Mk7 Golf R Discussion Thread

**Paul_R** · 24-08-2014, 12:12 PM

I suggest anyone thinking of a A45 AMG ride in one before you buy. Was in a CLA AMG yesterday and it is firm +++ ! Bloody quick but very stiff ride.

**AdamD** · 24-08-2014, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by jonoz

I went looking and fell in love with a black S3 with the S Performance Pack but for the same engine + transmission in an Audi shell the price tag was $15k more than the optioned R, coming it at $76k driveaway.

Originally Posted by andrew7

To my mind there's not much point speccing an S3 without the S performance pack (very poor relation come resale if you don't, also good add ons) and by the time I added metallic paint (on a white mind you), load thru and tint it came in it at $67.5k (after some negotiation). My R with dsg, leather and DAP was almost $10k less.

I've ordered an S3 sedan without the S performance pack (I don't believe in buying more options to improve resale), but did spec the magnetic ride control (active dampers) and B&O stereo from it. Also added sunroof, metallic paint, load through, special rims and hold assist, and am paying well under $70k (with corporate pricing).

**jonoz** · 24-08-2014, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by AdamD

I've ordered an S3 sedan without the S performance pack (I don't believe in buying more options to improve resale), but did spec the magnetic ride control (active dampers) and B&O stereo from it. Also added sunroof, metallic paint, load through, special rims and hold assist, and am paying well under $70k (with corporate pricing).

I am assuming that since you have said under $70k that it is between $65-70k which is still at least $5k more than what you are going to get an R for. Regardless, if you can get ~15% off the RRP drive away price go for it.

We went from a stock S3 to one with the S Performance Pack and there are just some stupid differences - with the SPP you lose fully electric seats and the B&O sound system for a ~$1k had minimal impact on the sound in the cabin. This was even with my partner going through doing her normal tweaking of the bass, treble, etc and pumping up the sub it just didnt really impress all in all.

Unfortunately we didnt get to test drive one with the magnetic ride control but for me, 6' - 100kgs, the cabin was intrusive and almost claustrophobic whereas the Golf feels open and spacious in comparison.

Even with those negatives I took away, if they would give me a black S3 sedan with SPP and a sunroof for $62k drive away I would get it.

**mp2811** · 24-08-2014, 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by andrew7

I agree Jonoz.

To my mind there's not much point speccing an S3 without the S performance pack (very poor relation come resale if you don't, also good add ons) and by the time I added metallic paint (on a white mind you), load thru and tint it came in it at $67.5k (after some negotiation). My R with dsg, leather and DAP was almost $10k less.

I'd agree also that the S3 cabin was claustrophobic, had no throttle side foot rest (the latter a huge issue for me) and was less dynamic and involving to drive. So, for me and others here the R was a clear winner on value plus more involving/exciting to drive

Andrew you must be a great negotiator 67,500 with all those options is fantastic price especially if sedan that's like 15% off.

**amatsd** · 24-08-2014, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by jonoz

Unfortunately we didnt get to test drive one with the magnetic ride control but for me, 6' - 100kgs, the cabin was intrusive and almost claustrophobic whereas the Golf feels open and spacious in comparison.

This absolutely baffles me. The S3 interior is nice and roomy imo and feel the Golf lacks the spacious feel due to the dash design and layout etc

**hainsey** · 25-08-2014, 06:22 AM

All these s3 prices are extremely low compared to the rrp that shows on the price calculator on audi Australia's website, but then again the s3 hatch has been out almost a year longer than the golf r..... Hmmm very interesting

I might go into audi just for ****s and giggles to see what they will price one up for now, when I went in 8 months ago it was around 75k for one, which was well over 15k more than what the golf costs

**AdamD** · 25-08-2014, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by jonoz

Regardless, if you can get ~15% off the RRP drive away price go for it.

I got approx. 10%, but I'm very happy with that.

Originally Posted by jonoz

We went from a stock S3 to one with the S Performance Pack and there are just some stupid differences - with the SPP you lose fully electric seats and the B&O sound system for a ~$1k had minimal impact on the sound in the cabin. This was even with my partner going through doing her normal tweaking of the bass, treble, etc and pumping up the sub it just didnt really impress all in all.

Agreed on the seats, which is why I didn't get them. Ref the B&O, decent speakers - just like cars - frequently need plenty of time to be run in properly. The Dynaudio in my Mk6 GTI took a good 100 hours of use before they warmed up properly, but the improvement was substantial. Unfortunately, you can't rely on an evaluation of a brand-new system in the showroom when demoing a good car audio system (with the exception of tweeters really).

Originally Posted by jonoz

Even with those negatives I took away, if they would give me a black S3 sedan with SPP and a sunroof for $62k drive away I would get it.

Well, that's never going to happen. Of course the S3 is specced as standard far higher than the R, so again, we're not comparing apples with apples and expecting comparable pricing is unrealistic. But the R remains excellent value for what it is and what's included (as does the S3 to my mind), and you should be very pleased with your purchase!

Originally Posted by mp2811

Andrew you must be a great negotiator 67,500 with all those options is fantastic price especially if sedan that's like 15% off.

I don't think Andrew's $67.5k S3 sedan quote included the S Performance Pack in addition to metallic paint, load through and tint - but if it did, and he turned it down... umm... wow!

Originally Posted by hainsey

I might go into audi just for ****s and giggles to see what they will price one up for now, when I went in 8 months ago it was around 75k for one, which was well over 15k more than what the golf costs

Good deals come with research and negotiation; I would never expect to be able to walk in to a dealer unannounced and get a great deal. You need to demonstrate that you know where the sharp end of the pricing is at, and potentially have both alternative quotes from other dealers, and details of others' purchases in order to really get things moving.

**mp2811** · 25-08-2014, 11:04 AM

Adam you're exactly right about research and negotions, I found out lowest prices I've heard of them selling. Told salesman that other dealership willing to sell at that price and that I had contacts at bmw so can get good price there. Told him our price that we would buy at and gave c/card for desposit saying do you want to make sale or not! Worked well, got more than 10% off quoted price!