Family estate- mk7 Golf R?
Discussion
As per title, looking to sell my mk7 GTD as I'm no longer doing long journeys regularly. Budget is £20k max, looking for petrol, practicality, a bit of fun ( I realise not everyone sees the R as fun), but fairly understated. Any advice on what to look for, common issues (apart from theft), etc? Think I've considered most other options and the golf hits the sweetspot, but maybe I've missed something?
Also look at the Seat Leon ST Cupra 300:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212222...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212072...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212222...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212072...
Where do you live?
In certain areas they are popular with certain communities who like to put forcibly removed cash points in them and then take the traffic police on a chase.....
We test drove one - a real jack of all trades car - but ended up with a petrol Octavia VRS. Not as able cross country as the R but cheaper to buy and run, less likely to be nicked and more space.
If you can find one a well spec'd Superb 280 Sportline with a remap is the answer
In certain areas they are popular with certain communities who like to put forcibly removed cash points in them and then take the traffic police on a chase.....
We test drove one - a real jack of all trades car - but ended up with a petrol Octavia VRS. Not as able cross country as the R but cheaper to buy and run, less likely to be nicked and more space.
If you can find one a well spec'd Superb 280 Sportline with a remap is the answer
Plenty of buyers guides for the Golf R - have a look at Volkswizard on Youtube.
As mentioned, the Leon Cupra - but you won't get a 4drive 300 for the money, so it would be a fwd 290 perhaps.
Focus ST estate - not as fast or capable as the Golf R, also a bit smaller but reliable and fun
Octavia VRS - trade some performance for more practicality
BMW 330i - rare and not a 335/340i but still quite swift
Kia Proceed GT - not mega quick but decent enough, look quite good and great value nearly new
As mentioned, the Leon Cupra - but you won't get a 4drive 300 for the money, so it would be a fwd 290 perhaps.
Focus ST estate - not as fast or capable as the Golf R, also a bit smaller but reliable and fun
Octavia VRS - trade some performance for more practicality
BMW 330i - rare and not a 335/340i but still quite swift
Kia Proceed GT - not mega quick but decent enough, look quite good and great value nearly new
Hub said:
Plenty of buyers guides for the Golf R - have a look at Volkswizard on Youtube.
As mentioned, the Leon Cupra - but you won't get a 4drive 300 for the money, so it would be a fwd 290 perhaps.
Focus ST estate - not as fast or capable as the Golf R, also a bit smaller but reliable and fun
Octavia VRS - trade some performance for more practicality
BMW 330i - rare and not a 335/340i but still quite swift
Kia Proceed GT - not mega quick but decent enough, look quite good and great value nearly new
All the Cupra 300's I listed above are AWD.As mentioned, the Leon Cupra - but you won't get a 4drive 300 for the money, so it would be a fwd 290 perhaps.
Focus ST estate - not as fast or capable as the Golf R, also a bit smaller but reliable and fun
Octavia VRS - trade some performance for more practicality
BMW 330i - rare and not a 335/340i but still quite swift
Kia Proceed GT - not mega quick but decent enough, look quite good and great value nearly new
P0PC0RN said:
Where do you live?
In certain areas they are popular with certain communities who like to put forcibly removed cash points in them and then take the traffic police on a chase.....
We test drove one - a real jack of all trades car - but ended up with a petrol Octavia VRS. Not as able cross country as the R but cheaper to buy and run, less likely to be nicked and more space.
If you can find one a well spec'd Superb 280 Sportline with a remap is the answer
I'd say we live in Oxfordshire, area is nice enough that it won't stand out, but not too rich that it would be a thief magnet.In certain areas they are popular with certain communities who like to put forcibly removed cash points in them and then take the traffic police on a chase.....
We test drove one - a real jack of all trades car - but ended up with a petrol Octavia VRS. Not as able cross country as the R but cheaper to buy and run, less likely to be nicked and more space.
If you can find one a well spec'd Superb 280 Sportline with a remap is the answer
Popcorn- re my previous post, did the ride quality differ between the R and the VRS?
We currently have a 430D GC and have been looking to move to a Petrol Estate.
Have been umming and ahhing between the Octavia VRS / Golf R / Leon ST
I think if I bought anything other than the Golf R I would be left wondering. Insurance and Fuel is not miles different for me so its just the small extra cost of the Golf R compared to the others.
Looking at forums, it seems the R doesn't suffer any major issues so same as any car, make sure servicing has been done on time and buy with your head rather than heart.
Have been umming and ahhing between the Octavia VRS / Golf R / Leon ST
I think if I bought anything other than the Golf R I would be left wondering. Insurance and Fuel is not miles different for me so its just the small extra cost of the Golf R compared to the others.
Looking at forums, it seems the R doesn't suffer any major issues so same as any car, make sure servicing has been done on time and buy with your head rather than heart.
RapidRob said:
Thanks all, the Octavia VRS is a strong contender, but I've heard that the ride quality gets a bit wearing unless you have the DCC? Similar concerns with the cupra too? The superb feels a bit too big for what we need
DCC is standard on the Cupra (or at least it was on my 68 plate one).This is actually quite an advantage over the Golf as a family car as it will be a rare option on the R.
Boot is a bit bigger/better shaped on the R.
The R got the modern features (7 speed, digital dash) slightly earlier too.
Cupra is a good option though.
RapidRob said:
Thanks all, the Octavia VRS is a strong contender, but I've heard that the ride quality gets a bit wearing unless you have the DCC? Similar concerns with the cupra too? The superb feels a bit too big for what we need
The Cupras come with DCC and 19" wheels as standard.A lot of Golfs started out on cheap lease deals with just the standard spec (so no DCC). The base Cadiz wheels are 18" and the ride is generally OK without DCC. That said the "cheap lease" spec is pretty decent with the winter pack becoming standard from around September 2016 onwards which means heated: washers, wingmirrors, and front seats.
Facelifted cars in 2017 got an extra 10hp and a few other cosmetic changes along with a better MMI unit and digital dash. They also put in a 7 speed DSG box in the facelifted models (previously a 6 speed). The 7 speed box seems to have an issue on some cars and many are being recalled for an update which may mean a new box being required:
https://www.vwroc.com/forums/topic/41966-dsg-re-ca...
The VWROC forum has a lot of useful info if you've not already found it. Threads often involve descriptions of warning lights on the dashboard, limp home mode, and then details of an engine or gearbox remap.
As mentioned above, a lot of these cars will have been abused and tuned, so choose carefully. A full VW service history would be desirable!
Servicing, tyres, brakes etc are relatively cheap given the performance.
Annoyingly (for some) the pre facelift car has a fake exhaust tip set up. When I had one on a cheap lease, someone asked me if i'd stuck them on myself. Not the end of the world however but the inner tips on each side are just for show!
As also mentioned above, the thermostat housing is a weak point on these which can randomly start leaking coolant and costs about a grand to put right.
Overall these cars are pretty capable, especially In the cold and wet, and generally go under the radar for most, until you overtake them.
RapidRob said:
I'd say we live in Oxfordshire, area is nice enough that it won't stand out, but not too rich that it would be a thief magnet.
Popcorn- re my previous post, did the ride quality differ between the R and the VRS?
I didn't get to test an R on the 19's or with DCC but it felt slightly better insulated against road noise than our VRS - not many thousands of pounds better though.... Popcorn- re my previous post, did the ride quality differ between the R and the VRS?
We picked our VRS up second hand in the end (babies are expensive) - it came with the 19s and I have been pleasantly surprised how comfortable it rides - it does have expensive tyres fitted which will make a difference - you know about it on crap roads though!
The R is popular with criminals for a reason - it's reliable, they blend in and they can cross ground very quickly in all weather's.
I have never regretted picking the VRS over the R - as its usually got small children in it and it doesn't get thrashed. If your going to use the performance then by all means get the R. The Leon Cupra's are very nice - we test drove the 290 so fwd. I think they are much better looking than the R and come with DCC as standard.
All the VAG options remap very well should you require more horsepower and have a massive aftermarket following.
I was thinking about the Superb 280 and then realised that for 30k I would be looking at a BMW 540i estate - they are another level up in refinement over the VAG models you have been looking at, they are all xdrive and have 6 cylinders (remap well apparently if that's your thing).
Just realised that your budget is 20k and not 30k....
Perhaps 'borrow' a Golf R and do a few 'jobs' in it - that way you get a extended test drive, can really test the performance and increase your budget at the same time....
Have you looked at the Audi A4 Avant - much smaller boot than the Golf but they did a 2 litre petrol quattro model with 250ish bhp - I imagine one would remap up to 300bhp if not more and they have lovely interiors.
Perhaps 'borrow' a Golf R and do a few 'jobs' in it - that way you get a extended test drive, can really test the performance and increase your budget at the same time....
Have you looked at the Audi A4 Avant - much smaller boot than the Golf but they did a 2 litre petrol quattro model with 250ish bhp - I imagine one would remap up to 300bhp if not more and they have lovely interiors.
Edited by P0PC0RN on Thursday 29th December 17:09
P0PC0RN said:
Just realised that your budget is 20k and not 30k....
Perhaps 'borrow' a Golf R and do a few 'jobs' in it - that way you get a extended test drive, can really test the performance and increase your budget at the same time....
Have you looked at the Audi A4 Avant - much smaller boot than the Golf but they did a 2 litre petrol quattro model with 250ish bhp - I imagine one would remap up to 300bhp if not more and they have lovely interiors.
The 252hp Audi looks great. In the real world you wouldn't miss the extra ponies that the R has too much.Perhaps 'borrow' a Golf R and do a few 'jobs' in it - that way you get a extended test drive, can really test the performance and increase your budget at the same time....
Have you looked at the Audi A4 Avant - much smaller boot than the Golf but they did a 2 litre petrol quattro model with 250ish bhp - I imagine one would remap up to 300bhp if not more and they have lovely interiors.
Edited by P0PC0RN on Thursday 29th December 17:09
Aside from the small Quattro badges front and rear it's got 190hp 2.0 FWD TDI written all over it!
Traction is where the Golf, Leon, Superb and Audi win hands down over the VRS.
PHZero said:
P0PC0RN said:
Just realised that your budget is 20k and not 30k....
Perhaps 'borrow' a Golf R and do a few 'jobs' in it - that way you get a extended test drive, can really test the performance and increase your budget at the same time....
Have you looked at the Audi A4 Avant - much smaller boot than the Golf but they did a 2 litre petrol quattro model with 250ish bhp - I imagine one would remap up to 300bhp if not more and they have lovely interiors.
The 252hp Audi looks great. In the real world you wouldn't miss the extra ponies that the R has too much.Perhaps 'borrow' a Golf R and do a few 'jobs' in it - that way you get a extended test drive, can really test the performance and increase your budget at the same time....
Have you looked at the Audi A4 Avant - much smaller boot than the Golf but they did a 2 litre petrol quattro model with 250ish bhp - I imagine one would remap up to 300bhp if not more and they have lovely interiors.
Edited by P0PC0RN on Thursday 29th December 17:09
Aside from the small Quattro badges front and rear it's got 190hp 2.0 FWD TDI written all over it!
Traction is where the Golf, Leon, Superb and Audi win hands down over the VRS.
The Golf R is an incredible proposition, especially in estate guise. I picked one up the week before Christmas and it’s blown my mind! Its breadth of abilities is amazing - at Christmas we loaded it with all the presents and headed off to see family, safe, comfortable, warm and returning 35/37mpg. In the weather we had (rain, greasy muddy roads, cold) it felt a very reassuring place to be.
Once they job is done you put it in full attack mode and you’re off like your pants are on fire! It’s very quick - and in a world where 310bhp isn’t ‘a lot’ anymore, the way it delivers is monumental. Took a friend out who owns an Alfa 4C (which is quick!) and he couldn’t believe how rapid it was - and an estate! Lol!
I bought 7.5R as I think it was the Golf’s peak of interior/tech before it all went wrong with the touch geeky mk 8. The virtual dash is lovely as is the Discovery headunit. People often go ‘option seeking’ with these but my advice is tread carefully as some of those desirable options aren’t all they are cracked up to be.
DCC - the adjustable suspension people get a little excited about however the stock dampers rise lovely and when you have an adjustable system it’s another (quite expensive!) thing to go wrong.
Pan roof - I love a pan roof, nearly as much as I love a convertible roof however stories of these cracking and also water ingress damaging and staining the headliner.
Pretoria wheels - these seem to crack or split at the mere sight of a pothole in the road.
A ‘bog standard’ Golf R has by far and away everything you need in terms of spec, I would suggest focusing on a nice low owner example with good miles and a nice history, if you get some options then great. I bought a 310bhp model which is pre-OPF filter. 2018/2109 they changed to OPF which lost 10bhp and became a bit less rorty from the rear end. Allegedly if tuning is your thing the OPF cars don’t respond as well.
Also ran a Focus RS (which you mention) and it was nice and I am glad I ticked the box however it was like it had concrete blocks for dampers and was SO hard in comparison, it also ‘stood out’ which if that’s your thing then you might be happy with and finally it made you drive like a fool, chasing the pops and bangs etc.
The Golf R estate is an absolute sleeper and although people level a lot of criticism at it for being boring/clinical/neutral - it’s an epic fast road car. With the roads getting ever busier the only place you can really exploit a plum handling car is on the track - I wouldn’t choose a Golf R for track work.
However if you want a point and shoot, practical family estate car which is a rare sight on the roads and can deal with almost anything you throw at it - the Golf is an excellent choice. I would liken it to the child born out of a relationship between a Nissan GTR and an RS4!
The fastest Christmas meals on wheels in the South West -
Buy one you will absolutely not regret it!
Si
Once they job is done you put it in full attack mode and you’re off like your pants are on fire! It’s very quick - and in a world where 310bhp isn’t ‘a lot’ anymore, the way it delivers is monumental. Took a friend out who owns an Alfa 4C (which is quick!) and he couldn’t believe how rapid it was - and an estate! Lol!
I bought 7.5R as I think it was the Golf’s peak of interior/tech before it all went wrong with the touch geeky mk 8. The virtual dash is lovely as is the Discovery headunit. People often go ‘option seeking’ with these but my advice is tread carefully as some of those desirable options aren’t all they are cracked up to be.
DCC - the adjustable suspension people get a little excited about however the stock dampers rise lovely and when you have an adjustable system it’s another (quite expensive!) thing to go wrong.
Pan roof - I love a pan roof, nearly as much as I love a convertible roof however stories of these cracking and also water ingress damaging and staining the headliner.
Pretoria wheels - these seem to crack or split at the mere sight of a pothole in the road.
A ‘bog standard’ Golf R has by far and away everything you need in terms of spec, I would suggest focusing on a nice low owner example with good miles and a nice history, if you get some options then great. I bought a 310bhp model which is pre-OPF filter. 2018/2109 they changed to OPF which lost 10bhp and became a bit less rorty from the rear end. Allegedly if tuning is your thing the OPF cars don’t respond as well.
Also ran a Focus RS (which you mention) and it was nice and I am glad I ticked the box however it was like it had concrete blocks for dampers and was SO hard in comparison, it also ‘stood out’ which if that’s your thing then you might be happy with and finally it made you drive like a fool, chasing the pops and bangs etc.
The Golf R estate is an absolute sleeper and although people level a lot of criticism at it for being boring/clinical/neutral - it’s an epic fast road car. With the roads getting ever busier the only place you can really exploit a plum handling car is on the track - I wouldn’t choose a Golf R for track work.
However if you want a point and shoot, practical family estate car which is a rare sight on the roads and can deal with almost anything you throw at it - the Golf is an excellent choice. I would liken it to the child born out of a relationship between a Nissan GTR and an RS4!
The fastest Christmas meals on wheels in the South West -
Buy one you will absolutely not regret it!
Si
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