Golf R buying advice (plus vs AMG 45 vs M135i)
Discussion
Thinking I need a sensible hack for work related stuff and ulez compliance (to run alongside 981 Spyder, Defender 110, X5 40d and some old stuff). I’ve provisionally decided on a MK 7 Golf R but:
- is the manual awful?
- anything to watch out for (will be buying with less than 40,000 miles)
- is there a LCI or equivalent I should be buying?
- are estates worth less?
- are three doors worth more?
- will the three door have been ragged!?
And:
- should I actually consider an AMG 45 instead?
- if so which one (give max £23k ish)
Definitely want 4wd so also:
- should I consider M135i x drive?
Have had loads of of M cars and a M140i but def want 4wd as mentioned above.
Any thoughts gratefully received
- is the manual awful?
- anything to watch out for (will be buying with less than 40,000 miles)
- is there a LCI or equivalent I should be buying?
- are estates worth less?
- are three doors worth more?
- will the three door have been ragged!?
And:
- should I actually consider an AMG 45 instead?
- if so which one (give max £23k ish)
Definitely want 4wd so also:
- should I consider M135i x drive?
Have had loads of of M cars and a M140i but def want 4wd as mentioned above.
Any thoughts gratefully received
I had a manual from new for 3 years - 5 dr in Lapiz blue. It was a great car but quite dull. I’m not sure how best to describe it - competent. Manual gearbox was fine. The car previous to it was a mini R53 JCW and that was exciting and fun, a way better car than the Golf for me.
Personally I’d rather have an M140 if I had my time again. However, I’ve not owned one so can’t give you a direct comparison.
And I don’t know if they’re still getting nicked, but I was one of the ones who laughed at the theft stories living in an affluent part of Cheshire. It couldn’t happen to me. Until four blokes were disturbed on my drive in balaclavas. In the space of a week they returned a further 3 times and by the end of the week I’d got rid of the car. At the time my neighbour had an AMG and opposite me had a Boxter, both of which were of no interest to them.
Personally I’d rather have an M140 if I had my time again. However, I’ve not owned one so can’t give you a direct comparison.
And I don’t know if they’re still getting nicked, but I was one of the ones who laughed at the theft stories living in an affluent part of Cheshire. It couldn’t happen to me. Until four blokes were disturbed on my drive in balaclavas. In the space of a week they returned a further 3 times and by the end of the week I’d got rid of the car. At the time my neighbour had an AMG and opposite me had a Boxter, both of which were of no interest to them.
I did hear that clutches in the manual can be a weak point if you intend to increase the power at some point where as the DSG holds up better, may not be an issue for you though.
I would have thought that 5 doors are more desirable but personal preference. I did look at an estate as an option for my next car before I bought an M4, I appreciate apples and pears comparison but I found that even as an estate the rear leg room was very limited when I was comfortable in the drivers seat, my M4 has better rear leg room. I am 6ft4 though.
I would have thought that 5 doors are more desirable but personal preference. I did look at an estate as an option for my next car before I bought an M4, I appreciate apples and pears comparison but I found that even as an estate the rear leg room was very limited when I was comfortable in the drivers seat, my M4 has better rear leg room. I am 6ft4 though.
I have an M135i xDrive, after owning a manual Mk7 Clubsport Ed40 for 6 years. The BMW doesn't 'feel' AWD (and it isn't most of the time) but it's a nice place to sit, is much better finished than the Golf and is quieter on long trips. But the Golf had far better steering and much better suspension - it also didn't have all those nanny aids that you can't quite completely turn off. I don't dislike the BMW, but I did really like the Golf and do miss it. Personally, I'd go for a Mk7.5 Golf (GTi or R) but you have to drive them all to work out which elements are important to you.
Yes, there’s an LCI, which is easy to spot with new headlights. Old DRLs look like U’s, newer ones are more slanted.
I hear the GTI is a better driving car (performance variant), but if you want quick 0-62 then the R will obviously be better.
If you’re looking at the R, I’d consider a Cupra Leon Estate, purely because I think a “grandad” car smashing someone off the line is pretty cool. Love me an understated estate.
Manual for engagement, DSG for tuning.
I hear the GTI is a better driving car (performance variant), but if you want quick 0-62 then the R will obviously be better.
If you’re looking at the R, I’d consider a Cupra Leon Estate, purely because I think a “grandad” car smashing someone off the line is pretty cool. Love me an understated estate.
Manual for engagement, DSG for tuning.
I bought a 65 plate manual 3 door in September.
It has DCC, leather, 19" Pretoria's, DynAudio, rear camera, heated seats, probably other stuff I'm forgetting. Basically everything except pan roof because slicktops all the way.
I don't really get people who say it's boring. Maybe I'm too easily pleased by a fast car that's a decent steer.
If it has Pretoria's they say check for cracks as they are lightweight and buckle easily. Mine are fine though. From buying one of these take what you read online with a pinch of salt. If it's a good example (like mine) nothing to worry about really.
I previously had a 2019 M140i from new with the auto but I was doing 20k miles per year with a commute so needed it. To be honest I think I would have an M140i over the R if I could find a manual one with a good spec - but there's no such thing that is for sale.
I miss the 6-cyl noise. How ridiculously quick it was (manual wouldn't be as quick but better enjoyment). Pro Nav and the iDrive controller - you wouldn't believe how much I miss this! Also the fact the 1er has two cup holders at the front of the centre console - such a better place than where VAG cars have them.
It has DCC, leather, 19" Pretoria's, DynAudio, rear camera, heated seats, probably other stuff I'm forgetting. Basically everything except pan roof because slicktops all the way.
I don't really get people who say it's boring. Maybe I'm too easily pleased by a fast car that's a decent steer.
Billy_Whizzzz said:
- is the manual awful?
The manual is great IMO. Mine had the clutch and flywheel replaced early in it's life by the prev. owner. Some may find this ridiculous but the gear selecting feels AMAZING to me. Better than the CTR I had. However I haven't banged the Golf's limiter like I used to the Civic.Billy_Whizzzz said:
anything to watch out for (will be buying with less than 40,000 miles)
Water pump. See if you can smell coolant after a drive. Not longer after I bought I got a coolant low light and thought the worst. Topped it up and its been fine since! I reckon there might be a very tiny leak but I did purchase VW extended warranty though so I'd recommend that for when it does go.If it has Pretoria's they say check for cracks as they are lightweight and buckle easily. Mine are fine though. From buying one of these take what you read online with a pinch of salt. If it's a good example (like mine) nothing to worry about really.
Billy_Whizzzz said:
is there a LCI or equivalent I should be buying?
Mk7.5 from 2018 (?) - easiest way to tell is by looking for the slats on the front bumper - if it has them its a 7.5. A lot of people prefer the looks of the Mk7 though.Billy_Whizzzz said:
are estates worth less?
Not sure.Billy_Whizzzz said:
- are three doors worth more?
No, worth less. Same with any car really - people want 5 doors due to kids etc. In 20 years these 3 door manuals might be rare, but I'll probably need a car with 5 doors at that point!Billy_Whizzzz said:
- will the three door have been ragged!?
Generalisation - depends on the owner. Mine had a second vehicle so only did a few thousand miles a year in the R. Nothing to suggest it's been ragged.Billy_Whizzzz said:
And:
- should I actually consider an AMG 45 instead?
It's auto only so no.- should I actually consider an AMG 45 instead?
I previously had a 2019 M140i from new with the auto but I was doing 20k miles per year with a commute so needed it. To be honest I think I would have an M140i over the R if I could find a manual one with a good spec - but there's no such thing that is for sale.
I miss the 6-cyl noise. How ridiculously quick it was (manual wouldn't be as quick but better enjoyment). Pro Nav and the iDrive controller - you wouldn't believe how much I miss this! Also the fact the 1er has two cup holders at the front of the centre console - such a better place than where VAG cars have them.
Billy_Whizzzz said:
- if so which one (give max £23k ish)
No.Billy_Whizzzz said:
Definitely want 4wd so also:
- should I consider M135i x drive?
It's newer than a Mk7 so maybe, but why not get a Mk7.5 R?- should I consider M135i x drive?
Edited by Chris_91 on Tuesday 9th January 11:12
I was recently looking at these but settled with an Audi TTS to reduce the overlap with a Golf GTD I am running alongside.
The points above cover most things. Hot Golf prices are always comparatively strong and those with the best spec, lowest miles etc will be priced accordingly.
The A35 is more of a direct competitor and therefore the A45 will be usually priced higher than the Golf R.
The points above cover most things. Hot Golf prices are always comparatively strong and those with the best spec, lowest miles etc will be priced accordingly.
The A35 is more of a direct competitor and therefore the A45 will be usually priced higher than the Golf R.
Had a 5dr Manual back in 2014 for 3 and a bit years, very competent and quick but I did find it rather dull, it was very plain golf inside and never really felt particularly special.
Preferred the GTI edition 35 that I had before it. I guess it really comes down to what you want from the car, if you want something effortlessly quick in all weathers that is not to shouty it's probably ideal.
Preferred the GTI edition 35 that I had before it. I guess it really comes down to what you want from the car, if you want something effortlessly quick in all weathers that is not to shouty it's probably ideal.
I would try and get a mk7.5 if you can, interior is nicer, betters seat material, digital dials and bigger, much better nav. If you go DSG too, the 7.5 has a better gearbox.
Standard manual box is fine on stock power, if you map it the clutch will go, regardless of what anyone says, they just can't take it.
I have had 2 7.5 estates, both great cars, but both very very dull to drive, having had an m140i in between, it was a totally different experience.
Water pumps are a big thing, and on my second R the valve stem oil seals let go, £2k later, and the brake master servo was leaking, about £1200 to fix.
Standard manual box is fine on stock power, if you map it the clutch will go, regardless of what anyone says, they just can't take it.
I have had 2 7.5 estates, both great cars, but both very very dull to drive, having had an m140i in between, it was a totally different experience.
Water pumps are a big thing, and on my second R the valve stem oil seals let go, £2k later, and the brake master servo was leaking, about £1200 to fix.
Had a Mk7 R manual when they first came out. Think most bog standard spec ones from around that time will be ex-lease and possible bounced off the limiter from day 1. that's certainly what I did with mine.
I really liked mine and would definitely have another. Chassis and steering were much better than my M135i and build quality on a par. Test drove an a45 (first version so must have been around 2015) when I bought the M135i and I thought the chassis was terrible. Also had a Cupra 290 as someone suggested above. Despite it sharing 90% of its DNA with the golf the golf was just miles better. It just seems set up better, the sum of all the parts surrounding the engine were just better done a bit better.
I really liked mine and would definitely have another. Chassis and steering were much better than my M135i and build quality on a par. Test drove an a45 (first version so must have been around 2015) when I bought the M135i and I thought the chassis was terrible. Also had a Cupra 290 as someone suggested above. Despite it sharing 90% of its DNA with the golf the golf was just miles better. It just seems set up better, the sum of all the parts surrounding the engine were just better done a bit better.
If you are considering the A45 take for a LONG test drive, they are great on the right road and in the right circumstances... They are equally horrible on the wrong road and wrong circumstance.
Unfortunately they are horrible at day to day driving, especially in town.
Do you know how dull the Golf R is?
Can I go a bit left field, X3M? AWD and sensible as anything, feels similar to the M140, the golf R is much duller.
Unfortunately they are horrible at day to day driving, especially in town.
Do you know how dull the Golf R is?
Can I go a bit left field, X3M? AWD and sensible as anything, feels similar to the M140, the golf R is much duller.
I believe the haldex 4wd system needs a (fairly expensive) service at 40k miles- as does the DSG gearbox for if you go for that. We had a facelift Audi S3 which has the later 7spd DSG gearbox, which I felt was an improvement on the 6spd DSG that a friends Golf R 7.0 had. Late cars (both S3 and Golf R) are DSG only.
If you are happy with DSG the sweet spot for both is early facelift versions of both as they for a short period of time got a power boost to 310bhp which then dropped back down to about 290 when petrol particulate filters were introduced at the end of 2017 (which also muffled the sound).
If you are happy with DSG the sweet spot for both is early facelift versions of both as they for a short period of time got a power boost to 310bhp which then dropped back down to about 290 when petrol particulate filters were introduced at the end of 2017 (which also muffled the sound).
Thankfully..in this world one size does not fit all. For every R lover there's a nay sayer. Take one for a test drive and decide yourself is the only answer.
I'm in the first club
I've had my R from new since 2015. It's a standard manual and I'd say it's one of the best allrounders I've ever driven.
I'm in the first club
I've had my R from new since 2015. It's a standard manual and I'd say it's one of the best allrounders I've ever driven.
Had three years in a MK7 estate and four in a MK7.5 estate. Loved both cars, great as family wagons. The boot is enormous. The facelift had a better interior as digital dash. Both were dsg and I never missed a manual.
The MK7 was fine over 27,000 miles of ownership. With the MK7.5 I suffered the thermostat problem (dashboard light halfway up the M6). Thankfully was under warranty as was an expensive fix.
I had 7 years of ownership, my neighbour has had his hatchback MK7 for 8 years and my colleague had one for four years and none were nicked (SE England in the shires).
Like someone else said best thing to do is go for a spin in one and judge for yourself! I'd have another one if the circumstances were right.
The MK7 was fine over 27,000 miles of ownership. With the MK7.5 I suffered the thermostat problem (dashboard light halfway up the M6). Thankfully was under warranty as was an expensive fix.
I had 7 years of ownership, my neighbour has had his hatchback MK7 for 8 years and my colleague had one for four years and none were nicked (SE England in the shires).
Like someone else said best thing to do is go for a spin in one and judge for yourself! I'd have another one if the circumstances were right.
I’ll caveat this by saying I might have just bought a lemon or clocked car, and I possibly went in with too-high expectations based on the hype around them.
I briefly had a golf r manual and really couldn’t get on with it, the shift felt sloppy and just mismatched to the car. The clutch struggled with the power despite appearing to be reasonable fresh based on travel and being a low mileage car.
It was very quick, and a nice daily (it’s a golf, ultimately) but honestly I just found it a bit dull. Even with the manual box it just wasn’t engaging which was disappointing. Each to their own, but not for me, and quickly I moved it on.
I’d have another but this time go in with much lower expectations, embrace the dullness and get a DSG which felt better suited to the car in hindsight, as a daily that happens to be brisk rather than anything special/engaging. Honestly these things are so personal based on preferences and perspective, my opinions are exactly that, drive a couple and make your own mind up.
If you do decide to get one, do every single check you can and go in with eyes wide open, there’s a ridiculous number of bad ones out there for sale.
I briefly had a golf r manual and really couldn’t get on with it, the shift felt sloppy and just mismatched to the car. The clutch struggled with the power despite appearing to be reasonable fresh based on travel and being a low mileage car.
It was very quick, and a nice daily (it’s a golf, ultimately) but honestly I just found it a bit dull. Even with the manual box it just wasn’t engaging which was disappointing. Each to their own, but not for me, and quickly I moved it on.
I’d have another but this time go in with much lower expectations, embrace the dullness and get a DSG which felt better suited to the car in hindsight, as a daily that happens to be brisk rather than anything special/engaging. Honestly these things are so personal based on preferences and perspective, my opinions are exactly that, drive a couple and make your own mind up.
If you do decide to get one, do every single check you can and go in with eyes wide open, there’s a ridiculous number of bad ones out there for sale.
I've had one now for 5.5 years and done maybe 63000. It's a great daily with decent enough power, 4 motion, apple carplay and adaptive cruise control.
I've got the dsg so can't say for sure, but the facebook group say the clutches on manuals don't last.
At 40k make sure the DSG and haldex has been serviced at least once. The waterpump will go at some point and I've been quote £700+vat.
Definitely get a mk7.5 (LCI equivalent). Better interior and a bit more modern looking on the outside. Not sure when this came in, maybe 2017ish.
I imagine it's as fun as any other hot hatch of similar age/performance. I wouldn't go out for a Sunday drive in it (got a caterham for that!), but as a daily I like it.
Pic from when it was newish
I've got the dsg so can't say for sure, but the facebook group say the clutches on manuals don't last.
At 40k make sure the DSG and haldex has been serviced at least once. The waterpump will go at some point and I've been quote £700+vat.
Definitely get a mk7.5 (LCI equivalent). Better interior and a bit more modern looking on the outside. Not sure when this came in, maybe 2017ish.
I imagine it's as fun as any other hot hatch of similar age/performance. I wouldn't go out for a Sunday drive in it (got a caterham for that!), but as a daily I like it.
Pic from when it was newish
Scum bags have a ravenous appetite for quick VAG cars so consider your location and parking arrangements....
Certain areas are, however, plagued more than others but it's worth a think especially if you live near an affected area.
I have had a play in the Golf R, S3 + Cupra estate - they are incredibly capable cars and very easy to drive very fast (hence why they get nicked). They are abit dull in normal use but they are incredibly capable and get better the harder the thrashing is - not ideal on the roads though
Get the best M140i you can afford of save up for a Rs3 - the engines provide the charisma the 4 cylinder cars are missing
Certain areas are, however, plagued more than others but it's worth a think especially if you live near an affected area.
I have had a play in the Golf R, S3 + Cupra estate - they are incredibly capable cars and very easy to drive very fast (hence why they get nicked). They are abit dull in normal use but they are incredibly capable and get better the harder the thrashing is - not ideal on the roads though
Get the best M140i you can afford of save up for a Rs3 - the engines provide the charisma the 4 cylinder cars are missing
nikaiyo2 said:
If you are considering the A45 take for a LONG test drive, they are great on the right road and in the right circumstances... They are equally horrible on the wrong road and wrong circumstance.
Unfortunately they are horrible at day to day driving, especially in town.
Do you know how dull the Golf R is?
Can I go a bit left field, X3M? AWD and sensible as anything, feels similar to the M140, the golf R is much duller.
I'd agree with this. i had an A45 AMG and on a b road drive it was brilliant. Everything else it just got on my nerves a bit with all the little niggles. The gearbox is pretty sUnfortunately they are horrible at day to day driving, especially in town.
Do you know how dull the Golf R is?
Can I go a bit left field, X3M? AWD and sensible as anything, feels similar to the M140, the golf R is much duller.
te as well. If you want a brilliant auto gearbox, then a BMW is the one to go for. If it was my choice I'd have a M140i or a JCW mini. I had the manual JCW and it was a blast to drive, much better than the AMG. Not as fast, but felt a load faster than the figures show.Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff