R32 Owner Poll (Or if you know a lot about them)

[ColinAndrews]

Re: R32 Owner Poll (Or if you know a lot about them)

I owned one and sold it because I found it to be exactly what Luunta said, over rated.

Once the honeymoon was over with the exhaust note I found it to be exactly like a GTI 90% of the time and not amazingly better than one for the other 10% of the time. It was too heavy for the power it had, felt slow, and wasn't comfortable for long journeys. The exhaust with the flapper open also got me pulled over twice, lol.

I think the VW Fanboi hype on it is a bit much. It's not a bad car by any means, but for all the affirmative "this car rules" stuff on vortex I found it to be a let down. I will totally admit though that my expectations were too high.

Unless you want the AWD for winter, get a GTI. If you really want AWD...get an Audi with a Torsen differential and not a FWD based system.

[GINCH]

Re: R32 Owner Poll (Or if you know a lot about them)

I've owned mine since May 2009. Mine has 80500 km's on it currently. Other than regular maintenance (oil changes, haldex fluid change etc) mine has been great. The only irritations I've had are from aftermarket suspension parts that were put on the car (squeeking poly swaybar bushings).

I can honestly say I still really like the car. Its fantastic in the snow, very comfortable seats (for me anyways), useful cargo and seating, and a lot of fun. Its not the fastest car I've owned however it seems to do everything pretty well. The mootr for me is the best part. Love the sound (alwyas been a VR fan) and pulls nicely.

Lastly, I truly love the way it looks! Suspension and wheels and it looks killer IMO!!

Derek

[JPO]

Re: R32 Owner Poll (Or if you know a lot about them)

Well it is a mkiv golf so there are attendant issues like MAFs, door switches blah blah. But that being said it is my understanding that the VR6 motors are pretty tough and reliable.

[Brad K]

Re: R32 Owner Poll (Or if you know a lot about them)

I found it to be exactly like a GTI 90% of the time ...

Unless you want the AWD for winter, get a GTI.

Any other comparisons from people who have driven both a MKIV R and GTI?

I'm starting to lean towards a GTI. The wife really likes the safety features of the MKIV, some friends of ours were in a bad crash in BC and faired pretty well; because it may carry our kids from time to time this is more of a concern then my last couple cars. The GTI doesn't have that exhaust or AWD but the car will never see winter plus they're at a much more comfortable price point. What I'm starting to feel is that the R may not be, at least for me, worth the extra $10k+.

Thanks for all your feedback, you guys have been awesome. I think I'm nearing a final decision.

[GINCH]

Re: R32 Owner Poll (Or if you know a lot about them)

I used to own a 20th AE GTI and sold it after a year. It was a great car but the motor left me wanting more. Just not a fan of the 1.8T's in general. I really like the linear power of the 3.2 and of course the sound. I know there can be great power made out of a 1.8t but again it just didn't do it for me. There are many other things that people forget about with the .:R.......all black headliner, climate control, self diming rearview mirror, rain sensing wipers, independant rear suspension, huge brakes etc. That and the AWD and relative exclusivity made the extra money over the GTI well worth it. Have you had a chance to drive the 2 cars back to back?

[luunta]

Re: R32 Owner Poll (Or if you know a lot about them)

I owned one and sold it because I found it to be exactly what Luunta said, over rated.

I win.

Although he owned one, so he has more of a right to say so than I.

Like mentioned, yeah it has AWD, but Audi is a better bet any day. A3!

[JPO]

Re: R32 Owner Poll (Or if you know a lot about them)

Any other comparisons from people who have driven both a MKIV R and GTI?

I'm starting to lean towards a GTI. The wife really likes the safety features of the MKIV, some friends of ours were in a bad crash in BC and faired pretty well; because it may carry our kids from time to time this is more of a concern then my last couple cars. The GTI doesn't have that exhaust or AWD but the car will never see winter plus they're at a much more comfortable price point. What I'm starting to feel is that the R may not be, at least for me, worth the extra $10k+.

Thanks for all your feedback, you guys have been awesome. I think I'm nearing a final decision.

If you are leaning Gti and like the vr6 of the r32 maybe consider a 24v vr6 Gti. I really like mine. Goes quick, sounds great and is very flexible when driven lazily; you can leave it in 4th all around town.

[Bubbleboy]

Re: R32 Owner Poll (Or if you know a lot about them)

I had a MKV R32, it was overrated. I then wished I had bought a MKIV. However, since then ideally I should have bought an S4 Avant. More power and more room.

[ColinAndrews]

Re: R32 Owner Poll (Or if you know a lot about them)

I used to own a 20th AE GTI and sold it after a year. It was a great car but the motor left me wanting more. Just not a fan of the 1.8T's in general. I really like the linear power of the 3.2 and of course the sound. I know there can be great power made out of a 1.8t but again it just didn't do it for me. There are many other things that people forget about with the .:R.......all black headliner, climate control, self diming rearview mirror, rain sensing wipers, independant rear suspension, huge brakes etc. That and the AWD and relative exclusivity made the extra money over the GTI well worth it. Have you had a chance to drive the 2 cars back to back?

My friend just finished a 2871 setup on a 1.8T B6 Avant and it's wicked. I have to say I really like it. Nice and smooth, keeps you out of boost for daily commuting and 300AWHP is no slouch around town.

B6 A4s are so cheap now that you could get an Ultrasport and give it over 400HP for *slightly* more than an R32 costs. After driving both, its a no brainer for me. The big turbo Audi felt like it was better at everything.



Mmmmmmmm...So much more win than an R32.

[vee_dubbin]

Re: R32 Owner Poll (Or if you know a lot about them)

As for the A3 with the 3.2 VR6, it only comes offered in DSG with AWD. The 2.0T has the options to go with the DSG and/or AWD trims. As good as the DSG transmission is, I found them to be on the boring side. I personally like do do my own shifting with rev matching downshifts and to feel the gear selection with my right hand. Much more fun.

As far as known issues with the MKIV R32, there really isn't much other then the MKIV normal minor issues. I haven't heard of any issues regarding the drivetrain including the engine, transmission or the rear diff or driveshaft. As far as I know, the driveline is bulletproof and can handle major engine upgrades such as HPA's twin turbo set-up for a total of 550HP.

Over-rated?? I don't think so. No other V6 engine can compare to the VR6's sound. Its highly addictive and can get you in trouble if you can't be tamed. Its a AWD hatchback with a great sounding engine and exhaust. It was never intended to be a Corvette killer by any means, but as for the driving experience, there's not a lot of vehicles in its price range with being comparingly equipped as the MKIV R32. It was never built with the drag strip in mind, but rather an enjoyable street car that can do the occasional road course thrashing from time to time.

Love'em to pieces and would love to own one, preferrably in that gorgeous blue. That's my .02

[D-BOMB]

Re: R32 Owner Poll (Or if you know a lot about them)

^^^ Agreed, well said.

[Deuce]

Re: R32 Owner Poll (Or if you know a lot about them)

Have owned my MKIV .:R for 2 years now. 22,000 miles of use and haven't had a single issue yet. Well... unless you call the hundreds of folks that keep running me down at street lights and on the highway to give the thumbs up and admire the car.

Why did I get one?
Like Ginch, I also had a 20th AE GTi and wanted more. Actually, I think most of us wanted an AWD Golf to begin with once the .:R came out but instead, were forced to "settle" with a GTi. Well... that's my reason anyways. Once the .:R was readily available to import to Canada... it was a no-brainer for me. I had always wanted one and now that I have it... I doubt I will ever sell it.

Is it over-rated?
Perhaps. I doubt many folks thought that in the U.S. back in '04 when they got theirs however I somewhat agree that the .:R just isn't as "bad-ass" 6 years later. That aside, I still love my Deep Blue Pearl .:R and its classic look. Besides... some HPA goodies will definitely find their way under its hood one of these days.

Why not get an Audi A3?
Personally, if you're considering an A3... then get one. For me... the .:R is something that can be appreciated and dare I say... loved. The A3... is just a car.

4-Motion AWD system?
I'm no drifter, auto-x'er or rally driver... however... what I do know... is that when the white stuff flies... and I put the hammer down on my 225/40R18 Ultra Grip Performance tires... I have no troubles reaching un-safe speeds in a hurry. That... and the sight of the white "rooster tails" flying off the Goodyears as the sound of the VR6 wail echoes off the frozen landscape...

Priceless.

[P Arkus]

Re: R32 Owner Poll (Or if you know a lot about them)

4-Motion AWD system?
I'm no drifter, auto-x'er or rally driver... however... what I do know... is that when the white stuff flies... and I put the hammer down on my 225/40R18 Ultra Grip Performance tires... I have no troubles reaching un-safe speeds in a hurry. That... and the sight of the white "rooster tails" flying off the Goodyears as the sound of the VR6 wail echoes off the frozen landscape...

Priceless.

DEAR GOD I CANT WAIT FOR WINTER!!!!!!!!!!

[greenGS]

Re: R32 Owner Poll (Or if you know a lot about them)

Any other comparisons from people who have driven both a MKIV R and GTI?

I'm starting to lean towards a GTI. The wife really likes the safety features of the MKIV, some friends of ours were in a bad crash in BC and faired pretty well; because it may carry our kids from time to time this is more of a concern then my last couple cars. The GTI doesn't have that exhaust or AWD but the car will never see winter plus they're at a much more comfortable price point. What I'm starting to feel is that the R may not be, at least for me, worth the extra $10k+.

Thanks for all your feedback, you guys have been awesome. I think I'm nearing a final decision.

If the car will never see winter AWD is even less of a concern. I've had AWD cars before and they are blast to drive in snow, but only if the streets are relatively empty. Driving in traffic is annoying as you're still stuck going as fast as the person with RWD with baldass A/S tires ahead of you.

[Deuce]

Re: R32 Owner Poll (Or if you know a lot about them)

The .:R is my first AWD car and I must say... I honestly enjoy it WAY more in the winter than I do in the summer. From donuts to high-speed fishtails to drag races against F150 4x4's... I have to admit... I love my .:R.