2007 Volkswagen Golf R32

Guide price: £6,000 - £8,000

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

● 250hp naturally aspirated 3.2-litre V6

● Full service history

● Clean MOT pass in April 2023

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

There’s no denying that the Volkswagen Golf GTI is an icon – the go-to all-round hot hatch that’s as comfortable on track as it is at the supermarket. It hasn’t been without its issues though, with the Mk3 and Mk4 struggling to get our hearts racing.

Luckily, Volkswagen resolved that in 2002 when the R32 joined the line-up. It was powered by Volkswagen’s narrow-angle V6, an engine that had been delivering a lot of speed for not a lot of money since the 2.8-litre version first appeared in the Mk3 Golf VR6.

At the end of 2005, Volkswagen updated the R32 with a new version of the 3.2-litre V6 that put out nearly 250hp, 25 percent more than the 2.0 four-cylinder unit in the contemporary GTI could muster. It was good power too, creamy and linear, and even with a standard exhaust from the factory, it sounded absolutely fantastic. Nicely weighted electric power steering teamed up brilliantly with a Haldex all-wheel drive system that routed power to the back wheels for nailed-on handling.

The fifth gen R32 turned out to be the last Golf to have a big, naturally aspirated motor. Its replacement, the Mk6 2.0 FSI turbo four-powered Golf R, went well enough but lacked much of the old car’s character, leaving more than a few owners wishing they hadn’t traded in their R32s. If you’re one of those regretful ex-owners, or if you just like the idea of an era-ending car that may well appreciate over the coming years, then look no further than this well looked after Shadow Blue example.

In fact, our seller is one such owner who bought this gorgeous example earlier this year after regretting selling his last R32. He has since bought a Golf GTE and an E46 M3 to replace it making the R32 surplus to requirements, so we won’t feel too sorry for him. Just don’t be surprised if you have to wrestle the keys out of his hands on collection if you’re the winning bidder.

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

A fully stamped up service book comes with the car along with two keys.

Recorded service history is as follows:

09/2008 @ 16,290 miles

07/2010 @ 24,681 miles

08/2011 @ 39,863 miles

04/2012 @ 49,317 miles (including Haldex and DSG oil)

07/2013 @ 59,813 miles

03/2017 @ 68,709 miles

03/2018 @ 69,755 miles

03/2019 @ 76,631 miles

06/2019 @ 79,112 miles (Haldex and DSG oil)

03/2020 @ 83,888 miles

12/2020 @ 86,552 miles

12/2021 @ 96,838 miles

11/2023 @ 102,468 miles

The last MOT test in April ’23 at 101,386 miles was advisory-free. This car has had eight former keepers.

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

The R32 was a range-topping car so there was no skimping on equipment. That meant heated leather seats, dual climate control, auto xenon lights, and auto wipers.

The owner describes the interior as being in very good condition, with the usual wear on the driver’s seat bolster commensuration with age. The headlining has become detached around the sunglasses holder area, which is common – we’re yet to see a Golf this year where this hasn’t happened.

𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

The Shadow Blue paintwork makes this R32 slightly more subtle compared to some other colours, and we think it looks all the better for it as a daily driver. It presents very well indeed for the age and mileage, with a number of small stone chips on the bonnet as you’d expect. There is the usual bubbling on the front arches and what appears to be a minor amount of surface rust on the leading edges of the lower sills – both are very common on Mk5 Golfs and again, we’re yet to see one without it this year. The bodywork otherwise looks very smart indeed. The wheels have a small amount of kerbing, but are overall very presentable.

𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹

The seller is not aware of any mechanical issues and the V6 sounds absolutely fantastic, which we’re sure you’ll agree with. The wheels are all shod in Falken Ziex ZE310 tyres with a decent amount of tread left all round.

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆

The idea of a big naturally aspirated engine in a hatchback still excite us today and this R32 can surely only increase in allure as motoring moves through smaller turbocharged engines to the hum and whine of all-electric powerplants.

This example has some of the usual cosmetic wear and tear that’s common to see now on Mk5 Golfs, but overall presents very well and you could either spent a little bit of money making it mint, or just enjoy grinning ear to ear from the zing of that peachy V6.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Slough, Buckinghamshire.