MK5 Golf R32 - number 3…
Discussion
I’ve only gone and bought another one! My addiction started around 15 years ago, during my University holidays, I was helping my brother who was a decorator at the time; paint a large house in Surrey. The driveway of the house had a brand new Range Rover and Silver Mk 5 Golf R32 for the wife to drive. Every time they left I was transfixed by that VR6 noise.
Fast forward to 2015 and I was in a position to get into one, a 2008 United grey, manual supercharged R32 with 370bhp. That was fun while it lasted but I did encounter engine problems and finally someone rear ended me and the car sadly got written off. It was replaced in 2016 by my second, a black 2009 Mk 5 DSG. Thread for both here. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I had a brief reprieve in 2019 for a year or so and had a Jaguar XF Sportbrake which we needed for a Holiday to South of France.
url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/mgR7RRwU[/url]
Thread here for the Jag https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=18...
Anyway – the latest purchase was ‘essential’, coming out of lockdown meant it was becoming tricky trying to juggle sharing the use of my wifes Tiguan R Line 2.0 TSI as we both use cars for work and meetings were clashing. It is therefore a car I will use for occasional commuting, site visits and odd weekend trips. I also considered BMW 130is, 330ci etc but couldn’t find any decent ones and decided to stick with what I know.
[
It’s a 2 owner car, last of the line 2009, Deep Blue Pearl, manual. I specifically wanted a manual this time as I miss the driver engagement lacking with autos. The first owner took it from new to 95k miles (serviced twice a year!), second owner a lovely retired gentleman and true petrolhead from 2014 to date and 117k miles. Not low mileage then but not ridiculous either and id rather by a car that's been used and cared for than a garage queen. It has a thorough service history, VW for first owner and local garage for the second. Clutch and gearbox feel tight. From the 250 miles driven so far the engine is sweet, timing chains are within tolerance, there are a few cosmetic bits to address. My plan is to get these done steadily when funds and time allow.
To do list:
Bit of surface rust on rear boot lip and poor touch up around VW badge – hopefully a smart repair can address. Front arches look to have been replaced in past already.
Roof liner has just started to come detached around sun glass holder - have a quote from Dave the trimmer
Alloy wheel centre caps
New aerial as rubber has perished
Replace missing front R32 badge (leave rear de badged)
Rear centre brake light has a few bulbs out
Drivers seatbelt quite badly frayed
Service light on – only done 1500 miles in last 12 months
MOT in August
Perhaps a suspension refresh in future as whilst there are no noises, it’s a bit boaty.
Overall I think the understated design has aged well, the leather sports seats are supremely comfortable, its like climbing back into an old favourite armchair. I would say the interior plastics/aesthetics is the only area starting to feel its age, not helped that my car is a billy basic spec with no cruise, no sat nav, no parking sensors etc, but I don’t care, I will fill it with copious amounts of Shell, enjoy the noise and bend over and let the tax man take my £580 annual RFL.
The car came with the R32 plate which helps hide the cars age. It will stay on the car but I’m not sure about it, is it a bit like some BM owners fitting the red and blue fins to the front grill on a 520d? I’m planning to keep the car fairly standard, no lowering as think standard ride is just right, but might be tempted by some uprated H&R springs, bushes etc and a cheeky exhaust to unlock a bit more of the famous noise.
There are some dog rough cars out there with many owners who don't realise the running costs and either flip on or neglect. This one really appealed and drove well. Prices are all over the place, you can get some heaps for £5k with over 150k miles and 10 owners, spend £7.5-£8.5k for a car around 120k miles needing a bit of work, then anything from £10k-£20k for low owner sub 85k miles cars. Crazy times.
Anyway, sorry for the waffle, will try to keep thread updated with anything interesting.
Fast forward to 2015 and I was in a position to get into one, a 2008 United grey, manual supercharged R32 with 370bhp. That was fun while it lasted but I did encounter engine problems and finally someone rear ended me and the car sadly got written off. It was replaced in 2016 by my second, a black 2009 Mk 5 DSG. Thread for both here. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I had a brief reprieve in 2019 for a year or so and had a Jaguar XF Sportbrake which we needed for a Holiday to South of France.
url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/mgR7RRwU[/url]Thread here for the Jag https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=18...
Anyway – the latest purchase was ‘essential’, coming out of lockdown meant it was becoming tricky trying to juggle sharing the use of my wifes Tiguan R Line 2.0 TSI as we both use cars for work and meetings were clashing. It is therefore a car I will use for occasional commuting, site visits and odd weekend trips. I also considered BMW 130is, 330ci etc but couldn’t find any decent ones and decided to stick with what I know.
[
It’s a 2 owner car, last of the line 2009, Deep Blue Pearl, manual. I specifically wanted a manual this time as I miss the driver engagement lacking with autos. The first owner took it from new to 95k miles (serviced twice a year!), second owner a lovely retired gentleman and true petrolhead from 2014 to date and 117k miles. Not low mileage then but not ridiculous either and id rather by a car that's been used and cared for than a garage queen. It has a thorough service history, VW for first owner and local garage for the second. Clutch and gearbox feel tight. From the 250 miles driven so far the engine is sweet, timing chains are within tolerance, there are a few cosmetic bits to address. My plan is to get these done steadily when funds and time allow.
To do list:
Bit of surface rust on rear boot lip and poor touch up around VW badge – hopefully a smart repair can address. Front arches look to have been replaced in past already.
Roof liner has just started to come detached around sun glass holder - have a quote from Dave the trimmer
Alloy wheel centre caps
New aerial as rubber has perished
Replace missing front R32 badge (leave rear de badged)
Rear centre brake light has a few bulbs out
Drivers seatbelt quite badly frayed
Service light on – only done 1500 miles in last 12 months
MOT in August
Perhaps a suspension refresh in future as whilst there are no noises, it’s a bit boaty.
Overall I think the understated design has aged well, the leather sports seats are supremely comfortable, its like climbing back into an old favourite armchair. I would say the interior plastics/aesthetics is the only area starting to feel its age, not helped that my car is a billy basic spec with no cruise, no sat nav, no parking sensors etc, but I don’t care, I will fill it with copious amounts of Shell, enjoy the noise and bend over and let the tax man take my £580 annual RFL.
The car came with the R32 plate which helps hide the cars age. It will stay on the car but I’m not sure about it, is it a bit like some BM owners fitting the red and blue fins to the front grill on a 520d? I’m planning to keep the car fairly standard, no lowering as think standard ride is just right, but might be tempted by some uprated H&R springs, bushes etc and a cheeky exhaust to unlock a bit more of the famous noise.
There are some dog rough cars out there with many owners who don't realise the running costs and either flip on or neglect. This one really appealed and drove well. Prices are all over the place, you can get some heaps for £5k with over 150k miles and 10 owners, spend £7.5-£8.5k for a car around 120k miles needing a bit of work, then anything from £10k-£20k for low owner sub 85k miles cars. Crazy times.
Anyway, sorry for the waffle, will try to keep thread updated with anything interesting.
Woo hoo! Good to see you back in an R32, Si. You must be really chuffed. 
There is something very special about these cars and I've regularly looked to see whether I can justify another. That looks like a good find because, if my light searches were anything to go by, many are now in poor condition and / or very expensive.
There is something very special about these cars and I've regularly looked to see whether I can justify another. That looks like a good find because, if my light searches were anything to go by, many are now in poor condition and / or very expensive.
The Cardinal said:
Woo hoo! Good to see you back in an R32, Si. You must be really chuffed.
There is something very special about these cars and I've regularly looked to see whether I can justify another. That looks like a good find because, if my light searches were anything to go by, many are now in poor condition and / or very expensive.
Haha thanks Ben, it really is great to be back in one, and a good one at that, as you know, they just get under your skin There is something very special about these cars and I've regularly looked to see whether I can justify another. That looks like a good find because, if my light searches were anything to go by, many are now in poor condition and / or very expensive.
Previous owner was a true gent and straightforward sale. Hope you are keeping well, the new S3 looks fab btw
Well I've racked up 1300 miles this month since owning it, more than I would normally do but once I had a few hundred under my belt it was any old excuse to take the 32 over my wifes Tiguan. Those fist few miles in a new car are always tinged with anxiety, listening out for any weird or unusual noise or clunk, especially with higher mileage cars.
Well, I'm pleased to report all is seemingly well mechanically, theres an annoying interior trim rattle from the centre console air vent and the standard mk 5 climate control click where the flaps for moving air around sound like a goblin trying to escape from behind the dash. If I'm feeling brave I will try and take the trim apart to fix the rattle.
I'vedone a mixture of driving including town and longer trips to meetings for work and my fathers in Dorset.
Initially I thought it wasn't very keen above 4k rpm but put it down to not being used much over the last 12 months. After a few tanks of V power and some gentle exercise It does now seem better. No oil or coolant usage either. Having checked through the SH I cant see that its had any plugs since in the last 24k miles or 6 years so they are on the list to swap over which I'll get done when it has a service and MOT. Will also get garage to replace rear centre brake light as 3 pixels are out and whilst not an MOT failure my OCD cant have that.
I managed to do a few jobs today, aerial, front badge and pollen filter, the old one was minging.
Excuse the state of the car, it needs a good clean, job for this weekend.
I've got around the lack of bluetooth and spotify with this £6 adaptor thing which plugs into the battery charger, works really well for now until I consider options.
Now for the bits left to do, replace gear stick gaiter and possibly knob, sort sagging head liner, bit of surface rust on rear tailgate. Need to source a decent bodyshop for a quote. Theres a poor touch up job around rear badge where precious owner thought someone tried to steal the badge!
[url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/dbRR2Kp3[/url]
And finally deal with the frayed drivers seatbelt, no idea what's gone on here, think the first owner must have worn a coat with a zip or something and its rubbed over the first 96k miles. Bit fiddly to do and id want it done properly and safely by a competent garage. Not cheap apparently as they are gas charged and you have to take trim apart, disconnect battery etc.
Thanks for reading
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/XvtpGGdM.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/HKEHQAEP" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/HKEHQAEP.jpg)
Well, I'm pleased to report all is seemingly well mechanically, theres an annoying interior trim rattle from the centre console air vent and the standard mk 5 climate control click where the flaps for moving air around sound like a goblin trying to escape from behind the dash. If I'm feeling brave I will try and take the trim apart to fix the rattle.
I'vedone a mixture of driving including town and longer trips to meetings for work and my fathers in Dorset.
Initially I thought it wasn't very keen above 4k rpm but put it down to not being used much over the last 12 months. After a few tanks of V power and some gentle exercise It does now seem better. No oil or coolant usage either. Having checked through the SH I cant see that its had any plugs since in the last 24k miles or 6 years so they are on the list to swap over which I'll get done when it has a service and MOT. Will also get garage to replace rear centre brake light as 3 pixels are out and whilst not an MOT failure my OCD cant have that.
I managed to do a few jobs today, aerial, front badge and pollen filter, the old one was minging.
Excuse the state of the car, it needs a good clean, job for this weekend.
I've got around the lack of bluetooth and spotify with this £6 adaptor thing which plugs into the battery charger, works really well for now until I consider options.
Now for the bits left to do, replace gear stick gaiter and possibly knob, sort sagging head liner, bit of surface rust on rear tailgate. Need to source a decent bodyshop for a quote. Theres a poor touch up job around rear badge where precious owner thought someone tried to steal the badge!
[url]|https://thumbsnap.com/dbRR2Kp3[/url]And finally deal with the frayed drivers seatbelt, no idea what's gone on here, think the first owner must have worn a coat with a zip or something and its rubbed over the first 96k miles. Bit fiddly to do and id want it done properly and safely by a competent garage. Not cheap apparently as they are gas charged and you have to take trim apart, disconnect battery etc.
Thanks for reading
Well the clocks just ticked over 120k miles, probably the highest mileage car I've had in petrol from and have to say whilst not mega miles, it has worn them really well. The engine and gearbox are smooth, everything works.
I took the car to VRS for a nervous first check over. I think the mechanic said you've not bought a lemon but it's not perfect either! That will do. I'm awaiting a quote but areas that need attention are mostly underneath the car. They include most of the suspension bushes at rear. At the same time they will drop the rear subframe as theres a bit of corrosion too, will sandblast then repaint and protect the bits that need doing.
At the front there are a few more bushes to do and a shaft which enters the gearbox, apparently the seal isnt very good and ideally needs replacing, this will involve dropping the gearbox slightly.
Dogbone engine mount needs doing which would explain the very slight lunge when you lift off the throttle.
Will probably go with super pro bushes. The springs and shocks are ok. I like the standard ride height so this will stay as is, the bushes should just sharpen things up a bit.
Non genuine spark plugs are fitted which are past their prime so will get those swapped out together with oil service and fuel filter.
On positive side there are no leaks, exhaust and flexis are ok, chains ok, brakes ok. Haldex ok. No fault codes.
I knew the bones of the car were solid, it just needs a bit of tidying up. The suspension refresh comes as no real surprise and the other bits are part of owning a higher mileage car. Im expecting this work to come to a couple of grand but I get so much enjoyment driving the thing, that's ok with me.
VRS regassed the air con and thats now working which I'm relieved about in this heat.
Speaking of VRS I had a spirited drive with a new one coming back from the Cotswolds recently, pretty evenly matched I'd say.
Anyway loving the car, had 3 or 4 people in just a few months stop and talk about it at petrol stations and car parks which is always nice.
I took the car to VRS for a nervous first check over. I think the mechanic said you've not bought a lemon but it's not perfect either! That will do. I'm awaiting a quote but areas that need attention are mostly underneath the car. They include most of the suspension bushes at rear. At the same time they will drop the rear subframe as theres a bit of corrosion too, will sandblast then repaint and protect the bits that need doing.
At the front there are a few more bushes to do and a shaft which enters the gearbox, apparently the seal isnt very good and ideally needs replacing, this will involve dropping the gearbox slightly.
Dogbone engine mount needs doing which would explain the very slight lunge when you lift off the throttle.
Will probably go with super pro bushes. The springs and shocks are ok. I like the standard ride height so this will stay as is, the bushes should just sharpen things up a bit.
Non genuine spark plugs are fitted which are past their prime so will get those swapped out together with oil service and fuel filter.
On positive side there are no leaks, exhaust and flexis are ok, chains ok, brakes ok. Haldex ok. No fault codes.
I knew the bones of the car were solid, it just needs a bit of tidying up. The suspension refresh comes as no real surprise and the other bits are part of owning a higher mileage car. Im expecting this work to come to a couple of grand but I get so much enjoyment driving the thing, that's ok with me.
VRS regassed the air con and thats now working which I'm relieved about in this heat.
Speaking of VRS I had a spirited drive with a new one coming back from the Cotswolds recently, pretty evenly matched I'd say.
Anyway loving the car, had 3 or 4 people in just a few months stop and talk about it at petrol stations and car parks which is always nice.
Edited by si_xsi on Saturday 17th July 15:22
Well done, my ideal spec that, 5 door, blue manual... I ended up with 3 door black manual (you many have seen my similarly titled thread a while back, 2006 R32 number 2!) however and it's now bit me as I have a baby on the way!
Cars are a great vr6 tribute and feel very modern still. The noise from the standard exhaust is absolutely perfect and pretty obscene for something so new.
They get under your skin.
Mine might need to go but I know I'll not find another as clean and straight for the money again.
Cars are a great vr6 tribute and feel very modern still. The noise from the standard exhaust is absolutely perfect and pretty obscene for something so new.
They get under your skin.
Mine might need to go but I know I'll not find another as clean and straight for the money again.
The R32 has just returned from VRS to have phase 1 of works to refresh the car a little. This consisted of a minor gear box repair, the main input shaft had play and a bush in the box were slightly worn, which resulted in a clattery noise at idle, a bit like a noisy flywheel but it wasn't. So the box had to be dropped. At the same time they did the clutch and flywheel as whilst they seemed OK, it would have been false economy not to.
New front wishbone bushes, full service, fuel filter and plugs, now drives even better and pick up with the new clutch is lovely. The gear box feels brand new.
Back again in a few months for phase 2 which will be rear suspension refresh and dog bone mount.
Then it's a case of tackling the following when I can
New gear stick gaiter
Seat belt which is frayed
Minor rust to boot lip
Sagging headliner
Alloy refurb and new centre caps.
New front wishbone bushes, full service, fuel filter and plugs, now drives even better and pick up with the new clutch is lovely. The gear box feels brand new.
Back again in a few months for phase 2 which will be rear suspension refresh and dog bone mount.
Then it's a case of tackling the following when I can
New gear stick gaiter
Seat belt which is frayed
Minor rust to boot lip
Sagging headliner
Alloy refurb and new centre caps.
Up early for a Sunday morning blast around Cotswolds and Chilterns. Bloody love this car, definitely enjoying being back in a manual.
To the owner of a dark green M4 Comp who thought he would overtake me on the Great Shefford to Wantage Road this morning and show me a clean pair of heels, the old girl can still lift up her skirt, especially when it's a little damp
To the owner of a dark green M4 Comp who thought he would overtake me on the Great Shefford to Wantage Road this morning and show me a clean pair of heels, the old girl can still lift up her skirt, especially when it's a little damp
si_xsi said:
Up early for a Sunday morning blast around Cotswolds and Chilterns. Bloody love this car, definitely enjoying being back in a manual.
To the owner of a dark green M4 Comp who thought he would overtake me on the Great Shefford to Wantage Road this morning and show me a clean pair of heels, the old girl can still lift up her skirt, especially when it's a little damp
Good to hear it’s treating you well and that you’re enjoying it.To the owner of a dark green M4 Comp who thought he would overtake me on the Great Shefford to Wantage Road this morning and show me a clean pair of heels, the old girl can still lift up her skirt, especially when it's a little damp
I’ve gone back to a manual and I’m really enjoying it too. It’s been fun relearning heel and toe shifts etc. It adds a massive amount of interaction to the experience.
The R32 has just come back from a 2 week stay at specialist's VRS Performance in Northampton. Whilst there the following work was completed, will put some pics up when I get them.
Rear sub frame removed, shot blasted and powder coated
Rear anti roll bar
Powerflex Rear diff bushes
Powerflex Rear sub frame bushes
Powerflex lower transmission mount (dog bone bush)
Complete Powerflex rear Bush kit
Bump stops and a few other bits
4 wheel alignment
This coupled with new clutch and gearbox repair a few months ago means the car drives like new. As you'd expect, there's no more lunging on and off throttle, it's so much tighter and direct in the corners. It's completely transformed and I'm really happy with it now. Ticked over 123,500 miles.
I'm lucky enough to have access to some great driving roads near me living on the edge of the Cotswolds, inuding the ones driven by Harry Metcalfe from Harrys Garage. I took the car up to Daylesford Farm today, basically the most Sloaney over-priced farm shop, boutique and restaurant you will ever come across. Blokes in their 60s with women half their age carrying pet chiwowas for props. Anyway, I digress, the car park was very interesting and the highlight for me.
Volante and Integrale for instance. Tricked out V8 Defenders.
Rear sub frame removed, shot blasted and powder coated
Rear anti roll bar
Powerflex Rear diff bushes
Powerflex Rear sub frame bushes
Powerflex lower transmission mount (dog bone bush)
Complete Powerflex rear Bush kit
Bump stops and a few other bits
4 wheel alignment
This coupled with new clutch and gearbox repair a few months ago means the car drives like new. As you'd expect, there's no more lunging on and off throttle, it's so much tighter and direct in the corners. It's completely transformed and I'm really happy with it now. Ticked over 123,500 miles.
I'm lucky enough to have access to some great driving roads near me living on the edge of the Cotswolds, inuding the ones driven by Harry Metcalfe from Harrys Garage. I took the car up to Daylesford Farm today, basically the most Sloaney over-priced farm shop, boutique and restaurant you will ever come across. Blokes in their 60s with women half their age carrying pet chiwowas for props. Anyway, I digress, the car park was very interesting and the highlight for me.
Volante and Integrale for instance. Tricked out V8 Defenders.
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