2004 VW MkIV R32 Buying Guide/Tips

[thekraut]

Hey mate. Make sure its has a complete service history (should be stamped in the book) and ensure its had the 120,000km service done ($1000 ballpark) including plugs, haldex fluid & filter, and other items. If it hasn't been done, start negotiating. I'd also speak to the servicing mechanic. If its a dealer you'll probably get no joy, but if they're independant you should get some useful info from them as far as the history of the vehicle is concerned.

Check paint match in direct sunlight at panel joins, if fitment of anything is a little out then ensure adjoining panels have the same paint colour and texture, and no file marks. Any crash repairs and you'll need to start asking questions.

Check side and squab bolsters on driver's seat for wear & tear, sometimes its too far gone, others a good leather treatment will fix. Check for any evidence of a roll cage being fitted, upgraded brake lines, non standard suspension.

While road testing: Check that xenons work and washers as well (operated when lights are turned on low beam and pulling back to wash windscreen). Ensure cruise works, climate works (make sure flaps work by cycling through face, feet vents and recirc), heated seats work - check all interior lights too.

Any clunks in suspension will = worn bushes. Vagueness in steering will also indicate worn tie rod ends. More bargaining points. Make sure drivetrain is all working ok. ensure all gears engage well. check coolant temp when you first start the car. If they have taken it for a 20 min drive to warm everything up before you get there, be wary.

Anything else should be obvious - any creaks, groans, noise from engine etc. Have the stereo off for the test drive

Anyone want to add anything? lol

[Big_M]

Haha, beautiful cars is all that needs to be said!

True.

I'm trying to sort myself one out too!.

[graeme86]

Make sure the radiator fans are working properly.
Known design fault.

Engine On

Put climatronic on ECON...fans do not go.

Press AUTO...BOTH fans should run on LOW speed continuously

If only one is going, or they are stopped and high speed pulses on and off...then the radiator fan low speed resistors are faulty.

New radiator fans would then be required....not particularly cheap.

Thats the only major drama. Pretty bulletproof otherwise.

[Treza360]

Due to all the interest, common questions and multiple threads about the MkIV R32 recently, I have merged them all into one thread. Please search through this thread or ask questions here if you have any. General MkIV questions should be asked in separate threads but as always please search before posting.
Cheers,
Trent

[Treza360]

..non standard suspension...

A fair chuck of people have replaced the standard awful Monroe shocks and possibly springs due to the fact that they're awful and crap. You can use this as a bargaining tool if you want but in 95% of cases it will always be better than the US spec OEM rubbish.
Cheers,
Trent

[OEM G60]

Is it really that bad? I read a US review that raved about the stock suspension when compared to an STI and Evo.

[Treza360]

The damping is absolutely rubbish. Basically it oscillates way too much. You hit a bump and thing feels like it bounces forever. Basically it feels very floaty and not at one with the road.
Have a read and look at this thread here: Vortex Suspension Comparison.
From what I've read/heard, the OEM Euro suspension setup is probably a bit hard for our piss poor quality roads.
Cheers,
Trent

[tomtom_r32]

Just a heads up for a nice BMP R32 for sale here in Syd going for $32k.

I met the owner a few times and his .:R is in immaculate condition and used as weekend car. Apparently his either a good friend or relative to an old mk4 .:R32 owner and enthusiast "Dragan".

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...=67&__Qpb=true

[JVLR32]

Its all about service history
dont worry about ks.....means nothin
When testing ,dont flog it, drive it
and iam a big believer check the pride that the car has been given

[thekraut]

100% agreed. A 6 yr old car with 40,000kms with a sketchy history that hasn't been looked after can have far more and bigger (ie. more expensive) problems than a 6 yr old car with 100k on the clock that has every invoice and service record since day one.