[Badhobz]

Originally Posted by Badhobz

2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn aka Hitler Box

Its been about 6000kms since mid June so i figure id give it a review.





Pros:
- It really does drive very nice for a FWD hatch. Reminds me a lot of the MK7 sportwagen i had before, but with more power, better handling, and overall compliance. Ive put my foot down through corners and it doesnt seem to wash out or understeer as much (still some) as the old sportwagen (although it was 4motion).
- Im glad i got the 6 speed manual but there are some quirks that go into the cons section with this paticular transmission
- the size is perfect, im able to fit into spaces downtown and around east van without any trouble.
- Tech is great. The autonomous driving is quite good, it can stay in its own lane on the highway and use that adaptive cruise functionality without any real issues. I havent tried it in the rain, but it seems to do okay.
- Infotainment is fine, no issues with it.
- Front seats are comfortable, back seats are meh.
- its pretty quick! especially when you are in boost. it goes like stink

Cons:
- Build quality is horseshit. Literally the worst built car ive ever owned. Worst than the mk7 sportwagen that was assembled in mexico. This is suppose to be good!!! its built in wolfsburg. The cost cutting is noticeable and significant. No more hood struts, hard plastics everywhere, rattles and squeaks galore. The door jams are so poor aligned that when you go over a bump, it creaks cuz the plastics are rubbing against the body. Its gotten so bad, i had to add this tape to quiet it down. People just think im ricing out my car, but in reality its just to cover up german incompetence

Both door panels needed to be replaced. TWICE. due to the clips rattling behind
Ive taken apart like 3 pieces of the dash already to add additional sound deafening materials. GARBAGE

- Rides a bit harsh, even on the most comfortable setting. Im glad i didnt get a CTR because im pretty sure that'll break my back. I think it could be these low profile 19 inch tires and wheels. Im thinking about putting in 17's with wayyy more sidewall to make it less jarring

- The 1->2 shift on this 6 speed manual is pretty bad. In order to sort of smooth it out, you need to either short shift it like crazy, or rev it up to about 4k and then slowly release the clutch. Neither of this is fast, nor all that smooth. ive basically just bypassed the whole thing and start off in 2nd.

Exit Interview:

Its been 1.5 weeks since i got rid of the hitlerbox and i dont really miss it.
While i drove the nuts off it the first few months in 2024, i drove it less and less as the year wore on. By mid 2025, it sat for sometimes weeks at a time as i try my best to rotate through my fleet.

I think the overall experience was pleasant, and if i only had one car, it would have been an acceptable compromise between sporty and comfy, but as an old man, i found it neither here nor there and resulting in me picking either something more comfortable like the ES, more practical like the RX, or more sporty and drop top like the LC.

The steering was pretty good, but numb (like most modern EPS units). The power was great and the turbo lag was almost a non issue for my application. Plus i guess its sporty enough if you turned it to sport mode. However the stock exhaust note was a joke and the shifter even with mods still isnt up to snuff compared to an OEM Honda unit.

The seats are supremely good and comfortable, plus they held up to wear, after 1.5 years they look brand new even with a million dog hair sticking in them. The tech was fine after a few recalls on the infotainment but the build quality was the one thing that bugged the shit out of me. The creaks and rattles drove me to the dealership 6 times during the 1.5 years. Multiple panels were replaced and the cost cutting were just insane compared to the mk7/7.5. After seeing DJstylez supremely sweet 7.5 GTI, it made mine look like a shitty mess and thats what cemented my decision to sell it.

Auf Wiedersehen HitlerBox
P.s. this is the shortest lease ive ever had. I dont think ive ever given up a car after 1.5 years.