Golf R 7.5 buying advice

[j1mmy]

Hi all,

I’m on the hunt for a Golf R 7.5 and I’m interested to know about any common faults. I know I definitely want Pretoria’s, dsg, pref black in colour, leather and maybe pan-roof. On fb some yanks said they had a leaky pan roof is that common over here?

I currently have a 2017 Leon FR 184 so I’m familiar with the MQB platform. I can’t fault the Leon at all. Previously had an Octavia vRS TDI again couldn’t fault it.

Hit me up with any advice guys and gals.

Thanks all 🙏

[SteBrown91]

I think you might struggle to find a black DSG with Prets leather and pan roof, and when you do you will pay a premium. Base cars are common and cheap due to cheap lease deals where at most people selected metallic paint at best. So cars with decent options command a premium.

Leather was not a popular option as to be honest the leather in mk7s is poor and it was like a 1800 quid option. If you really want leather then you can always source some seats afterwards. The Rs come with leather doorcards and armrest already so you literally only need to source the seats.

[PH_77]

j1mmy said:

Hi all,

I’m on the hunt for a Golf R 7.5 and I’m interested to know about any common faults. I know I definitely want Pretoria’s, dsg, pref black in colour, leather and maybe pan-roof. On fb some yanks said they had a leaky pan roof is that common over here?

I currently have a 2017 Leon FR 184 so I’m familiar with the MQB platform. I can’t fault the Leon at all. Previously had an Octavia vRS TDI again couldn’t fault it.

Hit me up with any advice guys and gals.

Thanks all ??

If my experience is anything to go by I'd avoid the WLTP version. I've been plagued with problems. The WLTP models also lost dual injection which may be a consideration.

Panoramic roofs have been known fail. There's lots of info on the VWROC forums. Buying second hand is potentially a bit of a gamble as these cars often got completely thrashed on cheap finance deals. Engine maps are common, lots of folks used seemingly undetectable tuning boxes too. Best of luck.

[brightmotiv]

Check the coolant system. Known fault in thermostat housing fixed under warranty: see readers car thread here. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[j1mmy]

Sorry but what does WLTP mean?

[PH_77]

j1mmy said:

Sorry but what does WLTP mean?

https://lmgtfy.app/?q=Wltp

Meeting new emission and claimed fuel economy standards. And in the case of the Golf R, production from late 2018 onwards meant particulate filters being fitted instead of resonators, and dual injection being dropped.

[j1mmy]

Arh is that why they dropped from 310 back to 300? I was looking at 17/67 anyway tbh as my budget would be around say 23k.

[PH_77]

j1mmy said:

Arh is that why they dropped from 310 back to 300? I was looking at 17/67 anyway tbh as my budget would be around say 23k.

Correct. That said. When they start taxing ICE cars off the roads the 'cleaner' engines may not get it so tight initially!

[LeftLake]

If the R is anything like the GTI, it's worth removing the silica bag from the coolant reservoir to save it splitting and blocking the heater matrix (expensive fix on these). Only reason it is in there is to remove a service item, and save VW having to change the coolant as frequently..

[j1mmy]

SO pretty much find a low owner car that has clearly been loved pref a 310ps one. Thanks guys.

[damianmkv]

My 7.5 R has a knocking from the front suspension which the dealer describes as “normal” and “it’s the best put together R we’ve driven”

The others must be complete poop then as the glovebox rattles as does the NSR door in the handle region. The dealer can’t hear either, even though my 7.5 GTi has the same rattle

Apart from that, it’s good fun

[Mr911lover]

PH_77 said:

If my experience is anything to go by I'd avoid the WLTP version. I've been plagued with problems. The WLTP models also lost dual injection which may be a consideration.

Panoramic roofs have been known fail. There's lots of info on the VWROC forums. Buying second hand is potentially a bit of a gamble as these cars often got completely thrashed on cheap finance deals. Engine maps are common, lots of folks used seemingly undetectable tuning boxes too. Best of luck.

What are these issues, had 2 GPF Cupra's and my brother also has one with zero issues?

[PH_77]

Perhaps just my bad luck with the engine and gearbox needing to be removed and various parts replaced within a couple of months of ownership. Losing dual injection isn't arguably great in the longer term. Also the digital dash in my vehicle needed to be replaced last month too. All under warranty thankfully. Having run a 2016 R estate without issue for 2.5 years my current 2019 WLTP vehicle is a joke in comparison in terms of reliability. I've had multiple other issues with it. Just my experience however and maybe I've been unlucky.

[AI1601]

So with the WLTP models not having dual injection does that mean they are more prone to carbon build up?

[PH_77]

AI1601 said:

So with the WLTP models not having dual injection does that mean they are more prone to carbon build up?

I guess we'll need to wait and see. Perhaps yes.

[jonpweb]

I have a 7.5 non WLTP estate and I love it. Had it since new, just ticked over 25k miles and the only issue I've had is a leaky sunroof (issue resolved under warranty). I ran it in by the book and apart from the sunroof, it's been faultless.

I've no intention of getting rid of it, for the money, nothing can touch it.

[mecl]

SteBrown91 said:

I think you might struggle to find a black DSG with Prets leather and pan roof, and when you do you will pay a premium. Base cars are common and cheap due to cheap lease deals where at most people selected metallic paint at best. So cars with decent options command a premium.

I have the Akrapovic exhaust on my non WLTP 7.5. I've not seen another in the 3.5 years of ownership.

[malcolm-coqci]

I have had mine from new for just over year on 10k miles. It has been absolutely fine, although I’ve probably jinxed it now!
One thing I would definitely try to get would be the adaptive dampers. I keep everything on the sport settings except the suspension which is on comfort. Gives the best compromise for spirited performance that doesn’t rattle your fillings.
It’s a great car for all situations.

[journeymanpro]

Always worth a vcheck.co.uk when buying a used golf r in particular.

[tedblog]

mecl said:

SteBrown91 said:

I think you might struggle to find a black DSG with Prets leather and pan roof, and when you do you will pay a premium. Base cars are common and cheap due to cheap lease deals where at most people selected metallic paint at best. So cars with decent options command a premium.

I have the Akrapovic exhaust on my non WLTP 7.5. I've not seen another in the 3.5 years of ownership.

Seen a couple but its a really expensive option and you get as good noise by removing the centre box