Volkswagen Golf R32 MK5 Review | Why it's the best Golf ever built
In this video, I review a boyhood dream car - a Mk5 VW Golf R32. This is one of the best sounding cars ever made by far and although they might look cheap to buy, they can be expensive to run and maintain. Is it worth the plunge and potential bankruptcy it can bring?
Chapters
00:00 - Preview
00:12 - Title sequence
00:21 - Introduction
00:48 - R32 era
01:44 - Price
02:52 - Performance and setup
03:39 - Specification and modifications
04:58 - Sound check
05:24 - Mizan drive/review
16:29 - Summary
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"Art of Silence - by Uniq" is under a Creative Commons license (Creative Commons - International Recognition 4.0 - CC BY 4.0)
DISCLAIMER:
*Some footage from this video may be edited and or sped up for cinematic effects.
*Some footage was also filmed on private land
Пікірлер: 97
Is this the best sounding hatchback ever made? Let me know in the comments! If you liked this video, make sure you like, comment, share and subscribe! Check out some of our other uploads too! 🖤 Please do checkout this page if you want to see more of the R32: instagram.com/r_3_2_0_0_0?
I've owned one for 3 years now and never get bored of that sound, always puts a smile on my face🙂
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
I don't think you're human if you can get bored of that noise. It's worth the poor fuel economy without a second thought!
I finally bought my dream car yesterday, a black Golf V R32 from 2008, and I'm loving it!!!
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
Congratulations. Hope you enjoy every single second of ownership and it's a stress free car
@kevinvandorst
2 жыл бұрын
@@CarNitty Thanks! ;)
@MICHAEL-wg2lh
Жыл бұрын
Congrats mate enjoy 🎉
@taylorgangggg12
10 ай бұрын
I’m going to check one out tomaro I can’t wait I hope it’s all as it seems 🤞 I can’t even sleep probably won’t LOL 😅
I've had mine for 4 months now and love driving it , always puts a smile on my face ☺️...... love the sound and drive feel
@CarNitty
Жыл бұрын
Amazing cars. So much so, I ended up buying this exact car. Selling it and then going back for another one which is my current car
@tishawnlopez1518
Жыл бұрын
@Car Nitty yeah , unfortunately sold mine now because someone has tried to break into it 3 times now ...already I miss it 😪
I love my r32. 4 years strong. Yes, i am in a position to drive a new sports hothatch and give up my older mk5 golf but ill never do it. ❤
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
I'm definitely in the same boat as you. The Golf R may share the same lineage with the R32, but as far as I'm concerned, the soul did die with the MK5 and the 3.2 engine
Dreamcar, love it! Best sounding car ever made.
@CarNitty
Жыл бұрын
Couldn't agree more!
When I watch videos of this caliber about the R32. Always confirms why I will never let go of my R. Thanks for creating such an awesome video!!!
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
I'm glad the video makes you realise what ab absolute gem you own! 💎 Please check out some of my other uploads if you've got a chance and hit subscribe if you like the content.
Best r32 vid on KZread!
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
I really really appreciate that comment! Thank you!
Can I just say that looks BADASS in that color 😱😱😱😱😱
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
Yep, that's why I had to buy it after reviewing it!
Own mk5 r32 since 2013 also got a mk3 vr6 I’ve had since 2007 strong cars strong engines. Nice video subbed
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
You're a man cut from the same cloth as me! 2x VR6s on the driveway!
Great video bro. A dream car of mine since I was a kid. Colour is amazing too. 👏
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your kind comment. Absolutely, the R32 is a dream car for many and I hope if you're able to own one, you get the chance 🙌
Great vid bro! I keep mine for weekends. Its a guzzler alright, but who cares when it sounds like that and grips onto the road like superglue!
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
I agree. It's an amazing second that. Fuel won't be such a problem if you drive it on a rare occasion. Can't think of a better second car!
Picking one up this week. Regarding road tax. It makes me laugh that people would turn away from a car in the high tax bracket. Its 300 quid more year than a pre 2006. Its nothing when you think about it. I bet your 135i cost more than that even though the tax might be a bit cheaper. I plan on keep my r32 until you can't buy petrol anymore.
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
It's because you're essentially paying more for the same car but you're penalised because it's a bit newer. Nothing else. That £250 or so every year can go towards servicing the car and the performance on tap from an R32 isn't the same as an E92 M3 or a W204 C63 which are in the high road tax band. Yes, other cars cost like the M135i cost more money than an R32 but resale value is higher and it's an easier sale. Bottom line, the R32 is a very expensive car to run in terms of fuel and maintenance. The tax is just a burden and some people think if they can avoid it, why not? Also, road tax band affects road permits too if you don't have a driveway. I think the lower road tax bands result in people who can't afford an R32, to end up buying one and then they skimp on maintenance
@dF-ww8md
2 жыл бұрын
@@CarNitty I hear you. I would obviously prefer to pay less tax, but found its a much smaller pool of cars to choose from. I think later cars had gearbox revisions as well to make them a bit more reliable (apparently) in the end I opted for a 2008 as it had all the spec I wanted. For the extra 30 quid a month I've decided to just not waste 30 quid on rubbish that I usually would. Not looking forward to the fuel bill but that's the price you pay for one, if there are no other options out there for you. My other cars are a 4.4v8 petrol range rover l322 and an s2000. Be cool to see you review an s2k.
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
@@dF-ww8md everyone hates tax. If you can avoid paying it or pay less, people opt to do so but yes, I agree. Holding out for a low road tax car will only be limiting yourself as a low tax model car is not that common and thus you're compromising a lot of thing you might want just for the tax band which I don't recommend. I'd love to get my hands on any of those cars. Unfortunately, I don't have control of what comes my way. Let's see if I'm offered one and if so, no doubt you'll see it here soon
Daily drive one of these, exact same blue as well. I have no desire for any other car
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
Apart from something like a W204 C63, what else comes close other than a V10 or V12 supercar in terms of noise and theatre?
I gotta admit this is the best R32 video i have watched. Damn!! I feel as to buying one asap!
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
I'm glad you enjoyed it. I actually ended up buying this exact car off the owner. Then sold it after 3 months. Then bought another one 🤣 Both situations have dedicated videos live on my page
Very good video bro 👌👌
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your kind comment! 👊
I’m going shopping for one of these today !
@CarNitty
Жыл бұрын
Good luck with it. Amazing car. Hope you have a great ownership experience
Subbed and made you 1k today.
@ozhoneybadger
2 жыл бұрын
Hint: ZYAM friend
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
It's a big milestone in my KZread career so thank you for being that person!
Always had a soft spot for these, the noise is just incredible, nothing like it. However they are just so expensive to run, road tax is too much and fuel is awful, would definitely have one as a second car in the future though
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely right. Nothing like the trumpet like noise from an R32. An R32 owner cares only about audible pleasure and isn't a speed freak. They'll always be high maintenance as the big engine in small engine bay and if road tax is your issue, hold out for a 55 plate car. Fuel is awful too but as a second car, makes absolute sense!
thanks for this review saving up for one cause of you!
@CarNitty
Жыл бұрын
Love to hear it! As an R32 man myself, that makes me honoured. I ended up buying this exact R32 and sold it soon after but missed having one in my life so I went back and bought another!
Great video this bro just come accross your Chanel whilst searching for videos on modified r32s, seen the car on autotrader but was unfortunately to late in making contact to buy 😔keep up the good work you got yaself another subscriber 👍
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Paul, glad you enjoyed this video. Yes this car was up for sale recently and was taken on by a new owner recently. Believe it or not, I was the person who listed it as I owned it for a few months after this video. All will be revealed in an upcoming video so keep your eyes peeled Also, coincidence but the new owners name is also Paul 🤣
@paulormerod7051
2 жыл бұрын
Haha really coicedence indeed, AHH really so you was the owner bet you had one hell of a time for the time you owned it, it was a special looking car mate loved the look of it, and the sound wow, quick question was it just a res delete on the exhaust to get it sounding like that ? And will defo keep a eye out for any new videos mate, keep up the good work 👍
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
@@paulormerod7051 it had just a resonator delete and a pop and crackle map from PSL Tuning
Good day Nitty i need your help , where can i get those day time running lights i qm from south america
@CarNitty
13 күн бұрын
@@yoseyos1833 hi, they're from an Audi S3 8P and then retrofitted onto the front bumper of the R32
Class video aswell as a great personality behind the camera making it a joy to watch! I saved up for around 18 months to buy one of these as my first performance/sporty car as I've always loved the VR6 noise but due to the prices rising every few months from when I started I couldnt justify spending 10k on a good example when I've just bought a decent Audi A3 3.2 for 1800, it'll always be that bit better than the Audi but the Audi does have the potential espicially for as cheap as I got mine, good mileage and lower tax bracket I think I've made the right decision... But again class video and I hope you keep up the good content, also, what happened to your mates Audi? Did the chains skip a tooth or snap? Fortunately my chains are in tolerance 🤞
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Cameron, thanks for your comment. Glad you enjoyed the video and the humour/attitude I like to bring to our channel. I actually agree with you with the justification. Yes, the R32 is the dream but it can be hard to justify if you can pick up an A3 for a fraction of the price and you're not a poser who needs the prestige of the badge. The R32 keeps rising whereas the A3 can be priced at almost anything without it being too good to be true! If you're looking for a VR6, you can't go wrong with A3/TT/R32. They're all just beautiful sounding cars. For £1800, it's a bargain and I wish you the utmost luck with it and fingers crossed you get an enjoyable ownership experience. Lots of money saved to go towards mods now! He sold the A3 as the engine gave up on him due to a pop and bang map he didn't know was on the car. He did an engine swap which had its own issues and in the end, he just had enough and sold up and bought an FN2 Type R which I've reviewed on the channel. The timing chain is the biggest issue with these cars and labour is so intensive due to the tight engine bay. I bought the R32 I've reviewed on the channel and sold it due to high maintenance costs as I bought it as a second car so I understand the ownership experience behind these engines. Best of luck to you and do check out the R32 video and the FN2 video!
My daily 350z HR 2008 mapped to 325bhp which is nothing compared to new cars how ever like the R32 it's the noise.that makes the car and yes both are expensive to run but in my eyes there worth it. Both are NA and if you want more power your spending big money for little gains.but a remap will do the world of difference to daily driving and both have bags of character. The R32 will be a future classic for sure the 350z won't it will be a cheap reliable drift missle but both are amazing
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
I've reviewed a 350z on the channel. I struggled with the lazyiness of the engine. Redline is way too low but I can still appreciate the quirks and what the car offers. The Z is beggi in to be turbo'd whereas the R32 is just a beauty NA
Actually, putting an LSD in a MK5 GTI with a stage 2 tune will get you more car for less money. The R32 is heavy, slower accelerating than a GTI and the GTI w/ LSD handles very good. Mine is a stage 3 with LSD and out track supercharged R32s regularly.
@CarNitty
9 ай бұрын
I've compared an R32 against a stage 2 GTI on my channel recently. Do check it out
@user-rb1yf4he9q
9 ай бұрын
@@CarNitty did it have an LSD?
@CarNitty
9 ай бұрын
It didn't. Check out the video
Had mines for 6 years sold it, now got an s3. The feeling the r32 gives is second too none, if you look after it, it will last forever. If you are going to buy one try and get one with a miltex, that will make a hell of a difference too the sound.
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
6 years is a long time. It's fair to say you got your enjoyment out of the car but there's nothing like it to replace it!
Going to look at one tomorrow fingers crossed it’s not a shit bag 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞
@CarNitty
10 ай бұрын
Good luck with your viewing!
Bro , can u give me color code please , i love that color 🙏🙏
@CarNitty
11 ай бұрын
It's D5Q/LD5Q
Good vid , never seen mine go below 18 mpg, max was 30 mpg , if i need to go fast got my supra turbo for a weekend blast ,
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
I'm surprised you're getting such good fuel economy. I've seen as little as 9mpg!
@peterbenbow3832
2 жыл бұрын
@@CarNitty That's driving normal, really good on a run, if i floor it my ears bleed :) normal driving should be 26 mpg
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
@@peterbenbow3832 you must live in a rural area where there isn't a lot of start/stop traffic!
@peterbenbow3832
2 жыл бұрын
@@CarNitty Yes i do , Shropshire little traffic here . you got that bang on :)
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
@@peterbenbow3832 dear lord, you could get 80mpg out of a diesel in that case no doubt
Amazing sound a great car Btw what’s the exhaust mod?
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
Just a resanator delete. I have to admit, it sounds much better in real life!
@gillesLegein
2 жыл бұрын
@@CarNitty I also have a blue one. Is it the middle resonator or the one at the exhaust that you take out? Or both out? Thanks, I will do it in a couple of weeks because stock it's too silent
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
@@gillesLegein mid silencer
@car nitty What is the paint color ?
@CarNitty
Жыл бұрын
It's called Shadow blue
TRL was built on MK5 GTI's so that's the best Golf if you ask us!
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
And you all eventually got rid of them whereas the R32 will always be legendary!
Great video you shouldve bought one lol I can't wait to supercharge mine I bought a mk5 GTI to compare and I love it just as much besides the sound
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
Believe it or not, I actually ended up buying this exact car! But I sold it after 3 months of ownership. I'll do a video explaining what happened and why I got rid of it at one point
@JaredGti07
2 жыл бұрын
@@CarNitty damn I wanted a R32 that's why I got the A3
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
@@JaredGti07 anyone who says they bought the A3 cos they wanted to, they're lying. They're just a really great budget option that goes under the radar
Is there a version with a normal manual gearbox?
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
You can get this car with a manual if you'd prefer
@alphabetaxenonzzzcat
2 жыл бұрын
@@CarNitty Okay - thank you for the reply.
Nice car but they are slow unless you put a turbo on it. Oh and my mate has a turbo'd one and it sounds unbelievable, you got that bit well wrong😂
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
They've definitely aged poorly in terms of speed and power but at the time, 250bhp was a big thing. An E46 330Ci at the time produced 230BHP so it pushed the NA VR6 to it's limits. For me, turbocharged cars ruin some noise as it uses exhaust gas for the boost. I'd rather supercharge it.
@N1NJAKIDD
2 жыл бұрын
@@CarNitty no the R32 came out the factory seriously underpowered, if you look at a M3 E46 from that period, it also had a 3.2L 6cyl engine, but that thing produced 333bhp. The problem for VW was the extremely narrow angle of the cylinder banks. This engine configuration was not optimal for outright power and VW had to compromise to fit the engine transversely
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
@@N1NJAKIDD the VR6 was around since the MK3, it got carried over to the MK4 again as a 2.8 and later the first official R32. They even made the VR5 which is one cylinder chopped off and displacement slightly reduced and ended with the the biggest version which is the 3.6 VR6 in the Passat R36. I think VW pushed this engine as much as they could as they saw the potential in turbocharged cars with the 8P S3 that launched in 2007 amongst other cars
One of my all time favourites! Prefer the MK4 though!
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
I do like the MK4 on general as such a 90's/early noughties looking car but I just love the DSG matched with the engine which isn't possible with MK4 and I love the centre twin exhaust system
@PLr1c3r
2 жыл бұрын
@@CarNitty actually the first .:R to have the DSG option was the Mk4 R32, but at that point in time it was considered an "automatic" so it's extremely rare and also much slower shifts since its the first gen DSG. Mk5 is a better chassis and more capable car but the Mk4 is super iconic, just for reference I own a Mk5 and my brother had owned a Mk4 in '09. Exhaust note and style alone the Mk4 is the one to get. For a more capable and closer to a modern hot hatch the Mk5 wins (better intake and improved chassis + DSG + Haldex)
@CarNitty
2 жыл бұрын
Here in the UK, the MK4 R32 comes only in manual. No auto option at all. Same for the 2.8L VR6 model but the 2.3 VR5 can come in an auto. I think the MK4 and MK5 are so different. The 4 screams 90s early 2000s and the 5 is so modern looking even now for a car that launched in 2004. It comes down to what kind of soul you have I say! I prefer the 5 as I still think it's incredibly modern if modified tastefully but I do love and appreciate the 4
Damn that R32 is ruined
@CarNitty
13 күн бұрын
This R32 although heavily modified was a great car that turned heads everywhere it went