Foes

Hey guys..and girls..I'm new to this forum and as titled, i was wondering what your thoughts were on the VW R32. As far as performance, and being used as a daily driver. Im in the market to purchase a vehicle. Both of these exotic cars have my eye and would just like some fellow RX-8 owners feedback on how these car compare.

CarAndDriver

The new Mk V R32 one coming out or the previous generation Mk IV?

I think both generation R32s are great, but the latest one is a much improved.

As a daily driver, I would actually prefer the Mk V R32. The practicality combined with the handling and dynamics make a better daily commuter than the RX-8. It is a car that is able to loaf around easily in commuter traffic, but tackle the twisties just as well.

That said, the biggest negative against the R32 is reliability and cost. 2005+ RX-8s have improved to above average reliability according to Consumer Reports. You'd be lucky to have a VW that achieved average reliability. Most seem to be mired at below or much worse than average.

Since RX-8s are slow sellers, the discounting seems to be much greater, used and new. I think getting a new R32 at MSRP would be an achievement. And if we think maintenance costs are high on an RX-8, VW is even higher. My mom owns a 2003 Passat V6 and a 40K tuneup was $1000 at the VW dealer. OUCH!

But if you ever decide to get rid of your R32, keep it well maintained and it will maintain great resale value. Strong used demand.

Foes

That's what i heard..that these car can retain their value very well..I'm also talking about the IV R32. I'm in the market now, and the V R32 may not be here for another year, theres also talk that it will only come in DSG ..that being said, i want a Manual car, and i like the looks of the IV body style much more then the new V.

map

Even the old R32s are still selling for rediculous prices. They're stickered between $25k and $30k on dealer lots and they're like 2 years old now!

So far the MKV seems to be very reliable, according to VWVortex. They are fairly honest about the problems with the MKIVs, so i tend to believe it. It's not going to be Toyota level reliability, but they are much better than other recent VWs. They've still only been out a little while though so no one knows long term. Maybe everyone is just drinking the new model kool aid. You'll have a nice little wait though for a new R32.

-edit- I see it's an old one. They are an awesome drive but considering the premium they go for used and the fading warranty I'd pass. The MKIVs just have too many problems.

CarAndDriver

Good to hear that the Mk V's seem to be holding up well. so far VW does recognize their shaky reliability has been a problem and they seem to be addressing it according to their PR. I'd like to add VW/Audi to my list of potential drives.

When I was researching cars, I took a look at used R32 prices and they were sure strong. Far different than our much beloved RX-8.

Japan8

I agree with map. Between vwvortex and golfmkv.com the mkV has been proving to be a much more solid car than the mkIV. VW also seems to be working hard to address issues as they pop up. This platform isn't as new as map makes it sound. It's been on sale in Europe for 2 years already and almost a year in NA.

Between a mkIV R32 and a RX-8... I'd say RX-8. A MkV R32... I'd probably go with one of these over a RX-8.

sunilseru

to me neither of these cars are exotics. test drive both and decide for yourself. I never drove the R32 but drove other VWs. they are in general pretty heavy, so might not have that nimble feel you get from the RX-8. as others have already pointed out the resale value on the R32 is excellent while the resale on the 8 is horrible. the VW will respond to engine mods better than the 8. the 8 is a great handling car with a high redline but you will not get that low end torque as you would from the VW. both sure are performance oriented machines, but they are very different. mileage, utility value, all weather driveability.... each has its pros and cons. don't think you will go wrong either way. good luck.

CarAndDriver

Those would be my choices too.

Foes

What makes the MK IV R32 unrelaible..what problems have you heard that they may have..something to look for when i go to the dealers....and like i said, i want a car in Standard, which wont be available on the new MK V R32..they will only come in automatic. Plus, theres no telling when they'll come over to the shores.

Then theres also the performance aspect..which car would guys feel or experienced, would hang better Mk IV or RX-8

Thanks again for all your remarks! this information is very useful to me and very much appreciated :thumbup:

rkostolni

I believe all other VW's are built in South America except for the R32 which is actually assembled in Germany. Could help contribute to increased reliability over other VW's.

I really like the R32, but modding it is even more expensive then the 8. All wheel drive is nice too. Test drive both and see which one you like better.

New Yorker

Here's a comparison review from Evo magazine:
http://www.evo.co.uk/cargrouptests/c...d_curious.html

I thought about getting an R32 when I had my '02 GTI 337. I loved the way it looks, the fit & finish, the utility and, of course, the power. I read every review I could find, and ultimately came to the conclusion that, at the end of the day, it's still a front-heavy FWD car. (Remember, even though its four-wheel drive in certain situations, it's still FWD most of the time.) Having been spoiled by owning 3 Miatas, I feel the RX-8 is a better handling car—and "feels" better to drive, too.

9291150

Our 1.8T built in Germany Passat wouldn't support that statement! I still liKe VW's, but hated owning 'em, most unreliable car I ever owned.

Anyways, choice among the two should depend upon your preferred driving characteristics. The 8 and R32, while both performance cars, couldn't be more different in how they handle, how they produce power, even how they feel by just sitting in 'em. So the better question is which type of car matches your driving characteristics? I love revs, love oversteer, love quick responses, so I bought a rotary powered RWD light car.

sunilseru

there are 2 1.8T passats and 1 A4 among my friends. all if them were assembled in germany. and all of them had tons of problems. electronics, power steering, water pumps.... so I didn't hear any good things about their reliability.

Razz1

What is a R32?

Does it have a name like Golf, Jetta?

sunilseru

Guess you can call it a souped-up GTI.

CarAndDriver

I thought all RX-8 owners would know what an R32 is. Its like not knowing what an EVO or WRX is.

Ike

The R32 is a nice car but I really don't get it. It's sorta fast, handles sorta well, and has a nice interior. It also took a while for them to sell out at dealersas well, so I don't quite get why the used ones are demanding such a premium. My gut tells me is used advertised prices are just jacked up and they're not getting anywhere near that for them. Kinda like the STI and Evo, recently I've seen them advertised used and a couple years old for about what you'd pay new.

KrzeVR6

I own the MkIV R32 and love the car....alot of great recommendations here, but i agree with the majority, drive both and see which fits your needs best.
As for the previous poster (Ike), yes its "sorta fast" and "handles sorta well", but you're incorrect in how long it took for them to sell...VW originally agreed to import 5000 units to the US with the goal of selling all in 18-24 months with ZERO advertisement. Well, all 5000 units sold in 11 months with ZERO advertisement...as a result of the 5000 units hitting the road and the press coverage by car magazines, more people became familiar with the car and that is what is contributing to the high resale price. I paid WELL BELOW sticker on my R32 in June 2004 and recently had a dealer give me a trade in quote of 1500 more than what I paid. Early on in 2004 the R32 were sitting on the lots and there were some great deals to be had (some vortex member paid as little as $25.5k for a new R, Sticker was $30,900 with leather)) .... So the limited production and potetial owners becoming more familiar with the car is what is supporting this inflated resale value....I for one do not plan to part with my R32 anytime soon, if ever!!! Puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

KrzeVR6

One last comment regarding reliability....I am now on my third VW and believe me I understand the concern...However, out of the 3 VR6 powered VWs Ive owned, I only had issues with my MKIV GTI (2.8l 24v VR6), the car was made in Brazil. My 1997 MKIII Jetta VR6 (2.8l 12v VR6) was one of a small portion of the VR6s that were essembled in Germany that year (Vin number confirmed) and my R32 (3.2l 24v VR6), which is also essembled in Europe, have given me zero problems (knock on wood) Im nearing 30k miles on the R and have not been to the dealer except for my 20k service, all other maintanace (oil changes) I do myself.... My Jetta which I sold with 80k miles never saw the dealer except for scheduled maintanance.

youpey

i have an mk5 gti with 10k miles on it. no problems what so ever, but that doesnt mean i wont. my 8 didnt have any problems until just before 18k miles, it was all downhill from there

cwadster

I had a Passat 1.8T, least reliable car I have ever owned. I have a good friend who owns a Porsche/Audi/VW repair and performance shop here in town, and he stated to me "VW's start falling apart at 60k miles". He's happy about that, though--keeps him up to his ears in work.

Jackallll

i almost jumped on the MKIV R32 when they first came out...i really enjoyed driving the car and would prefer it to my 8 for everyday use HOWEVER I just couldnt justify $26K (back when they were heavily discounted) for a golf. The looks didn't excite me that much. At this point though, living where I do, I wish I had considered one especially considering how I wouldn't have lost a penny on it in two years of ownership. Those who are paying high-twenties for used ones now are nuts in my opinion.

My guess is once the MKV GTIs hit the used car market (similar performance, newer car) the prices on R32s will drop heavily.

Ike

Them still being available nearly a year after release seemed like a long time to me. But if you're correct that VW expected to take longer to sell them I guess it's just a matter of perspective.

Smileynh

I went back and read up on the R32 and it's new MKV format. Then it struck me. I'd seen this car before, on show in the mall. I thought, nice car. Great interior. Sweet engine. 30k gets it into the same range as the Passat though and it's no where near as comfy or stylish.

Back when I was researching the R32 I went through all the cars in the same class. Performance, 4 doors or room for 4. The conclusion I came to and all the car magazines and online articles came to. Buy an rx-8. It can be had cheaper or comparably equipped. It's got 4 useable seats, which I need.

Sure you could buy a Mustang, but I'm just not into that, ditto Dodge and Pontiac , an STI(subaru ride and interior just aren't there, insurance cost), The Evo is respectable but way more money and insurance.

Wasn't the 8 originally selling from like 23k MSRP? What a deal that was. Even at 26k for the base it's a sweet deal.

Love the 8

Ike

You seem a bit confused... Why would you compare a R32 to a Passat? Also, I've never seen any sort of direct comparo for the RX-8 to the R32. Lastly, MSRP for a base RX-8 has always been about 27k.