Golf R Observations and Questions

[gRaQ5]

Wow, this thread really has gone quiet. I guess owners have had the R for several years and a graduating to newer toys...

I'm a new member of the family, 2nd hand my10 R, fully specced, manual, bought it from interstate and drove it back

Had it for a couple of weeks now. Some early observations:

- much smoother than the MPS I previously had, which was very tiring to drive due to heavy clutch and notchy gear changes. The R is a bit of a goldilocks proposition as it's not as soft as the S3 I've previously driven (my02 I think), which had a gearbox like a toy

- I have the same clunk that other owners have experienced when reversing. Bit unnerving actually, not really sure what it is. Also when reversing and turning at the same time, there's a muffled grinding noise that sounds like I was rubbing metal against metal (not the best description but it's hard to explain).

- turning circle is rubbish

- compared to the wife's Q5, the R feels like I'm sitting on the ground

- love having the friction point lower to the ground

- all in all a great drive, think it's a keeper.

Needing to change tyres soon. Has anyone used tyresales.com.au? Any feedback?



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[AdamD]

Needing to change tyres soon. Has anyone used tyresales.com.au? Any feedback?

Check this thread out for some fantastic bargains, especially seeing as you're in Victoria:

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/f39/good-price-goodyear-tyres-92584.html

[SilvrFoxX]

Wow, this thread really has gone quiet. I guess owners have had the R for several years and a graduating to newer toys...

I'm a new member of the family, 2nd hand my10 R, fully specced, manual, bought it from interstate and drove it back

Had it for a couple of weeks now. Some early observations:

- much smoother than the MPS I previously had, which was very tiring to drive due to heavy clutch and notchy gear changes. The R is a bit of a goldilocks proposition as it's not as soft as the S3 I've previously driven (my02 I think), which had a gearbox like a toy

- I have the same clunk that other owners have experienced when reversing. Bit unnerving actually, not really sure what it is. Also when reversing and turning at the same time, there's a muffled grinding noise that sounds like I was rubbing metal against metal (not the best description but it's hard to explain).

- turning circle is rubbish

- compared to the wife's Q5, the R feels like I'm sitting on the ground

- love having the friction point lower to the ground

- all in all a great drive, think it's a keeper.

Needing to change tyres soon. Has anyone used tyresales.com.au? Any feedback?



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Greetings and congrats

I suspect after nearly 4 years all that can be said has been said and in several instances many times over. There are a few hitting end of warranty so folk tend to turn them over and 3-4 years is the norm for car ownership.

Mine is fast coming up 3 years and only got 37k on the clock, has been a bullet proof ride and never glitches on me once. At this stage I can easily see another 2 plus years of ownership because there isn't anything out there that warrants the spend.

You you really enjoy it.. what is the colour and spec

[gRaQ5]

Thanks Adam!


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[Lucas_R]

@ gRaQ5 - if you want to tighten up the gear shift in your manual R, get the 42DD solid gear shifter bushings (about $60 from Carformance.com.au). I have them on my R and GTI. They make a significant difference to the shift feel. The stock bushes are rubber with holes in them (so they flex alot and offer no feel).

Makes a big difference for $60 and an hours work.

[gRaQ5]

Thanks SF - black, manual, 19', ACC, sunroof, rvc, sat nav, leather. Really really wanted rising blue but waited forever and did not find one that at least had sat nav and leather. Black turned out to be very good, very pleased with it.

Bought it with 24,000 kms, pretty low for a my10 so pretty happy with it

Have always wanted to own an R so not letting this one go too early.

Good to hear no glitches on yours, sounds like VW have improved its reliability. My my08 dsg TSI stalled once after 40,000kms (?!?!), maybe first gen super-turbo charged engine had some reliability crinkles to iron out


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[gRaQ5]

Thanks Lucas - does it come with instructions on how to install it?


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[Lucas_R]

There is a video on the Carformance website detailing the install. Pretty easy DIY if you are handy. Regarding your 08 TSI...those engines are nothing but trouble. The R engine is tough and can take a spanking.

[tonymy01]

Weird about the turning circle,I thought mine was great after coming from a my01 WRX. I have noticed noises at full lock, it sounds like the front tyre just scrapes on the inner guard liner. In shiny concrete carparks when reversing under full lock, you can feel all the diffs doing strange things too.

[Frazza]

Weird about the turning circle,I thought mine was great after coming from a my01 WRX. I have noticed noises at full lock, it sounds like the front tyre just scrapes on the inner guard liner. In shiny concrete carparks when reversing under full lock, you can feel all the diffs doing strange things too.

Yeah that is weird, i came from and EVO X MR and it's turning circle was crap so for me the R was much better. I have factory 19" wheels with lowered H&R springs and i don't get any rubbing at all, no noises nothing

[Lucas_R]

Don't forget that the R's with the 19" wheels have a different steering rack/limited steering rack - so the R's with the 18" wheels have a better turning circle.

[Frazza]

Don't forget that the R's with the 19" wheels have a different steering rack/limited steering rack - so the R's with the 18" wheels have a better turning circle.

Yeah this is true, i think that what happens sometimes is that an R arrives in the dealers with 18" wheels and the customer wants 19's so they swap them off another car and this could cause the problem

[Dutch77]

I believe a lot of dealers wouldn't do the swap for that reason (and the plastic extensions for ADRs would also be missing?).

[gRaQ5]

Golf R Observations and Questions

Weird about the turning circle,I thought mine was great after coming from a my01 WRX. I have noticed noises at full lock, it sounds like the front tyre just scrapes on the inner guard liner. In shiny concrete carparks when reversing under full lock, you can feel all the diffs doing strange things too.

That's a more accurate description than the one I gave... And mine happens in shiny polished concrete carparks as well...

Just drove my friend's SLK... My god I almost did a 180degree turn into a pole trying to make a right angle turn. The t/circle was was so generous. Interesting to hear the wrx and evo have tight circles as well. I think it just gets a bit of getting used to.

Hehe, I after 2 weeks I just realised my seat can go lower. Now I feel like sitting below the ground with just my head sticking out

@ Adam_R - I contacted Rubal at Goodyear Croydon - his prices are great and he is so responsive!


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[gRaQ5]

Right, have now changed tyres. Turns out I'll need some new rims as a couple of them are buckled. Any one know where I can get some new 19" talladegas? Or maybe even the R32 mags cos they're pretty good looking as well (and easier to wash). What's the difference b/w oem and aftermarket vw wheels?


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