Thanks guys, I'm looking at a 2016 R but no leather, heated seats or Rev camera. not sure any are deal breaker.
I owned a couple of mk6 GTI’s (and two mk5’s which are basically the same car) and have had four mk7’s including 18 months in an R (although I didn’t really use it for the last four months so foolishly sold it).
As always with a used car, buy on condition not what toys it has.
Many early R’s were originally cheap lease deal cars so check them over very carefully.
A lot of them live a hard life and there are also a lot around that look very well cared for. They are very popular cars, I see at least one every day which means there are a lot around as I don’t travel very far!
The reason there are so many around is they are damned good.
What they lose in sporty looks they make up for in sheer dynamic competence and speed.
To elaborate on my previous answer, you don’t *need* any optional extras. Any it has are a bonus.
Rear camera useful but far from essential. It sits too low to be of proper use when using the side mirrors too. I had one but don’t now and don’t miss it one bit.
Nav? How often do you use it? A phone in a cradle and Bluetooth voice instructions will do just as good a job if not better if just occasional use. I don’t rate the basic VW navs. Maybe the Pro is much better. The very late ones in the FL cars seem better than the early ones, my son has one and gets much better use out of it then me, he uses voice control, mine doesn’t have that.
DCC? I’ve had 4 mk7’s, three on 19” wheels and never once felt the need for DCC. It’s a sporty car and rides well considering.
Leather? No ta. The standard cloth R seats are uninspiring to look at but the alcantara bolsters are grippy. The seats are comfy and you don’t need heated cloth seats unless you have a medical condition.
There are two ways of looking at it.
What would I really like? Which means be prepared for a potential wait.
What can I live without? Most extras if you’re honest with yourself. The car comes well equipped as standard. The later the car the better the kit but the more money you will have to shell out.
