Discussion
Month 3
Four wheel alignment and the wheel weights now done, at a cost of £88.16.
I've also now disabled the exhaust "flapper", which closes one of the exhaust pipes at low revs. It doesn't make a massive difference, but the sound is noticeably more fuity below 3,000rpm.
The R32 took me and the two kids to far west Somerset last weekend. The A39 between Bridgwater and Minehead is a real peach of a road and seemed totally suited to the R32; swooping bends, smooth tarmac and great views over the sea.
The best thing about this car is that you don't need to be doing silly speeds to enjoy it, unlike in my old S3 - just drop the windows and wallow in the sound.
Mods?
I've been looking into the options for pepping-up the car a little. There seem to be 3 options:
1) Leave totally standard: When I look at 10-year-old Mk4 R32s, to my eye they look best when totally standard. Maybe I should just leave it alone?
2) OEM mods: A better head unit, parking sensors and cruise control would be top of my list. Probably £5-600, plus potentially some Option 3 goodies...
3) Mechanical upgrades: I'd love at least some new exhaust tips, an induction kit and possibly some lowering springs or coilovers. Probably £1k. You only live once and all that... but I'm respectable 30-something dad now and this is the family car after all!
Not a bad problem to have. Any opinions?
Four wheel alignment and the wheel weights now done, at a cost of £88.16.
I've also now disabled the exhaust "flapper", which closes one of the exhaust pipes at low revs. It doesn't make a massive difference, but the sound is noticeably more fuity below 3,000rpm.
The R32 took me and the two kids to far west Somerset last weekend. The A39 between Bridgwater and Minehead is a real peach of a road and seemed totally suited to the R32; swooping bends, smooth tarmac and great views over the sea.
The best thing about this car is that you don't need to be doing silly speeds to enjoy it, unlike in my old S3 - just drop the windows and wallow in the sound.
Mods?
I've been looking into the options for pepping-up the car a little. There seem to be 3 options:
1) Leave totally standard: When I look at 10-year-old Mk4 R32s, to my eye they look best when totally standard. Maybe I should just leave it alone?
2) OEM mods: A better head unit, parking sensors and cruise control would be top of my list. Probably £5-600, plus potentially some Option 3 goodies...
3) Mechanical upgrades: I'd love at least some new exhaust tips, an induction kit and possibly some lowering springs or coilovers. Probably £1k. You only live once and all that... but I'm respectable 30-something dad now and this is the family car after all!
Not a bad problem to have. Any opinions?
Edited by Basil Hume on Friday 16th May 14:08
Basil Hume said:
Month 3
Four wheel alignment and the wheel weights now done, at a cost of £88.16.
I've also now disabled the exhaust "flapper", which closes one of the exhaust pipes at low revs. It doesn't make a massive difference, but the sound is noticeably more fuity below 3,000rpm.
The R32 took me and the two kids to far west Somerset last weekend. The A39 between Bridgwater and Minehead is a real peach of a road and seemed totally suited to the R32; swooping bends, smooth tarmac and great views over the sea.
The best thing about this car is that you don't need to be doing silly speeds to enjoy it, unlike in my old S3 - just drop the windows and wallow in the sound.
Mods?
I've been looking into the options for pepping-up the car a little. There seem to be 3 options:
1) Leave totally standard: When I look at 10-year-old Mk4 R32s, to my eye they look best when totally standard. Maybe I should just leave it alone?
2) OEM mods: A better head unit, parking sensors and cruise control would be top of my list. Probably £5-600, plus potentially some Option 3 goodies...
3) Mechanical upgrades: I'd love at least some new exhaust tips, an induction kit and possibly some lowering springs or coilovers. Probably £1k. You only live once and all that... but I'm respectable 30-something dad now and this is the family car after all!
Not a bad problem to have. Any opinions?
I owned one of these from new and had it for just over 4 years - fantastic car.Four wheel alignment and the wheel weights now done, at a cost of £88.16.
I've also now disabled the exhaust "flapper", which closes one of the exhaust pipes at low revs. It doesn't make a massive difference, but the sound is noticeably more fuity below 3,000rpm.
The R32 took me and the two kids to far west Somerset last weekend. The A39 between Bridgwater and Minehead is a real peach of a road and seemed totally suited to the R32; swooping bends, smooth tarmac and great views over the sea.
The best thing about this car is that you don't need to be doing silly speeds to enjoy it, unlike in my old S3 - just drop the windows and wallow in the sound.
Mods?
I've been looking into the options for pepping-up the car a little. There seem to be 3 options:
1) Leave totally standard: When I look at 10-year-old Mk4 R32s, to my eye they look best when totally standard. Maybe I should just leave it alone?
2) OEM mods: A better head unit, parking sensors and cruise control would be top of my list. Probably £5-600, plus potentially some Option 3 goodies...
3) Mechanical upgrades: I'd love at least some new exhaust tips, an induction kit and possibly some lowering springs or coilovers. Probably £1k. You only live once and all that... but I'm respectable 30-something dad now and this is the family car after all!
Not a bad problem to have. Any opinions?
Edited by Basil Hume on Friday 16th May 14:08
I would start by focusing on the OEM mods - cruise control, stereo and parking sensors will make life at the wheel easier and after a while you'll wonder how you lived without them.
I think lowering springs make the car look significantly better. I had H&R and I didn't notice much of a change to the ride. Had to be careful over speed-bumps, mind.
Forget the exhaust tips and induction kit. The car sounds great as standard and you're not going to improve the performance in any noticeable way. Give your exhaust tips a good polish and leave it at that.
Basil Hume said:
The best thing about this car is that you don't need to be doing silly speeds to enjoy it, unlike in my old S3 - just drop the windows and wallow in the sound.
i will confess i used to take mine up to the local dump, reverse up against the bins, empty car, and with the tailgate up, seats down and doors open give it a few parps on the gas pedal, blissstill miss that
Month 4
The car has settled into a routine of being used around town and on longer family trips. I've done fewer miles in the R32 this last month, although I do have some long journeys coming up (business and personal).
I've decided against modifications / OEM upgrades to the car for now - although I do want to do something about the paintwork.
Grey is a forgiving colour, but to my *very* critical eye:
- Offside & rear: almost perfect;
- Nearside: peel lacquer around front door bump strip, sub-standard finish to previous paint on rear door, ding on skirt near rear wheel;
- Front: minor stone chips to bumper and bonnet (fine for 6 years of use), but 2 x 5cm patch of peeling lacquer along lower bumper and slightly mis-matched nearside front smart repair (done as part of sale);
- Wheels: as recently refurbished, but both offside wheels now sporting scrapes courtesy of wife.
As you can see below, the offside looks absolutely fine at a glance...
...but closer up:
I'm gradually coming to view my R32 as an alternative to owning a newer car in financial terms (e.g. Golf Mk7 R, 8V S3), so I'm going to get some quotes to get the above sorted and return the car to 100%.
To drive: I'm absolutely loving it. I don't know how I'm going to ever replace the sonorous V6 experience when the time comes - it's such an integral part of the car's character and not something I'd like to be without now.
I did a little trip up the Wye Valley at the weekend, complete with some lovely stretches of swooping, bendy road. It's at times like this that it all comes together: pin-sharp throttle reponse, tight steering and a little help from all four driven wheels.
The car has settled into a routine of being used around town and on longer family trips. I've done fewer miles in the R32 this last month, although I do have some long journeys coming up (business and personal).
I've decided against modifications / OEM upgrades to the car for now - although I do want to do something about the paintwork.
Grey is a forgiving colour, but to my *very* critical eye:
- Offside & rear: almost perfect;
- Nearside: peel lacquer around front door bump strip, sub-standard finish to previous paint on rear door, ding on skirt near rear wheel;
- Front: minor stone chips to bumper and bonnet (fine for 6 years of use), but 2 x 5cm patch of peeling lacquer along lower bumper and slightly mis-matched nearside front smart repair (done as part of sale);
- Wheels: as recently refurbished, but both offside wheels now sporting scrapes courtesy of wife.
As you can see below, the offside looks absolutely fine at a glance...
...but closer up:
I'm gradually coming to view my R32 as an alternative to owning a newer car in financial terms (e.g. Golf Mk7 R, 8V S3), so I'm going to get some quotes to get the above sorted and return the car to 100%.
To drive: I'm absolutely loving it. I don't know how I'm going to ever replace the sonorous V6 experience when the time comes - it's such an integral part of the car's character and not something I'd like to be without now.
I did a little trip up the Wye Valley at the weekend, complete with some lovely stretches of swooping, bendy road. It's at times like this that it all comes together: pin-sharp throttle reponse, tight steering and a little help from all four driven wheels.
Month 5
Almost forgot my monthly update!
I've done big miles this month in the trusty* R32 - mainly with work, but we're also just at the tip of some more major holiday / social miles this coming month too.
The fact that I did 1,000 work miles in just 3 trips this month gives you a flavour. These journeys are what prompted me to get into my old work scheme Volvo V60 D5, although I'm trying to make them less frequent by taking the train where possible. At a specified number of work miles for the year, I'll switch to a hire car because my expenses rate drops to 22p per mile - i.e. probably not covering fuel.
One memorable journey included some excellent twisty roads in north Wales (and a stop for a cheeky mountain bike ride), but it's mainly been boring M4/5/6 legwork. If there's traffic, I default to the inside lane; which generally gets me through heavy traffic quicker and with less stress. Otherwise, I stick at 70.
Quick impressions on how the R32 performs on long journeys:
- Comfortable, but well out of the league of my luxo-spec V60;
- Gives me shoulder ache after about 5 hours of driving in a single day;
- Needs a better sound system;
- Character never wears off... I just love the noise - drop windows if traffic is slow;
- Handling is super-duper in all situations;
- 33mpg average fuel consumption on a run - seems ok really;
- I feel so pleased to be driving something I like on boring journeys - just can't imagine being in a rep-mobile.
I don't drive it in a spirited way very often... but when I do, I've learnt that it needs to be treated just like my old hot Clios - i.e. revs are king. The 3.2 lump gives as much torque as an average 2.0 diesel at 2,500rpm; but you won't show clean heels to other drivers in an R32 unless a) it's a standing start (see Youtube videos of standard R32s -v- tuned Focus RS!) or b) thrash it.
Finally, I've had two wheels re-furbished today (£156). I have a quote of £500 to sort the dodgy paintwork too (see above) - I'm very tempted to go for it to make the car spot-on.
Wish me luck for a mammoth trip from Bristol-Oundle-Bristol-Cornwall this weekend...
(*touches wood)
Almost forgot my monthly update!
I've done big miles this month in the trusty* R32 - mainly with work, but we're also just at the tip of some more major holiday / social miles this coming month too.
The fact that I did 1,000 work miles in just 3 trips this month gives you a flavour. These journeys are what prompted me to get into my old work scheme Volvo V60 D5, although I'm trying to make them less frequent by taking the train where possible. At a specified number of work miles for the year, I'll switch to a hire car because my expenses rate drops to 22p per mile - i.e. probably not covering fuel.
One memorable journey included some excellent twisty roads in north Wales (and a stop for a cheeky mountain bike ride), but it's mainly been boring M4/5/6 legwork. If there's traffic, I default to the inside lane; which generally gets me through heavy traffic quicker and with less stress. Otherwise, I stick at 70.
Quick impressions on how the R32 performs on long journeys:
- Comfortable, but well out of the league of my luxo-spec V60;
- Gives me shoulder ache after about 5 hours of driving in a single day;
- Needs a better sound system;
- Character never wears off... I just love the noise - drop windows if traffic is slow;
- Handling is super-duper in all situations;
- 33mpg average fuel consumption on a run - seems ok really;
- I feel so pleased to be driving something I like on boring journeys - just can't imagine being in a rep-mobile.
I don't drive it in a spirited way very often... but when I do, I've learnt that it needs to be treated just like my old hot Clios - i.e. revs are king. The 3.2 lump gives as much torque as an average 2.0 diesel at 2,500rpm; but you won't show clean heels to other drivers in an R32 unless a) it's a standing start (see Youtube videos of standard R32s -v- tuned Focus RS!) or b) thrash it.
Finally, I've had two wheels re-furbished today (£156). I have a quote of £500 to sort the dodgy paintwork too (see above) - I'm very tempted to go for it to make the car spot-on.
Wish me luck for a mammoth trip from Bristol-Oundle-Bristol-Cornwall this weekend...
(*touches wood)
Basil Hume said:
Month 5
Quick impressions on how the R32 performs on long journeys:
- Comfortable, but well out of the league of my luxo-spec V60;
- Gives me shoulder ache after about 5 hours of driving in a single day;
- Needs a better sound system
- Character never wears off... I just love the noise - drop windows if traffic is slow;
- Handling is super-duper in all situations;
- 33mpg average fuel consumption on a run - seems ok really; lucky you!
- I feel so pleased to be driving something I like on boring journeys - just can't imagine being in a rep-mobile.
I don't drive it in a spirited way very often... but when I do, I've learnt that it needs to be treated just like my old hot Clios - i.e. revs are king. The 3.2 lump gives as much torque as an average 2.0 diesel at 2,500rpm; but you won't show clean heels to other drivers in an R32 unless a) it's a standing start (see Youtube videos of standard R32s -v- tuned Focus RS!) or b) thrash it.
AMEN.Quick impressions on how the R32 performs on long journeys:
- Comfortable, but well out of the league of my luxo-spec V60;
- Gives me shoulder ache after about 5 hours of driving in a single day;
- Needs a better sound system
- Character never wears off... I just love the noise - drop windows if traffic is slow;
- Handling is super-duper in all situations;
- 33mpg average fuel consumption on a run - seems ok really; lucky you!
- I feel so pleased to be driving something I like on boring journeys - just can't imagine being in a rep-mobile.
I don't drive it in a spirited way very often... but when I do, I've learnt that it needs to be treated just like my old hot Clios - i.e. revs are king. The 3.2 lump gives as much torque as an average 2.0 diesel at 2,500rpm; but you won't show clean heels to other drivers in an R32 unless a) it's a standing start (see Youtube videos of standard R32s -v- tuned Focus RS!) or b) thrash it.
I want to have a go in an R32, if only to compare it to my mk5 2.0 GT TDi.
I looked at upgrading the head unit and to bump up to the latest model but it would've cost about £400-500, so I instead installed an iPhone kit and kept my TomTom. The missus badgers me about the lack of DAB radio, though.
I looked at upgrading the head unit and to bump up to the latest model but it would've cost about £400-500, so I instead installed an iPhone kit and kept my TomTom. The missus badgers me about the lack of DAB radio, though.
My father-in-law has had a 2006 Mk5 2.0 GT TDI since new - it's a great all-rounder.
Firing up the R32, the first thing you'd notice is the sense of occasion and weight to all the contact points. Everything just feels sharper, heavier to the touch and more meaty. Stepping back into the FWD car, you'd also notice the lack of 4WD at junctions and exiting tight corners.
In a straight line - in short sprints of 20mph or so - you wouldn't feel much quicker, other than the noise of the V6 (torque curve of 140PS TDI and R32 are very similar as far as TDI revs will hold).
Hold on for longer, though - or especially during a balls-out standing start - and the R32 is very noticeably quicker. You're talking about 0-60/0-100 of sub-6s/15s against 9/26s; but 30-50 or 50-70 is much closer though. In reality, that means the diesel would be on the R32's bumper for a short sprint out of a rounabout, before the more powerful car takes off into the distance.
As for head units: you can pick up a Chinese OEM RCD310 for around £80 (with DAB, apparently), or anything else from there up for more money of course.
Firing up the R32, the first thing you'd notice is the sense of occasion and weight to all the contact points. Everything just feels sharper, heavier to the touch and more meaty. Stepping back into the FWD car, you'd also notice the lack of 4WD at junctions and exiting tight corners.
In a straight line - in short sprints of 20mph or so - you wouldn't feel much quicker, other than the noise of the V6 (torque curve of 140PS TDI and R32 are very similar as far as TDI revs will hold).
Hold on for longer, though - or especially during a balls-out standing start - and the R32 is very noticeably quicker. You're talking about 0-60/0-100 of sub-6s/15s against 9/26s; but 30-50 or 50-70 is much closer though. In reality, that means the diesel would be on the R32's bumper for a short sprint out of a rounabout, before the more powerful car takes off into the distance.
As for head units: you can pick up a Chinese OEM RCD310 for around £80 (with DAB, apparently), or anything else from there up for more money of course.
Good to see your still enjoying the R Bas.
I had the H&R Springs fitted on my MK5 R 2 months ago, and cant recommend them enough. They ride no different to stock suspension, and make the car feel just a smudge more confident when giving it some around corners etc.. and it sits perfect, in my opinion just how it should of left the factory!
as for the head unit dont bother with the chinese poop..id defo go for the RNS510. Only gripe about my car is that i miss not having an arm rest on long journeys! If you price one up from the dealers make sure your sittind down lol.
Im also achieving 29-32mpg on my daily commute to work which is excellent considering the weight of the car! Flapper mod makes a world of difference the low end noise, just doesnt need a fancy milltek and what not now. Glad im not the only one who drives most places with my windows down lol. I do agree that some slightly larger tips being welded on to the originals would fill the cut outs a bit better!
Keep us updated.
Irfan
I had the H&R Springs fitted on my MK5 R 2 months ago, and cant recommend them enough. They ride no different to stock suspension, and make the car feel just a smudge more confident when giving it some around corners etc.. and it sits perfect, in my opinion just how it should of left the factory!
as for the head unit dont bother with the chinese poop..id defo go for the RNS510. Only gripe about my car is that i miss not having an arm rest on long journeys! If you price one up from the dealers make sure your sittind down lol.
Im also achieving 29-32mpg on my daily commute to work which is excellent considering the weight of the car! Flapper mod makes a world of difference the low end noise, just doesnt need a fancy milltek and what not now. Glad im not the only one who drives most places with my windows down lol. I do agree that some slightly larger tips being welded on to the originals would fill the cut outs a bit better!
Keep us updated.
Irfan
I covered a fair few miles in my R32 over the last week (in the order of 600 miles) during a North Wales mini-break. The car was faultless and was confidence inspiring in all driving conditions, including a sprirted drive around the 'Evo triangle' in slightly greasy conditions. I averaged over 30 mpg for the trip too which I was pleased with - Mostly A-Road driving. A quick pic from the trip...
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