I bought my VW GTI new and the factory front brake pads lasted 78,000 miles. Factory pads at VW from German production are semi-metallic. Pedal feel was a little stiff, but the factory pads provided realistic feedback. The pedal feel is too soft with these EBC pads. It's okay if you drive really slow in stop-and-go traffic, but it sucks if you drive with spirit and even normal. My car stops closer, but it's easier to initiate wheel lock at high speeds before the ABS kicks in, as it's difficultβ¦