Golf R32 - anyone own one?

R32's are great cars, mildly unexciting but very accomplished.

They're practical, very refined, reasonably quick, built with nice materials,have lovely cabins (especially at night) and decent spec.
That 4wd gubbins and big V6 make them heavy and thirsty, if that bothers you look elsewhere.

Pitted against the Golf GTi, or, more relevantly, the Edition 30 GTI, they'reblunter and certainly no faster (the GTI and ED30 both produced more power than VW claimed).

That creamy, cultured engine is a peach but they rev so smoothly you can find yourself hitting the limiter and wishing you had another 50horsepower or an extra 1000rpm to play with.
A quality aftermarket muffler could help and at least give more of an impression of revs/speed and excitement.

If you want6 cylinder propulsion in a compact package you either go with one of these or a 130i BMW (or loony tunes Clio V6 if you're patient and brave).

I haven't heard of any major common faults and you sound like you've done your research so you know what to look for.

The DSG 'box is incredibly efficient but I found it aloof and too clinical, it's never fully manual (computer override), the tiny paddles are a bit 'clickety click click' and lack the involvement of the 6sp manual. Most owners end up sticking it in 'D' and leaving the paddle(ettes) alone, think of DSG as an auto box with occasional manual intervention and you're on the money.

I owned the Edition 30 GTI and drove the R32 on road and track, back then I preferred the GTI for its ballistic shove, 3 door bodyshell and manual box, nowadays I'd like the R32 (and the odd manual one does pop up) for it's lovely acoustics, sophisticated feel and big hearted donk.

These cars do what they do so well that they can feel a little boring and whilst tuning/mods aren't my thing I can't help thinking that a naughty muffler, Haldex controller or a set of aftermarket cams could just give them the character they deserve.

That jazzpianoman talks sense - make sure you read his post above.

Happy New Year.

If you want more performance out of the R32, try importing one of the aftermarket turbo kits from overseas. Various videos on Youtube and info on other forums. I believe they end up faster than a Ferrari due to their resutant power to weight ratio. Someone else on here would know more. I've always wanted to try this, but you have to behave sensibly when you have a mortgage,.

If you are going to kill the resale of a car by modifying it, you may as well start with a cheaper car to start with.

Wouldn't have a clue about them, but they are a great looking car, IMO.

They do look nice but VW should of made an engine worthy of the rest of the car.

Looking at purchasing a Mk5 Golf R32 as a New Years present to myself. Anything to look out for in particular with these! I will be limiting myself to considering NZ new examples, with full dealer history - nothing less. So might take a while to find one. Would prefer DSG over a straight manual. I've read a lot of Golf forums on here over recent months, most of which turn into a sledging match between the usual suspects.but if anyone has owned one, worked on them, or sold them it would be good to hear some constructive feedback to weigh up alongside the respected website reviews and forums, and my own impressions from test driving. Cheers in advance. And Happy New Year to all.

5.4.3.2.ONE !any second now

Just do a google search there's plenty of information on the web.Probably more reliable than the information you get on here.

Yes.obviously - but no harm in asking the locals as well.

Solidly built car. Thirsty. Performance could be a bit better. My flatmate used to have one, it was no faster than my Clio 172 over Dyers Pass.

They are way underpowered for what they are nissan and lancia did it better in 1990.

The mk5 r32 is not a hot hatch, not even midly warm but if you like them then buy it, who cares what others think.

I have not owned an R32 but really like the MK5 and we have had (and continue to have) several in the family which I service etc.

My first thought is that if you have not already to also drive the Golf GTI or A3 Turbo. In NZ conditions at least, I find the GTI really just as entertaining, but also brilliantly usable every day given that its actually properly economical despite the performance on tap.

I also prefer to deal with the cambelt service every 4 years vs dealing with the timing chains which can need attention on the 3.2 any time from about 120KM (Take this bit with a grain of salt as I am going on what I have heard/research here, not having worked on a 3.2).

I would be more concerned about DSG servicing rather than whether its NZ new or not. Wet clutch DSG's need servicing every 60K, its quick and easy and can be done properly at home with minimal tools. The DSG like any transmission can break, but its pretty rare and the warranty claim numbers agree with me. I would have more confidence in it lasting than any regular automatic currently on the market. Replacement/repair is at worst no more expensive than a regular auto, in most cases cheaper especially if you go about it sensibly.

In general the MK5 is an extremely well designed car. No one could touch the regular Golf in its segment it was so far ahead of its time, its only now that some in the segment are really catching up to where VW were in 2003 a decade later!

In terms of reliability, parts etc I think the VW is very good, the sheer numbers produced and multiple importers in NZ keep parts prices very good, like anything though, you can be ripped off if you go to the wrong places. Reliability is great IMO, especially given the sophistication of the vehicle. There were very few things that VW didn't get right straight away and the few bits that could have been better are easily/cheaply rectified. (Diverter valve on the 2.0 Turbo, Heater flap motor come to mind). Cars from approx mid 2005 has some of these little things improved/fixed and a few extra features, but not enough difference to make it worth going out of your way to buy a later one IMO.

So, yes, go for it IMO. But do drive the GTI first and consider the significant difference in economy. Pick one that has been well serviced (like any car) and continue to service it by the book.

Do that and its pretty hard to go wrong IMO.

Oh, and at risk of stirring up a hornets nest. Be wary of negative reviews from those who have never owned one or are to inept to understand how to work on one properly (which is worrying because they are simple to deal with). I am all for constructive criticism (like the guy who posted about the Amarok he owns) but there is a real push on here for keyboard warriors, most who have never even sat on one to make up nonsense about DSG transmissions etc.

I've not driven R32 but have the GTI with DSG and loved it.