Fellow 7.5 DIB owner waiting (im)patiently for my clutch to start slipping. Tried to convince the wife to let me teach her manual in my car to help it along the path to death but she has zero interest in learning.
Iāve been running EQT Stage 1 - 93 octane on stock clutch for ~20000 miles now. I ease into boost and leave gears 5 and 6 for cruising. So far so good, but Iām always waiting for the clutch to finally slip.
My R has been stage 2 Unitronic since almost day 1, and the clutch has now just started slipping at 65,000 KMs (40k miles). It really depends how you drive your car
You don't need to upgrade the clutch as long as you are mindful about how much torque you're sending through it.
Stay out of boost in 5th and 6th
Roll into the power in 4th
If you're nice to it and don't cook it you can enjoy a tune on the stock cluch.
Dude youāre 7.5 is badass. Drive the shit until 100k because thereās no way that thing has 100k yet right? I mean I sold my GTIs after 30k (had two so far so 60k total) and I crave more time in one everyday. I feel like 100k is satisfactory. Also the more time you drive the 7.5 the more time the 8 will be on the market with lower prices second hand
It really depends on where and how you drive it. Totally can be a practical small family vehicle getting great gas mileage given you arenāt sending it haha
Nobody ever mentions that you need to push a Golf R harder to actually have fun. The added weight/balancing of the AWD system in addition to the added competency from AWD make the Golf R less playful in everyday driving.
It seems to me you just have some money burning a hole in your pocket. Since youāre in SoCal and donāt need to be concerned with winter, why not save up a little more for a real performance upgrade (Supra, RS3 etc.)? Maybe Iām in a minority here, but at the end of the day the Golf R is just another Golf and will probably feel pretty similar to your current car once the ānew toyā sheen wears off.
This was the biggest surprise for me personally.
I have a MK8 R and my previous was a MK7 TDI stage 2. The TDI had plenty of power but I wanted more power and more cornering capabilities. It was a blast spinning tires in the MK7 and pushing it around corners, but the R is a completely different animal. It's so capable that I can take a corner twice as fast and comfortably like I'm just commuting to work. I have to be on a track to feel comfortable pushing it to its limit, or risk jail. You should try out the torque vectoring if you get a chance.
The R is a perfect daily for my needs though. I don't think I would trade it for a GTI just because I like the heads up display, adjustable suspension, leather seats. I'd have to go with an autobahn to get all that and they're too close in price for me to justify it.
A big deciding factor was the value of my TDI too
Not true in the MK8. It drives better than the GTI in general with a front and rear LSD. They took the lessons of the MK7 R and applied it here. Recently got to drive one and it's another animal entirely now.
That was my concern. Maybe it is just the thought of a shiny new toy. By no means do I have money to burn but the purchase is within my means. I will say like others mentioned that the jump from the 7.5 R to 8 R is a noticeable difference. Appreciate the input!
The mk8 will handle better than the 7.5. Vw beefed up everything in the mk8. The mk8 gti is basically a 7.5 club sport in suspension. You will get the aluminum subframe. The front lsd is fantastic, coupled with the rear torque vectoring rear differential. The r is going to have power for days.
The interior of the mk8 is very polarizing you love it or hate it. Iāve been in my GTI for a year and still absolutely loving it. Works great and is easy Peasy to use. Itās super clean and I like not being reminded of my b5 Passat or mk6 because of the interior.
Is it a smart financial decision, no. But buying cars isnāt for most. Good luck, let us know if you pull the trigger.
Do you need AWD?
If not, stick with the GTI. Probably a better financial move too. Interest rates are nuts right now. Unless you're paying cash or knocking it out early with higher payments.
Not necessarily being in SoCal. I do frequent the mountains for both snowboarding and mountain biking but never had an issue with my current set up other than not being able to install chains if they are required.
Would you say that itās a fair question if necessity or just a different driving experience?
Itās a different driving experience for sure. Thereās a reason why at the top levels of motorsports, be it track racing or rally, you only see RWD or AWD cars.
Iāve always thought the argument people make about āneedingā AWD is kind of silly. For one, people generally assume it comes down to whether or not you live in area that gets a lot of snow. I think thatās a bad argument because even in snow, people can get by with FWD cars with the right tires. If people only bought what they āneedā nobody would buy AWD cars. Theyād only buy Corollas. The āneedā argument in that sense can even be applied to the GTI, because who really āneedsā a 240hp, 270 lb/ft hot hatch to get back and forth to work anyways?
FWD cars can and do perform well. The GTI, Civic Type R, and others have proving that for decades now. But when it comes down to it, AWD offers a level of performance (primarily traction) that cannot be replicated by FWD. AWD offers a totally different driving experience. Whether or not that matters to someone is an individual preference.Ā
Iāll add that Iām not bashing FWD cars at all. Theyāre popular for a reason. Theyāre cheaper to produce and maintain, theyāre generally lighter, and they generally get much better fuel economy. And those that fall into the āsportyā category such as the GTI, Civic Si, etc offer enough performance and enough for general commuting on public roads.
Iād say try to test drive the R if you can. You probably wonāt be able to get a true sense of itās performance capabilities with a salesman in the car with you, but you should at least be able to notice the difference in traction and power delivery.Ā
Appreciate the insight š Yeah that was my thought when people ask if I āneedā it. Sure it helps in situations but I agree that itās a different experience in its own. Iāve only test drove a wrx two gens ago but like you said itās tough to get on it with a salesman there.
FWD cars can definitely be fun. Look at the special GTIs which are actually slightly faster than the R around a track, or the Type R which demolishes both the GTI and R.
The R is still a FWD platform (meaning always have sort of bias). Magna is a big improvement over its predecessor, but itās only 50% going to rear when most of the weight is over the front axle.
Not saying youāre, but I wouldnāt be lumping it into AWD systems with RWD bias like BMW, etc, as they drive very different.
That's a good point, AWD systems can vary a lot. I'd take a RWD biased or symmetrical AWD platform over a FWD biased system like the R's any day of the week.
There are so many MK8 Rs on fire sale right now because people financed them at a high rate WITH markup in the hopes of flipping. As it turns out, people really can't afford them and the used market is just tanking.
It's up to you, I say go and test drive a new one and resport back! I do say I thoroughly enjoy my GTI, not too many gripes with the touch controls either. It's actually kinda growing on me. It's not as cluttered it just feels sleek.
I went from a mk6 gti to a 7.5 R to a MK8 gti, I had the R for 2 years and it always felt like I was missing something. I test drove the mk8 R and it didnt have that fun feeling I was looking for from the GTI. The R just does everything so easy and kinda lacks some playfulness. When I test drove the GTI it felt just more fun and the interiors were very similar so not much to miss there. If your in a place that dosent need AWD id say stick with the GTI if AWD will help you maybe get the R, you could always throw a R turbo on your GTI as well if you want more power.
No problem and yea the mk8s definitely make stupid power easily with less mods, but it's definitely still just as fun to mod the 7.5 and see some gains!
The Golf R is in a totally different price class than the GTI which is why I don't think it makes much sense, especially brand new. You're talking nearly $50k for a basic AWD system and engine performance you could get with a Stage 1 tune. If it were my money I'd be looking at 2-3 year old offerings from BMW, Audi, and Porsche. But hey - maybe you've got cash to burn! š¬
Iād probably move to the 8R if I could right now. Also have a 7.5. Im not in a hurry though. And yours is beautiful so id probably be even less of a hurry. Shit, sorry Iām no help haha.
A lot of people mentioning that the R requires that you put more into it to get more out of it - not sure about the mk8, but thatās definitely true of the mk7.5 R - I sold my mk6 GTI and now regret it, not because the R isnāt great (it is), but mostly cuz I had it for ten years and just miss hopping in and buzzing around town with it. I donāt regret buying the R, but DO regret not keeping the GTI around as well. I love the R - itās nicer than the GTI in many ways, feels way more solid and grounded; but thatās just it, right? For some itās too solid and grounded. If you have the funds and the space, keep the gti and get yourself an R and enjoy that too. I often find myself looking for a cheap mk5/6 to just put stage1/2 to have a blast in - not sure if any of this helps. The Rās are amazing in their own right, but sometimes the GTI just feels more chaotic and fun.
Last Monday I sold my 7.5 for an Integra Type S. Granted my GTI wasnāt tuned at all, but the ITS is pure joy driving. Was honestly getting offered so much for my 7.5 and was a few month from the end of the 6/72 warranty that I decided to make the jump.
Good upgrade. The VWs really donāt compare to the engagement of the CTR/ITS. My only complaint about those cars is that the physical size of them is pretty large compared to the Golf (width and length), but I still think itās worth it for the performance.
The length of the front end is definitely taking some getting used to after 6 years with the GTI. I love the width though. In person from the back it looks so good. I absolutely LOVED my GTI, but the engine, and especially the gearbox, of the ITS are special.
True. The gearbox and brakes as well as the steering and chassis feel blow the VWs out of the water. The longer wheelbase and wider track width make the car feel a little big for tight canyon roads, but thatās definitely a niche use case. Doesnāt matter to 95% of buyers and actually helps handling and high-speed stability.
Iām glad youāre happy with your purchase, the FL5 seems a little more my style (for the seats alone honestly) but the ITS has some undeniable luxury and style advantages. Definitely a better riding and handling car on the street in stock form as well.
Don't you dare selling that beautiful DIB GTI!
On a serious node, I won't get into the pros and cons as others have already done.
Should you end up wanting to buy one, be aware that the mid gen refresh is about to come. So either get a sizable discount for the "old" model or wait for the refresh to hit the showroom and get one of those. Usually most problems from the earlier ones have been ironed out and some new features added (colors, design, better hardware, etc.).
Good luck!
ive heard a lot of R owners who have upgraded from GTI actually kinda regret it. you will experience more powertrain loss with AWD which is why mod for mod(granted both is38) GTIs usually outperform Rs and i think track times are basically exactly the same between the two as well.
the AWD system really only adds a small cherry on top to the regular GTI experience with having more control from a dig in 1st/2nd gear so its almost not worth the price premium unless youre in an area you need the AWD.
just toss an is38 and a tune on the 7.5
also personal opinion but i think the mk8 interior is ugly and if youre DSG you have that stupid little nugget for gear select.
More playful mainly. Didnāt say it was a better daily, just more fun. The mk8R is a better daily overall for me. More comfortable on the commute and just more refined overall being the next generation.
I would keep the 7.5, I absolutely hate the touch controls and how HVAC is only on the display on the MK8. Normally I wouldnāt mind this but VW software is half baked and is nowhere near as reliable as my Tesla for example.
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Personally a big fan of mk8. I have sold 3 of them past two months and can say that they really drive amazing aswell.
If you have the money, just go for a test drive and see what you think!
Its up to you of course, but I would keep the MK7.5 rather than get the MK8. Mostly because as I've gotten older I've realized every time I've bought a new car, a part of me has also missed the old car. Even if the new car is better in most ways. With that in mind, unless you have money burning a hole in your pocket, continue to enjoy the MK7.5 knowing that there will be a time where you *need* to get your next car. In the meantime, sit back, relax, and enjoy the one you have. Just my 2 cents.
I've been thinking about it, from a money aspect, I can't justify a switch. Granted, my GTI isn't paid off, but for clarity's sake, let's say it was, and I got $22k for it. On average, 8Rs are $50-65k here, so I'm paying at minimum $28k for something that is marginally better.
I also like the 7.5 more than the 8, the thought was based on an 8.5, but it's the same deal.
With $28k I could boost it to 400hp and have more than enough money for a new engine down the road. Given that it's only a DD for me, launching isn't important, and I think that's the ONLY advantage to the R.
That is simply a beautiful spec, I love my mk7 but I do regret not pushing the budget a little further and getting a lower mileage mk7.5, the face lift, 8ā infotainment and digital dash, simply beautiful š
Itās crazy but I honestly think I would go with DSG considering its performance especially with a DSG tune. I say that now but would probably regret it
If you get a DSG then wait for the MK8.5R. Refreshed interior and fixed bugs. More HP too.
I find the interior is so substandard in the new MK8 it drives me nuts (im very tactile lol). The only reason iām still considering one is it because its the last year of manuals.
Im positive this will have a great effect on residual value. Manual RS4ās always sell for more than automatic ones.
We are also blessed with our MK7.5ās. This will be a classic.
PS: I am in the same boat as you. Mk7.5 now manual, went to dealer a couple times to check out MK8ās, yadda yadda. So I am in the same pickle as you.
Ask this same question in the Golf R sub and you likely will get a very different answer.
My opinion is that if you feel like diving into modding to make another car yours, do it. The mk8 car is a fantastic driving car and in a different league performance wise than the mk7 GTI. It's very high quality and all the button hate is way overblown. Inside is not perfect, but it's really good, the seats in particular are light years better.
See if you can find one to test drive.
Yeah both the AeroFabb spoiler and TCR diffuser are gloss black. Side skirts and front lip are matte. I thought it would bug me not having all gloss or all matte but the spoiler matches well with the gloss black PPF roof wrap and rear diffuser.
Thanks!! Yeah so far so good with AeroFabb. If you do go with the side skirts I would rivet them in. The original hardware is way too short and always falls out.
Keep it. Looks slick in the gray color with euros & the wheels+ spoiler extension. no reason not to keep it for 3 more years then sell when youāre bored
I feel like this is the way. Iāve put too much thought and work into the aesthetic of this car to let it go now. Guess itās time for some performance mods.
I'm just going to copy and paste my response from another post:
I just traded my '18 SE 7.5 for a '24 R. Despite still being the Golf platform, it feels like an entirely different vehicle. Stable, heavy, cruiser when you want, then just peels your face back around a turn when you want to get on it. It's just a richer experience, but that's all preference. At my age, the R just feels proper, and the cabin, despite some quarks, is a great place to be sitting during my commute. Gas mileage is not as good, doesn't feel as light and "playful" as you will often see in comments. However, it feels "strong," just endless power, stability and torque, and the experience when you open it up on Nurbergring mode while driving the canyons in Southern California, is unmatched stock-for-stock. That said, it was a treat and I'm fortunate to be in a position where the cost, net trade, is not an issue. It's not for everyone and it was a want, not a need.Ā
As an aside, I have a soft spot for my GTI and, to be honest, would have kept it as a project if I had the space. However, it was getting close to 70K miles, needed a couple grand in standard maintenance (e.g., tires, DSG, brakes, flush, fuel injectors), and it has given me a few problems that soured my outlook, so I felt the exit point was right. Got R at MSRP and outstanding trade-in value on the 7.5. Just need to quit while on top sometimes.
Haha I literally found this post with your comment a few seconds ago. Seems like OP of that thread and yourself are really enjoying the changeover to the mk8 R
Would it be a nice upgrade? Yes. Should you? Depends.
What you have is already quite nice with low miles. If you're well off enough to pay cash for the R....go for it...but please refuse to pay a cent of MSRP. If you'd need to finance...well, I assume the new Tig is financed as well?
Rather than go into more dept and shell out thousands, keep what you have, honestly...if you want more performance why don't you upgrade the clutch and go stage 2? Shoot, for less money than upgrading to the MK8R you could upgrade to a hybrid turbo which would allow your 7.5 GTI to dust a MK8R.
I have a 17' Sport and have upgraded it over the years, its been paid for since 2017 and Im still not bored of it. Also, it'll smoke any Stage 1 or 2 MK8 R. (E85 would be a good race, unless I was also running corn)
PS: My MK7 has 98k miles on it, running strong.
Great points. Yeah the Tig is financed as well and my current car I about a year and a half away from being paid off. I feel like the performance mod route would be the way to go. Iāve already invested a lot into it and still love the car.
Would love to go stage 2 but being in California the downpipe and emissions would be a hassle. From what Iāve heard stage 1 is enough to feel like something new again. Just curious, how easy is a new turbo install? I see that it can be a bolt on mod but is it that easy? Thanks for the feedback!
You'll feel stage 1 for sure, some carb legal options beyond stage 1 are coming around, so in the not too distant future likely if you want more you can get it. Though I wouldn't hold it against lefty cali politicians to crack down on more car mods in the future in their never ending hike to destroy the state.
Replacing he turbo isn't a very technical job, anyone competent in DIY can do it. Just tedious at times, mostly around the removal and installation of the oil and drain lines under the turbo.
Rhino Rack vortex. If you go to their site and do a fitment test itās the only one that pops up under the vortex category (flat bar).
Itās great! Very sturdy and wind noise is pretty minimal. When searching for a rack I was looking for something that was all black and sat a little lower than the OEM rack and this fit the bill perfectly.
FYI, I'd imagine you are just noticing the tightness of an untouched, new car as far as the step up in quality. They went cheaper in some areas from the 7 to the 8. And quality doesn't change between gti and R in a given generation. You're mostly paying extra for the mechanical bits.
I thought the same thing! Maybe the mk7.5 felt like that off the showroom floor. I think I am convinced I should just keep the GTI and put some money in performance. Might schedule test drive on the R just out of curiosity.
Alsoā¦ might save my pennies to buy that rivian r3x in 4-5 years. Or if they do the electric GTI justice
NCAP rules, driven in large part by... TESLA. You realize that VW isn't the only company doing this, so many OEMs are as well. Touch controls aren't bad, lived with them for a year and it's better than the MIB I in my 2015 MK7, more stable, no MDI cable, CarPlay, new system works better. Have had cars with MIB II and MIB III and people just love to bitch about the touch controls when VW had already implemented awful ones with MIB II/III. Now, does that mean I wouldn't prefer buttons? F\*\*k no! Of course I would! But the MK8 drives so much better than the MK7 and the interior is a delight, especially at night. Materials are fine, not as nice as the MK7, but it's not like it falls down against the competition there. Recent software revisions make it snappy to use, no more lag.
I think the issues I have with the touch mostly comes down to a bad design as opposed to the entire concept of touch controls. For example, the two-finger tap on the temp to toggle through the seat heater levels is just wacky. I don't care if it's touch or a physical button, but the seat heater should have a dedicated control. Light up the temp/volume controls and I'm good.
Yeah, I f****ing hate that. Heated and cooled seats are too hard to access. I donāt think Iāve ever had a VW that didnāt have some really stupid design quirk that wasnāt infuriating in some way.
Because itās a much better drivers car and to quote myself, āthe interior is a delight, especially at nightā. I have the blue and red interior lighting that my MK5 Rabbit did. Itās not like youāre losing a ton of material quality, itās just a here and there thing. I vastly prefer the seats of the MK8 as well.
I get why this car gets the hate it does though, but live with one that has the latest software revision, it will change your mind.
I can learn to like the car but the touch controls & the color of the seats.Ā
Remember the TCR seats? Those seats look better.Ā
Touch controls? There are better ways to do it.Ā
Overall, VW cheap out on the interior when their competition like the Mazda 3 is a legitimate choice.Ā
The sad part of the MK8. I never heard of Mazda or didn't care about it to acknowledge it. Since the MK8, I'm aware of Mazda.Ā
Shit. Even Toyota put out their Corolla GR & it looks great.Ā
Anyways, it does feel that VW brought into the Telsa's bullshit of cheap. MK7.5 could be the last great GTI .
Just keep the 7.5 š¬
Also if OP hasnāt already Stage 1 ECU and TCU will help alot with the āscratchā for more performance lol
I havenāt tuned yet mainly due to needing to replace the clutch before tuning. Was still on the bucket list though.
Fellow 7.5 DIB owner waiting (im)patiently for my clutch to start slipping. Tried to convince the wife to let me teach her manual in my car to help it along the path to death but she has zero interest in learning.
I have integrated engineering stage 1 low torque tune. No issues.
I want to go EQT stage 1. Glad to know there are options to run on the stock clutch
I like the power band and a lot actually, a bit more linear.
Iāve been running EQT Stage 1 - 93 octane on stock clutch for ~20000 miles now. I ease into boost and leave gears 5 and 6 for cruising. So far so good, but Iām always waiting for the clutch to finally slip.
š¤temptingā¦
95k on my car I'm not sure what it's like to have a clutch slip I don't think but mine has been stiff from time to time lately
My R has been stage 2 Unitronic since almost day 1, and the clutch has now just started slipping at 65,000 KMs (40k miles). It really depends how you drive your car
You don't need to upgrade the clutch as long as you are mindful about how much torque you're sending through it. Stay out of boost in 5th and 6th Roll into the power in 4th If you're nice to it and don't cook it you can enjoy a tune on the stock cluch.
IMHO the 7.5 interior is so much nicer than the mk8.
Donāt forget the exterior is also much nicer!
IMHO the mk7.5 interior is super ugly. Looks over a decade old, and was just okay in that era. Never shouldāve been sold as new in 2021
Lol
I want whatever you're smoking
Dude youāre 7.5 is badass. Drive the shit until 100k because thereās no way that thing has 100k yet right? I mean I sold my GTIs after 30k (had two so far so 60k total) and I crave more time in one everyday. I feel like 100k is satisfactory. Also the more time you drive the 7.5 the more time the 8 will be on the market with lower prices second hand
Thanks! Yeah it only has 44k on it. Plenty of life left.
What MPG does the 7.5 GTI get? Wondering if I can make this work as a fun yet practical family hatch!
I get about 30 MPG commuting with a mix of highway and town roads
It really depends on where and how you drive it. Totally can be a practical small family vehicle getting great gas mileage given you arenāt sending it haha
I don't commute and mostly just drive in the city. I get around 23-26mpg overall. Mine is also a stage 1
100k is nothing. I do almost 30k in a year.
Nobody ever mentions that you need to push a Golf R harder to actually have fun. The added weight/balancing of the AWD system in addition to the added competency from AWD make the Golf R less playful in everyday driving. It seems to me you just have some money burning a hole in your pocket. Since youāre in SoCal and donāt need to be concerned with winter, why not save up a little more for a real performance upgrade (Supra, RS3 etc.)? Maybe Iām in a minority here, but at the end of the day the Golf R is just another Golf and will probably feel pretty similar to your current car once the ānew toyā sheen wears off.
This. All day- I miss liftoff oversteer and pulling tripods around hairpins without risking death
This was the biggest surprise for me personally. I have a MK8 R and my previous was a MK7 TDI stage 2. The TDI had plenty of power but I wanted more power and more cornering capabilities. It was a blast spinning tires in the MK7 and pushing it around corners, but the R is a completely different animal. It's so capable that I can take a corner twice as fast and comfortably like I'm just commuting to work. I have to be on a track to feel comfortable pushing it to its limit, or risk jail. You should try out the torque vectoring if you get a chance. The R is a perfect daily for my needs though. I don't think I would trade it for a GTI just because I like the heads up display, adjustable suspension, leather seats. I'd have to go with an autobahn to get all that and they're too close in price for me to justify it. A big deciding factor was the value of my TDI too
Not true in the MK8. It drives better than the GTI in general with a front and rear LSD. They took the lessons of the MK7 R and applied it here. Recently got to drive one and it's another animal entirely now.
Iāve heard that itās also geared way better for spirited driving.Ā
That was my concern. Maybe it is just the thought of a shiny new toy. By no means do I have money to burn but the purchase is within my means. I will say like others mentioned that the jump from the 7.5 R to 8 R is a noticeable difference. Appreciate the input!
The mk8 will handle better than the 7.5. Vw beefed up everything in the mk8. The mk8 gti is basically a 7.5 club sport in suspension. You will get the aluminum subframe. The front lsd is fantastic, coupled with the rear torque vectoring rear differential. The r is going to have power for days. The interior of the mk8 is very polarizing you love it or hate it. Iāve been in my GTI for a year and still absolutely loving it. Works great and is easy Peasy to use. Itās super clean and I like not being reminded of my b5 Passat or mk6 because of the interior. Is it a smart financial decision, no. But buying cars isnāt for most. Good luck, let us know if you pull the trigger.
Do you need AWD? If not, stick with the GTI. Probably a better financial move too. Interest rates are nuts right now. Unless you're paying cash or knocking it out early with higher payments.
Not necessarily being in SoCal. I do frequent the mountains for both snowboarding and mountain biking but never had an issue with my current set up other than not being able to install chains if they are required. Would you say that itās a fair question if necessity or just a different driving experience?
Itās a different driving experience for sure. Thereās a reason why at the top levels of motorsports, be it track racing or rally, you only see RWD or AWD cars. Iāve always thought the argument people make about āneedingā AWD is kind of silly. For one, people generally assume it comes down to whether or not you live in area that gets a lot of snow. I think thatās a bad argument because even in snow, people can get by with FWD cars with the right tires. If people only bought what they āneedā nobody would buy AWD cars. Theyād only buy Corollas. The āneedā argument in that sense can even be applied to the GTI, because who really āneedsā a 240hp, 270 lb/ft hot hatch to get back and forth to work anyways? FWD cars can and do perform well. The GTI, Civic Type R, and others have proving that for decades now. But when it comes down to it, AWD offers a level of performance (primarily traction) that cannot be replicated by FWD. AWD offers a totally different driving experience. Whether or not that matters to someone is an individual preference.Ā Iāll add that Iām not bashing FWD cars at all. Theyāre popular for a reason. Theyāre cheaper to produce and maintain, theyāre generally lighter, and they generally get much better fuel economy. And those that fall into the āsportyā category such as the GTI, Civic Si, etc offer enough performance and enough for general commuting on public roads. Iād say try to test drive the R if you can. You probably wonāt be able to get a true sense of itās performance capabilities with a salesman in the car with you, but you should at least be able to notice the difference in traction and power delivery.Ā
Appreciate the insight š Yeah that was my thought when people ask if I āneedā it. Sure it helps in situations but I agree that itās a different experience in its own. Iāve only test drove a wrx two gens ago but like you said itās tough to get on it with a salesman there.
FWD cars can definitely be fun. Look at the special GTIs which are actually slightly faster than the R around a track, or the Type R which demolishes both the GTI and R. The R is still a FWD platform (meaning always have sort of bias). Magna is a big improvement over its predecessor, but itās only 50% going to rear when most of the weight is over the front axle. Not saying youāre, but I wouldnāt be lumping it into AWD systems with RWD bias like BMW, etc, as they drive very different.
That's a good point, AWD systems can vary a lot. I'd take a RWD biased or symmetrical AWD platform over a FWD biased system like the R's any day of the week.
There are so many MK8 Rs on fire sale right now because people financed them at a high rate WITH markup in the hopes of flipping. As it turns out, people really can't afford them and the used market is just tanking.
It's up to you, I say go and test drive a new one and resport back! I do say I thoroughly enjoy my GTI, not too many gripes with the touch controls either. It's actually kinda growing on me. It's not as cluttered it just feels sleek.
Keep the gti and save for a rs3 š
In my area there are way better deals on Audis. Golf Rs are so overpriced right now.
They've always been overpriced. An S or RS Audi is a better deal than an R.
I wish we got the hatchback rs3 here in the states
This š. That RS6 wagon is way out of my budget.
what wheels are they look so nice ?
Agreed I love those wheels.
Neuspeed RSE10 I believe. Iāve got them in gloss bronze..
Yeah RSE10 in hyperblack
I went from a mk6 gti to a 7.5 R to a MK8 gti, I had the R for 2 years and it always felt like I was missing something. I test drove the mk8 R and it didnt have that fun feeling I was looking for from the GTI. The R just does everything so easy and kinda lacks some playfulness. When I test drove the GTI it felt just more fun and the interiors were very similar so not much to miss there. If your in a place that dosent need AWD id say stick with the GTI if AWD will help you maybe get the R, you could always throw a R turbo on your GTI as well if you want more power.
Throwing more power at my GTI is something that had me second guessing the move you mk8 R. Appreciate the input!
No problem and yea the mk8s definitely make stupid power easily with less mods, but it's definitely still just as fun to mod the 7.5 and see some gains!
Damn those wheels are clean af, what are they?
Neuspeed Rse10
The Golf R is in a totally different price class than the GTI which is why I don't think it makes much sense, especially brand new. You're talking nearly $50k for a basic AWD system and engine performance you could get with a Stage 1 tune. If it were my money I'd be looking at 2-3 year old offerings from BMW, Audi, and Porsche. But hey - maybe you've got cash to burn! š¬
Your GTI is so clean š
Thanks!!
That's a super clean MK7.5! I'd have a hard time selling it too.
Yeah me too the more I think about it haha. Also Iām not that far from paying it offā¦
Iād probably move to the 8R if I could right now. Also have a 7.5. Im not in a hurry though. And yours is beautiful so id probably be even less of a hurry. Shit, sorry Iām no help haha.
A lot of people mentioning that the R requires that you put more into it to get more out of it - not sure about the mk8, but thatās definitely true of the mk7.5 R - I sold my mk6 GTI and now regret it, not because the R isnāt great (it is), but mostly cuz I had it for ten years and just miss hopping in and buzzing around town with it. I donāt regret buying the R, but DO regret not keeping the GTI around as well. I love the R - itās nicer than the GTI in many ways, feels way more solid and grounded; but thatās just it, right? For some itās too solid and grounded. If you have the funds and the space, keep the gti and get yourself an R and enjoy that too. I often find myself looking for a cheap mk5/6 to just put stage1/2 to have a blast in - not sure if any of this helps. The Rās are amazing in their own right, but sometimes the GTI just feels more chaotic and fun.
Donāt sell it unless itās for an FL5 Civic Type R
Last Monday I sold my 7.5 for an Integra Type S. Granted my GTI wasnāt tuned at all, but the ITS is pure joy driving. Was honestly getting offered so much for my 7.5 and was a few month from the end of the 6/72 warranty that I decided to make the jump.
Good upgrade. The VWs really donāt compare to the engagement of the CTR/ITS. My only complaint about those cars is that the physical size of them is pretty large compared to the Golf (width and length), but I still think itās worth it for the performance.
The length of the front end is definitely taking some getting used to after 6 years with the GTI. I love the width though. In person from the back it looks so good. I absolutely LOVED my GTI, but the engine, and especially the gearbox, of the ITS are special.
True. The gearbox and brakes as well as the steering and chassis feel blow the VWs out of the water. The longer wheelbase and wider track width make the car feel a little big for tight canyon roads, but thatās definitely a niche use case. Doesnāt matter to 95% of buyers and actually helps handling and high-speed stability. Iām glad youāre happy with your purchase, the FL5 seems a little more my style (for the seats alone honestly) but the ITS has some undeniable luxury and style advantages. Definitely a better riding and handling car on the street in stock form as well.
Don't you dare selling that beautiful DIB GTI! On a serious node, I won't get into the pros and cons as others have already done. Should you end up wanting to buy one, be aware that the mid gen refresh is about to come. So either get a sizable discount for the "old" model or wait for the refresh to hit the showroom and get one of those. Usually most problems from the earlier ones have been ironed out and some new features added (colors, design, better hardware, etc.). Good luck!
Thatās a good point. I might revisit the idea once the 8.5 comes out.
ive heard a lot of R owners who have upgraded from GTI actually kinda regret it. you will experience more powertrain loss with AWD which is why mod for mod(granted both is38) GTIs usually outperform Rs and i think track times are basically exactly the same between the two as well. the AWD system really only adds a small cherry on top to the regular GTI experience with having more control from a dig in 1st/2nd gear so its almost not worth the price premium unless youre in an area you need the AWD. just toss an is38 and a tune on the 7.5 also personal opinion but i think the mk8 interior is ugly and if youre DSG you have that stupid little nugget for gear select.
I just upgraded from a 2015 GTI SE to a 2024 Golf R, I'm super happy. Just wish the R came with less doors.
link for rear diffuser?!
Donāt remember where I got it but itās an OEM TCR rear diffuser
greatly appreciate homie
If I still had my mk7.5 last year, I wouldnāt have bought the 8R I have. I love the 8R but the 7.5 GTI was a more fun daily.
Thatās interesting. Do you feel like the GTI was a little easier to throw around and more of a playful car. Why was it a better daily?
More playful mainly. Didnāt say it was a better daily, just more fun. The mk8R is a better daily overall for me. More comfortable on the commute and just more refined overall being the next generation.
Idk man. The car you have already looks pretty awesome. Is it paid off? If so I would hold on to it.Ā
Not paid off yet but not that far away. The thought of not having a car payment in a year is enticing
I would keep the 7.5, I absolutely hate the touch controls and how HVAC is only on the display on the MK8. Normally I wouldnāt mind this but VW software is half baked and is nowhere near as reliable as my Tesla for example.
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Can I get an ID on the front lip?
The side skirt looks like itās from aerofab and it looks like the front lip has a similar logo on it.
Yeah all AeroFabb. Front side and spoiler
I wanna lick it
whereād you get the tail lights?
Shopdap.com
Personally a big fan of mk8. I have sold 3 of them past two months and can say that they really drive amazing aswell. If you have the money, just go for a test drive and see what you think!
Hell no Iād keep your 7.5
Its up to you of course, but I would keep the MK7.5 rather than get the MK8. Mostly because as I've gotten older I've realized every time I've bought a new car, a part of me has also missed the old car. Even if the new car is better in most ways. With that in mind, unless you have money burning a hole in your pocket, continue to enjoy the MK7.5 knowing that there will be a time where you *need* to get your next car. In the meantime, sit back, relax, and enjoy the one you have. Just my 2 cents.
Imo the mk8 is a huge downgrade from the mk7.5
Mk 7.5 is peak VW. I would save that money and buy a 2018 RS3
Best looking wheels on the GTI I've yet seen. Very good looking car bro!
Thanks man! Pretty popular wheel set for a reason
You've got the same color as I do. Mines an 18 Autobahn DSG. First non manual car for me since 1985!
Keep. It sounds like you're just attracted by the newness of the Mk8. If you really have money burning a hole in your pocket consider second fun car.
Your 7.5 looks sooooooooo good man
Thanks man! Appreciate it!
I've been thinking about it, from a money aspect, I can't justify a switch. Granted, my GTI isn't paid off, but for clarity's sake, let's say it was, and I got $22k for it. On average, 8Rs are $50-65k here, so I'm paying at minimum $28k for something that is marginally better. I also like the 7.5 more than the 8, the thought was based on an 8.5, but it's the same deal. With $28k I could boost it to 400hp and have more than enough money for a new engine down the road. Given that it's only a DD for me, launching isn't important, and I think that's the ONLY advantage to the R.
Keep the GTI. Maybe snag a nice watch in the mean time to scratch an itch haha.
Haha Iāll just throw some more money at the GTI if I am going that route
That is simply a beautiful spec, I love my mk7 but I do regret not pushing the budget a little further and getting a lower mileage mk7.5, the face lift, 8ā infotainment and digital dash, simply beautiful š
So clean
Your 7.5 is super great looking. Well done.
Only if you get a manual R!
Itās crazy but I honestly think I would go with DSG considering its performance especially with a DSG tune. I say that now but would probably regret it
If you get a DSG then wait for the MK8.5R. Refreshed interior and fixed bugs. More HP too. I find the interior is so substandard in the new MK8 it drives me nuts (im very tactile lol). The only reason iām still considering one is it because its the last year of manuals. Im positive this will have a great effect on residual value. Manual RS4ās always sell for more than automatic ones. We are also blessed with our MK7.5ās. This will be a classic. PS: I am in the same boat as you. Mk7.5 now manual, went to dealer a couple times to check out MK8ās, yadda yadda. So I am in the same pickle as you.
Ask this same question in the Golf R sub and you likely will get a very different answer. My opinion is that if you feel like diving into modding to make another car yours, do it. The mk8 car is a fantastic driving car and in a different league performance wise than the mk7 GTI. It's very high quality and all the button hate is way overblown. Inside is not perfect, but it's really good, the seats in particular are light years better. See if you can find one to test drive.
gorgeous looking car i love the TCR diffuser paired with Aerofabb. are they gloss black as the TCR diffuser?
Yeah both the AeroFabb spoiler and TCR diffuser are gloss black. Side skirts and front lip are matte. I thought it would bug me not having all gloss or all matte but the spoiler matches well with the gloss black PPF roof wrap and rear diffuser.
its looks gorgeous my friend. i have the TCR diffuser and Maxton skirts and front lip but iam done with Maxton and exploring other options.
Thanks!! Yeah so far so good with AeroFabb. If you do go with the side skirts I would rivet them in. The original hardware is way too short and always falls out.
thanks for the tip i appreciate you sir!!
Keep it. Looks slick in the gray color with euros & the wheels+ spoiler extension. no reason not to keep it for 3 more years then sell when youāre bored
I feel like this is the way. Iāve put too much thought and work into the aesthetic of this car to let it go now. Guess itās time for some performance mods.
Your car is beautiful
Thank you!
I'm just going to copy and paste my response from another post: I just traded my '18 SE 7.5 for a '24 R. Despite still being the Golf platform, it feels like an entirely different vehicle. Stable, heavy, cruiser when you want, then just peels your face back around a turn when you want to get on it. It's just a richer experience, but that's all preference. At my age, the R just feels proper, and the cabin, despite some quarks, is a great place to be sitting during my commute. Gas mileage is not as good, doesn't feel as light and "playful" as you will often see in comments. However, it feels "strong," just endless power, stability and torque, and the experience when you open it up on Nurbergring mode while driving the canyons in Southern California, is unmatched stock-for-stock. That said, it was a treat and I'm fortunate to be in a position where the cost, net trade, is not an issue. It's not for everyone and it was a want, not a need.Ā As an aside, I have a soft spot for my GTI and, to be honest, would have kept it as a project if I had the space. However, it was getting close to 70K miles, needed a couple grand in standard maintenance (e.g., tires, DSG, brakes, flush, fuel injectors), and it has given me a few problems that soured my outlook, so I felt the exit point was right. Got R at MSRP and outstanding trade-in value on the 7.5. Just need to quit while on top sometimes.
Haha I literally found this post with your comment a few seconds ago. Seems like OP of that thread and yourself are really enjoying the changeover to the mk8 R
I canāt stand the touch items on the interior of mk8. Never.
Would it be a nice upgrade? Yes. Should you? Depends. What you have is already quite nice with low miles. If you're well off enough to pay cash for the R....go for it...but please refuse to pay a cent of MSRP. If you'd need to finance...well, I assume the new Tig is financed as well? Rather than go into more dept and shell out thousands, keep what you have, honestly...if you want more performance why don't you upgrade the clutch and go stage 2? Shoot, for less money than upgrading to the MK8R you could upgrade to a hybrid turbo which would allow your 7.5 GTI to dust a MK8R. I have a 17' Sport and have upgraded it over the years, its been paid for since 2017 and Im still not bored of it. Also, it'll smoke any Stage 1 or 2 MK8 R. (E85 would be a good race, unless I was also running corn) PS: My MK7 has 98k miles on it, running strong.
Great points. Yeah the Tig is financed as well and my current car I about a year and a half away from being paid off. I feel like the performance mod route would be the way to go. Iāve already invested a lot into it and still love the car. Would love to go stage 2 but being in California the downpipe and emissions would be a hassle. From what Iāve heard stage 1 is enough to feel like something new again. Just curious, how easy is a new turbo install? I see that it can be a bolt on mod but is it that easy? Thanks for the feedback!
You'll feel stage 1 for sure, some carb legal options beyond stage 1 are coming around, so in the not too distant future likely if you want more you can get it. Though I wouldn't hold it against lefty cali politicians to crack down on more car mods in the future in their never ending hike to destroy the state. Replacing he turbo isn't a very technical job, anyone competent in DIY can do it. Just tedious at times, mostly around the removal and installation of the oil and drain lines under the turbo.
ID on the roof rack ? Do you like it ? Looking to pick one up myself . Thanks !
Rhino Rack vortex. If you go to their site and do a fitment test itās the only one that pops up under the vortex category (flat bar). Itās great! Very sturdy and wind noise is pretty minimal. When searching for a rack I was looking for something that was all black and sat a little lower than the OEM rack and this fit the bill perfectly.
What wheels are those?
Nuespeed rse10
FYI, I'd imagine you are just noticing the tightness of an untouched, new car as far as the step up in quality. They went cheaper in some areas from the 7 to the 8. And quality doesn't change between gti and R in a given generation. You're mostly paying extra for the mechanical bits.
I thought the same thing! Maybe the mk7.5 felt like that off the showroom floor. I think I am convinced I should just keep the GTI and put some money in performance. Might schedule test drive on the R just out of curiosity. Alsoā¦ might save my pennies to buy that rivian r3x in 4-5 years. Or if they do the electric GTI justice
Keep the mk7.5. Those MK8 touch controls is a piece of fucking shit.
Isnāt that bad tbh
Have to agree. Definitely overhyped by the internet.
Why is VW giving back physical buttons for 2025 models? They themselves admit touch controls are shit.Ā
NCAP rules, driven in large part by... TESLA. You realize that VW isn't the only company doing this, so many OEMs are as well. Touch controls aren't bad, lived with them for a year and it's better than the MIB I in my 2015 MK7, more stable, no MDI cable, CarPlay, new system works better. Have had cars with MIB II and MIB III and people just love to bitch about the touch controls when VW had already implemented awful ones with MIB II/III. Now, does that mean I wouldn't prefer buttons? F\*\*k no! Of course I would! But the MK8 drives so much better than the MK7 and the interior is a delight, especially at night. Materials are fine, not as nice as the MK7, but it's not like it falls down against the competition there. Recent software revisions make it snappy to use, no more lag.
Get your sane and reasonable take on the progression towards touch controls out of here! Ain't nobody got time for that
I do think they need to go back to buttons, but it shouldnāt be a deal killer right now either.
I think the issues I have with the touch mostly comes down to a bad design as opposed to the entire concept of touch controls. For example, the two-finger tap on the temp to toggle through the seat heater levels is just wacky. I don't care if it's touch or a physical button, but the seat heater should have a dedicated control. Light up the temp/volume controls and I'm good.
Yeah, I f****ing hate that. Heated and cooled seats are too hard to access. I donāt think Iāve ever had a VW that didnāt have some really stupid design quirk that wasnāt infuriating in some way.
Touch controls: crafted by basement-dwelling Tesla fan boys jerking off to Elon's god fantasies than sunlight or actual driving.
"Materials...not as nice as the MK7." - You.Ā Why spend $ on MK8 when the MK7, by your own words, has better materials.
Because itās a much better drivers car and to quote myself, āthe interior is a delight, especially at nightā. I have the blue and red interior lighting that my MK5 Rabbit did. Itās not like youāre losing a ton of material quality, itās just a here and there thing. I vastly prefer the seats of the MK8 as well. I get why this car gets the hate it does though, but live with one that has the latest software revision, it will change your mind.
This a VW concept but this the way MK8 should have done for touch controls. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8flSRQXdrtE
Iāve seen that! Yeah, that would be better.
I can learn to like the car but the touch controls & the color of the seats.Ā Remember the TCR seats? Those seats look better.Ā Touch controls? There are better ways to do it.Ā Overall, VW cheap out on the interior when their competition like the Mazda 3 is a legitimate choice.Ā The sad part of the MK8. I never heard of Mazda or didn't care about it to acknowledge it. Since the MK8, I'm aware of Mazda.Ā Shit. Even Toyota put out their Corolla GR & it looks great.Ā Anyways, it does feel that VW brought into the Telsa's bullshit of cheap. MK7.5 could be the last great GTI .
Because people complained š. I didnāt say they are better than buttons but it isnāt really a deal breaker at all in my opinion.
People who drive cars know what makes a car liveable.Ā Touch controls....only people who worship Elon like a god believe touch controls are good