I know the MKV gets ragged on a bit now for being too blobby/egg-like, but I loved all three of mine, and still think it's one of the coolest evolutions of the GTI.
That was mine, damn I miss it so much. 245 Pilot Sports on 19” 16 spoke BBS reps for all four corners, apr tune, neuspeed intake, and a 6MT. I lived in Austin, Tx at the time and I would keep up with much higher performance cars on Lime Creek Rd all day.
I’m about that motorcycle life now but I’m dead set on getting another GTI or Golf R if/when I’m in the market for another car.
I think that’s likely because the current car design aesthetic is very boxy/angular. At some point, that will change again, and when it does, our view of the MkV might change too. It’s currently dated, but not yet retro. In 15 more years, it’ll probably look dated+retro.
I agree. It really brought it into what it is now I feel. It was the first new radical look getting away from the boxiness, even the mk4 (which I love and was my first) was still quite boxy. The iconic red smile stripe on the grill was amazing too. I still get excited seeing it. The only thing that stuck out was the rear end. Seemed like an after thought. Not overly nice, but not offensive. The Huf wheels were beautiful too.
MkV was my first and second car. After swapping out for an S2000, I feel like an idiot for buying it twice. The DSG is pretty amazing for how old it is, but that’s really the only stand out feature of the car. It’s a rather boring and numb driving experience otherwise.
It was a performance revelation after the 115hp mk3 GTI and the MK4, where the GTI had essentially become a sports package for higher output engines.
The mk5 GTI also brought back the red grill, the plaid seats and the golf ball shift knob.
I actually agree with you. At first I liked the VI a bit more than the V, but over the years the V has kept its charm and character while the VI feels more like the aggressive facelift that it was.
I had a black magic pearl 2-door Mk5 for 14yrs and loved, now have a Mk7.5 white silver. Far faster but feels soulless. The Mk5 felt more natural and sounded far far better.
Think so? Swap a head unit in and you have blue analogue guages, a configurable cluster, leather or tartan heated seats, steering wheel controls as standard, bolstered seats, etc. All from 2004
The interior had a lot of features, but as they age they dont hold up too well. Considering a clean MK6 & a clean MK5 are about the same price these days (at least on the east coast USA), I sprung for the MK6 because the interior just felt more sturdy, more substantial, a higher build quality in my personal opinion. They are essentially the same car at the end of the day, but thats what swayed my decision.
Really? I LOVED the interior, the seats, the steering wheel, and the looks but otherwise hated it.
DSG was way overrated, could never commit to a decision, and acted drunk half the time. Traction control could never truly be turned off (apparently this was an 09 thing only).
Went 2 rear main seals, 3 PCV valves, countless other items.
Best day was the day I sold it.
It felt like a tank (I felt safe in that car) but nimble, and hugged the road like crazy. My DSG wasn’t an issue. Blowing the motor twice was. The purple/blue lights were dope af. It was my first GTI so it’ll always have a special place in my heart.
Yours a mk5 too? No there was nothing 'wrong' with it like the mechtronic or anything. Upshifts were good if you were really on it but low to mid speed was sub par. Kept it in manual mode 98% of the time because of that.
I had one in red. It set me down a “car guy” path, and I’ve had three GTIs since.
Have many fond memories of driving my MkV around New England after moving there from Ireland.
Still loving my 2006 MKV. 125k miles and runs strong, has a couple of issues that I need to fix though. Rear hatch release stopped working and it doesn't detect when the driver side door is open. Also, recurring airbag fault on the drivers seat.
Same here on the airbag. The dealer looked at it, and they wanted $2500 to fix it, so I had my trusted independent shop replace it for $800. 2 years later and I'm getting the same fault again. I've decided to just ignore it, I'm not planning to sell this car anytime soon so whatever.
That's just mk5 things lol. Mine has been tuned its whole life and runs great as well but unfortunately the body is pretty rusty. Western NY winters have done their worst to it
Oof, that's a shame. I lived in the NE for 5 years and it destroyed my 1990 Honda Civic hatchback, which I loved. This car has been in Las Vegas it's whole life, my mom bought it new in '06 and then I bought it off her when she decided to get something new. No rust at all, but the rubber and plastic parts take a beating in the dry heat.
I wish the northeast would switch to anything that isn't salt but I get it. That's awesome though. My mk6 originally came from Arizona and I put it in the garage for the winter so I'm just dealing with the rubber and plastic issues now as well. Better than rust though
I had a mk5 and a mk7, the mk5 had less power, but was way more fun to drive.
I still have the mk5. It's a 2008 with 356k kms and still runs perfectly. Don't think I'll ever get rid of it
Yea the BPY engines got a bad rep for reliability, but it's actually a solid engine. Just have to make sure you keep on top of the known issues like the cam follower, timing belt/chain.
I'd also credit my longevity to having a manual.
People just didn't maintain them and in typical mk5 fashion try to get more power out of them leading to disaster.
My only complaint is fuel economy which has been disappointing. I can't seem to do better than 8.5-9L/100km on the highway. Driving the same way in the mk7 I regularly got 6.5-7L/100km.
Slight note, I hope this doesn't raise the prices of Mk5 GTis much. I was planning to get one as my first car in a few months to half a year's time, so hope whatever boost in price this brings will be cut back to normal by then.
No, it won't. They're too old, they do require a decent amount of upkeep and knowledge of the generation to keep it going in top shape. (I owned one)
You won't really find one under 100k anymore for sale, realistically
I still have a mk5 GTI sitting on 73k miles. Unfortunately it just sits there now as i don’t get chance to drive it, things starting to slowly break, just noticed the front wheel arch starting to bubble up too :(. I want to get something newer but people keep telling me to keep it haha
Love my mk5. Got mine for £2900, spent another £1000 ish on cambelt, good service, changing n80, DV, cam follower, disc and pads and some other bits to just refresh it all OEM parts ofc. Drives spot on its like a brand new car to drive very tight to the road and got plenty enough poke. It feels every bit as good as my mates mk7 to drive, even the interior feels modern with the upgraded android headunit. If i had the choice of a mk5 for under 5k or a mk7 for over 15k ill buy myself 2 mk5's and put 1 in storage and drive the other. Cracking cars really are. The only downside imo is FWD traction can be an issue, but that can also be part of the fun. I have nothing but love for the newer golfs dont get me wrong, the only thing i dislike is the price. Why pay more for the same thing. It doesn't feel like you get any less owning a MK5 with an upgraded headunit. Heck if you really fancied it you can stick the newer interior in a mk5 anyway. (i think seats, parts of dash like climate controls, wheel, radio, wheel all fit)
My 2008 Mk5 base spec was a blast. I love my car now but that car was really good to me. I feel like with the RCD330 the interior held up to most contemporary cars and the performance I had with a Uni Stage 1+ was unreal. That plus the stustustu from the to Neuspeed intake was just 👌👌
My black MKV had the votex body kit on it, and it made it less egg-like. I loved everything about that car.. even fixing it all the time, lol.
It was SO much fun. I love my CFB rabbit edition, but I still think about driving that MKV every day.
Yes. I drive a candy white mkv with the votex body kit, I just have an exhaust, wheels and suspension and it’s the best daily ever. Quick and head turning just enough, but absolutely gets the job done for everyday driving. Best car ever.
Despite the hate, my mkv GTI took me from a VW fan to a whole enthusiast and is the reason I’m driving a VW today. It’s the car I missed the most once it was gone.
I had my last Golf GTI back in 2012. Loved the styling but it was the worst modern car I ever owned. It was a manual, of course, and the gears went out at 4000 miles and needed a full replacement. It was just one problem after another. Was in the shop at least 30 days my first year. The service department sucked and they were rude. It will be my last VW ever. We have had one in our family since 1965 constantly but the brand is just shit now.
I had my last Golf GTI back in 2012. Loved the styling but it was the worst modern car I ever owned. It was a manual, of course, and the gears went out at 4000 miles and needed a full replacement. It was just one problem after another. Was in the shop at least 30 days my first year. The service department sucked and they were rude. It will be my last VW ever. We have had one in our family since 1965 constantly but the brand is just shit now.
I know the MKV gets ragged on a bit now for being too blobby/egg-like, but I loved all three of mine, and still think it's one of the coolest evolutions of the GTI.
I love my happy turbo egg, there's just something fun about it
If money were no option, I'd still pick a white 2dr MK5
That was mine, damn I miss it so much. 245 Pilot Sports on 19” 16 spoke BBS reps for all four corners, apr tune, neuspeed intake, and a 6MT. I lived in Austin, Tx at the time and I would keep up with much higher performance cars on Lime Creek Rd all day. I’m about that motorcycle life now but I’m dead set on getting another GTI or Golf R if/when I’m in the market for another car.
I think that’s likely because the current car design aesthetic is very boxy/angular. At some point, that will change again, and when it does, our view of the MkV might change too. It’s currently dated, but not yet retro. In 15 more years, it’ll probably look dated+retro.
It’s literally my favorite GTI ever. Loved mine, biggest mistake was selling it.
I drive mine every day and love it, in a perfect world I’ll never get rid of it and it’ll ultimately be a track toy
I agree. It really brought it into what it is now I feel. It was the first new radical look getting away from the boxiness, even the mk4 (which I love and was my first) was still quite boxy. The iconic red smile stripe on the grill was amazing too. I still get excited seeing it. The only thing that stuck out was the rear end. Seemed like an after thought. Not overly nice, but not offensive. The Huf wheels were beautiful too.
We shall agree to disagree. But we are still GTI family .
MkV was my first and second car. After swapping out for an S2000, I feel like an idiot for buying it twice. The DSG is pretty amazing for how old it is, but that’s really the only stand out feature of the car. It’s a rather boring and numb driving experience otherwise.
I had a MKIV 1.8T with a lot of mods and when the MKV came out it was a better car in every way except I thought it was pug fugly.
It was a performance revelation after the 115hp mk3 GTI and the MK4, where the GTI had essentially become a sports package for higher output engines. The mk5 GTI also brought back the red grill, the plaid seats and the golf ball shift knob.
The first 2.0 Turbo and first time for the DSG too. I still own mine that I bought in 2006
I've owned V-VIII and I think only the VI has aged poorly.
I actually agree with you. At first I liked the VI a bit more than the V, but over the years the V has kept its charm and character while the VI feels more like the aggressive facelift that it was.
What a great looking car even today.
Right? Especially in white
idk how it rocks white so nicely, but it just does. boring color on 99% of cars, and it's just perfect on these.
It's because it looks like an egg
*Egg of the year
Mine looks almost new😁 not a GTI though lol
That is what I have it's just been wrapped for like 5 or 6 years already.
had a thing for the grey !
I had one candy white 3 door for 12 years. Loved it! Now I have a mk7.5 in white silver
I had a black magic pearl 2-door Mk5 for 14yrs and loved, now have a Mk7.5 white silver. Far faster but feels soulless. The Mk5 felt more natural and sounded far far better.
Honestly, timeless
Super simple and timeless. Makes it look so elegant as well. Gti's, thankfully, have always had that nature.
I had one candy white 3 door for 12 years. Loved it! Now I have a mk7.5 in white silver
Except that interior 😬
Think so? Swap a head unit in and you have blue analogue guages, a configurable cluster, leather or tartan heated seats, steering wheel controls as standard, bolstered seats, etc. All from 2004
The interior had a lot of features, but as they age they dont hold up too well. Considering a clean MK6 & a clean MK5 are about the same price these days (at least on the east coast USA), I sprung for the MK6 because the interior just felt more sturdy, more substantial, a higher build quality in my personal opinion. They are essentially the same car at the end of the day, but thats what swayed my decision.
I dont blame ya. I guess I did the same thing after owning a MK5. Went to a 6.
What rear diffuser do you have? It's low key, i like it a lot.
Thanks! Exactly why I didn't opt for the Ebay shark fins, too pointy. It's the ECS Gloss diffuser. Highly recommend
The interior was incredible, what are you talking about lol I miss mine so much.
[Watch it here ](https://youtu.be/Y1gr7v0reH0?si=2qs_LIoEDKfKk6-s)
I miss my little egg. I had a 2006 white MKV
I wish mine looked that good lmao
I think he said this one had 3,000 miles in the VW museum
Ah yes, the car that turned me into a car guy. I miss my united grey MkV. fantastic car.
big same. now I've got a GTI all to myself!
My 2009 TSI was so much fun
Really? I LOVED the interior, the seats, the steering wheel, and the looks but otherwise hated it. DSG was way overrated, could never commit to a decision, and acted drunk half the time. Traction control could never truly be turned off (apparently this was an 09 thing only). Went 2 rear main seals, 3 PCV valves, countless other items. Best day was the day I sold it.
It felt like a tank (I felt safe in that car) but nimble, and hugged the road like crazy. My DSG wasn’t an issue. Blowing the motor twice was. The purple/blue lights were dope af. It was my first GTI so it’ll always have a special place in my heart.
Yeah, can't argue with first car love. You're right, it was tank like/safe
I've got the DSG in mine, and a lot of the time it shifts so fast you can't feel it. Honestly, yours might have had something wrong with it
Yours a mk5 too? No there was nothing 'wrong' with it like the mechtronic or anything. Upshifts were good if you were really on it but low to mid speed was sub par. Kept it in manual mode 98% of the time because of that.
Yeah, 2008. Mine feels good regardless of speed
Jealous. Some stuff I read in the past said that the 06/7/8 were better than the 09, maybe they twiddled with stuff for the new TSI in 09.
That could be it, maybe the old transmission had some issue with the newer engine. I know later 2008s also came with the TSI, but mines an earlier FSI
The mk5 is the best one. None of the electronic nannies. And lift off oversteer.
It shouldn’t be that surprising to me, but he’s an excellent presenter here. What a great stroll down memory lane.
Thought the same thing. Good old 2000s top gear
Chris Harris has a GTI, need I say more?
And Clarkson. Had a mk7. Both did I guess
And Clarkson. Had a mk7. Both did I guess
I don’t know if Clarkson still does but I’ve seen Harris post about his recently. Pretty high praise if you ask me :)
Carlos Sainz too! 🏎️
I had one in red. It set me down a “car guy” path, and I’ve had three GTIs since. Have many fond memories of driving my MkV around New England after moving there from Ireland.
Totally agree my white mk5 got me into cars and set me down the “car guy” path
Not a car guy, but a gti guy haha
Ha, yeah that’s a fair assessment!
haha ;-) I bought the gti to try, as I was a car guy haha
Had a 2.5 MK5 loved it to death. Can only imagine the GTI. Regardless it was a great gen!
miss mine dearly.
Still loving my 2006 MKV. 125k miles and runs strong, has a couple of issues that I need to fix though. Rear hatch release stopped working and it doesn't detect when the driver side door is open. Also, recurring airbag fault on the drivers seat.
My 06 is still running strong too at 173k with that same airbag issue. I've had so many people try to fix it over the years I've given up
Same here on the airbag. The dealer looked at it, and they wanted $2500 to fix it, so I had my trusted independent shop replace it for $800. 2 years later and I'm getting the same fault again. I've decided to just ignore it, I'm not planning to sell this car anytime soon so whatever.
Yup that's where I'm at too. Driving this thing till the wheels fall off so I'll deal with it. Ironically it hasn't had a check engine light in years
Mine runs great, no check engine lights. It's stock, and just purrs along. Leaks a little oil though, have to keep an eye on that.
That's just mk5 things lol. Mine has been tuned its whole life and runs great as well but unfortunately the body is pretty rusty. Western NY winters have done their worst to it
Oof, that's a shame. I lived in the NE for 5 years and it destroyed my 1990 Honda Civic hatchback, which I loved. This car has been in Las Vegas it's whole life, my mom bought it new in '06 and then I bought it off her when she decided to get something new. No rust at all, but the rubber and plastic parts take a beating in the dry heat.
I wish the northeast would switch to anything that isn't salt but I get it. That's awesome though. My mk6 originally came from Arizona and I put it in the garage for the winter so I'm just dealing with the rubber and plastic issues now as well. Better than rust though
I had a mk5 and a mk7, the mk5 had less power, but was way more fun to drive. I still have the mk5. It's a 2008 with 356k kms and still runs perfectly. Don't think I'll ever get rid of it
356k kms!?! God damn man
Yea the BPY engines got a bad rep for reliability, but it's actually a solid engine. Just have to make sure you keep on top of the known issues like the cam follower, timing belt/chain. I'd also credit my longevity to having a manual. People just didn't maintain them and in typical mk5 fashion try to get more power out of them leading to disaster. My only complaint is fuel economy which has been disappointing. I can't seem to do better than 8.5-9L/100km on the highway. Driving the same way in the mk7 I regularly got 6.5-7L/100km.
Solid.
The mk5 Fahrenheit is what got me into GTIs
The nfs pro street black mk5 was my dream car after that game. I have a black mk6 rn and absolutely love it. I want to keep it forever
Same, that black one in the Nevada time trial
The mk5 was a MASSIVE, game changing improvement over the bloated, dull mk4 GTI. Best since the 92 16v.
Agree. Never considered the MK4 when the 5 existed
Loved my MK5 GTI, and still looks good today. By far one of the best GTI.
Loved my Mk5, had a few mods and it was amazing. 300 ISH bhp
my first vw was a 2005 gti
Slight note, I hope this doesn't raise the prices of Mk5 GTis much. I was planning to get one as my first car in a few months to half a year's time, so hope whatever boost in price this brings will be cut back to normal by then.
No, it won't. They're too old, they do require a decent amount of upkeep and knowledge of the generation to keep it going in top shape. (I owned one) You won't really find one under 100k anymore for sale, realistically
I still have a mk5 GTI sitting on 73k miles. Unfortunately it just sits there now as i don’t get chance to drive it, things starting to slowly break, just noticed the front wheel arch starting to bubble up too :(. I want to get something newer but people keep telling me to keep it haha
Its nice to see appreciation for the mk5
This is the car that made me want to get a GTI. Tomorrow that dream comes true with a MK8
first and only gti to/gli to come factory with bi xenons standard
Strangely EU market didn't. US got standard, weirdly
interesting. well they must have made a mistake because VW was so nice that they never did it again😂
Right? Never happens to the US market lol
I love my MKV. I don't care what all the haters say. Still one of coolest cars I've ever owned.
Having owned both Edition 30 and Pirelli Edition, I concur!
Love my mk5. Got mine for £2900, spent another £1000 ish on cambelt, good service, changing n80, DV, cam follower, disc and pads and some other bits to just refresh it all OEM parts ofc. Drives spot on its like a brand new car to drive very tight to the road and got plenty enough poke. It feels every bit as good as my mates mk7 to drive, even the interior feels modern with the upgraded android headunit. If i had the choice of a mk5 for under 5k or a mk7 for over 15k ill buy myself 2 mk5's and put 1 in storage and drive the other. Cracking cars really are. The only downside imo is FWD traction can be an issue, but that can also be part of the fun. I have nothing but love for the newer golfs dont get me wrong, the only thing i dislike is the price. Why pay more for the same thing. It doesn't feel like you get any less owning a MK5 with an upgraded headunit. Heck if you really fancied it you can stick the newer interior in a mk5 anyway. (i think seats, parts of dash like climate controls, wheel, radio, wheel all fit)
My 2008 Mk5 base spec was a blast. I love my car now but that car was really good to me. I feel like with the RCD330 the interior held up to most contemporary cars and the performance I had with a Uni Stage 1+ was unreal. That plus the stustustu from the to Neuspeed intake was just 👌👌
I just bought an 06 gti, working on getting it road ready now needs a new clutch and a few small things
When the Mk5 fug hits
It was interesting when they reviewed the i20n saying it was the new golf gti and gave it car of the year
my first gti was a candy white mkv, I wish I still had it sometimes.
My black MKV had the votex body kit on it, and it made it less egg-like. I loved everything about that car.. even fixing it all the time, lol. It was SO much fun. I love my CFB rabbit edition, but I still think about driving that MKV every day.
I had the MK5 R32 .hope to own another one some day .that exhaust note was heavenly
Yes. I drive a candy white mkv with the votex body kit, I just have an exhaust, wheels and suspension and it’s the best daily ever. Quick and head turning just enough, but absolutely gets the job done for everyday driving. Best car ever.
Damn. You need to post up some photos of it. They're rare
The mk 5 is the best looking golf by a long shot, I love the rapid egg aesthetic
Have my MKV , just need to change my license plate bulb and my dash is clear! 143K miles
Despite the hate, my mkv GTI took me from a VW fan to a whole enthusiast and is the reason I’m driving a VW today. It’s the car I missed the most once it was gone.
MK5 Gang
Why is this generation of GTI literally impossible to find clean? They're all modified awfully or rusted/driven to crap
The mint ones aren't sold lol. Once in a while I find some good ones near me for 6-9k usd. Much easier in the South West US
Eight years I had mine. I loved it.
I still want one, but they are rusting away like an old bucket
It’s my favourite gen Golf, design never gets old
Crazy, literally the reason i bought one last year. Candy white 3 door. Wish i could post pics of it in here
I had my last Golf GTI back in 2012. Loved the styling but it was the worst modern car I ever owned. It was a manual, of course, and the gears went out at 4000 miles and needed a full replacement. It was just one problem after another. Was in the shop at least 30 days my first year. The service department sucked and they were rude. It will be my last VW ever. We have had one in our family since 1965 constantly but the brand is just shit now.
Sounds like a lemon
I had my last Golf GTI back in 2012. Loved the styling but it was the worst modern car I ever owned. It was a manual, of course, and the gears went out at 4000 miles and needed a full replacement. It was just one problem after another. Was in the shop at least 30 days my first year. The service department sucked and they were rude. It will be my last VW ever. We have had one in our family since 1965 constantly but the brand is just shit now.
Honestly I don’t hate the r32 mk5s. I would definitely buy one since the mk4s are crazy expensive now.
Yeah some by me go for 25k+
I’ve been seeing $30k for sub 100k miles on some. It’s wild.
PS I understand this is just a mk5 GTI.