31 Weeks lead time for an R

[monkeyhanger]

VW didn't help themselves by making the R so cheap to buy. I know a lad going out a 1.2 Corsa into a Golf R, quite an upgrade!

It's no surprise that they are struggling with keeping up on the production line with mass demand.

I don't think it's cheap to buy (the extra cost over a GTI PP is pretty well justified, but not ridiculously good value for money), but with some of the deals going down, it was very cheap to lease in it's basic form. I've read a fair few young owners of clapped out Corsas and Clios swapping to an R (they might be in for a shock at the end of their term if another cracking deal isn't available) on the other forum. If the amazing lease offerings were a one off, we might see more sensible waiting times in future.

The best screwed together VWs I ever owned (requiring the least amount of warranty work) were my 2 MK3 Sciroccos - so much for the Germans, it would seem that the Portuguese build better VWs.

[am1w]

If only Golfs were produced in the Czech Republic.

[Mr Savage]

Yes they aren't particularly cheap when buying outright of course but the leasing deals were frankly ridiculous. With some deals making the GTI actually cost significantly more over the term than it's flagship R. Was bizarre in my opinion.

VW's build quality has certainly dropped over recent years. I can see the difference just from the MK5 to the MK7 but I guess as they try and push more and more cars out the factory they are going to be cutting corners sadly while trying to maximise profits.

Take KIA for example, they've really upped their game in recent years and are now treading right on the heels of the German cars in terms of build quality.

[am1w]

A Kia or Hyundai is better made than a VW IMO. The VW might have better perceived quality but it is not as well made.

[Mr Savage]

You're probably right. VW are still riding on their history when they used to be a considerable amount ahead of their competitors, many years ago.

My friends Renault Megane RS still feels a few levels below the Golf in terms of build quality but then again it's more aimed towards the track so that's expected.

The new Ford Focus ST feels pretty solid and well refined and they are definitely one to keep an eye on once they release their new Focus RS in 2016. To be honest unless VW start improving rather drastically and getting back ahead of the game then i'll seriously consider a different manufacturer for the first time in many years.

[am1w]

Mr Savage:

I agree with everything you say.

I must admit that the fit and finish of my BMW is excellent except for the leather seats which I classify as Hippo Hide and were baggy when new. Got this fixed after many arguments with BMW who were really pig headed. No different to VW when I complained about a warped rear bumper on my Mk6 GTI which they eventually replaced (after much discussion) under warranty. But hey, the BMW has 'free' leather which is a million times better in quality (and there's more of it) than VW Vienna Leather which is leather only for the seat base and back but all the rest is vinyl! They really should call it Vienna Vinyl. As for their Nappa nonsense, well that is daylight robbery.

Yes, the Mk5 Golf was perhaps the last well made Golf. The downward trajectory in Golf quality seems to be gathering pace.

[am1w]

Double post!

[monkeyhanger]

Excellent residuals are the main reason why I choose VW over the competition. I like the cars (but not enough to buy new if their residuals weren't excellent) and they are good innovators (loved the Scirocco when it first came out, I suppose it's a real testament to the design that so many other cars copied its looks), they're well equipped for a German car too.

I do like the solid feel of a German car, although the solid feel has really been diminished by the really thin panels on the MK7 - i'd have lived with the extra 23kg on the bodywork for that door closing "thunk" that the rear doors are missing.

If I wanted to be a little less practical i'd probably be looking for the new TT (although the TTS is ridiculously expensive for an 80ps hike and not much else over the standard one for about £8k more).

German cars do look tidier for longer in general, but perhaps that's because they're so expensive and people end up looking after them more as a result.

[am1w]

One thing that is pretty obvious when comparing my BMW to the Golf R. The BMW panels are really solid and bend-free unlike the flimsy tinny Golf panels. The BMW really feels as if is hewn out of a solid billet of steel. It is incredibly well made. Very reassuring. Should there be such a marked difference? I wonder how the A3 compares with the Golf. Probably the same though it looks a bit more substantial.

[monkeyhanger]

One thing that is pretty obvious when comparing my BMW to the Golf R. The BMW panels are really solid and bend-free unlike the flimsy tinny Golf panels. The BMW really feels as if is hewn out of a solid billet of steel. It is incredibly well made. Very reassuring. Should there be such a marked difference? I wonder how the A3 compares with the Golf. Probably the same though it looks a bit more substantial.

The S3 doors feel a bit thicker on a tap test - but they are made out of Aluminium. It definitely feels a bit more solid until you open the door and find it feels quite light on its hinges.