MK7 Golf R versus...

[mattaus]

You are correct. The bang for buck part especially given the new pricing structure impacting MY16 cars (which was not in place when I ordered my PP).

There is one problem though - tuning. A lot of people, myself included, are not prepared to tune their cars and potentially void their warranty in the process. That is a big point. You cannot say a particular vehicle is a better proposition than another car, provided they are both modified from their base configuration.

From a pure performance perspective, the R is definitely the best bang for buck amongst it's VW stablemates, if not in it's price bracket full stop. But when it's not just about performance (which it is not for me and many other people) then saying a car is quicker makes it better is only half the story.

As we all keep saying, different strokes for different folks. Maybe we (or just me) should stop or it'll never end haha.

I look forward to being torn a new one off the line by an R in the very near future

[danielb_c]

I have a MY16 R on order at the moment.
When I was testing cars I tested the 228i M Sport & 235i, 86, CLA250, and S3 sedan.
While price is always a factor, it wasn't what ultimately determined my decision.
For me, getting into the R just felt natural. Even though I'm used to a Lancer VRX, which is entirely different, it felt like I'd been driving it for years. With the others I felt awkward, it took a bit to adjust. And it just held, and held and held in the corners! (I took the MY15 for a 24hr test).
I surprised myself when I went for the cheapest of the bunch (excl the 86).
Obviously others prefer different models, and that's fine. I didn't buy it to drag, I'd take handling and cornering speed any day.


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[jake]

I went for the R, having owned a number of FPV's, turbo and supercharged + tons of V8 Holdens, 3 WRX's and a MK6 GTI I thought back over all the cars to ask myself what I enjoyed driving the most.
The manual MK6 GTI was my clear favourite and the only reason I sold it was because after an intake and APR tune the traction problems were annoying me (in standard form it was a bit to slow).
Now I can have my cake and eat it too..........
Once a few small warranty issues are rectified I'll be adding an intake and tune to the R.

[ReeceR]

Hi guys,

Long time lurker here, current owner of 3 door MKV GTI which must be sold due to impending arrival of baby. I need some help with the purchase decision, I keep going around in circles.

Here's the summary:

• we've decided 3 doors is not practical with a baby
• Golf body shape might be a bit tight with pram and all other baby paraphernalia. Manageable day to day, but trips would be a squeeze and may necessitate the purchase of roof pod. On the other hand, we live in the city and there's a lot more parking spaces that'll fit a Golf than will fit a Octavia or Golf R wagon - but we do have a garage, so parking daily is not much of an issue.
• Therefore, on balance, we think a smallish wagon is the more practical body shape for us, but haven't discounted another (5 door) Golf.

The options:

1. Skoda Octavia RS wagon with all the fruit will cost around $45k. If I partly finance through Skoda, I'll get extended warranty to 5 years. Ticks all boxes for practicality, sporty enough, drives great (like a GTI with a big bum, funnily enough). Not an object of desire, but not a bad looking wagon at all. Terrible lack of exhaust note though, so would likely upgrade that.

However, the issue is that all indications are that I'll get pumped on depreciation if I need to sell in 3 years or so. As an indication, Skoda's own guaranteed minimum future value after 3 years is 29% of the purchase price - around $13,000!! Not exactly confidence-inspiring. Down $32k.

2. Golf R Wolfsburg Wagon with sunroof for around $65k. What's to be said? It's a weapon of a car. But it essentially does the same job, just faster and more prestigiously. $20k more is a huge amount of money, but if I choose to sell in 3 or so years, VW guarantee 40% minimum value. Down $39k.

I guess the sensible answer is either a) don't buy new or b) hold on to it for more than 3 years. But if faced with these two options, what would you choose? If the guaranteed future values are anything to go by, there's only $7k in it. But I get a sense the Skoda will hold up better than previous models, such is the popularity of the new Octavia RS.

Then there's always the option of squeezing our new family into a GTI PP with leather/sunroof for $49k or an R hatch with leather / sunroof for $55k. Not as practical and we may grow out of it, but can be done.


What do you think and why?


thanks!

[Timbo]

Just my 2¢, but the arrival of your first child is going to be a game-changer that, when it happens, will overshadow all thoughts you currently have about resale value. I take it you are going to be a one car household for a while, and so daily convenience for whoever is caring for ReeceR Jr. might be the priority, rather than ultimate performance.

With that in mind, I'd go for the space and convenience that meet those upcoming family needs and represents lowest outlay/best value to you now, rather that betting on resale values 3-5 years away.

[99_FGT]

To get close to those residuals you are needing to do some serious km's, as their guaranteed future value is just that.
The Occy's do hold their value, I was in the market recently and 2011 odd models with ~60k on the clock were listed for low-mid 20's
Similar R hatches were in the mid 30's
The R wagon - if sold in 3 years, would be a better proposition in my eye because it hasn't been around as long, and people wanting to get into them in the second hand market won't have the option of going for an older model.
The $20k difference at purchase time isn't to be sneezed at either though.

[Mi16 Man]

You'll be able to shave a few more $$ off that Octy price.

I had a RS Wagon specced up for $42k driveaway (Manual, Tech Pack, Comfort Pack + 18" Black Pack, metallic white).

As a father of three young kids, grab the Octy. Far more exciting than our load lugging Kluger! It will be replaced by a Octy when the eldest is out of the booster seat.


MY13 Kluger KX-S AWD / MY16 Polo GTI

[ReeceR]

Just my 2¢, but the arrival of your first child is going to be a game-changer that, when it happens, will overshadow all thoughts you currently have about resale value. I take it you are going to be a one car household for a while, and so daily convenience for whoever is caring for ReeceR Jr. might be the priority, rather than ultimate performance.

With that in mind, I'd go for the space and convenience that meet those upcoming family needs and represents lowest outlay/best value to you now, rather that betting on resale values 3-5 years away.

Well said Timbo, kinda summed it up there. Thanks.

[ReeceR]

To get close to those residuals you are needing to do some serious km's, as their guaranteed future value is just that.
The Occy's do hold their value, I was in the market recently and 2011 odd models with ~60k on the clock were listed for low-mid 20's
Similar R hatches were in the mid 30's
The R wagon - if sold in 3 years, would be a better proposition in my eye because it hasn't been around as long, and people wanting to get into them in the second hand market won't have the option of going for an older model.
The $20k difference at purchase time isn't to be sneezed at either though.

Yeah, I think that Skoda's forecasts are pretty pessimistic - but only time will tell.

[ReeceR]

You'll be able to shave a few more $$ off that Octy price.

I had a RS Wagon specced up for $42k driveaway (Manual, Tech Pack, Comfort Pack + 18" Black Pack, metallic white).

As a father of three young kids, grab the Octy. Far more exciting than our load lugging Kluger! It will be replaced by a Octy when the eldest is out of the booster seat.


MY13 Kluger KX-S AWD / MY16 Polo GTI

Mi16 Man, where did you have that car priced up? Are there any dealers that are keener for a deal than others?


All - the crowd has spoken - Octavia it is (for now at least)! Really appreciated all the thoughtful replies guys, thanks.