Clubsport 40 - buying advice

[Miles5]

As posted elsewhere looking for a Clubsport 40.

Any specific buying advice?

Understand there are a few Japanese imports - genuinely best avoided?

Thanks

[Hertsman]

As posted elsewhere looking for a Clubsport 40.

Any specific buying advice?

Understand there are a few Japanese imports - genuinely best avoided?

Thanks

Likely going to be looking for one in 2026 when current lease runs out, to which the early ED 40 will be 10 years old.

Think its the usual considerations, there is nothing really bespoke to the ED 40 materially, it just has a slightly different set up on suspension, body kit with a little more down force function, and the over boost. From that point its then what options are important to you, as spec varies quite a bit from those who went standard to those who went all in.

Another consideration is that from 8 years you cannot purchase a VW warranty unless buy the car from VW themselves, then you will get the 2 year warranty. So probably good to have some budget set aside just in case there is a major fault out of warranty.

I would personally avoid a Japanese Import, just sounds like another layer of potential problem, though others may feel differently

What I would be looking for are the usuals in either 5 Door or 3 Door, not fussed as be second car run around for us.

Clear HPI
Best mileage, probably 60,000 miles for 10 year car would be on good side. (6k pa)
Full VW Service History
No Mods (Plenty will be, but personally want OEM)
Good Condition (Will be ok, with some minor blemishes, which are pot luck, not sign of abuse, my first Golf R was a dink magnet in its 1st year)
Best price (Understanding the price of a good one is essential, as your offer has to be realistic, but you also have to watch out for those over pricing and playing a little bit too much on the ED 40 limited edition tag)
Options I would be looking for:
Rear Camera
Winter Pack (Think it was still an option in 2016/17, for the Heated Seats)
App Connect (On the must have list for me)
Brescia or Pretoria 19" Wheels
90% Tint
Options that be nice to have, but not essential:
Wingback Seats
Black Roof
Panoramic Roof
Keyless
DCC


Probably more could say but that off top of my head, and that's just me, others who have owned an ED 40 or know more, may add little more.

[Exonian]

Pricing an Ed40 must be fun and games. Mint low owner low mileage ones with buckets will command prices not far off new. I hate the “special edition VW” scene despite owning an Ed40 for 2.5 years from almost new.

Have a good search on here for common faults with mk7’s as they’ll all be applicable.

The specialness of the car was more the subtle handling improvements rather than the aero stuff. And the aero stuff does actually have an effect as I can remember seeing the mpg drop significantly at slightly above the posted speed limit on motorways as the downforce started working (my foot slipped on the accelerator officer).
To me, getting an example with the original suspension parts in fine working condition (ie. low mileage) to appreciate the engineering development would be key to appreciating the car far more than the buckets.
And you’ll need deep pockets to snare a mint low miler with buckets.
But that depends on what you want the car for and likely usage.

If you’re prepared to pay accordingly and eventually sell accordingly on price then a Jap import shouldn’t be ruled out depending on condition.
The speedo is analogue and unique to the Ed40 which would be the main annoyance as it’ll be in kilometres. I have a work colleague into his JDM Hondas and the speedometers can be a hassle on imports.
The radio frequencies of Jap imports will be different but there are workarounds for that and CarPlay can be added easily enough.

There are a good few Irish cars knocking around too which were brought over to the UK that aren’t numbered.

[SPIKE_CS]

This car at JKSC is just beautiful. Very strong money, and couldn’t justify it myself, but if anyone wanted a cracking CS40 then this is one to consider: https://www.jksc.co.uk/details/used-car-in-stourbridge/volkswagen/golf/2.0-tsi-bluemotion-tech-gti-clubsport-40-dsg-euro-6-ss-3dr/1241243/

[clubsport]

It's certainly a nice example of a CS. However if anyone is looking for a DSG car, there is also the option of the TCR with the 7 speed gearbox to consider.

[SRGTD]

This car at JKSC is just beautiful. Very strong money, and couldn’t justify it myself, but if anyone wanted a cracking CS40 then this is one to consider: https://www.jksc.co.uk/details/used-car-in-stourbridge/volkswagen/golf/2.0-tsi-bluemotion-tech-gti-clubsport-40-dsg-euro-6-ss-3dr/1241243/

Yes, it is really nice.

The same dealer also has a couple of Clubsport S; one white and one black, each at £42,995. The black one has very low mileage - between 500 and 600 miles.

[Miles5]

Thanks all - appreciate the input.

Not looking for a garage queen and intend to use it (been down that road before - too stressful having a low mileage car when you just want to drive it all the time).

Manuals seem to be alot less common. Whats the DSG like and do the paddles make it involving to drive.