Buying an R36 - what to look out for - advice wanted

[R34]

The car itself is fine and it's not necessarily the colour but it's just the roof rails that create the impression of a hearse for me.
Ford or Holden wagons don't have the roof rails.
The R36 wagon is still a nice looking unit but would look better without the rails (IMHO)
Don't be so defensive mate it's just some peoples perception and not intended as a criticism

[booba]

put the cross bars on the top.. won't look like a hearse then and you can carry all the wood that you want from bunnings for those weekend projects!

[djR36]

Having come from 2 Audi I can't rave enough about my r36 wagon, best value for money car I've owned.

Having said that three qualms I do have:

1. Pain in the arse to get in and out of, and I am a short skinny guy
2. ride can be harsh around town, especially melb roads with tram lines
3. Thirsty

Love DSG works wonders with the engine and this is my first auto in 10 years.

Personally I'm a wagon/ avant man. So much more practical and IMHO look better! And yes you need the rails.

Reason I bought the r36, simple I wanted an RS4 avant but couldnt afford it, R36 was the next best thing! No competition

[R36er]

I have a 2009 R36 Wagon and love it - hands down best car I have owned. It's subtle and practical yet can transform itself when you mash your foot into the loud pedal.

Most of the replies so far have identified the main things (drivers side seat bolster / mechatronics unit).

I extended the warranty on mine and that has come in handy for a few bits and pieces.

The DSG gearbox is great but does make the services a little more expensive (worth it in my opinion).

My reason for buying the car is the same as DjR36 - in this price bracket you can't beat it.

[revivor]

I have a 2009 R36 Wagon and love it - hands down best car I have owned. It's subtle and practical yet can transform itself when you mash your foot into the loud pedal.

Most of the replies so far have identified the main things (drivers side seat bolster / mechatronics unit).

I extended the warranty on mine and that has come in handy for a few bits and pieces.

The DSG gearbox is great but does make the services a little more expensive (worth it in my opinion).

My reason for buying the car is the same as DjR36 - in this price bracket you can't beat it.

May I ask how much was your warranty extension & was it an Allianz warranty?

[R36er]

May I ask how much was your warranty extension & was it an Allianz warranty?

I purchased mine from a VW dealer to match factory warranty. I got an extra 3yrs/60,000km for just under $2000. More for peace of mind than anything else - and as I said I have used it already (my car came off the initial factory warranty in august).

[Burkey]

For what it is worth, get the guys at Jade to have a look.

I let mine go with about 75,000km on the clock and had had the mechatronics unit replaced, driver and passenger seat foam redone. The other thing to watch is the diff; mine was starting to make some horrible noises when I traded it.

Having said all of that, miss the blue beast terribly now that it's gone.

Brett