Which car should I get?

[whichonetoget]

The trend is that GTIs with similar specs to R32s are going for about $10k less.

It's hard to find anything newer than an 06 R32 for under $40k from a dealership. Some want nearly $50k for 08 models. Whereas I've seen 07/08 models with DSG, leather, sunroof, etc go for $30k.

I really love the R32's engine and overall package, but question its value for money.

[Valver.]

I just sold my mint '08 R32 with 28,000km for $35,500. They've just taken another price plunge and really represent one hell of a bargain (and a loss of money for those of us who bought one new!!). I like the GTIs, but the axle tramp is far too frustrating for me; plus the stock 5dr is a pretty ugly car, especially with the 17" wheels

In other news, why would you even consider buying a used car from a dealer!?

[triode12]

I own a Pirelli and it doesn't suffer from Axle tramp. It did initially suffer from wheelspin when the tyres were fresh but not after the tyres have worn in. The right tyres and the way you drive have got a lot to do with it.

The R32 is front heavy, drinks more and isn't as nimble as the GTI. It is a different driving experience, not better or worse - just different. What the R32 has over the GTI however, is that glorious soundtrack. But having been in a few, one can only hear the exhaust when the windows are down, it is quite muted otherwise. IMO, the R32 was made for the open highway like the Autobahn where it's Archilles heel (fuel consumption) isn't so evident. For city driving and short DD trips, it's talents are wasted.

I'd test both cars before deciding on which you'd prefer.

[hoffie82]

[QUOTE=Valver.;571729]I just sold my mint '08 R32 with 28,000km for $35,500. QUOTE]

WOW thats awesome value. I paid $35,000 back in June for my 5dr R32 MY07 with 53Ks on the clock and thought that was great deal!

whichonetoget, if i were you:
A: Look at private R32's
B: Look at private R32's
C: Dont buy a Gti - Every man and his dog has one!

Get my drift?

[whoalse]

I own a Pirelli and it doesn't suffer from Axle tramp. It did initially suffer from wheelspin when the tyres were fresh but not after the tyres have worn in. The right tyres and the way you drive have got a lot to do with it.

The R32 is front heavy, drinks more and isn't as nimble as the GTI. It is a different driving experience, not better or worse - just different. What the R32 has over the GTI however, is that glorious soundtrack. But having been in a few, one can only hear the exhaust when the windows are down, it is quite muted otherwise. IMO, the R32 was made for the open highway like the Autobahn where it's Archilles heel (fuel consumption) isn't so evident. For city driving and short DD trips, it's talents are wasted.

I'd test both cars before deciding on which you'd prefer.

agreed with this...how we wish the speed limit could be increase as well! lol

[whichonetoget]

I just sold my mint '08 R32 with 28,000km for $35,500. They've just taken another price plunge and really represent one hell of a bargain (and a loss of money for those of us who bought one new!!). I like the GTIs, but the axle tramp is far too frustrating for me; plus the stock 5dr is a pretty ugly car, especially with the 17" wheels

In other news, why would you even consider buying a used car from a dealer!?

Wow, cheap!!

Yeah, I'd like to buy privately, but just worried about the risks involved. Especially considering that I'd have to do it interstate.

I would love an 08 3dr DSG with Sunroof for under $40k.

[TomC]

whichonetoget,
I feel your pain here in SA in not having many second hand options. But keep checking the ads. I was after a fully stocked mk5 GTI and after a few months was convinced I'd have to buy interstate, then one just popped up in SA and was exactely what I was looking for. It's so much easier to buy within the state if possible. Mine was an MY07 with 29000km and I paid $35k back a few months.

[whichonetoget]

whichonetoget,
I feel your pain here in SA in not having many second hand options. But keep checking the ads. I was after a fully stocked mk5 GTI and after a few months was convinced I'd have to buy interstate, then one just popped up in SA and was exactely what I was looking for. It's so much easier to buy within the state if possible. Mine was an MY07 with 29000km and I paid $35k back a few months.

There are actually a number of GTIs over here, it's the R32s that are a bit thin. The only private one I can find is an 08 model which is priced at $53k. There was a manual 08 which was snapped up rather quickly for $39k a month or so ago.

Did you buy privately or from a dealer? I am worried about buying privately as I just want a smooth transaction with no headaches.

[TomC]

There are actually a number of GTIs over here, it's the R32s that are a bit thin. The only private one I can find is an 08 model which is priced at $53k. There was a manual 08 which was snapped up rather quickly for $39k a month or so ago.

Did you buy privately or from a dealer? I am worried about buying privately as I just want a smooth transaction with no headaches.

Yeah you're right about the R32 secondhand shortage! My problem was that I wanted particular options on my GTI (esp. xenons) and we just don't have the range of cars for sale to get the options you might want. Even less so with the R32 as you said.

I've only bought 2 cars secondhand (I'm in my 20's) so not hugely experienced but both purchases were private and both went very smoothly. The price premium to buy from a dealer didn't interest me at all!!! In terms of paperwork I dare say there would be less that from a dealer. Are you worried about buying a dud car? A good tip a mate gave me when buying privately was to write up a small contract (handwritten is fine) which had the buyer and seller name, price of purchase, any deposit paid, date car is "delivered" to you. I also included a bit saying that if something went wrong with the car in the first 1 month clearly through poor maintainance then the previous owner would pay repair costs. Both times the previous owner was more than happy to sign it, which gave me extra assurance that they had nothing to hide. And pay by bank cheque (not personal) so it's traceable.

[Tony_Mitchell_1983]

I like the GTIs, but the axle tramp is far too frustrating for me; plus the stock 5dr is a pretty ugly car, especially with the 17" wheels

You sir are INSANE!

The 5 door looks even better than the 3 door. The 3 door doesn't look balanced. And it looks great stock, but admittedly even better lowered. But still not as good as the r32.

And those wheels are iconic! I did take mine off though to have something that was a bit different.

I'm not sure I'm making a very good argument here, I've changed everything I'm defending...

Not based on looks though, I'm glad I got a GTI over the r32 as it was much cheaper at the time and it's probably quicker than most r32's now...

As for wheel tramp, it's now non existent with a new set of Pirelli P zeros.

[Noodles]

IMO, the R32 was made for the open highway like the Autobahn where it's Archilles heel (fuel consumption) isn't so evident. For city driving and short DD trips, it's talents are wasted.

That is so true, I get around 360miles to tank in UK with my R there where I don't get impeded with stupid hoon laws (Motorway speed limit might be 70mph but never have issue with unmarked cops if doing 90mph) and whereas can only drive car at half speed in Aust and get 280km to a tank

If roads can handle it and car can handle it why can we atleast have 130km/hr like europe and not 80/90km/hr on freeway

[Valver.]

You sir are INSANE!

The 5 door looks even better than the 3 door. The 3 door doesn't look balanced. And it looks great stock, but admittedly even better lowered. But still not as good as the r32.

And those wheels are iconic! I did take mine off though to have something that was a bit different.

I'm not sure I'm making a very good argument here, I've changed everything I'm defending...

Not based on looks though, I'm glad I got a GTI over the r32 as it was much cheaper at the time and it's probably quicker than most r32's now...

As for wheel tramp, it's now non existent with a new set of Pirelli P zeros.

Sounds very much like a post from a "Mk5 Recruit" - someone who wouldn't have looked twice at the brand until the Mk5 GTI came along.

Go drive a Mk1 GTI and get back to me when you understand the foundations behind the brand, which a 5dr Mk5 GTI is such a large departure from!

[DNA Tuning]

As nice as a GTI with a tune is, the overall package of the R32 is hard to beat. Not to mention it's the last of the rumbly VR6's for the Golf; it *could* help it sustain its value for longer; especially when you consider that many rank the R32 on par with an S3 performance wise, so it won't get completely annihilated by the new R at least.

[VW Central]

especially when you consider that many rank the R32 on par with an S3 performance wise, so it won't get completely annihilated by the new R at least.

Your joking right? The new Golf R with an intake, downpipe and ecu flash would smoke the MKV R32 out the water. It would actually leave it for dead. My friend has a stg 1 GTI MKV and managed to destroy the R32. Nonetheless, I do agree with you the R32 has an exhaust note to die for. But I would definitely not say it is fast. Yes, I've driven one, in fact I took one home for the weekend when I was buying my car.

[Dano™]

another option is the audi A3

check out this one: 2005 AUDI A3 AMBITION SPORTBACK DSG QUATTRO 8P Private Cars For Sale in NSW - carsales.com.au

I am in love!