After a lengthy search to replace my trusty Mini Countryman, I finally set my sights on a MK7 GTI. The Volkswagen Golf GTI MK7, especially the 2016 model, had everything I was looking for in a performance hatchback. My initial search led me to a GTI MK7 in Inverness that seemed promising online, boasting a tempting price. Excited at the prospect, I embarked on a two-and-a-half-hour drive, only to be met with disappointment. The car’s condition was far from what was advertised; the bonnet’s paintwork was poor, paint was peeling within the wing, and crucial service records for the belt and water pump were missing. To top it off, the car’s alignment was noticeably off, and the clutch felt worryingly worn.
Frustrated but not defeated, I decided to grab lunch in Aviemore on my drive back. While at a cafe, I resumed my search for MK7 GTIs online. That’s when I spotted it: a 3-door, Launch Edition, manual GTI MK7 in black, listed at the top. This 2016 GTI MK7 ticked all my boxes. It was perfectly specced and, importantly, was supplied by VW Aberdeen, which included a valuable 2-year warranty and roadside assistance. While black wasn’t my ideal color and it stretched my budget slightly, the fact it was a one-owner car with just 25,000 miles on the clock sealed the deal.
I immediately drove to Aberdeen, arriving just before closing on December 30th, to view this potential gem. A test drive confirmed my hopes, and I put down a deposit right away. After some minor work and wheel refurbishment by the dealership, I picked up my new GTI MK7. Every moment since has been a joy. Although it quickly got dirty thanks to the winter weather, this photo captures the excitement just after the sale, when I returned with the Mini’s paperwork.
Naturally, my car enthusiast friends were eager to see the new ride. Here it is just two days later – already showing the effects of a typical winter. The black paint might require regular cleaning, but it highlights the sporty lines of the GTI MK7.
Finally, a glimpse of the GTI MK7 after a much-needed clean. The black paintwork gleams, showcasing the iconic GTI styling cues. The red accents and sporty stance are prominent even in a still image.
Work has kept me busy, meaning I haven’t had as much driving time as I’d like, but I’m looking forward to putting more miles on the clock soon. One surprising aspect is its practicality – it easily accommodates a full set of Porsche alloys without even needing to fold the seats down. The GTI MK7 proves to be both economical and practical when needed, yet delivers exhilarating performance and driving fun whenever desired.
As for future modifications, I’m considering some OEM+ enhancements, but nothing feels urgently needed. For now, simply enjoying the GTI MK7 in its current form is more than enough. The 2016 GTI MK7 has truly proven to be the perfect upgrade, blending performance, practicality, and driving pleasure in one compelling package.
