There’s a summary below with links to lots more information. There’s also a menu at the top of the page. On a mobile it looks like this:

You can use the menu to go straight to the various sections including a gallery of photos, full maintenance history, MOTs etc etc.

My Car

I have a 3-door Golf GTD mk6 manual. There is quite a bit of information about the car (maintenance etc) and a detailed description of the audio system with satnav, Bluetooth module etc. There is also sine stuff about VCDS tweaks and repair how-tos.

Summary

2010 Golf mk6 GTD 3-door, manual. EU 5, Owned since March 2012.

  • Late 2010 (reg. December) model with updates (e.g. different CFGB engine and LED rear lights)
  • 102,000 miles (mine since 13,450 miles)
  • Full service history with invoices for all but the first service.
  • Last service one year, ~4,000 miles ago (longlife oil, fuel filter, air and cabin filters)
  • Cambelt, tensioner and water pump at 55,000 miles (not needed for another 130,000).
  • One previous owner, two keys
  • Bosch S4 battery March 2023
  • Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Tyres. Fronts changed at 93,307 miles and rears at ~71,000 miles
  • Treads
    • Front left – outer 5.8mm, centre 5.5mm, inner 5.3mm
    • Front right – outer 5.6mm, centre 5.6mm, inner 5.3mm
    • Rear left – outer 4.8mm, centre 4.5mm, inner 4.4mm
    • Rear right – outer 4.8mm, centre 4.8mm, inner 4.6mm

Specification/Equipment

  • Reflex silver metallic with cloth checker interior
  • Climate Control
  • Automatic wipers
  • Automatic lights
  • Footwell lights
  • Spacesaver spare wheel

Modifications

  • High-end custom audio with VW RNS510 head unit and VW Bluetooth telephone module fitted plus Hertz and Audison components and custom subwoofer. Fitted and tuned to a very high standard.
  • Discreet dashcam fitted (hard-wired)
  • Custom leather gear shift gaiter
  • Higher specification Bosch 007 battery (increased 72 Ah capacity and 680A cranking amps) – March 2023 (4 year warranty)
  • USB charging port fitted in VW switch space by the gear lever
  • LED puddle lights and door warning lights on the bottom edge of doors
  • Black Autostyle mats with matching grey binding
  • Cup holder divider/bottle opener

Background

After owning a mk3 Golf and then a mk4 TDi 130 (another 3 door), I went shopping initially for any Golf TDi. I came across a GTD and although I didn’t buy that one, after trying it decided I would have to find one of those.

I found this one in a VW dealer in Cambridgeshire. Quite a trek, but it looked and sounded like a great car…which it turned out to be.

I have hugely enjoyed running the car as I find it a good combination of relaxing pace over long distances (I have done a lot of longer trips up and down through France for example on backroads), comfort and practicality.

Enjoyment has been helped considerably by the audio system in the car which is probably the main reason I have owned this car longer than any other; it will be hard to see it go.

Audio System

I have fitted a custom audio system starting with a VW RNS510 head unit and Bluetooth module and then added an active system based on an Audison processor, active component speakers and Hertz amplification.

I designed, fitted, improved and tuned the system over 100s of hours.

The installation is high quality with extensive sound deadening and treatments applied to the doors, boot area (behind all trims) and bonnet.

A custom boot build includes the amp rack and a removable custom subwoofer enclosure which retains the original spare wheel.

I have included extensive details of the system in its own section on this site (see Audio System)

Maintenance

I am fastidious about the mechanical and cosmetic maintenance of my cars and bikes. I think this is partly due to my slightly obsessive personality and my background in engineering.

The car has an extensive maintenance history from a main dealer, a local VW/Audi specialist and in some cases myself.

I have included full details on the Maintenance page. There is also a full MOT history. All invoices etc are available for all work other than the first service before I owned the car.

Washing/Detailing

I decided to invest in protecting the car from the start and dropped it off for a couple of days at a Gtechniq approved detailer based at Dunsfold to have the paint corrected where needed and then to have full Gtechniq Exo ceramic protection applied.

Beading immediately after Gtechniq Exo treatment

Since then I have not let anyone but myself wash the car. I use correct methods and quality products as I find this protects the car and makes maintenance of the finish easier. You can find out more about my wash and detailing approach here. Or just have a look at the gallery to see how it looks as I think the pictures speak for themselves.

Questions

Has the car had any accident damage?

Not that I am aware of (i.e. in my ownership). When I had the car detailed, I had the paint depth checked and this suggested it was all original. None reported by anyone who’s looked at/worked on the car. I have never seen anything to make me suspect any and I have seen behind all trims and panels where repair work would show.

There is one very small ding on the rear hatch. It is not very noticeable. Doors have remained ding free as I am extremely careful about where I park in car parks.

Has the car had any paintwork?

I have had one smart repair on the rear bumper for minor damage (paint only scratches). I have pre-repair photographs available to show that this was a minor cosmetic issue. I had the lip spoiler painted at the same time to address stone chips.

Of course, at 102K miles, the car is not free of stone chips. I have addressed any significance on a regular basis.

Have the wheels been refurbished?

Unless they were done within the first year of ownership, the wheels have not been refurbished. They are not perfect. They have never been kerbed, but as they are diamond cut there is some whiteworm visible where there have been small stone chips (close-ups of the wheels in the gallery). I believe they are comfortably better than similar-aged cars.