R32 - what do you think of them ???
Discussion
Hello,
I'm thinking of buying an R32 and would appreciate a few owners comments.
I test drove one at the weekend and was impressed with the low down grunt and the bassy soundtrack - the closest I've driven in feel to my 996 for half the cash !!
Also, can the VW cruise and sat nav be retrofitted and if so where do I get the bits and how much approx. ???
cheers,
prof
I like them!
Prices should drop slightly shortly as the new version is out soon (i'm assuming its the old version your looking at).
They look great in black or blue.
There are common electrical issues that affect Mk4 Golf's so i'm assuming the R32 is the same so check that everything works and the doors have a habit of dropping (My mate works for VW).
I'd buy one now then sell it in a couple of years, I think its going to be the next Chav tastic Impreza when the prices drop
Prices should drop slightly shortly as the new version is out soon (i'm assuming its the old version your looking at).
They look great in black or blue.
There are common electrical issues that affect Mk4 Golf's so i'm assuming the R32 is the same so check that everything works and the doors have a habit of dropping (My mate works for VW).
I'd buy one now then sell it in a couple of years, I think its going to be the next Chav tastic Impreza when the prices drop
Not driven the R32 but I've got the Audi A3 3.2 Quattro DSG which is a similar thing, (same chassis as Golf mk5, same engine & transmission just a different body), I like it - as you say good grunt & soundtrack, handles well but is a bit thirsty, it's one of those cars that doesn't feel particularly quick but is very good at covering ground quickly in all conditions, especially on wet & greasy country roads, does well in the snow too! and it doesn't attract much attention as it looks just like the 1.6 'shopping' version. when I got it I also considered a BMW 330 Coupe but preferred the understated look and better traction of the Audi.
Mine doesn't have Cruise Control or satnav but AMD can fit C/C for £300, no idea on the cost of Satnav but could be done.
Mine doesn't have Cruise Control or satnav but AMD can fit C/C for £300, no idea on the cost of Satnav but could be done.
Great car.
Haven't had any problems with mine over the last 2 and a bit years. Few issues to start with with the lambda probe's and the flaps on the exhaust (they open and close depending on engine revs) - hence the low end exhaust note. But its driven absolutely fine after that, seems to clock an average of about 27-28mpg.
Make sure you ask any oweners whether they've had the VW performance remap - came out about a year ago often referred to as 6463 update (removes any hesitation in low revs and personally with mine made the whole car a lot quicker off the mark).
Happy hunting.
Haven't had any problems with mine over the last 2 and a bit years. Few issues to start with with the lambda probe's and the flaps on the exhaust (they open and close depending on engine revs) - hence the low end exhaust note. But its driven absolutely fine after that, seems to clock an average of about 27-28mpg.
Make sure you ask any oweners whether they've had the VW performance remap - came out about a year ago often referred to as 6463 update (removes any hesitation in low revs and personally with mine made the whole car a lot quicker off the mark).
Happy hunting.
Plotloss,
don't want an S3, can't be bothered with all that turbo charged nonesense anymore, as i've just sold my RS4 and want to get back to the big normally aspirated engine feel, that I enjoyed with my 911 (996).
By the way, so far of all the different cars i've driven since the 911, the R32 is the nearest match in terms of all round feel - but for a lot less cash and hassle.
cheers,
the prof
don't want an S3, can't be bothered with all that turbo charged nonesense anymore, as i've just sold my RS4 and want to get back to the big normally aspirated engine feel, that I enjoyed with my 911 (996).
By the way, so far of all the different cars i've driven since the 911, the R32 is the nearest match in terms of all round feel - but for a lot less cash and hassle.
cheers,
the prof
wolfsburg said:
Haven't had any problems with mine over the last 2 and a bit years. Few issues to start with with the lambda probe's and the flaps on the exhaust (they open and close depending on engine revs) - hence the low end exhaust note. But its driven absolutely fine after that, seems to clock an average of about 27-28mpg.
I had a Lambda probe problem on my A3 - needed a new one but was covered by warranty so no big deal. With regard to the exhaust flap in one of the tailpipes - just disconnect/remove it, all it does is restrict the exhaust flow at low RPM to make it (slightly) quieter it doesn't make much difference to the noise levels but gives slightly more power at low RPM with it permanently open.
You could do a lot worse than buy a R32! I have had mine for almost a year and I love it, its one in a long line of VW's and its the best alround vw of all of them.
I know it hasnt got that mk1/mk2 lightness and image....yet!, or the gocart feel but as a modern "future classic" its probably a safe bet (limited numbers produced helps). maybe not quite as quick etc as the new one, but far better looking and not so "corporate"- after the new gti, how could VW get the styling so wrong on the mk2 r32!
Running costs so far (other than petrol!) £159.00 - first service & and breakfluid service.
Regarding colour - always black - it looks far more subtle, the only down side is its a nightmare to keep clean and the water based paint is v.soft......Not that they look bad in any other colour though, except red!
>> Edited by leon m on Wednesday 18th January 15:43
I know it hasnt got that mk1/mk2 lightness and image....yet!, or the gocart feel but as a modern "future classic" its probably a safe bet (limited numbers produced helps). maybe not quite as quick etc as the new one, but far better looking and not so "corporate"- after the new gti, how could VW get the styling so wrong on the mk2 r32!
Running costs so far (other than petrol!) £159.00 - first service & and breakfluid service.
Regarding colour - always black - it looks far more subtle, the only down side is its a nightmare to keep clean and the water based paint is v.soft......Not that they look bad in any other colour though, except red!
>> Edited by leon m on Wednesday 18th January 15:43
Horses for courses but I considered one last year but was disappointed. My other half has a V6 4Motion which is not a great car to drive, having reasonable performance but being soft and woolly. I read the tests of the R32 as being the opposite and much better. On an extended test I thought the car to be actually too stiff with an unyielding ride and crucially it felt hardly any quicker than the boggo V6. The thing was it cost more than twice as much as our 4Motion.
The good stuff was good handling and traction, great seats and general practicality as an allrounder. It is a nice car but I guess I was expecting a bit more. All IMHO.
It was put into perspective by a mate who bought a older but lovely low mileage Audi S4 Avant (the V6 twin turbo one) for considerably less cash. Im sure the R32 wouldnt see which way it went.
The good stuff was good handling and traction, great seats and general practicality as an allrounder. It is a nice car but I guess I was expecting a bit more. All IMHO.
It was put into perspective by a mate who bought a older but lovely low mileage Audi S4 Avant (the V6 twin turbo one) for considerably less cash. Im sure the R32 wouldnt see which way it went.
Yeah, I hear what you’re saying, but I liked the firm ride and the engine just sounded spot on for me.
I’ve done the Audi thing - I’ve just sold my RS4 which is unbelievably quick but a bit soulless with it. i can't be bothered with all that wheezy turbo stuff and crappy fuel economy any more.
I did consider an M3, but I’m worried about the image thing.
I’m edging towards a silver R32 – just too many blue ones out there for my liking.
I’ve done the Audi thing - I’ve just sold my RS4 which is unbelievably quick but a bit soulless with it. i can't be bothered with all that wheezy turbo stuff and crappy fuel economy any more.
I did consider an M3, but I’m worried about the image thing.
I’m edging towards a silver R32 – just too many blue ones out there for my liking.
I've only driven one R32 - VAGtech's 400bhp single turbo conversion 
Very nice indeed - the bigger engine gives it real pull lower down - just as good as my RS4 and it continues in a very linear fashion. If you're looking for something with R32 virtues, but RS4 poke, I'd recommend it...
Very nice indeed - the bigger engine gives it real pull lower down - just as good as my RS4 and it continues in a very linear fashion. If you're looking for something with R32 virtues, but RS4 poke, I'd recommend it...Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff