Thinking of buying a used Golf R... Need some advice

[semiotech]

Hi all,

I'm starting to look for a replacement for my current Golf. I could go newer but I've really got the R bug.

Been looking on Carsales for MY14/15 models with about 40-50K on the clock. Will probably go through a dealer for purposes of the statutory warranty.

Those of you who've also bought a used R:

• How was your experience going with a used R? Any issues?
• I see a lot of people saying that 10-15% off the advertised price is normal for used cars. Is this also the case with the R?

Thanks in advance.

[Lucas_R]

The early Mk7 Golf R's had turbo failure issues, which were rectified with a revised turbo. If possible, verify your car has had the revised turbo fitted, otherwise try to get a MY15 or newer model which had the revised turbo fitted from the factory.

[DV52]

^^^^ without any doubt - your very best friend when considering the purchasing a used mk7 (including a Golf R - revised turbo, or not) must be a trusty diagnostic cable (i.e VCDS/OBDeleven/VCP). IMHO there ain't nothing more reassuring when negotiating with the seller than a having a file that contains repeat phrases like "no errors found". Mk7s have a really sophisticated error monitoring and fault recording facility - and it's complete with a priority listing of the fault importance. Why wouldn't you want access to this data when deciding to buy, or to not buy?

If you don't own one of these cables - IMO, it's worth paying someone , or even better asking a fellow forum colleague (for the price of a slab) to accompany you. Of course the diagnostic cable won't guarantee that something won't break in the future - but it's a kind-of health report for the car at the time of inspection.


Don

[semiotech]

All great advice thanks. I have decided to look for something in the MY15-16 range.

Going to keep the car for awhile so it might be better to pay a bit more up front.

[Mattlock]

The early Mk7 Golf R's had turbo failure issues, which were rectified with a revised turbo. If possible, verify your car has had the revised turbo fitted, otherwise try to get a MY15 or newer model which had the revised turbo fitted from the factory.

My MY15 turbo still had the issue and was replaced at the second service under warranty.


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[amunra]

if MY15-16 make sure it still has some warranty.

water pumps are a common issue and will need replacing if hadnt been done already.

Trust me i've been through x3 now and thermostat has been replaced x2.. really glad i took 5 year warranty over the standard 3 year they had at the time.

Also take it for a test drive and make sure the suspension doesnt squeak. Not sure if the top strut mounts were revised in the my-17 models onwards but mine was squeaking after 30,000km and they either need replacing if the shop will own up to it which mine did not or you can get aftermarket heavy duty strut mounts that require taking the suspension off to be fit obviously going to cost $400 - 500 with parts if u dont do it urself.

[semiotech]

if MY15-16 make sure it still has some warranty.

water pumps are a common issue and will need replacing if hadnt been done already.

Trust me i've been through x3 now and thermostat has been replaced x2.. really glad i took 5 year warranty over the standard 3 year they had at the time.

Also take it for a test drive and make sure the suspension doesnt squeak. Not sure if the top strut mounts were revised in the my-17 models onwards but mine was squeaking after 30,000km and they either need replacing if the shop will own up to it which mine did not or you can get aftermarket heavy duty strut mounts that require taking the suspension off to be fit obviously going to cost $400 - 500 with parts if u dont do it urself.

How far in did you end up replacing the water pump and thermostat?

[amunra]

How far in did you end up replacing the water pump and thermostat?

around 40k .90k and 130k

there was a a fluid hose in there and some other radiator related stuff.. probably had my car in for service 5x times under warranty all for the same small things that go... i imagine theyre doeable at home if u have the tools