So many Golf Rs, such poor spec

[GK]

Hi all, is there anyone else here looking for a decent Golf R? There are hundreds for sale and the vast majority of them completely basic spec! One of the most frustrating used car searches I've ever had. I'm wondering who buys a top of the range car without even sat nav as an option?! I'm guessing most of these cars are ex-lease. Fine if you're desperate to own one I suppose. The ones that do have extras seem to sell like hotcakes. I spotted one online last week with sat nav and the 19" option alloys in silver (rare colour). Just went to the dealership without phoning since the ad was still online. When I got there it was sold and the salesmen said it was unbelievable the amount of people they'd had enquiring about it.

Anyone experienced this frustration?! Open to ideas of alternative cars. The M235i seems decent.

[GK]

5bowler said:

Try and work out which options are a must to you I'd say, I've had inbuilt navigation and some systems/manufacturers are better than others. I don't feel it's a necessity as google maps is always on hand. The only thing I'd say is if the navigation unit has better audio than the standard unit then this would be on my list.

Personally if I was finding a Golf R my specification would have to be at least with a sunroof (opens up the dark interior and for the exhaust parps) plus the optional 19's as the standard wheels don't do it for me, not sure on how they alter the ride quality and the cost of tyres is something to think.

Depending on budget this would be my ideal Golf R - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

As a BMW fan, I would recommend looking at the 135i/235i as the 6 cylinder and RWD is a different experience, I like the Golf R for being a great point to point car though. I personally would go for the car you want not what others want you to have/drive and stick at the search one will eventually pop up. It's unfortunately a waiting game on the secondhand market.

That's a cracking car! Perfect. Very tempting but unfortunately over my budget of about £23k. I'm definitely looking to try the 1 or 2 series at some point. Straight six is an itch I've yet to scratch. Previous car was an Audi S5 (V8) - maybe not the best drivers car but the engine noise was superb.

I didn't realise the phone connectivity app was something that could be easily added. That's made me think differently about the standard cars as there are plenty of cheap ones with low miles in good condition. I would have to buy the 19s though. Not a fan of the standard wheels at all.

[GK]

Doofus said:

By comparison, GTis are often very well specced. GTis are bought by people with class, who can afford them. Rs are leased by show-offs, who can't

Spot the GTi owner.

[GK]

Emeye said:

The basic VW sat nav is shocking - I have it in my Passat Alltrack (a lease a car that did come with a decent spec) - best to find a Golf R with App Connect enabled which allows Apple Carplay and Android Auto to work with your smart phone - Apple Maps and Google Maps are much better than the VW Discovery Nav. App Connect was a £100 option new, but £215ish to have activated if you have the correct headunit in your used VW.

If the Golf has 18s, buy some 19s.

I have it in my current diesel R Line and I agree it's not great at all, but (and call me a snob) I'd prefer having that in the car than using my phone. Feels like I've got a more complete/versatile car if that makes sense! But if I can use my maps through the screen, I'd agree, that's ideal.

[GK]

Doofus said:

I also own every option available at the time of purchase, except park assist.

See there are some good guys out there. ^^^

I got very lucky with my R line. It was an ex-demonstrator I stumbled across while wondering around a dealership. Has most options I believe including park assist - mainly just a novelty for new passengers, by the way.