I first came across Todd’s MK7 on Instagram sometime in late 2021. At the time, I was running a different IG account focusing on Volkswagens (more on this later). “Less is More” is the first thing that came to mind when seeing Todd’s MK7 Golf SportWagen: stock body (no lip kit) paired with responsible adult drop and a set of gold 19” Rotiform LSR wheels. He had since upgraded his wheels to silver 19” Rotiform DTM that you see on this blog feature. As a MK7 owner myself, I think VW packaged this generation quite well (though it could use an extra “kick”). While my MK7 is kept stock, Todd answered that longing for the extra “kick” with a IS20 turbo upgrade (from MK7 GTI) and APR tune. I can see why Todd really enjoys going on trips and drives all over Southern California!
The passion for wagon and those numerous road trips / adventure are the reason on why I must feature Todd’s MK7 on this blog. One Friday afternoon was chosen for the photo shoot to take place at the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC). Unfortunately, our “party” was cut short there and we had to move the photo shoot to the next best location: Angel Stadium. This actually worked in our favor because we had the Angel Stadium parking lot to ourselves. Many photos were captured, and good conversation was had with Todd without any disturbance – a WIN in my book.
Introduce Yourself:
Todd Shute
Long Beach, CA
Accessory & Apparel brand owner/designer & Freelance Graphic Designer
WHY A WAGON?
I’ve always been a wagon fan – from fighting over third row backwards seats in my friend’s mom’s wagon on the way to soccer practice to finally owning two A3 wagons before my SportWagen. I have always considered my SportWagen my “dad wagon” and it has served me well as a utilitarian dad vehicle, but it is also fun to drive and has the ability to be a little spicy. There’s also a uniqueness and rareness to wagons that I love and makes them special to me.
Did you consider a different WAGON instead of this one?
Prior to my SportWagen, I had a TDI Passat (commuter daily) during the “Diesel Gate” Scandal, which for me worked out fine I got a nice check and an opportunity for a new car. I’d had my eye on a SportWagen for a while, and since I was commuting at the time, I chose it as a daily over an A4 Avant, and to save some money.
What was your original objective with your car and has that objective changed?
Original goal was to make a fun car to drive that works great for being a dad hauler. Nowadays, there isn’t a child seat in the back seat anymore, but it’s still the dad wagon. Honestly, I’ve never owned a car this long – a little over 5 years, but I’ve never enjoyed a car as much. So as of right now keep the gas, tires, and oil fresh and drive her.
What style would you say best describes your car?
I’ve always been OEM+, I like a clean look – I grew up in the late 80’s early 90’s loving the Audi’s, VW’s, & BMW’s with the BBS’s or Borbet style and how they would mod them in Europe so I always go for that clean and low look.
Who assisted in the planning/building/modding of your car?
As for the planning, that’s all me – I like to do it myself as I feel it’s a very personal thing; an expression of yourself – yeah, I’m not the type to do a survey on IG for what wheels to get next. I like to show up to a meet or whatever and surprise my friends.
As for Mod’s I always start with wheels and stance so I’m running Solowerk’s Coilovers, and they’ve been great. I’m on my 3rd set of Rotiforms currently with the DTM’s 19” x 8.5” et45 5×112 – 235/35/19r’s – previously had Gold LSR’s and Silver SPF’s. I initially did a Stage 1 APR tune which was cool, but eventually upgraded to an IS20 and APR Stage 3 with the APR Coil Packs and plugs. I also have AWE Touring exhaust that provides a nice note and no drone on road trips. That’s it, everything else is stock. Just changed the oil and she’s been driving great.
The only shop to work on my car is Metric Autosport in Huntington Beach – I’d been going to Brian before this car, but he’s helped me to do what I need to get what I want out of it and not waste money on unnecessary mods. Love his brutal honesty.
What do you feel makes your car unique/special in your eyes?
The greatest uniqueness is the fact it’s a wagon and I love there usually only being a few of us amongst the sedans or hot hatches. What makes it special to me is the times my daughter and I have had in the car, especially during the pandemic and lockdowns. We would load up the “picnic basket” and drive to spots all over southern California for a “trunknic” and maybe a hike or walk just to get out of the house. Those memories are a real bright spot for us during a bad time. Also previously I’d never gotten into the car community like I have with this car, which has been a ton of fun and led to loads of new friends and great times.
What is your favorite part/feature/function of the car?
My favorite thing honestly right now is the car in its current state – it’s driving and looking pretty good in my opinion. I have a small “wish list” of next mods like we all do, but overall I’m pretty happy with her and haven’t started to get bored with the car so we’re good for now. A favorite feature though is obviously popping the back hatch and having my kid jump in there and hanging out.
If you could pick one thing you aren’t satisfied with about your car, what would it be?
The transmission – I wish it had the DSG so I could tune it to match more with where the motor is at. I just put it in tiptronic whenever I’m driving “spiritedly” and we’re good.
What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve faced while building this car?
None really
What one word best describes your car?
Lowkey
What is your final goal with this car?
Right now, it is just to keep driving it and taking care of it. Shitty time right now to buy a new car so we’ll just keep enjoying it.
