Volkswagen Golf (hatchback / Variant) · Mk6 (5K)
Generation 6 2008–2012
A heavily revised Mk5 with a better interior and quieter body. The 1.6 TDI and 2.0 TDI CR diesels are solid; the 1.4 TSI twincharger and early DSG 7 are the traps. Cheap, plentiful and a good sub-25,000 PLN car if you pick the engine right.
Photo: NaBUru38 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Recognition
How to tell it apart
- •Horizontal grille slats and headlights with a straight lower edge; simple tail lights (LED on GTI/higher trims)
- •Interior with soft-touch dash and Mk5-style layout; Variant estate has a longer rear overhang
Engines
Engines
1.2 TSI · 105 hp
2009–2012
Petrol · Manual / Dual-clutch automatic · FWD
Chain-driven EA111 1.2 TSI: tensioner issues; 85 hp variant also existed.
1.4 (16V) · 80 hp
2008–2012
Petrol · Manual · FWD
Simple and slow; robust.
1.4 TSI · 122 hp
2008–2012
Petrol · Manual / Dual-clutch automatic · FWD
Single-turbo EA111: chain tensioner risk; otherwise lively.
1.4 TSI (twincharger) · 160 hp
2008–2012
Petrol · Manual / Dual-clutch automatic · FWD
Supercharged and turbocharged: pistons, chains and the supercharger clutch fail. Avoid without a rebuilt engine.
1.6 MPI · 102 hp
2008–2012
Petrol · Manual / Automatic · FWD
Old-school port injection; LPG-friendly and durable.
1.6 TDI · 105 hp
2009–2012
Diesel · Manual / Dual-clutch automatic · FWD
Common-rail 1.6 (also 90 hp): economical; injectors and DPF on neglected cars; often with the DQ200 DSG.
2.0 TDI · 110 hp
2008–2012
Diesel · Manual · FWD
Detuned common-rail 2.0; durable.
2.0 TDI · 140 hp
2008–2012
Diesel · Manual / Dual-clutch automatic · FWD / AWD
The good Mk6 diesel: common-rail EA189 (CFFB from 2010), 4Motion available. Watch the oil pump balance shaft module on early CBAB.
GTI 2.0 TSI · 210 hp
2009–2012
Petrol · Manual / Dual-clutch automatic · FWD
210 hp (235 Edition 35). Gen-2 EA888: oil consumption and chain tensioner on early cars; check for tuning.
GTD 2.0 TDI · 170 hp
2009–2012
Diesel · Manual / Dual-clutch automatic · FWD
Diesel GTI: 170 hp common-rail, GTI looks. Sensible and quick.
R 2.0 TSI · 270 hp
2009–2012
Petrol · Manual / Dual-clutch automatic · AWD
270 hp EA113 (the old, tough 2.0 TFSI) with 4Motion. The robust R; check for tuning and Haldex service.
| Engine | For sale now | Years | Gearbox · drive | Sought after | Robust | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.2 TSI · 105 hp Petrol · 1.2 TSI · CBZB | 72 | 2009–2012 | Manual / Dual-clutch automatic FWD | Chain-driven EA111 1.2 TSI: tensioner issues; 85 hp variant also existed. | ||
1.4 (16V) · 80 hp Petrol · 1.4 16V | 119 | 2008–2012 | Manual FWD | Simple and slow; robust. | ||
1.4 TSI · 122 hp Petrol · 1.4 TSI · CAXA | 145 | 2008–2012 | Manual / Dual-clutch automatic FWD | Single-turbo EA111: chain tensioner risk; otherwise lively. | ||
1.4 TSI (twincharger) · 160 hp Petrol · 1.4 TSI 160 · CAVD | 47 | 2008–2012 | Manual / Dual-clutch automatic FWD | Supercharged and turbocharged: pistons, chains and the supercharger clutch fail. Avoid without a rebuilt engine. | ||
1.6 MPI · 102 hp Petrol · 1.6 · BSE / CCSA | 73 | 2008–2012 | Manual / Automatic FWD | Old-school port injection; LPG-friendly and durable. | ||
1.6 TDI · 105 hp Diesel · 1.6 TDI · CAYC | 203 | 2009–2012 | Manual / Dual-clutch automatic FWD | Common-rail 1.6 (also 90 hp): economical; injectors and DPF on neglected cars; often with the DQ200 DSG. | ||
2.0 TDI · 110 hp Diesel · 2.0 TDI 110 · CBDC | 96 | 2008–2012 | Manual FWD | Detuned common-rail 2.0; durable. | ||
2.0 TDI · 140 hp Diesel · 2.0 TDI 140 · CBAB / CFFB | 64 | 2008–2012 | Manual / Dual-clutch automatic FWD / AWD | The good Mk6 diesel: common-rail EA189 (CFFB from 2010), 4Motion available. Watch the oil pump balance shaft module on early CBAB. | ||
GTI 2.0 TSI · 210 hp Petrol · Golf GTI · CCZB (EA888 gen 2) | 42 | 2009–2012 | Manual / Dual-clutch automatic FWD | 210 hp (235 Edition 35). Gen-2 EA888: oil consumption and chain tensioner on early cars; check for tuning. | ||
GTD 2.0 TDI · 170 hp Diesel · Golf GTD · CFGB | 31 | 2009–2012 | Manual / Dual-clutch automatic FWD | Diesel GTI: 170 hp common-rail, GTI looks. Sensible and quick. | ||
R 2.0 TSI · 270 hp Petrol · Golf R · CDLF (EA113) | 18 | 2009–2012 | Manual / Dual-clutch automatic AWD | 270 hp EA113 (the old, tough 2.0 TFSI) with 4Motion. The robust R; check for tuning and Haldex service. |
Versions
What the badges mean
Trendline
commonbase
2008–2012
Basic trim: steel wheels, manual air-con optional.
Comfortline
commonequipment line
2008–2012
Mid trim: alloys, better seats, air-con.
Highline
uncommonequipment line
2008–2012
Top trim: Climatronic, sports seats, chrome details, often xenon.
GTI
uncommonperformance model
2009–2012
2.0 TSI 210, sports suspension, XDS, GTI seats and styling.
Watch out: GTI bumpers and badges on 1.4 TSI cars are common; check the engine code.
GTD
uncommonperformance model
2009–2012
2.0 TDI 170 with GTI chassis and styling.
R
rareperformance model
2009–2012
270 hp, 4Motion, R styling and chassis.
Watch out: R-Line and R body kits are not an R; the engine code and VIN decide.
Options
Options that matter
rare
DCC adaptive chassis
Rare outside GTI/R.
uncommon
Bi-xenon with LED DRL
Better lights; uncommon.
common
Climatronic
Automatic climate.
uncommon
RNS 510 navigation
The large-screen navigation; valued.
uncommon
Leather upholstery
Highline/GTI option.
common
Heated front seats
Valued.
uncommon
Panoramic sunroof
Check drains.
common
Cruise control
Not standard on Trendline.
uncommon
LPG installation (aftermarket)
Common on 1.6 MPI.
common
Parking sensors / Park Assist
Convenience.
uncommon
Tow bar
Practical.
Before you buy
What to know
Strengths
- +Solid body and interior; galvanised, little rust
- +1.6 MPI and 2.0 TDI CR are durable
- +Cheap parts, easy to service anywhere
Expensive when they fail
DSG 7 mechatronicsTSI chain repairTwincharger engine
Polish market
Plentiful at 12,000–30,000 PLN. The engine choice matters more than the trim: 1.6 MPI, 2.0 TDI CR and the R are the safe ones.
Known weak points
- serious1.4 TSI twincharger (160 hp)Piston, chain and supercharger failures; many engines were replaced under goodwill. High risk.Check: Ask for evidence of engine replacement or rebuild; otherwise avoid.
- seriousEA111 TSI timing chain tensioner (1.2/1.4 TSI, 122 hp)Chain tensioner failures cause the chain to jump; rattle at start is the sign.Check: Cold-start video; ask about tensioner/chain replacement.
- seriousDSG 7 (DQ200) dry clutchMechatronic and clutch failures; costly.Check: Feel for judder; ask about mechatronic replacement.
- moderateGTI EA888 gen-2 oil consumptionPiston rings and chain tensioner on early gen-2 engines.Check: Ask about oil consumption and tensioner work.
- moderateDiesel EGR, DPF, injectors and dual massStandard ageing items on all TDIs; deleted DPFs on cheap cars.Check: Ask whether DPF/EGR are original; listen for flywheel rattle.
- moderateMileage correction on importsCommon on cheap German imports.Check: Ask for VIN and inspection history.
From the market
Real cars on sale right now
From the market
Engines actually on sale
Grouped from 940 live listings: what people are selling, at what price and mileage.
| Engine | Share | Typical price | Median mileage | Gearbox · drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1.6 Diesel · 105 hp 1.6 TDI Comfortline | 18% | 16 900 PLN | 240 000 km | Manual / Automatic · FWD / AWD |
1.4 Petrol · 122 hp 1.4 TSI Highline | 14% | 17 900 PLN | 203 821 km | Manual / Automatic · FWD |
1.4 Petrol · 80 hp 1.4 Comfortline | 11% | 16 000 PLN | 190 000 km | Manual / Automatic · FWD / RWD |
1.6 Petrol · 102 hp 1.6 Comfortline | 8% | 17 900 PLN | 198 956 km | Manual / Automatic · FWD |
1.2 Petrol · 105 hp 1.2 TSI Style | 7% | 18 900 PLN | 180 000 km | Manual / Automatic · FWD |
2.0 Diesel · 140 hp 2.0 TDI DPF Highline | 6% | 16 999 PLN | 264 357 km | Manual / Automatic · FWD / AWD |
1.4 Petrol · 160 hp 1.4 TSI Highline | 4% | 19 900 PLN | 188 000 km | Manual / Automatic · FWD |
1.9 Diesel · 105 hp 1.9 TDI Comfortline | 4% | 8 900 PLN | 290 000 km | Manual · FWD / AWD |
From the market
Price by model year
Typical price and mileage for each model year on sale.
From the market
Most common versions
- Comfortline78
- Highline47
- Trendline37
- GTI31
- Style28
- GTD14
- 4Mot R12
- Team11
From the market
Equipment seen most often
Radio 100%Electric front windows 100%Traction control 100%ESP stability control 100%Driver airbag 100%Passenger airbag 100%Isofix child seat anchors 100%ABS 94%Front curtain airbags 94%Front side airbags 94%Heated door mirrors 89%Leather steering wheel 83%Cruise control 83%Power steering 83%
Our picks
Versions worth looking for
2.0 TDI 140 CFFB manual (2010–2012)
The durable diesel Mk6.
1.6 MPI with LPG
Cheapest sensible Golf to run.
Golf R (EA113)
The tough, fast one: if unmodified.