Golf R Observations and Questions

[Disciple]

Quick follow up question to my previous one. The Audi S3 is around the same money as the Golf R, admittedly a slightly older S3 and likely out of warranty, BUT, is there any merit in looking at an S3 when compared to the Golf R? They're essentially the same car, right? So it should be a reliable car, but with a bit more badge snobbery and the magnetic ride control suspension.

Thoughts?

[drad81]

I think the S3 interior looks more dated than the Golf R. I was looking at both and went with the R because of the following reasons.
1) arm rest at the front reminds me of he arm rest from a 1999 audi A3
2) lack if centre exhausts
3) the R doesn't look as noticeable in a car park or on the street as the s3 so no unwanted attention.
4) No drls

[Cantgiveyouthat]

Hi shinygti, I came from an 8P S3 to an R and I prefer the ride and dsg on the R by some margin. The S3 had a nicer finish, but as mentioned it is looking dated. You won't go wrong with either to be honest, but my money would be on the R.

[parso_rex]

They are both great cars really

Older Pre MY09 S3 has the older version Haldex and of course is only available in 6MT but it has the better FMIC than the Golf R. I know that they change to the GTI/R intercooler in 2010 sometime but maybe its the MY09 change period - not sure. It's no biggy of course because you will buy a much bigger one from me anyway .

The S3 has a better audio system compared to the non Dynoaudio Golf R and overall I think it has a better all round feel of quality which I just can't explain. I know others find this too which is kind of weird because they are both very well made.

[shinygti]

Think the s3 is slightly better ride but some say to hard but depends what you want out of it. I do like the s3 but inside is dated as said.


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[Candyman]

DCC is a welcome addition I have it with 18s. If the expectation is that if you change modes and there will be a dramatic change there isn't however on long haul you will notice it. As I am a 3 year owner I can say you won't be disappointed and I have no issues except inner shoulder tyre wear rotate every 10k or you will chew tyres

No DCC on ours and with the 20 or so interstate trips we have done in the R (18 inch wheels), no concerns at all from myself or any of the passengers. Drove a DCC equipped R for a week also with 18's and would not bother buying an R with it.

If you are getting inner shoulder wear get your LCA bushes checked.

We have not had any uneven wear at all in the 50,000 k we have done so far.

Our GTI cut tyres out on the inner shoulder and that was due to stuffed LCA bushes (common issue with the Golf as they are soft)

[Paul_R]

Hands up who gives the throttle a squeeze when starting the engine? I know you aren't supposed to with modern cars but I can't help myself. Usually just blips up to 2000 rpm but every now and then it will run to 3500 rpm or so which triggers the exhaust valve so it then pops and farts as the revs drop, which it should by the way. Mainly does it when most unwelcome such as in the school car park or other embarrassing places.
Anyone else experience this or do you all keep clear of the throttle?

[zoomda]

Hands up who gives the throttle a squeeze when starting the engine?

Nope, I don't give it any throttle as I don't want the engine revving any harder than it needs to until oil pressure is where it should be.

[Frazza]

Nope, I don't give it any throttle as I don't want the engine revving any harder than it needs to until oil pressure is where it should be.

+1 Yup same, there is no need to so why bother

[zoomda]

I often put it into D before I close the drivers door though and then it beeps loudly at me in protest, which I promptly ignore. I think only MY12+ has that "feature". Apparently it thinks I will fall out the door or something