Small VAG hot hatch recommendations?
Discussion
Thought I'd ask here as I am looking at VAG only...
I've just secured another local garage and so I'm looking at options for a third vehicle. Current vehicles are a 2013 T5 camper conversion and 2016 Golf GTD, both of which are staying.
The backdrop is that I consolidated a PFL RS3 and Skoda Fabia into the Golf about 9 months ago. The reality was that we were using the Skoda the most, so the Golf was a big upgrade and popular with the wife. But I miss the RS3, even if ideally I wouldn't spend that much again.
This means that I'm looking for an unnecessary addition. Probably c.3,000 miles per year, dry weather use, will be garaged, ideally DSG. Happy to go for an older or higher miles model, but needs to be ULEZ-compliant and capable of being reliable so that I can do 100-mile round trips to visit parents when it's sunny. Strictly Golf-sized or less, due to the garage. Budget is flexible, but needs to be proportionate to limited use and sellable if needs change. Happy to do some cosmetic renewal.
I want to keep it VAG for ease of maintenance and familiarity, and a 4-5 seat hatchback for family practicality. Main contenders are:
- Golf R32 Mk5: had one before, would love another though not a lot of choice
- Golf R Mk7: would ideally go for a 2-door to distinguish it from the GTD
- RS3: would rekindle another past love, but obviously £££
- S1: not DSG and a bit expensive, but newer, unique and tuneable
Any other recommendations or thoughts?
I've just secured another local garage and so I'm looking at options for a third vehicle. Current vehicles are a 2013 T5 camper conversion and 2016 Golf GTD, both of which are staying.
The backdrop is that I consolidated a PFL RS3 and Skoda Fabia into the Golf about 9 months ago. The reality was that we were using the Skoda the most, so the Golf was a big upgrade and popular with the wife. But I miss the RS3, even if ideally I wouldn't spend that much again.
This means that I'm looking for an unnecessary addition. Probably c.3,000 miles per year, dry weather use, will be garaged, ideally DSG. Happy to go for an older or higher miles model, but needs to be ULEZ-compliant and capable of being reliable so that I can do 100-mile round trips to visit parents when it's sunny. Strictly Golf-sized or less, due to the garage. Budget is flexible, but needs to be proportionate to limited use and sellable if needs change. Happy to do some cosmetic renewal.
I want to keep it VAG for ease of maintenance and familiarity, and a 4-5 seat hatchback for family practicality. Main contenders are:
- Golf R32 Mk5: had one before, would love another though not a lot of choice
- Golf R Mk7: would ideally go for a 2-door to distinguish it from the GTD
- RS3: would rekindle another past love, but obviously £££
- S1: not DSG and a bit expensive, but newer, unique and tuneable
Any other recommendations or thoughts?
but if you wanted something different maybe try Mk 6 Golf R but I think it wouldn't be special enough for the intended use it will get. Needs an interesting engine.. Thanks everyone. The bulk of the cost for me will be things like garage rent, insurance etc and so it makes sense for me to look closer at depreciation and any upfront repairs more than purchase price.
The Mk5 R32 would be a very natural move for me, though as I mentioned above the choice is pretty limited. There are one or two cars I’d like to look at, and the main thing for me to think about is longevity and value. All are going to be 16+ years old with quite a hefty set of fixed costs.
TT RS have certainly caught my eye, albeit from the first generation and again with limited choice. This is midway in age terms at around 10-14 years.
I’m also going to throw in the Mk3 TTS. These look good value and well-spec’d compared with the more obvious Golf R, and I think tend to attract a different owner base (helps with finding a looked-after 7-9 year old car). The reviews seem good, too.
The Mk5 R32 would be a very natural move for me, though as I mentioned above the choice is pretty limited. There are one or two cars I’d like to look at, and the main thing for me to think about is longevity and value. All are going to be 16+ years old with quite a hefty set of fixed costs.
TT RS have certainly caught my eye, albeit from the first generation and again with limited choice. This is midway in age terms at around 10-14 years.
I’m also going to throw in the Mk3 TTS. These look good value and well-spec’d compared with the more obvious Golf R, and I think tend to attract a different owner base (helps with finding a looked-after 7-9 year old car). The reviews seem good, too.
Righto - thanks for the input, and it's time for an update...
I've placed a deposit on a 2015 / 56k-mile TTS in Sepang Blue, with Rotor Grey interior. Options are Comfort & Sound, Matrix LEDs, Parking System Plus with Park Assist and possibly a few other bits.
No pics of the actual car, but it's the same as this...
I liked the colour combination (bit R32-ish I think
) and spec. It has the digi dash so I can always retrofit navigation if needs be. But adding the Matrix LEDs, audio, digital climate controls and parking sensors that this car comes with wouldn't have been economic.
Finally, it's a 2-owner car with history that's a fair way below budget. But of course it's 8 years old and will need some cosmetics to get it up to my standards - probably a wheel refurb, premium tyres and a detail. I'll do a Readers Cars thread in due course.
I've placed a deposit on a 2015 / 56k-mile TTS in Sepang Blue, with Rotor Grey interior. Options are Comfort & Sound, Matrix LEDs, Parking System Plus with Park Assist and possibly a few other bits.
No pics of the actual car, but it's the same as this...
I liked the colour combination (bit R32-ish I think
) and spec. It has the digi dash so I can always retrofit navigation if needs be. But adding the Matrix LEDs, audio, digital climate controls and parking sensors that this car comes with wouldn't have been economic.Finally, it's a 2-owner car with history that's a fair way below budget. But of course it's 8 years old and will need some cosmetics to get it up to my standards - probably a wheel refurb, premium tyres and a detail. I'll do a Readers Cars thread in due course.
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