MK V Golf R32 - Any "known" issues before i buy?
Discussion
Hi All - noob to the Gassing Station, though visit PH every day!!
Looking to buy a Mk V Golf R32 to have some fun before I get roped into settling down (i.e having kids).
Had a mk IV GTI, then stupidly got rid of it in a moment of madness and got an oil burning 1.9 TDI Sport 3 door Polo. Don't get me wrong.. the Polo is bloody cheap to run and is very poky. I don't generally do a lot of miles (circa 10-12k per year), but i really miss the Golf and the 3 doors do my nut in, along with the road noise and just general "flimsy" feel to the polo.
I test drove a MK V R32 the other day (Manual) and the gearbox was very notchy and the clutch was so touchy that I just had to raise my toe and it was at the biting point.. i suppose you get used to this, but all my mates (who have had DSG) have rated it and said they'd never go back to Manual unless they had to.
Other than the g/box, i just loved it, and scared the chap in the car a little when taking it round some back roads. It just cemented the fact that I had to have one.
Have yet to drive DSG , but based on the experience I had with the manual , am thinking its the way forward (especially with the residuals).
Questions I wanted to ask??
1. Is there any "known" issues with the mk V R32 to be aware of (have heard of over heating clutches in manuals) ?
2. Whats a good price to pay for a decent spec (leather, winter pack) with FVWSH, with relatively low mileage (< 30k) 5 door ?? the price varies considerably online...
3. Is there any other car (Audi S3) that you would recommend to take a look at, that would give the same "pleasure" as the R32?
look forward to the feedback....
Looking to buy a Mk V Golf R32 to have some fun before I get roped into settling down (i.e having kids).
Had a mk IV GTI, then stupidly got rid of it in a moment of madness and got an oil burning 1.9 TDI Sport 3 door Polo. Don't get me wrong.. the Polo is bloody cheap to run and is very poky. I don't generally do a lot of miles (circa 10-12k per year), but i really miss the Golf and the 3 doors do my nut in, along with the road noise and just general "flimsy" feel to the polo.
I test drove a MK V R32 the other day (Manual) and the gearbox was very notchy and the clutch was so touchy that I just had to raise my toe and it was at the biting point.. i suppose you get used to this, but all my mates (who have had DSG) have rated it and said they'd never go back to Manual unless they had to.
Other than the g/box, i just loved it, and scared the chap in the car a little when taking it round some back roads. It just cemented the fact that I had to have one.
Have yet to drive DSG , but based on the experience I had with the manual , am thinking its the way forward (especially with the residuals).
Questions I wanted to ask??
1. Is there any "known" issues with the mk V R32 to be aware of (have heard of over heating clutches in manuals) ?
2. Whats a good price to pay for a decent spec (leather, winter pack) with FVWSH, with relatively low mileage (< 30k) 5 door ?? the price varies considerably online...
3. Is there any other car (Audi S3) that you would recommend to take a look at, that would give the same "pleasure" as the R32?
look forward to the feedback....
Only issue I've had in 60k miles of ownership is that the leather on the optional Recaro seats comes away at the edges. Dealer finally fixed it with new clips on the 3rd attempt.
Mine is a DSG and I love it, couldn't imagine going back to a manual although you do need to change driving style to get the best out of it. Really suits the V6 lump.
One thing to note is that the DSG Box and Haldex need oil and filter changed at 40k miles which can be expensive but then again you don't need to pay for cambelt changes.
Look at the shoulders of the front tyres carefully as they tend to wear much quicker than the rest of the tyre even with perfect alignment.
Fuel economy is 30mpg on a run but typically low 20's.
With regards to price I don't know as the values seem to be all over the place at the moment.
If it registered after March 06 the tax is £405 / £415.
You cetainly won't regret buying one.
Mine is a DSG and I love it, couldn't imagine going back to a manual although you do need to change driving style to get the best out of it. Really suits the V6 lump.
One thing to note is that the DSG Box and Haldex need oil and filter changed at 40k miles which can be expensive but then again you don't need to pay for cambelt changes.
Look at the shoulders of the front tyres carefully as they tend to wear much quicker than the rest of the tyre even with perfect alignment.
Fuel economy is 30mpg on a run but typically low 20's.
With regards to price I don't know as the values seem to be all over the place at the moment.
If it registered after March 06 the tax is £405 / £415.
You cetainly won't regret buying one.
cuprabob said:
Only issue I've had in 60k miles of ownership is that the leather on the optional Recaro seats comes away at the edges. Dealer finally fixed it with new clips on the 3rd attempt.
Mine is a DSG and I love it, couldn't imagine going back to a manual although you do need to change driving style to get the best out of it. Really suits the V6 lump.
One thing to note is that the DSG Box and Haldex need oil and filter changed at 40k miles which can be expensive but then again you don't need to pay for cambelt changes.
Look at the shoulders of the front tyres carefully as they tend to wear much quicker than the rest of the tyre even with perfect alignment.
Fuel economy is 30mpg on a run but typically low 20's.
With regards to price I don't know as the values seem to be all over the place at the moment.
If it registered after March 06 the tax is £405 / £415.
You cetainly won't regret buying one.
Hey - thanks for the info Cuprabob..Mine is a DSG and I love it, couldn't imagine going back to a manual although you do need to change driving style to get the best out of it. Really suits the V6 lump.
One thing to note is that the DSG Box and Haldex need oil and filter changed at 40k miles which can be expensive but then again you don't need to pay for cambelt changes.
Look at the shoulders of the front tyres carefully as they tend to wear much quicker than the rest of the tyre even with perfect alignment.
Fuel economy is 30mpg on a run but typically low 20's.
With regards to price I don't know as the values seem to be all over the place at the moment.
If it registered after March 06 the tax is £405 / £415.
You cetainly won't regret buying one.
Why do i not need to pay for cambelt changes? Is this different on DSGs? or am I missing something?
I've never heard of any problems with clutch's in the manuals and always prefered the manuals.
The new S3's handle slightly better as the engine is not so heavy, but they obviously dont sound as nice as the VR6 engine.
Make sure you test drive a few of each before you buy one, you might find you end up prefurning the manual S3.
The mechatronics unit inside the DSG box's go wrong from time to time, but I wouldnt call it common. But it is a very expensive component.
90% of people think DSG is great, and I think the speed and smoothness of the gear changes at full throtle are fantastic. But it does have some down sides, less control when pulling away (noticable at the moment in the snow) and sometime its a bit jurky on and of the throtle and in trafic.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
The new S3's handle slightly better as the engine is not so heavy, but they obviously dont sound as nice as the VR6 engine.
Make sure you test drive a few of each before you buy one, you might find you end up prefurning the manual S3.
The mechatronics unit inside the DSG box's go wrong from time to time, but I wouldnt call it common. But it is a very expensive component.
90% of people think DSG is great, and I think the speed and smoothness of the gear changes at full throtle are fantastic. But it does have some down sides, less control when pulling away (noticable at the moment in the snow) and sometime its a bit jurky on and of the throtle and in trafic.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Tame Technician said:
I've never heard of any problems with clutch's in the manuals and always prefered the manuals.
The new S3's handle slightly better as the engine is not so heavy, but they obviously dont sound as nice as the VR6 engine.
Make sure you test drive a few of each before you buy one, you might find you end up prefurning the manual S3.
The mechatronics unit inside the DSG box's go wrong from time to time, but I wouldnt call it common. But it is a very expensive component.
90% of people think DSG is great, and I think the speed and smoothness of the gear changes at full throtle are fantastic. But it does have some down sides, less control when pulling away (noticable at the moment in the snow) and sometime its a bit jurky on and of the throtle and in trafic.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
i've had no issues with dsg in the snow at all, i'm no dsg fan boy but seriously not a single issue.The new S3's handle slightly better as the engine is not so heavy, but they obviously dont sound as nice as the VR6 engine.
Make sure you test drive a few of each before you buy one, you might find you end up prefurning the manual S3.
The mechatronics unit inside the DSG box's go wrong from time to time, but I wouldnt call it common. But it is a very expensive component.
90% of people think DSG is great, and I think the speed and smoothness of the gear changes at full throtle are fantastic. But it does have some down sides, less control when pulling away (noticable at the moment in the snow) and sometime its a bit jurky on and of the throtle and in trafic.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
my boss has a dsg (or whateva-tronic) Audi, front wheel drive diesel and he's struggled a bit, but seriously in all conditions, junctions, sloping driveways etc on slush, fresh snow, compact snow etc not a single slip on setting off.
infact everyone in the office attempted a space in the corner of the carpark last wednesdy, nobody could get on there, i reversed in.
the haldex 4wd system really does kick in well in this weather, sure if you want to 'have a play' then you can get it to slip and slide like any car, but i was amazed when i took out our other car (a 1.6 petrol mkv golf) at just how much difference it makes.
i've never driven a fwd or rwd car with DSG in the snow or otherwise so i cant compare.
I've read other posts by Tame Tech suggesting the dsg is jerky around town and at slow speeds. it's like everything, it requires a little adaptaion, get in with the mindset 'i f
king hate this tech" and treat it like a bh and it's not going to show it's best. drive sensibly for whats around you and what you are coming up to and it's totally smooth.TT i'm not trying to stir an argument, you clearly have a far greater understanding of the technology than i do and your technical posts make a very informative interesting read.
BAHH!! I knew the MPG would be bad.. especially compared to the Polo!!! but hey.. i think these days if you wanna have a fun car to drive then you have to accept low (or lower) MPG in reality!
Didn't know about the chain driven cam... at least now I won't look like a k**b when I ask if its had the cambelt changed!!
Cheers for the forum posts on Manual vs DSG... had a good scan and i think I definately need to test drive a DSG .. just need to find one.. Am off on holiday thursday, so it'll have to wait for a week.
The prices certainly seem to be fluctuating at the moment... some places asking for £21k for a R32 5 dr Manual 07 plate!!!!! i mean jeeeez.. thats just crazy money for that car!
Another question: - as its 4wd - whats the tyre wear like if you do relatively "normal" driving, i.e Not speeding everywhere and ragging the s**t out of it?
Didn't know about the chain driven cam... at least now I won't look like a k**b when I ask if its had the cambelt changed!!
Cheers for the forum posts on Manual vs DSG... had a good scan and i think I definately need to test drive a DSG .. just need to find one.. Am off on holiday thursday, so it'll have to wait for a week.
The prices certainly seem to be fluctuating at the moment... some places asking for £21k for a R32 5 dr Manual 07 plate!!!!! i mean jeeeez.. thats just crazy money for that car!
Another question: - as its 4wd - whats the tyre wear like if you do relatively "normal" driving, i.e Not speeding everywhere and ragging the s**t out of it?
4.3 is the lower end i've seen, it was minus something and i only do a mile to work...
normally i'm getting early 20's round town, 28 on the motorway and 31 if i drive like a saint.
worst, 85-90 over 230 miles, 23mpg, and this last couple of weeks, the tank (brim to brim) 21.7..
i'd say test drive one, get the longest test drive you can, personally i enjoy the car and the gearbox, my next car will be dsg, but there is the 'odd' occasion where a b road blast would be more involving in a manual.
it's fwd most of the time and passes the power to the rear when the fronts start to slip, kind of pre-traction control. in the current weather this makes a huge difference, but on a dry day when pushing hard into a bend you can tell the difference.
on your test drive, if you can pick a route you know well, try a fast left bend twice, once in drive and once in sport, try and take it at about 40-50mph, be interested if you can tell the difference, mine understeers in drive..
as for tyres, doesnt appear worse than other cars i've had, though the tyres are a bit pricey - £140 for decent ones from the likes of etyres
normally i'm getting early 20's round town, 28 on the motorway and 31 if i drive like a saint.
worst, 85-90 over 230 miles, 23mpg, and this last couple of weeks, the tank (brim to brim) 21.7..
i'd say test drive one, get the longest test drive you can, personally i enjoy the car and the gearbox, my next car will be dsg, but there is the 'odd' occasion where a b road blast would be more involving in a manual.
it's fwd most of the time and passes the power to the rear when the fronts start to slip, kind of pre-traction control. in the current weather this makes a huge difference, but on a dry day when pushing hard into a bend you can tell the difference.
on your test drive, if you can pick a route you know well, try a fast left bend twice, once in drive and once in sport, try and take it at about 40-50mph, be interested if you can tell the difference, mine understeers in drive..
as for tyres, doesnt appear worse than other cars i've had, though the tyres are a bit pricey - £140 for decent ones from the likes of etyres
Edited by chr15b on Tuesday 12th January 21:49
chr15b said:
4.3 is the lower end i've seen, it was minus something and i only do a mile to work...
normally i'm getting early 20's round town, 28 on the motorway and 31 if i drive like a saint.
worst, 85-90 over 230 miles, 23mpg, and this last couple of weeks, the tank (brim to brim) 21.7..
i'd say test drive one, get the longest test drive you can, personally i enjoy the car and the gearbox, my next car will be dsg, but there is the 'odd' occasion where a b road blast would be more involving in a manual.
it's fwd most of the time and passes the power to the rear when the fronts start to slip, kind of pre-traction control. in the current weather this makes a huge difference, but on a dry day when pushing hard into a bend you can tell the difference.
on your test drive, if you can pick a route you know well, try a fast left bend twice, once in drive and once in sport, try and take it at about 40-50mph, be interested if you can tell the difference, mine understeers in drive..
as for tyres, doesnt appear worse than other cars i've had, though the tyres are a bit pricey - £140 for decent ones from the likes of etyres
I used to get 18mpg on the 1.8T mk IV GTI I had.. but I did used to rag it on the motorway/dual Carriageway just for a bit of fun! You only live once eh!normally i'm getting early 20's round town, 28 on the motorway and 31 if i drive like a saint.
worst, 85-90 over 230 miles, 23mpg, and this last couple of weeks, the tank (brim to brim) 21.7..
i'd say test drive one, get the longest test drive you can, personally i enjoy the car and the gearbox, my next car will be dsg, but there is the 'odd' occasion where a b road blast would be more involving in a manual.
it's fwd most of the time and passes the power to the rear when the fronts start to slip, kind of pre-traction control. in the current weather this makes a huge difference, but on a dry day when pushing hard into a bend you can tell the difference.
on your test drive, if you can pick a route you know well, try a fast left bend twice, once in drive and once in sport, try and take it at about 40-50mph, be interested if you can tell the difference, mine understeers in drive..
as for tyres, doesnt appear worse than other cars i've had, though the tyres are a bit pricey - £140 for decent ones from the likes of etyres
Edited by chr15b on Tuesday 12th January 21:49
Missus is gonna be a little miffed as she's never driven an "auto".. but most of you will prob agree that the missus NOT driving your precious R32 is probably a good thing!!!
I got an insurance quote of £485 which I thought was pretty good.. thats 7yrs no claims and no penalties with the missus added on too..
As a matter of interest.. did you buy yours new, used (private) or used (Dealer)?
Dealer prices seem to be a bit steep at the mo.. but I like the warranty you get (a little peace of mind so to speak)...
Am hoping with the new Golf R coming in, I might see a few R32s come onto the market, but the dealers saying prob not till Feb/March.
I agree with the above on tyre wear no worse than any other car. I'm using F1 Asymmetrics at the moment and they can be had for less than £120 per corner with a little haggling. Pretty damn good tyres as well.
I bought mine in late 2005 new but it took 7mths to arrive asis typical with new VAG models.
I bought mine in late 2005 new but it took 7mths to arrive asis typical with new VAG models.
Good choice, you won't regret it.
I got mine last September and have loved every minute. The DSG is fantastic, you should definitely test drive one. I hate automatic cars but you have much more control with the DSG, and sport mode seems to reduce understeer when pressing on.
The only problem I have had was with water somehow getting into the 'E-Box' (small fuse box type thing in under the boot) which made the electrics go mental and the fuel pump burned out. £850 from VW thank you very much. I also put Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres on it which really improves the car, the amount of grip in the wet is astonishing, blackcircles.com. have them at about £100 per corner. The tyres I took off were like new on the outer edges but were worn flat on the inside. All R32's seem to do this, so don't worry about it if you view a car.
Try to get one with the Recaro bucket seats, they're really comfy and support you in the corners. Not too many had them as if I remember correctly they were about £2,500 on the options list
The exhaust tone is addictive, you'll find yourself getting very familiar with the local tunnels... Here's mine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZAKKxPyvCU
Lots of people put Miltek exhausts on, but you can do the 'Flapper Mod' to the exhaust which opens the valves in the exhaust throughout the rev range and makes it sound a bit better. (They normally only open at about 4,000 revs so it keeps it quiet at low revs)
They're good fun in the snow, the haldex worked well and you can hold slides really easily when you want to have a play.
The R32 owners club forum is great if you've not already found it
http://www.r32oc.com/
There are a few cars for sale on there, and a few supercharged / turbo'd R32's!
Happy hunting!
I got mine last September and have loved every minute. The DSG is fantastic, you should definitely test drive one. I hate automatic cars but you have much more control with the DSG, and sport mode seems to reduce understeer when pressing on.
The only problem I have had was with water somehow getting into the 'E-Box' (small fuse box type thing in under the boot) which made the electrics go mental and the fuel pump burned out. £850 from VW thank you very much. I also put Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres on it which really improves the car, the amount of grip in the wet is astonishing, blackcircles.com. have them at about £100 per corner. The tyres I took off were like new on the outer edges but were worn flat on the inside. All R32's seem to do this, so don't worry about it if you view a car.
Try to get one with the Recaro bucket seats, they're really comfy and support you in the corners. Not too many had them as if I remember correctly they were about £2,500 on the options list
The exhaust tone is addictive, you'll find yourself getting very familiar with the local tunnels... Here's mine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZAKKxPyvCU
Lots of people put Miltek exhausts on, but you can do the 'Flapper Mod' to the exhaust which opens the valves in the exhaust throughout the rev range and makes it sound a bit better. (They normally only open at about 4,000 revs so it keeps it quiet at low revs)
They're good fun in the snow, the haldex worked well and you can hold slides really easily when you want to have a play.
The R32 owners club forum is great if you've not already found it
http://www.r32oc.com/
There are a few cars for sale on there, and a few supercharged / turbo'd R32's!
Happy hunting!
ol said:
Try to get one with the Recaro bucket seats, they're really comfy and support you in the corners. Not too many had them as if I remember correctly they were about £2,500 on the options list
Cloth Recaros (very rare) were a £950 option. Leather Recaros were a £2,675They are excellent seats and set the car off. Downside is you lose side airbags that are on the std. seats and in a 3dr getting people in and out the back can be awkward
ol said:
and sport mode seems to reduce understeer when pressing on.
Glad i'm not the only one who finds this, was starting to think i was losing the plot..ol said:
The tyres I took off were like new on the outer edges but were worn flat on the inside. All R32's seem to do this, so don't worry about it if you view a car.
I believe the R32's were setup at factory for heavy cornering. those who didnt drive like they were on a track found uneaven wear. VW would for a certain period after purchase reset the camber of the wheels free of charge.Question: If this is really your last 'fling' with a sporty car then why not buy a proper sports car - something like a Boxster or a Z4/Nissan 350? After all while an R32 is great it is still a VW Golf, it is surely the car you buy AFTER you settle down and have kids. Do you need room for 5 adults? :-)
Targarama said:
Question: If this is really your last 'fling' with a sporty car then why not buy a proper sports car - something like a Boxster or a Z4/Nissan 350? After all while an R32 is great it is still a VW Golf, it is surely the car you buy AFTER you settle down and have kids. Do you need room for 5 adults? :-)
350 datsun! 
My mate had an R32 untill recently and I was really impressed with it, in fact I will be looking for a fully specced one later this year once Ive got the extreme performance bug out of my system! They go ok but nothing special although they do sound lovely even with a stock exhaust.
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