R36 - seeking long term owner's views on a few specific things...

[satz]

Hi all

I'm back in this forum after a few years in the wilderness since I sold my 08 GTI

Now I'm looking at getting an R36, but was wondering whether current/previous owners could please share their views on a few specific topics. I have followed many links, and googled many things but it would still be good to have some specific views...

1. Is the AC effective on hot days (eg after it's been parked outdoors in 30+ degrees)

2. Is the car responsive when overtaking or crossing intersections at crawling speed? (Difficult to test these things when test driving...)

3. Does the microfibre upholstery cause itchiness?

4. Is there any cost effective way of reducing the suspension harshness?


many thanks

S

[mythik]

Hi all

I'm back in this forum after a few years in the wilderness since I sold my 08 GTI

Now I'm looking at getting an R36, but was wondering whether current/previous owners could please share their views on a few specific topics. I have followed many links, and googled many things but it would still be good to have some specific views...

1. Is the AC effective on hot days (eg after it's been parked outdoors in 30+ degrees)

2. Is the car responsive when overtaking or crossing intersections at crawling speed? (Difficult to test these things when test driving...)

3. Does the microfibre upholstery cause itchiness?

4. Is there any cost effective way of reducing the suspension harshness?


many thanks

S

I had one as a company car for 2 years.

1. Yes, it's fine. It works like any other vehicle. I never once found it any more or less effective than a bogan Ford/Holden equivalent of which I drive regularly as hire vehicles (groan).

2. Very responsive. When you press the pedal all the way to the floor it hits the kick down button which makes the car change back a gear to get going quickly when you need to get out of a tight spot. The car drives to be driven faster. It's bad in a good way.

3. Never had any itchiness ever. From any VW. Ever. It's really nice fabric and quite comfortable. If I had to be shot I'd say it's nicer in summer than leather.

4. The ride is firm, but definitely not harsh. You do get used to it and fall into the enjoyment lul of the sportyness of it. It doesn't wallow and wander like a drunk elephant. If you really feel strongly about the way it rides, you can change the springs and shocks for more compliant ones. I'd seriously just leave it and see how you go.

You won't regret it. The R36 is a hellova machine. Great fun.

[R36er]

Hi all

I'm back in this forum after a few years in the wilderness since I sold my 08 GTI

Now I'm looking at getting an R36, but was wondering whether current/previous owners could please share their views on a few specific topics. I have followed many links, and googled many things but it would still be good to have some specific views...

1. Is the AC effective on hot days (eg after it's been parked outdoors in 30+ degrees)

2. Is the car responsive when overtaking or crossing intersections at crawling speed? (Difficult to test these things when test driving...)

3. Does the microfibre upholstery cause itchiness?

4. Is there any cost effective way of reducing the suspension harshness?


many thanks

S

Hi,

I have had my R36 for 1.5yrs.

1. Never had a problem with a/c - works well. I am not saying its by far the best a/c system on offer but it handles hot days well.

2. This is where the DSG comes into its own. It can downchange quite quickly. When i am going to overtake something i will usually move the shifter into Sports mode. This kicks the car down a gear or two immediately and the car can get going very quickly.

3. In my opinion the seats are one of the best feature of the car - comfortable, supportive and hug you when driving enthusiastically. The microfibre is great too - especially on hot days - doesn't burn you like leather. Never had itchiness from it.

4. The car has a good balance from factory - it is firm enough to handle well - yet soft enough to be comfortable. Compared to a commodore or falcon it is firmer - but it handles a million times better!!!

I am biased - but this is a great car. The best part is it is so understated - and caters for everything.

[revivor]

Hi all

I'm back in this forum after a few years in the wilderness since I sold my 08 GTI

Now I'm looking at getting an R36, but was wondering whether current/previous owners could please share their views on a few specific topics. I have followed many links, and googled many things but it would still be good to have some specific views...

1. Is the AC effective on hot days (eg after it's been parked outdoors in 30+ degrees)

2. Is the car responsive when overtaking or crossing intersections at crawling speed? (Difficult to test these things when test driving...)

3. Does the microfibre upholstery cause itchiness?

4. Is there any cost effective way of reducing the suspension harshness?


many thanks

S

Hi,

Had mine for almost 3yrs now.

1. Works well on hot 30+deg days. I had issues previously where it would take ages to turn on the a/c when it was getting stuffy in the car. Somehow that issue went away when I serviced my car at 30,000km. Now it switches on quite instantly. No complaints.

2. Like everyone, stomp the pedal, there you go! But just take note there is a slight DBW (drive by wire) delay. I'm still waiting for Father Christmas for my sprintbooster to resolve that.

3. No such issue. I've got kids and no complaints.

4. I'd suggest leave the stock setup.

Like it so much, I'm keeping it for the next 3yrs.

[satz]

thanks for the responses. Had a test drive of an 08 R36 wagon today. The handling felt good, as did the performance and brakes.
Interior (of this example) was a little rattly.

Lovely car and I do want one!

On the other hand....I've noticed the current Passat V6 FSI has the same engine that the R36 had. Is its DSG the same as the R36's?

I guess what I'm getting at...is how close this is to the R36 in terms of performance? I guess handling would be softer...

cheers

Satz

[R34]

Hi all

I'm back in this forum after a few years in the wilderness since I sold my 08 GTI

Now I'm looking at getting an R36, but was wondering whether current/previous owners could please share their views on a few specific topics. I have followed many links, and googled many things but it would still be good to have some specific views...

1. Is the AC effective on hot days (eg after it's been parked outdoors in 30+ degrees)

2. Is the car responsive when overtaking or crossing intersections at crawling speed? (Difficult to test these things when test driving...)

3. Does the microfibre upholstery cause itchiness?

4. Is there any cost effective way of reducing the suspension harshness?


many thanks

S

Had my R36 for 2 1/2 years

Agree with what everyone has said
Re item 4 though my R36 had the adaptive suspension with 3 settings
So the softest setting is very comfortable

On the subject of the new V6 Passat yes it's the same drivetrain but doesn't have the sporty flavour of the R36
But as you've found the R36 suspension stiff the V6 FSI may suit you