VW Mk4 R32

[Jacko 2156]

Heya Guys,

Looking at this thing - http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/volkswagen/auction-933404853.htm

Just took for a test drive, it drives well, sounds cool too!, clutch feels very very light though. Has anyone driven one? Not to sure if thats just how they are or there is something going on with it.

Any thoughts on what to look out for? Going to stick it on hoist tomorrow and check out its underside

VASK Forum seems dead as doorknob :/

Cheers

[charles28 136]

Yes, the clutch usually feels very light on these.

They are nice cars, but over priced imo. the newer shape is faster overall, (on the top gear test track by 3 seconds). seriously do try a Mk5 DSG model too.

I'd suggest getting it checked by Hennie HS Performance & Tuning

IF your a facebook user, join the group Volkswagen enthusiasts of New Zealand

Edited August 30, 2015 by Charles32

[charles28 136]

I have purchased parts from Hennie Sadie and he does performance tuning etc, but the easiest way to contact him is on facebook.

[Jacko 2156]

Cheers, Ill check em out

[vtgts300kw 90]

In my mind, the Mk4 R32 is sort of getting to the age now where you are buying it because it's a "classic", rather than wanting it for it's performance capabilities ( which are obviously eclipsed by the later models ). They are cool cars, such a better shape than the Mk5.

[Jacko 2156]

Yeah I agree, the interior of the Mk4s is way cooler than the Mk5s too, awesome seats, and it has a proper gearbox Lower costs than fixing dead DSG's too.

Mk4 is 8s quicker around nurburgring than the DSG Mk5 BTW, VW didnt advertise that! slower on top gear test track and 0-100 though.

I do like the way it drives, good fun and sounds porn. Under steers in the wet when you throw it at a corner, same as most stuff, was surprisingly neutral otherwise. Looks clean and tidy and looked after underneath as well.... Hmmm

Edited August 31, 2015 by Jacko

[Allanw 1071]

Check the timing chains (decent shop can check the figures in VCDS or similar). They're known to destroy the guides, and sometimes even break chains... a nasty rattle on cold startup is a good sign it's imminent. Bit like M62TU's really. Not a gauranteed thing, but if you can avoid it, you'll save some cash.

The timing chains are a pain to do, as they're on the trans end, but the bits are cheap enough. If it's not noisy now, Plan on doing the chains at the next clutch, to save masses on labour and avoid massive engine failure if it DOES happen.

The haldex controllers can get water in them, but it appears to be more a nasty environment thing, like the UK where corrosion helps break the seal. Not so much on mk5's though.

The trans can break selector forks, but it's not SUPER common, though the guide pin screw behind the starter can wear and contribute to the problem. They're only about $10, and can be fitted in 20 minutes - worth doing every 60 to 100K IMO.

I've got a MK5 type (184KW) R32 engine in my garage, waiting for chains before being bolted into our next family car. Family cars needs more VR6 noise. It's got 150K on it, and no noise symptoms, but I don't want to pull it out later, again. Apparently the MK5's are less prone to chain issues, but enough have had it for me to not call them "solved"!

They're not really very fast, not by newer 2.0 GTI standards, or Golf R, but they have awesome torque - similar to recent 3.0 TD hiluxes at 3500rpm (though less lower down, as no turbo, but twice the useful RPM range too!), so great cruising power.

[Jacko 2156]

Cheers Allan, had a good listen on cold start up, no noises. Will keep it in mind for the clutch change. No fault codes stored on ECU, but it may have been wiped (I should have generated some new ones during the "spirited" drive though!)

Underside of it looks clean, no rust, not even particularly dirty! Will look into the guide pins, gearbox feels nice, bit notchy between gates maybe but nothing that feels broken.

Ill give it a good service if the dealer accepts my offer, plugs, all the fluids and filters etc, hopefully black goo doesnt come out of the haldex!

Yeh, Its not "fast", I think the current WRX would leave it behind (it'd be close though), but it does drive nicer and the cabin is a much nicer place to be than the sea of cheap rattly plastic!

Its fast enough to have fun with, quick 6 speed box, and such noise Hopped out of car with grin on face, which is what actually matters!

Any thoughts on the price? Hard to judge whats cheap/inflated/bargain

Edited August 31, 2015 by Jacko

[charles28 136]

You do of course end up paying a Premium because of it being a popular sort after model, with the Golf R32 Name, but its an iconic car. so 15k is about right.

Ie the Audi version http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=937148481 is basically worthless in comparison, when considering K's etc

But they are not nearly as cool looking, so are cheaper, but mechanically basically the same car.

Even my old Mk4 Golf GTi is a fun daily driver since remapping ECU etc and doesn't rattle like a Jappa

With the NZD dropping recently its unlikely that any fresh import ones coming will be cheaper.

I recall a few months back there were quite a few of that model for sale and saw them in the 13k range.

Edited August 31, 2015 by Charles32

[Allanw 1071]

NO IDEA for prices, sorry - not really my area. MK4's tend to seem expensive in comparision to the MK5's, considering the 5's are quite a bit newer and often lower milage, as the 5's are more "classy" rather than sporty, where the 4's are a bit more "raw" - more appealing to a certain group - the value seems to hold better.

here is the pin thing:

Seems to wear in all the 02M trans's. (and 02Q, which is basically the mk5 version of the trans).
If you get it, get one of these: 02M301127 on your first parts order. Take out starter, swap screw/guide replace starter :-)

[charles28 136]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/volkswagen/auction-922414656.htm this one sold for a fair price.

[Navin 180]

wow looks amazing in black, definitely quite a big price difference there.

[Jacko 2156]

Dealer isnt playing ball, even offered the asking price cash, if he threw in a 12 month mech warranty, no joy.. too many unknowns with no service history to blow that much cash.

Any ideas on cars I should be looking at?

I want a small wagon/largish hatch, thats practical and FUN to drive. Manual only, preferrable low ks, RWD or AWD, sub 20k. Am in no mad rush, but will go after the right vehicle!

Ive considered 2007ish legacy GT-Bs, newer wrx (too heavy and soft compared to GF8 though..) , 3/5 series wagons (but they all seem to be 318s in manual...) , Caldina GT4s (all auto), Lexus/Altezza Gita (anemic 2.0 or 3.0 autos...)

Hard work finding the perfect car haha

I guess I really want a minter E30 touring...

Edited September 1, 2015 by Jacko

[charles28 136]

Manual Mk5 Golf GTI with a stage 1 Remap is a good option.

[MD13 494]

There's a few manual e87 130i's on trademe.

[charles28 136]

There's a few manual e87 130i's on trademe.

+1 good option

Another car I've been considering myself.

[Jacko 2156]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-940278017.htm thoughts?

[charles28 136]

Excellent "drivers" car, not as practical as a Golf, but fun to drive for sure. (i'm sort of looking at them myself)

Good Review Golf R32 vs 130i