Golf R v 4 series grand coupe

[mikeulster500]

Hi there,

After some insight from anyone who has anyexperience of these cars, or anyone who has been in a similar position before.

After too long in a company car scheme, I have decided to get out and buy my own. Criteria is German (good build quality) no older than 2016, petrol, auto and practical enough for a family of four. I think I’ve narrowed it down to either a golf r estate, or a 420i grand coupe. Budget is 20k.

Thanks in advance

Mike

[Shiv_P]

I'd go for the golf R estate from those two.

[SWoll]

Seems a strange comparison as the Golf would suggest performance and practicality are priorities whereas the BMW would suggest styling and badge?

[Flumpo]

Have you considered an st3 estate? 420 is too much money for too little car and performance for me.

[rog007]

mikeulster500 said:

Criteria is German (good build quality)

This from WhatCar Sep 18 (other surveys are available!) list a range of manufacturers that sit above the Germans for quality, which might be helpful if that’s your number one priority:

https://www.whatcar.com/news/most-and-least-reliab...

[mikeulster500]

SWoll said:

Seems a strange comparison as the Golf would suggest performance and practicality are priorities whereas the BMW would suggest styling and badge?

I want something nice, solid and premium to drive around in. Performance is a bonus, but not a necessity, as most of my driving is around outer London. It is the budget that gets me into a golf R. I would have been happy with a gti, but you can’t get an estate version

[mikeulster500]

Flumpo said:

Have you considered an st3 estate? 420 is too much money for too little car and performance for me.

Sorry, not a big fan of Ford’s. Appreciate the ST’s are a good car, but for the money, I’d rather have the golf for looks and build quality etc

[SWoll]

mikeulster500 said:

SWoll said:

Seems a strange comparison as the Golf would suggest performance and practicality are priorities whereas the BMW would suggest styling and badge?

I want something nice, solid and premium to drive around in. Performance is a bonus, but not a necessity, as most of my driving is around outer London. It is the budget that gets me into a golf R. I would have been happy with a gti, but you can’t get an estate version

Then I wouldn't waste my money on a Golf R as you're paying for the performance and due to a lot of them coming onto the market ex lease the spec is often pretty poor . The interior is also not a match for the BMW.

As a middle ground between the Golf and 420i GC this would seem to meet all of your criteria, has a great spec, and still offers good performance. There's also more room in the rear seats than with the 4 GC although the boot isn't quite so practical.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edited by SWoll on Monday 27th May 09:07

Edited by SWoll on Monday 27th May 09:17

[CousinDupree]

I would lease a Cupra 290 estate, provided you are not doing too many miles. There are some great deals out there.

More fun to drive than both, a great family car, somewhat lower theft risk than the R too.

[ZX10R NIN]

Firstly the reliability thing is now a myth most brands are comparable when it comes to reliability so I wouldn't be buying German for that reason in fact if reliability is your first priority you'd probably buy Japanese.

I'd say a better comparison would be to look for a 428i Gran Coupe M Sport it's more comparable.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

330i M Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

340i M Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

528i M Sport+

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

A5 Sportback S Line

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Lexus IS300 F Sport these have a better fit & finish as well as being a nice drive

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If you want something with the reliability of the above Lexus but the performance of a Golf R then take a look at this hybrid offering as well as a fit & finish on par with the German offerings:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...


Mondeo Vignale Hybrid not as nice interior wise as the above but still a nice place to be:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Petrol offerings

Mondeo Vignale

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Q50 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Golf R

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Cupra ST

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Audi S3 Sportback I have to say if I was going VAG the S3 would get the nod unless boot space was crucial

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...