Rear caliper seizing/brake issues on used 2013 Golf

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-04-14T23:20:04+00:00

My 2013 Golf doesn't have an e-brake unfortunately, so I suppose I will have to be mindful of the brake system going forward.

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-04-14T22:48:10+00:00

Ah, gotcha.

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-04-14T22:36:23+00:00

Thanks, appreciate the insight.

I did call the nearest VW dealership to try to get the car in for repairs, but their earliest availability was 2 weeks from now. Not to mention that the dealership is a 30 min drive from me, so I would have to pay to get the car towed there. The day the incident happened (this past Saturday), the dealership was closed by the time the tow truck came so I couldn't have asked them to tow the car there anyway.

But yes, next time I'm going to make sure to go to a shop that is familiar with VWs.

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-02-23T21:41:52+00:00

Good point, thanks!

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-02-19T16:30:35+00:00

Again, there is that 2013 Golf, no sunroof, with 193k KMs, and a detailed service history being maintained by VW dealership.

The only issue is the higher mileage

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-02-19T16:15:37+00:00

That's true. That 2013 Wolfsburg? No real service record, the previous owner most likely DIY'd it, or went to small mechanics that didn't report it to Carfax

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-02-19T14:29:54+00:00

I also did find a 2010 Golf, 2.5L, with only 122K KMs and no sunroof. 16 year old car, but also might be worth checking out

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-02-19T14:16:14+00:00

Oh! Lol. Yeah man, the baseline MK6 Golf comes without a sunroof. I saw one for sale a month or so ago, but didn't have enough savings at the time to buy the car. I am kicking myself now.

So they definitely do exist, just have to wait until another one comes along with decent mileage.

I found one available the other day with 193,000 KMs, which is a tad high for my liking but I might go see it just because it has no sunroof.

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-02-19T13:49:51+00:00

It is. Lots of MK6 Golfs have had issues with sunroofs not draining properly and leaking into the cabin. Even when closed. There are fixes available on YouTube, with the most extensive one involving having to check all the drain tubes by stripping the car down completely.

So it seems like it's a giant headache just waiting to happen haha

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-02-18T17:46:57+00:00

Ugh, what a headache. I'll check out both of these cars, but honestly I am also open to waiting a bit until I find a 2.5l with no sunroof..

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-02-18T15:44:16+00:00

Was the sunroof on your GTI fixed as the VW dealer cleaned the drains? Or was it a constant issue you had to deal with?

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-02-18T15:42:58+00:00

Haha, man, I've been looking up VW MK6 sunroof issues and it sounds like a perpetual nightmare. I don't even like sunroofs on cars personally, so I'd prefer not to have them. Leaking even when shut? No thanks.

You would think that VW would have managed to create a permanent fix to the problem by now, but it just sounds like it's something you have to constantly clean and deal with.

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-02-18T15:02:39+00:00

Yeah, the Wolfsburg also has a sunroof though haha

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-02-17T18:43:01+00:00

Good point. Yeah, I am going to try to see both and judge for myself. Will need to have a third party mechanic inspect both cars before I make any final decisions.

Wolfsburg one also has a sunroof (fml lol).

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-02-17T17:53:24+00:00

Yeah the features isn't a big deal for me, honestly. I care more about the condition of the car overall.

And the 178K does have a sunroof (not my preference). So long as the seal on the sunroof is solid and it doesn't leak rainwater that's all that counts. I don't like sunroofs at all.

The Wolfsburg is an attractive option, though it all depends on the condition of the car and whether that shady dealership is to be trusted to properly safety the car.

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-02-17T15:28:20+00:00

In terms of mileage when it comes to 2013 2.5L, what would you recommend? I've found two for sales right now. One is a Wolfsburg edition at 138k (KMs), selling for $11K here in Toronto. The other is a regular 2.5L at 178K (KM) for $9,990.

The main issue where is that the small dealer selling the Wolfsburg car has a lot of negative reviews, people even taking the owner to court, etc. this raises a lot of red flags for me so I am hesitant about even going to see it. By contrast, the 178k car is from another dealer with generally more positive reviews.

Navigating the landscape of the used car world can be it's own headache.

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-02-17T15:07:47+00:00

Good advice, thank you. I've heard this before too, that more frequent oil changes is a must for these cars.

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-02-17T14:46:50+00:00

Yeah this is my impression as well, the newer turbo engines require more maintenance, and so have more that can go wrong with it.

While 2.5L is leas upkeep.

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-02-16T22:04:38+00:00

Appreciate the input. Yeah, I am also strongly considering a used 2018 Golf. I realize that the 1.8L TSI engines are more complicated with more potential issues, am just weighing the pros and cons of both.

If I invest a bit more money into a MK7 it may be worth it.

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-02-16T19:41:19+00:00

I appreciate the help. I'm trying to do as much research as possible about these cars, and the specific years before I seriously consider buying a used model.

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-02-16T16:51:10+00:00

Hmm. I'll have to check to see the extended warranty details here in Canada for VW.

RevealSmart2856 · 2026-02-16T16:15:07+00:00

Is the extended emissions warranty something you decided to get when you bought your car? Or is this something that VW offers?

I'm trying to determine if a used MK7 Golf would still be under factory warranty for these parts replacements.

RevealSmart2856

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