Big miles R32

[Minieggs]

Hi All

I have owned my 06 R32 from new and it has become like an pair of old slippers now

It has done just over 173,000 miles

I just wondered what sort of miles others have gotten out of a VR6

I don't want to sell it but over 200lk seems like it is becoming quite a lot

I has been reliable so far with only wear and tear items and ancillaries like water pump and radiator being replaced

The DSG did give up the ghost at 125k and I had a new one fitted but it would be difficult to justify doing that again

Anyone gone well north of 200k ?

Thanks

[Dave.]

Come back in another 300k miles and let us know how it's going....


https://www.vwvortex.com/threads/500-000-miles-on-...

[aka_kerrly]

Minieggs said:

Hi All

I have owned my 06 R32 from new and it has become like an pair of old slippers now

It has done just over 173,000 miles

I just wondered what sort of miles others have gotten out of a VR6

I don't want to sell it but over 200lk seems like it is becoming quite a lot

I has been reliable so far with only wear and tear items and ancillaries like water pump and radiator being replaced

Anyone gone well north of 200k ?

Thanks

I have had a few of the older 12valve VR6 engines and done some engine swaps using the later 24valves and my biggest concern would be making sure that the timing chain and tensioners are in good condition. It's a big job as the gearbox needs to come off but it's also an ideal opportunity to be checking gearbox/flywheel and drivetrain for other jobs which will save you time/labour in the future.

I'd also recommend getting the plastic components of the coolant system checked/replaced, usually the coolant pipe from the water pump at the front of the block is a weak point as is the thermostat housing & coolant expansion tank. I also suspect that you have had the mechanical water pump replaced but have not had the secondary electric pump replaced, these are critical for circulating coolant for a few minutes after driving to prevent the VR6 head from warping/creating head gasket issues.

On the whole though as you've experienced the R32 is a car that can easily sustain big miles, there are examples in the USA /Europe with over 300k and I recently saw a Bora 4motion with the 2.8VR6 24v that had over 400k on it!!

I have a strange lack of concern for miles, a 1 one owner R32 is definitely something that gets my interest !!!

[_Mja_]

as aka_kerrly says above the VR6 is a strong unit. I would not worry about being close to 200k and as you've owned it from new and I presume from your trouble free experience you've maintained annually, then you can rest relatively easily that the engine will go on for many more years yet. Body and rust behind the bodykit is more of worry but easily fixed.

If you do find you need some more complex mainteance such a chains, head reburb etc I can recommend Stealth Racing in Worcester. Well worth the trip for expert hands and peace of mind. Prices are reasonable for specialist knowledge and I've come across a few VR6 owners who had the chain job done elsewhere ended up a Stealth due to other issues that could have be solved at the same time if they knew what they were looking for.

My 12v VR6 has 155k on it. I opted to have the head refub'd when the chains were done. It only cost an extra £440 ontop of the job at the time. Vince inspected my bottom end bores at the time and they were fine giving peace of mind to me. The car doesn't use any oil between oil changes.

[HiAsAKite]

Mine (2.9 lump in a Corrado) was on 193k when i sold it.

Still running, still pulling strong.

Miss that car...

[rottenegg]

200K is nothing for a 24V VR6.

The only things to keep an eye on are chain wear (measuring blocks 208 and 209 in VCDS) and injector failure. They are known to stick open on high mileage ones, which can hydro-lock a cylinder. It's not a widespread issue, but it does happen. And R32 injectors are now £250 each. They were £85 each when I bought a set in 2009. Insane inflation!

12V VR6s aren't so good. Ovalised bores on 1 and 6, chocolate valve guides and cylinder head corrosion on the mating face are what stops them doing mega miles. And try rebuilding one these days. Most of the key engine components are either on back order or obsolete, so you have to rely on the aftermarket.

[Searider]

My 2.9 Corrado VR6 had 178k when I sold it.
Was running great with no chain rattle and didn't burn any oil.

I had replaced every plastic component of the cooling system along with every hose towards the end though!

[six port]

My 2006 R32 has 169,000 miles on it, 2 owner car and I get the chain tolerance checked each year with my service. Still absolutely fine and no record of them being done! Do have a little rattle now though. Car had most other works carried out, down pipes, clutch, air con compressor, just replaced all suspension on it with Sachs OEM stuff after a broken spring as it all looked pretty crusty. Very strong cars, rusty bits coming through now though, bootlid badge and sills.