Would you buy it again?

The mkvi gti has been a surprisingly reliable car so far.

I expected more electrical issues and other finicky VW things, but my 2010 (for the most part) has been rock solid. The carbon deposit issue on the back of the intake ports is definitely a problem, but this is not specific to the gti or VW, rather for all direct-injected motors. That is definitely something to be aware of when purchasing a car that has a DI turbo motor.

My only regret is not getting the 4-dr model since I now have an infant, but other than that I have no regrets. This is a great car for someone looking for a quality interior, sporty feel, reasonable utility, and reasonable price. Great all-around car for the realistic enthusiast in need of a daily driver.

My 2011 Mkvi has been very reliable in the 52,000 miles since new. I have had 3 water pumps replaced under warranty with leaking seals, however, there is now an extended warranty on the pumps and a "new design" pump is installed in my car. No problems since. I also had a fuel pump go out. Luckily there are two pumps and the engine can actually run on just one, so it did not strand me. In fact I have not been stranded by this or any other car in a couple of decades.

All that said, this is the best car I have ever owned. It does everything well - fun, fast, economical, practical, easy to park, cheap to insure and more than reliable enough for me.

You are asking about 2015-2016 Golfs (Mkvii) and mine is a Mkvi. The engines are similar and the car is similar and I would expect you to have a similar experience, but they are different generations.

The basic Golf with an automatic will be a good commuter car and the price is certainly good. They are not feature rich and the transmission is a boring standard automatic (not the DSG fitted to other Golfs). Even with LA traffic I would consider a manual. I drive a manual in Portland traffic and it is no problem. The 1.8T is a good fun engine and very economical but not a dog. Good luck!

I would buy the basic golf with automatic for my wife. Is a great car. But now she wants a GTI automatic! Why? Because I just bought my self another 4dr 2016 GTI manual with everything minus electronic assistance pack. But I did get the Performance Pack!!! This is my second GTI. My first was the original 2007 4dr GTI manual basic with sunroof. I had some issues with the first one but nothing that was not cover under the warranty. My new one so far with 3000 miles is rock solid and much much improved in the last 10 years. You can't beat this car for the money! Sporty, fast, quality interior with soft touches everywhere, sport seats that are commutable and you can fit in them, can fit 5 and the ride is not harsh but smooth and I can adjusted to my mood with 3 settings. The features this car has no other car in is class can touch! And many more cars costing allot more. Anyone who wants to enjoy driving buy a GTI (auto or manual)! You want regretted.

I would buy a 2013 Golf or older with the 2.5L engine. This is the car we have. In 2014 and 2015, Volkswagen switched to a smaller turbo engine made in Mexico. I wouldn't chance it until this engine gets a favorable track record.

VW makes a decent automatic transmission. We have had two in recent years. One in a 2006 Beetle with the 2.5 liter engine and our 2005 GLI was automatic. Neither car ever had issues related to the transmission. I would recommend a fluid replacement by at least the 50k mile mark. I drove both of our autos in manual sport mode and it made passing and quick starts more effective. If you go with the 1.8T and the auto you will be satisfied if you drive the car sensibly. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the base Golf.

I had a 2010 Golf base two door, auto 2.5l, and now have a 2016 Golf four door S manual. The newer one is blue, the older one was silver. Both good cars. Had two 2014 Passats with 1.8l turbo with automatic. Liked, except transmission could be jerky on curvy hilly back roads I drive. Similarly 2014 Beetle loaner with same motor and trans. Had driven a 2010 Golf before I got my auto, and always wished I'd gotten the manual, and spent the extra money on a sunroof. VW has one of the best manual transmissions. Was going to buy new Jetta with 1.4l turbo and manual, but found the transmission different than a 2.5l Beetle I drove with a manual. More spacing between the gears, I guess for better gas figures. Drove a Golf with the manual, same as the Jetta, and the 1.8l turbo, to see what it was like, and spent an extra year's payments to get that over the Jetta. I liked the Jetta, but this is more luxurious, and a VW way. The Golf is the top car in its class in terms of would you buy another. 97% according to Toyota dealers. Mine is very satisfying to drive. No problems at 3750 miles. Get 42.5 highway, and smooth sailing back roafs, 32.5 overall mostly back roads. If you step on it, it will go! If you put premium non ethnology gas in it, it will go even better! Hatchback versitility. Redesign in 2015 well done. 2010 was the last one.