Used, Volkswagen Golf (2012-2020): Everything you need to know and what to watch

Golf is one of the top propositions and point of reference in C-Segment. Since the first generation in 1974, when it was first launched replacing VW Beetle, it gained appreciation universally. He is an all-rounder player with loyal audiences and millions of sales around the world. More specifically, he has made 37 million sales in over 70 countries and is currently in the 51st year of his life. CORVERSE Perhaps Volkswagen’s most iconic model, Golf with 8 best seller generations has written history in the global car industry. Each generation had something new to show and offer. Many different versions, engines, innovations, security, technology. The German hatchback has always had a distinctive to conservative appearance for some, quality of construction and materials inside, ergonomics, practicality, sufficient spaces and very good road behaviour. We chose the 7th generation (2012-2020) because it is the generation that distinguish overall, the most driving and reliable, but also because you can find a multitude of models, older or marginal four-years, with many different versions and engines over a wide range of values with an average of 15,000 euros. Volkswagen Golf VII is based on the MQB platform, which is shared with Audi A3, Skoda Octavia and Seat Leon. It is larger than its predecessor, with a length reaching 4.255 kmst., a width of 1.799 kmst., a height of 1,452 kmst. and a wheelbase of 2.637 kmst. CORVERSE It combines modern design, loyal to the model’s design philosophy with sporty and premium touches, comfortable spaces for four passengers with a little nagging from the fifth to sit in the middle back seat due to the high tunnel that leaves no special space on its feet. Also, the trunk reaches 380 litres, has efficient engines, rich equipment, comfort, excellent road behaviour and rolling quality, as well as many technological innovations and security systems. Inside, they distinguish the quality materials, the practical cases and on the central console the 5ara TFT touch screen, through which the driver handles the sound system, the trip computer, the deactivation of the ASR and other functions of the car. Golf Mk7 offers many different versions and a rich range of engines consisting of petrol, diesel, hybrid and natural gas. The 1,000-year-old three-cylinder CSI of 115 horsepower and 200Nm torque brought downsizing to Golf, distracting bivalve reviews of his skills from the special press. There is also the choice of 1.2 TSI gasoline engines of 85-110 horsepower and 160Nm of torque, 1.4 TSI of 122 and 140 horsepower, as well as 1.5 TSI BlueMotion with disabled 2 of 4 reels, 130 horsepower and 200Nm of torque, but also 1.5 TSI EVO of 150 horsepower performance (the latter two came with the facelift). In addition, the 1.4 TGI BlueMotion with natural gas impressed with the average consumption at 3.5 kg CNG /100 km. Essentially, it is a sophisticated version of the 1,400-year TSI of 122 horsepower, which with a differentiated head to install the gas sprayers delivers 110 horsepower and 200Nm torque. In the case of TGI, the two vessels with a capacity of 7.5 kg of natural gas are located in the reserve area, so this Golf has a repair kit. The petrol tank remains at 50 litres, while the only difference compared to conventional Golf is the index of the quantity of CNG on the instrument board, as well as 291 litres (from 380) of the trunk. Golf VII’s most popular, however, engine is the 1.6 TDI diesel engine of 105 horsepower (and 115 horses after 2017 facelift) and 250Nm torque. It is an economical engine with an average of 3.8 lt./ 100 km. At the top of the range is Golf GTI with a 220 horse and 350Nm torque petrol engine, as well as the GTD, the diesel fast version with a 184 horse and 380Nm torque diliter, while in this case apart from performance, the economy also has the first role with an average consumption of 4.5 lt./100 km, according to the company. Regarding the boxes, we meet the DSG 7 relationship double clutch automatic box, while the top GTI and GTD versions are combined with the DSG of 6 relationships. It is worth noting that Golf was the first small and medium-sized model with a double clutch automatic box, which they subsequently adopted models of competition. Also available with a manual box of 5 and 6 relationships, depending on the version. It’s worth it because… The 7th generation Golfs are so good that they have “stole” a share from the next generation, since their owners are hard to separate. Safe, driven with robust press, very good suspension and bodywork, with excellent grip on the turns, and proven and durable in time. Golf VIIs are famous for their reliability, however, some are afraid of possible damage that has been heard. In addition to specific points that we point out to you and you need to be careful or avoid, most reports relate to time corruption. Plastics and investments in the cabin remain as new, with a very good fit and there is no wear from use. The case of misuse by a previous holder is always excluded, which can change the image of the interior. Important, too, that there are no creaks, even those with “loaded” many kilometers. Also, in general the mechanical parts show no premature signs of fatigue. The presence of ESP with XDS (electronic differential) offers a high level of adhesion and is one of the positives of Golf 7. Also, the braking system is tireless and effective. The 1.0 TSI engine of 115 horsepower is reliable without any specific frequent problem being mentioned. The diesel version has a very good regeneration system, which carries out the process alone every approximately 700 km. You’ll understand that the regeneration begins when the relay goes up to 1,200 rpm. If the previous user is typical of the service, you will not face any substantive issue. What to Watch German Hatchback is one of the most comprehensive proposals on the market and despite being part of a competitive category with worthy opponents, it has managed to establish its position, which often makes it even a first choice for those looking for a used vehicle. However, there are some points you need to know before your final decision. Engines: The 1,400-year-old TSI gasoline engine with the 122 horsepower is generally reliable with diligent maintenance by the owner. However, a frequent failure in this engine over the years concerns the high pressure pump, which means weakness in acceleration, arrhythmias during operation and irregular idleness. This problem is solved by replacement, after a diagnostic check. One more frequent failure, in the same engine, concerns multipliers. However, the cost of each of the four multipliers is small and can be easily replaced. Something that has employed many owners is excessive consumption of lubricant, which is usually caused by a failure of piston springs. If consumption, for example, exceeds 1 liter every 1000 km, the engine may need repair, which may be cost-effective. A common feature of the TSI engines is excessive coatings in the introduction. A car with excessive coatings shows a marked decrease in efficiency, increased fuel consumption, reduced acceleration and microarrhythmics during engine operation. Depending on the use of the car (frequency of traffic within the city, high temperatures, etc.) and poor quality and frequency in the changes of lubricants, this problem can be extended and repairing the highly cost-effective. A water pump issue has also been reported on the 1.6 TDI diesel engine. DSG Box: Frequent failures have also presented automatic DSG double clutch boxes, which is also dependent on their use and maintenance. Clutch: The clutch pump in Golf with the 5-speed manual box is a failure frequently reported by owners. Post: Frequent phenomenon is the base of shock absorbers and suspension sinebloks. However, this issue depends on whether it will arise mainly from the use of the owner. Don’t forget to… check the service book and make sure the previous owner was typical of maintenance of the car. Make regular checks on the oils, specifically every 10,000 km. In the case of oil-powered version, frequent miles on an open road to protect the DPF particle filter. If the car has DSG box, it is good to check for any damage or misuse by the previous owner. It is worth noting that German models primarily show no issues when the owner is careful, diligent and correct with maintenance and service. Otherwise, problems will start knocking on the door. We were told… Owner of a 2015 Volkswagen Golf Mk7 TDI 1.6 reported features on newsit.gr: “In 2017, I bought the Golf used with the diesel engine for 15,000 euros with 50,000 km and sold it in 2022 to 235,000 km at the price of 10,000 euros. I used it as my personal car, but also as a car of practical exercises at the Driving Academy Safe Driving Center. This means extra stress in relation to the normal use of a car, as well as many different people daily behind its steering wheel. The impressive thing is that all of this wasn’t reflected in the car at all. It has been demonstrated, in practice, that the quality of construction is top. Also, the quality materials – plastic and linings – had not been damaged or creaked. We’ve seen numbers under what the company announces. We made more than 180,000 km and the only problem he pulled out was the clutch pump (handheld 5 relationships). At 200,000 kilometers, the pre-heaters were changed. We were typical of maintenance and we never delayed service. The biggest cost (then 350 euros) was the change due to normal wear of the timing strap with the water pump. The most impressive was the durability and effectiveness of the brakes, since daily we perform exercises with great brake requirements. Also, although the diesel version has a semi-flexible axis back, it is very comfortable. The differential XDS he has is a great advantage for his behavior on the road and safety. Consumables are financial. The most important thing I believe is that we have never neglected its proper maintenance. Finally, we did not have a problem with the DPF filter, because we went many miles on an open road. It has a very good regeneration system, which carries out the process alone.” Prices The prices of the second-hand Volkswagen Golf of the 7th generation vary depending on the date, version, engine and box. For example, their price starts from 7,000 euros and reaches 25,000 euros from facelift, without including the special top versions of the Golf GTI, GTD and R range, the price of which is quite high. The average prices of Golf MK7 as a second-hand user are 15,000 euros , while the options are many at various prices, so it needs very careful research. Conclusion Volkswagen Golf has been a leader in the category of small and medium-sized and the 7th generation of Golf (2012-2020) remains a very good choice used for those who do not want SUV, since it combines in a distinctive and correct way all the characteristics of a family car of C-Segment. Golf 7 and Golf 7.5 (facelift) stand out from other generations, they are contemporary even now thanks to their timeless design philosophy, while in the driving sector they excel. Safe car (he has detached 5 stars in Euro NCAP), comfortable, without missing technologies. It is reliable if we help it with the correct maintenance, and especially time-resistant thanks to its very good manufacturing quality. However, there are points that you need to be very careful in your search and control of the car you have chosen to avoid being in difficult situations. Most problems, however, are easily solved. With many versions even quick, equipment and engines, a three – door or five – door body can easily be found in the money one wants to dispose of. We suggest the version with the 1.0 TSI engine, which has proved reliable without problems or 1.6 TDI if you make many kilometers. For all the above reasons, Golf VII has increased demand, thus maintaining its reseller value. Also, the affordable costs of use and maintenance, the large network and workshops throughout Greece, as well as easy access to spare parts, add points to its choice. Discover It is important to know the past of the used car and this is evidenced by the KTEOs and the service book. Always ask and check the service book. Make sure the car is maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Check the maintenance book and pay attention to regular changes in oil, filters and other consumables. After consulting the owner of the car, you could visit together an authorized repairer of the company and with the serial number of the car to see everything about it, including recall. Always check with qualified trusted staff before purchase. We suggest you drive the car you are interested in before making the purchase.