[rj_skillz]

Hey guys,

My names RJ, just recently joined the forum and on a mad hunt to find a mint R!

I'm after a 3DR DPB MK5 R32 DSG. I've been on the autotrader & pistonheads every single day for the past 3 weeks looking for my project car. I'm after a R32 which preferably is under 60k, 07 plate or higher, leather buckets, nav if possible.

Now, I went to see one today which wasn't DSG. Although, I wanted one with DSG - I just wanted to see one right up close and since it was only a 30 minute drive away, I thought why not?! Regardless, the specs looked awesome, 58 plate, 60k, 1 previous owner, had a full service history including a VW service pack (7 VW stamps). The dealer said it had all the receipts/papers for the vehicle. Price : £12,990

Here are some pictures I took...

Before viewing the car, I asked CupraBob for a few tips of what to look for when going to see a R32 apart from the usual bodywork, interior, service history, MOT, road tax etc. I took a detailed look around the vehicle, there were no signs of rust on the front wings around the wheel arches, no major scratches or dents - I was pretty happy! Sat inside the car and fell in love instantly with the buckets - really tucked me in well. As you can see from the pictures, the interior is pretty mint - with minor signs of wear on the seat bolsters which he said is bound to happen when getting in and out of car. The car was advertised at 60k but checked it was almost at 70k mileage..hmmm....

The owner told me that he can promise me it's by far the best R32 example out there - haldex oil changed at 40k. I asked him about the 28F5 coilpack recall but told me that issue was only with the pre-facelifts - is this true? Also, asked him about the steering rack but said that's only an issue with Audi's - again, wasn't too sure on this one so nodded my head haha!

It seemed to good to be true, had a look in the boot, spare wheel and components was brand spanking new. He explained that the tyres can tell if the car has been looked after well - he just had put on x4 new goodyear tyres.

Overall, It seemed like a great example of a R well looked after. I did initially tell him I wanted a DSG but told me to avoid as there's way too many problems with it? It always eventually breaks down on you and you will be forking out loads just to get it fixed. I guess this was the part where he was trying to sell me this car even though it was manual. Fair play to him but did kind of scared me away from DSG's

Abit cheeky of me but I did ask if he would take £12k but said there was no negotiation on this R. Also, didn't let me have a test drive as he had just valeted the car - put me off a bit as If I really did like it, I would of had the cash the next day for him.

Anyway guys, how did I do? Did I ask the right questions? What's your thoughts on the vehicle? Any advice would greatly be appreciated. I want to make sure I'm buying a mint car as I'm sure you all went through what I am going through right now before buying your R.

Thanks in advance,
RJ

 

[TraceyBaby67]

I can't highlight the quote about not letting you test drive due to it being just valeted but that's got to be one of the lamest excuses ever. If he wants to sell then he needs to let potential buyers drive his car. I can't believe that, not calling you a liar btw. If he says that its the best example out there then he must back his own claims up. I'd also be worried about the difference in claimed mileage.

Alan

 

[inactive]

He should not have any issue what so ever letting you test drive, if he does, you got to question...WHY ? Valeted is not an excuse as Tracy has mentioned, When the seller say's it's the best example of a specific car, take it with a pinch of salt, most sellers say this to get you on side.

Remember, unless you are 100% sure don't buy, it's YOU'RE hard earned cash and don't feel pressured into it.

 

[L_O_Z]

Stay away from him he's talking BS

 

[Jet9]

Most dealers would nearly break your arm to get you to take a test drive.
This does seem very fishy.
It is high mileage for a young R32 and there is no excuse for him misleading about it.
The price seems good and it looks good also.
Can you speak to the original owner for a bit of background?
Good luck with the search.

JT

 

[rj_skillz]

Thanks for the comments guys.

He also kept on mentioning how quiet his R32 is and how other's have been rattly compared to his. I find it a bit silly too that he didn't let me have a test drive nor even be willing to negotiate a little.

 

[inactive]

R32's quiet ? I never thought i'd hear that in the same sentence

I think as LOZ said he's talking BS, if you need any advice on anything else fella, the guys / girls on this forum are spot on with help, so don't hesitate to ask.

 

[cuprabob]

.In answer to your question regarding the coilpack recall, he is correct it's only cars up to and including 2007.

With regards to the test drive, I can only assume he didn't see you as a serious buyer and someone just looking for a go in an R32. It does happen now and again.

 

[Wiggsy]

I would question why he wouldn't let you test drive when he presumably knew you were coming to view the car.

Plus it is a buyers market for the R32 these days so the price most certainly is negotiable.

Plenty of cars out there - walk away from this one and buy one from someone you're comfortable dealing with (and from someone who won't misrepresent the mileage by 10k!)

 

[richard_nottm]

Its difficult to reign youself in when you see something you like.

I saw an R32 at a local VW dealer. It had a 10" scratch on the tailgate and bizarelly a very basic VW steering wheel. I questioned it but they didnt really know. Makes you wonder what goes on sometimes!

The car could well be ok....wouldnt overly worry with the DSG stuff as long as everything behaves on the test drive.

 

[fis1227]

Bit of cash for a car without dsg and steering controls and no test drive?? Im guessing it didnt have the highline display?

 

[cuprabob]

That car must have been originally specced by a car dealer for the showroom as I can't believe someone would spend £2600 on leather Recaros but not go an extra couple of hundred on MFSW and Highline.

 

[Danxr46]

*MFSW.....I wouldn't go for this example or chase it as if you've just seen one in the metal for first time up close it will make you want it but they're will possibly be more out there for you. There is no reason for them to not offer you a test drive so I would stay away from this. I originally went to see mine after looking around on the Internet an went away looked for some more and could only find one at the top of Scotland which was better which would of cost me more anyway on the travel up there so I did go for my first one I saw but I weighed up the options first. Keep looking an you will know you've come across the right one when you do.

 

[TheDoc]

My advice mirrors the above really RJ. I would be concerned that he didn't let you test drive - that is just weird. As for the DSG issue - I have a DSG and having never owned (although had driven a few), autos before, mine has been fine - in fact I cant imagine going back to a manual. Don't let anyone put you off the idea of a DSG.

Also I would definitely recommend using the milage discrepency to negotiate a discount, as a 10,000 miles different is a bit much.

 

[Jacko]

Be very patiant fella, it took me 8 months to get the exact one i wanted.

 

[rj_skillz]

Thank you for all your comments guys. Yeah I think I shall stay away from that sale and yes some of you are right, seeing one up close, especially my first R32 made me want to buy it instantly lol!! Patience is a virtue..

Regarding the DSG/Manual side of things - I will be using the R only on the weekends and will be hardly doing any motorway miles. In that case, is a Manual better in my situation?

Ive always assumed DSG would be perfect for daily commutes..any thoughts?

 

[cuprabob]

The DSG vs Manual question is down to personal preference and you really have to drive both to see what you prefer. As you say DSG is ideal for the daily commute but that aside the smoothness of the gearbox really does complement the V6 engine.

I've always disliked auto boxes but as soon as I tried a DSG box I loved it. Apart from a few minor quirks, which you soon learn to drive around, it really is the best of both worlds.

There are downsides though, it costs slightly more to maintain and if it goes wrong it's likely to be expensive to fix, without warranty. although not as expensive as it used to be as some companies are refurbing mechatronic units.

 

[Jet9]

The DSG gives slightly better MPG and faster acceleration.
Try to test drive both before committing yourself. That's what I did and I preferred the DSG.
Still have it 5 years later and still look forward to every drive.

 

[L_O_Z]

Like Bob says you need to test both. Some members who have DSG only use D. I personally only use the paddles. Traffic, motorways or country lanes I've always got it in semi-auto. That's why you need to test first because they'll be completely different opinions, not just DSG vs Manual but DSG vs DSG

 

[CorradoR32]

Firstly, £13K for a manual 70K car is too much and secondly, the seller is total plank. "Best car out there". What ever.

What you should do is fake a phone call in earshot of the dealer: "Is the R32 you've got advertised still available? I'm at another dealer now and he won't let me test drive his. He clearly doesn't want my business, so I'm coming to view yours now. I have the cash with me".

Then watch his attitude change.