Golf R Estate, and living with it.
Discussion
Sorry, this is going to be a vague post as such.
I'm only window shopping, I've promised SWMBO I won't change until Sept as, hopefully we'll be driving down through France this summer and my current car is perfect for it.
I'm thinking of leasing a R Estate DSG, 2018 ish, which I guess is Mk7 rather than 7.5?
It'll be replacing a Skoda Superb Sportline 190tdi 4x4 DSG, so I suspect it will be smaller (which suits me) faster, but broadly the same? Sounds a bit boring when you say it that way.
I do about 10k miles a year in normal times, running costs seem broadly the same, 40mpg on the combined cycle compared to the 50mpg on my Superb, when given the cost of diesel v petrol is close enough to not worry about. Service costs are the same, Tyres are WAY cheaper, DSG service cost is somehow £40 cheaper with VW etc, Insurance seems about the same.
Anyway, questions:
What's the ride like? the Ride in my Skoda is surprisingly terrible. You can get switchable on the Skoda which works brilliantly in my mates RS6 but I don't think the Golf has it?
What's standard on them? I can't get much info from the dealership ads at the moment and I can't go in for obvious reasons, Adaptive Cruise, KESSY, Apple Car Play, Reversing Sensors any of those standard? Keyless I can live without, but the rest... I don't know.
Are they fun to drive, or at least more fun than an over-sized Diesel Skoda? I hear people say they're a bit boring, but then I saw Chris Harris send a massive drift in one so I guess there's something there if you're brave enough.
Is it going to ruin me? Outside a lab test does it really do 5mpg? Does it need massive expensive jobs doing every other week?
How likely am I to be burgled late at night for the keys, will the Police TPAC me once a fortnight because every dodgy git drives an R or at least clones them? I'm not powerfully built and I've never knowingly dominated a staircase.
I'm only window shopping, I've promised SWMBO I won't change until Sept as, hopefully we'll be driving down through France this summer and my current car is perfect for it.
I'm thinking of leasing a R Estate DSG, 2018 ish, which I guess is Mk7 rather than 7.5?
It'll be replacing a Skoda Superb Sportline 190tdi 4x4 DSG, so I suspect it will be smaller (which suits me) faster, but broadly the same? Sounds a bit boring when you say it that way.
I do about 10k miles a year in normal times, running costs seem broadly the same, 40mpg on the combined cycle compared to the 50mpg on my Superb, when given the cost of diesel v petrol is close enough to not worry about. Service costs are the same, Tyres are WAY cheaper, DSG service cost is somehow £40 cheaper with VW etc, Insurance seems about the same.
Anyway, questions:
What's the ride like? the Ride in my Skoda is surprisingly terrible. You can get switchable on the Skoda which works brilliantly in my mates RS6 but I don't think the Golf has it?
What's standard on them? I can't get much info from the dealership ads at the moment and I can't go in for obvious reasons, Adaptive Cruise, KESSY, Apple Car Play, Reversing Sensors any of those standard? Keyless I can live without, but the rest... I don't know.
Are they fun to drive, or at least more fun than an over-sized Diesel Skoda? I hear people say they're a bit boring, but then I saw Chris Harris send a massive drift in one so I guess there's something there if you're brave enough.
Is it going to ruin me? Outside a lab test does it really do 5mpg? Does it need massive expensive jobs doing every other week?
How likely am I to be burgled late at night for the keys, will the Police TPAC me once a fortnight because every dodgy git drives an R or at least clones them? I'm not powerfully built and I've never knowingly dominated a staircase.
P-Jay said:
Sorry, this is going to be a vague post as such.
I'm only window shopping, I've promised SWMBO I won't change until Sept as, hopefully we'll be driving down through France this summer and my current car is perfect for it.
I'm thinking of leasing a R Estate DSG, 2018 ish, which I guess is Mk7 rather than 7.5?
It'll be replacing a Skoda Superb Sportline 190tdi 4x4 DSG, so I suspect it will be smaller (which suits me) faster, but broadly the same? Sounds a bit boring when you say it that way.
I do about 10k miles a year in normal times, running costs seem broadly the same, 40mpg on the combined cycle compared to the 50mpg on my Superb, when given the cost of diesel v petrol is close enough to not worry about. Service costs are the same, Tyres are WAY cheaper, DSG service cost is somehow £40 cheaper with VW etc, Insurance seems about the same.
Anyway, questions:
What's the ride like? the Ride in my Skoda is surprisingly terrible. You can get switchable on the Skoda which works brilliantly in my mates RS6 but I don't think the Golf has it?
What's standard on them? I can't get much info from the dealership ads at the moment and I can't go in for obvious reasons, Adaptive Cruise, KESSY, Apple Car Play, Reversing Sensors any of those standard? Keyless I can live without, but the rest... I don't know.
Are they fun to drive, or at least more fun than an over-sized Diesel Skoda? I hear people say they're a bit boring, but then I saw Chris Harris send a massive drift in one so I guess there's something there if you're brave enough.
Is it going to ruin me? Outside a lab test does it really do 5mpg? Does it need massive expensive jobs doing every other week?
How likely am I to be burgled late at night for the keys, will the Police TPAC me once a fortnight because every dodgy git drives an R or at least clones them? I'm not powerfully built and I've never knowingly dominated a staircase.
Great cars, fast, relatively discrete and huge boot. Mine is spring 18 and is a 7.5. At some stage later they got the GPF and lost 10PS. I put the adaptive dampers on and they are great as is the huge glass sunroof. 32mpg so far. Mine has all you say bar keyless but that became standard later IIRC. Can't comment on theft - I live rurally and the car is always garaged when at home. I would buy one again as its a great all rounder. Plenty of people will criticise them as most people buy the hatch so you will great criticised from both camps. Still you are buying it for you not them.I'm only window shopping, I've promised SWMBO I won't change until Sept as, hopefully we'll be driving down through France this summer and my current car is perfect for it.
I'm thinking of leasing a R Estate DSG, 2018 ish, which I guess is Mk7 rather than 7.5?
It'll be replacing a Skoda Superb Sportline 190tdi 4x4 DSG, so I suspect it will be smaller (which suits me) faster, but broadly the same? Sounds a bit boring when you say it that way.
I do about 10k miles a year in normal times, running costs seem broadly the same, 40mpg on the combined cycle compared to the 50mpg on my Superb, when given the cost of diesel v petrol is close enough to not worry about. Service costs are the same, Tyres are WAY cheaper, DSG service cost is somehow £40 cheaper with VW etc, Insurance seems about the same.
Anyway, questions:
What's the ride like? the Ride in my Skoda is surprisingly terrible. You can get switchable on the Skoda which works brilliantly in my mates RS6 but I don't think the Golf has it?
What's standard on them? I can't get much info from the dealership ads at the moment and I can't go in for obvious reasons, Adaptive Cruise, KESSY, Apple Car Play, Reversing Sensors any of those standard? Keyless I can live without, but the rest... I don't know.
Are they fun to drive, or at least more fun than an over-sized Diesel Skoda? I hear people say they're a bit boring, but then I saw Chris Harris send a massive drift in one so I guess there's something there if you're brave enough.
Is it going to ruin me? Outside a lab test does it really do 5mpg? Does it need massive expensive jobs doing every other week?
How likely am I to be burgled late at night for the keys, will the Police TPAC me once a fortnight because every dodgy git drives an R or at least clones them? I'm not powerfully built and I've never knowingly dominated a staircase.
I had one for 2 years but pre 7.5 facelift. Adaptive cruise, front+rear parking sensors standard. Keyless optional. CarPlay (called App-Connect) was optional before 7.5, pretty sure it was standard after - it was the only extra thing I specced, they're pretty well equipped otherwise. Ride was fine on standard 18s and non-adjustable dampers for me, firm but not excessively so.
Think I averaged 25 mpg but there were a lot of short nursery runs in it when the kids were small. Longer easy run could be in the 40s. Fun? It goes quickly and has a lot of grip, rather than being a delicate rewarding thing. It's good if that's what you're after.
Think I averaged 25 mpg but there were a lot of short nursery runs in it when the kids were small. Longer easy run could be in the 40s. Fun? It goes quickly and has a lot of grip, rather than being a delicate rewarding thing. It's good if that's what you're after.
Had an 18 plate 7.5R estate for 3 years until earlier this month. Averaged 34mpg for first 2 years. Not used so much in last 12 months so economy dropped to 32ish during that period. Could do 40mpg on a long motorway run sticking to 70ish mph.
Ride quality is fine. Really good drive overall - much better than the Skoda I imagine (I’ve owned a couple of ordinary Octavias). I had a 64 plate R hatch for 3 years (manual) - estate sounded better, much more practical, rear end not quite so planted when really pushing on but great everyday car. They get slated for being dull/too competent. I’ve got a 987.1.S which is a keeper but still enjoyed every mile in my R. Got an M135 on order just because it seemed a really good deal.
Ride quality is fine. Really good drive overall - much better than the Skoda I imagine (I’ve owned a couple of ordinary Octavias). I had a 64 plate R hatch for 3 years (manual) - estate sounded better, much more practical, rear end not quite so planted when really pushing on but great everyday car. They get slated for being dull/too competent. I’ve got a 987.1.S which is a keeper but still enjoyed every mile in my R. Got an M135 on order just because it seemed a really good deal.
I have a 67 plate (September registration think) R estate, which is a facelift (mk. 7.5). Standard equipment is; heated front seats, DSG, adaptive cruise, car play/android, front and rear parking sensors, 18" alloys and digital cluster.
It is a very, very nice place to be. Cabin is solid with some nice touches. Not shouty/some might call it dull. Facelift much smarter than pre facelift. I have it on 17" winter wheels atm with an all season tyre on. Glasgow roads are 3rd world standard at the moment. Ride on 17" is good. When I put the 18" summers on Pirellis PZeros the ride is noticeably firmer and can be a bit crashy on potholed city streets. Motorway excellent. If you can find one with adaptive dampers get it. (very rare, most are standard spec ex lease like mine). 31mpg around town without trying. 35mpg cruising at warp 10. 38mpg at 70mph.
Boot is huge, the only cars with bigger boots are the Octavia, Superb, Passat (maybe) and an E class. Boot has more useful vertical space than an A4 or A6 or C class or 3 or 5 series (slopey rears). The tailgate sits relatively vertical when closed. Get a rubber flap to protect your rear bumper when loading. Mind your shin on the hot exhausts when wearing shorts, tssst, ouch. All 4 exhausts work on the facelift estate, no valves for extra noise.
God damn is it quick. The spec sheet 310 bhp doesn't do it justice. That combo of turbo torque, awd, DSG and 310bhp is devastatingly quick, everywhere, all the time, what ever the conditions. It will keep up with anything in the real world up to 80mph+. Only a well driven dedicated sports car chasis will pull away from you on a highland drive and then only a smidge. You'll make all the difference up pulling away from the next junction. They are fun to drive, but you'll be going quick, so watch your license. You notice the heavy arse in the repeated twisties. Rear upgraded ARB might help, yet to try.
I missed out on the only reasonably priced (£27k 50k miles) 2014 RS4 I've seen (b8.5?) so many of them have not had a single service to the gear box, quarto diff or diffs. Finding a decent one is impossible. The RS4 is a noticeably heavier drive. Much more expensive to service and run 20mpg. The only appeal is that engine though
I gave up in the end, glad I did. Would highly recommend the R estate if like me you need 1 car to do everything. Will use the cash saved to buy a lotus one day instead.
edit spelling
It is a very, very nice place to be. Cabin is solid with some nice touches. Not shouty/some might call it dull. Facelift much smarter than pre facelift. I have it on 17" winter wheels atm with an all season tyre on. Glasgow roads are 3rd world standard at the moment. Ride on 17" is good. When I put the 18" summers on Pirellis PZeros the ride is noticeably firmer and can be a bit crashy on potholed city streets. Motorway excellent. If you can find one with adaptive dampers get it. (very rare, most are standard spec ex lease like mine). 31mpg around town without trying. 35mpg cruising at warp 10. 38mpg at 70mph.
Boot is huge, the only cars with bigger boots are the Octavia, Superb, Passat (maybe) and an E class. Boot has more useful vertical space than an A4 or A6 or C class or 3 or 5 series (slopey rears). The tailgate sits relatively vertical when closed. Get a rubber flap to protect your rear bumper when loading. Mind your shin on the hot exhausts when wearing shorts, tssst, ouch. All 4 exhausts work on the facelift estate, no valves for extra noise.
God damn is it quick. The spec sheet 310 bhp doesn't do it justice. That combo of turbo torque, awd, DSG and 310bhp is devastatingly quick, everywhere, all the time, what ever the conditions. It will keep up with anything in the real world up to 80mph+. Only a well driven dedicated sports car chasis will pull away from you on a highland drive and then only a smidge. You'll make all the difference up pulling away from the next junction. They are fun to drive, but you'll be going quick, so watch your license. You notice the heavy arse in the repeated twisties. Rear upgraded ARB might help, yet to try.
I missed out on the only reasonably priced (£27k 50k miles) 2014 RS4 I've seen (b8.5?) so many of them have not had a single service to the gear box, quarto diff or diffs. Finding a decent one is impossible. The RS4 is a noticeably heavier drive. Much more expensive to service and run 20mpg. The only appeal is that engine though
I gave up in the end, glad I did. Would highly recommend the R estate if like me you need 1 car to do everything. Will use the cash saved to buy a lotus one day instead. edit spelling
I have a 67 plate leased 7.5 Golf Estate since new, it's been a great car and an even better ownership proposition because of the fantastic lease deals.
I just had my 3 year service in accordance with the lease agreement and I declined a lot of work because I'm handing it back to the lease company in a few weeks. If it was my car I would have approved the work and faced a pretty substantial bill. I didn't do wiper blades, 4 new tyres, DSG oil or brake fluid change. I imagine the vast majority of ex-lease cars will be the same so go in with your eyes open.
Mine replaced a TDI Tiguan and the driving experience is night and day different. The estate is not the last word in driver engagement but that's OK for a daily driver. It's substantially faster than it looks which I like. There's a V8 Vantage driver somewhere near Northampton that will think twice before trying it on out of a roundabout with a Golf Estate again. Despite what you might read on the internet they are not the fastest thing A to B in the real world like people say. On anything other than a cold, wet, twisty road it wouldn't see which way my GT3 went. The engine and gearbox can be caught napping before it's in the right gear and on boost.
I can live without keyless entry but I really like the convenience of zero speed radar cruise which is my favourite thing about it.
For info mine has done 17600 miles and BCA wanted £19.5K for it in April when the lease ends.
I just had my 3 year service in accordance with the lease agreement and I declined a lot of work because I'm handing it back to the lease company in a few weeks. If it was my car I would have approved the work and faced a pretty substantial bill. I didn't do wiper blades, 4 new tyres, DSG oil or brake fluid change. I imagine the vast majority of ex-lease cars will be the same so go in with your eyes open.
Mine replaced a TDI Tiguan and the driving experience is night and day different. The estate is not the last word in driver engagement but that's OK for a daily driver. It's substantially faster than it looks which I like. There's a V8 Vantage driver somewhere near Northampton that will think twice before trying it on out of a roundabout with a Golf Estate again. Despite what you might read on the internet they are not the fastest thing A to B in the real world like people say. On anything other than a cold, wet, twisty road it wouldn't see which way my GT3 went. The engine and gearbox can be caught napping before it's in the right gear and on boost.
I can live without keyless entry but I really like the convenience of zero speed radar cruise which is my favourite thing about it.
For info mine has done 17600 miles and BCA wanted £19.5K for it in April when the lease ends.
paralla said:
I have a 67 plate leased 7.5 Golf Estate since new, it's been a great car and an even better ownership proposition because of the fantastic lease deals.
I just had my 3 year service in accordance with the lease agreement and I declined a lot of work because I'm handing it back to the lease company in a few weeks. If it was my car I would have approved the work and faced a pretty substantial bill. I didn't do wiper blades, 4 new tyres, DSG oil or brake fluid change. I imagine the vast majority of ex-lease cars will be the same so go in with your eyes open.
Mine replaced a TDI Tiguan and the driving experience is night and day different. The estate is not the last word in driver engagement but that's OK for a daily driver. It's substantially faster than it looks which I like. There's a V8 Vantage driver somewhere near Northampton that will think twice before trying it on out of a roundabout with a Golf Estate again. Despite what you might read on the internet they are not the fastest thing A to B in the real world like people say. On anything other than a cold, wet, twisty road it wouldn't see which way my GT3 went. The engine and gearbox can be caught napping before it's in the right gear and on boost.
I can live without keyless entry but I really like the convenience of zero speed radar cruise which is my favourite thing about it.
For info mine has done 17600 miles and BCA wanted £19.5K for it in April when the lease ends.
Looks great, I generally take on cars at 2/3 years old, so I'm used to the bills that comes with that. My Superb is in for his DSG oil service this weekend, £225, although VW will do it for £180 but only on VWs... same gearbox of course.I just had my 3 year service in accordance with the lease agreement and I declined a lot of work because I'm handing it back to the lease company in a few weeks. If it was my car I would have approved the work and faced a pretty substantial bill. I didn't do wiper blades, 4 new tyres, DSG oil or brake fluid change. I imagine the vast majority of ex-lease cars will be the same so go in with your eyes open.
Mine replaced a TDI Tiguan and the driving experience is night and day different. The estate is not the last word in driver engagement but that's OK for a daily driver. It's substantially faster than it looks which I like. There's a V8 Vantage driver somewhere near Northampton that will think twice before trying it on out of a roundabout with a Golf Estate again. Despite what you might read on the internet they are not the fastest thing A to B in the real world like people say. On anything other than a cold, wet, twisty road it wouldn't see which way my GT3 went. The engine and gearbox can be caught napping before it's in the right gear and on boost.
I can live without keyless entry but I really like the convenience of zero speed radar cruise which is my favourite thing about it.
For info mine has done 17600 miles and BCA wanted £19.5K for it in April when the lease ends.
Part of the attraction of the Golf, which is very odd I know, but I've got a real bee in my bonnet about it is the tyres are way cheaper, about half the price of the odd sized ones on my Sportline.
P-Jay said:
Looks great, I generally take on cars at 2/3 years old, so I'm used to the bills that comes with that. My Superb is in for his DSG oil service this weekend, £225, although VW will do it for £180 but only on VWs... same gearbox of course.
Part of the attraction of the Golf, which is very odd I know, but I've got a real bee in my bonnet about it is the tyres are way cheaper, about half the price of the odd sized ones on my Sportline.
Wimbledon VW charged me £180 for a rear tyre and this is how it was delivered back to me so my experience is that tyres are not the bargain you might think. I also declined the Air Con service at the 3 year service.Part of the attraction of the Golf, which is very odd I know, but I've got a real bee in my bonnet about it is the tyres are way cheaper, about half the price of the odd sized ones on my Sportline.
paralla said:
P-Jay said:
Looks great, I generally take on cars at 2/3 years old, so I'm used to the bills that comes with that. My Superb is in for his DSG oil service this weekend, £225, although VW will do it for £180 but only on VWs... same gearbox of course.
Part of the attraction of the Golf, which is very odd I know, but I've got a real bee in my bonnet about it is the tyres are way cheaper, about half the price of the odd sized ones on my Sportline.
Wimbledon VW charged me £180 for a rear tyre and this is how it was delivered back to me so my experience is that tyres are not the bargain you might think. I also declined the Air Con service at the 3 year service.Part of the attraction of the Golf, which is very odd I know, but I've got a real bee in my bonnet about it is the tyres are way cheaper, about half the price of the odd sized ones on my Sportline.
paralla said:
Wimbledon VW charged me £180 for a rear tyre and this is how it was delivered back to me so my experience is that tyres are not the bargain you might think. I also declined the Air Con service at the 3 year service.
£180?!They’re only 225/40/18 size aren’t they? That tyre shouldn’t be more than £90 fitted.
cslwannabe said:
No warranty / goodwill on the bonnet release? Failed on mine a few months ago - sorted at same time as Inspection, brake fluid change and MOT just before lease ended.
It was a three year lease which I extended for a further year as I couldn't find anything as good or better for remotely similar monthlies so it's out of warranty. Now almost at the end of four years there still isn't anything comparable for the price/performance so I'm just going to hand it back and buy a car when I need one when covid restrictions end.Leasing seems to have had it's day.
cslwannabe said:
I’ve signed up for an M135 - it was the deal that tempted me rather than the car itself. Still keep changing my mind as to whether I’ve done the right thing or not...
The Golf is my daily which I need to be big and practical enough to fit two people and a ton of kitesurfing kit into. 1 series is too small for my needs. I need an estate or SUV. paralla said:
The Golf is my daily which I need to be big and practical enough to fit two people and a ton of kitesurfing kit into. 1 series is too small for my needs. I need an estate or SUV.
Have you thought of a Leon Cupra ST?Had mine for just a year now and very pleased with it. Helps to have an excellent local dealer as well.....
I'm on my second leased R Estate, had the first one for 3 years, this one for 2 years. For the money it's costing me nothing comes close in such an all-round package.
The first was Mk7, current one Mk7.5. Biggest difference between the two, other than the different bumpers and digital dash is the 7-speed DSG. Seems so much nicer and smoother than the 6 speed in the Mk7. Dropping down the gears to overtake would always seem to put me at the top of the rev range in the wrong gear, whereas the 7 speed box just seems to be in the right gear all the time. It's not too bad on the fuel consumption (mk7.5 seems better, probably due to the gearbox), guess I probably average around high 20's / early 30's.
I was paranoid that it was going to get stolen when I first got it, waking up at every little noise outside, but guess I just got used to it.
Would happily have another but the deals don't seem to be around at the moment, so I too have ordered an M135i. I'll definitely miss having an estate
The first was Mk7, current one Mk7.5. Biggest difference between the two, other than the different bumpers and digital dash is the 7-speed DSG. Seems so much nicer and smoother than the 6 speed in the Mk7. Dropping down the gears to overtake would always seem to put me at the top of the rev range in the wrong gear, whereas the 7 speed box just seems to be in the right gear all the time. It's not too bad on the fuel consumption (mk7.5 seems better, probably due to the gearbox), guess I probably average around high 20's / early 30's.
I was paranoid that it was going to get stolen when I first got it, waking up at every little noise outside, but guess I just got used to it.
Would happily have another but the deals don't seem to be around at the moment, so I too have ordered an M135i. I'll definitely miss having an estate
Edited by Joyrider1 on Wednesday 17th March 15:13
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