RE: VW Golf R (Mk7) | PH Used Buying Guide

[NGK210]

martin12345 said:

... but in fairness there are plenty of GDI only engines that are absolutely fine ...

Please provide examples. Ta

[AndyM2249]

I owned a 2015 blue (surprise) 3 door - DSG, MK7 R.



Had an APR stage 1 low torque 98 Ron map added (350 ish bhp) and enjoyed a great trip to the Nurburgring in 2019.

Video here:

https://youtu.be/VB9je5qnic8

Liked:

The performance, party trick once mapped was the 0-60 / 0-100.

At the time I felt like it drove well and was engaging considering the overall package - even on the standard S001 Bridgestones and awful brakes (wilted really quickly after any punishment at all - which was frustrating).

Despite those issues even with a distinctly average pilot it was doing 8:40 tourist laps.

I liked the DynAudio sound system and disco pro nav with Apple Play.

Passive dampers on the 18” Cadiz (cadis?) wheels was fine - having now experienced DCC I prefer the later. Did like the alcantara / cloth seats too.


Disliked:

Mine went through two leaking thermostat / water pump housings (both done under warranty - first VW - second third party). The under bonnet insulation wilted above the turbo too (both seem common issues). Other than that the build quality was good.

MPG was 8 on track:



Mid 30s driving like Miss Daisy’s old aunt and low 20s in general use. I think the 7 speed DSG would make a better cruiser.

For me It was a ‘fun’ / second car but ultimately I wanted something a little more ‘special’.


I’ve just bought a Clubsport S to combat the areas I felt were lacking in the R (from a driving it for enjoyment perspective) - weight / damping / brakes and the feeling of a more ‘special’ (to me) car. A different proposition entirely of course.

The CSS drives so well - feels so light compared to the R (expected) agile & planted.

Overall I really enjoyed the R & would recommend one (just check the thermostat leak!!).

[hunt123]

Sorry to resurrect such an old thread but want to chip in. I've just bought a mk7 Golf R. It's so easy to drive slowly or quickly, it's comfortable, economical (for a sports car) if not driving like a loon. Mine is stage 1 and verified 4.02 sec 0-60, it's a party trick how well it can pull from a standing start, it's genuinely quick.

I'm not totally in love with how it looks, I prefer my cars to look a little more special but being understated has its advantages. My mother usually hates my cars as soon as she sees them but she likes this R lol. It's given me no problems in the short time i've owned it and it feels solid, like a Golf should. It's a great do it all car. I can see me owning this car for about 5 years I'd say which for me would be a record.

[AddyT.]

I have had a 2016 DSG on standard 18's for 2 years. It is stupidly quick but agreed you have to really gun it to get it to come alive. I have toyed with selling it several times but know I would regret it as I have always wanted one in the past. I would fully recommend getting one from a dealer and ideally a VW dealer so you get the 2 year VW warranty with it. I bought one from an independent dealer and it clearly had been chipped (fine as it was warp speed fast though the dealer told me it was standard) but it also had two "repaired" Pretorias and also a major issue with traction which said to me the clutches had been massively abused so returned it within 14 days. Then got one from VW and has been nearly faultless. I keep thinking of selling it as it's not exciting but then take it for a drive and it is hugely fast for what it is and think again. It isn't all out fun at all but for a point to point weapon, it's right up there. Won't be selling it as hope it appreciates but will take a long time as there's so many of them so trying to keep the mileage low (as it's a second car) and see what happens. Beats the 8R's interior hands down which most will attest to...A good car overall, you just have to be happy with the plus and minus points. Not a bad car at all though for sure. Just buy from VW I would say as worth it's weight in gold to have that warranty and you know VW wouldn't take in a "messed with" car and if they did, they would have to fix it.

[Bryanwww]

NGK210 said:

PH said:

Most direction-injection engines are susceptible to carbon buildup on the intake valves but we think that the gen-3 EA888 in the Mk 7 Golf R may have had port injection to help counteract this problem.

WTF? At the risk of seeming obtuse, I assume the above is sarcasm?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CB5ThYfX7ag

Port/dual injection version of the EA888 wasn't released in USA on the mk7, they kept the older DI version.

[EVOTECH3BELL]

Are they really as bad on fuel as the above poster said in 2020?

Low 20mpg in general use and down to 8mpg on track?
I get more out of an E63...

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

EVOTECH3BELL said:

Are they really as bad on fuel as the above poster said in 2020?

Low 20mpg in general use and down to 8mpg on track?
I get more out of an E63...

Nope

[legless]

EVOTECH3BELL said:

Are they really as bad on fuel as the above poster said in 2020?

Low 20mpg in general use and down to 8mpg on track?
I get more out of an E63...

My 7.5Rs used to get high 30s overall. Low 40s on a 70mph motorway run but mid 20s when driven enthusiastically.

The earlier 6-speed DSG wasn't quite as economical on a cruise.

[AddyT.]

To counter my post from last year, when I have the money I really want to change my 7R for a W204 C63. Sure might not be as fast point to point, maybe, but the noise! In the current environment, would love one as they are a fast dying breed....