fault is incorrectly laid drainage channel from the air conditioner evaporator. The water in the back is a problem of poorly installed seals.

If suddenly fails the indicator of temperature of coolant and fuel level, you need to be ready for expensive replacement of the dashboard. Just put the device from another car will not work, as a complex electronic multiplex network has a kind of protection. However, this ailment does not occur often.

In age specimens, swelling of paintwork is often found in the area of the junction of the rear wing and bumper. Traces of the beginning of corrosion are sometimes observed in places of chips above the windshield.

After 100-150 thousand km have to repair the servo valve heater (3-5 thousand rubles).

From time to time the servo drive of the gas tank hatch lock is also brought in (2-3 thousand rubles).

Check it out well.

The Volkswagen Golf 7 is a good choice. Despite many new solutions and significant weight loss, there are almost no serious problems.

The potential high costs could be associated with high-powered diesel engines. It is worth remembering that diesel units take up more space in the engine compartment than smaller gasoline engines, and this increases the cost of maintenance and repair.

With the awareness of the potential costs, you should approach the choice of dual-clutch DSG transmissions.

During the inspection, you need to carefully check the operation of electronic systems, because there are malfunctions. And repair costs are not always limited to software updates. Especially after the accident has been negligently resolved.

Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan

In 2014, Golf Sportsvan was introduced. This is a large compact van, created on an elongated MQB platform.

Volkswagen GTE and e-Golf

The hybrid version of GTE with the possibility of charging from the socket provides good performance. The total power of the system is 204 hp, and according to the manufacturer, the car can overcome 50 km on electricity. However, the motorists in winter tests managed to travel no more than 23 kilometers.

The all-electric version of the e-Golf, according to VW, is capable of covering 190 km (version 115 hp), and later - 300 km (136 hp).

Volkswagen Golf GTI and GTD

The sports golf family opens the GTI variant. It was only available as a hatchback, and its engine developed power of 220 - 310 hp. GTI is, of course, a Scottish cage on the seats, front-wheel drive and electronically controlled differential locking. For economical, there is a GTD variant with a 2-liter diesel engine with a capacity of 184 hp. It is similar to the GTI, but has a slightly understated and reinforced suspension.

The most powerful is the flagship version of Clubsport S, released in a limited edition of 400 pieces.

Volkswagen Golf R

At the top of the sports list lies the powerful version of the R, which always comes with only four-wheel drive. Similarly, the GTI can be used for manual or automated DSG transmission. The Golf R was first available in the back of a wagon. From 2013 to 2017, the engine output reached 300 hp, and after - 310 hp. With DSG acceleration to 100 km / h took 4.6 seconds.

In 2016-2017, the manufacturer offered a limited version of the R360S, whose EA888 engine developed 360 hp.

Loss of weight

• Interestingly, in later cars (from 2017) can mist the headlights.
• So far, Volkswagen Golf 7 is not a serious problem.
• However, some faults have been encountered.
• The box was either changed under warranty or more or less successfully repaired.
• Some of the cars had problems with the brake booster.

Petrol engines

• 2 TSI at the beginning of production had problems with the phase regulator of the timing system (until 2015).
• Check if the replacement was in the car you are interested in.
• A common problem that worries the 1. 2 and 1. 4 TSI engines after 100-150 thousand km is an increase in oil consumption.
• The reason is coking and laying rings. The cost of repairs is 100-150 thousand rubles.
• A turbocharger actuator may require a km of attention. His rod is wedging, or there is a backlash.
• All the above-mentioned engines have problems with the water pump (7-18 thousand rubles), which does not withstand the manufacturer's range of 210,000 km.
• They no longer have a tendency to increased oil consumption, and the problem of accumulation of swelling on the intake valves is solved with the help of an additional nozzle.
• At the same time, there is a loss of coolant through the temperature control module.

Diesel engines

• A typical problem of turbo diesels with a volume of 1.6 and 2.0 liters is a low resource of a plastic coolant pump.
• In addition, there are problems with the tensioner of the belt timing system.
• After replacing the old Gates strainer with a Dayco product, the problem no longer recurs. The belt should be replaced with it.
• It is thinner than the engines of the previous series. The cost of repairs is high.
• Among the typical faults of diesel units should be noted clogged DPF particulate filter. Sometimes it can be cleaned.
• The last element that sometimes fails is Bosch electromagnetic nozzles.
• For repair of nozzles in a specialized service will ask in the area of 14 000 rubles.

Transmission

• If the vehicle has a dual-clutch DSG transmission, the transmission fluid should be updated every 60,000 km.
• The filter should only be installed in the original.
• In the case of repairs, the costs will be considerable.
• To maintain smooth operation of DSH, it is necessary to adapt the clutch in a timely manner.
• Oil updates in the Haldex coupling are required every 60,000 km.
• It is also necessary to replace the filter, although the manufacturer does not recommend it.

Other problems and malfunctions

• The water in the back is a problem of poorly installed seals.
• If suddenly fails the indicator of temperature of coolant and fuel level, you need to be ready for expensive replacement of the dashboard.
• Traces of the beginning of corrosion are sometimes observed in places of chipping above the windshield.
• km have to repair the servo valve heater (3-5 thousand rubles).

Check it out well.

• Despite many new solutions and significant weight loss, there are almost no serious problems.
• The potential high costs could be associated with high-powered diesel engines.
• It is worth remembering that diesel units take up more space in the engine compartment than smaller gasoline engines, and this increases the cost of maintenance and repair.
• With the awareness of the potential costs, you should approach the choice of dual-clutch DSG transmissions.
• During the inspection, you need to carefully check the operation of electronic systems, because there are malfunctions.
• And repair costs are not always limited to software updates.

Despite the many concerns about the new model, it seems that Volkswagen has done well this time around. The seventh generation hatchback is held decently, and the engines do not cause many problems. The cost of most repairs is at a high level. Before buying it is worth checking the service history of the item you are interested in, as it is of great importance.

• Weight loss: Interestingly, later cars (since 2017) may have their headlights foggy.
• Gasoline engines: 2 TSI had problems with the phase regulator at the start of production (until 2015).
• Diesel engines: A typical problem of 1.6 and 2.0 litre turbo diesels is the low life of a plastic coolant pump.
• Transmission: In the case of repair, the costs will be considerable.
• Driving: Expressed noise in the rear axle area is usually emitted by faulty shock absorbers. It's typical of pre-restyling machines.
• Other problems and malfunctions: Water at the back is a problem of poorly installed seals.
• Check well: Despite a host of new solutions and significant weight loss, there are few serious problems.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

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