Just bought a Dutch Golf R32 on a whim - thoughts?
Discussion
Hey guys
We needed a semi sensible family car so the DC2 Integra Type-R and some others are going, and I bought a replacement, a Golf R32 Mk5.
It is the shadow blue one on eBay, and something stood out (as well as 12 owners in 10 years!?!!) - the linen leather. I have never seen the linen leather on another Golf, let alone an R32 and it looked amazing. Turns out there is a reason, the car is a dutch import where ths spec was available. Nonetheless I took a little gamble and bought it and it seems great.
I can't find anything on the web around dutch options - anyone have any thoughts on that?
Also, I'm new to R32s so any thoughts on sensible checks to do on the car or small non-performance upgrades (non performance related - it already has an obscene aftermarket exhaust).
ps. my second car I can't let go is a pink TVR Griffith, hence the need something more sensible
pps. anyone interested in the Inegra just shout, I'd like it to go to an enthusiast's home as it is a fab car
We needed a semi sensible family car so the DC2 Integra Type-R and some others are going, and I bought a replacement, a Golf R32 Mk5.
It is the shadow blue one on eBay, and something stood out (as well as 12 owners in 10 years!?!!) - the linen leather. I have never seen the linen leather on another Golf, let alone an R32 and it looked amazing. Turns out there is a reason, the car is a dutch import where ths spec was available. Nonetheless I took a little gamble and bought it and it seems great.
I can't find anything on the web around dutch options - anyone have any thoughts on that?
Also, I'm new to R32s so any thoughts on sensible checks to do on the car or small non-performance upgrades (non performance related - it already has an obscene aftermarket exhaust).
ps. my second car I can't let go is a pink TVR Griffith, hence the need something more sensible
pps. anyone interested in the Inegra just shout, I'd like it to go to an enthusiast's home as it is a fab car
That's a LOT of owners! Presume it was ordered for UK market in Netherlands, since it's RHD? If you post the 3 letter codes (or pic of them) out of the front of the service book I or someone else can decode them for you to confirm market and spec 
Only car I've had with double digit owners was my Mk1 Golf GTI, which unfortunately was a shed lol fingers crossed yours has just been passed between mates who like to run a car for 6 months and move on to something else.
As for mods, I'd keep it reasonably stock if it's for family duties - maybe sell the exhaust for a Milltek if it's too loud for regular use?
A subtle ride height drop might suit it, but depends what the ride is like now and the condition of the roads/number of speed bumps where you live
Only car I've had with double digit owners was my Mk1 Golf GTI, which unfortunately was a shed lol fingers crossed yours has just been passed between mates who like to run a car for 6 months and move on to something else.
As for mods, I'd keep it reasonably stock if it's for family duties - maybe sell the exhaust for a Milltek if it's too loud for regular use?
A subtle ride height drop might suit it, but depends what the ride is like now and the condition of the roads/number of speed bumps where you live
It is certainly a funny one. To all intents and purposes a UK car with UK docs and nav etc, but sold originally in Holland and a leather that wasn't available in the UK. Weird. I took the risk as I loved the colour and the price is ok.
It is a lot of owners - I have always thought that condition is 1000 times more important than the arbitrary concept of a low number of owners being good - it is all about who owned it and what did they do with it. I have had a dismally cared for car with one owner and a great one with 8. This one seems a prime case of that, as it has a full history and is immaculate.
I think a lot of people underestimate the thirst, and panic sell after a few months of commuting. Lucky the TVR makes this relatively economical...
It is a lot of owners - I have always thought that condition is 1000 times more important than the arbitrary concept of a low number of owners being good - it is all about who owned it and what did they do with it. I have had a dismally cared for car with one owner and a great one with 8. This one seems a prime case of that, as it has a full history and is immaculate.
I think a lot of people underestimate the thirst, and panic sell after a few months of commuting. Lucky the TVR makes this relatively economical...
This is what that lot translates to, according to the tool I have:
1K14X7 → GOLF VR6 R-LIN 184 D6
BUB → SR 3189 cc (3.2 L) 184 kW (250HP) MPI Bosch-Motr
HXZ → 02E2: Automatic dual clutch / S tronic or DSG
HVY → 0AV1: AH (rear diff code)
0AE → front stabilizer
0BF → rear stabilizer
0BF → rear stabilizer
0GG → Emission standard EU4
0Y1 → standard climatic zones
0YB → Weight range 2 installation control only, no requirement forecast
1AT → Electronic stabilization program (ESP)
1G8 → Breakdown set
1JR → rear shock absorption
1LM → disc brakes, front
1NL → Covers for alloy wheels
2EL → Disc brakes, rear
2FP → Leather trimmed multi-function steering wheel for Tiptronic with decorative aluminum inserts
2G7 → filler neck module 1 with insert
2JF → painted bumpers
2UC → Sports version
3U3 → Luggage compartment cover with luggage net
3YR → Door pockets with insert mats
4K3 → Radio remote controlled central locking operated from inside and safe securing
4R4 → Power windows with comfort operation andcircuit breaker
4UF → Driver's and front passenger air bag with front passenger air bag deactivation
4X3 → Side air bag front with curtain air bag
5MD → decorative aluminum inserts
5RV → Right exterior mirror: aspherical
5SJ → Left exterior mirror: convex
8GU → Alternator 140 A
8YM → radio with CD player (high-end)
8ZN → Antenna
9VJ → sound package
B0N → Component parts set, complying with vehicle type for Great Britain, various parts
CM9 → Alloy wheels 7.5J x 18
D6D → 6-cyl. gas. engine 3.2 L/184 kW 24V VR6 base engine is T33/T3D/T36
E0A → No special edition
G09 → Front shock absorption
G0R → 6-speed automatic transmission for four-wheel drive vehicle
HF8 → Tires 225/40 R 18 92Y xl (R32)
J1N → battery 420 A (75 Ah)
L96 → Suspension range 96 installation control only, no requirement forecast
N0L → Fabric seat covering
QG1 → service interval prolongation
T36 → 6-cylinder gasoline engine 3.2 L unit 022.V
Claims to be a UK market model, so if there's evidence of it coming from the Netherlands it suggests the order was for a UK market model. Interesting that it states cloth interior, so possibly it's been changed, or possibly they got it wrong when they ticked the boxes for the print out (wouldn't be the first time - my S8 claims to have a different type of wood and it's never been changed, nor was it offered on my model!)
1K14X7 → GOLF VR6 R-LIN 184 D6
BUB → SR 3189 cc (3.2 L) 184 kW (250HP) MPI Bosch-Motr
HXZ → 02E2: Automatic dual clutch / S tronic or DSG
HVY → 0AV1: AH (rear diff code)
0AE → front stabilizer
0BF → rear stabilizer
0BF → rear stabilizer
0GG → Emission standard EU4
0Y1 → standard climatic zones
0YB → Weight range 2 installation control only, no requirement forecast
1AT → Electronic stabilization program (ESP)
1G8 → Breakdown set
1JR → rear shock absorption
1LM → disc brakes, front
1NL → Covers for alloy wheels
2EL → Disc brakes, rear
2FP → Leather trimmed multi-function steering wheel for Tiptronic with decorative aluminum inserts
2G7 → filler neck module 1 with insert
2JF → painted bumpers
2UC → Sports version
3U3 → Luggage compartment cover with luggage net
3YR → Door pockets with insert mats
4K3 → Radio remote controlled central locking operated from inside and safe securing
4R4 → Power windows with comfort operation andcircuit breaker
4UF → Driver's and front passenger air bag with front passenger air bag deactivation
4X3 → Side air bag front with curtain air bag
5MD → decorative aluminum inserts
5RV → Right exterior mirror: aspherical
5SJ → Left exterior mirror: convex
8GU → Alternator 140 A
8YM → radio with CD player (high-end)
8ZN → Antenna
9VJ → sound package
B0N → Component parts set, complying with vehicle type for Great Britain, various parts
CM9 → Alloy wheels 7.5J x 18
D6D → 6-cyl. gas. engine 3.2 L/184 kW 24V VR6 base engine is T33/T3D/T36
E0A → No special edition
G09 → Front shock absorption
G0R → 6-speed automatic transmission for four-wheel drive vehicle
HF8 → Tires 225/40 R 18 92Y xl (R32)
J1N → battery 420 A (75 Ah)
L96 → Suspension range 96 installation control only, no requirement forecast
N0L → Fabric seat covering
QG1 → service interval prolongation
T36 → 6-cylinder gasoline engine 3.2 L unit 022.V
Claims to be a UK market model, so if there's evidence of it coming from the Netherlands it suggests the order was for a UK market model. Interesting that it states cloth interior, so possibly it's been changed, or possibly they got it wrong when they ticked the boxes for the print out (wouldn't be the first time - my S8 claims to have a different type of wood and it's never been changed, nor was it offered on my model!)
any history on when gear box was last serviced should be every 40,000 ,mine had been done when I bought it 81000,but as its on nearly 100,000 im going to shorten the intervals to 20,000 ,also a few months ago I had a major service ,Haldex oil and filter and brake fluid change,also gonna have a few minor just Engine oil and filter,in between piece of mind and all that,nice car enjoy it ,and the noise :thumb up:
Also get on here lots of knowlage on here,,
http://www.r32oc.com/index.php?
Also get on here lots of knowlage on here,,
http://www.r32oc.com/index.php?
Edited by eskidavies on Thursday 17th September 19:20
Edited by eskidavies on Thursday 17th September 19:20
Wowser - thanks guys that's really helpful!
It looks like a UK car bought via the Netherlands then (tax efficient...). I remember my brother saved around 15% of the cost of the car when buying an S2000 that way.
The only remaining mystery is the porsche linen leather that was never an option in the UK, and the fact that everyone in british seems to have owned the car at some point... Although I think I may have resolved that too, as it looks like it was passed down and around a family.... I guess that explains the good condition.
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