Golf R 7/7.5 in 2024
Discussion
Hello PH
I have a budget of £12K to buy my first “nice” car, I want a combo of performance without costing a lot to run so looking at a Golf R (or it’s S3 TT counterparts etc). The 7.5 seems nearer £20K which is definitely out of budget. As far as the power difference wouldn’t make a difference to me as above this would be my first quick car. Don’t want a GTI would have to be an R or awd Audi. I know my budget is at the lower range so can’t be too picky with spec I bet but i’d keep the car at least 3 years so feel like getting a manual for example might grow old. Plus the pre facelift interiors on them look dated though I like the TT inside. Part of me feels it’s a lot of money for cars nearly 10 years old and not sure if the value is good. And as above if it’s a poverty spec then I don’t know if i’ll be underwhelmed.
I do sub 10K miles maybe even half that but when I get a nicer car i’m intending to make use of it.
Can I buy a decent condition awd VAG 2.0T car for my budget? Would be open to other makes but I want awd and think the equivalent cars are newer so 20K+
I have a budget of £12K to buy my first “nice” car, I want a combo of performance without costing a lot to run so looking at a Golf R (or it’s S3 TT counterparts etc). The 7.5 seems nearer £20K which is definitely out of budget. As far as the power difference wouldn’t make a difference to me as above this would be my first quick car. Don’t want a GTI would have to be an R or awd Audi. I know my budget is at the lower range so can’t be too picky with spec I bet but i’d keep the car at least 3 years so feel like getting a manual for example might grow old. Plus the pre facelift interiors on them look dated though I like the TT inside. Part of me feels it’s a lot of money for cars nearly 10 years old and not sure if the value is good. And as above if it’s a poverty spec then I don’t know if i’ll be underwhelmed.
I do sub 10K miles maybe even half that but when I get a nicer car i’m intending to make use of it.
Can I buy a decent condition awd VAG 2.0T car for my budget? Would be open to other makes but I want awd and think the equivalent cars are newer so 20K+
Edited by FifthGear on Tuesday 28th May 13:39
Edited by FifthGear on Tuesday 28th May 13:45
You can get them cheap if you know where to look i.e. not in the classifieds.
Also very easy to modernise the interior e.g. I fitted a screen out of a Mk7.5 into my Mk7 (8" I think, there's also a 9.2" unit). Only cost me £90 on eBay. With that and the leather seats I wouldn't say mine looks outdated.
There's also the virtual dash but these don't offer much over the analogue clocks.
Also very important - if you test drive one check for a coolant smell after taking it for a drive. Worth a look in the boot for any bottles of coolant. It leaks around the water pump/thermostat housing and is £££ to sort - make sure you get VW extended warranty.
Also very easy to modernise the interior e.g. I fitted a screen out of a Mk7.5 into my Mk7 (8" I think, there's also a 9.2" unit). Only cost me £90 on eBay. With that and the leather seats I wouldn't say mine looks outdated.
There's also the virtual dash but these don't offer much over the analogue clocks.
Also very important - if you test drive one check for a coolant smell after taking it for a drive. Worth a look in the boot for any bottles of coolant. It leaks around the water pump/thermostat housing and is £££ to sort - make sure you get VW extended warranty.
Edited by Chris_91 on Tuesday 28th May 16:57
Grumbler said:
Was in a similar situation recently. For your budget you can get a 2015 Golf R with about 60k miles. That’d be a nice car.
Chris_91 said:
You can get them cheap if you know where to look i.e. not in the classifieds.
Also very easy to modernise the interior e.g. I fitted a screen out of a Mk7.5 into my Mk7 (8" I think, there's also a 9.2" unit). Only cost me £90 on eBay. With that and the leather seats I wouldn't say mine looks outdated.
There's also the virtual dash but these don't offer much over the analogue clocks.
Also very important - if you test drive one check for a coolant smell after taking it for a drive. Worth a look in the boot for any bottles of coolant. It leaks around the water pump/thermostat housing and is £££ to sort - make sure you get VW extended warranty.
Other than the classifieds i’ve been checking facebook and gumtree but a lot of them look very rough or have dubious owners. I’ve heard of the thermostat issue so is the warranty something you can buy after for privately sold cars? Would they cover anything like DSG, i think it would be compromising if I got a manual since I want an “upgrade” so to speak but nervous in case it blew up. Also very easy to modernise the interior e.g. I fitted a screen out of a Mk7.5 into my Mk7 (8" I think, there's also a 9.2" unit). Only cost me £90 on eBay. With that and the leather seats I wouldn't say mine looks outdated.
There's also the virtual dash but these don't offer much over the analogue clocks.
Also very important - if you test drive one check for a coolant smell after taking it for a drive. Worth a look in the boot for any bottles of coolant. It leaks around the water pump/thermostat housing and is £££ to sort - make sure you get VW extended warranty.
Edited by Chris_91 on Tuesday 28th May 16:57
I do like the virtual cockpit but the facelift golf s3 are still out of reach I think, TT had it from the start so i’d be open to that too. Have also seen some sub 10K Audi S1 which to be honest I don’t like the A1 nor that size of car but if I got better value? with one of them maybe i’d go for it.
FifthGear said:
Other than the classifieds i’ve been checking facebook and gumtree but a lot of them look very rough or have dubious owners. I’ve heard of the thermostat issue so is the warranty something you can buy after for privately sold cars? Would they cover anything like DSG, i think it would be compromising if I got a manual since I want an “upgrade” so to speak but nervous in case it blew up.
I do like the virtual cockpit but the facelift golf s3 are still out of reach I think, TT had it from the start so i’d be open to that too. Have also seen some sub 10K Audi S1 which to be honest I don’t like the A1 nor that size of car but if I got better value? with one of them maybe i’d go for it.
Audi S1 is a blast and I regret selling mine. It feels faster than the stats say and it’s definitely not boring to drive like many other of these VAG offerings.I do like the virtual cockpit but the facelift golf s3 are still out of reach I think, TT had it from the start so i’d be open to that too. Have also seen some sub 10K Audi S1 which to be honest I don’t like the A1 nor that size of car but if I got better value? with one of them maybe i’d go for it.
pb8g09 said:
FifthGear said:
Other than the classifieds i’ve been checking facebook and gumtree but a lot of them look very rough or have dubious owners. I’ve heard of the thermostat issue so is the warranty something you can buy after for privately sold cars? Would they cover anything like DSG, i think it would be compromising if I got a manual since I want an “upgrade” so to speak but nervous in case it blew up.
I do like the virtual cockpit but the facelift golf s3 are still out of reach I think, TT had it from the start so i’d be open to that too. Have also seen some sub 10K Audi S1 which to be honest I don’t like the A1 nor that size of car but if I got better value? with one of them maybe i’d go for it.
Audi S1 is a blast and I regret selling mine. It feels faster than the stats say and it’s definitely not boring to drive like many other of these VAG offerings.I do like the virtual cockpit but the facelift golf s3 are still out of reach I think, TT had it from the start so i’d be open to that too. Have also seen some sub 10K Audi S1 which to be honest I don’t like the A1 nor that size of car but if I got better value? with one of them maybe i’d go for it.
Edited by FifthGear on Wednesday 29th May 10:25
I can understand that- that’s always been the reason why the S1 didn’t sell many as often people would just get the more practical S3 for just a few quid more.
You have to ‘want’ one, but the residuals are very strong. Whilst Golf R and S3s have continued to depreciate, a well spec’d S1 have hardly moved since 2018.
A well spec’d one means flat bottom steering wheel, heated seats, Bose and parking sensors. If you can get all those plus the Quattro sports seats at a decent mileage then you’re really talking.
You have to ‘want’ one, but the residuals are very strong. Whilst Golf R and S3s have continued to depreciate, a well spec’d S1 have hardly moved since 2018.
A well spec’d one means flat bottom steering wheel, heated seats, Bose and parking sensors. If you can get all those plus the Quattro sports seats at a decent mileage then you’re really talking.
FifthGear said:
Hello PH
I have a budget of £12K to buy my first “nice” car, I want a combo of performance without costing a lot to run so looking at a Golf R (or it’s S3 TT counterparts etc). The 7.5 seems nearer £20K which is definitely out of budget. As far as the power difference wouldn’t make a difference to me as above this would be my first quick car. Don’t want a GTI would have to be an R or awd Audi. I know my budget is at the lower range so can’t be too picky with spec I bet but i’d keep the car at least 3 years so feel like getting a manual for example might grow old. Plus the pre facelift interiors on them look dated though I like the TT inside. Part of me feels it’s a lot of money for cars nearly 10 years old and not sure if the value is good. And as above if it’s a poverty spec then I don’t know if i’ll be underwhelmed.
I do sub 10K miles maybe even half that but when I get a nicer car i’m intending to make use of it.
Can I buy a decent condition awd VAG 2.0T car for my budget? Would be open to other makes but I want awd and think the equivalent cars are newer so 20K+
AWD but only 211bhp, these are a A250 (that are listed below, these also have a nicer interior) in all but the skin:I have a budget of £12K to buy my first “nice” car, I want a combo of performance without costing a lot to run so looking at a Golf R (or it’s S3 TT counterparts etc). The 7.5 seems nearer £20K which is definitely out of budget. As far as the power difference wouldn’t make a difference to me as above this would be my first quick car. Don’t want a GTI would have to be an R or awd Audi. I know my budget is at the lower range so can’t be too picky with spec I bet but i’d keep the car at least 3 years so feel like getting a manual for example might grow old. Plus the pre facelift interiors on them look dated though I like the TT inside. Part of me feels it’s a lot of money for cars nearly 10 years old and not sure if the value is good. And as above if it’s a poverty spec then I don’t know if i’ll be underwhelmed.
I do sub 10K miles maybe even half that but when I get a nicer car i’m intending to make use of it.
Can I buy a decent condition awd VAG 2.0T car for my budget? Would be open to other makes but I want awd and think the equivalent cars are newer so 20K+
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405270...
S4:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301233...
A7:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405250...
R36:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405099...
Golf R:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403147...
CLA250 AMG Engineered:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405039...
A250:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311033...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401195...
Superb 280 Sportline:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308010...
MrSpanky49 said:
as a mk3 Leon Cupra owner- thats where i'd look, not AWD but more entertaining for it IMO and handles well- has the VAQ diff and a quicker steering rack.
Insurance was half the price of a golf R for me too.
Second this. Insurance was half the price of a golf R for me too.
A nice tidy Golf R to find at this budget might be challenging.
Realistically you are looking at water pump and thermostat as well as clutch on manuals with the R.
ZX10R NIN said:
AWD but only 211bhp, these are a A250 (that are listed below, these also have a nicer interior) in all but the skin:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405270...
S4:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301233...
A7:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405250...
R36:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405099...
Golf R:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403147...
CLA250 AMG Engineered:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405039...
A250:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311033...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401195...
Superb 280 Sportline:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308010...
I've been lurking for years but always like seeing your lists of suggestions!https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405270...
S4:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301233...
A7:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405250...
R36:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405099...
Golf R:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403147...
CLA250 AMG Engineered:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405039...
A250:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311033...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401195...
Superb 280 Sportline:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308010...
I'm in my 20s and sticking to four pot turbos for insurance purposes though pretty much anything is minimum four figures anyway. Plus anything meatier would be overkill. Practicality wise I know the Octavia is the go to alternative for the golf but I really don't need any space at all.
The Infiniti looks smart and I'd consider it but I'd want it cheaper than my budget to be honest, there's a couple local but all diesel or the 1.6T.
The A and CLA class are obviously priced more for the same thing, interestingly for not much more i've seen the 45 AMG variants advertised. But I hear the maintenance on them is more inline with a sports car?
The Golf Rs in this bracket do look a bit tired, the manuals are about for around 10K but after some thinking as I'd want this car to "feel" modern and last me a while I think the auto is what i'm after. Something like a 2.0 TFSI DSG TT appeals as far as being an awd gti or baby s3 with the virtual cockpit that the golf didn't get for a few years. I don't know if it's poor (or good?) value to buy something without the GTI/R badge or could potentially be a bargain.
On that note I thought of sacrificing the awd for a better condition/newer gti or leon cupra but it would be compromising and I rather just do it right first time.
Edited by FifthGear on Friday 7th June 15:00
Edited by FifthGear on Friday 7th June 15:01
FifthGear said:
I've been lurking for years but always like seeing your lists of suggestions!
I'm in my 20s and sticking to four pot turbos for insurance purposes though pretty much anything is minimum four figures anyway. Plus anything meatier would be overkill. Practicality wise I know the Octavia is the go to alternative for the golf but I really don't need any space at all.
The Infiniti looks smart and I'd consider it but I'd want it cheaper than my budget to be honest, there's a couple local but all diesel or the 1.6T.
The A and CLA class are obviously priced more for the same thing, interestingly for not much more i've seen the 45 AMG variants advertised. But I hear the maintenance on them is more inline with a sports car?
The Golf Rs in this bracket do look a bit tired, the manuals are about for around 10K but after some thinking as I'd want this car to "feel" modern and last me a while I think the auto is what i'm after. Something like a 2.0 TFSI DSG TT appeals as far as being an awd gti or baby s3 with the virtual cockpit that the golf didn't get for a few years. I don't know if it's poor (or good?) value to buy something without the GTI/R badge or could potentially be a bargain.
On that note I thought of sacrificing the awd for a better condition/newer gti or leon cupra but it would be compromising and I rather just do it right first time.
You can get the Q30 Sport for less but that particular one was AWD & loaded with (pano roof/boseAMG Seats etc) spec, so when you compare it to other options it's actually a very good deal & ticks all of your boxes.I'm in my 20s and sticking to four pot turbos for insurance purposes though pretty much anything is minimum four figures anyway. Plus anything meatier would be overkill. Practicality wise I know the Octavia is the go to alternative for the golf but I really don't need any space at all.
The Infiniti looks smart and I'd consider it but I'd want it cheaper than my budget to be honest, there's a couple local but all diesel or the 1.6T.
The A and CLA class are obviously priced more for the same thing, interestingly for not much more i've seen the 45 AMG variants advertised. But I hear the maintenance on them is more inline with a sports car?
The Golf Rs in this bracket do look a bit tired, the manuals are about for around 10K but after some thinking as I'd want this car to "feel" modern and last me a while I think the auto is what i'm after. Something like a 2.0 TFSI DSG TT appeals as far as being an awd gti or baby s3 with the virtual cockpit that the golf didn't get for a few years. I don't know if it's poor (or good?) value to buy something without the GTI/R badge or could potentially be a bargain.
On that note I thought of sacrificing the awd for a better condition/newer gti or leon cupra but it would be compromising and I rather just do it right first time.
Get the car you want, if you want AWD then get it, buy on condition do your checks & make sure YOU'RE happy with what you buy.
ZX10R NIN said:
FifthGear said:
I've been lurking for years but always like seeing your lists of suggestions!
I'm in my 20s and sticking to four pot turbos for insurance purposes though pretty much anything is minimum four figures anyway. Plus anything meatier would be overkill. Practicality wise I know the Octavia is the go to alternative for the golf but I really don't need any space at all.
The Infiniti looks smart and I'd consider it but I'd want it cheaper than my budget to be honest, there's a couple local but all diesel or the 1.6T.
The A and CLA class are obviously priced more for the same thing, interestingly for not much more i've seen the 45 AMG variants advertised. But I hear the maintenance on them is more inline with a sports car?
The Golf Rs in this bracket do look a bit tired, the manuals are about for around 10K but after some thinking as I'd want this car to "feel" modern and last me a while I think the auto is what i'm after. Something like a 2.0 TFSI DSG TT appeals as far as being an awd gti or baby s3 with the virtual cockpit that the golf didn't get for a few years. I don't know if it's poor (or good?) value to buy something without the GTI/R badge or could potentially be a bargain.
On that note I thought of sacrificing the awd for a better condition/newer gti or leon cupra but it would be compromising and I rather just do it right first time.
You can get the Q30 Sport for less but that particular one was AWD & loaded with (pano roof/boseAMG Seats etc) spec, so when you compare it to other options it's actually a very good deal & ticks all of your boxes.I'm in my 20s and sticking to four pot turbos for insurance purposes though pretty much anything is minimum four figures anyway. Plus anything meatier would be overkill. Practicality wise I know the Octavia is the go to alternative for the golf but I really don't need any space at all.
The Infiniti looks smart and I'd consider it but I'd want it cheaper than my budget to be honest, there's a couple local but all diesel or the 1.6T.
The A and CLA class are obviously priced more for the same thing, interestingly for not much more i've seen the 45 AMG variants advertised. But I hear the maintenance on them is more inline with a sports car?
The Golf Rs in this bracket do look a bit tired, the manuals are about for around 10K but after some thinking as I'd want this car to "feel" modern and last me a while I think the auto is what i'm after. Something like a 2.0 TFSI DSG TT appeals as far as being an awd gti or baby s3 with the virtual cockpit that the golf didn't get for a few years. I don't know if it's poor (or good?) value to buy something without the GTI/R badge or could potentially be a bargain.
On that note I thought of sacrificing the awd for a better condition/newer gti or leon cupra but it would be compromising and I rather just do it right first time.
Get the car you want, if you want AWD then get it, buy on condition do your checks & make sure YOU'RE happy with what you buy.
I was specifically not looking for bmws as all the awd options are over my budget plus wouldn’t want a 4 pot one. However i’ve seen some m235i around my budget, which on paper to me feels like more car for the money vs the hot hatches? Definitely prefer the 2 or even 3/4 bodyshape compared to 1 series. However my mostly urban usage won’t get much use or economy out of the 6 cylinder think it’d be wasted. Plus I definitely wouldn’t be able to exploit the performance in rwd cars.
But if there wasn’t much in it running cost wise from a golf r vs a 435i for example feels like latter is more car to me.
But if there wasn’t much in it running cost wise from a golf r vs a 435i for example feels like latter is more car to me.
FifthGear said:
I was specifically not looking for bmws as all the awd options are over my budget plus wouldn’t want a 4 pot one. However i’ve seen some m235i around my budget, which on paper to me feels like more car for the money vs the hot hatches? Definitely prefer the 2 or even 3/4 bodyshape compared to 1 series. However my mostly urban usage won’t get much use or economy out of the 6 cylinder think it’d be wasted. Plus I definitely wouldn’t be able to exploit the performance in rwd cars.
But if there wasn’t much in it running cost wise from a golf r vs a 435i for example feels like latter is more car to me.
I think you need to decide if you want a hot hatch or more of a cruiser/muscle car. All are good just pick what flavour you want. But if there wasn’t much in it running cost wise from a golf r vs a 435i for example feels like latter is more car to me.
The R will be better dynamically, more fun and practical than the 235i or even 4. The BMWs will be more refined and more comfortable and in all honesty more reliable.
Running costs will be similar if you just use a good indie.
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