Your videos have convinced me to get the S trim as my first new car! Having fun with the dealer because I'm 22 with no previous car/student loan or any other non-credit card credit history, and apparently I would've been approved to finance it if the car were on the lot the same day, but the salesman has to check with the general manager if I can be allowed to order one lol.
Dude, you make good car videos. I found your video on the GTI base model to be very informative. I especially appreciate the financing that you went into with the M2 in another video. I like the full out raw, unedited authenticity with which you speak your thoughts. It’s unfiltered and resonates more. Now, I have a 2024 GTI base model as well. Id like to share my GTI financing if that’s ok. And let me know how I did. Online MSRP for GTI base (dsg option) is around 33.1, but my dealerships mark up was 33.9. I got the salesman from 33.9 > 33.4 > 32.9 > 32.4. There was also another bogus fee which was $129 for waxing and polishing and I got him to take that off too. There was nothing else here besides $80 wheel locks and registration fee and plate transfer fee. And 4.9% 60 months financing. I think I did well up to this point. But then I got hungry and bought a ton of options - the muddy buddy mats including the trunk one. Those are expensive! But… they mold so beautifully. I also got the mud flaps, the base rails and the ski sliders. Total was $1350 but negotiated 20% off at 1150. This is where I think I screwed up, so I went from great to just fine. I wanted to see if I could get another 10-20% off of the accessories but the initial negotiation (as I felt) was good and could have turned petty from there, ruining the experience. At the end, I negotiated a total price of 35.4 for the car with options and taxes and fees. How did I do? I’m serious, I’d love to hear your thoughts. And, if I didn’t do so well, let me know that too! Insurance… man… I went from $290/ 6 months to $820/ 6 months. Granted I was only having 1 way, and now have graduated to full comprehensive coverage.
Hi, thank you for the support. You got a decent deal in my opinion. If it were me and I wanted accessories, I’d look for the lowest price online and see if the dealer would price match. As far as the car, I’d shoot for 1-3k off MSRP given the market now. Anything below MSRP is decent. You also got the special 4.9 / 60 rate. You did well.
Note on this: as of 2023 (so not 2022 MY) the S has the same headlights as all other trims. So the projectors, and led bar turn signal etc. Still no grille light bar but the headlights are were the main reason I was iffy on the S in 22. Just got my 23 S this week though. MSRP only went up like $200 so it’s practically a free upgrade between model years.
@@JVette01 I got lucky, I had a deposit on a 22 to get here in June, but it got delayed all the way to August, so when they announced the headlight change in July I was able to cancel my deposit and wait
I just bought a 2024 model, I love it but some people have said I should have gone to the high end model. I can't get my Samsung 23 phone to properly work with it. I had a beetle convertible before this one. I like the red I have but I wouldn't mind more colour choices to emphasize uniqueness. Great video. It made me feel better with my choice. 😊
No sunroof is a plus I think.....if it breaks its a very expensive fix. Slick top looks better too imo. I agree with pretty much all of your points. With the standard options the S trim is really all anyone needs. My last car was a 2005 Toyota Corolla....needless to say the jump in features and technology between that and this "base" trim GTI is just insane.
I agree with your thoughts on the S trim 100%. But, please get rid of those awful wheels and get some VMR v710s or BBS CH-R wheels or something like that instead.
I congratulate you on your new car. I really am not a fan the back looks nice front not a fan. The haptic buttons not my thing but one thing I will say the base at least has knobs. Or at least the one I have seen.
I was about to trade in my 2015 GTI for a mk8. currently interest rates are really high if you are looking for financing. I suggest just waiting at least till summer for things to settle down.
I wish I could have gotten a trim higher for the sun roof, but I have the base model. I’ve had it for 8 months, 8k miles including a 15 hundred mile trip. I’ve put an exhaust, intake and BOV on her. Honestly previously owning a bmw, I love the GTI MK8.
Thanks for the video. I am enjoying the details you uncover. One question, the VW USA website shows the “S”, “Autobahn” and “SE” as trim progression. “SE” being the top adding to the Autobahn trim with moon roof, etc. Was this your experience. Thanks
The Autobahn has a nicer audio system with subwoofer in the rear tire... besides the larger LCD. Also, VW no longer offers SiriusXM radio standard on the "S" trim, which, is about as cheap and petty as they could get, in my opinion. It costs VW minimal to include SiriusXM radio in their infotainment system, yet they were too cheap to include it with the "S" trim starting with either the Mk 7.5 models or the first Mk8 model, I forget which. Sorry for the rant... I just think if SiriusXM were not still something customers wanted then VW wouldn't still be including it as standard in the Autobahn trim, and offering it in the "SE" trim... not to mention SiriusXM would be out of business by now. Petty, Volkswagen... just petty! My problem is I still love quite a few channels SiriusXM offers. They have an aftermarket kit to include it in the GTI "S", but it's not anywhere near the experience as VW's usual factory-standard SiriusXM. The interface is nowhere near as good with the SiruisXM add-on option. For those of us who still use it, it's still a feature needed. VW not offering it standard on all models now is BS! They could at least offer it as an option when having an "S" built to customer specs. Finally, the Autobahn gets factory Navigation also. But with Apple CarPlay and assorted Map apps, who needs it! One must pay for yearly Nav updates from VW anyway. Anyway, I agree with you on almost all points. Another good and informative vid. Thanks!
How’s the sound system ?? I got a base model 2018 Honda Civic lx which has 4 speakers but it’s Honda so it cheap speakers but I got it because it was my first car. I wanted the se because I wanted the Harman sound system and the leather seats but it would be 41k not including taxes vs this car which is 35k including taxes but I love my music. Would love to hear feedback on the speaker system
@@JVette01 Your reasoning on S choice versus the others make total sense, but I’m probably going to end up doing the same thing you did. The Audubon is too close to the R and right now they are plentiful. Quad plus suspension. The Nuremberg, sorry Apple insists, will correct, Nurburgring, thx Apple, only on R too, for select suspension?
1:17 Could the amber sidelights not be better integrated into the headlight design, so that they are not so obvious, like the Honda Civic? IMHO, they can be such an eyesore.
Your videos have convinced me to get the S trim as my first new car! Having fun with the dealer because I'm 22 with no previous car/student loan or any other non-credit card credit history, and apparently I would've been approved to finance it if the car were on the lot the same day, but the salesman has to check with the general manager if I can be allowed to order one lol.
That’s awesome! You’ll love it!
Yes, please go over the process of buying a GTI and what you've experienced during your visit at the dealership!
Absolutely! I’ll go over that in a future video. Stay tuned!
Just bought a new 2024 GTI S model , also in King's Red. Can't wait for it to be delivered. Awesome vid. 🚗
Congrats!
I agree, the base is the way to go. Also has some physical knobs for volume, etc. I wish you could get AWD w out having to buy an R.
Honestly I don’t think that it should have awd I think it’s just as fun with fwd by keeping it light and that lsd really helps with understeer
Dude, you make good car videos. I found your video on the GTI base model to be very informative. I especially appreciate the financing that you went into with the M2 in another video. I like the full out raw, unedited authenticity with which you speak your thoughts. It’s unfiltered and resonates more.
Now, I have a 2024 GTI base model as well. Id like to share my GTI financing if that’s ok. And let me know how I did.
Online MSRP for GTI base (dsg option) is around 33.1, but my dealerships mark up was 33.9. I got the salesman from 33.9 > 33.4 > 32.9 > 32.4. There was also another bogus fee which was $129 for waxing and polishing and I got him to take that off too. There was nothing else here besides $80 wheel locks and registration fee and plate transfer fee. And 4.9% 60 months financing. I think I did well up to this point.
But then I got hungry and bought a ton of options - the muddy buddy mats including the trunk one. Those are expensive! But… they mold so beautifully. I also got the mud flaps, the base rails and the ski sliders. Total was $1350 but negotiated 20% off at 1150. This is where I think I screwed up, so I went from great to just fine. I wanted to see if I could get another 10-20% off of the accessories but the initial negotiation (as I felt) was good and could have turned petty from there, ruining the experience.
At the end, I negotiated a total price of 35.4 for the car with options and taxes and fees. How did I do? I’m serious, I’d love to hear your thoughts. And, if I didn’t do so well, let me know that too!
Insurance… man… I went from $290/ 6 months to $820/ 6 months. Granted I was only having 1 way, and now have graduated to full comprehensive coverage.
Hi, thank you for the support. You got a decent deal in my opinion. If it were me and I wanted accessories, I’d look for the lowest price online and see if the dealer would price match. As far as the car, I’d shoot for 1-3k off MSRP given the market now. Anything below MSRP is decent. You also got the special 4.9 / 60 rate. You did well.
Exactly why I've bought a base model. 🤘🤘🤘
Note on this: as of 2023 (so not 2022 MY) the S has the same headlights as all other trims. So the projectors, and led bar turn signal etc.
Still no grille light bar but the headlights are were the main reason I was iffy on the S in 22. Just got my 23 S this week though. MSRP only went up like $200 so it’s practically a free upgrade between model years.
I know! I’m kinda salty haha
@@JVette01 I got lucky, I had a deposit on a 22 to get here in June, but it got delayed all the way to August, so when they announced the headlight change in July I was able to cancel my deposit and wait
Is this for US only?
I just bought a 2024 model, I love it but some people have said I should have gone to the high end model. I can't get my Samsung 23 phone to properly work with it. I had a beetle convertible before this one. I like the red I have but I wouldn't mind more colour choices to emphasize uniqueness. Great video. It made me feel better with my choice. 😊
No sunroof is a plus I think.....if it breaks its a very expensive fix. Slick top looks better too imo. I agree with pretty much all of your points. With the standard options the S trim is really all anyone needs. My last car was a 2005 Toyota Corolla....needless to say the jump in features and technology between that and this "base" trim GTI is just insane.
Absolutely!
I only wish the base had the hood wide headlight. I love that look
The light bar is cool i agree!
I agree with your thoughts on the S trim 100%. But, please get rid of those awful wheels and get some VMR v710s or BBS CH-R wheels or something like that instead.
If I still had the car, I’d look into it. I’ve since bought a golf r and now rs3 since this car lol
I love the Mustang videos Man keep up the great work.
Thanks! Will do
In my opinion, the SE is the way to go if buying used.. for 2k more you get a bigger screen, leather seats and upgraded speakers
Used is a different story
I congratulate you on your new car. I really am not a fan the back looks nice front not a fan. The haptic buttons not my thing but one thing I will say the base at least has knobs. Or at least the one I have seen.
For me it’s the bleepin BUTTONS (Volume/dial) as a main advantage over pricier models with the touch only infotainment
The volume knob is nice. The other knob I never use.
I was about to trade in my 2015 GTI for a mk8. currently interest rates are really high if you are looking for financing. I suggest just waiting at least till summer for things to settle down.
Bit of an update. I purchased the 40th anniversary. Comes with DCC ,IQ lights and clubsport wheels.
Sweet looking car! I used to have a 7.5 GTI and miss it. Currently debating between a new Gti or civic si
I was considering both and went with the GTI! Stay tuned, I’ll be making a video on why I chose the GTI over the si soon!
240p for a fwd may make sense for commuter, but don't think you aregetting anything like "performance" like...
I wish I could have gotten a trim higher for the sun roof, but I have the base model. I’ve had it for 8 months, 8k miles including a 15 hundred mile trip. I’ve put an exhaust, intake and BOV on her. Honestly previously owning a bmw, I love the GTI MK8.
It’s a great car!
i have the 40th anniversary edition and it comes with the suspension change option
Thanks for the video. I am enjoying the details you uncover. One question, the VW USA website shows the “S”, “Autobahn” and “SE” as trim progression. “SE” being the top adding to the Autobahn trim with moon roof, etc. Was this your experience. Thanks
It should be S, SE, Autobahn.
One question!!! Allá trims had led fog ligths???
The Autobahn has a nicer audio system with subwoofer in the rear tire... besides the larger LCD.
Also, VW no longer offers SiriusXM radio standard on the "S" trim, which, is about as cheap and petty as they could get, in my opinion. It costs VW minimal to include SiriusXM radio in their infotainment system, yet they were too cheap to include it with the "S" trim starting with either the Mk 7.5 models or the first Mk8 model, I forget which. Sorry for the rant... I just think if SiriusXM were not still something customers wanted then VW wouldn't still be including it as standard in the Autobahn trim, and offering it in the "SE" trim... not to mention SiriusXM would be out of business by now. Petty, Volkswagen... just petty!
My problem is I still love quite a few channels SiriusXM offers. They have an aftermarket kit to include it in the GTI "S", but it's not anywhere near the experience as VW's usual factory-standard SiriusXM. The interface is nowhere near as good with the SiruisXM add-on option. For those of us who still use it, it's still a feature needed. VW not offering it standard on all models now is BS! They could at least offer it as an option when having an "S" built to customer specs.
Finally, the Autobahn gets factory Navigation also. But with Apple CarPlay and assorted Map apps, who needs it! One must pay for yearly Nav updates from VW anyway.
Anyway, I agree with you on almost all points. Another good and informative vid. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I have since bought a golf r so feel free to check out those vids!
The base seems to have less issues with infotainment as well.
Great looking golf!!
Thanks!
Nice GTI and like the color, S= sweet spot.
Thanks!
Im thinking of trading my wife's daily (corolla) for a base gti lmao. Looks like a fun car.
It’s an amazing car. I highly recommend
For the mk8 golf R's used the cheapest iv seen was around 50k definitely crazy
Wow!
Thanks for video bro
You’re welcome!
Your S trim gets 18" wheels? We Canadians have to pay $1800 cad for sunroof & 18" wheels :(
Darn
Needs different wheels for sure.
You should sub Deutsche Auto Parts if you're not already. Cheers
I’ve seen their videos! Good content.
How’s the sound system ?? I got a base model 2018 Honda Civic lx which has 4 speakers but it’s Honda so it cheap speakers but I got it because it was my first car. I wanted the se because I wanted the Harman sound system and the leather seats but it would be 41k not including taxes vs this car which is 35k including taxes but I love my music. Would love to hear feedback on the speaker system
Sound system is decent. Not great but I wouldn’t consider it bad. I’m not audiophile though.
Isn’t the base SGTI a wired connection for android auto and Apple CarPlay whereas the SE and Autobahn are wireless?
Correct. I now own a golf r and the wireless one isn’t the greatest. I still go wired.
@@JVette01 Your reasoning on S choice versus the others make total sense, but I’m probably going to end up doing the same thing you did. The Audubon is too close to the R and right now they are plentiful. Quad plus suspension. The Nuremberg, sorry Apple insists, will correct, Nurburgring, thx Apple, only on R too, for select suspension?
Are your daytime running lights the same as SE and Autobahn’s minus the centre light bar?
No. The S has just a small led running across the top of the headlight and the others have a more curved extended led
@@JVette01 ok thanks
Please do more Mustang videos
I have one coming soon!
And more GTI videos 😅
I’ll do both! 😂
Does the S still have the ambient lighting inside during the night?
Yes! Stay tuned for a night video I will be doing soon
The S doesn’t come with Sirius- can it be added?
Not sure but probably not
Does the base have remote start? I cant live without remote start.
Not on the key fob
Are you using 87 regular or premium 91 ?
I’m not sure at the time of filming this video but I’ve been using 87 for the past 7+ months
How dark is your tint?
15% front and 5% on the rears!
how is the stock sound system compared to Harmon Kardan?
Idk since I have the base one
@@JVette01 do you find the sound system is decent compared to other cars in its price range?
It’s ok I guess but it could definitely be better
hello what the difference between gti s and the 40 anniversary
You can see it online but basically it has DCC, badging, Light bar, black roof,and 19in wheels
@@JVette01 yea i saw it today is the same car with stickers and rims but with a higher price
It’s a nice package though. DCC is amazing
@@JVette01 I drove both and i didn't see much improvement on the 40 but the S faster
You gonna get the Si?
Still not sure yet.
@@JVette01 I can't get my carplay to connect consistently with my GTI. Any tips? Just trade it in for the Si lol?
The GTI is way better lol. Mine connects like 95% of the time.
Bro you get so much more bang for your buck on autobahn trim.
Not really. It's cool but comes at a hefty price
@@JVette01 have you seen the BMP tuning’s GTI?
@@nafakaboy I haven't
Only 5 ?
Only 5 what?
Junk
1:17 Could the amber sidelights not be better integrated into the headlight design, so that they are not so obvious, like the Honda Civic? IMHO, they can be such an eyesore.
I actually like the side light