Discussion
Month 8
As October draws to a close, I've realised that it's been a while since the last update.
The R32 was re-painted in late August: the whole front end and near side where done. It can take a while to really assess the quality of a paint job and I'm very pleased with the match and finish, other than a masking line where the rear panel meets the light cluster (which I may be able to polish down, but haven't done anything about yet).
With the wheels done a month before that, the R32 was totally spotless for a little while... until my wife kerbed an alloy again.
I've long given-up making a big deal about this, nor when inevitable minor marks appear from city centre living - I just see them as the price for driving a nice car in my situation and I get them sorted as and when they occur!
August's mileage was 1,959 - although only 400 in the two months since. Total mileage is just under 52k, meaning that it's done 6,600 in my care.
I've now switched to hire cars for most business mileage as it's financially advantageous (mileage rate drops from 54ppm to 22ppm!). Although I have another 1k or so until I reach the threshold, I decided to "save" these miles for some work drives between now and March. My last hire car was an Astra 1.6 SXi, which achieved 44mpg on a long trip where I'd usually get 35 from the R32 (a similar result was achieved from a Hyundai i30 1.4). It goes to show that there's not much difference in fuel consumption between an R32 and a more workman-like petrol car of half the engine capacity - on a long run at least.
The R32 itself continues to be sublime to drive and practical in equal measure. Driving it after hire cars reveals the weight of the Golf's controls and a slow, heavy clutch; the over-riding sense of simple solidity in the cabin especially; and some very satisfying noises and sensations.
I had the squeaky rear end checked out and the garage couldn't find anything amiss. I suspect the rear springs, although the noise is intermittent. One of the speakers also started making an odd noise (suspect loose connection) but has since stopped. Touch wood.
Other cars?
Not to put too fine a point on it: I could afford a more expensive car... and the Golf MK7 R and S3 keep winking at me.
But why would I want one? The R32 does everything I want - and is saving me loads of money, almost by accident (touch wood, once again).
As October draws to a close, I've realised that it's been a while since the last update.
The R32 was re-painted in late August: the whole front end and near side where done. It can take a while to really assess the quality of a paint job and I'm very pleased with the match and finish, other than a masking line where the rear panel meets the light cluster (which I may be able to polish down, but haven't done anything about yet).
With the wheels done a month before that, the R32 was totally spotless for a little while... until my wife kerbed an alloy again.
I've long given-up making a big deal about this, nor when inevitable minor marks appear from city centre living - I just see them as the price for driving a nice car in my situation and I get them sorted as and when they occur! August's mileage was 1,959 - although only 400 in the two months since. Total mileage is just under 52k, meaning that it's done 6,600 in my care.
I've now switched to hire cars for most business mileage as it's financially advantageous (mileage rate drops from 54ppm to 22ppm!). Although I have another 1k or so until I reach the threshold, I decided to "save" these miles for some work drives between now and March. My last hire car was an Astra 1.6 SXi, which achieved 44mpg on a long trip where I'd usually get 35 from the R32 (a similar result was achieved from a Hyundai i30 1.4). It goes to show that there's not much difference in fuel consumption between an R32 and a more workman-like petrol car of half the engine capacity - on a long run at least.
The R32 itself continues to be sublime to drive and practical in equal measure. Driving it after hire cars reveals the weight of the Golf's controls and a slow, heavy clutch; the over-riding sense of simple solidity in the cabin especially; and some very satisfying noises and sensations.
I had the squeaky rear end checked out and the garage couldn't find anything amiss. I suspect the rear springs, although the noise is intermittent. One of the speakers also started making an odd noise (suspect loose connection) but has since stopped. Touch wood.
Other cars?
Not to put too fine a point on it: I could afford a more expensive car... and the Golf MK7 R and S3 keep winking at me.
But why would I want one? The R32 does everything I want - and is saving me loads of money, almost by accident (touch wood, once again).
Month 9
Total mileage is now 52,752 - meaning that I've done about 7,300 miles since February; about 650 of which were in the last month.
I've spent this last month looking at various options to update the car a little. I've had premium audio set-ups in my last two cars; complete with navigation, full bluetooth phone prep, steering wheel controls and parking sensors - but I've done without any of these for the last 9 months. Being a VW, you can pretty much add anything you want to the car - although it soon becomes a matter of "open your wallet and say R".
I looked closely at the options for sat nav (VW RNS 510 or aftermarket), but I can't justify the cost for the sort of use I'd get from it. Steering wheel controls would be great, but would mean a whole new wheel at around £500. I'm not fussed on phone connectivity, so I won't be having that either.
I've finally settled on:
- Head unit: Used VW RCD 510 - a used factory Golf Mk6 upgrade with: touch screen, 6CD, DAB and an SD card slot. It can be linked-up to a separate amp if needs be. I was keen to keep the OEM look and few aftermarket units offer SD or USB connectivity on the fascia of the unit at a reasonable cost.
- Speakers: Focal 2-way speakers to the front door pods, to replace the weedy factory units.
- Rear parking sensors: OEM spec sensors, colour coded and fitted to the factory bumper slots.
That little lot is being fitted next week. Next up: it's time to arrange a major service, MoT, Haldex fluid change and possible mechanical updates - more next month!
I also took the chance to get some more pics in the dry, cold weather - showing August's paint off in the full glare of the sun:
Total mileage is now 52,752 - meaning that I've done about 7,300 miles since February; about 650 of which were in the last month.
I've spent this last month looking at various options to update the car a little. I've had premium audio set-ups in my last two cars; complete with navigation, full bluetooth phone prep, steering wheel controls and parking sensors - but I've done without any of these for the last 9 months. Being a VW, you can pretty much add anything you want to the car - although it soon becomes a matter of "open your wallet and say R".
I looked closely at the options for sat nav (VW RNS 510 or aftermarket), but I can't justify the cost for the sort of use I'd get from it. Steering wheel controls would be great, but would mean a whole new wheel at around £500. I'm not fussed on phone connectivity, so I won't be having that either.
I've finally settled on:
- Head unit: Used VW RCD 510 - a used factory Golf Mk6 upgrade with: touch screen, 6CD, DAB and an SD card slot. It can be linked-up to a separate amp if needs be. I was keen to keep the OEM look and few aftermarket units offer SD or USB connectivity on the fascia of the unit at a reasonable cost.
- Speakers: Focal 2-way speakers to the front door pods, to replace the weedy factory units.
- Rear parking sensors: OEM spec sensors, colour coded and fitted to the factory bumper slots.
That little lot is being fitted next week. Next up: it's time to arrange a major service, MoT, Haldex fluid change and possible mechanical updates - more next month!
I also took the chance to get some more pics in the dry, cold weather - showing August's paint off in the full glare of the sun:
Edited by Basil Hume on Wednesday 3rd December 13:28
Some more detailed pics:
Starting off, with the basic RCD300 unit:
Off come the door panels...
...and in go the Focal speakers and tweeters:
Door re-assembled:
RCD510 DAB unit fitted, with aerial mounted on the nearside A-pillar. This unit also has an internal 6-CD changer, SD card slot and bluetooth compatibility (not enabled here):
Back bumper re-assembled, with Cobra flush-mounted sensors to the factory template. Looks OEM:
Up close...
and from afar:
All fitted by Automotive Control of Bristol. Looks to be a good job.
I've also booked the car in for a major service, Haldex oil change and MoT in January at my local garage.
I finally feel as if I'm exactly where I want to be with this car: sorted cosmetics, just the right level of tech and - of course - the soul of the V6.
Starting off, with the basic RCD300 unit:
Off come the door panels...
...and in go the Focal speakers and tweeters:
Door re-assembled:
RCD510 DAB unit fitted, with aerial mounted on the nearside A-pillar. This unit also has an internal 6-CD changer, SD card slot and bluetooth compatibility (not enabled here):
Back bumper re-assembled, with Cobra flush-mounted sensors to the factory template. Looks OEM:
Up close...
and from afar:
All fitted by Automotive Control of Bristol. Looks to be a good job.
I've also booked the car in for a major service, Haldex oil change and MoT in January at my local garage.
I finally feel as if I'm exactly where I want to be with this car: sorted cosmetics, just the right level of tech and - of course - the soul of the V6.
Month 11
My R32 has cost me £1,021.59 so far this week...
Although expected and planned for, £521.59 for a very comprehensive service and a further £500 on annual VED brought ownership costs into focus this month:
My local garage must know me well by now: they used original VW parts, full synthetic oil and replaced absolutely anything you would expect (e.g. fuel, cabin filters) without asking. They also did the Haldex oil and filters, which I was assured had been done as part of the sale - but I wanted complete reassurance about.
The intermittent rear-end squeak has been looked-at for a second time and, again, nothing appears amiss and some silicone grease was applied to key moving points to see if that helps. Oh, and it sailed through the MoT test.
Total mileage is now 53,448 - meaning that I've done close to 8k miles in 11 months. Christmas saw some family trips, but I also have another couple of long-distance business runs coming up this January (Bristol > London > Wrexham > Llandudno > Bristol being one).
My R32 has cost me £1,021.59 so far this week...
Although expected and planned for, £521.59 for a very comprehensive service and a further £500 on annual VED brought ownership costs into focus this month:
My local garage must know me well by now: they used original VW parts, full synthetic oil and replaced absolutely anything you would expect (e.g. fuel, cabin filters) without asking. They also did the Haldex oil and filters, which I was assured had been done as part of the sale - but I wanted complete reassurance about.
The intermittent rear-end squeak has been looked-at for a second time and, again, nothing appears amiss and some silicone grease was applied to key moving points to see if that helps. Oh, and it sailed through the MoT test.
Total mileage is now 53,448 - meaning that I've done close to 8k miles in 11 months. Christmas saw some family trips, but I also have another couple of long-distance business runs coming up this January (Bristol > London > Wrexham > Llandudno > Bristol being one).
Edited by Basil Hume on Wednesday 7th January 21:12
Month 11... and a bit
I've been getting itchy feet the last couple of weeks...
Inevitably - for me - I'm feeling the urge to move on and to replace the R32. I can't put it down to logic: I still love the car; there are no bills forthcoming; and the car is in as good as condition as it's going to be during my ownership.
In fact, the idea defies logic - given how much effort and cost I've put into making it mint! But the fact is that I've never kept any car for more than 22 months.
Whatever happens, I know that I can't truly replace the R32. It's hard to convey why it's such a great steer on internet forums, where quantification and stats count for so much...and yet to truly "get" the R32 experience, you have to evaluate it through the subjective.
Yes, I can find plenty of cars that have just as much peak torque and better economy - but none of the modern turbo'd lumps will pull so seamlessly at 1,000rpm like a 3.2 V6 does. And then there's the noise...
So - the brief for a replacement has to be different. Still compact in size - but this time more comfortable, reasonably (but perhaps less) quick and with more of a family emphasis. Perhaps its time for something that in the words of Autocar "bleeds an idiosyncratic blue and yellow personality, canters to a five-pot baseline and is a safe as the Riskbanken".
I've had some great quotes on brand new and lightly used cars, which I'll be thinking about over the next few days.
I've been getting itchy feet the last couple of weeks...
Inevitably - for me - I'm feeling the urge to move on and to replace the R32. I can't put it down to logic: I still love the car; there are no bills forthcoming; and the car is in as good as condition as it's going to be during my ownership.
In fact, the idea defies logic - given how much effort and cost I've put into making it mint! But the fact is that I've never kept any car for more than 22 months.
Whatever happens, I know that I can't truly replace the R32. It's hard to convey why it's such a great steer on internet forums, where quantification and stats count for so much...and yet to truly "get" the R32 experience, you have to evaluate it through the subjective.
Yes, I can find plenty of cars that have just as much peak torque and better economy - but none of the modern turbo'd lumps will pull so seamlessly at 1,000rpm like a 3.2 V6 does. And then there's the noise...
So - the brief for a replacement has to be different. Still compact in size - but this time more comfortable, reasonably (but perhaps less) quick and with more of a family emphasis. Perhaps its time for something that in the words of Autocar "bleeds an idiosyncratic blue and yellow personality, canters to a five-pot baseline and is a safe as the Riskbanken".
I've had some great quotes on brand new and lightly used cars, which I'll be thinking about over the next few days.
I've decided not to make any rash decisions. 
My R32 is in a very tidy state and, as I said above, I have no rational reason to want to see it go.
What becomes more apparent as you look to replace an R32 is just how hard that task is. This is the last V6 Golf and, in the process of moving to turbo power, the newer variants have lost a whole heap of character.
I came very close to getting a Mk7 GTI and it's still the front runner, but there's no urgency.
The R32's exhaust note is somehow haunting; it's just unbelievable how this car works its way under your skin.
My R32 is in a very tidy state and, as I said above, I have no rational reason to want to see it go.
What becomes more apparent as you look to replace an R32 is just how hard that task is. This is the last V6 Golf and, in the process of moving to turbo power, the newer variants have lost a whole heap of character.
I came very close to getting a Mk7 GTI and it's still the front runner, but there's no urgency.
The R32's exhaust note is somehow haunting; it's just unbelievable how this car works its way under your skin.
Edited by Basil Hume on Friday 30th January 11:19
1 Year
Ok, it's a handful of days short of a year; but this is a marker enough.
I've spent some of this week (half term) with my children, doing a mix of long and short trips in the R32 - trips to the theatre, grandparents, the swimming pool etc. I love the fact that this car will melt into the background most of the time and just behave like a high-spec Golf should: easy to park, wipe-clean seats, auto wipers, sensible wing mirrors...
...and then I can drop the windows in a tunnel, blip the throttle on take-off, throw it around some roundabout - and then drop the windows in a tunnel again.
With a 1,500-mile family road trip to France coming up the summer, I have been thinking a lot lately about a more "practical" car. Let's face it: I'm driving what will be a near 7-year-old car with crap fuel economy, a compromised boot (4WD), no sat nav - and without the peace of mind given by the sort of new, warranted, breakdown-covered, sat-navigated car I'm used to in recent years.
If it didn't make such a nice noise and drive so well, the order for a Mk7 Golf GTI would be signed already.
As it is, I'm enjoying the character and lag-free urge so much that I'm finding it very hard to do so.
Ok, it's a handful of days short of a year; but this is a marker enough.
I've spent some of this week (half term) with my children, doing a mix of long and short trips in the R32 - trips to the theatre, grandparents, the swimming pool etc. I love the fact that this car will melt into the background most of the time and just behave like a high-spec Golf should: easy to park, wipe-clean seats, auto wipers, sensible wing mirrors...
...and then I can drop the windows in a tunnel, blip the throttle on take-off, throw it around some roundabout - and then drop the windows in a tunnel again.
With a 1,500-mile family road trip to France coming up the summer, I have been thinking a lot lately about a more "practical" car. Let's face it: I'm driving what will be a near 7-year-old car with crap fuel economy, a compromised boot (4WD), no sat nav - and without the peace of mind given by the sort of new, warranted, breakdown-covered, sat-navigated car I'm used to in recent years.
If it didn't make such a nice noise and drive so well, the order for a Mk7 Golf GTI would be signed already.
As it is, I'm enjoying the character and lag-free urge so much that I'm finding it very hard to do so.
Year 1 - a better update
Well, having had a little wobble recently, I decided to celebrate my first anniversary with the R32 in more appropriate style... by booking it in for a supercharger conversion!
I'm going for an RUF conversion, fitted by TRD of Stroud. I'm restraining myself to a Stage 1 (c.350bhp) package, plus adding a Milltek resonated cat-back, uprated brake pads and Bilstein B14 height-adjustable coilovers.
It's a bit of a boyhood dream to own something like what I've now got planned, while in family-man circumstances. I had a very highly-tuned Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo about 10 years ago, so I know what it's like to go down the tuner route.
I'm probably quite different from most potentialy FI R32 owners now though, in that I barely drive my stock car at full potential - let alone what any stage of supercharged tune will give me. For 50% of its journeys, my wife will be driving the R32 around town! For much of the rest, it will be with our 2 kids in the back. I won't ever go anywhere near the car's top speed - and I'm sure you all think I'm mad!
What I do find appealing, however, is easy performance, the "experience" and the chance to make a great car to my spec. You just can't do that when you buy an off-the-shelf car. We all live a short time on this Earth; life can be tough and is full of responsibilities - so why the hell not have whining V6 in my life while I can?
I looked long and hard at various other options. In short, this will cost me a little bit less overall than a new Mk7 GTI or used Mk6 R and a good amount less than a privately-funded Mk7 R. I concluded finally that anything like - or less than - a company car Mk7 GTD would make my life just that bit less pleasurable.
It's booked-in for the second week of April.
Well, having had a little wobble recently, I decided to celebrate my first anniversary with the R32 in more appropriate style... by booking it in for a supercharger conversion!
I'm going for an RUF conversion, fitted by TRD of Stroud. I'm restraining myself to a Stage 1 (c.350bhp) package, plus adding a Milltek resonated cat-back, uprated brake pads and Bilstein B14 height-adjustable coilovers.
It's a bit of a boyhood dream to own something like what I've now got planned, while in family-man circumstances. I had a very highly-tuned Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo about 10 years ago, so I know what it's like to go down the tuner route.
I'm probably quite different from most potentialy FI R32 owners now though, in that I barely drive my stock car at full potential - let alone what any stage of supercharged tune will give me. For 50% of its journeys, my wife will be driving the R32 around town! For much of the rest, it will be with our 2 kids in the back. I won't ever go anywhere near the car's top speed - and I'm sure you all think I'm mad!
What I do find appealing, however, is easy performance, the "experience" and the chance to make a great car to my spec. You just can't do that when you buy an off-the-shelf car. We all live a short time on this Earth; life can be tough and is full of responsibilities - so why the hell not have whining V6 in my life while I can?
I looked long and hard at various other options. In short, this will cost me a little bit less overall than a new Mk7 GTI or used Mk6 R and a good amount less than a privately-funded Mk7 R. I concluded finally that anything like - or less than - a company car Mk7 GTD would make my life just that bit less pleasurable.
It's booked-in for the second week of April.
Dave^ said:
Out of interest, have you had any insurance quotes yet? If so, what was the increase like?
The first quote I've had is about double what I've been paying for the R32 until now. I paid £256 this January (11 years NCB) and my very first quote from Adrian Flux is just over £500. Bear in mind that I was paying >£500 on my old 197, A3 2.0T quattro and S3. The R32 was inexplicably cheaper, so I'm happy with this.
It's a time-consuming business to get quotes when compared to a standard car - and I am hopeful that I should be able to get the cost down a little.
Benjy911 said:
Supercharger conversion sounds very exciting!
I think I saw you today on the M4, gave a little toot as I went past but I don't think you heard, it was looking very clean in the sunshine
Yes - I saw you! I didn't hear the toot, but I may have had the tunes up a bit!I think I saw you today on the M4, gave a little toot as I went past but I don't think you heard, it was looking very clean in the sunshine
Very nice-looking S3. I used to have a red Sportback.
Month 13
Oh dear...
My wife was hit by a minibus, while waiting for it to pass her on a narrow street. I've told the insurance company, but I'm not enormously hopeful of a positive outcome - so have booked it in to have the work done by the middle of next week, plus the kerbed wheels.
Only 2 weeks until it goes in to have the supercharger and other bits and bobs done. Although it's an extra (unexpected) cost, at least the car will look 100% when it's all done.
I just hope that this doesn't prove complicated when changing insurers, which I will be doing to coincide with the modifications.
Oh dear...
My wife was hit by a minibus, while waiting for it to pass her on a narrow street. I've told the insurance company, but I'm not enormously hopeful of a positive outcome - so have booked it in to have the work done by the middle of next week, plus the kerbed wheels.
Only 2 weeks until it goes in to have the supercharger and other bits and bobs done. Although it's an extra (unexpected) cost, at least the car will look 100% when it's all done.
I just hope that this doesn't prove complicated when changing insurers, which I will be doing to coincide with the modifications.
Insurance now sorted, at £640.
The damage was repaired at a cost of £672, including 3 wheels. Unfortunately, the chances of getting anything back from the other party involved look minimal, so I've had to lump that cost. It has also made changing the insurance policy a little more challenging and - I suspect - expensive.
Nevertheless, the car into Turner Race Developments for its supercharger and other work tomorrow - and I have peace of mind that everything is ready to go and above board.
The damage was repaired at a cost of £672, including 3 wheels. Unfortunately, the chances of getting anything back from the other party involved look minimal, so I've had to lump that cost. It has also made changing the insurance policy a little more challenging and - I suspect - expensive.
Nevertheless, the car into Turner Race Developments for its supercharger and other work tomorrow - and I have peace of mind that everything is ready to go and above board.
Looks like it's coming along nicely:
I don't know what's been done (other than the suspension and exhaust) so far, but I'm hoping it's still on track to be ready for Friday.
It's being done at the same time as another R32, which is having the more extensive Stage 3 supercharger conversion (cooling mods = more boost).
I don't know what's been done (other than the suspension and exhaust) so far, but I'm hoping it's still on track to be ready for Friday.
It's being done at the same time as another R32, which is having the more extensive Stage 3 supercharger conversion (cooling mods = more boost).
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff