Make a donation

Author Topic: Thinking of Selling gti for r32  (Read 2723 times)

Offline Mickymurf

  • Taking part
  • ***
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 0
  • -Receive: 0
  • Posts: 30
Thinking of Selling gti for r32
« on: December 12, 2017, 09:50:11 pm »
Hi guys have a 2006 gti dsg but fancy a change, although I still like the gti was thinkjng of changing to a similar age r32, what’s everyone else thoughts? Just love the noise and would like the extra grip of 4wd? Is this a wise move? Has anyone done the same?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Offline Andy

  • Admin
  • Just look at my post count
  • *
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 39
  • -Receive: 442
  • Posts: 10913
    • Email
Re: Thinking of Selling gti for r32
« Reply #1 on: December 12, 2017, 10:15:07 pm »
gone from a gttdi to a r32 and never looked back...the tax is higher depending on what year you get and also the gti is more tunable but the noise in the r32 and drive is fantastic

Offline MIJ_JAGGER

  • Won't Shut up.
  • *****
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 103
  • -Receive: 77
  • Posts: 765
Re: Thinking of Selling gti for r32
« Reply #2 on: December 12, 2017, 11:02:51 pm »
I prefer the MK4 R32, going to start looking for a mint one in the new year to add to the collection

Offline chigmuss

  • Always Involved
  • ****
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 5
  • -Receive: 16
  • Posts: 219
Re: Thinking of Selling gti for r32
« Reply #3 on: December 13, 2017, 07:51:06 am »
You're probably aware if you've started looking but, 2006 r32's are in the cheaper bracket than 2007 onwards, helps a small bit on running cost.
The sound alone is justification for getting one, a nice exhaust and perhaps a set of down pipes but after that chasing big power hikes is big money on the VR's. They handle well enough (for having a heavy engine in the front) consumption so not too bad either. Only option I'd try and hang out for would be the recaro wingbacks if you can find one that ticks all your other needs and has them fitted.
Mk4's seem to have levelled out in terms of mileage versus price, don't see many worth having for less than 6k. The really low milers that do come up are way above that. Lots of folk saying they're future classics but it's not like there were limited editions of them so who knows but they're not golf rallye rare.

Offline Andy

  • Admin
  • Just look at my post count
  • *
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 39
  • -Receive: 442
  • Posts: 10913
    • Email
Re: Thinking of Selling gti for r32
« Reply #4 on: December 13, 2017, 08:14:35 am »
Watch "My r32" on YouTube

mine with the standard exhaust

Offline pudding

  • Global Moderator
  • Just look at my post count
  • *
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 2
  • -Receive: 670
  • Posts: 8229
Re: Thinking of Selling gti for r32
« Reply #5 on: December 13, 2017, 09:42:55 am »
I bought a silver 3 door MK4 R32 in 2013 with 50K miles on it with a view to convert it to DSG.  It's been done in Europe but not in the UK, to my knowledge.  The best gearbox matched to the best looking R32, what's not to like?  :laugh:

The only mods I felt it needed were genuine 'Ocean' rear tail lights, US seat covers for the Koenig seats (3 partitions instead of 2, which stops the common leather sagging problem) and a remap.  Not to make masses of power, but to smooth out the horrible VW mapping.  I did come away with 265hp though, which isn't bad from the 236 they make standard.

But after living with it for year I came to the conclusion it wasn't for me dynamically and the performance was also lacking.  I need more than noise. I need the full package, so I sold it on.  Kind of regret that now as it was a mint low miler, but never mind!

Another thing that bugged me was the exhaust drone from the standard exhaust, which was horrific, and even worse with aftermarket exhausts!   I welded the flapper valve shut in the end and lined the boot with foam sheets, which helped a lot.

R32 dos and don'ts:

DO get a MK5 with DSG, or get a MK4 and DSG it if you're feeling brave!

Don't bother with exhausts and especially don't bother with downpipes unless you want to kill the bottom end torque.

Don't bother with cams.  Total waste of money.

Don't bother with induction kits.  Total waste of money.

DO Turbo it  :happy2:

The MK5 is the far better car dynamically and has the better engine, but VW put next to no effort into it's styling.  If one comes towards you, you could easily mistake it for a Jetta.  The MK4 was clearly handed over to the Motorsport division and it shows.  H&R springs, H&R ARBs and Bilstein B6 dampers as standard  :happy2:

That is why the MK5 will fade into obscurity and the MK4 will appreciate.  It was the first mass market hot hatch with a great big 6 cylinder engine and 4WD.






2007 ED30 | 2009 TDI 140 | 2016 BMW 330D

Offline MIJ_JAGGER

  • Won't Shut up.
  • *****
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 103
  • -Receive: 77
  • Posts: 765
Re: Thinking of Selling gti for r32
« Reply #6 on: December 13, 2017, 02:59:04 pm »
Neighbour has a MK5 R32 with a Miltek exhaust, way too loud...
Exhaust should be left alone just like the E46 M3, beautiful sound!

Offline willk86

  • Taking part
  • ***
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 0
  • -Receive: 1
  • Posts: 43
    • Email
Re: Thinking of Selling gti for r32
« Reply #7 on: December 13, 2017, 03:23:14 pm »
You're probably aware if you've started looking but, 2006 r32's are in the cheaper bracket than 2007 onwards, helps a small bit on running cost.
The sound alone is justification for getting one, a nice exhaust and perhaps a set of down pipes but after that chasing big power hikes is big money on the VR's. They handle well enough (for having a heavy engine in the front) consumption so not too bad either. Only option I'd try and hang out for would be the recaro wingbacks if you can find one that ticks all your other needs and has them fitted.
Mk4's seem to have levelled out in terms of mileage versus price, don't see many worth having for less than 6k. The really low milers that do come up are way above that. Lots of folk saying they're future classics but it's not like there were limited editions of them so who knows but they're not golf rallye rare.
It's actually the 2005 that's the cheaper tax bracket. So goes up in 2006.

If paying monthly it's £42 for the higher bracket so not toooo bad lol.

My mates just got an 08 plate r32, sounds bloody amazing.

When I was looking, I was torn between a 2005 r32 or the GTI. I got the gti purely because I found an 08 plate with 130k 1 owner and full history for £4k.

I don't regret buying the GTI but I'm definitely going to get an r32 at some point.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk


Offline pudding

  • Global Moderator
  • Just look at my post count
  • *
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 2
  • -Receive: 670
  • Posts: 8229
Re: Thinking of Selling gti for r32
« Reply #8 on: December 13, 2017, 03:42:42 pm »
Neighbour has a MK5 R32 with a Miltek exhaust, way too loud...
Exhaust should be left alone just like the E46 M3, beautiful sound!

If it's the non-resonated one, definitely.  Just sounds like an angry Wookie that's stepped on a nail.

Agree on both counts - stock exhaust is best.  R32s don't have any induction noise at all, hence intakes being a waste of money.


2007 ED30 | 2009 TDI 140 | 2016 BMW 330D

Offline Andy

  • Admin
  • Just look at my post count
  • *
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 39
  • -Receive: 442
  • Posts: 10913
    • Email
Re: Thinking of Selling gti for r32
« Reply #9 on: December 13, 2017, 04:48:18 pm »
Also to add
the mk4 is a better looking car but the mk5 is a better drive and handling car but the dsg suits the car well in the mk5

Offline loop

  • Always Involved
  • ****
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 26
  • -Receive: 3
  • Posts: 258
Re: Thinking of Selling gti for r32
« Reply #10 on: December 13, 2017, 08:48:21 pm »
Would love to try an R32 but surely fuel consumption is way too high for Day to day driving? I guess those that buy them aren’t bothered about that sort of thing!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
‘05 GT, Retrofits: RNS 510 DAB+, R32 Highline Cluster, R32 MFSW, Mk6 Reversing Camera, 7P6 Bluetooth, TPMS, Cruise Control, VW MDI, Chrome switches, Blaupunkt THA 475 amp.

Offline chigmuss

  • Always Involved
  • ****
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 5
  • -Receive: 16
  • Posts: 219
Re: Thinking of Selling gti for r32
« Reply #11 on: December 14, 2017, 11:02:17 am »
3.2 V6 R32 4MOTION 3d DSG (23 Mar 2006 - 30 Jul 2008)   £520.00   
3.2 V6 R32 4MOTION 3d DSG (18 Nov 2005 - 22 Mar 2006)   £305.00   
3.2 V6 R32 4MOTION 5d DSG (23 Mar 2006 - 30 Jul 2008)   £520.00   
3.2 V6 R32 4MOTION 5d DSG (18 Nov 2005 - 22 Mar 2006)  £305.00

Offline pudding

  • Global Moderator
  • Just look at my post count
  • *
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 2
  • -Receive: 670
  • Posts: 8229
Re: Thinking of Selling gti for r32
« Reply #12 on: December 14, 2017, 04:14:45 pm »
Would love to try an R32 but surely fuel consumption is way too high for Day to day driving? I guess those that buy them aren’t bothered about that sort of thing!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not really.  My R32 averaged 26mpg.  My Stage 2+ Ed30 averages 29mpg, so not a lot in it.  The R32 is a lot faster off the line and up to 3000rpm though.  From there the ED30 leaves it for dead.


2007 ED30 | 2009 TDI 140 | 2016 BMW 330D

Offline slix

  • Won't Shut up.
  • *****
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 7
  • -Receive: 38
  • Posts: 634
  • Stage 1 ED30 Owner
Re: Thinking of Selling gti for r32
« Reply #13 on: December 15, 2017, 07:01:21 pm »
I had one before my ed30. The sound is amazing and launch is great too but they don't feel too quick after that. Fuel economy wasn't too bad if driven sensible. They are very front heavy so cornering isn't great on them too. I had a suitcase resonator delete and sounded sexy. Not too loud.

If you want a cheaper alternative get the Audi a3... 3.2L as it's pretty much the same car with a better interior and much much cheaper to buy.
Stage "1.5" ED30 [330BHP] Rtech