but I got to go fishing so I didn't care.In development since 1974. I got a lot of funny looks at the boat dock that day. Only about 2'-3' hangs out the back of the car. You have to fold down rear seats and front passenger seat has to be folded forward. Now I know they make roof racks for such a thing, but I didn't want to spend the money on that if I didn't need to. I decided to see if there was anyway to get a 12' kayak into my little GTI, crazy I know. One day I really wanted to go fishing, but my wife had taken the truck to work. I own a 12' fishing kayak and usually use our truck to take it to and from the lake to go fishing. Pull up next to me on the highway and give me a thumbs up.
While driving home the lawn mower, I had a large jacked up diesel truck. However, the car handled the weight no problem. This was a fairly large lawn tractor (48" deck). With a trailer hitch on the car, I once hauled a lawn tractor on a 4x8 foot trailer. I installed a trailer hitch and have used the car to haul small items (lawn tractors, couches, etc.) So I can use it to for everything to getting materials from the hardware store to going and blasting down the curvy back roads on the same weekend, along with a daily commuter on the highway while saving money on gas during the week.
Rear hatch lock mechanism no longer works because of road salt. The leather is worn from getting in and out of the car. A few interior pieces have worn and need replaced, and the center console shift cover. For example, the front suspension bushings have been replaced. The only issues I have had with this vehicle has been parts wearing out with age. The overall quality of materials and fit and finish where excellent. The styling and amenities of the interior in my model, which has leather seats, made you feel like you where in a high-end German vehicle. It has plenty of room in the hatch area and even more room if you fold down the rear seats. Great on gas if you can keep your foot out of the throttle, which can be hard to do at times because of the snappy 1.8 liter turbo. It is quick and agile, which makes it fun to drive. The styling of the body lines is classic yet modern, which makes it distinctive from the other sport hatchbacks. It was love at first sight for this little spit fire. I love this car, it is incredibly fun to drive, every single time! Over all, I would recommend this car to anybody, and if forced to be in a position to purchase another vehicle - I would definitely start my search with another GTI.
I will admit that the gear ratio in the 6 speed manual transmission lends itself to an awful lot of shifting, I find myself skipping gears on a regular basis, as it is simply easier in traffic. The high cost of turbo repair/replacement is certainly a consideration, one that I feel is often overlooked. The VR6 is incredible! For the level of performance that the VR^ offers, there is a surprising level of fuel economy. This car is fully loaded with the exception of the OnStar system, which I don't think would suit me very well personally - not that there is actually anything wrong with the system itself. The interior is in amazing shape for a car that is 11 years old, and there is a quiet ride as far as squeaks or rattles go, and the leather seats have held up remarkably well also. I especially like the interior build quality of this vehicle, it stands out in comparison to some of the previous vehicles I have owned. I am an avid VW fan, this is the second GTI I have owned, and the 5th Golf/Rabbit incarnation I have owned.
There is no reason that all these problems should be occurring, especially in a 2005! The problems that have been happening are ridiculous and I would never recommend this car to someone who doesn't have large amounts of time and money to put into it. This car is not driven much as all and when it is driven, it is driven respectfully. The EPC light tends to come on and the car loses all power. Well over $1,000 dollars has gone into this car in over a year. The check engine light has come on over and over again with no solution, which is also typical for Volkswagens. Especially for something as minor as headlights and taillights. I had replaced the headlights and taillights two times each! That's ridiculous for two years. Since getting it, it has broken down twice. But, Volkswagens have always been unreliable. It has a small and sleek look which is great and appealed to me since I am younger. I loved the acceleration and look of the vehicle as well as the turbo, hence my purchase. Since I have purchased it, it has been nothing but problems.