[Kiteboarder]

Hi,

I've been considering a 2004 R32 as a DD. The reviews on Edmunds make it sounds like it's absolutely amazing. I seriously had a hard time finding anything negative about it online. But then a friend told me they are not as well built as the 2008's. And another friend told me that his friend has one that goes into limp mode really easily after only a small set of WOT pulls. He also tells me that it has spent many days in the shop for repairs. They both seem to agree they are great cars, but that I'm going to end up needing repairs often. I'm used to VERY reliable cars, so I'm a little put off by the comments.

So I decided to come straight to the source and listen from the people than actually own these cars. Here are my questions...

1. How reliable are they compared to say an Evo, WRX, regular GTI, etc, etc?

2. How's the AWD system hold up compared to a Subbie system?

3. Looking at pricing, it seems my budget would fit a car that's around 70-90k miles. What's the point these engines start dishing out lots of problems?

4. Compared to Japanese brands, is service work on these much more expensive?

5. I'm looking for a DD that can handle bikes, surfboards, snow trips and some music gear inside every once in a while. Good choice?

Some of my other cars... and pet peeves about them:

- Gen 2 Scion XB: Excellent, excellent car. But, suspension's mediocre at best and I would've liked to have AWD.

- Xterra. Had both gens, both where gas guzzlers (under 14 MPG) and 2wd. Ugh. Sold.

- Miata. Amazing fun, but impractical. No roofracks either.

I'm all ears...

 

[Guest]

ive had mine near on 6 years now covered 112,000 miles ive done many track days inc 4 trips to nurburgring 2 to spa and not one issue other than scrap tyres lol the 4 motion system is great but its not permenent 4wd power is shifting around constantly

they will piss on a scooby or evo for build quality

service costs aint expencive at all as long as you keep away from the dealers find a good specialist

to be honest the boot is a let down but you cant have it all

and the comment made about the mk4/ 5 by yr friend take no notice

 

[Kiteboarder]

^^^ Well, we're off to a good start.

 

[cammy]

Far more reliable than a scoobie or evo, strong unstressed v6 against high strung 2l turbos, service costs may be a little more but I had to service my scoob every 3k, 20k with the golf.
The 4wd system isn't as good for performance as say a scoob but better for everyday driving,
Build quality is far better than the japs, I am fond of a scoobie but for everyday driving the golf is a better car,

 

[joelr32]

I've had mine for a year and abit now and I love it, best car I've owned! Get one you won't regret it.

I have a mk4 r btw

 

[flinty]

I've had my Mkv for nearly 3 yr and it's definitely the best car I have owned, I've owned a few jap turbo cars and this definitely has better build quality the insides is not an ocean of plastic and parts are pretty reasonable, if your friend has problems with his car going into limpode I'd tell him to get it fixed as that's not normal, go and get one you won't be disappointed

 

[V632R_81]

I've had my mk5 for 4 years now, it feels and goes like it did when I first got it. Recent passenger comment: feels like I'm being driven around in a big car....feels solid, safe and smooth and it does'nt half go.

 

[DougalR]

The engine is virtually indestructible, along with the 4wd system. Guys on here run 500hp nearly through them.

 

[MIQ]

Used mine every day for 2 years most reliable car ever

Sent from my iPhone 9 in a Time Machine

 

[vamp r32]

i had my mk4 32 fours yrs plus
loved it...engine n 4x4 system was safe...just make sure when buying that all milage and service history, mots are correct... your on a winner

 

[SplitPersonality]

Just had some fun with a Scooby, can't have been a fast one...

 

[RCF]

I think it is one of those things that if you dont look after it correctly then it will break. The car is an complex thing... So service history is everything. You do get those that people skimp on the haldex and the dsg servicing and that will cost you laterz.

So AS above it is an exceptionally capable car and will last for ever as long as you look after it.. Same as any otner car.

German vs Jap etc is a personal preference. Ive had both and ended up back here again in the german camp!!!

Go and drive a couple then make your choice.

 

[cokecan]

Owned one since October and have to echo the above comments. I love it!

I find the R32 just feels so capable in every situation I've come up at so far. It's quicker than it feels, it's comfy, so far reliable (I've not even had to top it up with oil yet! The level seems to be holding nicely unlike my previous 2.0TFSI engine), it grips like crazy, it sounds awesome. To me it feels well built both inside and out and it is a hoot to drive />

 

[Josh_R_32]

I took out an evo 10 for a test drive.... scared the living poop out of the salesman then said naa doesnt feel rught... 6 months later i bought a mk4 R blind (no test drive just turned up and swapped keys) never had so much fun on the way home!!!

 

[Kiteboarder]

Thanks for all the comments guys. I have to go test drive a couple. I'm only interested in an '04... Nothing wrong with the '08, I think the '08 looks better inside/out. But I need 3 pedals. I've been making some changes in my other cars, so I'm not necessarily in a hurry to buy the VW yet. There's one car I'm looking to buy for the track first and if it works out then I might consider selling my DD in favor of the R32. But I won't know until I have put some miles on the possible track car. Still, I'll start test driving some R32's and continue doing the research.

I don't always buy fast. I've joined a car forum before where I have bought the car in question within 2 weeks of joining. At other times, a very recent example actually, I ended up buying the car in question 2 years after I had joined the forum! So, we'll see how it all pans out. But thanks so much for all the feedback.

 

[Josh_R_32]

Psssst.... Just get one you will NOT be dissappointed