Thinking about a new Volkswagen - TDI, GTI or Golf R ? ....

[joeinid]

I am really getting an itch for a new car/hatchback/wagon later this year. I think I want something with a little more excitement than my current econobox. On the plus side, my Toyota has been extremely reliable and really inexpensive to maintain. It has almost 135K miles on the odometer. I was so close to getting another like it. Maybe not exactly the same but same class/type/reputation. Then I got to thinking, how about some thing more exciting? I drive about 20K miles a year and while I may want to spice things up, I value reliability. It may be a little while before I actually pull the trigger but depending on what I choose, it may be a 2016. If it's a VW, I'd probably opt for the DSG over a manual.

:safe:

 

[XV-1]

Hi Joe

I bought a VW GTI DSG just before Xmas. Absolutely love it!!

After 15 years of V6 Nissan Maxima sedan's ( the Infinity model in the US ), it was time for a change.

Surprisingly plenty of room for my large 6ft.1 body. The Merc A series was too small and the GTI killed the more expensive C series. Plenty of power with excellent fuel economy and not too expensive.

The adaptive chassis control with comfort, normal and sports allows you to drive sedately if you like or in true GTI mode at the click of a button.

I am sure the R is even better

I feel like a 20 year old speed racer again.:snicker:

Highly recommended

 

[Mike]

Joe, I recommend one of these for hauling gear:

 

[CDLehner]

Joe...I love my GTI! I wanted a 2015 R, but just couldn't do it...considering my '14 GTI was only a year old. Keep in mind...VW is planning to do an R in 2016 too :celebrate008_2:

I want to say, the price difference between an GTI and R...is ~$10k? For about $2k...you can mod the computer chip, and easily change the downpipe to allow more airflow to the turbo; and get comparable engine specs APR Product Selection

However...the R gives you: AWD, tuned suspension; and let's not forget LAUNCH MODE!

 

[CDLehner]

Also...if you're thinking of spending Golf R money; I wouldn't sleep on Audi A1/3.

 

[joeinid]

Thanks Shane. Love your car, looks beautiful.


Very funny Mike. This is what I'm getting for my gear

 

[joeinid]

Also...if you're thinking of spending Golf R money; I wouldn't sleep on Audi A1/3.

Not sure what you mean by this, I'm a little dense sometimes. Would you step up to the Audi?

I don't know what kind of deal I could get on the Golf R (it's a dream right now. I'm sure the GTI will be fun enough). Some dealers are crazy and marking them up. I'd never buy a car that above msrp. I don't even want to pay msrp.

Audi was/is rumored for an S1 but I see nothing about it. I want a hatch/wagon, not a sedan.

AWD on the R is something I'd want.

 

[Dpod4]

I am fortunate enough to have some nice cars (Mercedes sl600, e500) but have owned the VWR32 mkIV since 2004. It is the most fun car I have. And it has been the most trouble free car I have owned. Huge R32/GTI fan. Mine is mostly stock except for shocks, headlights, power distribution to wheels, and flapper mod.

 

[Dpod4]

Not sure what you mean by this, I'm a little dense sometimes. Would you step up to the Audi?

I don't know what kind of deal I could get on the Golf R (it's a dream right now. I'm sure the GTI will be fun enough). Some dealers are crazy and marking them up. I'd never buy a car that above msrp. I don't even want to pay msrp.

Audi was/is rumored for an S1 but I see nothing about it. I want a hatch/wagon, not a sedan.

AWD on the R is something I'd want.

R32 is awd

 

[joeinid]

Darrin,

I was looking through an old thread and you posted a photo. Absolutely beautiful. Red is my favorite color but can attract too much attention. I happen to drive briskly

 

[Mike]

Joe - I think the Golf would be a BLAST to drive. I would order the one just like Shane, then tell Bruce to sit down, shut up and hold on as you blast around from stereo shop to stereo shop!

 

[MikeCh]

Hi Joe,

Any of the VW hot hatch models are great cars. My love for VW started in 1988 with a 1983 Rabbit GTI. Man that car was fun and I still miss my old 91 Jetta that toted me around for 21 years until 2012:

Long story, but I was forced to sell my Jetta in order to placate my father in law who gifted us a MB SUV. That MB ended up nickel and diming us, so we sold it and bought a lightly used A4 2.0T (manual trans) that my wife now drives:

Gotta say, as much of a VW fan as I am this A4 is not only fun to drive it's extremely comfortable with great fit and finish too. Additionally, you get the Audi all wheel drive system which is quite necessary where we live.

Good luck hunting!

 

[CDLehner]

Not sure what you mean by this, I'm a little dense sometimes. Would you step up to the Audi?

I don't know what kind of deal I could get on the Golf R (it's a dream right now. I'm sure the GTI will be fun enough). Some dealers are crazy and marking them up. I'd never buy a car that above msrp. I don't even want to pay msrp.

Audi was/is rumored for an S1 but I see nothing about it. I want a hatch/wagon, not a sedan.

AWD on the R is something I'd want.

Sorry; I was kind of thinking S1/3...but I don't think you'd be apples to apples, price-wise...Golf R v. Audi S-series.

If the A1 is planned for the States; it's not a bad looking ride at all!

 

[joeinid]

Joe - I think the Golf would be a BLAST to drive. I would order the one just like Shane, then tell Bruce to sit down, shut up and hold on as you blast around from stereo shop to stereo shop!

I do that now. At least the the GTI or R, I'd get there quicker.

 

[joeinid]

MikeCH,

Thanks. I had a 2002 Jetta TDI with a manual. Loved the car but have more preference for an automatic trans, especially now that the DSG are so good.


Chris,

I love the Audis. 2016's are more like my timeframe. I could easily go for the A1/A3 or S1/S3 and would probably prefer them. I'm just a little confused.

 

[Face]

I own a 12' Jetta Sportwagen TDI. Out of the box, acceleration and handling leaves a bit to be desired, but there are chips available for more power and there are plenty of suspension upgrades available. What lured me to the JSW TDI was the cargo capacity and fuel economy. With the DSG, I average 35(if in a rush) to 45 mpg parkway, low 30's local, averaging 38mpg for me. Another huge plus was that I was one of the few people that had no issue fueling up during Super Storm Sandy 2 years ago. As far as upgrades go, I've installed Koni coilovers, upgraded sway bars, upgraded wheels/tires and I have some goodies in my basement still to be installed. But already there is a huge difference in handling, it already betters the 2009 GTI I owned. There is a dealer and also a shop both within 5 minutes from you who will do PCM/DSG tunes. I plan on getting a tune, but am split on which one to go with so far. LMK if you have anymore questions.

 

[the professor]

I've had a GTI and TDI both and both are great cars. One for economy and one for fun driving.

I've toyed with getting an R, but haven't done it yet. My wife had a Subaru STI and absolutely loved it. If you really want 4wd a WRX would be a fun car thats cheaper than the R.

 

[jaxwired]

I just traded out of my GTI. I had it for three years and loved it. It was a 2012. Fantastic cars highly recommend. High fun factor and reliable. But, if you can live without the hatchback the new S3 from Audi is incredibly nice inside and out. And it's got the same crazy fast four-cylinder engine that the golf R has. And they arent hard to come by the way the golf R is. You'll get a discount off MSRP.

 

[joeinid]

Hi Mike,

I am also considering a Golf/Sportwagen TDI, but I am a little nervous about all the new emissions cr@p on the new cars. What are your thoughts on the new plumbing on the diesels? Should I be concerned? A friend at work just bought a Jetta TDI w/ DSG. He absolutely loves it. I sure missed my diesel what that storm hit. All the diesel pumps were empty. I love the driving feel of the diesels. All that torque down low. I'll pm you for the shop name and address.

I own a 12' Jetta Sportwagen TDI. Out of the box, acceleration and handling leaves a bit to be desired, but there are chips available for more power and there are plenty of suspension upgrades available. What lured me to the JSW TDI was the cargo capacity and fuel economy. With the DSG, I average 35(if in a rush) to 45 mpg parkway, low 30's local, averaging 38mpg for me. Another huge plus was that I was one of the few people that had no issue fueling up during Super Storm Sandy 2 years ago. As far as upgrades go, I've installed Koni coilovers, upgraded sway bars, upgraded wheels/tires and I have some goodies in my basement still to be installed. But already there is a huge difference in handling, it already betters the 2009 GTI I owned. There is a dealer and also a shop both within 5 minutes from you who will do PCM/DSG tunes. I plan on getting a tune, but am split on which one to go with so far. LMK if you have anymore questions.

 

[joeinid]

I've had a GTI and TDI both and both are great cars. One for economy and one for fun driving.

I've toyed with getting an R, but haven't done it yet. My wife had a Subaru STI and absolutely loved it. If you really want 4wd a WRX would be a fun car thats cheaper than the R.

I have looked at the Subarus and the local dealer seems pretty trustworthy. I'll have to go back and look.

I just traded out of my GTI. I had it for three years and loved it. It was a 2012. Fantastic cars highly recommend. High fun factor and reliable. But, if you can live without the hatchback the new S3 from Audi is incredibly nice inside and out. And it's got the same crazy fast four-cylinder engine that the golf R has. And they arent hard to come by the way the golf R is. You'll get a discount off MSRP.

I am looking at a hatch/wagon/small suv for carrying gear. Normally a sedan it what I prefer but I've run into a few times where I needed the cargo space. Maybe even a Q3 could be fun too.