2004 VW MkIV R32 Buying Guide/Tips

[h100vw]

http://www.jbsautodesigns.co.uk/media/category/69/jbs-r32-ts-650-turbo-kit-promo-video/prime/162

http://www.jbsautodesigns.co.uk/category/120/turbo-kits-32-24v-v6

http://www.jbsautodesigns.co.uk/projectcars/1/jbs-vw-golf-mk4-r32-ts650

More go for R32s.

[OEM G60]

Awesome Gav!

I just dug this up, its crap quality but what i was talking about in my previous post, at GTI International 2004, i was standing near the guy who filmed this, was soooo quick!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZM_lelpVrU

[h100vw]

Must have been a 318 not an M3.

Gavin

[Big_M]

Yeah, think I'll walk before start running. Have a few things i'd like to do to make a car my own before go crazy!

Wish this rain would stop so can get out there and have a look.

[G-rig]

The Turbo R on carsales has been talked about on here too and has a bad history, i also considered it as the kit is pretty good and not cheap, but after hearing some horror stories i steered clear.

Yeah, if it's the silver one with BBS that thing has been sold on so many times, the original turbo kit would have cost 25k, now the whole car including the kit and other mods sold for around 25k.

Too much money to throw away but wouldn't be reliable at all, and you'd be lucky to get a good run out of three.

Apparently the mechanical side of it has been fixed up but heard they cant get the ECU/tune right so i'd avoid it.

[Big_M]

Yeah, if it's the silver one with BBS that thing has been sold on so many times, the original turbo kit would have cost 25k, now the whole car including the kit and other mods sold for around 25k.

Too much money to throw away but wouldn't be reliable at all, and you'd be lucky to get a good run out of three.

Apparently the mechanical side of it has been fixed up but heard they cant get the ECU/tune right so i'd avoid it.

Thanks very much again for the heads up.

This sharing is what makes this forum a great place.

Wonder if he wants to flog the wheels separately!. I like them

[drewr]

Buying mark IV r32.

Hey everyone,

I'm going to inspect the first of the Mark IV golf R32s im looking at this weekend, and i'm just curious if there's anything in particular to look out for? Known problems, etc? The car has got 130'000kms on it, which I shouldn't imagine will be a problem at all. There's another for an extra $4'000 which has 70'000kms and lacks the pioneer LCD that the other one does (not important, i know, but i dislike their original headunits).

Im really hoping to get it all going ahead so i can start driving and spending money on this beast!

[Big_M]

WOW another person on the chase for a R32 !!

[Big_M]

Wish this rain would stop so get out there and have a look at em properly ! Still, should have all next week off so hopefully can sort something !!

[drewr]

WOW another person on the chase for a R32 !!

Haha, beautiful cars is all that needs to be said!

[thekraut]

Hey mate. Make sure its has a complete service history (should be stamped in the book) and ensure its had the 120,000km service done ($1000 ballpark) including plugs, haldex fluid & filter, and other items. If it hasn't been done, start negotiating. I'd also speak to the servicing mechanic. If its a dealer you'll probably get no joy, but if they're independant you should get some useful info from them as far as the history of the vehicle is concerned.

Check paint match in direct sunlight at panel joins, if fitment of anything is a little out then ensure adjoining panels have the same paint colour and texture, and no file marks. Any crash repairs and you'll need to start asking questions.

Check side and squab bolsters on driver's seat for wear & tear, sometimes its too far gone, others a good leather treatment will fix. Check for any evidence of a roll cage being fitted, upgraded brake lines, non standard suspension.

While road testing: Check that xenons work and washers as well (operated when lights are turned on low beam and pulling back to wash windscreen). Ensure cruise works, climate works (make sure flaps work by cycling through face, feet vents and recirc), heated seats work - check all interior lights too.

Any clunks in suspension will = worn bushes. Vagueness in steering will also indicate worn tie rod ends. More bargaining points. Make sure drivetrain is all working ok. ensure all gears engage well. check coolant temp when you first start the car. If they have taken it for a 20 min drive to warm everything up before you get there, be wary.

Anything else should be obvious - any creaks, groans, noise from engine etc. Have the stereo off for the test drive

Anyone want to add anything? lol

[Big_M]

Haha, beautiful cars is all that needs to be said!

True.

I'm trying to sort myself one out too!.

[graeme86]

Make sure the radiator fans are working properly.
Known design fault.

Engine On

Put climatronic on ECON...fans do not go.

Press AUTO...BOTH fans should run on LOW speed continuously

If only one is going, or they are stopped and high speed pulses on and off...then the radiator fan low speed resistors are faulty.

New radiator fans would then be required....not particularly cheap.

Thats the only major drama. Pretty bulletproof otherwise.

[Treza360]

Due to all the interest, common questions and multiple threads about the MkIV R32 recently, I have merged them all into one thread. Please search through this thread or ask questions here if you have any. General MkIV questions should be asked in separate threads but as always please search before posting.
Cheers,
Trent

[Treza360]

..non standard suspension...

A fair chuck of people have replaced the standard awful Monroe shocks and possibly springs due to the fact that they're awful and crap. You can use this as a bargaining tool if you want but in 95% of cases it will always be better than the US spec OEM rubbish.
Cheers,
Trent