Another ex-mk5 GTI (stage 1) and Golf 7 R owner.
Poverty spec isn’t exactly full on poverty so don’t get hung up on extras. They drive the same whether the first owner spent £5k in extras or was as stingy as me! Especially on a 7.5 model, all the best things came as standard with the exception of Pretorias (which can be added afterwards). Buy on condition only as many previous owners/keepers are/were onanists so plenty got dinged, hammered, stolen or any mix of those. But there are also a lot of very well looked after R’s about as they attract some err… “varying types” of owner. Some look like they lick the underside of the car clean every other day.
Every post I learn a new word from you Exonian, sort of wish I didn't know onanist now
I'd argue similarly but wouldn't recommend the 7R to anyone but it's each to their own, the GTI PP is a great move for most coming from a mk5 gti, but the TCR is the ultimate form of the mk7.
I'm sure that will attract some fire from those with a Clubsport S, but they're not quite everyday friendly or even the same price range now.