GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk8 => Topic started by: Exonian on 28 December 2023, 18:09
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Let me introduce Daisy.
She’s a little white and black moo-cow with a fine set of udders dangling below her nether region
(https://i.postimg.cc/7PX1Gg14/IMG-1031.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K4k3C3sp)
(https://i.postimg.cc/15wq0ww4/IMG-1033.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dLQ3w7WK)
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New year new toy?
Sucker for more mk8 mayhem?
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Time to change the signature again.
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Congratulations on your new arrival :smiley:
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Looks 😎
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Very nice young heffer there :smiley:
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Massive congratulations, looks stunning in white. Enjoy.
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Why no CM Reifnitz? :grin: very nice.
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Very nice. Courtesy car?
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New year new toy?
Sucker for more mk8 mayhem?
A delayed Xmas prezzie as I should’ve picked it up before Xmas but I didn’t for a few reasons (laziness, in denial, still too fond of my Clubby, didn’t want a brand new car getting its insides battered with elderly person shoes and walking sticks whilst playing Xmas taxi role, and also I’d just put £70 of Momentum in the tank that I wanted to run down)
I’m up for a challenge!
Time to change the signature again.
Good point, I’d better get round to that.
Congratulations on your new arrival :smiley:
Thank you young Peter :smiley:
Looks 😎
… and thank you too Adam :smiley:
Very nice young heffer there :smiley:
Thanks Dave, hopefully she’ll keep my lawn under control, she doesn’t seem keen on munching my dandelions yet though.
Massive congratulations, looks stunning in white. Enjoy.
Thank you Davey :smiley: I doubt the white will stay white very long this time of year!
Why no CM Reifnitz? :grin: very nice, health to drive.
Thanks Colin :smiley:
I’m still aching like mad and walking with a stoop after removing the wheels from the other car. I’ll keep the Reifnitz reps as spares as the tyres are still fairly good on them. It would be sensible to put the CM’s on the new car for a couple months whilst they salt the roads but the wheel changeover today made me realise how decrepit I am and I’m also not sensible.
Very nice. Courtesy car?
Admittedly, in the past I’ve kept some of my cars for such a short time they could almost have been courtesy cars 😁 but no, I actually ordered this one
For anyone remotely interested in the back story of the car: having had several months of pure hell with the Avon lady bing bonging on my dashboard doorbell, and there being literally not much else of interest to me in the car market I took note of The Doc and Lee evo’s posts warning of the imminent demise of the performance MK8’s from the ordering system back in May.
After much umm-ing and ahh-ing I decided to throw in an order on the very last day. The agreement being that I wasn’t tied in to the car as they’d happily take it into stock.
At some point around then the summer had arrived and the bongs mostly stopped, then the steering wheel replacement arrived and the bing bong’s were no more.
I put the new car order to the back of my mind as PCP deals were pants, wait times were stupid, discounts were negligible and my Clubsport was holding value well.
A visit to VW to look at a car for my sons’s girlfriend led to me seeing an R20Y which was actually offered to me as a better deal than my own ordered car but was rejected as as much as I love the design of the leather seats they’re just not for me. People take ice baths for fun, granted, but I’m a wuss and placing my delicate derrière onto a cold slab of leather at 5am in mid-winter is not something I’m keen on. Been there, done that, didn’t enjoy and ice baths are a definite no no!
Months went by and suddenly an email saying the car had a build slot, then it didn’t and a while later it was confirmed as built and awaiting a ferry. By that time I’d firmly made my mind up the Clubby was staying. I’d owned it the longest I’d ever kept a car (excluding old runabouts as second car workhorses) and sold my second car as I didn’t ever use it because I enjoyed the Clubsport far too much. Very unusually for me I’d become quite attached to it. But I didn’t cancel the order.
I had a bit of issue with VW finance allowing me to purchase All-In on their November deal as my warranty didn’t run out until mid-December. They were insisting I couldn’t purchase it that far in advance for no specific reason given as to why. Add that on the the worrying costs involved if a new media unit was required at some point being as mine was a potentially troublesome early build…
I very very reluctantly decided I’d part with the Clubsport, dragging my heals even on the day of changeover.
Not a great bit of business either, the Clubby had bombed in trade value in the last month or two, the R has the rip-off £40k tax and I’m now paying interest on a car instead of fully owning it.
I’ll miss the Clubsport’s styling and seats, I’ll miss its character and how inexpensive it was to run for a 300 PS hatch (cheap tax, no dearer to service than a Polo, 40mpg in summer)
But onwards and upwards, Daisy is home.
Except that she’s not actually called Daisy, I don’t name my cars, I just thought it’d make an unusual thread title :whistle:
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Congratulations @Exonian
Wow, that is quite a back story. I’d expected a late month deal when someone had made you an offer you couldn’t refuse.
I think reluctant changes are sometimes better than those that are fully planned, although ordering in May might seem fully planned out. I can see how you would have been used to the Clubsport and then you wonder if you are “doing the right thing” with a change.
I understand the thinking (and worry) about keeping the Clubsport beyond the end of the 3yr warranty and that it could have ended up as an expensive post warranty car. Good to hear you mini review about the Clubsport as I’ve been thinking it might be an option for me.
Sorry that the changeover cost was more than it might have been with used prices softening. I’ve always loved the R and I think VW got the package so right. Enjoy your new toy.
I look forward to your thoughts during the year with your experiences of living with a late model 2023 mk8. I wish you a peaceful and silent New Year (unless it’s exhaust noise as you race up the gears)
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Nice one, got to love a white Golf
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Congratulations on the new arrival. I am also a sucker for a white golf or in my case it will most likely be a white golf XL (Tiguan R MK3) when VW release it. Enjoy your new set of wheels. I see you don't have the performance pack, to be honest i wouldn't order it myself if i were to order another new golf R, as it was fairly harsh/hardcore for day to day driving on my last golf R Mk8. I never got any real benefit from it apart from waking up the neighbours early morning. :whistle:
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Looks good Mr Ex, and in the best colour IMHO - not that I’m biased :whistle:.
Because of my aversion to diamond cut alloys, I’d swap the wheels though. A nice set of anthracite alloys would look good (IMHO of course).
Enjoy! :smiley:
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Let me introduce Daisy.
She’s a little white and black moo-cow with a fine set of udders dangling below her nether region
(https://i.postimg.cc/7PX1Gg14/IMG-1031.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K4k3C3sp)
(https://i.postimg.cc/15wq0ww4/IMG-1033.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dLQ3w7WK)
You will love the white car, isn’t too bad for keeping clean. I have had 4 previous white cars. 7.5 Golf R, Edition 40 GTI Clubsport, Audi S3 and Edition 35 GTI.
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZqjZ2HBS/IMG-0148.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/t11LVhNS)
(https://i.postimg.cc/fySN3hHz/IMG-0322.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BP3yyR9k)
(https://i.postimg.cc/B6V3QvB7/IMG-1269.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/N9mSdBVR)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mgYTNBTh/IMG-4699.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w1BK9Kyd)
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I had a feeling you would do something like this. :grin:
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Congratulations @Exonian
Thanks Andy :smiley:
I’d heartily recommend a Clubsport, it’s the pick of the range in my eyes. I almost cancelled my order and nabbed another Clubby which was a cancelled order from the same dealership but alas that wasn’t to be.
Personal opinion is a white or Moonstone Clubsport on Adelaides is the best looking mk8, the graphic designers running the launch promo seemed to agree!
It looks purposeful with a nod to the Ed40 in the styling, shares the relatively light-footed handling and superb cornering grip of that car too albeit slightly less light maybe but better cornering dynamics and no overboost nonsense.
At the risk of boring everyone I’ll do a few updates on the R as time goes on. Discovery today being it has an engine cover fitted 😁
I’ve not driven it at all on day 2 but went outside to do the We Connect set up shenanigans which admittedly wasn’t the faff it was in the last car so I’ll assume updates have gotten that to work better over the last three years. Thought I’d pop the bonnet to have a look under there and check if there was an engine cover.
A very Happy New Year to you too Andy
Nice one, got to love a white Golf
Thank you :smiley: and I can’t disagree with the “colour” after a string of Pure White examples!
Congratulations on the new arrival. I am also a sucker for a white golf or in my case it will most likely be a white golf XL (Tiguan R MK3) when VW release it. Enjoy your new set of wheels. I see you don't have the performance pack, to be honest i wouldn't order it myself if i were to order another new golf R, as it was fairly harsh/hardcore for day to day driving on my last golf R Mk8. I never got any real benefit from it apart from waking up the neighbours early morning. :whistle:
Thanks Brendan and it’s good to see you’re enjoying the Tig-R so much you’re thinking about another. That says a lot. :smiley:
No Performance Pack on mine, however it wasn’t even available at time of order; to have that option it meant an R20Y which I didn’t really want because of the (admittedly lovely) leather seats. I had indeed pondered whether I’d have specced the PP and I don’t think I would have even if I could. The spoiler was the only real draw as it does give the rear a bit of a visual lift. The 19’s I’d have specced annyway and the drift mode was of zero interest or use to me.
I’ve yet to treat the neighbours to a 5am start-up but the Clubsport wasn’t the quietest, not a patch on the guy across the road’s M2 Comp which is very vocal (and not actually in a nice way if I’m honest unlike the M3 his mate owns which sounds glorious)
Looks good Mr Ex, and in the best colour IMHO - not that I’m biased :whistle:.
Because of my aversion to diamond cut alloys, I’d swap the wheels though. A nice set of anthracite alloys would look good (IMHO of course).
Enjoy! :smiley:
Thanks SR :smiley:
Obviously you’re not paint colour biased at all! :grin:
Believe it or not I actually specced the polished Estorils deliberately as I like the look of them.
Maybe once they get discoloured, if VW refuse to warranty rectify the finish, I’ll get them repainted in grey or even something different.
They’re shod in delightful Bridgestones too… :rolleyes:
I had a feeling you would do something like this. :grin:
I’d hate to disappoint! :laugh:
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You will love the white car, isn’t too bad for keeping clean. I have had 4 previous white cars. 7.5 Golf R, Edition 40 GTI Clubsport, Audi S3 and Edition 35 GTI.
Lovely photos Davey, a great selection of whiteness!
Ok, Top Trumps time - I’ve had in white a mk1 GTI back in the day, followed by a white 205 1.9, then a white mk2 GTI (a whole spectrum of other colours in the middle) then a white mk7 PP, a white 7R, white mk7 GTD, white Ed40, white TCR, white mk8 Clubby and now Daisy.
I’m oblivious to micro swirls but tar spots are my nemesis! 😁
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Lovely car, congratulations. Seems to be hit and miss which of the last builds came with an engine cover from the factory
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I know what you mean about the tar spots on a white car. I currently have a pearl black Tiguan R, (although looks good, its not my first choice in colour as it was the colour they had on stock car and orders were being delayed for the obvious reasons at the same time last year). From experience i can confirm Black is notorious for showing dirt, and all imperfections in the paintwork such as every scuff, hairline scratch etc which would not be as obvious on a white car. I think i would rather take my chances next time with tar spots on a white car again than have all scratches and scuffs being made blatantly obvious for everyone to see. Oh and the matt/satin finish on golf/tiguan R mirror caps is even worse for showing scuffs and scratches... i personally miss having the option for decent carbon mirror caps which support side assist and actually fit properly. As i would swap them instantly. My last carbon mirror caps hid a lot more scratches etc than the satin silver caps do.
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You will love the white car, isn’t too bad for keeping clean. I have had 4 previous white cars. 7.5 Golf R, Edition 40 GTI Clubsport, Audi S3 and Edition 35 GTI.
Lovely photos Davey, a great selection of whiteness!
Ok, Top Trumps time - I’ve had in white a mk1 GTI back in the day, followed by a white 205 1.9, then a white mk2 GTI (a whole spectrum of other colours in the middle) then a white mk7 PP, a white 7R, white mk7 GTD, white Ed40, white TCR, white mk8 Clubby and now Daisy.
I’m oblivious to micro swirls but tar spots are my nemesis! 😁
Some cracking cars there. :smiley: I definitely think white is one of the best colours for the performance golfs, especially against the contrast of the black trim etc. I fancied a change this time a went for the lapiz blue which also comes up really well when clean which isn’t for long with the way the weather is at the minute. Congrats again on your new car and health to enjoy.
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I know what you mean about the tar spots on a white car. I currently have a pearl black Tiguan R, (although looks good, its not my first choice in colour as it was the colour they had on stock car and orders were being delayed for the obvious reasons at the same time last year). From experience i can confirm Black is notorious for showing dirt, and all imperfections in the paintwork such as every scuff, hairline scratch etc which would not be as obvious on a white car. I think i would rather take my chances next time with tar spots on a white car again than have all scratches and scuffs being made blatantly obvious for everyone to see. Oh and the matt/satin finish on golf/tiguan R mirror caps is even worse for showing scuffs and scratches... i personally miss having the option for decent carbon mirror caps which support side assist and actually fit properly. As i would swap them instantly. My last carbon mirror caps hid a lot more scratches etc than the satin silver caps do.
Totally agree on white v’s black paint colour. I’ve owned five black cars in the past and they look great when just cleaned, but keeping them looking that way is a real labour of love. Same goes for many other dark paint colours.
The Pure White paintwork on my Polo GTI+ is a doddle to maintain in comparison with previously owned black / dark coloured cars. It’s much easier to deal with a few tar spots on my white paintwork than having to get the machine polisher out to sort out the visible micro swirling on black / dark coloured paintwork. Even with my ‘safe’ three bucket wash method, after 39-40 months ownership there are some (inevitsble) micro swirls on my car, but they can’t really be seen so I’m happy to leave them. I also don’t have to worry so much about washing my white car when the sun is shining as the paintwork doesn’t heat up as quickly as it does on a black car, so unsightly dried on water spots aren’t such an issue.
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Congratulations @Exonian on the new R. She looks great in white, and I'm sure Daisy will provide you with many dairy enhanced motoring miles. :grin:
For me too it was only the athestics of the addition of a rear wing for the R, that meant that performance pack had any draw to specifying it. The drift mode would get absolutely no real world use in my usage of the vehicle, more a marketing point/check box against other brands' hot hatches I thought.
Though like @SRGTD (and sharing similar views on diamond-cut wheels) I think Daisy would look better in like some painted hooves! :wink: But your car, so absolutely your choice. 19" wheels look good on the Mk8 and the design of the Estorils mean they're not too fiddly and should be easy to clean.
Get enough tar spots and you've a Friesian in the making. :smiley:
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Lovely car, congratulations. Seems to be hit and miss which of the last builds came with an engine cover from the factory
Thanks Clarky :smiley: I’m wondering if maybe there’s a factory cut off where the VIN’s of vehicles built before a certain date automatically go into the recall and the engine covers get sent to dealers to sort out, and after that date they’re factory fitted.
I’ll ask the supplying dealer when they do their courtesy call to see if their workshop has any idea.
@ Davey-c there was a lovely Lapiz R20Y sat in the showroom when I collected my car and I’d previously been offered a cracking deal on one recently via Inchcape but I deemed it not ideal for early morning country road commutes with scratchy prickle bushes and jutting sticks to contend with. As the R’s signature colour it’s the “right” colour but not necessarily the most practical for everyone. If I’d still lived on the edge of the city and therefore used different roads I think I’d have plumped for it.
What’s the HK system like on your R? That was the one option I was mulling over repeatedly but elected not to as I didn’t rate the HK system in my BMW. However the Dynaudio in my TCR was superb. Having found the standard mk8 system ok-ish I eventually decided to stick with it but nagging doubts remain.
@Brenbo having had three black cars and a further three with black (factory option) roofs I generally avoid the colour like the plague!! It definitely needs a day’s dust on it after a wash to hide its sins 😁
I’m not so keen to hear the satin silver mirror caps show the marks as my 7R metal type mirror caps seemed tough as nails and didn’t have a single blemish on them.
@SRGTD white or silver would always be my first choices of colour purely from an ease of looking after standpoint. Closely followed by light grey. My worst colours I’ve owned have been black and dark blue to hide sins without regular polishing.
Tornado Red seemed pretty good as did SEAT’s Lazuli Blue which I had and it hid everything from dirt to swirls. Almost maintenance free!! 😁
Congratulations @Exonian on the new R. She looks great in white, and I'm sure Daisy will provide you with many dairy enhanced motoring miles. :grin:
For me too it was only the athestics of the addition of a rear wing for the R, that meant that performance pack had any draw to specifying it. The drift mode would get absolutely no real world use in my usage of the vehicle, more a marketing point/check box against other brands' hot hatches I thought.
Though like @SRGTD (and sharing similar views on diamond-cut wheels) I think Daisy would look better in like some painted hooves! :wink: But your car, so absolutely your choice. 19" wheels look good on the Mk8 and the design of the Estorils mean they're not too fiddly and should be easy to clean.
Get enough tar spots and you've a Friesian in the making. :smiley:
Daisy’s under bumper udders are more in focus with her bobtail spoiler, but the longer tailed Performance Pack breed are more distinctive and easier to spot amongst the herds of SUV’s in car parks.
Great point about the tar blobbing - I’m off to find a newly tarmacced road now to enhance her flanks… :afro: :grin:
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Lovely car, congratulations. Seems to be hit and miss which of the last builds came with an engine cover from the factory
Thanks Clarky :smiley: I’m wondering if maybe there’s a factory cut off where the VIN’s of vehicles built before a certain date automatically go into the recall and the engine covers get sent to dealers to sort out, and after that date they’re factory fitted.
I’ll ask the supplying dealer when they do their courtesy call to see if their workshop has any idea.
@ Davey-c there was a lovely Lapiz R20Y sat in the showroom when I collected my car and I’d previously been offered a cracking deal on one recently via Inchcape but I deemed it not ideal for early morning country road commutes with scratchy prickle bushes and jutting sticks to contend with. As the R’s signature colour it’s the “right” colour but not necessarily the most practical for everyone. If I’d still lived on the edge of the city and therefore used different roads I think I’d have plumped for it.
What’s the HK system like on your R? That was the one option I was mulling over repeatedly but elected not to as I didn’t rate the HK system in my BMW. However the Dynaudio in my TCR was superb. Having found the standard mk8 system ok-ish I eventually decided to stick with it but nagging doubts remain.
@Brenbo having had three black cars and a further three with black (factory option) roofs I generally avoid the colour like the plague!! It definitely needs a day’s dust on it after a wash to hide its sins 😁
I’m not so keen to hear the satin silver mirror caps show the marks as my 7R metal type mirror caps seemed tough as nails and didn’t have a single blemish on them.
@SRGTD white or silver would always be my first choices of colour purely from an ease of looking after standpoint. Closely followed by light grey. My worst colours I’ve owned have been black and dark blue to hide sins without regular polishing.
Tornado Red seemed pretty good as did SEAT’s Lazuli Blue which I had and it hid everything from dirt to swirls. Almost maintenance free!! 😁
Congratulations @Exonian on the new R. She looks great in white, and I'm sure Daisy will provide you with many dairy enhanced motoring miles. :grin:
For me too it was only the athestics of the addition of a rear wing for the R, that meant that performance pack had any draw to specifying it. The drift mode would get absolutely no real world use in my usage of the vehicle, more a marketing point/check box against other brands' hot hatches I thought.
Though like @SRGTD (and sharing similar views on diamond-cut wheels) I think Daisy would look better in like some painted hooves! :wink: But your car, so absolutely your choice. 19" wheels look good on the Mk8 and the design of the Estorils mean they're not too fiddly and should be easy to clean.
Get enough tar spots and you've a Friesian in the making. :smiley:
Daisy’s under bumper udders are more in focus with her bobtail spoiler, but the longer tailed Performance Pack breed are more distinctive and easier to spot amongst the herds of SUV’s in car parks.
Great point about the tar blobbing - I’m off to find a newly tarmacced road now to enhance her flanks… :afro: :grin:
@exonian yea lapiz blue looks well on the R but I think white is still my favourite, I’ve the R 20 Years so think that’s the best colour due to being the anniversary model. As for the HK, it’s ok, but not out of this world IMHO. It is definitely worth the money as it wasn’t an expensive option and if you like listening to music at a decent volume level then it’s worth it. I have only had the car since mid Nov so still getting used to it. I have been playing with the audio settings and also the stereo/surround settings. I mostly just use dance music downloaded via podcasts. I had Dynaudio in my previous 7.5 R which I think had a more punchy base but I always found it hard to find a decent setting, especially with different sources and sometimes the base sounded a bit boomy. I think sound quality was better using CD’s on the Dynaudio system which isn’t an option on the Mk8. I also think steaming music via Bluetooth in the 20 Years on the HK may cause a loss in quality and I haven’t tried to steam using a cable as the car never came with one so can’t comment. I am also guessing that depending on what streaming service is used will also have an impact on the sound quality.
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Thanks Davey, my loss then! :grin:
To be honest I generally only have the volume pretty low listening to the radio much of the time. I go through stages of listening to streamed music and made more of an effort when I had Dynaudio.
It was one of those options they pulled briefly and then seemed to reinstate again.
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Thanks Davey, my loss then! :grin:
To be honest I generally only have the volume pretty low listening to the radio much of the time. I go through stages of listening to streamed music and made more of an effort when I had Dynaudio.
It was one of those options they pulled briefly and then seemed to reinstate again.
No problem at all. I originally had an order in for an R at a time when HK couldn’t be ordered. I had no info or updates at all from the supplying dealer I order the car through so changed to the 20 Years through someone else and found out the HK could then be ordered again. The VW car ordering/build process has been crazy over the last couple of years. From reading some of the stories other forum members have had on this forum as well as the R forum, it makes no sense sometimes the way cars are built and delivered. Not sure if there are any plug and play options for sound system upgrades like there was for the 7/7.5 if yiu ever fancied an upgrade? I know helix and audison were a previous ootion.
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Hi Exonian and congratulations on your new toy :smiley:
I'm with you on Pure White being the best colour for a Mk8 (in the absence of White Silver which I loved on my Mk7.5) but with a few others on having a hatred of diamond polished alloys solely because of deterioration issues.
Like you've said though you can always get them painted if that happens.
You said the end of your 3 year warranty was a factor in the change, but couldn't you have just bought a new 1 year “All Component Cover“ warranty from VW to put your mind at rest? I'm guessing £400-£500 could be the going rate for a 3 year old Clubby and it would have given you more time to see what the Mk8.5 might offer.
My Clubby lease is up in 6 months and I'm thinking of extending the lease and buying the comprehensive warranty to keep my options open for another year and to see how car prices change in that period.
Anyway Daisy looks ace and I may still get an R some day if my luck is in.
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Hi Exonian and congratulations on your new toy :smiley:
I'm with you on Pure White being the best colour for a Mk8 (in the absence of White Silver which I loved on my Mk7.5) but with a few others on having a hatred of diamond polished alloys solely because of deterioration issues.
Like you've said though you can always get them painted if that happens.
You said the end of your 3 year warranty was a factor in the change, but couldn't you have just bought a new 1 year “All Component Cover“ warranty from VW to put your mind at rest? I'm guessing £400-£500 could be the going rate for a 3 year old Clubby and it would have given you more time to see what the Mk8.5 might offer.
My Clubby lease is up in 6 months and I'm thinking of extending the lease and buying the comprehensive warranty to keep my options open for another year and to see how car prices change in that period.
Anyway Daisy looks ace and I may still get an R some day if my luck is in.
Can you buy an all component warranty from VW these days? You used to be able to buy an extension to the factory warranty prior to registration of the car for either 4 years or 5 years, but VW stopped doing these around 2019 if I remember rightly.
Oddly though, you can still get these for Seat and Audi - bought a 5 year extension for my S3, it cost £530. The hope is that if I don't keep it 5 years, having that factory warranty extension will be a good selling point privately or to a non-Audi dealership.
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Hi Exonian and congratulations on your new toy :smiley:
I'm with you on Pure White being the best colour for a Mk8 (in the absence of White Silver which I loved on my Mk7.5) but with a few others on having a hatred of diamond polished alloys solely because of deterioration issues.
Like you've said though you can always get them painted if that happens.
You said the end of your 3 year warranty was a factor in the change, but couldn't you have just bought a new 1 year “All Component Cover“ warranty from VW to put your mind at rest? I'm guessing £400-£500 could be the going rate for a 3 year old Clubby and it would have given you more time to see what the Mk8.5 might offer.
My Clubby lease is up in 6 months and I'm thinking of extending the lease and buying the comprehensive warranty to keep my options open for another year and to see how car prices change in that period.
Anyway Daisy looks ace and I may still get an R some day if my luck is in.
Can you buy an all component warranty from VW these days? You used to be able to buy an extension to the factory warranty prior to registration of the car for either 4 years or 5 years, but VW stopped doing these around 2019 if I remember rightly.
Yes, the All Component warranty is still available.
https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/en/owners-and-services/my-car/important-information/warranties-and-insurance/warranties.html
(https://i.postimg.cc/TwypBTG8/IMG-0402.png) (https://postimages.org/)
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Not sure if there are any plug and play options for sound system upgrades like there was for the 7/7.5 if you ever fancied an upgrade? I know helix and audison were a previous ootion.
I did briefly research plug and play options when I first got the Clubsport, there’s a thread buried in here somewhere. Results were inconclusive and I lost momentum pretty quickly. In fact mostly the latter!
Hi Exonian and congratulations on your new toy :smiley:
I'm with you on Pure White being the best colour for a Mk8 (in the absence of White Silver which I loved on my Mk7.5) but with a few others on having a hatred of diamond polished alloys solely because of deterioration issues.
Like you've said though you can always get them painted if that happens.
You said the end of your 3 year warranty was a factor in the change, but couldn't you have just bought a new 1 year “All Component Cover“ warranty from VW to put your mind at rest? I'm guessing £400-£500 could be the going rate for a 3 year old Clubby and it would have given you more time to see what the Mk8.5 might offer.
My Clubby lease is up in 6 months and I'm thinking of extending the lease and buying the comprehensive warranty to keep my options open for another year and to see how car prices change in that period.
Anyway Daisy looks ace and I may still get an R some day if my luck is in.
Thanks BillSan :smiley:
Warranty was a factor, as was trust that the warranty would actually cover all issues with the media system following updates. I factored in the savings on VED alone would cover a fair chunk of any warranty costs too.
I’d not recommend anyone follow in my footsteps, I don’t think a lot of sense factors in some of my car purchasing decisions, sometimes it’s also the ‘trying something new’ factor playing in the background (or few of us would ever actually change car at all).
The jury is out on a few things the R brings to the table. Early days yet though.
Waiting for the 8.5 wasn’t a concern for me, I’m sure there will be some detail improvements to styling, maybe the 333PS engine will be adopted for the R and the Clubby get 306PS or something, and I’m sure there will be changes to the interior with maybe fake stitching on the dash and more knobs and buttons returning. Certainly waiting for market prices and interest rates to settle would be a far more sensible, it was just unfortunate timing for me. I’ll have to see how finances are when the Ed50 breaks cover in a couple years.
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I changed from a GTI to an R also in recent months but don’t think I mentioned it here.
The R looks cracking in pure white and I would have got it in pure white only I already had white and fancied a crack at Lapiz.
It’s a bit harder on the pocket compared to the GTI but a great drive that brings many smiles.
(https://i.postimg.cc/bJQcTn9Z/IMG-0211.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dktxQLXF)
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Lapiz blue really does stand out and with the R badge having been bastardised by so many “R-Line“ versions of fairly mundane models it leaves no one in any doubt.
It looks great when polished like yours Kgti8 and it's good to hear you're happy with the change.
Did you get the performance pack?
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Exonian,
I'd dearly love to not be dreading March when my three years is up...
It's a terrible time to think about a swap though... Both the 8.5 imminent and the interest rates... Plus it's my Mrs turn for the next new car and we'll be venturing into the milk float unknown with it.
Maybe I can think about an ed50.
On the other hand I'm really despising the luxury car tax crap. I feel like the bastids steal enough from me already.
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Lovely Lapiz R20Y there Kgti8 :cool: really liking that and I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Beautiful shine on it.
@BillSan, by default it does have the PP and a few bonus ponies!
@fredgroves what’s at the top of Mrs fredgroves car list? Time to go EV before they hit them for VED! It’s a shame the grants went.
Not a great time to be making any large purchase, especially cars with trade prices heading rapidly south and new prices heading forever north. Maybe some nuggets will be sent as a bribe in the March budget, they’ll let the next gov’t worry how it’s all going to be paid for!
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Hi Exonian and congratulations on your new toy :smiley:
I'm with you on Pure White being the best colour for a Mk8 (in the absence of White Silver which I loved on my Mk7.5) but with a few others on having a hatred of diamond polished alloys solely because of deterioration issues.
Like you've said though you can always get them painted if that happens.
You said the end of your 3 year warranty was a factor in the change, but couldn't you have just bought a new 1 year “All Component Cover“ warranty from VW to put your mind at rest? I'm guessing £400-£500 could be the going rate for a 3 year old Clubby and it would have given you more time to see what the Mk8.5 might offer.
My Clubby lease is up in 6 months and I'm thinking of extending the lease and buying the comprehensive warranty to keep my options open for another year and to see how car prices change in that period.
Anyway Daisy looks ace and I may still get an R some day if my luck is in.
Can you buy an all component warranty from VW these days? You used to be able to buy an extension to the factory warranty prior to registration of the car for either 4 years or 5 years, but VW stopped doing these around 2019 if I remember rightly.
Oddly though, you can still get these for Seat and Audi - bought a 5 year extension for my S3, it cost £530. The hope is that if I don't keep it 5 years, having that factory warranty extension will be a good selling point privately or to a non-Audi dealership.
Yes done it on my last 2 GTI's easy to do and much cheaper and more comprehensive than aftermarket or dealer warranty only thing to remember is you must have it serviced as required and do it BEFORE the original 3 years or VW approved used car warranty expires.
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@fredgroves what’s at the top of Mrs fredgroves car list? Time to go EV before they hit them for VED! It’s a shame the grants went.
Not a great time to be making any large purchase, especially cars with trade prices heading rapidly south and new prices heading forever north. Maybe some nuggets will be sent as a bribe in the March budget, they’ll let the next gov’t worry how it’s all going to be paid for!
Mini for her. She likes her minis.
Me not so much! Her choice tho.
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Mini for her. She likes her minis.
Me not so much! Her choice tho.
I guessed as much.
The new ones look pretty funky, probably not as solid as the F56 but they look great
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Mini for her. She likes her minis.
Me not so much! Her choice tho.
I guessed as much.
The new ones look pretty funky, probably not as solid as the F56 but they look great
I like the F56, but I’m not sure about the new one. Not keen on the interior of the new model and they seem very expensive :shocked:.
On the subject of EV’s - with all EV’s currently, I dare say the new Mini Electric will be expensive to insure as it seems the repairers don’t have the knowledge / expertise to repair many EV’s. Some parts are difficult to get, repair times are longer (taking up workshop space), and there’s a high write-off rate if the part of the car where the battery is located is damaged. I read recently that some insurance companies aren’t currently quoting for EV’s - either for new or existing customers………
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Lapiz blue really does stand out and with the R badge having been bastardised by so many “R-Line“ versions of fairly mundane models it leaves no one in any doubt.
It looks great when polished like yours Kgti8 and it's good to hear you're happy with the change.
Did you get the performance pack?
I know what you mean with the bastardisation. My sister asked me to turn off her lane assist on her "Golf R" with my OBD11. It was a TSIe R line, the badging just says "R" now on the R-lines
For me Lapiz is the best colour for an R.
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Hi Exonian and congratulations on your new toy :smiley:
I'm with you on Pure White being the best colour for a Mk8 (in the absence of White Silver which I loved on my Mk7.5) but with a few others on having a hatred of diamond polished alloys solely because of deterioration issues.
Like you've said though you can always get them painted if that happens.
You said the end of your 3 year warranty was a factor in the change, but couldn't you have just bought a new 1 year “All Component Cover“ warranty from VW to put your mind at rest? I'm guessing £400-£500 could be the going rate for a 3 year old Clubby and it would have given you more time to see what the Mk8.5 might offer.
My Clubby lease is up in 6 months and I'm thinking of extending the lease and buying the comprehensive warranty to keep my options open for another year and to see how car prices change in that period.
Anyway Daisy looks ace and I may still get an R some day if my luck is in.
Can you buy an all component warranty from VW these days? You used to be able to buy an extension to the factory warranty prior to registration of the car for either 4 years or 5 years, but VW stopped doing these around 2019 if I remember rightly.
Yes, the All Component warranty is still available.
https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/en/owners-and-services/my-car/important-information/warranties-and-insurance/warranties.html
(https://i.postimg.cc/TwypBTG8/IMG-0402.png) (https://postimages.org/)
That's not quite the same as the factory extension warranty that VW no longer provide (but Seat and Audi do). It has its limitations, the factory warranty extension doesn't. It doesn't look to be too onerous in its limitations, but definitely not quite the same thing.
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@fredgroves what’s at the top of Mrs fredgroves car list? Time to go EV before they hit them for VED! It’s a shame the grants went.
Not a great time to be making any large purchase, especially cars with trade prices heading rapidly south and new prices heading forever north. Maybe some nuggets will be sent as a bribe in the March budget, they’ll let the next gov’t worry how it’s all going to be paid for!
Mini for her. She likes her minis.
Me not so much! Her choice tho.
The electric mini is a nice drive, unencumbered by a hugely heavy battery pack, but the range is very poor - fine as a second car for the shorter journeys. Mini depreciation is hideous though - better buy a year old one for 55-60% of new RRP. We once looked into minis before the wife got her Polo GTI in 2019, we found the pedal placement for the manual models to be horrible. A 30 min test drive gave me serious knee ache as a result. Hopefully 2 pedal set-up is better.
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Lapiz blue really does stand out and with the R badge having been bastardised by so many “R-Line“ versions of fairly mundane models it leaves no one in any doubt.
It looks great when polished like yours Kgti8 and it's good to hear you're happy with the change.
Did you get the performance pack?
I did. Spec was:
Performance Pack (with black Estorils)
DCC
Pan roof
Nappa leather
Harman Kardon
Winter pack
Akra exhaust
Black pack
And agreed on the R-lines with Lapiz. Was much more distinctive in the MK7 when R lines were actually badged as R-line and Lapiz was exclusive to the actual R!
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Monkey,
We have two minis here... Her f56 and an older coupe.
I hate them both!
Both have the BMW seat problems and horrendous hard ride.
Not for me at all but everyone else here loves them...
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I did. Spec was:
Performance Pack (with black Estorils)
DCC
Pan roof
Nappa leather
Harman Kardon
Winter pack
Akra exhaust
Black pack
And agreed on the R-lines with Lapiz. Was much more distinctive in the MK7 when R lines were actually badged as R-line and Lapiz was exclusive to the actual R!
Ahh, I genuinely thought yours was a 20 Years, it’s because in the UK we don’t get the black pack option so the only ones with black mirrors are the R20Y cars.
The Irish market seems to get a better variety of options but cars seem amazingly expensive there.
The Black pack looks really good especially against the Lapiz.
The electric mini is a nice drive, unencumbered by a hugely heavy battery pack, but the range is very poor - fine as a second car for the shorter journeys. Mini depreciation is hideous though - better buy a year old one for 55-60% of new RRP. We once looked into minis before the wife got her Polo GTI in 2019, we found the pedal placement for the manual models to be horrible. A 30 min test drive gave me serious knee ache as a result. Hopefully 2 pedal set-up is better.
The new incoming Mini Elactrics have the option of bigger batteries and are on a new fully EV platform so are different in every area to the current 2014-onwards F56, they’re Chinese built and are very high tech inside.
215 bhp option instead of solely 180.
If going for a run out R56 with tiny battery you can get 2.9% APR, free charger, free insurance and big discounts right now so they’re not as bad value as they look if you’re going to keep the car for a few years.
The incoming Chinese cars have much higher APR and as SRGTD says, they’re expensive. Getting one to £40k is very easy.
Theoretically the Chinese ones shouldn’t be as cramped inside so long as you’re not a back seat passenger.
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I did. Spec was:
Performance Pack (with black Estorils)
DCC
Pan roof
Nappa leather
Harman Kardon
Winter pack
Akra exhaust
Black pack
And agreed on the R-lines with Lapiz. Was much more distinctive in the MK7 when R lines were actually badged as R-line and Lapiz was exclusive to the actual R!
Ahh, I genuinely thought yours was a 20 Years, it’s because in the UK we don’t get the black pack option so the only ones with black mirrors are the R20Y cars.
The Irish market seems to get a better variety of options but cars seem amazingly expensive there.
The Black pack looks really good especially against the Lapiz.
The electric mini is a nice drive, unencumbered by a hugely heavy battery pack, but the range is very poor - fine as a second car for the shorter journeys. Mini depreciation is hideous though - better buy a year old one for 55-60% of new RRP. We once looked into minis before the wife got her Polo GTI in 2019, we found the pedal placement for the manual models to be horrible. A 30 min test drive gave me serious knee ache as a result. Hopefully 2 pedal set-up is better.
The new incoming Mini Elactrics have the option of bigger batteries and are on a new fully EV platform so are different in every area to the current 2014-onwards F56, they’re Chinese built and are very high tech inside.
215 bhp option instead of solely 180.
If going for a run out R56 with tiny battery you can get 2.9% APR, free charger, free insurance and big discounts right now so they’re not as bad value as they look if you’re going to keep the car for a few years.
The incoming Chinese cars have much higher APR and as SRGTD says, they’re expensive. Getting one to £40k is very easy.
Theoretically the Chinese ones shouldn’t be as cramped inside so long as you’re not a back seat passenger.
Buying a new car with the level of depreciation that minis suffer would be nuts. There are some cars you just shouldn't buy new with your own money, and the mini is one of them, when you see them at franchised dealerships for 60% of RRP at just over 1 year old.
The tiny battery is what made the electric mini nimble - hopefully that isn't all lost with the bigger batteries. Chinese BEVs aren't very Greenhithe (if that's people's motivation for buying one) - batteries and xar manufactured with coal power. These Chinese BEVs are built with enough CO2 baggage vs a European ICE car that the ICE car can drive 45k miles on petrol before the BEV has driven a mile to match it for CO2 output.
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I think we'll probably have a good think about the Mini before dropping the cash.
Her current F56 was a steal... but it was 2017 when we bought it. Its been very low cost motoring since then.
No particular reason to change it either other than she wants a new car and an electric one...
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I did hear about a cracking deal on PCP on a Mini electric at like £299 deposit then £299 per month but think they had to be collected by the end of the year to qualify….
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Monkey,
We have two minis here... Her f56 and an older coupe.
I hate them both!
Both have the BMW seat problems and horrendous hard ride.
Not for me at all but everyone else here loves them...
You’re not alone, another MINI hater here 👍. I can’t stand them. A mini to me is the original Cooper my Dad had back in the early 70’s.
Oh, and Exonian, nice new wheels BTW 👍
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Monkey,
We have two minis here... Her f56 and an older coupe.
I hate them both!
Both have the BMW seat problems and horrendous hard ride.
Not for me at all but everyone else here loves them...
You’re not alone, another MINI hater here 👍. I can’t stand them. A mini to me is the original Cooper my Dad had back in the early 70’s.
Oh, and Exonian, nice new wheels BTW 👍
I hate the original mini. My mam gad one and it was like a baccy tin on wheels.
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Monkey,
We have two minis here... Her f56 and an older coupe.
I hate them both!
Both have the BMW seat problems and horrendous hard ride.
Not for me at all but everyone else here loves them...
You’re not alone, another MINI hater here 👍. I can’t stand them. A mini to me is the original Cooper my Dad had back in the early 70’s.
Oh, and Exonian, nice new wheels BTW 👍
I hate the original mini. My mam gad one and it was like a baccy tin on wheels.
I’d have a 1275GT to mess about with, more to look at than drive. In our youth in the early 80’s we used to drive some right crap as that’s all we could afford. A mate had an old Allegro that had rotten everything, his mum made him some mats out of some old living room carpet😂
Couple of girlfriends had old mini’s - remember them being pretty horrible to drive.
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I took note of The Doc and Lee evo’s posts warning of the imminent demise of the performance MK8’s from the ordering system back in May.
:whistle:
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Oh, and Exonian, nice new wheels BTW 👍
Thanks Gavin :smiley:
I probably should have literally got a new set of wheels and left it at that! 😁
I took note of The Doc and Lee evo’s posts warning of the imminent demise of the performance MK8’s from the ordering system back in May.
:whistle:
Yeah, you can take responsibility Doc!! 😁
************************
Unpopular opinion #1
I kinda like Minis.
Old ones, new ones, Chinese ones…
Unpopular opinion #2
I kinda still much prefer the Clubsport to the R.
Early days yet.
R pro’s are obviously traction in this mildly damp weather and less tendency to nearly end up in a hedge at 5am whilst bouncing over massive puddles.
It’s quite nice inside apart from the nasty slab of gloss black on the centre console added in 2022 models onwards.
It pulls pretty well.
R negatives are really sh!te fuel economy, a good 6 to 10mpg down on the Clubby whilst still driving like a nun. Yes, I know you don’t buy cars like these for economy but at the end of the day it’s a small hatchback with a 4 cylinder engine bought by mere mortals and not just multi millionaires. Those extra 20 horses are thirsty ones even when pootling.
The driving modes don’t have a Goldilocks setting. I can’t settle on one at all.
Ride is a bit crashy from the rear unlike the 7R also wearing 19” wheels and more so the Clubsport which is a direct model comparison.
The Clubsport just looks a bit nicer in my eyes.
The Clubsport feels lighter on its toes but the R doesn’t really offer anything else to the equation aside from extra traction under limited circumstances.
The steering and turn in on the Clubsport feels better.
Conclusion: buy a Mini :laugh: :whistle:
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Monkey,
We have two minis here... Her f56 and an older coupe.
I hate them both!
Both have the BMW seat problems and horrendous hard ride.
Not for me at all but everyone else here loves them...
You’re not alone, another MINI hater here 👍. I can’t stand them. A mini to me is the original Cooper my Dad had back in the early 70’s.
Oh, and Exonian, nice new wheels BTW 👍
I hate the original mini. My mam gad one and it was like a baccy tin on wheels.
I’d have a 1275GT to mess about with, more to look at than drive. In our youth in the early 80’s we used to drive some right crap as that’s all we could afford. A mate had an old Allegro that had rotten everything, his mum made him some mats out of some old living room carpet😂
Couple of girlfriends had old mini’s - remember them being pretty horrible to drive.
I’ve never owned a mini, but my Dad had a few in the 70s, a 998 Cooper (I think it was), white with a black roof. He had all sorts of tuning done on it. We drove from Dunfermline to Weymouth in it (my mum, Dad, myself and my brother, aged 6 and 4) for a 2 week family holiday - can you imagine! There was an inch of water on the inside when we arrived in Weymouth, so it had some emergency welding done.
In the mid 80s, my girlfriend had a mini Mayfair, which I quite liked working on it. Setting the points was a doddle, front grille off, top off the distributor, take the handbrake off and pull the car towards you using the bumper until the points were correct 😁
I once spent 20 minutes looking for the battery on that car, eventually giving up and asking my Dad - try looking in the boot I was told 😁🤔
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Unpopular opinion #1
I kinda like Minis.
Old ones, new ones, Chinese ones…
Unpopular opinion #2
I kinda still much prefer the Clubsport to the R.
Early days yet.
R pro’s are obviously traction in this mildly damp weather and less tendency to nearly end up in a hedge at 5am whilst bouncing over massive puddles.
It’s quite nice inside apart from the nasty slab of gloss black on the centre console added in 2022 models onwards.
It pulls pretty well.
R negatives are really sh!te fuel economy, a good 6 to 10mpg down on the Clubby whilst still driving like a nun. Yes, I know you don’t buy cars like these for economy but at the end of the day it’s a small hatchback with a 4 cylinder engine bought by mere mortals and not just multi millionaires. Those extra 20 horses are thirsty ones even when pootling.
The driving modes don’t have a Goldilocks setting. I can’t settle on one at all.
Ride is a bit crashy from the rear unlike the 7R also wearing 19” wheels and more so the Clubsport which is a direct model comparison.
The Clubsport just looks a bit nicer in my eyes.
The Clubsport feels lighter on its toes but the R doesn’t really offer anything else to the equation aside from extra traction under limited circumstances.
The steering and turn in on the Clubsport feels better.
Conclusion: buy a Mini :laugh: :whistle:
I also quite like the Mini - the outgoing one that is. Not sure about the new Chinese one yet; I might change my mind when I see a few out on the road rather than just pictures on websites. My first car was a Mini, so I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for them.
It would be interesting to see if forum members over on vwroc.com forum agree with your early days opinion of the mk8 R, especially the negatives…….:whistle: :grin:
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I can’t see my opinion being of any interest or value to any stray VWROC members, and it’s very early days yet. Daisy might win me over yet!!
A Mini would make a great driveway companion for a Golf, both types of cars have their diehard fans and both are ubiquitous in their own ways.
I was invited to see the Chinese J01 model in the flesh at my local dealer but declined. I may however go and have a test drive in one at some point just to see what they’re like.
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Unpopular opinion #2
I kinda still much prefer the Clubsport to the R.
Early days yet.
Very much agree. The Clubby is a more fun and engaging case to drive, looks more dramatic and overall better, and is quicker in a lot of circumstances thanks to being lighter and having a shorter ratio box.
The better fuel economy isn’t due to the 20 less HP, but a combination of it being a new engine (it will improve. 1000 miles on my clubsport and it’s already 3-4 MPG better than when I picked it up, even with me being a little more liberal with the throttle) and the extra weight and more importantly drag from the AWD system. Same with the turning being more lively on the Clubby, the rear doesn’t have a diff getting in the way with no AWD system.
I’ve found the R and its ilk to be good if you want to be as fast as possible round a track, but the clubby to be more fun and at least as quick on the road.
Sorry to have lead you down that path, don’t think I’ll be trading my Clubby for anything other than another special GTI.
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I’d expected a drop in MPG due to tranny drag Doc having owned an R previously between GTI’s but not a 10mpg drop, the rear diff must be filled with marshmallow!
**********************
A day late update on week 1.
Finally found a happy medium driving profile.
Driving in Sport mode rather than Race but using the paddles a bit more then I used to and “engine noise” turned to Pure as it’s bloody awful the same as in the Clubsport. Might invest in OBD11 to switch it out altogether.
I tried it in Comfort mode for a couple journeys and it basically sends the gearbox to sleep.
The bigger/better paddles are another ‘pro’ and I find I actually remember to use them now.
Happy to say Daisy earned her stripes (spots?) during Henk. Much less aquaplaning than the Clubsport suffered over the huge puddles my commute suffers from in wet weather (very low lying estuary roads with hills depositing surface water run off). Henk hoofed it down and Daisy took it all in her stride.
We’re properly bonding now.
She badly needs a wash.
And I’ll stop blithering on about her now and we can get back to GTI chatter elsewhere…
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Don't stop Exonian.
I'm enjoying your thoughts and experience. As a Clubby owner who started as an R wannabe, but couldn't stretch that extra for the £40k tax, it's good to hear from someone I trust who has tried both.
I'm not sure about an R right now so I'll have to reconsider my options in a few months.
PS - just had a new steering wheel and no bongs so far. For my final 6 months it may finally turn into the car I've been paying for all this time.
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I’d expected a drop in MPG due to tranny drag Doc having owned an R previously between GTI’s but not a 10mpg drop, the rear diff must be filled with marshmallow!
**********************
A day late update on week 1.
Finally found a happy medium driving profile.
Driving in Sport mode rather than Race but using the paddles a bit more then I used to and “engine noise” turned to Pure as it’s bloody awful the same as in the Clubsport. Might invest in OBD11 to switch it out altogether.
I tried it in Comfort mode for a couple journeys and it basically sends the gearbox to sleep.
The bigger/better paddles are another ‘pro’ and I find I actually remember to use them now.
Happy to say Daisy earned her stripes (spots?) during Henk. Much less aquaplaning than the Clubsport suffered over the huge puddles my commute suffers from in wet weather (very low lying estuary roads with hills depositing surface water run off). Henk hoofed it down and Daisy took it all in her stride.
We’re properly bonding now.
She badly needs a wash.
And I’ll stop blithering on about her now and we can get back to GTI chatter elsewhere…
What mpg were you getting with the Clubby vs the R now?
My S3 generally does 2 types of journeys - very short (2 mile round trip for the school run), and long journeys (usually 240 miles each way - Newcastle to Milton Keynes (once a month, for work). For all the inbetweeny stuff, we usually take the Born.
For the 2 mile round trip, I get about 18mpg.
Sat on the motorway sitting at 75-80mph, I get about 38-40mpg, depending on the weather. For 10 - 20 mile journeys, I get about 32mpg.
It's a fair bit better than my 2015 Golf R on the motorway, because that 7th cog vs the old 6 speed manual has the car sitting at 2200rpm rather than 3100rpm, foreverything else, I'd say my old manual was better around the doors.
I use the paddles a fair bit in urban driving, because I find the 1st gear bite from standstill with the DSG is monumentally slow unless the box is in S mode, and unless you manually change, S mode always leaves you changing up very late. If I could have the S bite with normal change up, that would be my ideal combo.
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just had a new steering wheel and no bongs so far. For my final 6 months it may finally turn into the car I've been paying for all this time.
Before the bing bong symphonies started at 2 years and after they’d been cured at around two and a half years my Clubsport was a joy to own.
There’s only been a very small handful of cars I’ve felt pained to part with out of the dozens I’ve owned and that car was one of them. It’s the longest I’ve kept a car other than second car runabouts and as I said in post #1 I only ordered another because of the bing bong issues and really dragged my heels to part with it once the issue was fixed. Someone will get a great car for half decent value when it gets bought at the dealer it’s in as the paintwork was all original, aside from three very small stonechips it was free of scratches and marks. Even the windscreen was original and not chipped at 26k miles. Four brand new alloys and tyres and a nearly new steering wheel! 😁
With a light machine polish and the door seals treated with some lube (they’d got a little creaky at manoeuvring speed) it’d be almost like new.
Hopefully you’ll feel the same emotions with yours BillSan.
I ordered an R as even the Clubby is £42k new now, so decided if I was going to have to pay the “luxury” :rolleyes: VED I might as well cough up the extra for an R to see what all the YouTuber love in’s were all about. I really enjoyed my 7R and might well have bought the 8R at launch had it been released before the Clubsport. The purchase then (Dec 2020) was purely timing as my lad wanted to borrow a stack of money for a house deposit and the easiest way to come up with the money quickly was releasing the equity in the car I had at the time (which was fully owned) so took my first ever PCP out to buy the Clubby which I’d spotted by chance when the first ones available to customers rolled off the boat. Had the VW dealer not come up with a great deal I’d be in a MINI JCW as that was plan B. Lee evo1986 had given me a heads up that the first Clubsports were arriving and he’d sent me a photo of his demo car he fitted some 19” wheels to.
The Clubsport and I hit it off immediately and it’ll be a very tough act to follow.
What mpg were you getting with the Clubby vs the R now?
My usual daily trip is 24 to 26 mile round trip in lightish traffic, a mixture of country A road (though nearer to B Road quality as its narrow and winding) interspersed with a few villages with 20 and 30 zones, a few miles of 40 zone, then a 40mph suburban ring road complete with traffic lights galore.
This is done at least six days a week at least once a day. Obviously other longer and shorter trips get thrown in the mix but the long term average mpg in the Clubsport over summer was 40mpg.
Here’s a screenshot of the best mpg I managed on my own and not assisted by being stuck behind Gladys in her i10 which I was quite proud of as I usually go a bit quicker when unhindered. This was back in October I think. I took the screenshot to post up on here for a laugh but never did as I decided it was being somewhat lame.
(https://i.postimg.cc/TYN7znDp/IMG-0772.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BXDBDLN0)
The R is more like this
(https://i.postimg.cc/MKnbjNnp/IMG-1064.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nCtQydKy)
(https://i.postimg.cc/bN400gnH/IMG-1067.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HV47dQBV)
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Were you driving on that 45mpg run or did you lend your car to sootchucker for the day? :grin:
For your typical journey, that's likely a 35mpg trip in my S3. Not sure if the ratios are different in the DSG boxes, the S3 is pushed more as a fast cruiser than a fun and flingable hot hatch (as per lack of additional diffs that the R has).
I'd say my S3 is thirstier on short trips than my old annual R, but definitely up on the longer journeys.
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:grin: :grin: I’m sure Sootchucker could’ve stretched it over 50mpg!
My old manual 7R did similar MPG to this 8R, the GTI’s always fared better, naturally, with less arse end weight and transmission losses.
The mk8 Clubsport was surprisingly economical in gentle use. Which reminds me, the Clubby would often freewheel whereas the R doesn’t seem to have this feature.
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:grin: :grin: I’m sure Sootchucker could’ve stretched it over 50mpg!
My old manual 7R did similar MPG to this 8R, the GTI’s always fared better, naturally, with less arse end weight and transmission losses.
The mk8 Clubsport was surprisingly economical in gentle use. Which reminds me, the Clubby would often freewheel whereas the R doesn’t seem to have this feature.
My S3 definitely freewheels when conditions are right for it, that's not in eco mode either (which I never use). I often see the rev counter drop to about 900 rpm on a long slight downhill or flat straight. Not sure it does it in "Dynamic" mode (Audi's equivalent to "Race")
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My Clubsport freewheeled in everything except full fat sports mode and surely that’s got to be worth at least 0.02mpg?!! 😁
Nada in the R as yet, even in comfort mode which shoves the car into 7th ASAP and then steadfastly refuses to move from there even when the car feels like it’s going to stall up an incline doing 40 - the engine way off boost at just over tickover.
Sport is a bit like Normal in a GTI/Clubsport and seems fine, Race is a bit too racy for general use unless you’re just cruising the local ring road looking for Teslas to humble you.
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Although it was a while ago since i read the manual for my Mk8 Golf R when i had it (which i never usually do, as it was about as dull as reading a dictionary), But i think i can remember it stating the DSG had to be in 'D' mode for the car to be able to coast or freewheel... although i might be wrong as it was a while ago when i read about this info... so who knows?
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Yes, definitely D Brendan. Probably E as well if using Comfort.
But mine doesn’t at all, as yet at least.
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Interestingly (or maybe strangely), my 7.5 GTI only freewheels when in full Eco mode. It doesn't if you're in Individual and have the powertrian set to Eco... :nerd:
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I know the Mk8 R is a little different to the GTI/Clubby when it comes to modes etc
My GTI will freewheel only in D gearbox mode. If its S it doesn't.
It doesn't care about any of the other settings other than something that puts the gearbox in S.
As for how many difference it makes to mpg.... I'd say a fair bit actually... over distance if you actually are coming off of the zoom pedal it probably can add a good 5mpg to your fuel use. But you have to learn to come off the gas.
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I know the Mk8 R is a little different to the GTI/Clubby when it comes to modes etc
My GTI will freewheel only in D gearbox mode. If its S it doesn't.
It doesn't care about any of the other settings other than something that puts the gearbox in S.
As for how many difference it makes to mpg.... I'd say a fair bit actually... over distance if you actually are coming off of the zoom pedal it probably can add a good 5mpg to your fuel use. But you have to learn to come off the gas.
My S3 is the same - will freewheel in "D" mode on the gearbox, not "S" mode. It'll freewheel from stone cold too.
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My Clubsport was the same, would freewheel from stone cold in D.
In S the gearbox is set for rabid response so won’t freewheel.
Still unable to get the R to do it despite driving in D constantly. Maybe it’s still in running in mode as it hasn’t quite done 300 miles yet.
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Let me introduce Daisy.
She’s a little white and black moo-cow with a fine set of udders dangling below her nether region
(https://i.postimg.cc/7PX1Gg14/IMG-1031.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K4k3C3sp)
(https://i.postimg.cc/15wq0ww4/IMG-1033.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dLQ3w7WK)
Not been around for a while so catching up, and surprised you went for an R from the Clubsport, but can also see why also, have enjoyed the assuredness of driving wife 2019 R after few years of FWD, especially in recent grotty and wet conditions.
Just posted to the MK 8.5 thread of my increasing interest in moving onto a MK 8/8.5 due to seeing a few out in the wild now, and liking what see.
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My Clubsport was the same, would freewheel from stone cold in D.
In S the gearbox is set for rabid response so won’t freewheel.
Still unable to get the R to do it despite driving in D constantly. Maybe it’s still in running in mode as it hasn’t quite done 300 miles yet.
If there's an unlock with running in, it will probably occur after 620 miles (1000km).
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If there's an unlock with running in, it will probably occur after 620 miles (1000km).
Previous Golfs I’ve had definitely changed in character after the 600 mile mark. But that was more ECU than TCU.
Not been around for a while so catching up, and surprised you went for an R from the Clubsport, but can also see why also, have enjoyed the assuredness of driving wife 2019 R after few years of FWD, especially in recent grotty and wet conditions.
Just posted to the MK 8.5 thread of my increasing interest in moving onto a MK 8/8.5 due to seeing a few out in the wild now, and liking what see.
Hi Hertsman, good to see you around.
If my Clubsport hadn’t had its bonging issues and subsequent worries about out of warranty concerns I’d have probably kept it until the Ed50 or something else of interest broke cover…
I thought I’d go for an R to see what all the YouTubers were raving about, and yes, having owned a 7R one can definitely feel the differences this new rear diff makes. Where the 7R drive transition between axles was super subtle the mk8 can definitely be felt, albeit with a slight lag where you suddenly feel the drive sent to individual rear wheels. It works very well, but like DCC, it seems a bit reactive unlike the Haldex diff in the Clubsport that feels more natural rather than artificial.
Another issue I had with the Clubsport was aquaplaning in heavy rain on my particular route, which wouldn’t apply to 99.99% of the rest of the population. Low lying coastal roads with no real water run off resulting in huge deep puddles would see the Clubby skip at bit. I wanted to see if 4WD would ease that and going from the extreme rain last week it certainly makes a positive difference.
The 8.5 will also probably need a couple years to ensure all the software is fully sorted, but it should be a big improvement on the mk8 system in certain areas. Whether those areas are relevant to each individual buyer is going to vary a lot.
Just make sure you don’t have a Sarah Connor in your contacts otherwise that AI will be coming for you!
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Could there be a MK9 (more of a second facelift to MK8), given the softening of stance that we must all be in hybrids and BEVs soon. I think that's mainly for the EU to buy some time for the German/French/Italian/Spanish car industries being clobbered by cheap Chinese imports (especially for BEVs) while they decide how to tariff them out of contention.
If I end up getting QP training I've promised myself an RS3 or similar before the doors close on Pure ICE purchases, and then keep it as long as I can.
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Quite likely there will be a mk9 now I reckon.
I’m no conspiracy theorist but it seems remarkably coincidental that there was a full bore rush of Western nations towards electrification and suddenly, as if orchestrated, the brakes went on sharply in a backlash. This was accompanied by loads of sensationalist anti-EV sentiment whipped up by very obviously biased and possibly financed online naysayers who seem to have a lot of negative doom laden ‘facts’ and a remarkable amount of promotion from seemingly nowhere.
All this coincided with the legacy marques such as VW, Mercedes, BMW and Ford to name but a few suddenly and roundly being left standing by the influx of Far Eastern marques kicking arse.
Suspicious? Hmmm…
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Quite likely there will be a mk9 now I reckon.
I’m no conspiracy theorist but it seems remarkably coincidental that there was a full bore rush of Western nations towards electrification and suddenly, as if orchestrated, the brakes went on sharply in a backlash. This was accompanied by loads of sensationalist anti-EV sentiment whipped up by very obviously biased and possibly financed online naysayers who seem to have a lot of negative doom laden ‘facts’ and a remarkable amount of promotion from seemingly nowhere.
All this coincided with the legacy marques such as VW, Mercedes, BMW and Ford to name but a few suddenly and roundly being left standing by the influx of Far Eastern marques kicking arse.
Suspicious? Hmmm…
Outside of cheap running of company cars (2% BiK) and salary sacrifice schemes,new BEV sales are tanking. No one is buying a new BEV with their own money right now. All the big finance companies are about to take a bath on end of PCP returns. A lot of the BEVs are worth significantly less than GFV at 3 years old, they're being given back at a loss.
I did a motorway valuation on our Born, it's 19 months old, cost £38600, and although we bought it outright, the GFV on PCP terms at 3 years old was £19950. Motorway currently say its worth £22900. When I got shot of our other Born (Same spec) last April for the S3, I got £31200 (although there weren't many takers for it then, a lot of the dealerships had a BEV buy ban on following Tesla dropping its RRPs £9k. That's some hefty depreciation in the last 8 months for the Born, and the Born is doing better than most as a % of RRP retained.
The only way to buy a BEV with your own money right now is used, and save a fortune over list.
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But that sudden drop in demand which then killed residuals is again linked to what I posted above. It all happened almost overnight as prior to that there was buoyant demand and bad supply. Well, bad supply from Western marques.
The market could well turn again just as quickly, these things are political, and then suddenly demand changes again.
https://youtu.be/Avf-mOsAodw?si=ZYNdKcMgVq7WM80a
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But that sudden drop in demand which then killed residuals is again linked to what I posted above. It all happened almost overnight as prior to that there was buoyant demand and bad supply. Well, bad supply from Western marques.
The market could well turn again just as quickly, these things are political, and then suddenly demand changes again.
https://youtu.be/Avf-mOsAodw?si=ZYNdKcMgVq7WM80a
I definitely benefitted when prices went crazy the other way - we sold an ID3 Family PP that cost us £28200 for ££38200 to buy that Born, so man maths says the Born only really cost £28600.
Back then though, there was a demand by the private buyers, that demand has evaporated. I think that everyone that wants a BEV for themselves now has one. They're having to give them away now to shift them. Depreciation aside, a BEV only saves money and is convenient if you have a home charger. Without being able to charge at home, a BEV is a PITA, and expensive to charge.
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If, as likely, we see a big change in government in the UK this year things might gradually skew in another direction. World politics will still be at play though. Another thing creeping into the market is manufacturers taking full control of new car pricing which seems to be a global model. Mercedes is already doing it, MINI quite possibly are too, Cupra do it with the Born but not yet other models, BMW are lining up for it, the Koreans do it to an extent so no doubt other marques are following or already quietly doing it. VW have hinted it’s not far off. Dealers are literally becoming a smile and handshake with the importer pulling all the strings.
Anyhow, moving away from geopolitics and car industry strategy of which I know very little about aside from a passing interest and occasionally being on the painful financial receiving end, it’s approaching the end of week two with Daisy.
I’ve not yet woken in the night screaming with regret or concern for the likely financial time bomb I’ve signed up for, and in fact I’m quite enjoying the experience.
It’s a bit different to the Clubby but not too different, and it’s a Golf at the end of the day so it looks quite nice from some angles, does things a Golf should do, is warm and cosy (having had plenty of dodgy weather since being thrust into my care) and drives very nicely (moans about DSG and Soundaktor aside which would apply to any sporty Golf model).
My Clubsport was sold within a week, so if the buyer ever reads this then you’ve got a good ‘un, it had a very sympathetic first owner! 😁
Just get the door seals and maybe suspension bushes and boots lubed as they were squeaking a little when manoevering since the cooler weather set in…
Oh, and make sure there’s air in the tyres as they sat wrapped up in my garage for three years and still had the factory chalk on them when I sold the car to VW.
Regrets for me not waiting for an 8.5? Not at all so far. 🤞🏻
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You'd have been waiting a long time to see a 8.5 (a year I reckon) and maybe like me not wanting to be first into the meat grinder after last time...
I'm constantly spitting fur that my problems were literally my car being 24hrs older than the changes which fixed a lot of the problems..
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I’d expected a drop in MPG due to tranny drag Doc having owned an R previously between GTI’s but not a 10mpg drop, the rear diff must be filled with marshmallow!
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A day late update on week 1.
Finally found a happy medium driving profile.
Driving in Sport mode rather than Race but using the paddles a bit more then I used to and “engine noise” turned to Pure as it’s bloody awful the same as in the Clubsport. Might invest in OBD11 to switch it out altogether.
I tried it in Comfort mode for a couple journeys and it basically sends the gearbox to sleep.
The bigger/better paddles are another ‘pro’ and I find I actually remember to use them now.
Happy to say Daisy earned her stripes (spots?) during Henk. Much less aquaplaning than the Clubsport suffered over the huge puddles my commute suffers from in wet weather (very low lying estuary roads with hills depositing surface water run off). Henk hoofed it down and Daisy took it all in her stride.
We’re properly bonding now.
She badly needs a wash.
And I’ll stop blithering on about her now and we can get back to GTI chatter elsewhere…
What mpg were you getting with the Clubby vs the R now?
The best mpg I’ve had from my CS is 49mpg
(https://i.postimg.cc/NFjT8y16/IMG-1222.png) (https://postimg.cc/tZ8Yp4vJ)
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You'd have been waiting a long time to see a 8.5 (a year I reckon) and maybe like me not wanting to be first into the meat grinder after last time...
I'm constantly spitting fur that my problems were literally my car being 24hrs older than the changes which fixed a lot of the problems..
I have to agree Fred. I'm in the process of getting a 7.5 to keep for about 18-24 months and then order the 8.5. By that time they would have sorted any potential issues with the new infotainment (hopefully). Hopefully there's some discounts to be had then too.
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I like to imagine there might be a discount but increasingly car manufacturers are controlling their prices. There are no discounts just rrp...
I've also got to mentally get over the hurdle of paying "luxury car tax" for a bloody golf
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I've never paid 'luxury' car tax before and I'm also not happy about the prospect. It means that a good second hand car is much more attractive given someone will have paid the tax for the first few of the five years and that's worth a tidy sum.
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You'd have been waiting a long time to see a 8.5 (a year I reckon) and maybe like me not wanting to be first into the meat grinder after last time...
I'm constantly spitting fur that my problems were literally my car being 24hrs older than the changes which fixed a lot of the problems..
Mine was a pretty early build but was relatively trouble free, mine was a zero option car though so maybe spec affects the gremlins as yours is well optioned?
I always felt late in a model cycle cars are the best developed and most stable, this was echoed by Neil Birkitt in Volkswagen Driver mag some years ago in an editorial and as he test drove cars professionally I think his views hold far more weight than mine. I’ve owned a few end of line Golfs over the years and they were a) better built than early run examples and b ) often had sneaky further cost cutting!
The best mpg I’ve had from my CS is 49mpg
Can you give us some tips??! 😁
That’s mighty impressive
I've never paid 'luxury' car tax before and I'm also not happy about the prospect. It means that a good second hand car is much more attractive given someone will have paid the tax for the first few of the five years and that's worth a tidy sum.
As Fred says, it’s pretty galling paying it on a bloody Golf.
The salesperson in my local dealership put it very well “£180 you generally can pay without too much thought but £600 needs properly budgeting for”
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The best mpg I’ve had from my CS is 49mpg
(https://i.postimg.cc/NFjT8y16/IMG-1222.png) (https://postimg.cc/tZ8Yp4vJ)
Best I've had so far is about 30 :grin:
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You'd have been waiting a long time to see a 8.5 (a year I reckon) and maybe like me not wanting to be first into the meat grinder after last time...
I'm constantly spitting fur that my problems were literally my car being 24hrs older than the changes which fixed a lot of the problems..
Mine was a pretty early build but was relatively trouble free, mine was a zero option car though so maybe spec affects the gremlins as yours is well optioned?
I always felt late in a model cycle cars are the best developed and most stable, this was echoed by Neil Birkitt in Volkswagen Driver mag some years ago in an editorial and as he test drove cars professionally I think his views hold far more weight than mine. I’ve owned a few end of line Golfs over the years and they were a) better built than early run examples and b ) often had sneaky further cost cutting!
I have to agree. I watched this video earlier today which pretty much sums up the difference in build quality of the MK8 from when it was launched to the late builds in 2023 and 2024:
https://youtu.be/grHSG1WsVLU?si=JSarBm6BJojIL9Fs
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That’s a good vid Jon, antipodean summer fashion aside, I quite enjoyed watching that. Maybe he was a bit extreme in his summary of build quality variables between early and late builds as my experiences aren’t quite that dramatic but I do feel that constant development over a model cycle does make a difference.
It’s also good to see a press car not optioned to the hilt and therefore not full of distractions from the basics of the car.
Doc, it seems like you’re properly enjoying the car!!
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@Exonian,
Does the new car have heated steering wheel?
You might have needed it this morning.
Congrats on the new motor, btw
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Thanks Yusee :afro: and yessssss, yes it does have a heated helm, plus I pushed the boat out and got heated seats too which have been made good use of lately. It’s lovely arriving at work or home with toasty mitts and feeling like I’ve peed myself :smiley:
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Ok, quick 1 month update. I won’t waffle on for once.
700 odd miles in, previously I think I said the Clubby was much better to drive, I’ve changed my mind! Now the oily bits are wearing in and the first few microns of concrete reinforced rubber has worn off the Bridgestones I’d say the mk8 R is actually just as engaging to drive the twisties, rides puddles better, seems to be fractionally more responsive on the motorway around the NSL (depending on gearbox mode) and the steering is on a par.
I’d previously criticised the steering and drive modes but I’m putting that down to newness as compared to a 26k run in car.
Fuel economy still not great, ride over pothole ridges a bit lumpy (the latter could just be the tyres) and the main difference I’ve noticed between a 2020 and a 2023 build is the central locking and folding mirror sounds are both significantly quieter on the newer car. :nerd: (stuff you notice at 5am!!)
The Soundaktor is still bloody annoying.
I still miss the looks of the Clubby.
Oh, and SRGTD, here’s one for your further disapproval - second wash today and noticed the first stone chip, right on the wheel spoke where the black meets the polished :rolleyes:
(Touch up duly applied)
Let the white worm commence! :sad:
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Ok, quick 1 month update. I won’t waffle on for once.
700 odd miles in, previously I think I said the Clubby was much better to drive, I’ve changed my mind! Now the oily bits are wearing in and the first few microns of concrete reinforced rubber has worn off the Bridgestones I’d say the mk8 R is actually just as engaging to drive the twisties, rides puddles better, seems to be fractionally more responsive on the motorway around the NSL (depending on gearbox mode) and the steering is on a par.
I’d previously criticised the steering and drive modes but I’m putting that down to newness as compared to a 26k run in car.
Fuel economy still not great, ride over pothole ridges a bit lumpy (the latter could just be the tyres) and the main difference I’ve noticed between a 2020 and a 2023 build is the central locking and folding mirror sounds are both significantly quieter on the newer car. :nerd: (stuff you notice at 5am!!)
The Soundaktor is still bloody annoying.
I still miss the looks of the Clubby.
Oh, and SRGTD, here’s one for your further disapproval - second wash today and noticed the first stone chip, right on the wheel spoke where the black meets the polished :rolleyes:
(Touch up duly applied)
Let the white worm commence! :sad:
With any luck, sorting the stone chip quickly will have stopped that pesky white worm taking hold. The first stone chip is always the worst, whether it’s on a wheel or the car’s bodywork :angry:. IMHO touch up paint is one of the most important things you can buy for a new car; you’ll always need it at some point and it’s far more important than sill scuff plates that seem to be the favourite ‘must have’ on another Golf forum!
Oh, have I mentioned before how much I dislike diamond cut alloys and their susceptibility to white worm? Maybe just once or twice……. :grin: :grin:
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Very nice Exonian :smiley:
Glad it has the most important item, the heated steering wheel. Best invention ever.
Has the gearbox started coasting now it has some miles on it?
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Thanks bogwoppit :smiley:
900 miles in and still unable to coast. I’ve even been driving it in Comfort which puts the gearbox in E (where the ‘box is in 7th gear by the time you’ve moved a couple metres) but nada.
Admittedly I’m a strange specimen but for some reason I used to enjoy getting the car to coast to keep myself amused whilst driving.
I’ve not managed to get an exhaust pop either which I’m not upset about as I’m somewhat old for that sort of nonsense, but sometimes the inner child in me… :whistle:
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Just catching up again with your thoughts and good to read that the R is growing on you, apart from missing the Clubby's looks (not surprising)! Now that you have a few miles under your belt, has the car suffered from any gremlins, bongs etc. yet?
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Hi Trev, I’m at 1200 miles now and (touch wood) absolutely no issues so far. The car lives outside, it’s commuting early mornings on horrid wet rural roads with loads of standing water most days and other days it’s cold and good use is made of the ventilation pre-conditioning on the VW app to start the frost melt before I drag my backside out into the freezing pre-dawn morning air.
When the car was new it felt as if the engine, gearbox, drivetrain and rear diff were all working independently of one another but now it’s well settled down and works seamlessly together to the extent where I can’t tell the difference between it and the Clubsport most of the time, it’s that sharp. The VDM thingy obviously learns and works very well.
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Hi Trev, I’m at 1200 miles now and (touch wood) absolutely no issues so far. The car lives outside, it’s commuting early mornings on horrid wet rural roads with loads of standing water most days and other days it’s cold and good use is made of the ventilation pre-conditioning on the VW app to start the frost melt before I drag my backside out into the freezing pre-dawn morning air.
When the car was new it felt as if the engine, gearbox, drivetrain and rear diff were all working independently of one another but now it’s well settled down and works seamlessly together to the extent where I can’t tell the difference between it and the Clubsport most of the time, it’s that sharp. The VDM thingy obviously learns and works very well.
Does this actually work and defrost the car? I have never tried using it or if it even works can't see how it defrosts without the engine running for heat?
What's you procedure with it?
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It works much the same as a cabin heater in an EV.
Set it to start up to 30 mins before you get in and, subject to battery charge, will fire up the electric heater (modern cars don’t rely solely on coolant temperature otherwise diesels would take most of the day to get any cabin warmth!) and blowers to gently warm the cabin. The pre-set seems to be 22°c and it does take the edge off the chill. It doesn’t completely defrost the screens but softens it enough to wipe the ice off. After 30 mins it’s not at 22° either but it’s not numb bum cold.
If you fail to switch it back to a cooler cabin temp on the HVAC when you get in, coat and all, it soon gets bladdy hot in the cabin once the engine is running and coolant warm. 22°c is quite warm with a coat on, I normally leave it around 18°c
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It works much the same as a cabin heater in an EV.
Set it to start up to 30 mins before you get in and, subject to battery charge, will fire up the electric heater (modern cars don’t rely solely on coolant temperature otherwise diesels would take most of the day to get any cabin warmth!) and blowers to gently warm the cabin. The pre-set seems to be 22°c and it does take the edge off the chill. It doesn’t completely defrost the screens but softens it enough to wipe the ice off. After 30 mins it’s not at 22° either but it’s not numb bum cold.
If you fail to switch it back to a cooler cabin temp on the HVAC when you get in, coat and all, it soon gets bladdy hot in the cabin once the engine is running and coolant warm. 22°c is quite warm with a coat on, I normally leave it around 18°c
Thanks will give it a go👍
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Hi Trev, I’m at 1200 miles now and (touch wood) absolutely no issues so far. The car lives outside, it’s commuting early mornings on horrid wet rural roads with loads of standing water most days and other days it’s cold and good use is made of the ventilation pre-conditioning on the VW app to start the frost melt before I drag my backside out into the freezing pre-dawn morning air.
When the car was new it felt as if the engine, gearbox, drivetrain and rear diff were all working independently of one another but now it’s well settled down and works seamlessly together to the extent where I can’t tell the difference between it and the Clubsport most of the time, it’s that sharp. The VDM thingy obviously learns and works very well.
Thanks for the reply and that's good to hear. New R20 now or wait for the 8.5, decisions!
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Didn’t you have an R20 and R on order already?
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Didn’t you have an R20 and R on order already?
Yes, cancelled the R20 last September, but took delivery of the R in October, kept it for a week in my garage without using it then sold it to a VW garage. A fear of gremlinitus set in and while I could get my money back I did just that and just in time, 2 weeks later and I reckon I would have taken a big hit. Now things have settled a bit, I'm just looking at my options again.
Gremlins have a lot to answer for, I've bought most of my cars without so much as a test drive and haven't regretted any of them, bar the Scirocco. It's just as I get older, the thought/reality of "loads" of faults is a PITA. All my VWs (Beetles to all marks of Golfs etc) over the last 50 years have been essentially, 100% reliable and I'm getting too old for loads of hassle!
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I’m with you on the hassle front, you just don’t want it and indeed never expected it on pre-mk8 cars.
Whether to go R20 or 8.5R will be one of those dilemmas that’ll probably sway you in different directions on different days.
You like your special edition models and have a long history of them but is the R20 special enough to have the right sense of occasion? The only really unique bit is the carbon fibre inlays which could be specced as an option in some overseas markets recently for a regular R, so potentially these could be retrofitted to any Golf 8.
The engine uplift is intriguing but whether it’s noticeable in regular driving I have no idea, minimal at best is my guess.
The blue badges look great.
The 8.5 will likely come with at least the option of the 333PS output, plus they’ve already said it can be specced with carbon fibre inlays, though whether that’s market specific I really don’t know yet.
It’s whether the revised bumpers and any interior revisions appeal to you far more than the mk8.
The Edition 50 GTI in a couple years will be the one the keen eyes will be watching out for. So do you get an R20 now to sit on and wait for the Ed50, or do you order an 8.5R which might only be on the boat from Germany when the first sneak peaks of the 50th Anni GTI start peppering the internet? Who knows what sort of effort will go into that… or could it turn out the concept electric GTI ends up becoming the 50th year GTI?
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Exactly that Exonian.:grin:
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I’m with you on the hassle front, you just don’t want it and indeed never expected it on pre-mk8 cars.
Whether to go R20 or 8.5R will be one of those dilemmas that’ll probably sway you in different directions on different days.
You like your special edition models and have a long history of them but is the R20 special enough to have the right sense of occasion? The only really unique bit is the carbon fibre inlays which could be specced as an option in some overseas markets recently for a regular R, so potentially these could be retrofitted to any Golf 8.
The engine uplift is intriguing but whether it’s noticeable in regular driving I have no idea, minimal at best is my guess.
The blue badges look great.
The 8.5 will likely come with at least the option of the 333PS output, plus they’ve already said it can be specced with carbon fibre inlays, though whether that’s market specific I really don’t know yet.
It’s whether the revised bumpers and any interior revisions appeal to you far more than the mk8.
The Edition 50 GTI in a couple years will be the one the keen eyes will be watching out for. So do you get an R20 now to sit on and wait for the Ed50, or do you order an 8.5R which might only be on the boat from Germany when the first sneak peaks of the 50th Anni GTI start peppering the internet? Who knows what sort of effort will go into that… or could it turn out the concept electric GTI ends up becoming the 50th year GTI?
Was thinking the same, will the ED50 be a triumphant run out of ICE before the EV, with even an additional track specific option for the big bang, or will it herald the transition to EV with the concept GTI becoming real as be perfect platform of 50 years to fanfare the future in on.
I would probably lean to the first option, but you can see both options,
I am actually in on an EV performance generation, if the infrastructure catches up, I get my genuine 300 miles range, and performance is what have now to access, and it looks close to that concept GTI and interior has some quality, then I am interested, but at a price! Will they be cheaper? Comparable? Is servicing less? Have the ID range proved reliable? Lot of questions to have answered, but seeing that GTI Concept has given me the first interest ever had in an EV
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Congratulations on the new R Andy. I'm late to the party as usual :laugh:
I look forward to your updates.
My 135 is 4 years old this year and the PCP will be due to end so I need to do something but really detest this stage approaching dealers etc. :cry:
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Hi Stevie, have you any idea what (and when) you’re going to replace the M135i with?
It’s much harder to find deals now compared to when you got yours.
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Congratulations on the new R Andy. I'm late to the party as usual :laugh:
I look forward to your updates.
My 135 is 4 years old this year and the PCP will be due to end so I need to do something but really detest this stage approaching dealers etc. :cry:
The M135i is one of three cars have in mind for my next change which will be coming from a 128Ti
Have really enjoyed the 128Ti but it does have a couple of drive irritants.
The comfort setting can make the gear box lazy at times, times its perfectly seamless, then you randomly have a little hesitation, which has me keeping it in Sport most of the time. - Have you experienced that in the M135i or should I ask for that to be checked at next service.
Torque steer is real, and in front end just does not give you full confidence in the wet on B roads, so I am backing off way more than would like to, though in straight line and dry its a super quick and agile FWD hot hatch. - Really want to know if the AWD kills all these issues?
There is nothing else do not like about it, the cabin feels premium and the media and O/S is top notch, though i would definitely be seeking a Kardon Harmon specced car as sound is pretty average, and the only other thing would change is the drivers display map, its next to useless when compared to the inlayed map on the MK 7.5 Golfs for example.
Would probably find and pay the little extra for the performance pack and 19"
And to Andy question, what next if moving on from the M135i? My quandary is would like to have a MK 8 R or Clubsport but it would have to be a early to mid year one, and just cannot bring to risk myself issues, and the MK 8.5 which think like more and would hope would have the issues removed, is way beyond my budget, so that's really limited me to late MK 7.5 Golfs or the M135i. As much as like and enjoying the 128Ti it just falls short overall, and if stayed FWD would be seeking out a GTI PP or TCR as the drive is just better.
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Folks having looked at the cars at the moment I would be super cautious on what to buy. The VW stock locator has nearly 150 Golf R’s on their available some R20 and some standard R’s the prices are stock price high. I say that because the prices have clearly dropped like a stone over recent months. Some of the R20’s now have literally lost £10k over a few months and most of the R’s are dropping substantially as well. Motorfinity are offering brand new Golf R’s for £36k so that says there are massive drops going on and I’m sure with the higher PCP rates and second hand APR’s as well it could be a perfect storm of massive negative equity on any purchases. Perhaps the hot hatch is disappearing into oblivion. This has become an almost reverse on the higher prices not long ago. Just my concerns on what appears to be not good for us all enthusiasts.
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I’m not privy to what happens between VW UK and their dealers, I don’t personally know any people in the trade that do so I might be wide of the mark and am always open to learn, so I speak merely as an interested customer after many years of buying stuff and trying to join the dots.
If Motorfinity can supply a new unregistered Golf for £8k off list then that’s a deal and an half in today’s market. And I say “if”.
The cars on the VW website are bound to be list price as they’re on VW’s website and they don’t currently have promotions running.
Orders closed last May and mine was one of the very last, it was delivered to the dealer two months ago, so these cars on VW’s website aren’t dealer orders, they’re likely factory clearout cars that will be allocated to dealers to tie them over until 8.5 production starts, therefore discounts might not be huge as waits will be significant for 8.5’s and dealers will need stock to turn over.
Used car prices were silly high while production was stalled on new cars. The market has caught up and then some with high interest rates on borrowing and huge inflation recently. Plus we’re still in the winter lull. Then there’s the massive increases for insurance.
If hot hatches are heading to oblivion then how about EV’s? They’re hit far worse £€ for £€.
The car market has always had peaks and troughs and in recent times these have been more extreme than we’d gotten used to in the last 10 to 15 years.
It’s not just hot hatch gloom MaggotsRus, well hopefully not anyway!
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Hi Stevie, have you any idea what (and when) you’re going to replace the M135i with?
It’s much harder to find deals now compared to when you got yours.
Hi Andy,
My PCP runs out this October. I can't believe I have had it for 4 years.
I've been looking at this and that over the last few months but nothing has caught my eye.
I liked the Tiguan R but I see they have upgraded this and the new one will probably be out of my price range.
Interestingly when I had the R I was always looking about at other cars and had itchy feet to try something else but with the m135i I've been loyal with no straying eyes :laugh:
I think with the interest rates going up it's pushed finance just a bit too far and anything I've looked at has had terrible monthlies.
I might just pay the balloon figure and see what the 8.5 R brings.
Congratulations on the new R Andy. I'm late to the party as usual :laugh:
I look forward to your updates.
My 135 is 4 years old this year and the PCP will be due to end so I need to do something but really detest this stage approaching dealers etc. :cry:
The M135i is one of three cars have in mind for my next change which will be coming from a 128Ti
Have really enjoyed the 128Ti but it does have a couple of drive irritants.
The comfort setting can make the gear box lazy at times, times its perfectly seamless, then you randomly have a little hesitation, which has me keeping it in Sport most of the time. - Have you experienced that in the M135i or should I ask for that to be checked at next service.
Torque steer is real, and in front end just does not give you full confidence in the wet on B roads, so I am backing off way more than would like to, though in straight line and dry its a super quick and agile FWD hot hatch. - Really want to know if the AWD kills all these issues?
There is nothing else do not like about it, the cabin feels premium and the media and O/S is top notch, though i would definitely be seeking a Kardon Harmon specced car as sound is pretty average, and the only other thing would change is the drivers display map, its next to useless when compared to the inlayed map on the MK 7.5 Golfs for example.
Would probably find and pay the little extra for the performance pack and 19"
And to Andy question, what next if moving on from the M135i? My quandary is would like to have a MK 8 R or Clubsport but it would have to be a early to mid year one, and just cannot bring to risk myself issues, and the MK 8.5 which think like more and would hope would have the issues removed, is way beyond my budget, so that's really limited me to late MK 7.5 Golfs or the M135i. As much as like and enjoying the 128Ti it just falls short overall, and if stayed FWD would be seeking out a GTI PP or TCR as the drive is just better.
Hi Hertsman,
I pushed the boat out with the m135i and bought the Technology / Comfort / Pro Packs for it so it has the uprated sound system, head up display, keyless, power boot etc.
Coming from the MK7 R I was worried it would be a step down but must admit I have really enjoyed the ownership of it.
As for the gearbox hesitation, I always drive with it in Sport and the gearbox has been fantastic. I have maybe had the hesitation 3 or 4 times but I think that was more user error than the gearbox itself. It mostly happens on roundabouts where I have been cruising along and then attempt to pull out into a gap, the car has already decided its going to shift up whereas I need some power and it feels like an eternity before the car puts it in the right gear and goes. I believe the gearbox is similar to the R in terms of hesitation although when I first got the R I had that hesitation quite a lot but once I was able to read the road I could avoid it. I think its just retraining your brain to use an auto correctly.
I do wish though there was an option to see what gear the car was currently in at all times.
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I’m not privy to what happens between VW UK and their dealers, I don’t personally know any people in the trade that do so I might be wide of the mark and am always open to learn, so I speak merely as an interested customer after many years of buying stuff and trying to join the dots.
If Motorfinity can supply a new unregistered Golf for £8k off list then that’s a deal and an half in today’s market. And I say “if”.
The cars on the VW website are bound to be list price as they’re on VW’s website and they don’t currently have promotions running. "
I popped into my VW dealership last week and got a great discount on a new Mk8 GTI, so it would seem there are some deals to be had on the runout stock, after all. I only called in to complain about - yet another - glitch with my current Mk8's Infotainment system and casually mentioned to the Sales manager that I had been looking around at other manufacturers because I wanted rid, before its warranty expires in April.
Surprisingly, he told me that they had several unallocated Mk8 performance models on the way from the factory and I was invited to have a peek at their incoming stocklist. The colour and spec that I wanted wasn't on it, although within 30 minutes they had sourced the perfect match for me. The car (in Kings Red) was sitting at Emden in Germany awaiting shipment to the UK, and I was offered a deal on it that I just couldn't refuse, and I should be in the driving seat before the end of March. So much for the year long waiting lists and no deals being available. Changed days!
Originally, I had intended to hang onto my current Mk8, until later in the year, and to switch to a MK8.5 but I suspected that it might turn out to be a very long wait, so I just bit the bullet and went for the deal in front of me. A bird in the hand and all that, although I do hope that I don't live to regret it! :smiley:
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Congrats Sniffer! Unless you need ChatGPT to write your work emails and reports whilst you’re still on your commute there’s not a huge amount to be gained from waiting for an 8.5
I was referring to the published prices from VW in the highlighted text above as they themselves at the time weren’t running any promos (aside from PCP contribution) as opposed to what you car wrestle out of a dealer.
Just today I had an email circular offering an amazing deal in an in stock R20. Their words not mine!!
@p3asa, maybe it’s the bright orange seats that have kept you loyal!! 😁
There’s a bit of discussion in another thread here about the severe lack of credible hot hatch alternatives owing to all the manufacturers putting their efforts into 2.5 tonne electric SUV’s.
It was VW that got the hot hatch ball rolling into the mainstream nearly 50 years ago and maybe ICE hot hatches will die with just a handful of offerings that gradually peter out. Hopefully the Ed50 GTI will be something special, assuming it’s not electric by then!!
The Tiguan R looks really nice, it’s a big old bus for a 2.0 though. Decent deals to be had on the runout current shape.
The 8.5 R will probably be offered with the 333PS motor so might be a bit of an upgrade.
Not a bad idea hanging on to your M135i though, so long as it doesn’t have any large bills imminent it’d be worth paying the balloon. It’s a reliable platform and your car has a fantastic spec.
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Captain’s log
star-date 030424
USS Daisy has been in service for just over 3 months, currently in low orbit on Waterworld negotiating flooded craters during torrential acid downpours.
Status report: propulsion lubrication levels appearing to be just above 50% at just under 3000 miles, mild concern having never captained a vessel in the last 30 years that needed a top up between dry dock services. Cooling system and retardation system fluids at maximum levels.
Possibility of running in being too gentle owing to weather and traffic conditions. Reactor bores possibly not well sealed(?)
Ship’s electronic systems appear free of Klingon hacks which negatively affected earlier vessels. Monitoring still in progress.
Traction systems appear good, gear transfer box performing well, reactor fuel usage quite heavy.
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Captain’s log
star-date 030424
USS Daisy has been in service for just over 3 months, currently in low orbit on Waterworld negotiating flooded craters during torrential acid downpours.
Status report: propulsion lubrication levels appearing to be just above 50% at just under 3000 miles, mild concern having never captained a vessel in the last 30 years that needed a top up between dry dock services. Cooling system and retardation system fluids at maximum levels.
Possibility of running in being too gentle owing to weather and traffic conditions. Reactor bores possibly not well sealed(?)
Ship’s electronic systems appear free of Klingon hacks which negatively affected earlier vessels. Monitoring still in progress.
Traction systems appear good, gear transfer box performing well, reactor fuel usage quite heavy.
Has the engine oil level actually dropped? I’ve had new VW’s where the oil level was roughly half way between the min and max marks on the dipstick on collection day from the dealer’s. I’ve topped it up and it’s never needed topping up again.
I had to top up my current car’s oil level after the last service. The fresh oil was barely up to the minimum mark on the dipstick! Car has never used any oil so I put it down to the dealer ‘under filling’ it :angry: rather than the car using oil (I didn’t I’d been given short measure until a couple of weeks after the service when I did my usual checks). From now on, after my car’s been serviced I’ll be checking the fluid levels before leaving the dealership. Tyre pressures hadn’t been checked and adjusted at the last service either………..
Time to change dealership methinks - or maybe change car brand :whistle:
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Changing dealer is a little cheaper than changing car SR!
I have a vague recollection of checking the oil level when the car was new. That vagueness continues into the level it was at. I’m a bad custodian!
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Changing dealer is a little cheaper than changing car SR!
I have a vague recollection of checking the oil level when the car was new. That vagueness continues into the level it was at. I’m a bad custodian!
Indeed it is cheaper to change dealer than changing car :smiley:.
After nearly 22 years of VW’s, there’s a part of me that thinks it might be time to try a different brand for my next car. I’ve pretty much already decided my next car won’t be a hot hatch, so I may settle for a run of the mill car from a different manufacturer.
I’m not one for making snap, impulsive decisions, so I’ll probably still be driving my current car at this time next year (and the year after :grin:).
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Have you got an inkling of where your money would go next time SR? After many years of driving a certain type of car it’d be hard to step back and yet still have that same emotional feeling when looking back over your shoulder at the car you’ve just parked up.
And then there’s the rest of the ownership experience, I mean can you imagine the Nissan Juke forum being very rock n roll?!
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Have you got an inkling of where your money would go next time SR? After many years of driving a certain type of car it’d be hard to step back and yet still have that same emotional feeling when looking back over your shoulder at the car you’ve just parked up.
And then there’s the rest of the ownership experience, I mean can you imagine the Nissan Juke forum being very rock n roll?!
No idea at all at the moment, but you’ve planted the Nissan Juke (or should that be Nissan Joke) seed in my mind so I’ll need to make sure I put that on my list (NOT! :grin:).
If I’m going for something mainstream, then Japanese will probably be on the list. A few test drives might convince me to stay with VW after all.
Decisions, decisions……………..
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Have you got an inkling of where your money would go next time SR? After many years of driving a certain type of car it’d be hard to step back and yet still have that same emotional feeling when looking back over your shoulder at the car you’ve just parked up.
And then there’s the rest of the ownership experience, I mean can you imagine the Nissan Juke forum being very rock n roll?!
No idea at all at the moment, but you’ve planted the Nissan Juke (or should that be Nissan Joke) seed in my mind so I’ll need to make sure I put that on my list (NOT! :grin:).
If I’m going for something mainstream, then Japanese will probably be on the list. A few test drives might convince me to stay with VW after all.
Decisions, decisions……………..
I took the decision to step away from VW into a BMW, and as nice as the 128Ti is, missed the VW experience so much, we have upgraded wife's car to a 2019 Golf R as long term keeper, with a Triggers Broom attitude, mainly bought so I can have my occasional feeling of being back where belong, as run the lease down on the BMW with all the heavy miles. Wife is very happy with my having to scratch an itch on this occasion!
Had Audi's previous to MK 7 R and wife upgrade was from an Audi also, and again, as nice as they are, never got the same driving pleasure as have had from the Golf R and TCR, so a return to Audi is out, and there is literally nothing look at on the roads other than VW Golf R or GTI.
Its real shame that MK 8 Golf R has the software issues as really love seeing them with the performance pack, just not willing to take that risk on used.
So for me, already explored the future, and its VW all the way, the 128Ti likely replacement will be a well specced late MK 7.5 R, maybe with performance pack or TCR, and further in the future, maybe 5 years, their replacement will be a MK 8.5 Golf R.
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Your VW journey is far from at its twilight Hertsman and maybe yours won’t be after all SR, although the current Juke isn’t a bad looking thing… :whistle:
Once you’ve owned a hot hatch it’s surprising what little details keep you hooked in, some more obvious than others. Aside from power outputs that most of us barely explore, and external and internal trim embellishments, the more subtle things like damper rates and reassuring brakes do make a big difference to daily driving making the car feel more at one with you. The same for slightly firmer, bolstered sports seats. Then things like gearing and transmission responses. It all adds up as a package that VW seem good at getting right.
I’m sure nobody wants another update but here’s one anyway.
Sunday morning, on my own and up early, headed to the garage for a tape measure, looked at the car sat in front of it and immediately decided to go for a drive.
Reasons? It wasn’t raining for the first time in six months, it was daylight but still too early for the day trippers to clog everything up, and I just felt like it which isn’t often these days.
Engine fired up, radio down low, threaded through the estate and onto the main road. Vampire Weekend’s Capricorn starts playing, wistfully reminding me of a much missed Capricorn.
The car gently warming up, eventually free of built up areas, no traffic and because it’s windy no Lycra tossers pretending they’re on the Tour De France (I don’t mind proper cyclists but not these fair weather types with zero consideration). Picked up a bit of speed but still below the NSL, carried the speed through the bends and dodging potholes, reached the roundabout where the NSL finished, turned around and headed home. Probably only a quick 20 mile drive, all single carriageway winding road, and home again to fish the tape measure out of my toolbox before most of the world was out of bed.
Certainly no Evo Triangle in the company of mates in their supercars (I don’t have any of the latter!) but it was just nice having the roads to myself pondering the car itself.
My mind went back to a YouTube video I watched a few years ago when the mk8’s were just launched by a Mercedes AMG guy “Remove Before Race” where he did what I considered a fair and accurate assessment of the 8R unlike many vids I watched around the time. The car he used looked pretty much like mine so I decided to watch the vid again today.
His points were valid still, and it’s well worth a watch.
He mentioned that most of the R’s capabilities are really only apparent when you’re driving at 10/10ths and that is just so, but other things it does and they way it does them are still very endearing making the car a great daily.
I still miss the sharper looks of the Clubsport, and indeed its slightly more on edge dynamics (yet still remaining super-civilised) but the R has been a great companion through a biblically wet six months.
Sure footed, comfy(ish), and very well equipped it’s made easy work of some horrible driving conditions.
Talking of equipment, it’s time to reflect on spec choices.
11 months on from ordering and3 months into ownership these are my reflections.
Colour, white, no regrets. Gives a bit of contrast to the blue accents, doesn’t highlight swirls too badly, and Golfs look great in white.
No Performance Pack. Wasn’t available as an option, didn’t want the leather (beautiful as it looks) of the R20. Not bothered, haven’t had to suffer a cold bum at 5am, won’t ever use drift mode or derestricted top speed and therefore only missing the wing. I quite like the wing but also like the lower look of the standard hatch spoiler which then highlights the cow’s udder exhaust tips.
Speaking of exhausts, the Akrapovič was definitely off menu at order time. At £3.5k there’s no way I could justify that, I’m not a Caffeine & Machine type and unfortunately I’m from the sort of background where value for money does mean something. Plus I don’t think they look any better than the standard udders and doubt they sound very different in normal driving attached to a GPF.
Head Up Display, was a no from me.
I was expecting this to be the second coming years ago and eagerly awaited this to become available on normal people’s cars. Then I had it on a BMW and it didn’t impress me. Less ugly than the BMW dials but nowhere near as useful as I’d imagined.
Being as I like the design of the Golf dials I’d rather make the most of them by actually using them!
Park Assust. Had this in my 2013 GTI PP, used it twice in 18 months. Didn’t bother with it again despite being good value for money.
Harmon Kardon, can’t remember if this was available to order when my paperwork went in but wasn’t impressed with it in my BMW. Probably should have ticked the box if I could have but didn’t so I don’t have it. I only listen to music on low these days anyway so no great loss.
Heated seats, I ticked that box, used them twice in three months owing to a mild winter. Wouldn’t be fussed either way if ordering again. Definitely wouldn’t bother on a Clubsport as the alcantara never felt cold to the touch.
Rear camera is quite handy but not fussed whether I have it or not. As it happens I did tick the box.
19” alloys, bigger is always better when it comes to wheels! Could do with an extra 5mm offset to look perfect but happy enough with the Estorils as fitted.
Sunroof. Meh. Enjoyed it in 1987 but didn’t have climate control on my mk1 and mk2 Golfs!
Have I missed off any options(?)
Heated steering wheel thankfully standard fit. The best thing ever! 😁
The IQ lights are equally awesome.
Future plans? Those that have been here a long time might remember that I’d take delivery of a car then immediately start changing things on it. Alas I’m old and boring now and can’t be bothered. In fact I really like the car as is. No plans, just enjoy it while it lasts.
If a meteorite hit the car tomorrow would I get another? Hell yes!
Hopefully I’m not just repeating stuff I’ve typed dozens of times previously, I’m too lazy to reread, but you get the gist. I’ll sit in the corner and shut up now.
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Another great update Exo, and meshes pretty well with my experiences. Have to admit, the HK stereo is only really worth it at over about 1/3 volume, so you aren’t missing much. The heated seats in my clubby see use more for prevent backache on longer trudges than keeping my backside warm on cold mornings, but I think that’s more of a metalwork in your back problem than anything else. I do like the sunroof though, brings a lot of light in and when it’s warmer, great to blast around with it open and the windows down. As for the reversing camera it’s great if you have to drive forward into spaces, the wide angle mode make it possible to see around the enormous SUVs to either side. Other than that it can be left without an issue.
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@Exonian; I agree with The_Doc; good update, and I enjoy reading them!
I’m with you when it comes to extra cost options; I only choose those I really want; I don’t consider myself to be a tight wad, it’s just that I find the standard spec on VW’s performance models to be pretty generous.
I’ve always considered the mk8 R to be a bit of a sleeper in the looks department; to the uninitiated IMHO it doesn’t really stand out and could be mistaken for an ‘ordinary’ Golf. That’s not a bad thing IMHO. There’s one part of the R’s exterior design that I think VW could have done better; I’ve always felt that the trailing edge of the R-specific extended sills where they join the lower leading edge of the rear wheel arches don’t look particularly well integrated - I think the mk7 R’s extended sills achieved a much more cohesive, ‘blended-in’ look.
Oh and yes, I agree with you on the looks of the current Nissan Juke - it certainly doesn’t look as bad as the previous model. I still won’t be adding it to my list of possible replacements for my Polo GTi+ :grin:.
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Thanks Doc, you must be quite a sight under x-ray. Some very clever and caring people must’ve put you back together and brought you back to a degree of mobility. With all of the bad things humanity inflicts upon itself it’s good to be reminded of those unsung miracle workers doing their thing.
Fair point about the sunroof too.
Plus a practical use for the rear camera I’d not considered, I hardly ever remember to look at mine to be honest, except when reversing towards supermarket car park bollards which tend to sit just below the rear window line.
Agreed with you on the side skirts of the 8R SRGTD. I’ve disliked the design ever since I first clapped eyes on photos and seeing them in the flesh for the last 3 years has done nothing to quell my distaste for the odd shape towards their rear. It’s probably for aero reasons but it sure ain’t pretty.
Gloss black versions of the GTI skirts would have been much nicer and added some contrast as per the front lower grille and rear valance in my opinion.
Oh, missing from the options I didn’t select was DCC. Forgot to add that in earlier. I was writing the post piecemeal between chores hence some of the dodgy grammar, random commas, spelling mistakes and other errors. (Harman for instance!)
Yeah, DCC. Not a fan. Written much on the reasons why previously. Quite happy with the fixed rate dampers.
I had a quick ride in a former workmate’s newly acquired Porsche Panamera (I think that’s the right one, huge thing based on the Touareg) on Good Friday. He decided he’d drive an hour and a half to show me the car as he’d been threatening to get one for years and we both thought it would never happen. Bless him! It’s quite an old example but the air ride on it was really impressive. That to me is what DCC should be like. I hope to goodness the thing stays reliable as I shudder to think what repair bills could potentially be.
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@Exo, at this point I’m part cyborg. On the plus side I’m told it’s stronger than the bones it replaces, so combine that with the wheels and I’m basically a cut rate transformer at this point :grin: I am also a world champion at musical chairs.
I’d never really considered the backup cam until I started having to pull in forwards and then found it a nightmare to see out. I was always a reverse in kinda guy before that. The wide angle view is the only one I ever use, I just wish you could make that the default view.
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Nice to read your updates, Exonian.
You do have to be up pretty damn early in most parts of the country to enjoy clear roads.
But the best thing about a performance golf is that it’s a golf- (though perhaps this is the the one section of the forum where many wouldn’t agree 😂)
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Your VW journey is far from at its twilight Hertsman and maybe yours won’t be after all SR, although the current Juke isn’t a bad looking thing… :whistle:
Once you’ve owned a hot hatch it’s surprising what little details keep you hooked in, some more obvious than others. Aside from power outputs that most of us barely explore, and external and internal trim embellishments, the more subtle things like damper rates and reassuring brakes do make a big difference to daily driving making the car feel more at one with you. The same for slightly firmer, bolstered sports seats. Then things like gearing and transmission responses. It all adds up as a package that VW seem good at getting right.
I’m sure nobody wants another update but here’s one anyway.
Sunday morning, on my own and up early, headed to the garage for a tape measure, looked at the car sat in front of it and immediately decided to go for a drive.
Reasons? It wasn’t raining for the first time in six months, it was daylight but still too early for the day trippers to clog everything up, and I just felt like it which isn’t often these days.
Engine fired up, radio down low, threaded through the estate and onto the main road. Vampire Weekend’s Capricorn starts playing, wistfully reminding me of a much missed Capricorn.
The car gently warming up, eventually free of built up areas, no traffic and because it’s windy no Lycra tossers pretending they’re on the Tour De France (I don’t mind proper cyclists but not these fair weather types with zero consideration). Picked up a bit of speed but still below the NSL, carried the speed through the bends and dodging potholes, reached the roundabout where the NSL finished, turned around and headed home. Probably only a quick 20 mile drive, all single carriageway winding road, and home again to fish the tape measure out of my toolbox before most of the world was out of bed.
Certainly no Evo Triangle in the company of mates in their supercars (I don’t have any of the latter!) but it was just nice having the roads to myself pondering the car itself.
My mind went back to a YouTube video I watched a few years ago when the mk8’s were just launched by a Mercedes AMG guy “Remove Before Race” where he did what I considered a fair and accurate assessment of the 8R unlike many vids I watched around the time. The car he used looked pretty much like mine so I decided to watch the vid again today.
His points were valid still, and it’s well worth a watch.
He mentioned that most of the R’s capabilities are really only apparent when you’re driving at 10/10ths and that is just so, but other things it does and they way it does them are still very endearing making the car a great daily.
I still miss the sharper looks of the Clubsport, and indeed its slightly more on edge dynamics (yet still remaining super-civilised) but the R has been a great companion through a biblically wet six months.
Sure footed, comfy(ish), and very well equipped it’s made easy work of some horrible driving conditions.
Talking of equipment, it’s time to reflect on spec choices.
11 months on from ordering and3 months into ownership these are my reflections.
Colour, white, no regrets. Gives a bit of contrast to the blue accents, doesn’t highlight swirls too badly, and Golfs look great in white.
No Performance Pack. Wasn’t available as an option, didn’t want the leather (beautiful as it looks) of the R20. Not bothered, haven’t had to suffer a cold bum at 5am, won’t ever use drift mode or derestricted top speed and therefore only missing the wing. I quite like the wing but also like the lower look of the standard hatch spoiler which then highlights the cow’s udder exhaust tips.
Speaking of exhausts, the Akrapovič was definitely off menu at order time. At £3.5k there’s no way I could justify that, I’m not a Caffeine & Machine type and unfortunately I’m from the sort of background where value for money does mean something. Plus I don’t think they look any better than the standard udders and doubt they sound very different in normal driving attached to a GPF.
Head Up Display, was a no from me.
I was expecting this to be the second coming years ago and eagerly awaited this to become available on normal people’s cars. Then I had it on a BMW and it didn’t impress me. Less ugly than the BMW dials but nowhere near as useful as I’d imagined.
Being as I like the design of the Golf dials I’d rather make the most of them by actually using them!
Park Assust. Had this in my 2013 GTI PP, used it twice in 18 months. Didn’t bother with it again despite being good value for money.
Harmon Kardon, can’t remember if this was available to order when my paperwork went in but wasn’t impressed with it in my BMW. Probably should have ticked the box if I could have but didn’t so I don’t have it. I only listen to music on low these days anyway so no great loss.
Heated seats, I ticked that box, used them twice in three months owing to a mild winter. Wouldn’t be fussed either way if ordering again. Definitely wouldn’t bother on a Clubsport as the alcantara never felt cold to the touch.
Rear camera is quite handy but not fussed whether I have it or not. As it happens I did tick the box.
19” alloys, bigger is always better when it comes to wheels! Could do with an extra 5mm offset to look perfect but happy enough with the Estorils as fitted.
Sunroof. Meh. Enjoyed it in 1987 but didn’t have climate control on my mk1 and mk2 Golfs!
Have I missed off any options(?)
Heated steering wheel thankfully standard fit. The best thing ever! 😁
The IQ lights are equally awesome.
Future plans? Those that have been here a long time might remember that I’d take delivery of a car then immediately start changing things on it. Alas I’m old and boring now and can’t be bothered. In fact I really like the car as is. No plans, just enjoy it while it lasts.
If a meteorite hit the car tomorrow would I get another? Hell yes!
Hopefully I’m not just repeating stuff I’ve typed dozens of times previously, I’m too lazy to reread, but you get the gist. I’ll sit in the corner and shut up now.
As only sat in a MK 8 R in a showroom, but never driven, its always good to read observations from the trusted folk on here opposed to other sources,
Options was interesting as you pretty much excluded most of the cost options as not in anyway being must have, and my two pennies in response :)
Deliberately went back to white for the 2019 Golf R recently purchased, mainly as love the stormtrooper offset of the gloss black trim, but as someone who really does not have patience for detailing, its an extremely low maintenance colour.
Park Assist is something have on the 128Ti, used it half a dozen times at beginning, simply do not bother now, just far quicker and efficient for me to do it myself.
Rear View camera was something always stated would never need, and its not a need, but now have had it for 6 yrs + now, its become a natural part of my all around reference points, so its on the must have list.
DCC is something had on my R and TCR and thought it was a must have with 19" but when test drove a couple of 2019 R before securing the one we eventually bought, established that was a misnomer, ride is perfectly good enough on standard, somewhere around normal on my previous DCC cars. In fact, rarely used comfort on either as it was too wallow, bit sea sicky.
If next car happened to have DCC then great, choice of setting is good, but it not must have.
Wished ticked HK on this BMW 128Ti, standard speakers are pants! and though never thought sounds were that bad in previous R or TCR, wife has Dynaudio on her R and I am a convert, would definitely be looking for an R next that has Dynaudio, so sort of on the must have. Also quite like the Pro media in the MK 7.5, but absolutely no way is it worth the ££, be a nice to have if car found comes with it though.
Think like the look of Pan Roof more than functionality, so would not put on must have, but if car found ticked all my major fundamentals, and it had Pan Roof, be nice to have, though do understand it adds potential maintenance and cost implications.
Love, love the heated steering wheel in 128Ti! sadly not an option in likely MK 7.5R that will replace it, but do see a MK 8.5 in my future, so be first thing look for!
Heated Seats, definitely in the must have, still do grassroots football, and my aching body appreciates that warmth way too much to not have.
Quite like the performance pack on both MK 7.5 and the 8's that seen, but would never had option new, way too much in £ but again, if car found has all the fundamentals ticked in mileage, FVSH etc and it was a little bit more over something more standard, would fess up the extra ££ to secure. Definitely not must have, more nice to have.
The must have options over standard when selecting the 2019 R were DSG, 19" Pretoria, Rear View Camera, Privacy Glass, the car then came by chance with Dynaudio, Keyless as nice to haves.
The standard which would be must have, are auto hold, app connect and folding mirrors,
Having said all this on options, going to defer back to this 128Ti experience, it looks great, and has excellent media and interior, but the torque steer and uncertainty in wet really detract from overall experience, and its convinced me that how the car drives outweighs any option, I would presently take a stock R over the 128Ti on driving experience alone.
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I’m going to have a play with wide angle on the RVC @Doc. Hopefully not too buried in the menus to find! 😁
EDIT: found it !! Wonder if OBD11 would be able to set it as default
Are you trying to suggest mk8’s have a bad reputation @Yusee? :evil: :whistle:
@Herstman, you have the experience to know exactly what you do and don’t want when the 128 goes, hopefully you’ll find another peach of a 7.5, be it TCR or R.
It might be nice to have one of each on the drive rather than two R’s but if the right example comes up then you’d have to jump at a second R.
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I’m going to have a play with wide angle on the RVC @Doc. Hopefully not too buried in the menus to find! 😁
EDIT: found it !! Wonder if OBD11 would be able to set it as default
Are you trying to suggest mk8’s have a bad reputation @Yusee? :evil: :whistle:
@Herstman, you have the experience to know exactly what you do and don’t want when the 128 goes, hopefully you’ll find another peach of a 7.5, be it TCR or R.
It might be nice to have one of each on the drive rather than two R’s but if the right example comes up then you’d have to jump at a second R.
However, know impulsive me too well, and its my rational head that is saying no to a MK 8 R or maybe Clubsport (45) due to software issues, but I do really like the MK 8's and how everyone states they are a great drive intrigues also, and there is not a huge price differential between a well specced, low mileage MK 7.5 and 21-22 plate MK 8 so when go do the forecourt rounds, would not be surprised to see some shiny, bells and whistles MK 8 R catch my eye and throw all commonsense thought out of window (used to have similar problem to a pretty face, but wife soon put me straight! :grin:)
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Looks absolutely beautiful - I must admit, I saw a Manual MK8 GTi in my local VW while helping my cousin buy a new car the other week, I was very tempted but I love my Edition 35 too much atm.
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Quite right to keep the ED35 Nino, it’s from a simpler time but still has most of the mod cons and anything missing from spec can generally be retrofitted. Easy to maintain and easy to lightly upgrade parts when they wear out without detracting from its originality.
The depreciation on mk8’s is vicious at the moment and they’ve gotten too expensive.
There’s plenty of time to upgrade in the future should you wish, but for now you’ve still got a pretty special car to enjoy. :afro:
@Hertsman, heed your wife’s words or you’ll end up actually living in the car 😁
Besides cars are far less trouble than pretty faces (elderly Alfas aside and to be honest I never really understood the Alfa love of car enthusiasts, they do nothing for me) and less expensive in the long run!