Mk7 Golf R Discussion Thread

[Mikey1]

I agree that any options included in a new car purchase should be done on the basis of what you would use, can afford and gives you a feeling of pride and satisfaction, taking less consideration into potential resale value, particularly if you plan to keep the car for more than 3 to 5 years, where colour, kilometres and condition will be the overriding consideration of used car purchasers. That the R only has 3 options is testament to the fact the base more is so well equipped with standard features, especially when compared to my Mk5 GTI with or without options.

[Dutch77]

+1

The R could (should) be simplified further by making DAP standard, offering a luxury upgrade that packages say leather with maybe an audio or screen upgrade (which is what the S3 buyers are being somewhat swayed by) and leaving the sunroof separate as well (given its a love or loathe - or don't care - option).

Would prefer to see 18s as standard as well, but then it's adding another option to add 19s.

[andrew7]

Agree that limiting options on the R is good for resale: I've gone for leather and driver assist this time which to me seems the "sensible" optioning from a resale perspective, couldn't see the value in a $2k + ORC sunroof (had on my GTI, whilst it sold quickly had not 1 mention of the sunroof as a buyers interest point). However if a sunroof is a "must have" for you personally do it.

Dont see the point in an R "luxury pack", thats the target market the S3 with Performance Pack is aimed at.

[Dutch77]

I see a point to keep buyers in the R, and to perhaps add some value to a ridiculous price for just leather. Not everyone wants an S3 and would prefer to stay in the VW brand.

[Mikey1]

Given the much closer pricing of the S3 8V to the Mk7 R, I'm sure VAG head office has planned the whole shebang. They made sure that essentially the same car had sufficient differences to steer customers one way or the other. It seems ironic that many customers are so frivolous, that they choose their next drive based on what toys and trinkets are available.

[Rogue wolf]

Optioned cars always have & always will sell much quicker then a standard car, aslong as your pricing it right & not over pricing your vehicle, only time you will lose out is if your putting 50,000-100,000 Km's on the clock in the first 3 years in that case you shouldn't put options as the high Km's will always destroy your future resale price no matter how many options you have.

Good thing this time around is majority of options from the last model are now standard, so come resale most popular ones will be leather/sunroof packaged, though standard ones will be easier to sell this time around as there more equipped, though how VW keep screwing customers with leather at a $3k option is beyond ME.

Best thing to do is take note of the prices people are paying here $58-$61k range fully optioned, work hard on negotiating near those prices, always a willing dealer out there, unless your happy to over pay at $65k+

[Bigboboz]

It seems ironic that many customers are so frivolous, that they choose their next drive based on what toys and trinkets are available.

Keep slapping myself for having this reaction, the tiny screen just s@#ts me. I'm going to build a bridge on it and it's just timing for me to go for the Mk7 R, 2H this year. You're absolutely right it's frivolous but there's still emotion in the decision when buying a car...hell colour doesn't change how a car drives but it's one of the big topics.

[AdamD]

It seems ironic that many customers are so frivolous, that they choose their next drive based on what toys and trinkets are available.

I disagree. People have had purchasing decisions swayed based on a whole lot less. If you spend 95% of your driving time listening to the radio, frequently interacting with the equipment that you've chosen on your car, then why is it frivolous to want and choose the best of those things?

Some people will buy one car over another based solely on its on-the-limit handling, but unless their daily commute involves a racetrack (or some seriously windy roads at least), they'll be making their decisions based on characteristics they'll rarely get the chance to appreciate.

At the end of the day everyone's different, and should choose their car and their options based on what they want - not someone else with an entirely different use-case and priorities. I've heavily specced my Mk6 GTI and sure, it may hit me come resale time, but I went into the decision with my eyes open, and I chose options that put a smile on my face. It's my car.

[Mountainman]

but it makes sense if there are two used R's, one is asking $38k and the other with fully loaded options ($8k extra new) asking $40k. for the $2k extra including leather, sunroof, driver assist; i know i would choose the fully loaded one

Which is $6k that the person who originally bought the unoptioned R hasn't blown in depreciation. I know who would have to be smiling the most.

[adam298]

I disagree. People have had purchasing decisions swayed based on a whole lot less. If you spend 95% of your driving time listening to the radio, frequently interacting with the equipment that you've chosen on your car, then why is it frivolous to want and choose the best of those things?

Some people will buy one car over another based solely on its on-the-limit handling, but unless their daily commute involves a racetrack (or some seriously windy roads at least), they'll be making their decisions based on characteristics they'll rarely get the chance to appreciate.

At the end of the day everyone's different, and should choose their car and their options based on what they want - not someone else with an entirely different use-case and priorities. I've heavily specced my Mk6 GTI and sure, it may hit me come resale time, but I went into the decision with my eyes open, and I chose options that put a smile on my face. It's my car.

Very well said AdamD... And realistically car manufacturers wouldn't provide options/colours/trim levels, etc if people didn't buy them and they weren't profitable. Some of us purchase with resale values in mind, some of us don't particularly care about resale, but care more about our own enjoyment first and foremost.