Disclosure: I'm biased; I own a 2017 Golf TSI Wolfsburg and a 2015 Subaru Outback.
Based on Long term tests (between 12K & 40K, the MK VII GTI is a fantastic & reliable rig. Unless you happen to get the odd lemon, chances of it being relatively trouble free the 1st 40,000 look really good. That suggests but doesn't guarantee longer term reliablitity as well. I challenge anyone to find another car that has some many accolades with so few demerits from long term tests. Perhaps current generation Subaru Outback comes close :-)
If you want further proof read the long term reviews summarized below.
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2015-volkswagen-gti-long-term-road-test-wrap-up-review
Long-Term Road Test Wrap-Up 2015 Volkswagen GTI
After 40,000 trouble free miles, it's the car we'd all like to park in our driveways.There's not much in the logbook as far as complaints. One shorter driver complained about her knee hitting the steering column, but moving the steering wheel up and the seat cushion down alleviated the problem. After spending 2800 miles with the GTI, technical assistant Zeb Sadiq had only one complaint: that he didn't own one. Everyone who has driven the GTI since it arrived in California feels exactly the same way.
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/volkswagen/gti/2015/2015-volkswagen-golf-gti-review-long-term-verdict
The GTI garnered praise from our staffers from the get-go.During its 27,115-mile stay with us, the GTI required just two maintenance visits (the third would've come at around 30,000).
http://www.automobilemag.com/news/2015-volkswagen-golf-gti-four-seasons-wrap-up/
So yeah, we had a hard time finding much to complain about during the GTI's 22,909-mile run with us. It averaged just a half tick under its 28 mpg EPA combined rating. The rodent feast was the only real problem we encountered, and you can't fault the car for being delicious. The windscreen picked up a rock chip, which we had filled. We took the GTI in for two checkups, one covered under warranty, and a 20,000-mile service that cost $270.39. There were a few minor callouts, including the somewhat shabby stereo unit, the annoying absence of a USB outlet, and a phantom rattle from the rear hatch that one staffer swears he heard.
The GTI is a car that any one of us would happily drop $28,695 on, without question. It's a car Volkswagen needs to relentlessly push as it attempts to get past recent troubles. It's a car that will happily dance with you all day long at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca or any highway, byway, or back road you travel.
https://www.edmunds.com/volkswagen/golf-gti/2015/long-term-road-test/wrap-up.html
Summing Up after 1 year and 20,700 miles
Pros:Still one of the most fun-to-drive small cars on the road, refined ride quality feel great on long road trips, above-average driver seat, top-notch interior materials, more than 400 miles of range on a single tank, solid cargo capacity, minimal maintenance.
Cons:Resale value was not as high as competitors. Dual-clutch transmission lags at low speeds. Infotainment glitches came and went sporadically.
Bottom Line:The Golf GTI is still a versatile hatchback that is fun to drive fast. Impressive range and seat comfort make it suitable for long distances. Low-speed drivability is hampered by its dual-clutch transmission, but overall this is a car we enjoyed driving both in town and out on the highway.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2016/05/2015-volkswagen-gti-long-term-final-update-fun-car-buying-scammers/
The automotive media slobberedover the redesigned 2015 Volkswagen GTI sporty hatchback ever since its introduction two years ago. I put 13,500 miles on mine over the pastyear and I agree that it isoneof the great all-around fun cars available today. Aside froman occasional annoying glitch from the entertainment system while playing my iPod (it shows the wrong song name), the VW performed flawlessly. At 13,500 miles, there are nosqueaks or rattles and the engine seems to grow stronger as the miles add up. I have had bad experiences in the pastwith turbocharged motors, but the 210 horsepower mill is very smooth and I have gotten used to itsslight turbo lag. In apreviousupdate, I noted the GTI's thin paint was susceptible to paint chips here in rockyArizona. This still holds true, as evidenced by the 10 or so chips on the hood and front fascia.