Learn me Mk5 GTi/GLI

Title says it all, I'm looking at bottom of the market cars in the 7-9k dollar range... What do I need to know?

Buddy has one, an 08. On the earlier cars (FSI, 08 and down), there are a few problems.

One is blow-by with the PCV. This is his biggest bitch. He talks about getting some sort of plate to allow a tent-to-atmosphere catch can. Honestly, I don't see how this would solve the problem but rather mask it.

Apparently, there was an update done to the cam follower for the fuel pump to make it more reliable.

There is also something in regards to the fuel pump. On vehicles with a tune, it can allegedly place undue wear on the cam lobe, whether you have the updated follower or not.

The car drives nice, makes nice sounds with an opened up exhaust. Personally, I didn't like the DSG, it feels clunky around town.

He's had a few electrical gremlins (seat pressure sensor is most recent that comes to mind), but that should be expected from a VAG product.

All in all, it's a pretty nice car. He's got a "Stage 2" tune from Revo, catless DP, and CAI. I wouldn't do much more than that. Apparently anything over that requires a modified fuel pump to meet the demand of the engine.

Also, don't buy black. You will wash the car, and it will rain overnight. It will look like E36 M3 by the next morning.

Haha the one I was looking at is black

I'm not familiar with the PCV stuff? Guess I'm not familiar with turbo cars at all!

Any idea what real world mileage they get?

I had an 09 MKV, it had the roller follower for the HPFP. I think that solved the HPFP follower problems. The TSI and FSI engines tend to build up crud in the intake from the crankcase ventilation system and the direct injection not cleaning the intake with fuel. I dont really know of a proven and legal solution to this problem. Some guys run catch cans that vent to atmosphere and send all that crankcase gunk out into the atmosphere. That is obviously illegal though...

The interior is great, much nicer than most other cars in the segment. I also had the DSG and I had several problems with it that led to me getting rid of the car. I loved the way the DSG drove and I certainly hope VW has improved the design. The problems spooked me. I suppose anyone can have problems with any car but to have major problems with the DSG with no solution in sight was too much for me.

I got about 30mpg day to day.

Thanks for the good info!