Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see May lease deals!
Options
VW Golf R32
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
All VW had to do is add 30 more HP lower the 0-60 by about a second and i would find the R32 to be a good alternative to the STi. I personally would rather have the nice [non-permissible content removed] interior of the VW instead of that extra second and grip produced by the Evo and STi.
It would be pretty damn cool taking on Corvettes tho with my 28k Subaru though.
1. R32
2. TT 3.2
3. A3 (and a possible S3)
The Audi products will -- rumor only -- have On*star either standard or optional.
This is "so cheap" to produce, it would seem the R32 would offer it to level the playing field.
For those who have never had a car with On*star, integrated with a factory phone (removable) -- this is a safety and convenience feature that is a must have. But I think ESP, ABS+Brake assist, sat nav and rear parktronic also fall into that category.
Thanks again.
Will the DSG tranmission make it to the R32?
Will there be sat nav and a "factory" integrated phone available?
Will On*star be offered eventually?
Any opinions or actual facts on this matter would be great.
This is a german car. Maybe it's on the market to compete with the STI and EVO but its much different. More comfortable on the roads as far as bumps, clutch is considerably softer. Stereo rocks. Leather and interior overall are quite a bit nicer.
Only problems are it seems so small (and is), has huge summer tires not great in Chicago even in March (icy mornings), doesn't seem like a good fit for AWD. And the exterior style is just as humdrum as any 5 year old VW design would be.
I'll give a full update after the weekend when I can get it out of the city.
Is this being sold for sticker, over, or under?
This car is a limited production vehicle and for good reason. The price is considerably more than a traditional GTI VR6. The new body style Golf will be out soon. In my experience (5 years of automotive sales) most of the people who will drool over this car can't afford it and those that can afford it will likely be looking at a Passat or something similar. The market for the R32 is small. The WRX and Evo are it's closest competitors, but are they really? Those two cars appeal to the Fast and Furious wanna-be crowd. The R32 sets it's sights a bit higher.
The R32 is a German car through and through. It has the traditional understated VW design philosophy. Solid construction, heated seats, climate control, Monsoon stereo, automatic wipers and rear-view mirror, and Konig designed buckets are among a host of plush features that most pocket rockets forgo.
The R32 has more acceleration and handling capability than you can legally use in the US. I can attack any VT corner at more than twice its posted safe speed and feel completely rooted to the pavement. On New England highways where the line between lanes is infrequently and for short durations dotted, I can pass 4, 5 or 6 slow movers without fear of running out of steam and kissing oncoming traffic. The sound of the engine at start up is exquisite. Not harsh or adolescent as so many hopped up cars with neon under carriage lights and 2 inch tail pipes sound. In short this is the most fun, refined car I have ever owned.
If you don't get what VW was going for in the R32, that probably means it's not for you. But for the few of us that get it. You are going to love this car!
Syncro VR6 Golf might be but no R32.
I am happy that you are happy but I found one funny thing.
"The R32 sets it's sights a bit higher."
With normally aspirated engine it is not R32 which aims higher, turbocharged cars do not lose performance with attitude that fast ;-)
Krzys
PS Jetta R32 would be direct competitor for 330xi (and 330 RWD).
http://www.deadlinepublishing.com/images/r32.jpg
And I thought my 2000 VR6 was a porker at 2900 lbs. The R32 has 70 hp more than my old VR6, but is only .5 sec faster to 60 (if that).
VW blew it.
I was totally jazzed to see that the R32 was coming out - but then ultimately disappointed, again, with the final specs. I am admittedly a WRX wagon owner - of the 300hp variety - big 4" (not 2", even your Rabbit has that) tailpipe and all.
I love the clean looks and lines of the R32 over my Suby and the fit, finish and interior appointments are light years ahead of Japan's rocket cars (WRX, STi, EVO).
The sad thing is VW could do SO much more! To come out with a 240hp/236ft-lb'er after the WRX has been in the US market since '02 and the STi/EVO since last year is a job poorly done by VW IMHO.
I'm getting too old to "run" with other drivers but I have no doubt my lightly modified WRX will slaughter this vehicle. Shoot a good driver with a stock WRX will give it trouble, let alone an STi or EVO.
Unfortunately, it should be the converse given the R32's lethal potential - even while maintaining the German engineering look and feel. I'm sure the aftermarket tuners are chomping at the bit with this vehicle. Given the robust drivetrains of these vehicles I expect some seriously fire-breathers will be created.
Sad but true, this is all for naught as a new baby is making me turn in my smilemobile for the new Passat 2.0L TDI Wagon. Makes me feel old just saying it.
Sean
If I were drag racing (I don't) I would have a much narrower definition of performance than if I were putting in a 500 mile day through the mountains of Colorado (I do). There, the turbocharged motor of my WRX wagon is a real asset but the incessant drumming of road noise wears thin.
I think a more meaningful definition of performance is how well a car executes the tasks for which it was designed. In the context of fast, capable and comfortable transport, the R32 is a very high performance car indeed.
Is the R32 worth $6000.00 more than my WRX? Not to me. That said, it's very clear to me why someone else might think it was. The value is certainly there.
during my test drive, however, there was a buzz in the dash. somewhat disheartening on a new car. i checked on consumer reports, and saw that the golf had the absolute WORST reliability of small cars! i don't think i have the guts to buy a car that may end up in the shop a lot (my 330ci has been almost perfect mechanically). does anyone know if the vr6 is a reliable engine, and if golfs are really the lemons that consumer reports makes them out to be?
R32 is the only Golf imported from Europe (Slovakia if I am not mistaken), the rest is from Mexico and Brazil - different plants. The CR results may apply to R32 but the do not have to.
Krzys
PS My Mexico built Neon worked quite well for 80000 miles I had it (head gasket - covered by Chrysler and strut replacement - 1 strut broke).
As far a reliability goes I wouldn't be too concerned. I have an 03 Jetta TDI wagon that's been perfect and a 2000 Passat before that which never had a warranty repair in 3 years.
Jetta TDI wagons are made in Germany.
getting the car as invoice. Remember there is only 5000 in the US, so no one wants it, that's why the dealers are selling at invoice ?
I wouldn't say no one wants it exactly, just not the number that VW expected.
I think there are a few reasons for the slow sales, it's the last year for the current Golf body style, people are waiting for the Mk V due out next year. VW sales are down in general due to percieved quality issues and it's an expensive little car.
That said I really like the R32 and VW's in general. I've always had exeptional luck with them, rarely have I had a problem, my last two VW's would compare to any Honda or Toyota reliability wise.
Felt much taller than my WRX wagon as its lowest seat height position made me feel like I was sitting in a highchair. May be an issue for taller drivers like me (6'3"). Didn't like it, but not enough reason to not buy the car. I liked the bolstering and materials on the Recaro seats - felt nice even for a big fella. Neat, hand-filling steering wheel. Handling and braking were nice. Just didn't pack the heat of my WRX. Power was smooth and linear (as expected). More torque available at lower RPMs than my WRX (as expected). Still, it is simply slower than a Rex (and I'm not even talking STi).
Pedal throw was light and long but that is something I'd get used to. Again, silky shifter. Made my WRX shifting experience akin to driving a John Deere tractor.
I could see myself in the car, but not when my current option is a paid-for Rex with assorted aftermarket treats like wheels (P1s), full APS race exhaust (low rumbler, not a VTEC coffee can) and Ecutek reflash). I wish it had been available in 2002 when I bought my Rex - could have been a different outcome.
A more "mature" but almost overly subdued pocket rocket. I like the more vocal nature of my free flowing boxer than the R32 powerplant. Gives me a lot more feedback - I found myself repeatedly looking at the tach because I felt I was missing a gear here and there. I wasn't, it just didn't have the power I've grown accustomed to plus it is spread over 6 vs. 5 gears. I hard a hard time feeling the difference through the pedals between 3K rpm and 6K rpm. This is attributable in some respects to the flatter, broader powerband and the lack of unadulterated punch the turbo delivers.
A more serene but far more sophisticated vehicle. I wish I could have both - but then that would cost me as much as an S6 Avant...and that's what daddy like.
Cool vehicle. Highly recommend anyone in the market for a high performance sub compact add this to the list - STi, EVO and VW fans alike. Hardcore VDub'ers could likely do more with a 1.8T or GTI VR6 and aftermarket goodies to maximize performance.
Sean
(1) How about a spare? I really don't like a repair kit approach. Any thoughts?
(2) Has anyone purchased winter tires for an R32; which ones fit and give decent dry road traction? Any winter tire use comments?
Just out of idle curiosity, what kind of gas mileage are people - enthusiastic drivers, but not maniacs - getting?
Those folks that have 5 or 10 thousand miles plus on their cars --- any serious (ones that do or can result in unanticipated walks in the country) reliability issues?
Thanks for your comments,
Bill
I just bought an R32 and couldn't be more excited about it! I've driven the STI and Evo, owned a WRX, a modified Jetta GLI (VR6), and Audi TT (225hp quattro). For my taste it boils down to a couple simple things...
First, in general there's a noticeable difference between German and Japanese cars in general. VW/Audi are more elegant and refined - definitely built for the 95% of the time when you're not racing away from stoplights etc... My TT wasn't the best at anything, but it was darn good at everything and overall therefore more fun for me than many competitors. Likewise my WRX was a great, bullet-proof car with relatively outstanding performance, but they're everywhere so they don't stand out.
Second, in Minneapolis, for six months out of the year I'll take a 240hp AWD car like the R32 (or my 225hp AWD TT) over cars with twice the horsepower any day! From October to April we never know how often and how much snow will put a damper on the fun - so no RWD for this guy!! Has to be AWD for me to take it seriously - apart from the outstanding cornering etc that it offers over FWD, it means that I get a lot more action in it than with any RWD car on the market - half of which sit idle during winters here... What's the point?
Last but not least, it's all about personalization...! If you want a stock, warranty protected car that has some of the best performance/$$ out there, and want to attract the attention from high school kids and cops everywhere, get the Evo. If you want a bit more rugged performance and straightup power, go for the Sti. If you want a more comfortable ride for slightly less performance, the R32 is hard to beat.
And as always - if you want the best of all worlds - customize away my friends!! Hey with Stage 1-3 kits already out there by high-end shops for the R32, it won't be long before my little R32 has me doing 4.0 flat sprints to 60 on 400+ hp all while sitting in a nice comfortable leather seat with automatic climate control and xenon lights!
Ain't freedom of choice a wonderful thing?
Also, can anyone provide any more quotes/actual prices paid for this vehicle (i.e, what ballpark figure should I expect to pay for this vehicle)? I don't believe the Edmunds TMV of MSRP +300 and based on what I've found on other forums. I'm in Michigan, and most of the quotes I've received from internet managers have been from -$500 to -$1500 under MSRP (in MI, OH, IN, and IL) as an initial quote (and, not quite sure what to expect from internet shopping, but still researching). Of course, I would assume I could do better when dealing face-to-face. I've also used the VW website to look at inventory, and most dealers have a couple or more listed. Cloth (vs. leather) interior apparently is harder to come by, but I've found some out there from my limited searching.
Thanks for any info...
Leather
$1000 under MSRP
1.9% APR over 4 years
While the STi and Evo compare favorably in terms of performance per dollar, I passed on both because for me a car is much more than HP/$.
I'm not looking for the absolute fastest car for my money. 95% of the time that power is just wasted while your stuck in traffic or driving in a school zone. During that time, I'll be listening to the Monsoon stereo while the auto-climate control keeps the quiet (other than the stereo) cabin comfortable and sunlight streams in the open moonroof.
I didn't buy this car to compete with Subarus or Mistubishis. I bought it because it's faster than any BMW without an "M" in the model name and has a similar level of refinement.
There's only one thing I miss on this car... Xenon.
I'll be honest, I'm very concerned about long-term reliability. However, a 4yr/50k mi. warranty comes standard and an extended (8/100) warranty is available for a little under $2k.
The limited edition factor scares me a bit, but hopefully finding bits and pieces won't be a nightmare. The 3.2L engine is a bored and stroked version of the regular VR6. It is also used in the Toureg and in some Audis iirc. The AWD system is the same 4motion and Quattro system.
It is down on power vs Legacy and R32, but only by about 10% (and it is a little lighter than those two I believe), and it is a little cheaper too, not to mention really fun to drive. Just a thought.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
The maintanance costs of Hondas can exceed the repair costs of other makes!
Give me the old SR20DE Nissans! No timing belts to replace, no valve adjustments, no oil burning, took regular unleaded, and got 30mpg!
There will be no 2005 R32s as the assembly line that made the '04s has been reworked to make the new model Golfs.
I went from an SR20DE Nissan ('95 200SX SE-R) to the R32. MPG has taken a nose-dive, but I'll take this motor over the Nissan every day.
As far as used car sales on Autotrader. I'd imagine that people are trying to cash in on the limited-edition bandwagon and sell their 1-year old car for as much or more than they paid. Not too bad considering what used cars are normally worth.
Actually, I was looking at Motor Trend online and noticed that there's a Gen-V Golf R32 coming out. Go here:
http://motortrend.com/features/news/112_0412_vwsneekpeek/index1.html
It'll probably be priced in the mid-$30k range. Twin-turbo power from the VR6 motor too! I'm interested! Any thoughts?
Frantz
I am absolutely thrilled with the predicable, non-turbo power and unbelievable handling. I can't wait to take it to a track to push it to its limit!! Downside: really bad mileage. I guess VWs shouldn't be viewed as econo-cars anymore and have no pretense to even attempt to be one. I didn't expect stellar mileage, but it's worse than the A4 and my Porsche 968. I usually keep my cars for a long time. As much as I love this car, I don't know if it makes sense to keep a with such bad mileage that I'd intended to use as my commuter car.
If I had an R32, that baby would be garaged (except on weekends). During regular commutes, I opt for the car with the lesser mechanical complexity...
I was impressed with its handling, smooth shifting, braking, as well as the interior and wonderful exhaust sound. The thing I didn't like were the numbers... This dealership was trying to sell me a pre-owned R32 for over $35k! I thought the price was ridiculous!! They gave me the run-around that the car limited edition, only 5000 in the US. But the fact is that they're selling a used car (~6000 miles) as if it was new.
I really like the vehicle. I'm not the burning tire type of guy, but I'm very much into the euro design and want to have the power whenever I need that push. I but not for that much...
Am I wrong to say that this a rip-off?
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)