New to Watercooled, not new to WeeDubs.

[jlgumby]

Hi all, quick introduction of myself to the forum as I can see there is a lot of good info on these here pages.

I've had a TR Golf V GTI for over four years now and it's easily been one of the best all round packages I've owned or driven. 3 months after having it, wife liked it too but wanted something smaller, so after selling off the Subie Liberty R spec B that I shoved to her cos I impulsively bought the GTI, we bought her a Polo GTI which she loves.

And now I'm doing it again and going to let her have the Golf, as I've just put an order in on a Golf R. To be honest, I'm not convinced that the R is going to be as great to drive as the V GTI, that's how good I think it is, but we'll see. Really hope so. But at least my GTI will still be around.

I got into it when I read the reviews and then thought I'd go and test one, andthat was it, had to have one, never regretted it.

So that's me, live in Melb's East, self confessed car loon and look forward to getting into some good ole Golf conversation.

Catch you around.

[AdamD]

Welcome to the forum jlgumby!

[Candyman]

Hi all, quick introduction of myself to the forum as I can see there is a lot of good info on these here pages.

I've had a TR Golf V GTI for over four years now and it's easily been one of the best all round packages I've owned or driven. 3 months after having it, wife liked it too but wanted something smaller, so after selling off the Subie Liberty R spec B that I shoved to her cos I impulsively bought the GTI, we bought her a Polo GTI which she loves.

And now I'm doing it again and going to let her have the Golf, as I've just put an order in on a Golf R. To be honest, I'm not convinced that the R is going to be as great to drive as the V GTI, that's how good I think it is, but we'll see. Really hope so. But at least my GTI will still be around.

I got into it when I read the reviews and then thought I'd go and test one, andthat was it, had to have one, never regretted it.

So that's me, live in Melb's East, self confessed car loon and look forward to getting into some good ole Golf conversation.

Catch you around.

Hi jlgumby

Welcome to the forum.

I bought a new MKV GTI back in 2008 and sold it a few months back and upgraded to an R. I had a few problems with the GTI but I am a fussy bugger.

I have to say, the R is a much better car in all respects.

I clocked up more than 80,000 km on the GTI over the three years I owned it, a mix of freeway (interstate) and 400-500 km/week commutes, dirt and bitumen roads.

I owned a Forester XT (modified) prior to the GTI and wanted to get back into an AWD car.

I detest what Subaru have done to the Forester and had enough of the mediocre quality of Subaru.

I looked at various options for 6 months with a lot of test drives of MKVI GTI's and other cars and decided on the R as it gave me what I wanted in a quality package and all for a good price.

Some will say the GTI is a better daily driver - I don't agree. Some will say the GTI is nimbler, possibly, but marginal.

The R feels much more solidly put together, sounds incredibly better, corners better, rides nicer, AWD is a win, looks better than the tamed down MKVI GTI and comes standard with what you have to option in the GTI.

The R does use more fuel, currently I am using around 1/4 to 1/2 L/100 km more on my commutes but it returns so much more than the GTI it is well worth it. I have about 5,000 km on the clock so that will improve.

You will get GTI owners saying it isnt worth getting the R - good on them. I made that same justification not getting the R32 when we bought the GTI.

The R brings a smile to my face every time I get in it. The GTI just didn't do that. It was a good car but lacking what the R has.

Go for it.

ps - when you get the R, let me know and I'll put you in touch with the best car detailer in Aussie.

[jlgumby]

Thanks Candyman,

My thoughts reflect yours on the Sube. This was the top of the range Liberty at the time and although renowned for quality and reliabilty, I had some issues with mine, not big, but it still went back to the dealer in the couple of years I had it. And it just was so poorly sorted. The ride was harsh, yet the chassis control was poor, it had a natural 180KW yet did nothing below 3200. Clutch was strange and gearbox notchy. The fuelling just didn't seem right either.

I won't get into it, but the golf was so many times better.

Thanks for the comparison on the R, I've already put a deposit on it, I've ordered a CW with 19's, Leather and Roof. I'm sure it's going to be great, I'm not expecting it to do everything unlike some people. I don't want it to be a raw, stripped out sports car, this is going to be my daily as was the GTI and if it's not too different, it should be perfect.

I find it funny when people complain about the R being too civilised, not raw enough, it's like buying an Evo6 and saying is's too harsh.

Love the pic in your sig, that's exactly what mine will look like, look fantastic in white.

Let me know this detailer you took it to, don't really trust them, but if you have experience, would be great. I had the protection put on the Spec B and it had more swirls than a swirly thing. I had them do it again and they had to cut it back to get rid of the marks. So I'm skeptical. But would be good to hear your thoughts.

Cheers mate.

[Candyman]

Have sent you a message mate

Cheers

[Matto]

Hey guys,

Couldn't resist to throw my 2c worth in. Agree wholeheartedly with you both on the MKV sentiments, I too previously had one and thought it the bee knees, was the best car I had owned and I couldn't believe how complete it felt, until now. The Ed35 I've picked up is in another league all together albeit still fwd. There is a massive contrast between the KO3 and KO4 turbos, so much so I'd like to see the straight line difference between the R, ED35 and stock GTI, I don't believe there is a second difference between the R & ED35 as it feels like a much bigger gap to the stock GTI but then again I am completely starstruck at the moment! Good to know there are other tragics out there other than me, happy motoring gents!

Ps. I could do use some help on the detailing too, I've only washed her once myself as I'm too paranoid to let anyone else touch her!!

[jlgumby]

Hey guys,

Couldn't resist to throw my 2c worth in. Agree wholeheartedly with you both on the MKV sentiments, I too previously had one and thought it the bee knees, was the best car I had owned and I couldn't believe how complete it felt, until now. The Ed35 I've picked up is in another league all together albeit still fwd. There is a massive contrast between the KO3 and KO4 turbos, so much so I'd like to see the straight line difference between the R, ED35 and stock GTI, I don't believe there is a second difference between the R & ED35 as it feels like a much bigger gap to the stock GTI but then again I am completely starstruck at the moment! Good to know there are other tragics out there other than me, happy motoring gents!

Ps. I could do use some help on the detailing too, I've only washed her once myself as I'm too paranoid to let anyone else touch her!!

How are ya Matto.

Nice to see I'm not the only one who had trouble thinking anything was going to be as good as the little Mk V. Such a brilliant car, and I'm not sure if this is rare, but four and a half years and not a breath of a problem, just perfect everyday. I too was looking at an ED30 but it seemed to be hard to get the spec I wanted and they simply told me I had to settle for what they were going to get in. And I'm sure he said they were all DSG coming to Aust. and above all else, mine had to be manual. So 35 was out, unfortunately, cos I reckon it'd be a ripper car.

Correct me if I'm wrong, the Ed35 has the R motor with the K04 with a different tune? Doe's it feel much more laggy then the MkV? That thing has almost zero turbo lag.

[Matto]

Hey jlgumby!!

I'm absolutely grinning like a cheshire mate, as i'm sure you will be soon.

Truer words were never spoken about the MKV, a little ripper as I'd hoped for. I've always loved Golfs way back to the MK1, of which I had 2 GLS, also had a MK4 GTI but I really wanted the MKV as it had been a few years since the MK4 and loved every minute of it.

In contrast the ED35 is actually less laggy again, there's no dsg hesitation either, much smoother and yes the KO4 is ballistic to say the least. I'm having a lot of trouble keeping it under 4000rpm for the first 1000km as I'd promised myself.

Some of what the stealers told you is true about the ED35, they did seem to come either loaded with various options or stock but they did come in both manual and dsg. There is a 15kw/30nm difference in the output but minus the weight of the Haldex AWD gear I just wonder if the straight line performance is indicative of the 1 sec difference to 100kph as claimed by VW?? Only one way to find out I guess haha! I have the car on a novated lease and I've already sworn to keep this thing forever because right now I really can't see a time when I'll ever want for anything more, yes it's that good!

All the best with your R, it's going to blow your mind, I look forward to hearing all about it!

[jlgumby]

Haha.... nice Matty, you sound completely smitten by the ED30. Great to hear.

I'm not expecting to be an all out, balls to the wall performance vehicle, I don't want that. I essentially wanted a GTI with the AWD Grip. I don't think anyone needs anymore street pace than a GTI. Perfect in my opinion. I'm fortunate enough to have an old Skyline GTR in the garage for the track days and for tinkering. So that's the no compromise uncomfortable performance mule.

So a little lag is not going to bother me, but I think it'll be great fun if what I'm reading is right.

Can I ask what made you choose the ED30 over both the GTI or the R?

[Matto]

Couple of reasons actually mate, firstly its the best GTI built thus far. It may have the engine from the R but it is still a GTI, call me a purist but the R is not true to the founding principles of the GTI. I know the MK2 Rallye was an AWD drive but thats the only time VW diverted from the orginal concept. Secondly, exclusivity. There are only 200 in the country, that makes it more rare than the R and ultimately more collectable/desireable which has massive benefits for resale if god forbid I ever decide to sell. Thirdly, I actually reckon its probably right up the clacker of the R performance wise being about 160kgs lighter and only 15kw down on power (allegedly). That's about it, no brainer if you ask me, just my opinion
Happy motoring bud!

[jlgumby]

Couple of reasons actually mate, firstly its the best GTI built thus far. It may have the engine from the R but it is still a GTI, call me a purist but the R is not true to the founding principles of the GTI. I know the MK2 Rallye was an AWD drive but thats the only time VW diverted from the orginal concept. Secondly, exclusivity. There are only 200 in the country, that makes it more rare than the R and ultimately more collectable/desireable which has massive benefits for resale if god forbid I ever decide to sell. Thirdly, I actually reckon its probably right up the clacker of the R performance wise being about 160kgs lighter and only 15kw down on power (allegedly). That's about it, no brainer if you ask me, just my opinion
Happy motoring bud!

All Great reasons and it sounds like you're loving it. Gotta admit, it was very tempting at the time also, I reckon they'd be little rippers.

If I'd not been so keen on getting something with all paw action, the 35 probably would have been it. Again, I just hope it's as much fun to drive as my MKV, I'm hearing different things but only I can decide now. Ahhh...... only some 5 months to go.. damn thing's going to be superceded by the time I take delivery.

Interesting thing is my insurance quote is cheaper than for my GTI.... wierd. Maybe they think R drivers will not be so enthusiastic...hahah