VW Golf VII 2.0 TDI, 150 PS, 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive (2012–2016)

Research for this car

• Generation guide VW Golf 7 (2012-2020): known problems and buying guide

  Coolant leaks, sunroof water and a steering recall are the main issues. Check the recall, the timing belt and the wet DSG oil record first.

• Engine guide VW 2.0 TDI (EA288) diesel: problems, costs and what to check

  Coolant leaks, EGR and AdBlue faults are the main risks. Buy with a cold-start check, a coolant pressure test and a full scan.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Haldex service record (Golf R and 4MOTION). Ask for proof of the service. Bad result: no record, or a Haldex pump fault or lost rear drive. Costs about 115 USD for the service and several thousand USD for a rear unit (US, year not given).
2. Steering recall (48VS). Give the VIN to a VW dealer. Bad result: an open recall. The hatchback scope is unclear, so the VIN check decides. The repair is free.
3. Sunroof drains and damp carpets. Lift the boot carpet and check the footwell for damp. Bad result: damp carpet or water in the boot. The US class action covers water damage for 7 years or 80,000 miles.
4. Fault scan and battery. A scanner (VCDS or OBDeleven) reads the fault memory. Bad result: stored faults. On start-stop cars, check that the battery is AGM or EFB.

From the engine guide

1. Turbo (needs a scanner). Read boost faults and check the vanes. Bad: power loss, whistle or smoke.
2. DPF (needs a scanner). Read soot and ash loading. Bad: frequent regeneration or high oil level.
3. Intake manifold (pressure test). Pressure-test the cooling system. Bad: coolant loss with no puddle, worse under load.
4. EGR cooler (pressure test). Cap the cooler hoses and repeat the test. Bad: it holds only with the cooler bypassed.
5. Water pump and heater. Start cold; heater must blow hot. Bad: weak heat, wandering gauge, dried coolant.
6. Oil pump drive (needs a scanner). Listen for a rattle at idle and check for oil-pressure codes. Bad: a red oil-pressure warning.
7. Belt and pump invoices. Ask for dated belt, pump and thermostat invoices. No record means budget for a belt job.
8. Recall check. Enter the VIN in the official recall check. Bad: an open 23Z7 campaign on a T6.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions