Talk me into it / out of it - VAG edition
Discussion
Afternoon all,
Currently have a Mk 7.5 Golf R estate (2019/69) and have started getting itchy feet... Nothing wrong with the Golf but just fancy something new.
Couple of options at the moment (both Audi flavoured...)
Do I go for a new S3 Black Edition (2023/73) OR spend a bit more and go for a pretty much mint 2018/18 RS4 that I've spotted? Or stick with the Golf...
Answers on a postcard!
Currently have a Mk 7.5 Golf R estate (2019/69) and have started getting itchy feet... Nothing wrong with the Golf but just fancy something new.
Couple of options at the moment (both Audi flavoured...)
Do I go for a new S3 Black Edition (2023/73) OR spend a bit more and go for a pretty much mint 2018/18 RS4 that I've spotted? Or stick with the Golf...
Answers on a postcard!
I’ve had a few VAG hot hatchbacks as you’ll see from my Garage.
Personally I’d keep the Golf R as it’s such a good package. Having made similar choices in the past, I think novelty of a newer S3 might wear off quite quickly and would certainly be costly (depending on your views about finance method). The RS4 would be more of an event… I’d certainly think carefully about it. The downside would be whether you’d get too precious about it and the attention it would draw.
The Mk7 Golf is excellent and I’d certainly have an R if I wasn’t happy with my current GTD. At about 40% of what my last RS3 cost me, this auto oil burner has opened my eyes about how satisfactory (note, not emotive) a car you can get without the expense. You might find you can keep the R and avoid spending a lot more on something that’s not a lot better.
Personally I’d keep the Golf R as it’s such a good package. Having made similar choices in the past, I think novelty of a newer S3 might wear off quite quickly and would certainly be costly (depending on your views about finance method). The RS4 would be more of an event… I’d certainly think carefully about it. The downside would be whether you’d get too precious about it and the attention it would draw.
The Mk7 Golf is excellent and I’d certainly have an R if I wasn’t happy with my current GTD. At about 40% of what my last RS3 cost me, this auto oil burner has opened my eyes about how satisfactory (note, not emotive) a car you can get without the expense. You might find you can keep the R and avoid spending a lot more on something that’s not a lot better.
The S3 will be a lot of expense for a car not that different to what you have. It's less practical and some would argue a slight backwards step as a platform and overall package.
The RS4 you'd need to buy because YOU want one. It isn't a car you can easily justify with reason and logic. You already have a very balanced all-rounder, so you'll never be able to say you "need" the RS4, but if you like it, want it, and have the funds, why not?
The RS4 you'd need to buy because YOU want one. It isn't a car you can easily justify with reason and logic. You already have a very balanced all-rounder, so you'll never be able to say you "need" the RS4, but if you like it, want it, and have the funds, why not?
Thanks for the comments so far! Comments on the RS4 particularly - this would be my daily and would need to have some serious man maths thrown at it (probably including a second car!)
I've always fancied an 'S' car but the change to diesel has kind of put me off... maybe stick where I am for the time being.
I've always fancied an 'S' car but the change to diesel has kind of put me off... maybe stick where I am for the time being.
I'd stay put unless there's a need to spend big.
I bought my 7 R new in 2016 as a cancelled order.
It's a 3 door in Oryx with DCC, Dyn Audio, Prets , winter pack, tints etc.
I've invested APR Stage 2 with their FMIC , Exhaust, DP and swapped out the DCC for Ohlins. Meanwhile brakes upgraded to a Tarox 8 pot BBK.
I've covered 50k since beginning of 2016 so still sensible miles.
It's the ultimate package for me. It's not a daily as I have my business van and wife's Q5 for family duties. I track mine once a year for fun so it's a great all rounder.
I had itchy feet this year but I looked around and it was hopeless to upstage unless I spent another £40-£50k on top of my car when sold.
I gave up as the new RS3 isn't properly tuneable yet and is very expensive. RS4 nice but heavy for a bit of track and heavy on wallet.
The new M2 is £64-£75k with spec and used M3/4 will be much heavier on the wallet. Compared to the cheap 7R. If you've got loads of spare then great.
I may hold until the last RS3 is launched and go PCP. It's a route I wouldn't normally take tbh such is car prices.
I bought my 7 R new in 2016 as a cancelled order.
It's a 3 door in Oryx with DCC, Dyn Audio, Prets , winter pack, tints etc.
I've invested APR Stage 2 with their FMIC , Exhaust, DP and swapped out the DCC for Ohlins. Meanwhile brakes upgraded to a Tarox 8 pot BBK.
I've covered 50k since beginning of 2016 so still sensible miles.
It's the ultimate package for me. It's not a daily as I have my business van and wife's Q5 for family duties. I track mine once a year for fun so it's a great all rounder.
I had itchy feet this year but I looked around and it was hopeless to upstage unless I spent another £40-£50k on top of my car when sold.
I gave up as the new RS3 isn't properly tuneable yet and is very expensive. RS4 nice but heavy for a bit of track and heavy on wallet.
The new M2 is £64-£75k with spec and used M3/4 will be much heavier on the wallet. Compared to the cheap 7R. If you've got loads of spare then great.
I may hold until the last RS3 is launched and go PCP. It's a route I wouldn't normally take tbh such is car prices.
The RS4 is just great , always puts a smile on my face apart from when i fill up, expect 20 to 25 mpg, if your good!, it was on my tick list , if you have the funds go for it, hold their value extremely well and lifes too short.
Point i would add is the insurance has increased somewhat!
Point i would add is the insurance has increased somewhat!
Edited by tedblog on Sunday 10th September 17:58
tedblog said:
The RS4 is just great , always puts a smile on my face apart from when i fill up, expect 20 to 25 mpg, if your good!, it was on my tick list , if you have the funds go for it, hold their value extremely well and lifes too short.
Point i would add is the insurance has increased somewhat!
Lovely cars....I'd like to sample one.Point i would add is the insurance has increased somewhat!
Edited by tedblog on Sunday 10th September 17:58
Quite a big upgrade on the cabin.
Out of interest how much is the insurance on it?
I pay around £400 for my modded R although I'm 56 living in Somerset so low area banding. Nice alternative to a RS3 although for me I use the R for a B road Sunday blast on Exmoor or around blast around Castle Combe
Funny you should mention, I've got a Mk7.5 R estate, my feet aren't ichy yet, but I'm already thinking about what's next.
I parked behind an S4 Avant yesterday, the interior looks amazing as it always does on Audis, it was a decent bit bigger which I would like and I know it's a diesel but... if i'm honest, I'd probally give up a bit of performance on my Golf (it's an APR stage 1, so about 370bhp) for a bit more economy.
I looked at it too long though, a complete and utter deal breaker caught my eye, and as soon as I saw it, I knew I couldn't live with it. The drivers side exhaust pipes... fake, nothing but some tubes glued to the bumper that went nowhere. TBH I think the quad pipes on my R are silly, pointless things, but at least they're real.
Sorry, as for the OP - S3? Nicer interior, usually nicer paint etc, but it's the same drivetrain / chassis, but the S3 tends to lag behind the R on upgrades. RS4 would be amazing, but the RS tax is real and personally I wouldn't drive an RS daily, I've friends with RS6s and I've listen to them cry about £4k brake discs and £2k for a set of tyres etc. Nope.
I've been looking at BMW M340i Tourings personally.
I parked behind an S4 Avant yesterday, the interior looks amazing as it always does on Audis, it was a decent bit bigger which I would like and I know it's a diesel but... if i'm honest, I'd probally give up a bit of performance on my Golf (it's an APR stage 1, so about 370bhp) for a bit more economy.
I looked at it too long though, a complete and utter deal breaker caught my eye, and as soon as I saw it, I knew I couldn't live with it. The drivers side exhaust pipes... fake, nothing but some tubes glued to the bumper that went nowhere. TBH I think the quad pipes on my R are silly, pointless things, but at least they're real.
Sorry, as for the OP - S3? Nicer interior, usually nicer paint etc, but it's the same drivetrain / chassis, but the S3 tends to lag behind the R on upgrades. RS4 would be amazing, but the RS tax is real and personally I wouldn't drive an RS daily, I've friends with RS6s and I've listen to them cry about £4k brake discs and £2k for a set of tyres etc. Nope.
I've been looking at BMW M340i Tourings personally.
S3 is almost a step down from the Golf R estate, RS3 would be a step up. RS4 is a great car, but I'd be looking at the VW Arteon Shooting Brake R, sits nicely between the Golf R and the RS4, a great looking car too.
Alternatives to a VAG product would be the Volvo V60 Twin engine Polestar AWD or a Mini Clubman Cooper S Works All4.
For something a bit different how about a Cupra Formentor VZN or a Kia Stinger 3.3 GTS.
Alternatives to a VAG product would be the Volvo V60 Twin engine Polestar AWD or a Mini Clubman Cooper S Works All4.
For something a bit different how about a Cupra Formentor VZN or a Kia Stinger 3.3 GTS.
S4 or S6 Avant would be a nice change up especially the diesel versions with great torque and pretty good mpg.
A nice M540i or 540d or the smaller 3 series with same power trains.
Certainly S3 will be facelofted and probably get fancy diff in 2024 so that may persuade you to hang on and go black edition with that. They get good figures on the new APR software with intake.....pushing over 400 bhp
A nice M540i or 540d or the smaller 3 series with same power trains.
Certainly S3 will be facelofted and probably get fancy diff in 2024 so that may persuade you to hang on and go black edition with that. They get good figures on the new APR software with intake.....pushing over 400 bhp
Msportman said:
Lovely cars....I'd like to sample one.
Quite a big upgrade on the cabin.
Out of interest how much is the insurance on it?
I pay around £400 for my modded R although I'm 56 living in Somerset so low area banding. Nice alternative to a RS3 although for me I use the R for a B road Sunday blast on Exmoor or around blast around Castle Combe
Age 55 My first years insurance was £580, 2nd year renewal close to £800 , full no claims, no points. I have business on it though as i use for work.Quite a big upgrade on the cabin.
Out of interest how much is the insurance on it?
I pay around £400 for my modded R although I'm 56 living in Somerset so low area banding. Nice alternative to a RS3 although for me I use the R for a B road Sunday blast on Exmoor or around blast around Castle Combe
Its an amazing car and no issues as a daily.
Its my last big car whilst i can afford to run them.
If you test drive one there will be no going back lol
I have just purchased an RS4 Competition and it is really rather splendid at everything 
My last car was an AMG GTR and the RS4 is adequate in the power area from the factory, and will be perfectly suited to what I want once I have had it lightly breathed upon by GAD They will give me an extra 50BHP or so and c120lbsft of torque - which is where the Competition edition should have been from the factory to be honest as a last hurrah ICE version of the car.
I have done many 2 hour drives in it in all traffic conditions and the seats and driving ergonomics are excellent and I get out feeling like I just got in. The rear hatch has plenty of space for the 2 Spaniels and offers a much lower point of entry than the Evoque I have that is about to be sold. The hounds get in and out on their own and myself and my wife have a much easier job putting shopping and other heavy objects in the car when required.
If you are looking for a very comfortable mileage muncher, load carrier and generally comfortable place to be then a current generation RS4 is a sound choice in my opinion. Yes, it will cost more than the Golf R estate of the same age but if you want the Golf R to keep up with the RS4 you will need to get the engine breathed upon and that impacts mileage so you may as well buy the RS4 if you are looking for a more powerful engine.
My last car was an AMG GTR and the RS4 is adequate in the power area from the factory, and will be perfectly suited to what I want once I have had it lightly breathed upon by GAD
They will give me an extra 50BHP or so and c120lbsft of torque - which is where the Competition edition should have been from the factory to be honest as a last hurrah ICE version of the car.I have done many 2 hour drives in it in all traffic conditions and the seats and driving ergonomics are excellent and I get out feeling like I just got in. The rear hatch has plenty of space for the 2 Spaniels and offers a much lower point of entry than the Evoque I have that is about to be sold. The hounds get in and out on their own and myself and my wife have a much easier job putting shopping and other heavy objects in the car when required.
If you are looking for a very comfortable mileage muncher, load carrier and generally comfortable place to be then a current generation RS4 is a sound choice in my opinion. Yes, it will cost more than the Golf R estate of the same age but if you want the Golf R to keep up with the RS4 you will need to get the engine breathed upon and that impacts mileage so you may as well buy the RS4 if you are looking for a more powerful engine.
Yex RS4 said:
I have just purchased an RS4 Competition and it is really rather splendid at everything
My last car was an AMG GTR and the RS4 is adequate in the power area from the factory, and will be perfectly suited to what I want once I have had it lightly breathed upon by GAD They will give me an extra 50BHP or so and c120lbsft of torque - which is where the Competition edition should have been from the factory to be honest as a last hurrah ICE version of the car.
I have done many 2 hour drives in it in all traffic conditions and the seats and driving ergonomics are excellent and I get out feeling like I just got in. The rear hatch has plenty of space for the 2 Spaniels and offers a much lower point of entry than the Evoque I have that is about to be sold. The hounds get in and out on their own and myself and my wife have a much easier job putting shopping and other heavy objects in the car when required.
If you are looking for a very comfortable mileage muncher, load carrier and generally comfortable place to be then a current generation RS4 is a sound choice in my opinion. Yes, it will cost more than the Golf R estate of the same age but if you want the Golf R to keep up with the RS4 you will need to get the engine breathed upon and that impacts mileage so you may as well buy the RS4 if you are looking for a more powerful engine.
Be great if you could start a reader's cars thread on the Competition. Would also be interesting to see how it compares to the AMG. My last car was an AMG GTR and the RS4 is adequate in the power area from the factory, and will be perfectly suited to what I want once I have had it lightly breathed upon by GAD
They will give me an extra 50BHP or so and c120lbsft of torque - which is where the Competition edition should have been from the factory to be honest as a last hurrah ICE version of the car.I have done many 2 hour drives in it in all traffic conditions and the seats and driving ergonomics are excellent and I get out feeling like I just got in. The rear hatch has plenty of space for the 2 Spaniels and offers a much lower point of entry than the Evoque I have that is about to be sold. The hounds get in and out on their own and myself and my wife have a much easier job putting shopping and other heavy objects in the car when required.
If you are looking for a very comfortable mileage muncher, load carrier and generally comfortable place to be then a current generation RS4 is a sound choice in my opinion. Yes, it will cost more than the Golf R estate of the same age but if you want the Golf R to keep up with the RS4 you will need to get the engine breathed upon and that impacts mileage so you may as well buy the RS4 if you are looking for a more powerful engine.
AI1601 said:
Be great if you could start a reader's cars thread on the Competition. Would also be interesting to see how it compares to the AMG.
They are completely different cars built and used for different purposes. The GTR was a retirement present to myself so that I could own a "Supercar" (I use the term under advisement ) whilst I could still drive something with nearly 600BHP. It was basically a racing car built by AMG and then detuned to make it reasonably useable on the public highway. When asked it would pull like a train and just keep pulling. On a private road I pushed it hard once in a straight line and backed off at 165 when it was getting far too silly for me. It also had the ability to go round corners in a rather physics bending manner because of the handling set up, active engine mounts, ground effect aero and 4 wheel steering. The downside was that it was very definitely dry use only. Any rain on the road and you had to be very aware of puddles as Cup 2's do not like too much water when asked to put 585lbsft of torque onto the tarmac. I had a couple of drives down the A12 in winter because it was the only car at home when I had a family emergency and my arse can attest to the fact Cup2's are fully capable of changing lanes themselves when frost is covering the road surface. It was this lack of 365 day use and very limited luggage space that was why it had to go. I thoroughly enjoyed owning the car and would highly recommend one over a GT3 because of the theatre it offers from tick over all the way up the the red line. Mine being Magno Hell Green also got a fair bit of attention in a good way the GT3 would never get
I'll have a look at the Readers Cars thread to see what they are like and might do one for the Competition as they are quite rare and I could possibly be one of the few owners putting the car into daily use
Yex RS4 said:
AI1601 said:
Be great if you could start a reader's cars thread on the Competition. Would also be interesting to see how it compares to the AMG.
They are completely different cars built and used for different purposes. The GTR was a retirement present to myself so that I could own a "Supercar" (I use the term under advisement ) whilst I could still drive something with nearly 600BHP. It was basically a racing car built by AMG and then detuned to make it reasonably useable on the public highway. When asked it would pull like a train and just keep pulling. On a private road I pushed it hard once in a straight line and backed off at 165 when it was getting far too silly for me. It also had the ability to go round corners in a rather physics bending manner because of the handling set up, active engine mounts, ground effect aero and 4 wheel steering. The downside was that it was very definitely dry use only. Any rain on the road and you had to be very aware of puddles as Cup 2's do not like too much water when asked to put 585lbsft of torque onto the tarmac. I had a couple of drives down the A12 in winter because it was the only car at home when I had a family emergency and my arse can attest to the fact Cup2's are fully capable of changing lanes themselves when frost is covering the road surface. It was this lack of 365 day use and very limited luggage space that was why it had to go. I thoroughly enjoyed owning the car and would highly recommend one over a GT3 because of the theatre it offers from tick over all the way up the the red line. Mine being Magno Hell Green also got a fair bit of attention in a good way the GT3 would never get
I'll have a look at the Readers Cars thread to see what they are like and might do one for the Competition as they are quite rare and I could possibly be one of the few owners putting the car into daily use
The AMG is one car I'd could make as a retirement toy for myself over a V10 R8 although both cars would fit my criteria. Having had small punchy hot hatches all of my life with several track toys over 30yrs I fancy a proper car to enjoy on my excursions onto Dartmoor & Exmoor which are close to where I live.
I keep trying to convince the wife to ditch her Q5 and we go to the RS4 as a do it all car for grandchildren ' Euro trips but she's set on the new 2024 Q5 as she's not into performance cars 🥹
I would say, if you need practicality the B9 A4 Avant does not offer it. We sold our 252ps 2.0TFSI one 6 months ago and I had a Mk7 GTD Estate as a company car for 6 months a while back. If memory serves, I'd say the Golf is the more practical car. Appreciate that's very boring, but maybe something important to you as you have the Estate Golf not the hatch.
Should also add, I'd give anything to own an RS4.
Should also add, I'd give anything to own an RS4.
Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff