Category Archives: Problems
7 Years and 200,000 Miles
I’ve done it, two milestones within 30 days of one another: My GTI’s 7th birthday and over 200,000 miles of driving it! When I bought the car on Veteran’s Day 2016, my driving schedule suggested that I might reach 200,000 … Continue reading
Daughter’s Car is Fixed!
My daughter’s car is fixed and on the road! The repair happened before my daughter came home for Thanksgiving, which gave me time to take the car for a few test drives and to shoot a video (link below). In … Continue reading
Six Year Anniversary – Still Adding Stuff
My GTI recently saw its six year anniversary. I bought my car new on Veteran’s Day in 2016 and it’s been really good to me. Yes, I did have an injector problem and a few minor issues over the years, … Continue reading
Is an Old Mk7 Golf Worth an Engine?
The official diagnosis, confirmed by a shop that I trust, is that my daughter’s 2015 Launch Edition Golf needs an engine. Compression and leakdown testing confirms a major leak in the block. So, this isn’t a problem with the head … Continue reading
Needs an Engine?!
My daughter’s 2015 Launch Edition Golf recently had the dreaded Cylinder #3 misfire. She’s recovering from shoulder surgery; so, she couldn’t do much. Unfamiliar with any European specialists in her area, I suggested going to the dealer for what could … Continue reading
Deep Discharge – Get Restarted Fast!
Own a car for long enough and you’ll eventually find yourself with a weak starter battery. If the battery is just old, then maybe it will turn-on all of your accessories, but lack the grunt to turn the starter motor. … Continue reading
Five Years in a Mk7 GTI! More Mods or Time to Sell?
I can’t believe it’s been five years in my Mk7 GTI already! Is it too late to add more mods to this geriatric GTI or should I sell it? According to some, I’m way overdue for ditching this car! I … Continue reading
Coast to Coast: Fault Diagnosis and Lessons Learned
This report is LONG overdue! I had drafted it, then forgot about it. Oops! What follows is my recollection of a engine fault that my GTI suffered while pulling a trailer on its first Coast-to-Coast trip. I have a series … Continue reading
Coast to Coast: Dealer Visit and Memorial Service
I drove to the dealer to get a set of ignition coils, commonly referred to as “coil packs,” while the rest of the family went to Sequoia National Park. They were not in stock. So, I ordered them for pick-up … Continue reading
Three Years and 93,000 Miles: A Summary of Problems So Far
This entry is a bit overdue. Previously, I had focused on sharing my reports here in my blog and then followed-up with a supplemental video on my YouTube channel. This time, I shot the YouTube video first and had intended … Continue reading
12V Battery Failure and Upgrade to Group 48 AGM
I experienced somewhat of a weak start one morning a few months ago. But it didn’t happen again. Weeks later, I was listening to music over my lunch break and the sound quit. That was strange. The stereo was still … Continue reading
Cabin Blower Motor Replacement
I’ve enjoyed my GTI. Mechanically, it has been problem free, mile after mile. Sure, there have been a few minor issues that were no fault of the car itself. Other than those minor issues, the car has been perfect… until … Continue reading
Door Creaking (Resolved)
I noted some creaking in my door or B-pillar during my 30,000-mile entry. I had read reports of a weld that might have failed in a number of Mk7s. I was hopeful that was not my case. I noticed the … Continue reading
Long-Term Review: Yakima Showcase 15
I had some opinions about my Showcase 15 right away, but decided to wait until after its first real trip before writing a long-term review. I used the box on a Thanksgiving voyage from southeast Virginia to St Louis, Missouri, … Continue reading
My Tires LOVE Nails and Screws!
Believe it or not, I didn’t expect to be the blogger who’d write about his GTI every week. But purchases and events continue to give me something to say. 😉 This time, it’s tire repairs. Back when I built a … Continue reading
More Broken Glass
It’s been just three weeks since replacing the windshield and I already find myself needing more glass. This time, it’s the passenger side rear door window. I noticed the shattered glass after cutting my lawn, so I’m certain that I … Continue reading
Cracked Windshield; Replacement by Fuyao
I’ve had plenty of rocks bounce off my windshield without apparent damage over the past several months. Two days ago, I had something hit my windshield that was barely perceivable. About ten minutes later, I heard a strange noise that … Continue reading
Dead Battery
I recently experienced my first dead battery in a very long time. This was a big surprise in a car with only 4500 miles on the odometer. But there was a cause that turned out to be my fault. Let … Continue reading
Initial Problems Upon Delivery
I knew I wanted a GTI, no matter what! I had my heart set on a Reflex Silver Sport and found the only one in the region. I was so confident I’d love the car that I didn’t even test … Continue reading