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Volkswagen Golf Mk.6 (2010-2012)
MikeMelbourne
- 17 reviews
Poorly engineered to fail
We purchased a 2012 Golf Cabriolet with DSG gearbox, leather interior, options etc new for $47,500.
It was mainly my wife's drive and after only having it for two months the drive line would vibrate when moving away from a stop. Turned out that the clutch packs needed to be replaced and this was done under warranty.
We ended up owning the car for 9 years and in that time we had the following issues:
-complete fabric roof replaced. We had to change dealers as dealer we purchased from said there was nothing wrong with the roof which was scuffin...Read more
Purchased in April 2021 at Brighton Volkswagen for $47,500.00.
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Fiona R.Greater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC
Run for the hills #lemon
I am at my wits' end with this vehicle - I bought it on a whim and have regretted it ever since. As soon as it comes back from it's latest X thousand dollar repair I'm putting it straight into the auction house!
Part of the problem was that I was used to owning a Honda, so I'm probably used to cars that just tick along with regular servicing. Alas, this is too much to ask from a VW.
Purchased vehicle in July 17 with about 55k on it, received 1 year warranty from dealer. Had to take it back within this time with brake problems (always reassuri...Read more
ng when they don't work) and traction control/ABS issues. A month after warranty was up it started making odd sounds every so often on startup. After taking it to mechanic, it cost over $2k to fix the timing chain tensioner. Apparently this is a wee quirk of the engine and can lead to engine write off if left too long and cam chain slips. Some poor people have had this happen with single digit mileage! So that made me grimace a bit. A few months later I received a recall letter from VW, so in it goes again for surgery on the transmission. So many of them needed to be done that it was three months before the dealership could do the fix. At least that was free and they vacuumed it really nicely for me... Cheers, guys. A couple of weeks after getting it back there was a visit from the engine light and lo and behold the timing chain issue rears its ugly head again - just under a year from when it happened before. At this stage it is unknown whether my mechanic will be able to get a warranty claim or if I'll have to pay, but it's looking likely that I will have to pay another $2k+.Purchased in July 2021 at NZ for $15,000.00.
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SeblingSydney, NSW
- 3 reviews
- 1 like
2010 TSI 118 was good until the engine failed, then a write off.
70K on the clock when the TSI 118 suffered compression loss on one cylinder. VW said it's too old (even with the low km) so they are unlikely to assist. It's effectively a write-off.
The car had some good power, and if it hadn't failed, it'd be good value for the small wagon (not many around in AU). It's DSG doesn't do well for low speeds (such as give way signs on a hill - would get a shudder and hesitation) and is laggy on full throttle. I found the delay between throttle and acceleration unbearable after my manual Mazda SP23. But most other...Read more
auto drivers might find it ok. All over I was moderately happy with the car for the price and performance until it failed. I'd avoid the older, low km TSI 118 because of this issue. You are paying for an implied reliability and longevity that isn't there. Better off getting a newer one with more km, which VW might assist with - a better gamble.Purchased in October 2021 for $16,500.00.
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Find out how Volkswagen Golf Mk.6 compares to other Wagons
Know better, choose better.
Grant
- 3 reviews
75000km and then take it to the junkyard
2011 model. Beautiful to drive.....reconditoned engine needed at 67000km ($6000). New water pump 74000km...($1200). Other random coolant leaks....a dog. Seems these problems are pretty common, read the other reviews! Was never driven hard. I'll never buy a VW again. Don't buy one of these second hand.
Purchased in January 2021.
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Emily R.
- 2 reviews
Owner and driver of 4 years~!
Have owned my mrk6 GTI for almost 4 years and done 110,000kms since buying, only major issues I've had owning it has been the water pump needed replacing @ 60,000kms (which is VERY common) and new coil packs @ 100,000kms (also common VW issue), other than that, its ran perfect! No gearbox issues, very reliable on fuel doing over 700kms to a 55L tank. Very quick daily, good to have power when you need it and don't get stuck in trouble getting out of places. Love my little red rocket to the moon and back!
Purchased in September 2021 for $28,600.00.
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JandevGreater Melbourne (Outer), VIC
- 4 reviews
So Far, So Good!
My VW Golf 2013 103 tsi Highliner has done more than 100,000 Kms so far.Not a single problem.
I get it serviced on time in a VW Dealership. Still like new, smooth and nice handling.
Purchased in November 2021.
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The reviewer stated that an incentive was offered for this review
pomhallGold Coast
- 10 reviews
But its not a Golf GTI, mine is....
Car has commuted, school run, family holiday, camping, you name it we have Golfed to it. The car is used daily and the DSG has not missed a beat in 11 years. The car I used daily and is fantastic to drive, quick when required, comfortable sporty I love this car. Serviced initially by VW then by EMW it continue to go past 150K KMS. Its starting to get an oil leak and other problems on a ball joint but what service she has given me.
Purchased in June 2021 at James Frizelle's Automotive Group for $50,000.00.
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Henry McKSydney, NSW
Car turned into a lemon overnight
Our VW Golf Wagon drove mostly fine for 6 years but then started coughing and spluttering so we took it to our local mechanic. He advised there are problems with the compression system and that to investigate it further would cost circa $2,000 and then to repair it might be many thousands more. We took this up with VW Australia to say we didn't expect this for a car which is supposed to be reliable with less than 90,000kms on the clock. VW were totally unhelpful and said we could pay the further fee and that they may pay some of it depending...Read more
on what the findings of the testing were although they're not obliged to. They referred us to the 3 year warranty (expired some time ago), which in my opinion is a poor excuse. You buy a VW expecting that it will be worth something after 6 years or that you could drive it for a further 6 years! Very disappointing and frustrating.Purchased in August 2021 for $34,999.00.
1 comment
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Kevin HuGreater Melbourne (Inner), VIC
- 3 reviews
Very unstable and problematic gearbox
We just use the car for a regular commuting to work and home. 8 years only 60K km. But the gearbox has been mulfunctioned for a few times. Recently got a very serious problem
Purchased in September 2021.
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Find out how Volkswagen Golf Mk.6 compares to other Wagons
Know better, choose better.
KeithHunter Region, NSW
- 14 reviews
MK6 GTi, the perfect little hatch
After some time now with our Mk6 Gti Golf with 6spd DSG we have come to the conclusion it is a brilliant small hatch and one of the most rewarding cars out there for a very reasonable price.
From commuting to work daily, grocery shopping or 800klm roadtrips doesnt matter what it is, the Golf just does the job easily. We have owned a Mazda 3 and a Corolla over the years and the Golf is by far the much better car for overall quality and refinement, not to mention the comfort. Surprisingly for a small car, adults can actually sit in the back in...Read more
comfort with more than adequate head and legroom. As far as fuel consumption, our real world figures average 8-9L/100klm (usually sits around 8.5) doing a 50min each way city commute daily in heavy traffic. Once on the hwy the fuel consumption varies from high 6's to 7L/100klm We purchased this 2nd hand from the original owners some time ago, and have not had one issue. It did have full service history which is essential. These seem to have a bad reputation for poor reliability and expensive repair bills and while things can go wrong with any car it pays to keep up the maintenance. If you neglect the servicing then it is at your own risk. VW service depts can be quite expensive so for servicing it is worthwhile checking out a local Euro car specialists as they are more likely to charge reasonable prices.Purchased in April 2021.
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Terrible!
Had this car for 6 months and the gearbox started to shudder going between 1-2 gears. The dual clutch system was diagnosed to be faulty and was quoted 5k to fix!! Also blew a lot of oil from the turbo! Would never buy from Volkswagen again as they refused to fix either of the problems!
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DodgyD
- 5 reviews
- 7 likes
DSG mechatronic and clutch pack issues are real
VW have scandalously got away with sub standard quality on the transmission on these vehicles and the ACCC seem to be toothless in forcing them to stump up for repairs.
Our model had all the recall work done on it and yet the mechatronic still failed and cost me $4000 to repair. VW offered me a complementary service ~ $450...
Now there is the shuddering at pull-off from standstill. Don't know if this means the already replaced clutch packs (under recall) are gone again or not. VW want $187 to do a road test on it! That's customer service for you! NOT.
Why is Ford being slugged $10M yet VW getting away scott free? Go figure....
I think the key here seems to be get rid of a new VW before warranty expires.
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Jim KSydney, NSW
- 3 reviews
- 3 likes
mk6 gti perfect daily driver
great daily sports car thats not to thirsty and provides great fun for your dollar. I can average about 7.5L from daily commuting and can get over 600kms with a tank. This is great for a turbo 2L engine and the DSG transmission is a pleasure to use especially with the paddles.
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DenisMelbourne
- 5 reviews
- 1 like
good car but it does have its problems
Have had this car for a while now, and i can see why the dsg transmission is sucha problems for these.
Everything else is very good, ride quality, confort, space inside the car, petrol consumption anbd overall quality of trim.
The only problem is the DSG. taking of uphill and going at low speeds it is very stuttering and does not seem to know when to shift into 1st and 2nd gear. sometimes feels like it stalls the engine.
Also never leave it parked ona steep hill with not much fuel as you wilkl have problems starting the engine!
Other than the transmission, mechanically it is a very sound car. Perhaps get a manual instead or one after the dsg issue has been fixed.
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Blanche R.Perth
- 8 reviews
- 9 likes
Fun car to drive
No regrets purchasing the golf compared to some cheaper hatchback competitors. The interior has a well designed and quality finish - no cheap plastic dash or trimmings. Spacious as well - its seen a couple of camping trips, full of tents, a mattress, sleeping bags etc. Great handling around corners and very fun to drive in the city. Nicely grips the road.
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Find out how Volkswagen Golf Mk.6 compares to other Wagons
Know better, choose better.
OrvisSydney
- 20 reviews
- 17 likes
Cracking good little car
We looked at a number of other comparable small cars including Toyota Corolla and Hyundai I30 before unanimously deciding on the VW Golf. It was superior in every respect including fit and finish, cabin room and driving refinement. The turbo diesel is incredibly frugal averaging around 5.0L per 100km mixed driving and under 4.0L per 100km out on the Hwy. It has plenty of torque which makes driving effortless. I think the Mk 6 is the nicest looking of the Golf models and so far this car has performed flawlessly. The DSG gearbox does take some ge...Read more
tting used to but the gear changes under acceleration are lightning fast and almost imperceptible. Once drivers understand that is is not an automatic transmission but a mechatronic dual clutch system, they will understand why it behaves in a slightly different way. There is a reason VW has overtaken Toyota as the world's largest manufacturer - they make much more exciting cars!Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
ChristineVIC, 3754
- 7 reviews
Dont buy VW
Broke down many times after one year. Many problems sun roof broke they did replace with a new one,windscreen wipers always made loud noise, VW coudnt fix it. After 5 years had to have full transmission overhall, dont buy VW transmissions are of low quality. VW dont care, very poor customer service.
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KenGreater Melbourne (Outer), VIC
- 8 reviews
- 5 likes
DSG problem
I should have researched more about this car before purchasing it.
I loved the stability of the car especially on highway. It was so enjoyable to drive with the seamless DSG until the terrible shuddering started to occur. Apparently this DSG problem on golf mk6 was notorious. Since the car was out of warranty I was quoted around $3000 for fix.
I chose to sell the car rather than fixing it, because firstly it's too expensive, secondary apparently this DSG problem comes back after while even if it's fixed.
I don't think it's fair that VW do...Read more
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nicola turvey
- 2 reviews
Great car would recommend VW
Great car to drive, smooth on road, wish we didn't get black has great brakes don't like the plastic silver trim on inside of doors, we paid ex for paint protection but here never claim, great on high way love VW so much we brought a second car a polo
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Major engine failure - golf repaired for free
Major engine failure on my 118 TSI petrol manual golf. Piston failure. Complete engine replacement - <50K on clock. Golf came to the party on 100% parts and labour despite car being 1.5 yrs out of warranty. Driven around town only. One 500km round trip longest drive. Full service history in time limits undertaken by golf dealers
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Questions & Answers
Metinasked
Hi my golf 2011 tsi am having issues with remote not locking and unlocking doors have had it checked at a reputable key locksmith it is responding but still won’t allow for open and close of doors and also the radio doesn’t have any signal could the both be connected problem?
Please help
Metinasked
I have a 2011 tsi 1.4 and when i get to 3000 - 4000rpm it gets stuck and no exceleration till i back off and try excelerate again 7 speed dsg what could be causing this a sensor or is the transmission on its way?Appreciate you’re feedback
1 answer
I can’t read the answer to my question how do I get into the information to read it? Please help
Abeasked
Have golf 118 tsi ( the s and I are red in colour). There is oil coming into air intake pipe which then drips under the air filter. Have to top it up all the time. My model is 2010. The gear box shudders all the time on take off. However, it suddenly lost power on the Hume Highway when I was travelling at 110 km. Nearly got rammed at the back. Only has 103 000 km on it. What could it be?
5 answers
Sorry never had an issue like this so I would contact the manufacturer :)
Lucky you. Did some searching and found heaps of other people with engine and gearbox problems in this model. Recalls in most countries. Looks like the consumer protection and government have been asleep at the wheel. My most scary experience was the sudden loss of power on the highway.
Also owned a Mk 6 golf. Engines in that era were renowned for burning a reasonable amount oil, mine about 1 litre per 5000kms; VW has stated that this isn't problematic. Leaking oil is another issue that needs expert advice. Is it a manual? If so, the shudder at take off is symptomatic of a warped clutch plate, which is not uncommon at the km's yours has done and all clutches do have a limited lifespan. No cheap fix, may need a new clutch. The loss of power is concerning and sounds like the car has gone into limp mode due to a detected failure of some system. All these issues warrant a return to the dealer for testing.
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Henry McK
It seems this is a common problem for Golfs of that era. You would think that VW Australia would do the right thing and compensate buyers of this model for what is quite clearly not worthy of the VW brand.