MK5 Golf R32 - number 3…
Discussion
I’ve only gone and bought another one! My addiction started around 15 years ago, during my University holidays, I was helping my brother who was a decorator at the time; paint a large house in Surrey. The driveway of the house had a brand new Range Rover and Silver Mk 5 Golf R32 for the wife to drive. Every time they left I was transfixed by that VR6 noise.
Fast forward to 2015 and I was in a position to get into one, a 2008 United grey, manual supercharged R32 with 370bhp. That was fun while it lasted but I did encounter engine problems and finally someone rear ended me and the car sadly got written off. It was replaced in 2016 by my second, a black 2009 Mk 5 DSG. Thread for both here. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I had a brief reprieve in 2019 for a year or so and had a Jaguar XF Sportbrake which we needed for a Holiday to South of France.
url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/mgR7RRwU[/url]
Thread here for the Jag https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=18...
Anyway – the latest purchase was ‘essential’, coming out of lockdown meant it was becoming tricky trying to juggle sharing the use of my wifes Tiguan R Line 2.0 TSI as we both use cars for work and meetings were clashing. It is therefore a car I will use for occasional commuting, site visits and odd weekend trips. I also considered BMW 130is, 330ci etc but couldn’t find any decent ones and decided to stick with what I know.
[
It’s a 2 owner car, last of the line 2009, Deep Blue Pearl, manual. I specifically wanted a manual this time as I miss the driver engagement lacking with autos. The first owner took it from new to 95k miles (serviced twice a year!), second owner a lovely retired gentleman and true petrolhead from 2014 to date and 117k miles. Not low mileage then but not ridiculous either and id rather by a car that's been used and cared for than a garage queen. It has a thorough service history, VW for first owner and local garage for the second. Clutch and gearbox feel tight. From the 250 miles driven so far the engine is sweet, timing chains are within tolerance, there are a few cosmetic bits to address. My plan is to get these done steadily when funds and time allow.
To do list:
Bit of surface rust on rear boot lip and poor touch up around VW badge – hopefully a smart repair can address. Front arches look to have been replaced in past already.
Roof liner has just started to come detached around sun glass holder - have a quote from Dave the trimmer
Alloy wheel centre caps
New aerial as rubber has perished
Replace missing front R32 badge (leave rear de badged)
Rear centre brake light has a few bulbs out
Drivers seatbelt quite badly frayed
Service light on – only done 1500 miles in last 12 months
MOT in August
Perhaps a suspension refresh in future as whilst there are no noises, it’s a bit boaty.
Overall I think the understated design has aged well, the leather sports seats are supremely comfortable, its like climbing back into an old favourite armchair. I would say the interior plastics/aesthetics is the only area starting to feel its age, not helped that my car is a billy basic spec with no cruise, no sat nav, no parking sensors etc, but I don’t care, I will fill it with copious amounts of Shell, enjoy the noise and bend over and let the tax man take my £580 annual RFL.
The car came with the R32 plate which helps hide the cars age. It will stay on the car but I’m not sure about it, is it a bit like some BM owners fitting the red and blue fins to the front grill on a 520d? I’m planning to keep the car fairly standard, no lowering as think standard ride is just right, but might be tempted by some uprated H&R springs, bushes etc and a cheeky exhaust to unlock a bit more of the famous noise.
There are some dog rough cars out there with many owners who don't realise the running costs and either flip on or neglect. This one really appealed and drove well. Prices are all over the place, you can get some heaps for £5k with over 150k miles and 10 owners, spend £7.5-£8.5k for a car around 120k miles needing a bit of work, then anything from £10k-£20k for low owner sub 85k miles cars. Crazy times.
Anyway, sorry for the waffle, will try to keep thread updated with anything interesting.
Fast forward to 2015 and I was in a position to get into one, a 2008 United grey, manual supercharged R32 with 370bhp. That was fun while it lasted but I did encounter engine problems and finally someone rear ended me and the car sadly got written off. It was replaced in 2016 by my second, a black 2009 Mk 5 DSG. Thread for both here. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I had a brief reprieve in 2019 for a year or so and had a Jaguar XF Sportbrake which we needed for a Holiday to South of France.
url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/mgR7RRwU[/url]Thread here for the Jag https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=18...
Anyway – the latest purchase was ‘essential’, coming out of lockdown meant it was becoming tricky trying to juggle sharing the use of my wifes Tiguan R Line 2.0 TSI as we both use cars for work and meetings were clashing. It is therefore a car I will use for occasional commuting, site visits and odd weekend trips. I also considered BMW 130is, 330ci etc but couldn’t find any decent ones and decided to stick with what I know.
[
It’s a 2 owner car, last of the line 2009, Deep Blue Pearl, manual. I specifically wanted a manual this time as I miss the driver engagement lacking with autos. The first owner took it from new to 95k miles (serviced twice a year!), second owner a lovely retired gentleman and true petrolhead from 2014 to date and 117k miles. Not low mileage then but not ridiculous either and id rather by a car that's been used and cared for than a garage queen. It has a thorough service history, VW for first owner and local garage for the second. Clutch and gearbox feel tight. From the 250 miles driven so far the engine is sweet, timing chains are within tolerance, there are a few cosmetic bits to address. My plan is to get these done steadily when funds and time allow.
To do list:
Bit of surface rust on rear boot lip and poor touch up around VW badge – hopefully a smart repair can address. Front arches look to have been replaced in past already.
Roof liner has just started to come detached around sun glass holder - have a quote from Dave the trimmer
Alloy wheel centre caps
New aerial as rubber has perished
Replace missing front R32 badge (leave rear de badged)
Rear centre brake light has a few bulbs out
Drivers seatbelt quite badly frayed
Service light on – only done 1500 miles in last 12 months
MOT in August
Perhaps a suspension refresh in future as whilst there are no noises, it’s a bit boaty.
Overall I think the understated design has aged well, the leather sports seats are supremely comfortable, its like climbing back into an old favourite armchair. I would say the interior plastics/aesthetics is the only area starting to feel its age, not helped that my car is a billy basic spec with no cruise, no sat nav, no parking sensors etc, but I don’t care, I will fill it with copious amounts of Shell, enjoy the noise and bend over and let the tax man take my £580 annual RFL.
The car came with the R32 plate which helps hide the cars age. It will stay on the car but I’m not sure about it, is it a bit like some BM owners fitting the red and blue fins to the front grill on a 520d? I’m planning to keep the car fairly standard, no lowering as think standard ride is just right, but might be tempted by some uprated H&R springs, bushes etc and a cheeky exhaust to unlock a bit more of the famous noise.
There are some dog rough cars out there with many owners who don't realise the running costs and either flip on or neglect. This one really appealed and drove well. Prices are all over the place, you can get some heaps for £5k with over 150k miles and 10 owners, spend £7.5-£8.5k for a car around 120k miles needing a bit of work, then anything from £10k-£20k for low owner sub 85k miles cars. Crazy times.
Anyway, sorry for the waffle, will try to keep thread updated with anything interesting.
The Cardinal said:
Woo hoo! Good to see you back in an R32, Si. You must be really chuffed. 
There is something very special about these cars and I've regularly looked to see whether I can justify another. That looks like a good find because, if my light searches were anything to go by, many are now in poor condition and / or very expensive.
Haha thanks Ben, it really is great to be back in one, and a good one at that, as you know, they just get under your skin There is something very special about these cars and I've regularly looked to see whether I can justify another. That looks like a good find because, if my light searches were anything to go by, many are now in poor condition and / or very expensive.
Previous owner was a true gent and straightforward sale. Hope you are keeping well, the new S3 looks fab btw
Well I've racked up 1300 miles this month since owning it, more than I would normally do but once I had a few hundred under my belt it was any old excuse to take the 32 over my wifes Tiguan. Those fist few miles in a new car are always tinged with anxiety, listening out for any weird or unusual noise or clunk, especially with higher mileage cars.
Well, I'm pleased to report all is seemingly well mechanically, theres an annoying interior trim rattle from the centre console air vent and the standard mk 5 climate control click where the flaps for moving air around sound like a goblin trying to escape from behind the dash. If I'm feeling brave I will try and take the trim apart to fix the rattle.
I'vedone a mixture of driving including town and longer trips to meetings for work and my fathers in Dorset.
Initially I thought it wasn't very keen above 4k rpm but put it down to not being used much over the last 12 months. After a few tanks of V power and some gentle exercise It does now seem better. No oil or coolant usage either. Having checked through the SH I cant see that its had any plugs since in the last 24k miles or 6 years so they are on the list to swap over which I'll get done when it has a service and MOT. Will also get garage to replace rear centre brake light as 3 pixels are out and whilst not an MOT failure my OCD cant have that.
I managed to do a few jobs today, aerial, front badge and pollen filter, the old one was minging.
Excuse the state of the car, it needs a good clean, job for this weekend.
I've got around the lack of bluetooth and spotify with this £6 adaptor thing which plugs into the battery charger, works really well for now until I consider options.
Now for the bits left to do, replace gear stick gaiter and possibly knob, sort sagging head liner, bit of surface rust on rear tailgate. Need to source a decent bodyshop for a quote. Theres a poor touch up job around rear badge where precious owner thought someone tried to steal the badge!
[url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/dbRR2Kp3[/url]
And finally deal with the frayed drivers seatbelt, no idea what's gone on here, think the first owner must have worn a coat with a zip or something and its rubbed over the first 96k miles. Bit fiddly to do and id want it done properly and safely by a competent garage. Not cheap apparently as they are gas charged and you have to take trim apart, disconnect battery etc.
Thanks for reading
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/XvtpGGdM.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/HKEHQAEP" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/HKEHQAEP.jpg)
Well, I'm pleased to report all is seemingly well mechanically, theres an annoying interior trim rattle from the centre console air vent and the standard mk 5 climate control click where the flaps for moving air around sound like a goblin trying to escape from behind the dash. If I'm feeling brave I will try and take the trim apart to fix the rattle.
I'vedone a mixture of driving including town and longer trips to meetings for work and my fathers in Dorset.
Initially I thought it wasn't very keen above 4k rpm but put it down to not being used much over the last 12 months. After a few tanks of V power and some gentle exercise It does now seem better. No oil or coolant usage either. Having checked through the SH I cant see that its had any plugs since in the last 24k miles or 6 years so they are on the list to swap over which I'll get done when it has a service and MOT. Will also get garage to replace rear centre brake light as 3 pixels are out and whilst not an MOT failure my OCD cant have that.
I managed to do a few jobs today, aerial, front badge and pollen filter, the old one was minging.
Excuse the state of the car, it needs a good clean, job for this weekend.
I've got around the lack of bluetooth and spotify with this £6 adaptor thing which plugs into the battery charger, works really well for now until I consider options.
Now for the bits left to do, replace gear stick gaiter and possibly knob, sort sagging head liner, bit of surface rust on rear tailgate. Need to source a decent bodyshop for a quote. Theres a poor touch up job around rear badge where precious owner thought someone tried to steal the badge!
[url]|https://thumbsnap.com/dbRR2Kp3[/url]And finally deal with the frayed drivers seatbelt, no idea what's gone on here, think the first owner must have worn a coat with a zip or something and its rubbed over the first 96k miles. Bit fiddly to do and id want it done properly and safely by a competent garage. Not cheap apparently as they are gas charged and you have to take trim apart, disconnect battery etc.
Thanks for reading
Well the clocks just ticked over 120k miles, probably the highest mileage car I've had in petrol from and have to say whilst not mega miles, it has worn them really well. The engine and gearbox are smooth, everything works.
I took the car to VRS for a nervous first check over. I think the mechanic said you've not bought a lemon but it's not perfect either! That will do. I'm awaiting a quote but areas that need attention are mostly underneath the car. They include most of the suspension bushes at rear. At the same time they will drop the rear subframe as theres a bit of corrosion too, will sandblast then repaint and protect the bits that need doing.
At the front there are a few more bushes to do and a shaft which enters the gearbox, apparently the seal isnt very good and ideally needs replacing, this will involve dropping the gearbox slightly.
Dogbone engine mount needs doing which would explain the very slight lunge when you lift off the throttle.
Will probably go with super pro bushes. The springs and shocks are ok. I like the standard ride height so this will stay as is, the bushes should just sharpen things up a bit.
Non genuine spark plugs are fitted which are past their prime so will get those swapped out together with oil service and fuel filter.
On positive side there are no leaks, exhaust and flexis are ok, chains ok, brakes ok. Haldex ok. No fault codes.
I knew the bones of the car were solid, it just needs a bit of tidying up. The suspension refresh comes as no real surprise and the other bits are part of owning a higher mileage car. Im expecting this work to come to a couple of grand but I get so much enjoyment driving the thing, that's ok with me.
VRS regassed the air con and thats now working which I'm relieved about in this heat.
Speaking of VRS I had a spirited drive with a new one coming back from the Cotswolds recently, pretty evenly matched I'd say.
Anyway loving the car, had 3 or 4 people in just a few months stop and talk about it at petrol stations and car parks which is always nice.
I took the car to VRS for a nervous first check over. I think the mechanic said you've not bought a lemon but it's not perfect either! That will do. I'm awaiting a quote but areas that need attention are mostly underneath the car. They include most of the suspension bushes at rear. At the same time they will drop the rear subframe as theres a bit of corrosion too, will sandblast then repaint and protect the bits that need doing.
At the front there are a few more bushes to do and a shaft which enters the gearbox, apparently the seal isnt very good and ideally needs replacing, this will involve dropping the gearbox slightly.
Dogbone engine mount needs doing which would explain the very slight lunge when you lift off the throttle.
Will probably go with super pro bushes. The springs and shocks are ok. I like the standard ride height so this will stay as is, the bushes should just sharpen things up a bit.
Non genuine spark plugs are fitted which are past their prime so will get those swapped out together with oil service and fuel filter.
On positive side there are no leaks, exhaust and flexis are ok, chains ok, brakes ok. Haldex ok. No fault codes.
I knew the bones of the car were solid, it just needs a bit of tidying up. The suspension refresh comes as no real surprise and the other bits are part of owning a higher mileage car. Im expecting this work to come to a couple of grand but I get so much enjoyment driving the thing, that's ok with me.
VRS regassed the air con and thats now working which I'm relieved about in this heat.
Speaking of VRS I had a spirited drive with a new one coming back from the Cotswolds recently, pretty evenly matched I'd say.
Anyway loving the car, had 3 or 4 people in just a few months stop and talk about it at petrol stations and car parks which is always nice.
Edited by si_xsi on Saturday 17th July 15:22
The R32 has just returned from VRS to have phase 1 of works to refresh the car a little. This consisted of a minor gear box repair, the main input shaft had play and a bush in the box were slightly worn, which resulted in a clattery noise at idle, a bit like a noisy flywheel but it wasn't. So the box had to be dropped. At the same time they did the clutch and flywheel as whilst they seemed OK, it would have been false economy not to.
New front wishbone bushes, full service, fuel filter and plugs, now drives even better and pick up with the new clutch is lovely. The gear box feels brand new.
Back again in a few months for phase 2 which will be rear suspension refresh and dog bone mount.
Then it's a case of tackling the following when I can
New gear stick gaiter
Seat belt which is frayed
Minor rust to boot lip
Sagging headliner
Alloy refurb and new centre caps.
New front wishbone bushes, full service, fuel filter and plugs, now drives even better and pick up with the new clutch is lovely. The gear box feels brand new.
Back again in a few months for phase 2 which will be rear suspension refresh and dog bone mount.
Then it's a case of tackling the following when I can
New gear stick gaiter
Seat belt which is frayed
Minor rust to boot lip
Sagging headliner
Alloy refurb and new centre caps.
Up early for a Sunday morning blast around Cotswolds and Chilterns. Bloody love this car, definitely enjoying being back in a manual.
To the owner of a dark green M4 Comp who thought he would overtake me on the Great Shefford to Wantage Road this morning and show me a clean pair of heels, the old girl can still lift up her skirt, especially when it's a little damp
To the owner of a dark green M4 Comp who thought he would overtake me on the Great Shefford to Wantage Road this morning and show me a clean pair of heels, the old girl can still lift up her skirt, especially when it's a little damp
The R32 has just come back from a 2 week stay at specialist's VRS Performance in Northampton. Whilst there the following work was completed, will put some pics up when I get them.
Rear sub frame removed, shot blasted and powder coated
Rear anti roll bar
Powerflex Rear diff bushes
Powerflex Rear sub frame bushes
Powerflex lower transmission mount (dog bone bush)
Complete Powerflex rear Bush kit
Bump stops and a few other bits
4 wheel alignment
This coupled with new clutch and gearbox repair a few months ago means the car drives like new. As you'd expect, there's no more lunging on and off throttle, it's so much tighter and direct in the corners. It's completely transformed and I'm really happy with it now. Ticked over 123,500 miles.
I'm lucky enough to have access to some great driving roads near me living on the edge of the Cotswolds, inuding the ones driven by Harry Metcalfe from Harrys Garage. I took the car up to Daylesford Farm today, basically the most Sloaney over-priced farm shop, boutique and restaurant you will ever come across. Blokes in their 60s with women half their age carrying pet chiwowas for props. Anyway, I digress, the car park was very interesting and the highlight for me.
Volante and Integrale for instance. Tricked out V8 Defenders.
Rear sub frame removed, shot blasted and powder coated
Rear anti roll bar
Powerflex Rear diff bushes
Powerflex Rear sub frame bushes
Powerflex lower transmission mount (dog bone bush)
Complete Powerflex rear Bush kit
Bump stops and a few other bits
4 wheel alignment
This coupled with new clutch and gearbox repair a few months ago means the car drives like new. As you'd expect, there's no more lunging on and off throttle, it's so much tighter and direct in the corners. It's completely transformed and I'm really happy with it now. Ticked over 123,500 miles.
I'm lucky enough to have access to some great driving roads near me living on the edge of the Cotswolds, inuding the ones driven by Harry Metcalfe from Harrys Garage. I took the car up to Daylesford Farm today, basically the most Sloaney over-priced farm shop, boutique and restaurant you will ever come across. Blokes in their 60s with women half their age carrying pet chiwowas for props. Anyway, I digress, the car park was very interesting and the highlight for me.
Volante and Integrale for instance. Tricked out V8 Defenders.
The R32 has just ticked over 125k miles this month. It continues to burble me around in comfort and never fails to put a smile on my face whether it be to work meetings around the M25 or on a weekend blast across the Cotswolds.
I made sure to give both cars a good wash over Christmas and we took a drive over to the Wye Valley to some waterfalls for a walk. I wish I hadn't followed my sat nav which took me up what can only be described as a goat track, very steep, rocky and narrow. With the rain it was pretty muddy too but stuck it in 1st and crawled up slowly, not once did it lose traction.
With the suspension refresh on the rear it now really handles so well on twisty A roads, the ride is perhaps a smidge firmer if you are sat in the back.
With all the crud on the road, the deep blue pearl paint was more a deep blue poo, not helped but a rear washer jet which dribbled a pathetic amount of water down the boot rather than up the window. Quick deassemble of the jet and soak in warm water, coupled with a pin and piece or wire to unblock and all working again.
I made sure to give both cars a good wash over Christmas and we took a drive over to the Wye Valley to some waterfalls for a walk. I wish I hadn't followed my sat nav which took me up what can only be described as a goat track, very steep, rocky and narrow. With the rain it was pretty muddy too but stuck it in 1st and crawled up slowly, not once did it lose traction.
With the suspension refresh on the rear it now really handles so well on twisty A roads, the ride is perhaps a smidge firmer if you are sat in the back.
With all the crud on the road, the deep blue pearl paint was more a deep blue poo, not helped but a rear washer jet which dribbled a pathetic amount of water down the boot rather than up the window. Quick deassemble of the jet and soak in warm water, coupled with a pin and piece or wire to unblock and all working again.
The R32 has been working hard this week. Multiple trips to the hospital following birth of our new baby daughter, through storm and heavy rain. I had the pleasure of bringing her home in the R32. The gentle rumble of the Vr6 had her asleep before we even left the car park! It was history repeating itself as I collected our first daughter 4.5 years ago in my black R32.
And who needs an estate. Broken fence panels and concrete run to tip. Added bonus of hearing the exhaust when backing up to the bins with the boot up (I realised I had parked at the wrong end)..
I worked out I've owned 10 cars in 20 years, 8 of which have been manual.
Needs a damn good clean but struggling with time as usual.
And who needs an estate. Broken fence panels and concrete run to tip. Added bonus of hearing the exhaust when backing up to the bins with the boot up (I realised I had parked at the wrong end)..
I worked out I've owned 10 cars in 20 years, 8 of which have been manual.
Needs a damn good clean but struggling with time as usual.
Thank you for the congratulations ^^, she has been keeping us busy
It's been just over 1 year since purchase and 10k miles. With the new suspension on the rear, it was only matter of time before something was needed up front, cue a NS coil spring letting go on the way to work, so it's had 2 new oem front springs and top mounts. They are still settling in, so I will reserve judgement but not entirely happy with the ride height at the front., it feels a bit less planted when turning in.
Other than that the R32 still brings joy and excitement every time I turn the key, especially on days like today when I have a couple of hours to myself on my favourite roads.
I was passing the previous owners house so called and asked if he wanted to see it again, no hesitation, he was made up, says everything you need to know about these cars, they get under your skin.
It's been just over 1 year since purchase and 10k miles. With the new suspension on the rear, it was only matter of time before something was needed up front, cue a NS coil spring letting go on the way to work, so it's had 2 new oem front springs and top mounts. They are still settling in, so I will reserve judgement but not entirely happy with the ride height at the front., it feels a bit less planted when turning in.
Other than that the R32 still brings joy and excitement every time I turn the key, especially on days like today when I have a couple of hours to myself on my favourite roads.
I was passing the previous owners house so called and asked if he wanted to see it again, no hesitation, he was made up, says everything you need to know about these cars, they get under your skin.
aaron_2000 said:
What are these actually like to live with? Are they a genuinely good drivers car and are they reliable? I always loved the look of them but just assumed they'd be a troublesome boat with a great exhaust note
They are expensive cars to run without doubt. Handling wise they are 1500kg, people say they are heavy but I don't notice it. Very comfortable but it's not a Megane RS or Mini Cooper S in the corners. More of a cruiser than B Road hero, but still enjoyable on a sweeping A road. Brilliant and sure footed in the wet.
Reliability is good, chain tensioners are the main things to check, some issues with dsg gearboxes. Usual maintenance, oldest cars are now 17 years old (mk 5), so suspension refreshes are worth looking out for.
Boring update alert! It's due a service and MOT this month. I'm planning to take the car back to VRS for a service and for them to investigate an annoying creak coming from the rear at slow parking speeds over undulating levels. Bit frustrating considering it's had a full on subframe drop and bush replacment not less than 12 months ago.
Talking of annoying rattles, I had a go at tracking one down coming from the centre dash ventilation area. Pulled it all out, couldnt replicate noise, so greased up and reassembled and bobs your uncle, rattle seems to have gone. Will reserve judgement completely until I take it out for a longer run and all the plastics have cooled down!
130k miles and still runs like a dream.
Talking of annoying rattles, I had a go at tracking one down coming from the centre dash ventilation area. Pulled it all out, couldnt replicate noise, so greased up and reassembled and bobs your uncle, rattle seems to have gone. Will reserve judgement completely until I take it out for a longer run and all the plastics have cooled down!
130k miles and still runs like a dream.
The R32 failed it's MOT on a tyre which had a cut down to the cord. They were pretty low anyway and had date codes of 2017/18 so I decided it was worth doing all 4. I went for Michelin Pilot Sport 4 and a proper 4 wheel alignment. So far so good other than the garage who did the tyres reporting a split outer CV boot. Hhmmm, no mention of that on the MOT a few days before. So I got that done when I booked it in for the MOT retest.
I managed to get to the final Classic Motor Hub Sunday coffee meet of the year today, some lovely cars as usual, but highlight for me qas a B9 Alpina. Automotive perfection.
I managed to get to the final Classic Motor Hub Sunday coffee meet of the year today, some lovely cars as usual, but highlight for me qas a B9 Alpina. Automotive perfection.
SiT said:
How’s this going OP, I will be in the market again shortly and having owned 1 of these (twice - the same car!) I am sorely tempted into a mother, you thread doesn’t help!
Mine was ‘06, DBP, manual with Recaros and completely stock. Second time round it had a non res Milltek which ruined it in my opinion however the tips filled the cut outs better. I swapped the non res section for a res and it sounded glorius! Loved this car so much.
I am aware of the chain tensioner issues, especially now a lot of these are creeping over 100k, is the only failsafe a chain replacement or do I recall you can check the ‘blocks’ on VCDS if you have it?
Another DPB would suit me right now…….
Keep the thread alive, love your Jag journey!
Si
Definitely go for it, take your time looking, you've had one so you know what to look for! There are alot of tired ones out there now, some with 8+ owners. I was a bit concerned going for one with 117k miles on but given the service history and buying privately, it put my nerves at ease as you see the car has had an easy life. Mine was ‘06, DBP, manual with Recaros and completely stock. Second time round it had a non res Milltek which ruined it in my opinion however the tips filled the cut outs better. I swapped the non res section for a res and it sounded glorius! Loved this car so much.
I am aware of the chain tensioner issues, especially now a lot of these are creeping over 100k, is the only failsafe a chain replacement or do I recall you can check the ‘blocks’ on VCDS if you have it?
Another DPB would suit me right now…….
Keep the thread alive, love your Jag journey!
Si
I've never tried a Miltek non res, they sound a bit too asbo for me but comes down to personal preference. My supercharged one had a Resonanted miltek and that sounded glorious and probably the sweet spot.
I think its safe to say most R32s have a bit of chain rattle, start off by finding one thats had a regular oil changes. Loud rattle from cold is not good. You will tell if its overly noisy but best bet is to find someone with vcds to check measuring blocks 208 and 209. As close to 0c as possible for both readings, and ideally less than 3 between both otherwise this indicates stretch. So mine was 0 and -2. If its -7 and +4 you have a problem and new chains are needed.
Also check for rust now, wings, cills and rear subframe.
Mines going great, just back from a minor service and check over. Engine is smooth as anything. The creak noise I was getting turned out to be a few loose sub frame bolts needing an extra quarter turn. Only downer was when doing up the oil sump plug it decided to thread itself. Quite common I'm told especially when people over torque the bolt. A new sump was £340 but the garage were able to carry out a permanent repair on the old one by rethreading. It torqued up OK so all good.
Just wish Thames Water would remove the hosepipe ban...
Good luck in the search, you know it makes sense
I do enjoy a cold start on an interesting n/a engine such as the VR6, there’s something about hearing the fuel pump prime, secondary air pumps warming the cats, and smell of fuel whilst you de-ice and wait for the comfortable leather seats to warm up, which take no time at all.
And today was a cold one, as I dropped my daughters off to school and nursery out in the sticks, it was -8.5C at points. The R32 really does inspire confidence in the slippery lanes. Which lead me to the conclusion I really feel I don’t need anything more. As a 'not very powerfully built director' in a property consultancy, I am given a decent car allowance, but am quite happy owning my humble 13 year old R32 with 132k miles on. By virtue I should probably be in a much newer car on some sort of pcp. I occasionally get the odd comment when I meet clients and contractors that turn up in much more expensive cars and EVs that ‘I bet that’s thirsty’. It certainly raised a few eyebrows when I turned up to discuss installation of EV chargers at one of the sites I look after. I just get a different kind of range anxiety...
Anyway, the old girl needs a clean and now the hosepipe ban has been lifted I intend to dedicate some time to make it look shiny again
And today was a cold one, as I dropped my daughters off to school and nursery out in the sticks, it was -8.5C at points. The R32 really does inspire confidence in the slippery lanes. Which lead me to the conclusion I really feel I don’t need anything more. As a 'not very powerfully built director' in a property consultancy, I am given a decent car allowance, but am quite happy owning my humble 13 year old R32 with 132k miles on. By virtue I should probably be in a much newer car on some sort of pcp. I occasionally get the odd comment when I meet clients and contractors that turn up in much more expensive cars and EVs that ‘I bet that’s thirsty’. It certainly raised a few eyebrows when I turned up to discuss installation of EV chargers at one of the sites I look after. I just get a different kind of range anxiety...
Anyway, the old girl needs a clean and now the hosepipe ban has been lifted I intend to dedicate some time to make it look shiny again
My mum used to have one in the mid-80s in dark blue, great cars! Was the car pictured a manual?Master Bean said:
That Daylesford Farm looks like it could compete with the Old Butchers in Stow on the Wold for being peak Cotswold.
I'll have to compare and let you know, do they charge £10 for a tomato there too good to see you at the SS, sorry I had to rush off, little ones were getting a bit hungry! Good luck in the new car search..
When the car was in for an oil service 4k miles ago the mechanic reported issues with tightening up the sump plug to the required torque. Apparently, it's quite common on the Mk 5 platform as they age. This was not good news as I had opted to wait whilst it was being serviced. With a wife miles away on a business trip and no courtesy car, rubbish public transport links etc we agreed they would do a semi permanent fix by helicoiling the sump and trying again. Thankfully this worked and I drove home. Over the coming weeks I noticed a few drips appear on the drive, scratch and sniff revealed fresh Amber nectar so I've had to bite the bullet and get a new sump and fresh oil.
I've seemed to rack up about 1k business miles this month which is more than usual, on 1 particular journey down the M40, what sounded like a meteor hit the windscreen from a 4x4, guessing its not repairable and i will have to claim via insurance. With a hectic family life it really pains me to see the old girl looking filthy, I couldn't get into an office car park which opens the barrier using stored registrations on an anpr system! My plan is to give it to a good friend at On Track Detailing soon, they can work their magic but not before I've washed all the crud off, I'm not a complete monster
I've seemed to rack up about 1k business miles this month which is more than usual, on 1 particular journey down the M40, what sounded like a meteor hit the windscreen from a 4x4, guessing its not repairable and i will have to claim via insurance. With a hectic family life it really pains me to see the old girl looking filthy, I couldn't get into an office car park which opens the barrier using stored registrations on an anpr system! My plan is to give it to a good friend at On Track Detailing soon, they can work their magic but not before I've washed all the crud off, I'm not a complete monster
Edited by si_xsi on Sunday 26th February 21:56
3 days after getting the car back with a nice shiny new sump and fresh oil, all was going well until I was on the M40 coming back from a meeting in Staines. I noticed what sounded like a paper bag flapping underneath the car, promptly followed by a battery warning light come on. As I was less than a mile from the Oxford motorway services I thought I would try and limp it there and see what the crack was. After reducing speed and moving into the inside lane I happened to look in the rear view mirror and see a belt fly off behind me! Quickly remembering this was the ancillary belt which not only does the alternator and air con, but water pump too, I pulled straight over onto the hard shoulder and turned off.
Much swearing and a 3hr wait for the RAC ensued, in the pitch black, and freezing cold - priority recovery my arse. After eventually getting the car home, I had a battle the next day with the RAC to get the car recovered to my garage of choice at no cost, despite having full bells and whistles cover. The RAC tried to bill me £250 recovery to said garage as I had 'chosen' to take the car home and not to directly to the garage the night before. Their computer definitely said no, clearly it was my fault that it took 3 hours to get recovered and I should of course have dropped it off at one of those garages that are open at 10pm to take the car and keys, and then find a way 1.5hrs back home.
After 3 separate, repetitive conversations with different teams, they gave in, but not before I had to unnecessarily waste some more of my time and theirs - by effectively logging a fresh break-down, getting one of their patrols out to my driveway to inspect the car and confirm it needed to go to a garage.
Anyway, VRS were legends as usual, fitted me in despite a fully booked up schedule, fully checked the car over, including cooling system, pulleys, water pump etc. They fitted the new belt, conducted a thorough test drive and were happy all was ok. One of the more cheaper invoices for once. Phew. As for the cause who knows, probably just an old belt/wear and tear, it didn't look worn on my regular checks.
Here's hoping to some trouble free motoring...
Much swearing and a 3hr wait for the RAC ensued, in the pitch black, and freezing cold - priority recovery my arse. After eventually getting the car home, I had a battle the next day with the RAC to get the car recovered to my garage of choice at no cost, despite having full bells and whistles cover. The RAC tried to bill me £250 recovery to said garage as I had 'chosen' to take the car home and not to directly to the garage the night before. Their computer definitely said no, clearly it was my fault that it took 3 hours to get recovered and I should of course have dropped it off at one of those garages that are open at 10pm to take the car and keys, and then find a way 1.5hrs back home.
After 3 separate, repetitive conversations with different teams, they gave in, but not before I had to unnecessarily waste some more of my time and theirs - by effectively logging a fresh break-down, getting one of their patrols out to my driveway to inspect the car and confirm it needed to go to a garage.
Anyway, VRS were legends as usual, fitted me in despite a fully booked up schedule, fully checked the car over, including cooling system, pulleys, water pump etc. They fitted the new belt, conducted a thorough test drive and were happy all was ok. One of the more cheaper invoices for once. Phew. As for the cause who knows, probably just an old belt/wear and tear, it didn't look worn on my regular checks.
Here's hoping to some trouble free motoring...
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