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Hey there

I'm thinking to buy a Japanese import 2009 vw golf gti that's NZ new and has 39,000 km on it. I've heard quite a bit about the unreliability of the golf's transmission especially with the DSG so I'm just wondering what is the likely servicing costs I might see if I were to get this car? Also what do you guys think about the maintenance costs/reliability of golf gti?

Cheers!

Presumably you mean it's a Japanese import that is new to New Zealand (not NZ new, which means it was sold new in NZ)? Either way, the Golf GTi is a really nice car to drive and the DSG gearbox is particularly enjoyable if you are an enthusiastic driver.
However, we have heard of some problems as age and mileage increases, although it's fair to say that many other automatic transmissions (particularly CVT's) are also known to give trouble.
General servicing should not be much more than other cars, although if problems occur, European cars are known to cost more to fix.
If your number 1 priority is an enjoyable driver's car, the Golf GTi would be a great choice. On the other hand, if your primary consideration is reputation for reliability, go with something more mainstream such as a Toyota Corolla.