2017 VW Golf R

[fldrummer]

Originally Posted by cal45

Yeah, I am finding that out looking at the used market on the web. Just can't get over those plaid seats on the GTI - they all have em.

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Not true. You can get leather in a GTI. I think it even comes standard with the performance pack (?).

[cal45]

Originally Posted by central limit

MK7 Golf is a great platform. They handle absolutely amazingly and feel very refined on the road. Similar to how the Camaro benefits from the Alpha platform used for the ATS/CTS, the Golf is underpinned by VW's MQB that is used for a number of Audi models.




I was under the impression that only the cloth interior GTI (S trim) have plaid seats. My wife's 2015 SE has solid black leather seats. This should be true for Autobahn models as well.

You probably already know this, but the Performance Pack equipped cars are much more desirable, as they have an LSD, bigger brakes, and a nominal 10hp bump in output. You can recognize these by the red "GTI" badage on the back, as well as the nicer looking brakes.

Also, food for thought: some reviewers favor the GTI over the R for daily driving duties because the power band is shifted lower in the rev range, with more usable torque without having to wind it out. Common belief is that the GTI motor has been highly underrated going back a few model years. Bone stock, it is far from slow, and its published 210-220 HP feels far more than 10% on top of a 200hp family car.

Originally Posted by fldrummer

Not true. You can get leather in a GTI. I think it even comes standard with the performance pack (?).

Great info - appreciate it. Will need to look into the red/performance pack SE GTI as the lightly used R's still command a much higher price than the GTI.....I have some time before I have to pull the trigger, so right now just "tire kicking".

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[central limit]

Originally Posted by cal45

Great info - appreciate it. Will need to look into the red/performance pack SE GTI as the lightly used R's still command a much higher price than the GTI.....I have some time before I have to pull the trigger, so right now just "tire kicking".

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You're welcome. Just to clarify, you can get leather without the performance package, but the LSD in the PP is a big value add. Without it, the car is still startling neutral but this is a full mechanical LSD, so if you have any plans for the track, it's a steal.

I wouldn't worry much about the other available packages.

The lighting package adds really nice headlights with LED accents, but the lighting aftermarket for those cars is really strong, so you would be covered if you had to get the normal headlights and upgrade later. I personally like starting with the base headlights because it gives you far more upgrade options.

The driver assist package basically adds parking sensors and a front collision sensor (it only beeps, it doesn't actually apply the brakes--up through 2016 anyhow). Neither of these are must haves, given that all have the backup camera and the car has no issues with sight lines.

[cal45]

Originally Posted by central limit

You're welcome. Just to clarify, you can get leather without the performance package, but the LSD in the PP is a big value add. Without it, the car is still startling neutral but this is a full mechanical LSD, so if you have any plans for the track, it's a steal.

I wouldn't worry much about the other available packages.

The lighting package adds really nice headlights with LED accents, but the lighting aftermarket for those cars is really strong, so you would be covered if you had to get the normal headlights and upgrade later. I personally like starting with the base headlights because it gives you far more upgrade options.

The driver assist package basically adds parking sensors and a front collision sensor (it only beeps, it doesn't actually apply the brakes--up through 2016 anyhow). Neither of these are must haves, given that all have the backup camera and the car has no issues with sight lines.

Well, as this will be a commuter - not looking to mod....mod $$ is saved for the ZL1.
But do appreciate the info - I am aware that there is a huge aftermarket on these as I see them around town....even had a GTI try to take me at a light so it could jump ahead into my lane to take a turn at the next block....didn't happen.

[central limit]

Yes, great commuter car. If just for the street, I probably wouldn't stress over a Performance Pack equipped car either. It still drives like a gem without it.

The only reason I mentioned upgrades before is to widen the potential market. Many gravitate toward the lighting-package equipped cars because the standard lighting is quite plain looking--some might even say awkward. IMO, the lighting package on the MK7 is more visually impactful than the RS lighting on the Camaro 6. LP lights have the stripe through the housing and the U shaped LEDs: 1 U per side for GTI with red stripe, two Us per side for Golf R with silver stripe.

My suggestion is, don't worry about the lighting package when looking for a car--used or new--as this might limit your choices somewhat. If you find a standard lighting car for the right deal, as the lighting is easily and relatively cheaply fixed via aftermarket if you are so inclined, and you end up with flexibility in the cosmetics (number of Us and stripe color).

I believe this is only an issue with the GTI, as the R models all come with the upgraded lighting as a standard feature.

On another topic, if you're interested in Android Auto/Apple Car Play, I believe those were added to 2016 and up models. The Fender system in the SE and Autobahn is very competent for a stock system, with or without the AA/CP.

[cal45]

Originally Posted by central limit

Yes, great commuter car. If just for the street, I probably wouldn't stress over a Performance Pack equipped car either. It still drives like a gem without it.

The only reason I mentioned upgrades before is to widen the potential market. Many gravitate toward the lighting-package equipped cars because the standard lighting is quite plain looking--some might even say awkward. IMO, the lighting package on the MK7 is more visually impactful than the RS lighting on the Camaro 6. LP lights have the stripe through the housing and the U shaped LEDs: 1 U per side for GTI with red stripe, two Us per side for Golf R with silver stripe.

My suggestion is, don't worry about the lighting package when looking for a car--used or new--as this might limit your choices somewhat. If you find a standard lighting car for the right deal, as the lighting is easily and relatively cheaply fixed via aftermarket if you are so inclined, and you end up with flexibility in the cosmetics (number of Us and stripe color).

I believe this is only an issue with the GTI, as the R models all come with the upgraded lighting as a standard feature.

On another topic, if you're interested in Android Auto/Apple Car Play, I believe those were added to 2016 and up models. The Fender system in the SE and Autobahn is very competent for a stock system, with or without the AA/CP.

I'm guessing you have tons of experience with the Golf Thanks for the info. I'm definitely not looking to spend money on any mods for the Golf (no matter which type I get) - based on price alone, I will probably be looking at 2014 & up used auto GTI with no more than 20,000 miles as I plan on keeping my ZL1. Now if for some reason, I need to sell the Z.....I would look at a new '17 R.

[central limit]

As I should have said first and foremost, you have awesome car in an awesome color

I'm not suggesting that you mod the Golf; rather, I'm suggesting that you don't let the lack of any factory option packages--in particular lighting--turn you away from an otherwise good car.

As I'm sure you'll notice when you get further into shopping, 2014s are MK6 models, at least here in the U.S. I had both 6 and 7 in my household for over a year (sold the MK6 to buy the Camaro). Both have their pros and cons, but I find the MK7 to be far more refined, solid, and better-handling.

[cal45]

Originally Posted by central limit

As I should have said first and foremost, you have awesome car in an awesome color

I'm not suggesting that you mod the Golf; rather, I'm suggesting that you don't let the lack of any factory option packages--in particular lighting--turn you away from an otherwise good car.

As I'm sure you'll notice when you get further into shopping, 2014s are MK6 models, at least here in the U.S. I had both 6 and 7 in my household for over a year (sold the MK6 to buy the Camaro). Both have their pros and cons, but I find the MK7 to be far more refined, solid, and better-handling.

Thanks!

I had thought the '14 was the start of the MK7 model - so now, my search will start at the '15 model. Yeah, lighting features aren't going to sway me - best price, condition, and low miles will. ....but I really like the '17 R I posted a pic of.

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[cal45]

Originally Posted by fldrummer

I just picked up my '16 R a few months ago and love it. It's still stock, but I'm fighting the urge to tune it, since it's so easy to get more power out of them. I might get a JB1 piggyback tuner, which is removable and therefore undetectable (they've proven to be very reliable too). For just $399, you can add 5 lbs. of boost (~70 hp) and be running low 12s, maybe even break into the 11s with good tires! Get the DSG automatic though, 'cuz the stock clutches are weak and the DSG is much quicker.

Looks great, congrats! that Blue would be my 2nd choice in color after the Limerock silver.

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[fldrummer]

Originally Posted by cal45

Looks great, congrats! that Blue would be my 2nd choice in color after the Limerock silver.

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Thanks. For me, it was Lapiz Blue or bust; I just love this color. I'm definitely going to mod this one lightly, eventually (tune or piggyback tuner, maybe a rear sway bar upgrade too), but not until I pay off the "final" upgrades I'm currently getting done to my SS.

BTW, if you can still find one, I was able to get about 2K off MSRP on my '16. If you can live without the adjustable suspension and fender audio (honestly, the stock stereo is pretty good), you can get one in automatic around $35K, which isn't much more than a fully-loaded GTI with the performance pack.