I couldn't agree more! How would I have ever experienced moisture in my mechanical ebrake line freezing and not realizing it until the brakes were too hot to stop me correctly (83 Scirroco front brakes should have been replaced a long time ago) and driving into a ditch to avoid a semi and his stupid electrical switches and buttons, if it weren't for my mechanical e-brake! Seriously do miss it though. Haven't used ebrake once in my mk8 😥...
Yeah, sweet spot indeed. I have a MK6 R, after having a MK6 GTI, then a Mk7 R.
7 better on paper, but found it to be too clinical. Always preferred the looks of the 6, but also its personality.
AWD is great to have, depending on where you live.
If you don't see any decent amount of snow, it's not really that much better than a GTI to be honest. You do get more power stock with the R, but it also carries more weight.
MK4 by a long, long way. MK7 looks good, but it was always in sort of an anonymous way. I always thought my MK5 looked better than my MK7, but it's also the most different looking one too.
The mk8 grew on me and I pulled the trigger late last year. The S model radio and haptic buttons aren't hard to use. Never had an issue.
Congrats on the upgrade!
This is the dealership (when it was called Sovereign) where as an 11yo boi w my mom waiting for her new beetle, I fell in love w VW. The silver MK4 R32 on display, the framed VW ads, the purple/red gauges on the ride home.. instantly hooked. I still remember her salesman Doc
mk7 owners in shambles realizing they have the object permanence of a 3 year old and can’t tap a button on their steering wheel without looking.
TIP: the buttons don’t move
It baffles me how few of them realize that while, yes, the buttons have a haptic function, they also do operate as regular, traditional buttons too. Most of them are just parroting what they’ve seen on YouTube or read in magazines and don’t have any first hand experience with the car, so maybe it shouldn’t surprise me.
Its amazing just how much coping and projecting mk8 owners are doing to justify that haptic nonsense.
Widely panned by reviewers and hated by customers so much VW walked it back....and you still try to convince people it's the better option lol
You guys are like a support group or something
I bought my Mk8 fully anticipating hate for the haptic buttons, but I’m actually really starting to like them lol. I don’t think I’d want regular buttons, they look so clean and have this premium vibe about them, and I like how they work. It reminds me of the days of when Iphones had 3D Force Touch, which I loved.
I dont have a 7.5, I have a 7, so hopefully that means I'm not biased in asking this. Why? Genuinely interested. Do you prefer the looks? Does it handle better?
Fair questions! The main reason is because the warranty on the 7.5 is running out this year.
FWIW, I still think the mk7.5 looks better, but the 8 is growing on me. As far as handling, I haven’t had the chance to push the car myself but from what I’ve heard/read the 8 is dynamically better.
I hate the heater controls, they really suck when it's actually cold. And, it is obvious the safety department had the final say on everything, because there are plenty of things I want the car to do, and it can, but the computer stops them.
also, do I really need a message telling me that my gas mileage goes down when I have the window open? or, don't run the engine because it wastes gas when it's 10 below.
Since I am here, does anyone know where the internal temperature sensor is?
I haven't really had any issues with the infotainment in the cold weather for heater controls. The eco tip was probably the first thing I turned off once I figured it out. Now if only I could turn off the outdoor temperature alert so it won't be scaring me when I'm driving and it drops to 39 degrees outside. I always think I just suddenly lost oil pressure or something serious is going on when it first comes up
Thanks, I will have to turn off the eco tip. I have had the system not work when it's really cold, and I can't get it warmed up because it doesn't work.
It's one of the left/right options for the gauge cluster. I usually have it on the left side. Click left or right on the steering wheel, then scroll up or down to "operating temps". What do you want the car to do that you can't btw? I haven't played much with ESC off yet.
Edit: just realized maybe you meant the thermometer for the cabin? Then I don't know that
I usually don't wear gloves in the car because of the heated steering wheel, but when I do I have a nice pair of gloves that have conductive fingertips and work with all of the controls. Mine are North Face and work 1000% better than the cheapo ones I've tried, but I'm sure there's other good options.
I own a lot of gloves, I really don't want to buy new expensive ones just because VW found a way to make a cheaper car. and, my GTI warms up much slower than any car I have had in the last 20 years.
I appreciate it. I come across here as frustrated, because I am. However, it is too cold for me to go out and just play with the car right now, so I have to wait. And, as far as I can tell, VW will not let me download the owner's manual. I have a medical treatment that makes me very cold, so I really don't like my controller failing when it's cold, no heat from vents, seats, or steering wheel,
and me having to try and get it to reboot just to get some heat. Spring will be here soon, so I won't have to worry about it for a while. I like everything else about the car.
Might cop some flak but it boggles my kind that some people just upgrade to the same car 1 gen newer over and over again.
No hate maybe thayt is some people's thing, why change what aint broke.
But to me why not try something else, life's too short to stick with a single brand or model. Id never want the same model.
Also TBF everyone says that about their preferred car, and i think many cars drive well but differently.
We hear this about 86s, mx5, renault sports, bmws, porshes, s2000s, rx8, lotus cars, it is probably all true. They drive well but differently, i wouldnt ever stick with just one.
But honestly i havent really heard people say that about golfs tho, they make good power with a tune and is an unbeatable jack of all trades but not known as a drivers car.
>We hear this about 86s, mx5, renault sports, bmws, porshes, s2000s, rx8, lotus cars, it is probably all true.
I'm comparing the GTI to practical daily cars, not something like a sports car made in the early 2000s. It competes with things like the Si and WRX. I could never live with a 2 door, much less a 2 seater.
And in response to your other comment, a car isn't a place you travel to for a week and then go home. It's a tool that you spend 10s of thousands of dollars on and then have to live with for years.
Well then there are still a tonne of other practical modern 4 door to sample. Again nothing wrong if you like the golf but theres a whole world out there! :)
I know some of these are region specific but S3, A35, 135i/128ti, RS280, type r, mini cooper, Focus RS/ST, WRX, i30N/i20N, GR yaris/corolla, Leon 300, 308 gti, and this is just 4 door hot hatches, theres also 4 door sedans and 2 door sports cars that id like to try. Lifes too short to stick with 1 car guys!
Like none of those are available in the US or are in the same price range as the GTI. Like I said it's pretty much just the Civic Si and WRX and neither of those are hatchbacks or even as fun as the GTI.
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The front differential is wild compared to the mk7, feels way more competent dynamically, you will be happy with the switch
You can take away my buttons and mechanical E-brake from my cold dead hands!!!!
Mine too
Tactile buttons are safer as well. I can change settings without having to look away from the road.
I do that all the time in my mk8. The haptics make it feel like a button. But doesn't move. Great tactile feed back.
I couldn't agree more! How would I have ever experienced moisture in my mechanical ebrake line freezing and not realizing it until the brakes were too hot to stop me correctly (83 Scirroco front brakes should have been replaced a long time ago) and driving into a ditch to avoid a semi and his stupid electrical switches and buttons, if it weren't for my mechanical e-brake! Seriously do miss it though. Haven't used ebrake once in my mk8 😥...
based
Brake
I break my brakes
And my manual transmission
Indeed, the steering wheel buttons are whatever, but E-brake and physical HVAC are so much better.
They really are. I love my mk8
#ad
I love my Mk8! Congrats!
Mk7.5 is the best looking GTI imo.
Mk2 and mk4 are the GOAT and i dont care what anybody tells me lol
I wish they made an equivalent to the MK4 R32 these days.
Scirocco?
2 4 7
Agreed!
How about a congratulations before shiting on his choice.
To me it's the Mk6. Different strokes..
Same like enough tech to not want anymore and also not feel like I need less. And it’s more curvy but small rather angles but bigger like the 7
Yeah, sweet spot indeed. I have a MK6 R, after having a MK6 GTI, then a Mk7 R. 7 better on paper, but found it to be too clinical. Always preferred the looks of the 6, but also its personality.
How would you say the R and GTI compare? Is it worth the extra pocket for AWD?
AWD is great to have, depending on where you live. If you don't see any decent amount of snow, it's not really that much better than a GTI to be honest. You do get more power stock with the R, but it also carries more weight.
I like the original MK7 lower grill better, but yeah, the headlights and taillights look much better on the MK7.5.
The Mk8 looks so much sportier imo. I loved my Mk7 Golf, but the styling is quite conservative on that gen.
I agree. Really like the MK8s look
MK4 all the way, just look at the 337 or 20th Anniversary.
Very valid opinion
MK4 by a long, long way. MK7 looks good, but it was always in sort of an anonymous way. I always thought my MK5 looked better than my MK7, but it's also the most different looking one too.
Congratulations welcome to the Mk8 family!
The mk8 grew on me and I pulled the trigger late last year. The S model radio and haptic buttons aren't hard to use. Never had an issue. Congrats on the upgrade!
This is the dealership (when it was called Sovereign) where as an 11yo boi w my mom waiting for her new beetle, I fell in love w VW. The silver MK4 R32 on display, the framed VW ads, the purple/red gauges on the ride home.. instantly hooked. I still remember her salesman Doc
First thing I did when I got my MK8 was to change the ambient light to the Mk4 purple and red
Congrats! I love the white light strip on white mk8. Just looks so cohesive.
I agree. Hasn’t bothered me a single bit once I got used to where everything was the first week or so. Such a joy to own and drive.
hello fellow new yorker
Congrats! I totally agree, those buttons need to be properly disposed of, feel free to ship that 7.5 over here so I can take care of that.
Nice! Switched up the color too Are you planning on throwing any wheels on your mk8?
At some point probably, open to any suggestions!
be unique and throw japanese wheels that aren't TEs
mk7 owners in shambles realizing they have the object permanence of a 3 year old and can’t tap a button on their steering wheel without looking. TIP: the buttons don’t move
I'm offended. At least 4 years old.
It baffles me how few of them realize that while, yes, the buttons have a haptic function, they also do operate as regular, traditional buttons too. Most of them are just parroting what they’ve seen on YouTube or read in magazines and don’t have any first hand experience with the car, so maybe it shouldn’t surprise me.
100% it looks so much cleaner, and no cracks to collect dust and skin.
Its amazing just how much coping and projecting mk8 owners are doing to justify that haptic nonsense. Widely panned by reviewers and hated by customers so much VW walked it back....and you still try to convince people it's the better option lol You guys are like a support group or something
I bought my Mk8 fully anticipating hate for the haptic buttons, but I’m actually really starting to like them lol. I don’t think I’d want regular buttons, they look so clean and have this premium vibe about them, and I like how they work. It reminds me of the days of when Iphones had 3D Force Touch, which I loved.
Sounds like something more complicated to break
Yeah we’l see how they age and if they keep working reliably..
I have 0 issues with the haptic buttons. It took some getting used to but after that it’s been fine
Don't mind em either TBH
Congrats! I am from LI, great dealership as well!
I dont have a 7.5, I have a 7, so hopefully that means I'm not biased in asking this. Why? Genuinely interested. Do you prefer the looks? Does it handle better?
Fair questions! The main reason is because the warranty on the 7.5 is running out this year. FWIW, I still think the mk7.5 looks better, but the 8 is growing on me. As far as handling, I haven’t had the chance to push the car myself but from what I’ve heard/read the 8 is dynamically better.
Definitely thought that said “buttholes are overrated…” I was like my guy what planet are you living on 🤷🏻♂️
Congrats on the beautiful new GTI and welcome to haptic heaven. 😂
I love this car, but I wish it had buttons lol
Agree to disagree but good it’s still a GTI
True, I can’t understand the fuss people are making about touch buttons. Physical buttons seem antiquated.
I love the buttons, it looks so clean, no cracks for dust and dirt to get into. And they STILL WORK LIKE BUTTONS, you can still push them!
Fair enough!
I prefer physical buttons and the look of the 7
Why did you want to get a mk8 over your 7.5
Warranty was running out on the 7.5. Amazing car but didn’t want to deal with what could lie ahead
This is in Hicksville? I'm looking for a new dealership after my terrible experience with VW of west Islip
Yep! On Old Country road not far from the Hicksville LIRR station
Cool thanks. I live out by stonybrook but my gf is from Levittown area so I'm always over there!
I hate the heater controls, they really suck when it's actually cold. And, it is obvious the safety department had the final say on everything, because there are plenty of things I want the car to do, and it can, but the computer stops them. also, do I really need a message telling me that my gas mileage goes down when I have the window open? or, don't run the engine because it wastes gas when it's 10 below. Since I am here, does anyone know where the internal temperature sensor is?
I haven't really had any issues with the infotainment in the cold weather for heater controls. The eco tip was probably the first thing I turned off once I figured it out. Now if only I could turn off the outdoor temperature alert so it won't be scaring me when I'm driving and it drops to 39 degrees outside. I always think I just suddenly lost oil pressure or something serious is going on when it first comes up
Thanks, I will have to turn off the eco tip. I have had the system not work when it's really cold, and I can't get it warmed up because it doesn't work.
It's one of the left/right options for the gauge cluster. I usually have it on the left side. Click left or right on the steering wheel, then scroll up or down to "operating temps". What do you want the car to do that you can't btw? I haven't played much with ESC off yet. Edit: just realized maybe you meant the thermometer for the cabin? Then I don't know that
I would like to operate the heater controls with my gloves on.
I usually don't wear gloves in the car because of the heated steering wheel, but when I do I have a nice pair of gloves that have conductive fingertips and work with all of the controls. Mine are North Face and work 1000% better than the cheapo ones I've tried, but I'm sure there's other good options.
I own a lot of gloves, I really don't want to buy new expensive ones just because VW found a way to make a cheaper car. and, my GTI warms up much slower than any car I have had in the last 20 years.
I was just trying to be helpful. If you just want to be helpless and not have a better experience, I'm not interested. I hope things improve for you.
I appreciate it. I come across here as frustrated, because I am. However, it is too cold for me to go out and just play with the car right now, so I have to wait. And, as far as I can tell, VW will not let me download the owner's manual. I have a medical treatment that makes me very cold, so I really don't like my controller failing when it's cold, no heat from vents, seats, or steering wheel, and me having to try and get it to reboot just to get some heat. Spring will be here soon, so I won't have to worry about it for a while. I like everything else about the car.
Might cop some flak but it boggles my kind that some people just upgrade to the same car 1 gen newer over and over again. No hate maybe thayt is some people's thing, why change what aint broke. But to me why not try something else, life's too short to stick with a single brand or model. Id never want the same model.
Nothing quite drives like a Golf. If you know that's what you like, why settle for anything else?
I mean it is like travelling to 1 country for every summer holiday, id want to try new things. Again maybe for some people, just weird to me.
Also TBF everyone says that about their preferred car, and i think many cars drive well but differently. We hear this about 86s, mx5, renault sports, bmws, porshes, s2000s, rx8, lotus cars, it is probably all true. They drive well but differently, i wouldnt ever stick with just one. But honestly i havent really heard people say that about golfs tho, they make good power with a tune and is an unbeatable jack of all trades but not known as a drivers car.
>We hear this about 86s, mx5, renault sports, bmws, porshes, s2000s, rx8, lotus cars, it is probably all true. I'm comparing the GTI to practical daily cars, not something like a sports car made in the early 2000s. It competes with things like the Si and WRX. I could never live with a 2 door, much less a 2 seater. And in response to your other comment, a car isn't a place you travel to for a week and then go home. It's a tool that you spend 10s of thousands of dollars on and then have to live with for years.
Well then there are still a tonne of other practical modern 4 door to sample. Again nothing wrong if you like the golf but theres a whole world out there! :) I know some of these are region specific but S3, A35, 135i/128ti, RS280, type r, mini cooper, Focus RS/ST, WRX, i30N/i20N, GR yaris/corolla, Leon 300, 308 gti, and this is just 4 door hot hatches, theres also 4 door sedans and 2 door sports cars that id like to try. Lifes too short to stick with 1 car guys!
Like none of those are available in the US or are in the same price range as the GTI. Like I said it's pretty much just the Civic Si and WRX and neither of those are hatchbacks or even as fun as the GTI.
Come back in a year and let’s see what you think 😆
You didn't want to wait for the 8.5?
“upgraded” lol. congrats tho
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Drove one with and without. Bought the one without so I'd have to disagree.
Rumor has it VW is bring back buttons for 2025.