Sir_Dave
ClioSport Trader
So last Saturday (30th July) i went to look at an S2000. Unfortunately however, not only was it a shed (disappointing as it was a Honda main dealer), i also realised that ive been very much spoiled by the quality interiors of the Germans for too many years, & the Honda simply didnt cut the mustard. As it happens, the dealer also had a Mk5 R32 in DBP (blue) with leather etc so i had a quick look at that & thought it was very nice. On Sunday 1st i was browsing PH Classifieds (as you do) and spotted a nice looking R32, for a good price. Called the chap up & it turns out that i knew him at uni, so arranged to pop up to Stroud and a have a look, fully expecting a shed tbh ... it wasnt, & despite it desperately needing new rear pads, it had full VW SH, & pretty much all the options. I went home to have a think - i didnt need a new car, was happy with the BMW and thouhght that i was generally being a plum. Sensible head took over 
On the Monday evening i had pretty much decided to stick with the BMW. On Tuesday morning however, i was still thinking about the Golf. As it happens, Russ_16v works at a VW dealer very close to the chap selling it (& randomly had also worked with him at VW), so arranged for him to give it a quick once over and do a diagnostics check, etc. Russ found nothing wrong with it & essentiaslly said that if i didnt buy it, i was a numpty. So the deal was done, & i scooted back up to Stroud on Weds evening to collect it ... :slap:
As im sure most people remember, i used to have an Edition30, which i effectly slated for 6 months, before getting rid of it for the Trophy. The Gti was soulless, with an engine that sounded like a dishwasher, understeer/wheelspin at every opportunity & brakes that faded after decent use. The interior trim was also rank - tartan, really?
So far, the R32 solves the three main gripes with the Ed30, engine noise (character), lack of grip and poor brakes. Its a totally different car, & far better for it.
Spec wise, its got pretty much everything ticked, bar Recaro's, Sunroof & Cruise - which ill be fitting sharpish. Basically if you dont get one with all the toys, they do seem a bit poverty stricken, i mean mines got 6 grands worth of options, so is essentially the same spec as my old touring, mainly: DSG with paddle shift, multi function steering wheel, highline trip computer, heated leather interior, MFD2 DVD satnav, CD changer under armrest, winter pack (heated washer jets, headlight washers) & luxury pack (electric folding door mirrors with puddle lights)
I also forgot how easy silver is to clean/make look good. Great when you're not the most avid detailer in the world ... Iron-X is my new best friend though. Bye bye brake dust!!
So yeah, pleased so far, even the mpg isnt horrific, ok so its not brilliant, but i think it'll average out at 28-30ish :clown:
Cant decide on the tints though, they are aftermarket and a little too dark i think - esp. when compared to the OEM ones.
On the Monday evening i had pretty much decided to stick with the BMW. On Tuesday morning however, i was still thinking about the Golf. As it happens, Russ_16v works at a VW dealer very close to the chap selling it (& randomly had also worked with him at VW), so arranged for him to give it a quick once over and do a diagnostics check, etc. Russ found nothing wrong with it & essentiaslly said that if i didnt buy it, i was a numpty. So the deal was done, & i scooted back up to Stroud on Weds evening to collect it ... :slap:
As im sure most people remember, i used to have an Edition30, which i effectly slated for 6 months, before getting rid of it for the Trophy. The Gti was soulless, with an engine that sounded like a dishwasher, understeer/wheelspin at every opportunity & brakes that faded after decent use. The interior trim was also rank - tartan, really?
So far, the R32 solves the three main gripes with the Ed30, engine noise (character), lack of grip and poor brakes. Its a totally different car, & far better for it.
Spec wise, its got pretty much everything ticked, bar Recaro's, Sunroof & Cruise - which ill be fitting sharpish. Basically if you dont get one with all the toys, they do seem a bit poverty stricken, i mean mines got 6 grands worth of options, so is essentially the same spec as my old touring, mainly: DSG with paddle shift, multi function steering wheel, highline trip computer, heated leather interior, MFD2 DVD satnav, CD changer under armrest, winter pack (heated washer jets, headlight washers) & luxury pack (electric folding door mirrors with puddle lights)
I also forgot how easy silver is to clean/make look good. Great when you're not the most avid detailer in the world ... Iron-X is my new best friend though. Bye bye brake dust!!
So yeah, pleased so far, even the mpg isnt horrific, ok so its not brilliant, but i think it'll average out at 28-30ish :clown:
Cant decide on the tints though, they are aftermarket and a little too dark i think - esp. when compared to the OEM ones.
