Models · Volkswagen
Volkswagen Golf Mk7/7.5 buying guide
The seventh-generation Golf, on sale from 2013 to the end of 2019, with small turbo petrol and TDI diesel engines and the GTI. The 2017 Mk7.5 update brought new lights, more efficient engines and new infotainment.
The versions
- Petrol: 1.0, 1.4 and later 1.5 turbocharged
- Diesel: 1.6 TDI and 2.0 TDI
- GTI: 2.0 turbo (EA888), 220hp, or 230hp with the Performance Pack; Mk7.5 GTI 230hp, Performance 245hp
- Clubsport Edition 40 (265hp) and Clubsport S (310hp, 400 built)
- Six-speed manual, six-speed DQ250 DSG, or seven-speed DQ381 DSG on the Mk7.5 GTI Performance; the GTE, e-Golf and Golf R aren't covered here
What to check on a Mk7 Golf
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Oil use
What to look for: Check the dipstick and ask how much oil the car uses between services. Look for regular oil changes in the history.
Why it matters: GTI engines are known to use some oil, and letting the level run low can harm the engine and timing chain. Some petrol timing chains have failed early, and on-time servicing reduces the risk, so a full history and a correct oil level matter.
Coolant leaks on the 2.0
What to look for: With the bonnet up, check the coolant level and look around the front of the engine and underneath for leaks or crusty pink residue.
Why it matters: On the GTI's EA888 engine the thermostat housing and water pump assembly can leak, from a minor weep to a serious loss. A level coolant reservoir and a dry engine are what you want.
DSG behaviour
What to look for: On a DSG car, drive in traffic and pull away gently several times. Note any jerky changes or hesitation. Check the history for DSG oil changes at 40,000 miles (six-speed) or 80,000 miles (seven-speed).
Why it matters: Volkswagen fixed the most serious DSG problems, but jerky changes and some failures have been reported, mostly on early cars. Regular gearbox oil changes are the best sign of a healthy unit.
Also in the full guide
- Sunroof and door leaks
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Mk7 Golf
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
Volkswagen Golf Mk4 · Volkswagen Golf Mk5 · Volkswagen Golf Mk6 · Volkswagen Golf Mk8
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Volkswagen.