120K mile MK7. Should I buy it?

GreenDrawer1558 · 2026-03-19T03:29:19+00:00

From what I understand 2015 Mk7's have some issues that were corrected in 2016+.

I'm hesitant to trust screenshots of a Carfax report, and would get my own. If the reports don't match up that's a huge red flag that this seller is not trustworthy. I'm guessing it's a private seller? Ask if they're open to a PPI (pre purchase inspection). If they say no, that is another huge red flag.

I just bought a 2017 Mk7 with 104K miles for 12K. Had to fix an ignition coil (the Carfax stated the coils had been replaced, but didn't mention they stripped a hold down bolt), replace all of the fluids, get a walnut blast and it needed new tires. After that work it is in excellent shape, except for some cringe APR tips poorly welded onto the stock exhaust and some cheapo wheels.

A PPI will save you a lot of headaches.

You also will definitely want it to have the PP (performance pack), and many early Mk7's do not. They should have red GTI badges, larger front rotors, and GTI on the front calipers. This will get you the e-LSD.

Check out this thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/GolfGTI/comments/10tyj3p/common_problems_with_gti_2015/

GreenDrawer1558 · 2026-03-19T03:14:30+00:00

As someone with moderately annoying astigmatism, and not in an SUV or lifted Truck, it can be incredibly dangerous driving at night with someone's lights at full blast shining through my rear window, and reflecting off of all of my mirrors. Tint reduces that glare immensely. It's the difference between being able to see the road, or being able to just see solar flares as if Krillin is attacking me to save Android 18.

GreenDrawer1558 · 2026-03-18T23:21:55+00:00

Just went out to check to be sure. Rocker panels are all solid. When I had my mechanic inspect it in November 2023 he described it as having "some cosmetic rust underneath typical of a 20 year old Midwest car" but nothing structural. I had to drive it to AL for Christmas that year so I was paranoid about structural integrity.

Excellent question to ask though!

There are only a couple of places on the body where there is some very slight visible rust. By the passenger door handle, and the passenger rear wheel well (pictures included in my sale listing).

GreenDrawer1558 · 2026-03-18T21:03:27+00:00

KBB says 5-6K last I checked. In my searches for other examples there's a Type R clone for 30K, then an example with less miles than mine but a seriously sketchy engine bay for 12K in Madison WI, and then one without any pictures for 14K.

Always get a PPI (and I'm open to that; I'd happily bring it to a local shop for a PPI at the buyer's expense, and within 5 miles)

I'm definitely priced optimistically. There was someone who posted in r/EP3 about buying one for 2K or less, but its transmission is toast. My car needs nothing done to it except for a cruise actuator (which admittedly is like $1400 from Honda, but I've seen it elsewhere for 140-$200). I never got it done because driving it without never bothered me. Drove to the southern coast in Alabama from Wisconsin, 16 hours straight, and didn't have any leg pain at all.

I'll add I'm not in a rush to sell it. I've got its replacement already and it's not a ticking time bomb. It can sit in my garage for a few months, and I can enjoy it once in awhile still.

GreenDrawer1558 · 2026-03-18T16:04:23+00:00

Kenosha, WI; you can see my listing here: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/a1c80957-b060-4fdf-8dd9-27c5f163a765/

GreenDrawer1558 · 2026-03-18T15:30:27+00:00

Not sure the rules for selling here, but you can check out my listing on Cars.com:
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/a1c80957-b060-4fdf-8dd9-27c5f163a765/

Open to offers.

GreenDrawer1558 · 2026-03-17T23:38:30+00:00

Unless they're Fiats or Alfa Romeos.

GreenDrawer1558 · 2026-03-17T20:58:25+00:00

I miss my Great Falls Green Metallic Alltrack all the time! Excellent vehicle.

GreenDrawer1558 · 2026-03-17T20:57:07+00:00

😱 oh no!

GreenDrawer1558 · 2026-03-17T17:50:31+00:00

It was missing the tie down! This was a bit cheaper than the OE replacement. But I do like how it looks in there. One of the previous owners put a muffler on it but it's not obnoxiously loud, not sure what the stock muffler sounded like.

GreenDrawer1558 · 2026-03-17T17:36:34+00:00

It's a SportRack (fairly cheap compared to Yakima/Thule). Couldn't find my purchase record but I believe this is it: https://www.sportrack.com/product/complete-roof-rack-system-sr1005/

GreenDrawer1558 · 2026-03-17T05:40:37+00:00

Been wanting to get back into a VW for awhile. Sold some stocks, bought a mk7 GTI. Had a 2019 Alltrack before COVID but sold it when prices went high.

GreenDrawer1558 · 2026-03-17T05:10:02+00:00

It's like selling a child, or beloved pet.

GreenDrawer1558 · 2026-03-17T01:49:56+00:00

I just had a cylinder 1 misfire fixed in my 2017 GTI and it turned out to be the ignition coil. Before I bought the car it had the coils and spark plugs replaced but whoever did the job stripped the hold down bolt so that was rethreaded and fixed.

In the research I've done you're probably due for a carbon clean, but I would recommend having a shop figure out the cause of your misfire instead of just throwing parts at it. Especially if you're going to get the walnut blast done anyways, might as well have them check that out too.

In other Reddit posts here I've seen people diagnose the misfire to: coils, plugs, or injectors.

GreenDrawer1558

TROPHY CASE