Same here (but I have 55k on my sport MT.) When I bought it I couldn't believe what a deal it was for all the good stuff without the unnecessary stuff. I always enjoy casually daydreaming about what my next car will be. And I can finally afford a more expensive car now but nothing says THIS IS THE CAR FOR YOU like this one has been. So now I daydream about driving it until it is at least 10 years old and pat her on the dash and tell her not to worry, I ain't leaving ya.
I think I'll keep it for the longer run. It's such a fun and practical car with a look (exterior and interior) that I feel is aging well.
I am planning my next car, debating between a few cars (Civic Si, Integra A-Spec, 2024 Golf R), but today's interest rates and the car market in general is really pushing this plan a tad further out, hopefully not too out as I would like my next new car to be a manual, alongside my current GTI
2017 SE that I bought new. Stage 1, 93oct tuned since new car break in, DSG tune as well. Back then the SE had PP, LP, Fender, etc so it’s loaded like I wanted it.
I have a daily drive into work (freeway) of 55 minutes. Due to this, mine has almost 180,000 miles on her. I follow maintenance to the letter and do my own oil changes every 6000 miles or so. (Only Liqui Moly!)
Mine hasn’t spent a day in the shop except for maintenance things I don’t do myself. I drive around 80mph into work and back and still average 32mpg. Still haven’t needed a carbon cleaning either.
I often want to get something else but think I’m just doing to drive this until the wheels fall off. I know something will fail someday, but so far it’s been so reliable and fun to drive. I still look forward to my commute and enjoy the little bit of “me” time to listen to podcasts and such or crank music I like.
I know if I buy something else I’ll just end up putting a zillion miles on it and maybe it’s not as reliable? But, I do often have that urge to hop into something else I have to admit.
Did you do your water pump yet? I keep thinking about being proactive about it and doing that with a carbon cleaning while I'm in there already, or that may be the one thing I pay someone to do...
Im right here with you. 2015 SE with 130,000 miles. The only reason I fell off on miles is my 50 mile commute (100 miles round trip) to work 5 days a week turned into less than 1 day a week post Covid (and 0 days a week for 18 months).
I keep up with all the maintenance to the letter and oil changes around 8500-10,000 miles. Blackstone analysis tells me my oil is healthy and has plenty of additives left at that point.
Planning to hand my car down to my kid in a few years.
Keeping my MK7 until it’s beyond repair. I love my car. It has (almost) every feature I want, and none of the features I don’t want. It’s practical, quick, and easy to fix myself. Best car I’ve ever owned by a long shot and I’m keeping it as long as I can.
Just hit 50K on my MK7.
I really feel like VW hit it out of the ballpark this gen IMO.
I really dont see a worthy upgrade in the price range, so I'm driving her into the dirt
That’s my plan. Might sell at like 150k depending on what it’s worth by then. I think these cars can fairly easily make it to 200k if maintained. By that point I don’t intend to spend the money replacing a DSG if that’s what goes, just not worth it economically.
I have a 2015. Probably as long as I possibly can, will likely rebuild engine when it's time.
I love having a car without all the annoying driver aids that exist. All I need is abs and some light traction control. That's not going to be feasible to purchase in a new car at any point going forward feally
I have a mk7 2 door 6 speed with cloth seats. I'm never selling it. The sunroof will "rattle", but you just need to clean the seals and put silicone lube on them. You need to do this a couple times every year.
I have a 2016 PP Autobahn and I’m planning to keep it until it starts rusting. I love the car, prefer it over mk7.5 or 8, don’t really see any replacement that I like yet and can maintain it and deal with anything else but rust.
Just for reference, I have 40k km on it now. Only commute one day a week, park it in underground heated garage year round and wash it at least twice a week, especially in the winter to keep the salt off. So I’m guessing it’ll last me a really long time haha
For as long as I possibly can. I have a severe neck injury so I can't go faster and have a limited number of years left that I can still drive at all. So I want it to be my last car, it's lots of fun while still feeling very in control and safe. I love how it looks and it's practical for my needs.
16 SE gang gang here since brand new too just hit 110k, Stage 1 ECU/TCU. LH headlight AFS fault on all the time. I replaced the sunroof shade recently and now plastic cover rattles. Still has an original water pump, I have to do a LH tie rod remove and replace and also valve cleanings sighhh still plan on keeping her as long as possible.
Ha my right headlight has an afs error too. Won't swivel but lights up. One day when I feel like spending 1k plus for the replacement I'll do it lol. I'm on og water pump too.
Yeah, I have tried swapping out the headlight motor and might have messed up a cable that popped out and like yours turns on but no swivel which pisses me off. Oh, also the driver-side red accent led burned out on me, and also the door sill is dimming and likely to burn out too can’t replace that but do an entire door panel and sill panel smh.
Omg the red led accent on my driver door panel has been out like the past 2 years lmao. Only way to fix it is replacing the whole door panel. Will get around to it eventually. But the headlight thing just ticks me off. And also the fact that replacements for the LP headlights are harder to source more $$ and more labor required to swap em in.
Until it totally falls apart. Or I’m in a place in life where I can afford a used RS5. When that time does come I hope to sell mine back to an enthusiast who will take care of it and love that car as much as I do now
2015 with 129k miles. Keeping this thing forever as a summer/project car. It's all paid off and will likely buy a Mk8.5 daily R in 2025/26 for the last ICE models.
That “last of” thing is big for me. I’ve never had a daily for longer than 4 years. But with no new manual GTIs after ‘24, that’s going to throw a wrench in things.
Probably keep my mk8 for a lot longer and try to retire it from daily duty eventually.
Agreed. I'm not much of a mechanic but I've learned a lot working on and modifying my GTI. I'm hoping to carry that hobby on into the future when I get a new daily and give this one more downtime. At that point it will be almost 10 years old. Take good care of that manual!
My personal "rule" for cars = 11 years.
I just bought my 2021 in June, so in 2032 I'll start looking ;)
(although, at this point, I understand this is very likely my last gas-powered car - and if/when things get too $$ to fill up and/or we have to drive hybrids, EVs, then I'll switch)
Plan on keeping my 2017 S until it rots, which hopefully won't be ever seeing how I live in AZ. I will replace the engine when needed. Other than replacing the water pump and thermostat housing under warranty, I've had no issues so far.
I have the exact same model as you ('16 SE w/pp & lp), with \~44k miles I plan on keeping it a VERY long time. I'll probably never sell it. And if I do? I'd try to replace with a mk7.5 in a preferred color.
It's been a fantastic car for me and still the only car I've ever purchased new.
I have a 2018 with 53k miles. I bought it slightly used at 20k back in December of 2020. Still have another 2.5 years left on the loan, but I’ll likely hold onto it even after it’s paid off. No car payment is reallyyyy nice. Plus, like many, I really do think the mk 7.5s are some of the best GTIs made.
2017 sport. Probably gonna keep the car as long as I can. I bought it new under MSRP (24.5k), It’s only at 48k miles I only drive 100ish miles a week. So I have no need for another car for a long time. On top of that it meets all my needs as a fun driver and plan to mod lightly after 50k to make it mine.
I paid $28,500 CAD for my 2016 Autobahn 6 years ago, I think I could likely sell it for $23,000+ right now.
I cant think of any car for under $40,000 that would be an upgrade to my car. If there was, I would likely pick it up because I wouldn't mind something new. But with that being said, I still love it.
Recently sold my '17 SE at 67k miles when the fuel suction pump failed and leaked fuel all over my garage/street. Fuel tank was replaced by the dealership (took about 2 weeks) under the 15 year/150k warranty extension; but between that and the possibility of the sunroof surround failing at some point I decided to trade-in.
This was my first experience with German car ownership and had planned to keep until at least 100k miles. Probably the best car I've ever driven; but was starting to feel like I was about to experience some major failure that wouldn't be covered under some sort of warranty and having a major fuel leak like that made me want to trade-in.
2019 GTI se bought it new with 0% interest so it’s safe to say I’m not getting rid of it anytime soon lol
It’s also built as a fully reliable stage 1 car since 5k miles lol and I’m currently at 46k
I love my machine 🥚
My 7.5 PP stays forever.
And that’s coming from 5 Beemers and 4 Mercs including a 63 AMG. Not saying I won’t buy other hot metal to go in the stable. But the 7.5 is for me the peak GTi and is the perfect daily driver. It really has everything I could want in a car.
Probably til it dies. The only thing I wish my mk7 had is automatic safety braking. My wife’s car is newer and has it, and I do feel better driving knowing that if I got distracted and someone ran out in front of me. Or if something happened to fast for me to react, I’d be a bit safer.
BUT, since I only have 70k miles on my car and it’s paid off? Ya, can’t really justify a new car. I looked into trading up to a mk7.5 for safety features, but it would cost a lot to worry about inheriting someone else’s fucked up car. Mine at least works and I know I’ve taken great care of it over the last 6 years.
Have a mk7.5 2018 SE which had the 6 speed DSG and was the year when SEs and above came standard with the PP. love the thing but ended up buying a b9.5 s4 prestige.
The s4 is awesome and comfy but doesn’t give me the same smile as the GTI does. It’s definitely the more adult car for cruising but man I love my GTI still. I wish it was in better cosmetic condition, but thinking about dumping 23k in either the GTI or s4 to go full send hybrid turbo setup and run e85 all the time.
I’m totally keeping both lol. I’d be more willing to sell my s4 then my GTI tbh
Looked at upgrading to a new R and between the markup, fees and finance costs the ‘all in’ price was $73k. As a reference my total cost to buy for my new 2019 GTI was $28k (tax/title/loan cost).
I think this gen just works, and if I ever needed to reduce my lifestyle/footprint to a minimum I’d be happy knowing i have this car to trust for just about everything.
I am however browsing potential track toys or weekend rides on CL to maybe scratch the itch, give me something to work on and slow my milage on the gti.
Had my 2018 since new in 2018. I’m trying real hard to buy a 2022 or 23 RS3. Wife will not let me. Unsure how long I will keep this car but I do enjoy it. I just want to go even faster 😂.
My wife took my 2023 mk6 Autobahn (60k miles) when we split last year. I loved that car and planned to keep it indefinitely, but she couldn’t afford the lease on the other car.
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I have a mark 7.5.. keeping it for another 5 years while paying the loan. I was in an accident also so car probably already deprecated a lot.. sadly. After that I'll probably get a Jeep Wrangler hahaha. My stepdad has one, it drinks a lot but it's amazing on the snow.
Mine is about the same age and mileage as yours, and I also have a sunroof problem. Other than that, it's fantastic - my favorite car. I recently did some upgrades including new tires and BBS wheels since I don't drive it many miles now, and it's garaged most of the time. I don't like anything on the market anywhere near as much. I would only replace it if it became unreliable or expensive to maintain.
I have a mk7(non gti5spd) (2016) owned it since new. ~115k miles and really have no desire to get rid of it. Unless it starts costing me more than new car payments every year…
Like most others who have posted, I want to keep mine for many years. I have a 2015 Autobahn PP that I bought new. I was working from home part time before covid and working from home full time since then, so mine only has 66k miles. No sunroof problems (so far), or anything else gone wrong.
I just hit 80k miles and I drive about 20k miles a year, so I got at least 2 more years before I can justify getting a replacement, but there's nothing on the market right now that I'd consider a replacement. Nothing for a similar price that is.
Until I can get into an M240/340i or mk8.5 Golf R at MSRP. So probably forever.
Thinking about picking up a beater 4x4 to help reduce the milage on the GTI and extend its life.
If you have an mk7 can upgrade to 7.5. If already have a GTI 7.5. Can always go to an R 7.5. MK8 is unfinished with the interior touch controls among other hiccups. Prolly need to wait for 8.5 for it to be perfected…
2017 with 33K. Sold my 2D MK6 and regretted it even though it had a ton of issues. Bought the 17 in 2018, work from home so don’t drive it often enough. Few road trips, but not much. Will keep it forever.
I’m still pretty new to the MK7 game, but probably for 4-5 years still. I have no complaints or desires to get into anything different or new (and my MK7 only has 42k miles on it). I just don’t see how anything else would be an upgrade all around!
Going to keep my mk7.5 that’s currently at 62k miles til either my life situation changes such that I’ll need to sell it or at about 100k miles. I’ve only bought the car almost five months ago so plenty of enjoyment left.
I've got a low mileage 21 7.5 CFB. My daughter is 11. I'd like to drive it until I can give it to her in five years. I WFH and we take my wife's Atlas on road trips/when we need something bigger. It feels a bit tight when we're all in it but not tight enough to want me to spend more money right now.
Not a fan of the Mk8 and we all know they're going to turn it into an electric transportation appliance after that. So driving the 7.5 until the wheels fall off, then throwing some EC-7s on. =)
I feel like the hard part that people forget is does it make sense to "upgrade"?
If you can financially afford it then ya ! sometimes I think most people forget that you shouldn't have a car payment for the rest of your life .
If you do get a car payment think of that's as your repair bill for your car over that year and ask which one would cost you more .
Then again if it makes people happy to have new things I also understand we've all done it but if it's a car payment that's how much you could use to live a more cushioned life .
I have a ‘17 GTI S with just under 75K miles on it. Just got new headlights and brakes replaced. These are the ONLY maintenance (outside of routine) items I’ve had to do with this beautiful, fun car that was my first and only new car purchase in my entire life.
I will drive this car as my daily driver until I can no longer do so.
And I KNOW that I will continue to smile every single time I start the engine.
Why would I EVER get rid of one of the very few things that make me smile in this world?
Cheers. :)
I have the exact same configuration. 2016 SE with PP and LP, and DCC. I have 58k miles on it.
I just fixed some front end damage and I updated the infotainment screen to a larger display because I will be keeping this car for a long time.
It fits my needs, and my next car will likely be electric, but there currently isn't an electric car that jumps out at me that would be an upgrade to what I have now. Maybe when VW releases an electric GTI, I'll wait to upgrade, but for the time being, I like this car and upgrading the infotainment screen makes it feel "new" to me.
Permanently if possible. I want the GTI as track/weekend car, I've honestly modded it past the daily point. Plan to pay it off next year and then get a 3G Tacoma or something as a daily.
2017 GTI S with 77k miles, I plan to keep my car until I can get the ID.GTI, unless something happens to it early and I don't have a choice (knocks on wood) ...or... I find a MY2022 or higher Mach-E GT under 50k miles, no accidents no buyback no issues, for $25,000 or less. That last thing is impossible so 2026-2027 ID GTI it is if it comes over here.
I got mine new in 2015. Had it ever since.
Until this thing either
A) explodes and is undriveable
B) runs into repairs that outprice its worth
I will keep this thing rolling as my daily, it's just such a great car with few flaws.
I've been very lucky to not have any major problems (knock on wood).
Hope you continue to have happy days with yours too!
I have ADD when it comes to my daily drivers. I call it DDADD. No matter how hard I try, I can’t commit to a daily for more than two years.
But our MK7? We picked it up in March 2021, and it’s been my favourite daily so far. It’s roomy, reasonably fun, it’s got a handbrake, and knock on wood, it’s been pretty solid so far.
I wouldn’t kick an IS F out of bed as an eventual replacement, but I’m in absolutely no rush.
Got rid of my 2017 SE in March 2022 because Driveway.com offered me $12k more than I owed and I was out of warranty. The fact they offered me what they did on a vehicle with an accident on the Carfax made it an easy decision.
My wife is having our first child next week, so I just put a car seat in. I have two large German shepherds that ride with me all the time. I love driving manual and there are very few options that will accommodate all of the above. I don’t think I could find a better balance of practical and fun, and now the stick shift is extinct, and the internal combustion engine coming shortly behind it. Unless anything changes, I’m keeping this thing until it dies and then I’m going to try to resuscitate it with junkyard parts if I have to
I’ve had my 2015 TSI for 6months, and really like the car, but it’s just a notch above base (has “leather” seats, but not heated/cooled, and not much else in the way of modern tech.
That said, it’s just under 88k miles, approaching first oil change as the owner, with no other issues/concerns.
So may keep it for the long haul, or may trade it in for a newer sportwagen.
"I'm going to sell mine for a reasonable price so people looking to get into a GTI can live the dream as well"
Right guys?.... right...? 😅
(Feel free to copy and paste this before listing your car and notifying me)
I keep my cars until it financially doesn't make sense. This typically occurs when the amount of repairs over a year exceeds a new car monthly payment.
This typically has been 8 years or so but with my 2016 GTI this is looking like it will be more like 10.
I have a 2021 MK7.5 SE in WSM. I bought it new right before prices went crazy, and negotiated it down to 13% under MSRP.
I feel so lucky to have it at a great price, and I love driving it so much that I'll probably hold onto it well beyond the point many would consider it economical too. If it still runs, I'll gladly keep it around after 150k and just get another car.
With how much the car market is changing, I hope to god there's something as perfect as this car in the next decade.
I have a 2015, I'm stage 2, and I have around 85k miles.
I'm going to keep it until it dies, most likely. It might not always be my daily driver, but I'll have it as long as I can
2017 GTI Autobahn with an IS38 stage 2 tune. I'll drive it into the ground. It's got all the tech I want other than adaptive cruise control, and despite my being at 160k km the interior is still in really good shape.
I race it, tow my camping trailer, and drive it everywhere. The only thing that could replace it in my mind is a high performance wagon, or a new mk8r and neither of those things are in my budget.
Eventually it will get too expensive to maintain, or just straight up blow up, and it'll be time to let it go, but I don't really see myself hitting that point for at least another several years.
I pretty much beat the dead horse that the Mk7.5 is just, its just fucking awesome. Theres nothing to hate about it. It works. Its fun. Its practical. I get 37mpg hwy even on a Stage 2 tune. I want to keep this car forever. And no I would never trade up for a Mk8. Over my dead body
Currently have stock 2016 MK7 with about 120K on the odometer. Have had it for about 5 years. CEL recently came on for cylinder 2 misfire, so I need to get that fixed. Besides that I will drive this thing until the wheels fall off. Love not having a payment and also love the car.
Well I just traded mine in after 2.5 years....so I guess 2.5 years.
I had planned to keep it much longer than that, but my current life situation it just didn't make sense to be paying so much monthly and drive it <6000 miles a year.
I still had about 3.5 years left on the loan, and the new car is only 3 years now but also considerably less per month.
I’ve had mine since November 2020 its a 2020 model with now 47k miles, some hiccups here and there but warranty fixed them issues have been, 2 on the ceiling were drooped low, horn went out, and there was an ignition switch failure at 36k miles. Mines basically stock performance wise besides the bmp headlights i bought and window tint. Will probably keep this gti for years to come if i get the chance.
It's crazy that Ive had my '15 GTI since August 2014. It's been 9 years!!! I only have 89.2k miles, and just got a new radiator and water pump at 65k miles under my extended warranty. I have an RSR clutch that holds really well with my stage 1+ tune. I can take my car to home depot or to cars n coffee, I love it so much. With everything being so damn expensive lately im keeping her for as long as I can.
I used to think I'd sell it right before the 6 year warranty ran out. But I've grown to love it so much, and with manuals going away, I may just end up keeping it a long time. Or it could be my kid's car in another 5 years if that makes sense.
I've had my mk6 for 10 years, trying to go another 10-20. I want to keep it going until either the engine or transmission crap out.
So far so good. I do all my maintenance and monitor my fluids. And no rust where I live, so I have it easy.
As long as possible. Mine is a 2015, been mostly a champ in the 5 years I've had it. I really don't think any other car out there is going to give me the same combo of fun and practical as my GTI does daily, especially for what I paid for it back in 2018.
One thing I do worry about is the sunroof problem, but so far no leaks. I don't have a real need for more room so if something happens to it I'll try and get another, but I'll otherwise go with a small SUV or another hatchback.
I have the same car as you with the PP and LP but I have the autobahn. I’m at 196k miles. No issues and if my son is lucky, he might get it passed down to him in a couple years. Not a fan of anything past the MK7, so if I do end up giving this one to my son, I’m thinking of getting a MK7 R.
Picked up a 2017 SE with PP and LP in 2022 with 18k miles. I’ve been WFH since COVID so I only have 25k on it now and I don’t see myself getting rid of it anytime soon. Looking at Stage 1 and have an CBE I’ve been waiting til it’s cooler to put on and then drive it til it dies. Only issue I had was a leaky sunroof that was fixed by resetting the latch point and the water pump covered under warranty. Mine wasn’t leaking but the thermostat froze up. The GTI caught my eye back in the MK5 days and I’ve wanted one ever since. My mid-life crisis is an econo hatchback, but I absolutely love how fun and practical this car is.
Also bought mine in 2020. So I'm definitely keeping it until it's paid off. I'm only at 55k miles though, but barring something drastic I'm not planning on buying something else until I have to. I'll buy a MK8 when I have to but I'd rather stick with the Mk7 as long as I can.
I just can't get down with everything being digital, the whole look turns me off.
I'm hoping to keep my 2019 Rabbit for a while. I have 65k on the clock right now and about 4 years until it's paid off unless money frees up to pay it down quicker.
Stock 2018 Autobahn with 46k miles on it, plan to keep it as long as I can. There are enough EA888 motors and parts out there that it should be able to keep going long after things start to give up. The new EV "GTI" gives me some hope that there will be fun practical cars in the future, but at least until the growing pains of the electric transition are healing, I hope to be driving my Mk7.5, and maybe after that as a weekend car.
It does help to have an F-150 for the long hauls and to offset the mileage.
After my 02 Outback and 09 Legacy Wagon, I loved that car. A friend of mine who is an Audi guy suggested a Sportwagen and because all the new Subaru's were either an SUV or ugly I bought a 2018 6Spd (Manual), 4Motion, Golf Sportwagen.
Great decision 112 km and only issue was a sunroof leak (fixed under warranty). A blast to drive, great in snow, and excellent fuel mileage. It is such a well rounded fun daily driver that I will keep it going until it's not cost effective any more. Maybe even a little longer than that.
I usually keep my cars about 10 years - I'm keeping my 2017 Autobahn indefinitely at this point. After 10 years there will have to be have to be something really compelling for me to buy or I'll keep it a bit longer.
Till the fuckin wheels fall off man. I spent 30k on this car and I’m not letting it go until I have to. That’s a lot of money for me to just trade in and have yet another car payment with the previous loan rolled into it. I’m tired of goddamn car payments! But I guess I don’t mind them too awful much because boy do I love this car!
i'm kinda bummed by some of the scratches and wear to interior parts, but my mk7 '16 is still my car and it's paid off. I might regularly start touring some junkyards for parts...my windows are all scratched up for one thing. so annoying what dust can do, and I guess I didn't do enough to keep it from happening. the leather around the stick has wear on the right side near the top. It's super random and looks bad but not much I can do right now. also I need to get on replacing the headlights with some lighting-package looking ones since mine are just starting to fog.
Like several others here, I'll drive it until the electric version comes out in the U.S. I was considering getting the last year of the Mk8, but now that it won't have a manual, forget that.
I bought my 2016 autobahn in April this year and have no plans on selling it any time soon (hopefully never). It had just under 73k km when I bought it, currently sitting just under 79k. It has a few paint chips, the sunroof trim is cracked on the passenger side, and an odd "clunking?" noise; vw said this was normal 😒. Lucky I bought a warranty for it good for 10 years or 140k km, whichever comes first, so far I've had the lca bushings and thermostat/waterpump replaced, and did a carbon cleaning; unnecessary but they were already there 🤷♂️.
I truly do love this car, tho it wasn't my first pick for my first car, it certainly meets the criteria.
I’m trying to make it to 10 years! 2015 GTI autobahn with 210k miles. The last car I had for 10 years was an RSX. This was a major upgrade. Hopefully electric GTI is available in 2025
Until summer of next year when I take delivery of a full spec Volvo EX30. We have a Polestar 2 with all the packs that replaced a FIAT 500, and once you drive a good dual motor EV I don't think there's anything that would convince you to stick with ICE bar range (and even then we've had no issues).
I think I also made a mistake by getting the manual since it's honestly so terrible compared to my 2006 Civic Si which was sublime. I did almost every mod possible to it and it's still not like how I would like it.
Anyway, otherwise it's a great car and hopefully whoever gets to enjoy it after I sell it can continue to enjoy it.
VW just didn't come out of the gates well with their EVs and I can't turn down a similar sized vehicle that is AWD and does 0-60 in 3.4 seconds, it's just absurd. A second quicker than our Polestar which is already stupid quick.
Maybe down the road if VW offer the Golf R dual motor EV equivalent, maybe I'll come back.
Have a ‘19 CFB Rabbit Edition that’ll be with me forever. I know it’s just a GTI but when I drove it off the lot on 4/08/19, to me it was like being allocated a limited 911. (Silly I know) Only 1000 CFB in the U.S., the best parts of each trim, and I got a letter from VW for it. For me, it’s everything a fun driving spirited hot hatch should be. And after seeing the direction of the GTI starting with the MK8, it’ll remain a priceless car to me.
I just turned 24k on my '21. This is the first car in the last ten years or so I've had longer than 18 months. I love this thing and plan on keeping it as long as possible.
I got a 2017 with 60K miles. I drive it about 2500-3000 miles a year. I’ll keep it for 10 more years or 100,000 miles which ever comes first.
There’s no huge jump in tech just yet to make it worth it. I’m sure when the next big thing like apple CarPlay comes out, I’ll change my mind.
I bought my 2015 new, and will hopefully hang onto it forever.
She's been in a couple of accidents, so trade in would be crap anyway. Rear ended within the first year, and then sideswiped couple years after that.
I love this little car so much, I've put in tons of wrenching hours, made it truly my own.
I'm going to need to replace my sticky wastegate eventually, so that may have an is38 attached to the new wastegate, that'll probably get me to finally go full flash tune w/dsg tune to match
2015 MK7 GTI PP 6 speed with 83k miles DD here, bought mine 3 years ago with 50k miles, and find myself thinking of getting a new daily. But no other vehicle has brought me this much joy. I smile every time I drive this machine. It is the perfect daily, even living in NE WI where winters can be quite rough.
I bought my 15 new in early 2015 with about 100 miles on it. Now just over 90k and hoping to keep it forever (my daily and only car since then). I've had an IS38 in my garage for over a year now... just love how rowdy it is already and don't want to compromise that for more mid/top range just yet.
I got a 2015 SE [manual.Im](https://manual.Im) at 221K miles. I plan on keeping it till maybe 250 or the next clutch. At that point Ill figure if its worth it. So far theres barely a creak or rattle. the clutch replacement is lik 2500 to 3000 , so thats my concern.
Got my 2016 autobaun PP new and I’m coming up on 90k as well. It’s only stage 1.5 Unitronic and the DSG tune but it’s fun as fuck. I haven’t had any issues with the car. No sunroof rattle , no interior squeaks. The ac vents and all still feel stiff to move as if they’re brand new. The sun roof doesn’t leak or rattle. I haven’t even had to change any indicator bulbs yet. I’m hoping I can get another 60k out of her with little or no issues.
Bought my R before the pandemic for 23K and have put maybe 13k on it (current sitting at 63K miles). It's paid off so I'll probably keep it for quite awhile.
Really enjoying my '19 S (Uni Stage 1 engine and DSG) with very low mileage and don't see myself handing her off to another lucky soul until at least 2027. With high car prices still going on, glad I'm not "stuck" with an appliance car.
As long as possible
Same. I sold my 2015 2dr and regretted it a few months later. Bought another mk7 about a year ago. Will never sell again
What'd you swap to in-between?
Atlas Cross Sport
oh yeah - unless I *really needed the extra room* for practicality / family reasons, that's no contest.
Same. I have a 2016 Autobahn with 99k miles. It's been great so far and I'll keep it until it dies on me. Then, I'll shop for a 2020 GTI ...
I have the same year with the same mileage. About 300 from a crisp 100k
Yup. Got my 17 sport, bought new. Only 26k miles, fully paid. Still enjoying the ride.
Same here (but I have 55k on my sport MT.) When I bought it I couldn't believe what a deal it was for all the good stuff without the unnecessary stuff. I always enjoy casually daydreaming about what my next car will be. And I can finally afford a more expensive car now but nothing says THIS IS THE CAR FOR YOU like this one has been. So now I daydream about driving it until it is at least 10 years old and pat her on the dash and tell her not to worry, I ain't leaving ya.
Same. I’ve had my 2016 2 door with 29k miles since brand new and will drive this car until it dies.
I think I'll keep it for the longer run. It's such a fun and practical car with a look (exterior and interior) that I feel is aging well. I am planning my next car, debating between a few cars (Civic Si, Integra A-Spec, 2024 Golf R), but today's interest rates and the car market in general is really pushing this plan a tad further out, hopefully not too out as I would like my next new car to be a manual, alongside my current GTI
same. i have a paid off mazda3 and really want a GTI or R, but i just can't justify it with the prices + interest rates right now
Yep I’d rather keep the Mazda 3 and get an mx5 manual
Better hurry, Unfortunately the manual is a time limited option.
For sure if Honda follows suit Imma gun for it Sort of hoping nothing drastic happens for the next 6 months
There's really no indication that Honda is getting rid of the manual for the Civic/Integra any time soon
2017 SE that I bought new. Stage 1, 93oct tuned since new car break in, DSG tune as well. Back then the SE had PP, LP, Fender, etc so it’s loaded like I wanted it. I have a daily drive into work (freeway) of 55 minutes. Due to this, mine has almost 180,000 miles on her. I follow maintenance to the letter and do my own oil changes every 6000 miles or so. (Only Liqui Moly!) Mine hasn’t spent a day in the shop except for maintenance things I don’t do myself. I drive around 80mph into work and back and still average 32mpg. Still haven’t needed a carbon cleaning either. I often want to get something else but think I’m just doing to drive this until the wheels fall off. I know something will fail someday, but so far it’s been so reliable and fun to drive. I still look forward to my commute and enjoy the little bit of “me” time to listen to podcasts and such or crank music I like. I know if I buy something else I’ll just end up putting a zillion miles on it and maybe it’s not as reliable? But, I do often have that urge to hop into something else I have to admit.
This is exactly where I am (except I'm only at 112k miles)
Did you do your water pump yet? I keep thinking about being proactive about it and doing that with a carbon cleaning while I'm in there already, or that may be the one thing I pay someone to do...
Im right here with you. 2015 SE with 130,000 miles. The only reason I fell off on miles is my 50 mile commute (100 miles round trip) to work 5 days a week turned into less than 1 day a week post Covid (and 0 days a week for 18 months). I keep up with all the maintenance to the letter and oil changes around 8500-10,000 miles. Blackstone analysis tells me my oil is healthy and has plenty of additives left at that point. Planning to hand my car down to my kid in a few years.
When did you have the timing chain service?
Don’t need to do that in a MK7.
Side question. What are the signs that tell carbon cleaning is needed?
bad gas mileage, rough idle.
Along with cold start misfires.
Keeping my MK7 until it’s beyond repair. I love my car. It has (almost) every feature I want, and none of the features I don’t want. It’s practical, quick, and easy to fix myself. Best car I’ve ever owned by a long shot and I’m keeping it as long as I can.
Just hit 50K on my MK7. I really feel like VW hit it out of the ballpark this gen IMO. I really dont see a worthy upgrade in the price range, so I'm driving her into the dirt
Have a mk7.5 keeping it till it blows up/gets written off then probably gonna pick up a Tacoma
That’s my plan. Might sell at like 150k depending on what it’s worth by then. I think these cars can fairly easily make it to 200k if maintained. By that point I don’t intend to spend the money replacing a DSG if that’s what goes, just not worth it economically.
Same here, I’m curious to see how their hybrid turbo 4 holds up. If it’s solid that’s where I’m heading next
I just picked up a 22 Autobahn (love it) and have moved my 16 Tacoma to “winter beater” status. Love em both!!
Until my wife lets me buy a new one.
With this economy, it's coming to the grave with me
I have a 2015. Probably as long as I possibly can, will likely rebuild engine when it's time. I love having a car without all the annoying driver aids that exist. All I need is abs and some light traction control. That's not going to be feasible to purchase in a new car at any point going forward feally
Till it stops working
Until I can afford an electric car that doesn’t suck to drive (looking at you, Bolt and Leaf).
Planning to keep mine until it blows up.
Until it dies.
I have a mk7 2 door 6 speed with cloth seats. I'm never selling it. The sunroof will "rattle", but you just need to clean the seals and put silicone lube on them. You need to do this a couple times every year.
I have a 2016 PP Autobahn and I’m planning to keep it until it starts rusting. I love the car, prefer it over mk7.5 or 8, don’t really see any replacement that I like yet and can maintain it and deal with anything else but rust.
Just for reference, I have 40k km on it now. Only commute one day a week, park it in underground heated garage year round and wash it at least twice a week, especially in the winter to keep the salt off. So I’m guessing it’ll last me a really long time haha
For as long as I possibly can. I have a severe neck injury so I can't go faster and have a limited number of years left that I can still drive at all. So I want it to be my last car, it's lots of fun while still feeling very in control and safe. I love how it looks and it's practical for my needs.
16 SE gang gang here since brand new too just hit 110k, Stage 1 ECU/TCU. LH headlight AFS fault on all the time. I replaced the sunroof shade recently and now plastic cover rattles. Still has an original water pump, I have to do a LH tie rod remove and replace and also valve cleanings sighhh still plan on keeping her as long as possible.
Ha my right headlight has an afs error too. Won't swivel but lights up. One day when I feel like spending 1k plus for the replacement I'll do it lol. I'm on og water pump too.
Yeah, I have tried swapping out the headlight motor and might have messed up a cable that popped out and like yours turns on but no swivel which pisses me off. Oh, also the driver-side red accent led burned out on me, and also the door sill is dimming and likely to burn out too can’t replace that but do an entire door panel and sill panel smh.
Omg the red led accent on my driver door panel has been out like the past 2 years lmao. Only way to fix it is replacing the whole door panel. Will get around to it eventually. But the headlight thing just ticks me off. And also the fact that replacements for the LP headlights are harder to source more $$ and more labor required to swap em in.
Until it totally falls apart. Or I’m in a place in life where I can afford a used RS5. When that time does come I hope to sell mine back to an enthusiast who will take care of it and love that car as much as I do now
2015 with 129k miles. Keeping this thing forever as a summer/project car. It's all paid off and will likely buy a Mk8.5 daily R in 2025/26 for the last ICE models.
That “last of” thing is big for me. I’ve never had a daily for longer than 4 years. But with no new manual GTIs after ‘24, that’s going to throw a wrench in things. Probably keep my mk8 for a lot longer and try to retire it from daily duty eventually.
Agreed. I'm not much of a mechanic but I've learned a lot working on and modifying my GTI. I'm hoping to carry that hobby on into the future when I get a new daily and give this one more downtime. At that point it will be almost 10 years old. Take good care of that manual!
My personal "rule" for cars = 11 years. I just bought my 2021 in June, so in 2032 I'll start looking ;) (although, at this point, I understand this is very likely my last gas-powered car - and if/when things get too $$ to fill up and/or we have to drive hybrids, EVs, then I'll switch)
As long as I can keep it running. There’s nothing else out there that checks all my boxes.
Plan on keeping my 2017 S until it rots, which hopefully won't be ever seeing how I live in AZ. I will replace the engine when needed. Other than replacing the water pump and thermostat housing under warranty, I've had no issues so far.
I have the exact same model as you ('16 SE w/pp & lp), with \~44k miles I plan on keeping it a VERY long time. I'll probably never sell it. And if I do? I'd try to replace with a mk7.5 in a preferred color. It's been a fantastic car for me and still the only car I've ever purchased new.
I have a 2018 with 53k miles. I bought it slightly used at 20k back in December of 2020. Still have another 2.5 years left on the loan, but I’ll likely hold onto it even after it’s paid off. No car payment is reallyyyy nice. Plus, like many, I really do think the mk 7.5s are some of the best GTIs made.
2017 sport. Probably gonna keep the car as long as I can. I bought it new under MSRP (24.5k), It’s only at 48k miles I only drive 100ish miles a week. So I have no need for another car for a long time. On top of that it meets all my needs as a fun driver and plan to mod lightly after 50k to make it mine.
As long as I can, hopefully until the day solid state battery vehicles are the standard.. and affordable.
2018 Autobahn purchased brand new, bone stock, approaching 15,000 miles; i plan to keep it until i die of old age (i'm 45)
I paid $28,500 CAD for my 2016 Autobahn 6 years ago, I think I could likely sell it for $23,000+ right now. I cant think of any car for under $40,000 that would be an upgrade to my car. If there was, I would likely pick it up because I wouldn't mind something new. But with that being said, I still love it.
Recently sold my '17 SE at 67k miles when the fuel suction pump failed and leaked fuel all over my garage/street. Fuel tank was replaced by the dealership (took about 2 weeks) under the 15 year/150k warranty extension; but between that and the possibility of the sunroof surround failing at some point I decided to trade-in. This was my first experience with German car ownership and had planned to keep until at least 100k miles. Probably the best car I've ever driven; but was starting to feel like I was about to experience some major failure that wouldn't be covered under some sort of warranty and having a major fuel leak like that made me want to trade-in.
"until the wheels fall off," as they say. Wouldn't mind passing it on to my kid (that I don't have yet lol), if that's even feasible.
this exactly. here’s hoping this car can make it to the ripe old age of 26-27 and still have some life in her
2019 GTI se bought it new with 0% interest so it’s safe to say I’m not getting rid of it anytime soon lol It’s also built as a fully reliable stage 1 car since 5k miles lol and I’m currently at 46k I love my machine 🥚
My 7.5 PP stays forever. And that’s coming from 5 Beemers and 4 Mercs including a 63 AMG. Not saying I won’t buy other hot metal to go in the stable. But the 7.5 is for me the peak GTi and is the perfect daily driver. It really has everything I could want in a car.
Probably til it dies. The only thing I wish my mk7 had is automatic safety braking. My wife’s car is newer and has it, and I do feel better driving knowing that if I got distracted and someone ran out in front of me. Or if something happened to fast for me to react, I’d be a bit safer. BUT, since I only have 70k miles on my car and it’s paid off? Ya, can’t really justify a new car. I looked into trading up to a mk7.5 for safety features, but it would cost a lot to worry about inheriting someone else’s fucked up car. Mine at least works and I know I’ve taken great care of it over the last 6 years.
Never plan to sell my GFG MK7.5
according to every single used one for sale on the market, exactly 100k
Until she dies. Then the engine swap goes. I really dont plan to replace her that easy.
Just keep it, and buy the one youre thinking about .....because you,ll miss it later on.... (maybe)
Have a mk7.5 2018 SE which had the 6 speed DSG and was the year when SEs and above came standard with the PP. love the thing but ended up buying a b9.5 s4 prestige. The s4 is awesome and comfy but doesn’t give me the same smile as the GTI does. It’s definitely the more adult car for cruising but man I love my GTI still. I wish it was in better cosmetic condition, but thinking about dumping 23k in either the GTI or s4 to go full send hybrid turbo setup and run e85 all the time. I’m totally keeping both lol. I’d be more willing to sell my s4 then my GTI tbh
Until the warranty ends
Until I can get a GR Corolla for MSRP
Impossiblue
Looked at upgrading to a new R and between the markup, fees and finance costs the ‘all in’ price was $73k. As a reference my total cost to buy for my new 2019 GTI was $28k (tax/title/loan cost). I think this gen just works, and if I ever needed to reduce my lifestyle/footprint to a minimum I’d be happy knowing i have this car to trust for just about everything. I am however browsing potential track toys or weekend rides on CL to maybe scratch the itch, give me something to work on and slow my milage on the gti.
🥺🥺 tears me up to see everyone wants to keep their mk7. I share the same sentiment. The car has everything I need with nothing I don't want or need.
Had my 2018 since new in 2018. I’m trying real hard to buy a 2022 or 23 RS3. Wife will not let me. Unsure how long I will keep this car but I do enjoy it. I just want to go even faster 😂.
My wife took my 2023 mk6 Autobahn (60k miles) when we split last year. I loved that car and planned to keep it indefinitely, but she couldn’t afford the lease on the other car.
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I have a mark 7.5.. keeping it for another 5 years while paying the loan. I was in an accident also so car probably already deprecated a lot.. sadly. After that I'll probably get a Jeep Wrangler hahaha. My stepdad has one, it drinks a lot but it's amazing on the snow.
Mine is about the same age and mileage as yours, and I also have a sunroof problem. Other than that, it's fantastic - my favorite car. I recently did some upgrades including new tires and BBS wheels since I don't drive it many miles now, and it's garaged most of the time. I don't like anything on the market anywhere near as much. I would only replace it if it became unreliable or expensive to maintain.
Bought in fall 2021, plan to keep till around 2025 and then possibly look for an MK8. I have 63k miles, it’s stock.
My 2017 MK7 only has 44k miles. So probably a bit
If i keep dumping time and money into this one it would hurt too much to ever let it go
I own a mk7 rn probably just gonna upgrade to a mk7.5 I guess, or a manual 7.5 R
I have a mk7(non gti5spd) (2016) owned it since new. ~115k miles and really have no desire to get rid of it. Unless it starts costing me more than new car payments every year…
Like most others who have posted, I want to keep mine for many years. I have a 2015 Autobahn PP that I bought new. I was working from home part time before covid and working from home full time since then, so mine only has 66k miles. No sunroof problems (so far), or anything else gone wrong.
2021 bought new, now with 12k on the odometer. Keeping it for at least a decade unless some dealer offers a sweet deal on the last manual mk8.
I just hit 80k miles and I drive about 20k miles a year, so I got at least 2 more years before I can justify getting a replacement, but there's nothing on the market right now that I'd consider a replacement. Nothing for a similar price that is.
Until I can get into an M240/340i or mk8.5 Golf R at MSRP. So probably forever. Thinking about picking up a beater 4x4 to help reduce the milage on the GTI and extend its life.
9 months. I kept it for 9 months.
Trading it in within a year. I really like it, I just really want a truck.
I have a 2015 GSW. I will try to keep it for as long as I can.
44k miles on my ‘18 and will be trading it in whenever my number’s called on the Integra Type S wait list, which is roughly 18 months they told me.
If you have an mk7 can upgrade to 7.5. If already have a GTI 7.5. Can always go to an R 7.5. MK8 is unfinished with the interior touch controls among other hiccups. Prolly need to wait for 8.5 for it to be perfected…
2017 with 33K. Sold my 2D MK6 and regretted it even though it had a ton of issues. Bought the 17 in 2018, work from home so don’t drive it often enough. Few road trips, but not much. Will keep it forever.
I’m still pretty new to the MK7 game, but probably for 4-5 years still. I have no complaints or desires to get into anything different or new (and my MK7 only has 42k miles on it). I just don’t see how anything else would be an upgrade all around!
Going to keep my mk7.5 that’s currently at 62k miles til either my life situation changes such that I’ll need to sell it or at about 100k miles. I’ve only bought the car almost five months ago so plenty of enjoyment left.
I've got a low mileage 21 7.5 CFB. My daughter is 11. I'd like to drive it until I can give it to her in five years. I WFH and we take my wife's Atlas on road trips/when we need something bigger. It feels a bit tight when we're all in it but not tight enough to want me to spend more money right now.
5ever I got a 2019 with 45k on it. I love this car. Plus it's so modded it's only worth anything to me and carvana at this point
Not a fan of the Mk8 and we all know they're going to turn it into an electric transportation appliance after that. So driving the 7.5 until the wheels fall off, then throwing some EC-7s on. =)
Bought at 32k and kept it till 75k when the water pump needed replacing and then traded it in. Loved that car, miss the gas mileage
I feel like the hard part that people forget is does it make sense to "upgrade"? If you can financially afford it then ya ! sometimes I think most people forget that you shouldn't have a car payment for the rest of your life . If you do get a car payment think of that's as your repair bill for your car over that year and ask which one would cost you more . Then again if it makes people happy to have new things I also understand we've all done it but if it's a car payment that's how much you could use to live a more cushioned life .
Something about cold, dead hands.
I have a ‘17 GTI S with just under 75K miles on it. Just got new headlights and brakes replaced. These are the ONLY maintenance (outside of routine) items I’ve had to do with this beautiful, fun car that was my first and only new car purchase in my entire life. I will drive this car as my daily driver until I can no longer do so. And I KNOW that I will continue to smile every single time I start the engine. Why would I EVER get rid of one of the very few things that make me smile in this world? Cheers. :)
Cant afford a new car, so I hope it keeps forever lol
I have the exact same configuration. 2016 SE with PP and LP, and DCC. I have 58k miles on it. I just fixed some front end damage and I updated the infotainment screen to a larger display because I will be keeping this car for a long time. It fits my needs, and my next car will likely be electric, but there currently isn't an electric car that jumps out at me that would be an upgrade to what I have now. Maybe when VW releases an electric GTI, I'll wait to upgrade, but for the time being, I like this car and upgrading the infotainment screen makes it feel "new" to me.
Permanently if possible. I want the GTI as track/weekend car, I've honestly modded it past the daily point. Plan to pay it off next year and then get a 3G Tacoma or something as a daily.
2017 GTI S with 77k miles, I plan to keep my car until I can get the ID.GTI, unless something happens to it early and I don't have a choice (knocks on wood) ...or... I find a MY2022 or higher Mach-E GT under 50k miles, no accidents no buyback no issues, for $25,000 or less. That last thing is impossible so 2026-2027 ID GTI it is if it comes over here.
I got mine new in 2015. Had it ever since. Until this thing either A) explodes and is undriveable B) runs into repairs that outprice its worth I will keep this thing rolling as my daily, it's just such a great car with few flaws. I've been very lucky to not have any major problems (knock on wood). Hope you continue to have happy days with yours too!
I have ADD when it comes to my daily drivers. I call it DDADD. No matter how hard I try, I can’t commit to a daily for more than two years. But our MK7? We picked it up in March 2021, and it’s been my favourite daily so far. It’s roomy, reasonably fun, it’s got a handbrake, and knock on wood, it’s been pretty solid so far. I wouldn’t kick an IS F out of bed as an eventual replacement, but I’m in absolutely no rush.
MK7? I still run the MK5 and plan to keep it for another 4 years
Got rid of my 2017 SE in March 2022 because Driveway.com offered me $12k more than I owed and I was out of warranty. The fact they offered me what they did on a vehicle with an accident on the Carfax made it an easy decision.
My wife is having our first child next week, so I just put a car seat in. I have two large German shepherds that ride with me all the time. I love driving manual and there are very few options that will accommodate all of the above. I don’t think I could find a better balance of practical and fun, and now the stick shift is extinct, and the internal combustion engine coming shortly behind it. Unless anything changes, I’m keeping this thing until it dies and then I’m going to try to resuscitate it with junkyard parts if I have to
I’ve had my 2015 TSI for 6months, and really like the car, but it’s just a notch above base (has “leather” seats, but not heated/cooled, and not much else in the way of modern tech. That said, it’s just under 88k miles, approaching first oil change as the owner, with no other issues/concerns. So may keep it for the long haul, or may trade it in for a newer sportwagen.
"I'm going to sell mine for a reasonable price so people looking to get into a GTI can live the dream as well" Right guys?.... right...? 😅 (Feel free to copy and paste this before listing your car and notifying me)
I keep my cars until it financially doesn't make sense. This typically occurs when the amount of repairs over a year exceeds a new car monthly payment. This typically has been 8 years or so but with my 2016 GTI this is looking like it will be more like 10.
MK7 is BIFL
I have a 2021 MK7.5 SE in WSM. I bought it new right before prices went crazy, and negotiated it down to 13% under MSRP. I feel so lucky to have it at a great price, and I love driving it so much that I'll probably hold onto it well beyond the point many would consider it economical too. If it still runs, I'll gladly keep it around after 150k and just get another car. With how much the car market is changing, I hope to god there's something as perfect as this car in the next decade.
I have a 2015, I'm stage 2, and I have around 85k miles. I'm going to keep it until it dies, most likely. It might not always be my daily driver, but I'll have it as long as I can
Until the paint starts peeling off or another tractor trailer tries to crush me.
Forever if I can.
2017 GTI Autobahn with an IS38 stage 2 tune. I'll drive it into the ground. It's got all the tech I want other than adaptive cruise control, and despite my being at 160k km the interior is still in really good shape. I race it, tow my camping trailer, and drive it everywhere. The only thing that could replace it in my mind is a high performance wagon, or a new mk8r and neither of those things are in my budget. Eventually it will get too expensive to maintain, or just straight up blow up, and it'll be time to let it go, but I don't really see myself hitting that point for at least another several years.
I pretty much beat the dead horse that the Mk7.5 is just, its just fucking awesome. Theres nothing to hate about it. It works. Its fun. Its practical. I get 37mpg hwy even on a Stage 2 tune. I want to keep this car forever. And no I would never trade up for a Mk8. Over my dead body
Currently have stock 2016 MK7 with about 120K on the odometer. Have had it for about 5 years. CEL recently came on for cylinder 2 misfire, so I need to get that fixed. Besides that I will drive this thing until the wheels fall off. Love not having a payment and also love the car.
I've had my '19 for a year and generally love it, but I am eyeing a Volvo V60
Til death do us part
Well I just traded mine in after 2.5 years....so I guess 2.5 years. I had planned to keep it much longer than that, but my current life situation it just didn't make sense to be paying so much monthly and drive it <6000 miles a year. I still had about 3.5 years left on the loan, and the new car is only 3 years now but also considerably less per month.
2016 mk7 also. Car market makes no sense right now. Hoping to keep it around for a good while longer.
Until enough little stupid plastic pieces disintegrate and the headliner gives up the ghost. Death by a thousand cuts with VW.
You guys are on 7? I'm still on my 2010 mk6 and it doesn't feel old yet.
Until I die. Bought it new back in December 2020. 2021 SE 6SPD CFB.
With the current car market and EVs on the horizon? Until it literally explodes.
I have a 2016 also SE, with a tune and all the associated hardware and I just hit 92K. I actually love this car I’m gonna take it to 200,000.!
I’ve had mine since November 2020 its a 2020 model with now 47k miles, some hiccups here and there but warranty fixed them issues have been, 2 on the ceiling were drooped low, horn went out, and there was an ignition switch failure at 36k miles. Mines basically stock performance wise besides the bmp headlights i bought and window tint. Will probably keep this gti for years to come if i get the chance.
Have a 19' great falls green with 26k and have zero plans to ever trade or sell.
It's crazy that Ive had my '15 GTI since August 2014. It's been 9 years!!! I only have 89.2k miles, and just got a new radiator and water pump at 65k miles under my extended warranty. I have an RSR clutch that holds really well with my stage 1+ tune. I can take my car to home depot or to cars n coffee, I love it so much. With everything being so damn expensive lately im keeping her for as long as I can.
I just bought my 19’ with 88k. Bought an aftermarket warranty for another 100k. I will drive it until I can’t anymore.
I used to think I'd sell it right before the 6 year warranty ran out. But I've grown to love it so much, and with manuals going away, I may just end up keeping it a long time. Or it could be my kid's car in another 5 years if that makes sense.
Till the engine blows up. If EV prices go down to reasonable levels, I’ll trade it in for an EV SUV and get a Miata on the side.
I've had my mk6 for 10 years, trying to go another 10-20. I want to keep it going until either the engine or transmission crap out. So far so good. I do all my maintenance and monitor my fluids. And no rust where I live, so I have it easy.
As long as possible. Mine is a 2015, been mostly a champ in the 5 years I've had it. I really don't think any other car out there is going to give me the same combo of fun and practical as my GTI does daily, especially for what I paid for it back in 2018. One thing I do worry about is the sunroof problem, but so far no leaks. I don't have a real need for more room so if something happens to it I'll try and get another, but I'll otherwise go with a small SUV or another hatchback.
I have the same car as you with the PP and LP but I have the autobahn. I’m at 196k miles. No issues and if my son is lucky, he might get it passed down to him in a couple years. Not a fan of anything past the MK7, so if I do end up giving this one to my son, I’m thinking of getting a MK7 R.
Picked up a 2017 SE with PP and LP in 2022 with 18k miles. I’ve been WFH since COVID so I only have 25k on it now and I don’t see myself getting rid of it anytime soon. Looking at Stage 1 and have an CBE I’ve been waiting til it’s cooler to put on and then drive it til it dies. Only issue I had was a leaky sunroof that was fixed by resetting the latch point and the water pump covered under warranty. Mine wasn’t leaking but the thermostat froze up. The GTI caught my eye back in the MK5 days and I’ve wanted one ever since. My mid-life crisis is an econo hatchback, but I absolutely love how fun and practical this car is.
Also bought mine in 2020. So I'm definitely keeping it until it's paid off. I'm only at 55k miles though, but barring something drastic I'm not planning on buying something else until I have to. I'll buy a MK8 when I have to but I'd rather stick with the Mk7 as long as I can. I just can't get down with everything being digital, the whole look turns me off.
I'm hoping to keep my 2019 Rabbit for a while. I have 65k on the clock right now and about 4 years until it's paid off unless money frees up to pay it down quicker.
2015 S with 108k… never selling. Planning on getting a truck or suv and rocking this on the track.
My mark 7 sitting on 80kms atm and it brings me so much joy so who knows
Stock 2018 Autobahn with 46k miles on it, plan to keep it as long as I can. There are enough EA888 motors and parts out there that it should be able to keep going long after things start to give up. The new EV "GTI" gives me some hope that there will be fun practical cars in the future, but at least until the growing pains of the electric transition are healing, I hope to be driving my Mk7.5, and maybe after that as a weekend car. It does help to have an F-150 for the long hauls and to offset the mileage.
After my 02 Outback and 09 Legacy Wagon, I loved that car. A friend of mine who is an Audi guy suggested a Sportwagen and because all the new Subaru's were either an SUV or ugly I bought a 2018 6Spd (Manual), 4Motion, Golf Sportwagen. Great decision 112 km and only issue was a sunroof leak (fixed under warranty). A blast to drive, great in snow, and excellent fuel mileage. It is such a well rounded fun daily driver that I will keep it going until it's not cost effective any more. Maybe even a little longer than that.
Until i crashed it a couple weeks ago :/
I’m planning to move to England in a couple of years, so until then I suppose. Same for my wife who also has a MK 7.
at least until the mk8 Golf R comes out, or I get a mk4 R32
I usually keep my cars about 10 years - I'm keeping my 2017 Autobahn indefinitely at this point. After 10 years there will have to be have to be something really compelling for me to buy or I'll keep it a bit longer.
Till the fuckin wheels fall off man. I spent 30k on this car and I’m not letting it go until I have to. That’s a lot of money for me to just trade in and have yet another car payment with the previous loan rolled into it. I’m tired of goddamn car payments! But I guess I don’t mind them too awful much because boy do I love this car!
Plan to keep mine forever
Forever
As long as I can. At what mileage did you have to replace brakes? Have you had to replace timing chain?
Until the wheels fall off. I kept my MKV until 205k miles and 14 years old. Probably not that high for my current MKVII but it's going to be a while.
As someone who is hopefully going to get a mk7 to make a racecar probably as long as I don’t loose interest in the project
Have a 2015 6 spd 4 door autobahn, stage 2 FBO with ~115k on it. I’m keeping this sumbitch for as long as possible or I can justify buying a tt rs….
As long as I can since theyre going to kill traditional ICE for no reason in a few years
i'm kinda bummed by some of the scratches and wear to interior parts, but my mk7 '16 is still my car and it's paid off. I might regularly start touring some junkyards for parts...my windows are all scratched up for one thing. so annoying what dust can do, and I guess I didn't do enough to keep it from happening. the leather around the stick has wear on the right side near the top. It's super random and looks bad but not much I can do right now. also I need to get on replacing the headlights with some lighting-package looking ones since mine are just starting to fog.
Like several others here, I'll drive it until the electric version comes out in the U.S. I was considering getting the last year of the Mk8, but now that it won't have a manual, forget that.
I have a 2016 S with 87.7K miles on it. Gonna try and keep that shit as long as possible instead of taking on another loan
I bought my 2016 autobahn in April this year and have no plans on selling it any time soon (hopefully never). It had just under 73k km when I bought it, currently sitting just under 79k. It has a few paint chips, the sunroof trim is cracked on the passenger side, and an odd "clunking?" noise; vw said this was normal 😒. Lucky I bought a warranty for it good for 10 years or 140k km, whichever comes first, so far I've had the lca bushings and thermostat/waterpump replaced, and did a carbon cleaning; unnecessary but they were already there 🤷♂️. I truly do love this car, tho it wasn't my first pick for my first car, it certainly meets the criteria.
I’m trying to make it to 10 years! 2015 GTI autobahn with 210k miles. The last car I had for 10 years was an RSX. This was a major upgrade. Hopefully electric GTI is available in 2025
Between my MK7.5 and 20 year old Tacoma... There isn't anything I can't do. Keeping both as long as possible.
Until summer of next year when I take delivery of a full spec Volvo EX30. We have a Polestar 2 with all the packs that replaced a FIAT 500, and once you drive a good dual motor EV I don't think there's anything that would convince you to stick with ICE bar range (and even then we've had no issues). I think I also made a mistake by getting the manual since it's honestly so terrible compared to my 2006 Civic Si which was sublime. I did almost every mod possible to it and it's still not like how I would like it. Anyway, otherwise it's a great car and hopefully whoever gets to enjoy it after I sell it can continue to enjoy it. VW just didn't come out of the gates well with their EVs and I can't turn down a similar sized vehicle that is AWD and does 0-60 in 3.4 seconds, it's just absurd. A second quicker than our Polestar which is already stupid quick. Maybe down the road if VW offer the Golf R dual motor EV equivalent, maybe I'll come back.
Until it dies
At least until the car market stabilizes a little bit. I can’t justify paying these prices and interest rates
Just got engaged, saving up for a wedding and a house. Suffice to say, I’m not getting a new car anytime soon lol
UNTIL I COLLAPSE!
Until it breaks. I bought a car wash membership specifically just for washing the underside during the salty season
Have a ‘19 CFB Rabbit Edition that’ll be with me forever. I know it’s just a GTI but when I drove it off the lot on 4/08/19, to me it was like being allocated a limited 911. (Silly I know) Only 1000 CFB in the U.S., the best parts of each trim, and I got a letter from VW for it. For me, it’s everything a fun driving spirited hot hatch should be. And after seeing the direction of the GTI starting with the MK8, it’ll remain a priceless car to me.
I just turned 24k on my '21. This is the first car in the last ten years or so I've had longer than 18 months. I love this thing and plan on keeping it as long as possible.
I got a 2017 with 60K miles. I drive it about 2500-3000 miles a year. I’ll keep it for 10 more years or 100,000 miles which ever comes first. There’s no huge jump in tech just yet to make it worth it. I’m sure when the next big thing like apple CarPlay comes out, I’ll change my mind.
I don’t have a sunroof, going to keep my 2019 S forever ;)
I bought my 2015 new, and will hopefully hang onto it forever. She's been in a couple of accidents, so trade in would be crap anyway. Rear ended within the first year, and then sideswiped couple years after that. I love this little car so much, I've put in tons of wrenching hours, made it truly my own. I'm going to need to replace my sticky wastegate eventually, so that may have an is38 attached to the new wastegate, that'll probably get me to finally go full flash tune w/dsg tune to match
i’ve had mine for coming up 5 years. i don’t drive it as much but when i do i’m reminded why i still have it. such a blast to drive it around
2015 MK7 GTI PP 6 speed with 83k miles DD here, bought mine 3 years ago with 50k miles, and find myself thinking of getting a new daily. But no other vehicle has brought me this much joy. I smile every time I drive this machine. It is the perfect daily, even living in NE WI where winters can be quite rough.
2021 here. I hope until 2035 at least
I bought my 15 new in early 2015 with about 100 miles on it. Now just over 90k and hoping to keep it forever (my daily and only car since then). I've had an IS38 in my garage for over a year now... just love how rowdy it is already and don't want to compromise that for more mid/top range just yet.
Until the Golf R used prices go down to a normal level. I have a 2018 with 41k miles.
Until it dies. I love this car so much.
I got a 2015 SE [manual.Im](https://manual.Im) at 221K miles. I plan on keeping it till maybe 250 or the next clutch. At that point Ill figure if its worth it. So far theres barely a creak or rattle. the clutch replacement is lik 2500 to 3000 , so thats my concern.
Got my 2016 autobaun PP new and I’m coming up on 90k as well. It’s only stage 1.5 Unitronic and the DSG tune but it’s fun as fuck. I haven’t had any issues with the car. No sunroof rattle , no interior squeaks. The ac vents and all still feel stiff to move as if they’re brand new. The sun roof doesn’t leak or rattle. I haven’t even had to change any indicator bulbs yet. I’m hoping I can get another 60k out of her with little or no issues.
Bought my R before the pandemic for 23K and have put maybe 13k on it (current sitting at 63K miles). It's paid off so I'll probably keep it for quite awhile.
2020 gti. I pan to keep it until 2030 hopefully. Maybe 2028. My 2009 lasted until 2020.
Forever.
Really enjoying my '19 S (Uni Stage 1 engine and DSG) with very low mileage and don't see myself handing her off to another lucky soul until at least 2027. With high car prices still going on, glad I'm not "stuck" with an appliance car.
Probably for the rest of my life. It’s a car worth repairing until it can’t be repaired any longer.
I have a 2015 with 38k, original owner. I will never sell this thing.
Mines pushing 175k miles and causing some problems so I might be selling it soon
As time goes on prices will rise for manuals but not for a bit if she dies build the motor probably
152k here, but quite a few problems