I love my 2.5L Golf, my first was a ‘07 MK5 Rabbit in 2.5L and now my current is a ‘12 2.5L MK6 Golf. Both never let me down and the engines were solid made
Worked for vw engineering for 37 years. Test cars are usually destroyed after testing. We would blow up the engines on purpose at that time. Drain all fluids and keep full throttle until it dies. The 2,5L lasted so much longer than any other engines. This thing almost refused to die!! Thanks Audi😊
@@JohnSmith-em9ksHello, What is the reliability of the 09g transmission on this car? I plan to buy a second-hand one. Do you suggest buying automatic or manual? thank you
Had a mk5 manual and man did that 2.5 sing. I called her my baby v10. Had 200k miles before an accident about two weeks ago that totaled the car. About a week later I saw a mk6 posted with the same engine and manual trans. Took no hesitation to go and pick it up. These things are beasts.
Currently daily driving an 08 rabbit with the 2.5L and a 6 speed tiptronic transmission and it is such a great car, super durable and fun as hell stock. I've been using it for about a year now and it has 270000kms on it with no major issues, just basic things like brakes and tires
I love you. This love letter to the I5 2.5L is something that I also believe and have thought about to this degree, I want you to know you are not alone. I have a 2011 VW Jetta 2.5 SE. I was in college when I first got it.....I'm now older, wiser, have a successful career and people still give me crap for driving my same beauty. I've learned to quit trying to explain...maybe, just maybe I may now send them this video. She sings just as beautiful as the first day.
It's a beautiful slow fast car, it has a rare 5 cylinder that can keep up with any car aslong as it doesn't go past 115 mph and it's hella reliable for a cheap 4,000. Let's keep it hidden.
08 Jetta, owned since 74k current 246k. This car always starts and never leaves me indeed. I havent taken care of it and i feel bad, but other than plugs, the ignition lock getting stuck, a new strut, a new ECU relay, the aux fan, i was beating the hell out of the engine during my 20s, original automatic trans thats never been serviced, flooring it in the manual mode everywhere sometimes, this engine and trans are bullet proof. I admit the suspension is falling apart but its not unsafe. If i took better care instead of beating it up with uber in the city hitting potholes or just messing around with friends itd be solid. A small oil leak has the whole bottom of the car covered in grime. And unfortunately the coolant leak is bad enough to keep putting in real coolant. Ive been running on water and just adding a quart a month with 0 oil chages in 50k miles. And no aux fan. So reliable with so many problems but it still always gets me to my destination. A lot of zip ties and a wire hanger for the rusted exhaust mount but its so cheap if you use household stuff or make it up as you go.
dude i treat my jetta the same way and i feel bad but i know it can take it. 06 with 238k, i launch it from every stop, give it the shittiest cheapest gas in the area, dollar general oil whenever it complains about oil pressure, tap water once it all leaks out from the prior fill, never changed a single suspension component, half ass every repair ive done to it, drove it for a week with a COMPLETELY failed water pump before changing it myself, and yet it still gets me literally everywhere i need to go without any sort of hesitation whatsoever. I have never in my life experienced a car this reliable from any brand ever. Im not getting a new car until it breaks, but at this point i think im going to break first.
@@brianflynn9928 the integrated engineering intake sounds great, I installed it myself and flashed the stage 2 ECU tune on my mk5 jetta, I would definitely recommend it 👌
I just got a Mk6 golf with a 2.5l engine, it has 61k miles with an automatic transmission. Im going to mod this car a lot tho with lowering springs, exhaust, IE stage 2 tune, turbo and more. (I might upload content to share the journey) But i love the car even with it being stock!
That 2.5 is basically a baby. These engines can last up to 200k miles or even higher if well taken care of. My mk6 jetta (also tiptronic automatic) its still running strong at 137k miles both original engine/trans very sturdy engines, I would risk saying, its the most reliable european car ive ever owned
I have a 2.5L mk5 Jetta. In my experience, it’s a money pit, but it does not leave me stranded, and it always starts up. It gets me where I need to go even when it clearly has needed work. Notes of repairs between 116k-137k miles: 2019: ABS module, VCG, & serpentine belt 2020: Alternator 2021: PCV diaphragm, oil cap gasket 2022: vacuum pump delete kit, MAP sensor 2023: belt tensioner 2024: valve cover kit, fuel injector O-rings, auto trans replacement, rear main seal, gas cap, wheel bearing, OFHG, intake gaskets, knock sensors Upcoming repairs 2024: 3 door actuators, 2 Sun visors (due to short in wiring) I did not sell the car due to not wanting a car payment and not being able to afford a new car. I won’t buy anything new or used until I can buy it outright. Trans failure was due to not servicing the transmission at 30-60K miles. The ABS module failure was due to never having the brake fluid changed.
I see you are going to replace 3 door actuators. I'm wondering if you're having the same problem I am with my 09 Sportwagen. Every door except the driver's door won't lock. The car arms the alarm, and it will go off if I pull one of the other 3 doors open, but nothing except the driver's door locks no matter what I do. I'm 90% sure it's the actuators.
I was a diehard Honda boy and I bought my 08 jetta because I needed replacement for my accord and $ left me with very few options. Got a great deal on it through an auction house in Nevada. First day I fell in love❤ the 2.5 rips, sound ssooo good. I ddnt even realize I got the dsg model, it’s just like an auto but u can click the shifter to the right and it works like a sequential with 6 gears and BRO when I figured thatt out and the gears came up on the screen I was like “OSHI DIS RACEcar OMG. Also, I was on a section of hwy under construction held up in traffic by a dude who’s gigantic dually extended cab lifted work truck who ran out of gas, and I threw the tow loop on the back and pulled that sucker 5 miles to the gas station like it was NOTHING. Everyone sleeps on this car and I be out driving all types of mfs thinking they fast on the hwy every day. Vw earned a special place in my heart with this car man. I googled the car out of curiosity right after I got and saw the people talking shit about her are crap and they’re slow and not reliable and I was so fuckin confused because this car is NONE of those things. I was like tf am I spelling it wrong? Smh.
you summed up my love for 07K in such a lovely 5 minute block of time; sidenote, I have a nice clean mk5 jetta 5 speed that I daily that is IE stage 2, its glorious, currently researching 02S 6 speed swaps for better gear ratios.
The final year Golf 2.5 4-dr automatic with moonroof imported from Germany has buttons on the steering wheel. Which year is the last Jetta Sportwagen 2.5 with manual tranny?
I love my 2008 Rabbit 5spd. It’s got 245k miles with original clutch and still drives great. The only issue is it has rocker panel rust from the northeast winters. 2.5 is the best most dependable VW motor
Had my 2008 Jetta 2.5 SE until 252k mi. First manual car I ever had only tossed it because the subframe rusted (upstate NY and Canada are not good for rust)
I have a 2009 Jetta 2.5 with 174k and only had 2 issues. A vacuum pump gasket and a deteriorated coil. I'm still averaging 27 mpg but creep into the 30's during extended road trips.
I could care less about Big horsepower I care about driving experience and the visceral feeling Volkswagen is incredible One of the best manual transmissions of any car
I went a step further and did a stainless clutch line, BFI knob, and a dieselgeek short shiftkit. Takes an already great experience and makes it incredible!
this is a funny video to stumble upon, much like your channel, & VW’s as a whole to me. My girlfriend also has a 2.5, tho it’s a simple black on black 2012 passat. Slightly above the base pack, i find this car not only has JUST enough to have everything but not even a touch too much for your daily driver duties. the drivetrain & chassis have also been wonderful. this car constantly surprises me in how good it actually feels through town & on ‘backroads’ so much so that it has pulled my deep love for audi i5 engines, &given me an urge to build the girlfriends passat. These engines are dangerous 😂
2012 mk6 jetta here. going strong at 82k - biggest repair has been front springs and wheels (damn potholes). As others have mentioned, the 2.5L just goes, even if it's struggling. It was built with tight tolerances and beefy components.
I have a '12 Golf Mk6 2.5 @ 170k which I have since I purchased it new and recently I bought a '12 Beetle 2.5 @ 120k for my daughter. I had a few issues over time including the oil leak from the vacuum pump for my Golf and the oil leak from worn-out seal around the transmisson oil pan for the Beetle which I fixed myself. Other than that I only had to do oil change diligently to keep them running very stable and strong. I bet I can keep them at least a few to several years if I am willing to. Go VW 2.5l engine!
Eventually my girlfriend will be moving on from her 2003 Toyota Echo, a car close to my heart much like you and your Rabbit. I've driven a few 2.5's, and always loved how linear and (even stock) vocal it is compared to the turbo that replaced it. While I know she's been wanting a Civic circa 2018 or so, I know the Mk5 would be cheaper and still a solid car with similarly capable chassis. Here's the question though... how plug-and-play are those things like heated GTi tartan seats? Will there need to be some CANBUS work for things like the airbag and heat to work correctly? Same can be said about the steering wheel... of course having some audio controls and leather would be a nice swap from plain urethane that will undoubtedly breaking up over time.
Seats are plug and play (assuming you match features like heat, motorized controls, 2dr or 4dr). The steering wheel, you'd need to swap the control module and add in the wiring. Here's a write-up on it - www.vwvortex.com/threads/gti-steering-wheel-on-rabbit-and-audio-controls.9415703/
My dad has a MKV Jetta with this engine (around 135k miles) and its the most fun ive ever experienced drviving a car. Its slow as hell but the sound that engine produces is just amazing. And the car is really well tuned, not as "sporty" as my Kizashi was, but the Jetta has something special that makes it much more fun to drive even if its not as sporty as other models.
It's a lot of personal preference. I like the Nuespeed intake and I think the AWE exhuasts sound the best, but they're pricey. There's a handful of options on eBay that are similar to the AWE in design, but a fraction of the price. I can't speak on the quality on most, but I have installed Rev9 catbacks on TDI's and they were solid values.
It's tough to say on the 2.5. A lot of guys with manuals are able to push mid 30's on the highway with reasonable driving. Our very best drive in my Fiancee's auto Rabbit was about 38mpg. That was not scientific, not hand calculated, wasn't even a round trip MPG figure, but it wasn't an unreasonable amount of going downhill or tailwind or anything like that. Lead foot, lots of city driving, or freeway going faster than 75mph, you'll see about 25mpg (give or take a few). Driving carefully on the freeway, drafting when possible, you'll pass 30mpg. I'll also give a quick mention to the fact that high octane fuel does see a good return in these cars. At least what I've seen, with costs in my area, they get slightly better miles per dollar. Worst case, it's about a wash on cost difference, but you get to drive longer between fill-ups. Join the 2.5l group on Facebook if you want to hear from others on MPG. They can probably give you a lot of ideas for improving it. Maintenance items, possible mods, driving tips.
I've drafted a few responses, but nothing seemed right. So instead, I'm going to be making a video on this subject. I'm hoping it will be finished and uploaded today or tomorrow.
i have jetta sportline 2.5, going strong for 8 years now. from 60k to 240k. I beat the shit out of this thing. Did front suspension, exhaust, pvc valve, n80, a leak in power steering at the front and going on to replace the radiator but thats its. Rear suspension is on its way tho and the rust is getting bad. Not so bad for 240k and living in the rust belt. I plan to drive it till it dies
VWoA really screwed over the mk5 Golf/Rabbit when it was out. The trim levels were terrible. In 2009, you couldn't get a manual in anything but the base 2-door, and it really didn't get any of the creature comforts at all. The mk6 really helped in this regard, especially since the TDI was available. I actually skipped from my mk4 to a mk7 TDI. Both are wonderful cars.
Loving my '09 2-dr Bunny Hatch 2.5 w/ 5-speed. Glad to learn more power is availble but at what mpg cost? My 22 average is poor enough and wouldn't enjoy seeing it degrade. Just turned 112k so it's got a long ways to go; I certainly hope so, anyway. Major kudos on a great presenter. Happily subscribed!
VWs from the early to mid 2000s we’re something else. My Touareg V8 is surprisingly modern for a 20 year old car. After retrofitting some parts from the facelift model, it has just about every OEM feature you can think of from a modern car except for CarPlay. Even shows track/artist names, nav directions, and called ID in the cluster However, the car is ridiculously high maintenance, and that maintenance is very, very expensive. My last repair was the flex pipes and that was $3,000. Getting sick of the high cost of ownership, so I’m gonna retire it as a daily driver in a few months and replace it with an old Escalade. The cars quirkiness is both a huge strength and a huge weakness
@@ogaliefThe maintenance cost and labor cost of Volkswagen are really expensive, especially in North America. This can never be compared with Toyota Honda, because Volkswagen's design is complicated and ordinary maintenance is more expensive than Lexus.
Sticking with one car for a decade and a half is impressive! Do you ever get the itch for something new or does it still satisfy all of your needs and wants?
I feel the same way about my TDI. I really want a Rabbit Edition GTI, but my TDI is paid off and cheap to own. It's tough to justify when I have no major complaints about the car. A GTI would be quicker and a nicer interior, but the gap isn't big enough to justify hundreds of dollars a month.
I have the same year Rabbit, but my trans is automatic. Wish I had bought the manual trans but I don't know how to drive one yet. I've owned mine since 2013, so nearly 11 years.
The only thing I'd trade my 2.5L Mk5 Jetta for is an Audi RS3 or TTRS (both have the the same VAG 07k 2.5L, except it's the audi variant that's turbo as well and double the HP)
@@苏蒂斯 unfortunately i bought it like this. It only happens when driving for a while, around an hour if its cold outside, so I wasnt aware until it was too late.
Don't like the Mk. V too much, but the engine makes it much more interesting. However, this configuration has never been sold over here in Germany. What a pity, indeed...
The Mk6 with a 2.5 and the NMS Passat (North America only body style, Euro Passat is way more attractive) are both much more appreciated by the masses for sure. I have a Mk6 TDI Golf so I definitely understand the preference.
Hard disagree. The timing chain issues the 2.5 had should not allow anyone to say it was reliable. Changed thenoil at 8k kms with 0w-40 and still had the timing chain failure. On a normal car that would be fine but they required the transmission to be fucking removed to replace the chain.
@@cutchemist42 They were problematic on the early ones, but on the 08+ models, they're crazy reliable. There's a guy with 600k miles doing 10k oil change intervals on original chains.
@@eurodriven2507 well my 2010 bags to differ, and other mk6s still experienced it. I wish they had fully ironed it even for the next generation, as lemons like mine snuck through.
Wish the mk6 JETTA 2.5 had more mods available can’t even get a decent cold air intake, not to mention any performance upgrades only give it single digit gains and the parts available are expensive if you paid the same money for the parts on any other platform you would be looking at double digit power. Idk I’ve owned my mk6 Jetta 2.5 for 5 years very reliable only ever needed tires and brakes but I want to make it more aggressive and make it at least 250whp but it seems impossible to even get it past 215hp.
@@苏蒂斯 Honestly there’s not much you can do to maintain the auto gearbox apart from transmission fluid every 50/60k miles is the recommended time to change it and just don’t drive aggressively that’s all you can really do to maintain it, I mean my 2.5 mk6 Jetta has got 81k miles and I haven’t even done a transmission fluid change yet and I drive it aggressively a lot in the California heat and it’s still going strong but I have realized I need to take better care of it as I do plan to keep it longer now as I have a few other cars and realized just how reliable the 2.5 is so I actually want to maintain it and keep it as my daily work commuter
...because it's "half of a Lambo V10"! that's what other ppl always say. The mk5 was not a good time and shows as the Mk6 was quick to follow. I do however like the Fahrenheit cars that used Lambo paint.
What’s hilarious is the early 2.5s came with forged cranks, go price a forged crank for your fave engine and watch your wallet cry, Lol. The 2.5 siblings might come with whoosh sounds but you aren’t getting anywhere near the reliability of the 2.5. And if you don’t mind wrenching or paying you can put a snail on and get a reliable 300hp that’s unapologetically overkill in a fwd.
Better interiors than Japanese and American brands?? LMAO. I have owned both Japanese and American brand cars. I have never had an interior fall apart so completely on any of them. The door panel fabric is falling, even on the back seat where no one ever sit. The headliner is falling. The sun visor broke years ago and ditto the sunglasses holder. It's the cheapest and least reliable interior I have ever seen. NONE of my other cars ever fell apart in any of those ways. I love my VW but the interior is the absolute worst. Due to that alone, I will probably never buy another.
In 2005 when the MK5s came out they were far nicer inside than any comparable Hyundai product. Look at interior pics of an 05 Elantra vs. An 05 Jetta, even just visually you can see the difference. The Camry of the time was undeniably nice inside, but felt more malaise and intended for an older demographic. I've got nothing against Hyundai, they're even doing many things better than VW nowadays. But as someone who experienced the MK5s on release, their interior quality within the compact segment was highly impressive for the time.
I've driven my mk6 Sportwagen, a 2005 Subaru Outback, and a 2010ish Nissan Versa hatch on the same cross-country road trip, and while the VW easily beat the Nissan, the Subaru was the clear winner for interior comfort and functionality on the trip. (Plus, the sunroof on the Subaru still works and doesn't leak!)
Wow what a typical VW fanboi video. My ‘’13 Passat 2.5 was the worst vehicle I had ever owned. Plagued with all kinds of engine issues it was a lemon… traded that POS for a Toyota V6 XSE and that was a FAR better reliable trouble free car… I got far better economy in the V6 over the POS unrefined 2.5 VW
Any car can be problematic. I've known people that had a bad Toyota or Honda, plagued with oil consumption, transmission issues, suspension components failing under 50k miles. Unfortunately, you can do all of the research and pre-planning for purchasing a car to get the "right one" and it can still be problematic. Your 2.5 story is an outlier. There's a guy with 650k miles on his 2.5 Passat.
I own all brands and vw's are garbage quality. Their interiors fall apart, almost all surrounding engine components fail and are very cheaply made. Kias and hyundais of the same years hold their resale values much better. Proof is in the pudding.
I suggest you watch my "VW's perception of (un)Reliability" video. It goes over a lot of what you're talking about. I simply haven't seen what you're describing. I have had multiple VW and Audi's well beyond 200k miles. A lot of them on factory suspension and with the interiors holding up very nicely. Meanwhile, I hop in a similar mileage Toyota or Kia and the steering feels horrible, seats have no support, road noise is unbearable....
@@BabyV1069 Hahahha yeah true I love my car but the previous owners did not maintain it so now I'm looking for a crown vic. It's just we all dump so much money to make these 2.5s look and sound good but the max that should be done is an exhaust no point in wheels and bushings and sway bars etc. I honestly would say no point in boost either. If SPA doesn't make a full kit that shames the mk5 GTI with a k04 then I'd only every suggest the 2.5 as a reliable semi cheap car. But alot of us can't help the fact it's can be what we want it to be but for so much money haha
@@EastDallasKicksyea I totally agree not a lot of aftermarket support, most I’ll probably doing is an exhaust maybe coilovers and wheels, no point in trying to turbo it because it’s just so expensive lmao😂😂
I love my 2.5L Golf, my first was a ‘07 MK5 Rabbit in 2.5L and now my current is a ‘12 2.5L MK6 Golf. Both never let me down and the engines were solid made
Worked for vw engineering for 37 years. Test cars are usually destroyed after testing. We would blow up the engines on purpose at that time. Drain all fluids and keep full throttle until it dies.
The 2,5L lasted so much longer than any other engines. This thing almost refused to die!! Thanks Audi😊
@@JohnSmith-em9ksHello, What is the reliability of the 09g transmission on this car? I plan to buy a second-hand one. Do you suggest buying automatic or manual? thank you
Hello, is your 2012mk6 automatic or manual?
Had a mk5 manual and man did that 2.5 sing. I called her my baby v10. Had 200k miles before an accident about two weeks ago that totaled the car. About a week later I saw a mk6 posted with the same engine and manual trans. Took no hesitation to go and pick it up. These things are beasts.
I've had "better cars" but nothing will ever replace the pleasure of driving my 2007 Rabbit. Best car I've ever had. Currently driving a sportwagen.
07 is the luckiest year
One of******
Currently daily driving an 08 rabbit with the 2.5L and a 6 speed tiptronic transmission and it is such a great car, super durable and fun as hell stock. I've been using it for about a year now and it has 270000kms on it with no major issues, just basic things like brakes and tires
I just got my first VW, '12 Golf with the 2.5 at 139k miles, this video really helped me deciding to pick this up.
Automatic or manual? Is there anything wrong with driving?
I love you. This love letter to the I5 2.5L is something that I also believe and have thought about to this degree, I want you to know you are not alone. I have a 2011 VW Jetta 2.5 SE. I was in college when I first got it.....I'm now older, wiser, have a successful career and people still give me crap for driving my same beauty. I've learned to quit trying to explain...maybe, just maybe I may now send them this video. She sings just as beautiful as the first day.
My 2011 still has original clutch, exhaust, radiator, alternator. NO significant failures or repairs at 249,000 miles.
That model looks modern enough to me. You must be surrounded by snobs.
Only snobs will make such statements. Just saying that you've got a dope ride! Keep driving what you like and not to the likings of others.
Dude, keep it hidden.
why exactly? It’s a super decent motor considering a lot of current auto manufacturers
@@Xero_Carsprobably so prices dont increase/ they get a big demand
Right!!
@@Xero_Carsso people don’t make it expensive.
It's a beautiful slow fast car, it has a rare 5 cylinder that can keep up with any car aslong as it doesn't go past 115 mph and it's hella reliable for a cheap 4,000. Let's keep it hidden.
Great video man. This was well put together.
08 Jetta, owned since 74k current 246k. This car always starts and never leaves me indeed. I havent taken care of it and i feel bad, but other than plugs, the ignition lock getting stuck, a new strut, a new ECU relay, the aux fan, i was beating the hell out of the engine during my 20s, original automatic trans thats never been serviced, flooring it in the manual mode everywhere sometimes, this engine and trans are bullet proof. I admit the suspension is falling apart but its not unsafe. If i took better care instead of beating it up with uber in the city hitting potholes or just messing around with friends itd be solid. A small oil leak has the whole bottom of the car covered in grime. And unfortunately the coolant leak is bad enough to keep putting in real coolant. Ive been running on water and just adding a quart a month with 0 oil chages in 50k miles. And no aux fan. So reliable with so many problems but it still always gets me to my destination. A lot of zip ties and a wire hanger for the rusted exhaust mount but its so cheap if you use household stuff or make it up as you go.
You haven't changed the oil in 50k? I've never heard of a car so resilient. I'm not even mad, I'm impressed.
dude i treat my jetta the same way and i feel bad but i know it can take it. 06 with 238k, i launch it from every stop, give it the shittiest cheapest gas in the area, dollar general oil whenever it complains about oil pressure, tap water once it all leaks out from the prior fill, never changed a single suspension component, half ass every repair ive done to it, drove it for a week with a COMPLETELY failed water pump before changing it myself, and yet it still gets me literally everywhere i need to go without any sort of hesitation whatsoever. I have never in my life experienced a car this reliable from any brand ever. Im not getting a new car until it breaks, but at this point i think im going to break first.
@@underscoreJ0SH Is it automatic or manual?
@@苏蒂斯 auto
@@underscoreJ0SH There has never been a problem with the automatic transmission, has there? How do you maintain it?
I have an 09 rabbit with 280,000 miles. I love this car!
Is it automatic or manual?
I have the same car. 147K miles.
Just bought a 2010 golf 2.5l, 3dr, manual w/ 90k miles, can't wait for it to arrive next week. Intake and exhaust are first.
@@brianflynn9928 the integrated engineering intake sounds great, I installed it myself and flashed the stage 2 ECU tune on my mk5 jetta, I would definitely recommend it 👌
love my base model 2007 2dr with 5spd. It's so simple with just enough to make it fun and engaging.
I just got a Mk6 golf with a 2.5l engine, it has 61k miles with an automatic transmission. Im going to mod this car a lot tho with lowering springs, exhaust, IE stage 2 tune, turbo and more. (I might upload content to share the journey) But i love the car even with it being stock!
That 2.5 is basically a baby. These engines can last up to 200k miles or even higher if well taken care of. My mk6 jetta (also tiptronic automatic) its still running strong at 137k miles both original engine/trans very sturdy engines, I would risk saying, its the most reliable european car ive ever owned
Hello, is the automatic transmission 6at provided by Toyota? If so, this power combination is very solid and reliable, not worse than Toyota Honda.
@@starmember132How often does your gearbox change oil?
@@Count493YT be mindful of fluids with all that id change every 3k oil and 15k transmission
I have a 2.5L mk5 Jetta. In my experience, it’s a money pit, but it does not leave me stranded, and it always starts up. It gets me where I need to go even when it clearly has needed work.
Notes of repairs between 116k-137k miles:
2019: ABS module, VCG, & serpentine belt
2020: Alternator
2021: PCV diaphragm, oil cap gasket
2022: vacuum pump delete kit, MAP sensor
2023: belt tensioner
2024: valve cover kit, fuel injector O-rings, auto trans replacement, rear main seal, gas cap, wheel bearing, OFHG, intake gaskets, knock sensors
Upcoming repairs 2024:
3 door actuators, 2 Sun visors (due to short in wiring)
I did not sell the car due to not wanting a car payment and not being able to afford a new car. I won’t buy anything new or used until I can buy it outright. Trans failure was due to not servicing the transmission at 30-60K miles. The ABS module failure was due to never having the brake fluid changed.
I see you are going to replace 3 door actuators. I'm wondering if you're having the same problem I am with my 09 Sportwagen. Every door except the driver's door won't lock. The car arms the alarm, and it will go off if I pull one of the other 3 doors open, but nothing except the driver's door locks no matter what I do.
I'm 90% sure it's the actuators.
How much was the trans replacement? How is your paint looking?
Ordered my '07 Rabbit direct from the factory with the Magny Cours 16" wheels. Only 32,000 miles to date in 17 years. Looks and drives like new.
I have an 07 Wolfsburg Jett a...I LOVE the pep this car has, sometimes, I peel out from the stop light OMG🤭
In 500 miles, my 2012 Golf 2.5L (3 pedals) will reach 299,000 miles.
Great presentation.
I was a diehard Honda boy and I bought my 08 jetta because I needed replacement for my accord and $ left me with very few options. Got a great deal on it through an auction house in Nevada. First day I fell in love❤ the 2.5 rips, sound ssooo good. I ddnt even realize I got the dsg model, it’s just like an auto but u can click the shifter to the right and it works like a sequential with 6 gears and BRO when I figured thatt out and the gears came up on the screen I was like “OSHI DIS RACEcar OMG.
Also, I was on a section of hwy under construction held up in traffic by a dude who’s gigantic dually extended cab lifted work truck who ran out of gas, and I threw the tow loop on the back and pulled that sucker 5 miles to the gas station like it was NOTHING. Everyone sleeps on this car and I be out driving all types of mfs thinking they fast on the hwy every day. Vw earned a special place in my heart with this car man. I googled the car out of curiosity right after I got and saw the people talking shit about her are crap and they’re slow and not reliable and I was so fuckin confused because this car is NONE of those things. I was like tf am I spelling it wrong? Smh.
Just upgraded to a 6 speed manual on my 08 rabbit. This alone makes the ride much better. Should have came like this from factory
you summed up my love for 07K in such a lovely 5 minute block of time; sidenote, I have a nice clean mk5 jetta 5 speed that I daily that is IE stage 2, its glorious, currently researching 02S 6 speed swaps for better gear ratios.
The final year Golf 2.5 4-dr automatic with moonroof imported from Germany has buttons on the steering wheel. Which year is the last Jetta Sportwagen 2.5 with manual tranny?
I love my 2008 Rabbit 5spd. It’s got 245k miles with original clutch and still drives great. The only issue is it has rocker panel rust from the northeast winters.
2.5 is the best most dependable VW motor
Had my 2008 Jetta 2.5 SE until 252k mi. First manual car I ever had only tossed it because the subframe rusted (upstate NY and Canada are not good for rust)
I have a 2009 Jetta 2.5 with 174k and only had 2 issues. A vacuum pump gasket and a deteriorated coil. I'm still averaging 27 mpg but creep into the 30's during extended road trips.
I could care less about Big horsepower I care about driving experience and the visceral feeling Volkswagen is incredible
One of the best manual transmissions of any car
I went a step further and did a stainless clutch line, BFI knob, and a dieselgeek short shiftkit. Takes an already great experience and makes it incredible!
this is a funny video to stumble upon, much like your channel, & VW’s as a whole to me. My girlfriend also has a 2.5, tho it’s a simple black on black 2012 passat. Slightly above the base pack, i find this car not only has JUST enough to have everything but not even a touch too much for your daily driver duties. the drivetrain & chassis have also been wonderful. this car constantly surprises me in how good it actually feels through town & on ‘backroads’ so much so that it has pulled my deep love for audi i5 engines, &given me an urge to build the girlfriends passat. These engines are dangerous 😂
2012 mk6 jetta here. going strong at 82k - biggest repair has been front springs and wheels (damn potholes). As others have mentioned, the 2.5L just goes, even if it's struggling. It was built with tight tolerances and beefy components.
Is it automatic or manual?
I have a '12 Golf Mk6 2.5 @ 170k which I have since I purchased it new and recently I bought a '12 Beetle 2.5 @ 120k for my daughter. I had a few issues over time including the oil leak from the vacuum pump for my Golf and the oil leak from worn-out seal around the transmisson oil pan for the Beetle which I fixed myself. Other than that I only had to do oil change diligently to keep them running very stable and strong. I bet I can keep them at least a few to several years if I am willing to. Go VW 2.5l engine!
Eventually my girlfriend will be moving on from her 2003 Toyota Echo, a car close to my heart much like you and your Rabbit. I've driven a few 2.5's, and always loved how linear and (even stock) vocal it is compared to the turbo that replaced it. While I know she's been wanting a Civic circa 2018 or so, I know the Mk5 would be cheaper and still a solid car with similarly capable chassis. Here's the question though... how plug-and-play are those things like heated GTi tartan seats? Will there need to be some CANBUS work for things like the airbag and heat to work correctly? Same can be said about the steering wheel... of course having some audio controls and leather would be a nice swap from plain urethane that will undoubtedly breaking up over time.
Seats are plug and play (assuming you match features like heat, motorized controls, 2dr or 4dr). The steering wheel, you'd need to swap the control module and add in the wiring.
Here's a write-up on it -
www.vwvortex.com/threads/gti-steering-wheel-on-rabbit-and-audio-controls.9415703/
I got 07 rabbit. Just a turbo and intake kit got me pushing 230hp
My dad has a MKV Jetta with this engine (around 135k miles) and its the most fun ive ever experienced drviving a car.
Its slow as hell but the sound that engine produces is just amazing.
And the car is really well tuned, not as "sporty" as my Kizashi was, but the Jetta has something special that makes it much more fun to drive even if its not as sporty as other models.
Is it automatic or manual?
@@苏蒂斯 Triptonic auto transmission. The only bad thing i could find bout the car
@@LuisRivas-yb1gq Yes, this automatic gearbox is not as good as Mazda's.
Just got a 06 jetta 2.5 with 180k manual, aside from new o2 sensors it’s great
I love my '12 MK6 2.5 Jetta
I have a 2014 2.5 jetta and it has worked great, now running about 65k and running smoothly
Is it automatic or manual?
360 whp on mine at 18psi 🫡 would love to build an awd one
I wish they was like the rs3 with the aftermarket support i have yet to see a 800-1000 hp mk6 jetta 2.5 l
i have the 2012 beetle with the 2.5! love my little car
what do you recommend for an intake or exhaust? looking for improved performance without creating too much noise
It's a lot of personal preference. I like the Nuespeed intake and I think the AWE exhuasts sound the best, but they're pricey. There's a handful of options on eBay that are similar to the AWE in design, but a fraction of the price. I can't speak on the quality on most, but I have installed Rev9 catbacks on TDI's and they were solid values.
@@eurodriven2507 Thanks for those recommendations. If driven fairly normally, what can I expect my 22 average mpg to dwindle to?
It's tough to say on the 2.5. A lot of guys with manuals are able to push mid 30's on the highway with reasonable driving. Our very best drive in my Fiancee's auto Rabbit was about 38mpg. That was not scientific, not hand calculated, wasn't even a round trip MPG figure, but it wasn't an unreasonable amount of going downhill or tailwind or anything like that.
Lead foot, lots of city driving, or freeway going faster than 75mph, you'll see about 25mpg (give or take a few). Driving carefully on the freeway, drafting when possible, you'll pass 30mpg. I'll also give a quick mention to the fact that high octane fuel does see a good return in these cars. At least what I've seen, with costs in my area, they get slightly better miles per dollar. Worst case, it's about a wash on cost difference, but you get to drive longer between fill-ups.
Join the 2.5l group on Facebook if you want to hear from others on MPG. They can probably give you a lot of ideas for improving it. Maintenance items, possible mods, driving tips.
07 jetta 2.5 owned since 119k now at 175k runs just as smooth as they day i got it couldn’t ask for a more fun quirky little car
Is it automatic or manual?
Hey I’m just getting into the car scene and wondering what I should mod first on my vw rabbit 08
I've drafted a few responses, but nothing seemed right. So instead, I'm going to be making a video on this subject. I'm hoping it will be finished and uploaded today or tomorrow.
Uploaded the video with all of the mod recommendations!
i have jetta sportline 2.5, going strong for 8 years now. from 60k to 240k. I beat the shit out of this thing. Did front suspension, exhaust, pvc valve, n80, a leak in power steering at the front and going on to replace the radiator but thats its. Rear suspension is on its way tho and the rust is getting bad. Not so bad for 240k and living in the rust belt. I plan to drive it till it dies
We never got this engine in Australia.
Looking for a VW specialist in southern cali San Fernando valley
Euro Motorsports in Eagle Rock.
VWoA really screwed over the mk5 Golf/Rabbit when it was out. The trim levels were terrible. In 2009, you couldn't get a manual in anything but the base 2-door, and it really didn't get any of the creature comforts at all. The mk6 really helped in this regard, especially since the TDI was available. I actually skipped from my mk4 to a mk7 TDI. Both are wonderful cars.
Driving Mk5 4door 2.5 2009
@@БогданЖованик-в7г With an automatic, correct? That's because it wasn't available with a manual. Frustrating.
I got mk5 4 door manual rabbit
Loving my '09 2-dr Bunny Hatch 2.5 w/ 5-speed. Glad to learn more power is availble but at what mpg cost? My 22 average is poor enough and wouldn't enjoy seeing it degrade. Just turned 112k so it's got a long ways to go; I certainly hope so, anyway.
Major kudos on a great presenter. Happily subscribed!
@@hennyx12 2009?
VWs from the early to mid 2000s we’re something else. My Touareg V8 is surprisingly modern for a 20 year old car. After retrofitting some parts from the facelift model, it has just about every OEM feature you can think of from a modern car except for CarPlay. Even shows track/artist names, nav directions, and called ID in the cluster
However, the car is ridiculously high maintenance, and that maintenance is very, very expensive. My last repair was the flex pipes and that was $3,000.
Getting sick of the high cost of ownership, so I’m gonna retire it as a daily driver in a few months and replace it with an old Escalade. The cars quirkiness is both a huge strength and a huge weakness
Touareg is a Volkswagen luxury car, and it must be expensive to maintain. If it's Jetta or golf, it's similar to Toyota Honda.
@@苏蒂斯 it’s horrible how expensive it is. The majority of mechanics turn me away because they’re scared of them
@@ogaliefThe maintenance cost and labor cost of Volkswagen are really expensive, especially in North America. This can never be compared with Toyota Honda, because Volkswagen's design is complicated and ordinary maintenance is more expensive than Lexus.
I bought a jetta with a 2.5 and have been absolutely beating the shit out of it for 4 years with no real.issues
Is it automatic or manual?
My 2009 vw rabbit has a 2.5l, got it new and runs with no problems. It is a manual and it pulls.
Sticking with one car for a decade and a half is impressive! Do you ever get the itch for something new or does it still satisfy all of your needs and wants?
It is a daily driver, but i would like to get a GTI. It is nice not to have a car payment.
I feel the same way about my TDI. I really want a Rabbit Edition GTI, but my TDI is paid off and cheap to own. It's tough to justify when I have no major complaints about the car. A GTI would be quicker and a nicer interior, but the gap isn't big enough to justify hundreds of dollars a month.
I have the same year Rabbit, but my trans is automatic. Wish I had bought the manual trans but I don't know how to drive one yet. I've owned mine since 2013, so nearly 11 years.
My jetta 2.5 have 440k and running like band new oil interval every 5k
I have a 2012 base model it’s a lot of car compared to a lot of other brands even today
Is it automatic or manual?
The only thing I'd trade my 2.5L Mk5 Jetta for is an Audi RS3 or TTRS (both have the the same VAG 07k 2.5L, except it's the audi variant that's turbo as well and double the HP)
Also, the glove box is air conditioned.
My 08 Jetta is fucking awesome I love it and I used to be a Chevy truck guy
I love my mk6, dead reliable, sounds amazing.
Is it automatic or manual?
@@苏蒂斯 Manual
My current car is an 06 jetta and I'll love it for the rest of my life, but the transmission is going out on me. sad :(
Is it automatic or manual?
@@苏蒂斯automatic, needs new valve body, classic 09G problem
@@Unlucky403 Did you properly maintain it on time before it broke down?
@@苏蒂斯 unfortunately i bought it like this. It only happens when driving for a while, around an hour if its cold outside, so I wasnt aware until it was too late.
I miss my 2.5 Jetta 😢
Baby gallardo with tune
Don't like the Mk. V too much, but the engine makes it much more interesting. However, this configuration has never been sold over here in Germany. What a pity, indeed...
The Mk6 with a 2.5 and the NMS Passat (North America only body style, Euro Passat is way more attractive) are both much more appreciated by the masses for sure. I have a Mk6 TDI Golf so I definitely understand the preference.
Hard disagree. The timing chain issues the 2.5 had should not allow anyone to say it was reliable. Changed thenoil at 8k kms with 0w-40 and still had the timing chain failure. On a normal car that would be fine but they required the transmission to be fucking removed to replace the chain.
@@cutchemist42 They were problematic on the early ones, but on the 08+ models, they're crazy reliable. There's a guy with 600k miles doing 10k oil change intervals on original chains.
@@eurodriven2507 well my 2010 bags to differ, and other mk6s still experienced it. I wish they had fully ironed it even for the next generation, as lemons like mine snuck through.
Wish the mk6 JETTA 2.5 had more mods available can’t even get a decent cold air intake, not to mention any performance upgrades only give it single digit gains and the parts available are expensive if you paid the same money for the parts on any other platform you would be looking at double digit power. Idk I’ve owned my mk6 Jetta 2.5 for 5 years very reliable only ever needed tires and brakes but I want to make it more aggressive and make it at least 250whp but it seems impossible to even get it past 215hp.
Is it automatic or manual?
@@苏蒂斯 Auto
@@bmt5575 Thank you. How do you maintain your automatic gearbox?
@@苏蒂斯 Honestly there’s not much you can do to maintain the auto gearbox apart from transmission fluid every 50/60k miles is the recommended time to change it and just don’t drive aggressively that’s all you can really do to maintain it, I mean my 2.5 mk6 Jetta has got 81k miles and I haven’t even done a transmission fluid change yet and I drive it aggressively a lot in the California heat and it’s still going strong but I have realized I need to take better care of it as I do plan to keep it longer now as I have a few other cars and realized just how reliable the 2.5 is so I actually want to maintain it and keep it as my daily work commuter
@@bmt5575 What type of gasoline does this engine need at least?Regular？
Honestly love the Mk5s
07k is life
...because it's "half of a Lambo V10"! that's what other ppl always say. The mk5 was not a good time and shows as the Mk6 was quick to follow. I do however like the Fahrenheit cars that used Lambo paint.
and in my beetle with the 5 cylinder 5 speed
2.5 beetle tho?
What’s hilarious is the early 2.5s came with forged cranks, go price a forged crank for your fave engine and watch your wallet cry, Lol. The 2.5 siblings might come with whoosh sounds but you aren’t getting anywhere near the reliability of the 2.5. And if you don’t mind wrenching or paying you can put a snail on and get a reliable 300hp that’s unapologetically overkill in a fwd.
Is it automatic or manual?
I love my 2008 mk5
Is it automatic or manual?
Sure, atmospheric engine is more healthy. Turbo heat the engine more ,burn oil and it is more complex.
2.5 2014 Passat
My 2.5l Mk6 is at 300,xxx miles
Is it automatic or manual?
@@苏蒂斯 auto
@@Patrick.a1449How do you maintain this 09g gearbox?
@@Patrick.a1449 It's amazing. I heard that this automatic gearbox has many problems and is not so reliable, so I'd like to ask, thank you.
@@苏蒂斯 I just recently got it serviced for a fluid change and new pan
Better interiors than Japanese and American brands?? LMAO. I have owned both Japanese and American brand cars. I have never had an interior fall apart so completely on any of them.
The door panel fabric is falling, even on the back seat where no one ever sit. The headliner is falling. The sun visor broke years ago and ditto the sunglasses holder. It's the cheapest and least reliable interior I have ever seen. NONE of my other cars ever fell apart in any of those ways.
I love my VW but the interior is the absolute worst. Due to that alone, I will probably never buy another.
What a joke. Golf praising 😂
The interiors are definitely not better than their Japanese and korean competitors.
For comfort and how pleasant it is to be in, I'd take a roadtrip in the Mk5/Mk6 over a Kia Soul, Chevy Equinox, Toyota Corolla, or Nissan Versa.
In 2005 when the MK5s came out they were far nicer inside than any comparable Hyundai product. Look at interior pics of an 05 Elantra vs. An 05 Jetta, even just visually you can see the difference. The Camry of the time was undeniably nice inside, but felt more malaise and intended for an older demographic.
I've got nothing against Hyundai, they're even doing many things better than VW nowadays. But as someone who experienced the MK5s on release, their interior quality within the compact segment was highly impressive for the time.
I've driven my mk6 Sportwagen, a 2005 Subaru Outback, and a 2010ish Nissan Versa hatch on the same cross-country road trip, and while the VW easily beat the Nissan, the Subaru was the clear winner for interior comfort and functionality on the trip. (Plus, the sunroof on the Subaru still works and doesn't leak!)
Most definitely not better than American cars either.
6 is better
Yeah but 5 is weird and weird is cool
Wow what a typical VW fanboi video. My ‘’13 Passat 2.5 was the worst vehicle I had ever owned. Plagued with all kinds of engine issues it was a lemon… traded that POS for a Toyota V6 XSE and that was a FAR better reliable trouble free car… I got far better economy in the V6 over the POS unrefined 2.5 VW
Any car can be problematic. I've known people that had a bad Toyota or Honda, plagued with oil consumption, transmission issues, suspension components failing under 50k miles.
Unfortunately, you can do all of the research and pre-planning for purchasing a car to get the "right one" and it can still be problematic. Your 2.5 story is an outlier. There's a guy with 650k miles on his 2.5 Passat.
"Wow what a typical VW fanboi video." Imagine being this much of an insufferable douche bag....
I own all brands and vw's are garbage quality. Their interiors fall apart, almost all surrounding engine components fail and are very cheaply made. Kias and hyundais of the same years hold their resale values much better. Proof is in the pudding.
I suggest you watch my "VW's perception of (un)Reliability" video. It goes over a lot of what you're talking about. I simply haven't seen what you're describing. I have had multiple VW and Audi's well beyond 200k miles. A lot of them on factory suspension and with the interiors holding up very nicely. Meanwhile, I hop in a similar mileage Toyota or Kia and the steering feels horrible, seats have no support, road noise is unbearable....
It would fall apart if you don't know how to maintain it. 😂
Its a cope engine
I mean kinda but I didn’t buy it for performance 😂😂😂 I bought it for reliability, sound, and simplicity 😂😂😂
@@BabyV1069 Hahahha yeah true I love my car but the previous owners did not maintain it so now I'm looking for a crown vic. It's just we all dump so much money to make these 2.5s look and sound good but the max that should be done is an exhaust no point in wheels and bushings and sway bars etc. I honestly would say no point in boost either. If SPA doesn't make a full kit that shames the mk5 GTI with a k04 then I'd only every suggest the 2.5 as a reliable semi cheap car. But alot of us can't help the fact it's can be what we want it to be but for so much money haha
@@EastDallasKicksyea I totally agree not a lot of aftermarket support, most I’ll probably doing is an exhaust maybe coilovers and wheels, no point in trying to turbo it because it’s just so expensive lmao😂😂