R32 Alternatives

Sadgeek

Sadgeek

Sadgeek

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Can anyone suggest an alternative drive to an R32?

I'm thinking of getting one as my next company car, but want to make sure I haven't overlooked anything and start kicking myself afterwards.

I have around £25k to spend, and insurance/fuel economy etc isn't an issue. It must have four seats though.

Currently considering:

Golf R32 DSG
Golf GTI DSG - pretty much the same car but cheaper
Focus ST
Astra VXR - Not very keen on this, purely from hating previous Astras

Anyone recommend anything else?
 
A3 2.0T with DSG.
I looked at the R32 and GTI, and Focus ST when looking for my new car.

I ended up going for a A3 2.0T S Line SE with DSG.

driversside.jpg
 
Vertigo1 said:
Audi A3 3.2 Quattro Sport
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My suggestion too :) Can be had with DSG as well. Very similar car to the R32, but more subtle and a better image (IMO)

I'd also seriously suggest the BMW 130i, quicker than the above, nice little car and within budget :)

(Guess which two cars I've been looking at recently :))
 
dalepearson said:
I went and looked at one of those, with the M Kit, but they are so FUGLY.
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Each to their own, but then I'm someone who has liked all Bangle's BMs so I'm going to like it :)

I'm odd, I know :D
 
Depends on how much space you need, but what about an RX8?
Rubbish fuel economy, but you've said you don't care.
 
darko said:
147 GTA

Stupid power. ridiculously good looking. very rare.

a bit of a leftfield alternative but worth a look
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You forgot absolutely shocking handling and horrific depreciation...

All that power is nothing without actually being able to use it.
 
Dolph said:
You forgot absolutely shocking handling and horrific depreciation...

All that power is nothing without actually being able to use it.
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i didnt forget it, i just didnt mention it. ;)

for me the looks and scarcity make up for its numerous foibles. regardless of whether the power can be used or not, 99% of the time these values are simply used for bragging. the chances are that this car will never see a trackday.
 
I've been and still am considering an R32 (MKV). The only thing I would say is that are you not going to get 'poverty' spec R32 for 25k. I mean DSG is extra and by the time you've put cd changer and other bits on its not going to be cheap and from seeing the 2nd hand prices etc I don't dealers fancy giving much off (if any).

You might well be better getting a good spec GTI if you want a dub.

I'd probably go for a fully loaded ST as I would probably regret not having all the toys on the R32.

I have to say the Audi looks v.nice however.

Either way your gonna end up with a v.nice motor :)
 
my dad has the audi a3 3.2, its is a nice car, fairly quick but with the 18" wheels the ride quality isnt great, if you drive on bumpy roads go for the 17"s the demonstrator we drove was much better. the dsg is certainly worth it :cool: it makes use of the torque when driving at medium pace but will let you use full revs when needed much better than any other auto box ive seen.
 
darko said:
147 GTA

Stupid power. ridiculously good looking. very rare.

a bit of a leftfield alternative but worth a look
Click to expand...

Is it just me that finds ALL alfas really ugly?? The lad at work has a 156 and has a bee in his bonnet about Corrados saying how ugly they are. I just laugh and say "Doesnt mean anything coming from an Alfa owner!"

Im a VW fan and wouldnt mind an R32 myself, however, the Audi just has more style the the VW, go for the Audi!
 
The Mk II Skoda Octavia vRS, and for £25k you can have every option under the sun and a few £k left over.

Seriously go have a test drive before dismissing it.
 
Randell Floyd said:
The Mk II Skoda Octavia vRS, and for £25k you can have every option under the sun and a few £k left over.

Seriously go have a test drive before dismissing it.
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more than a few k left over as well! cracking cars!

Failing that a fully loaded performance blue or panther black focus ST3 would top my list. If you must be a badge snob then pay the extra for the R32 or 3.2 quattro but I have driven most of the cars mentioned, and the focus would get the nod for me, but the skoda is very good and a fair wad cheaper! The Golf GTI is an ace motor though, as is the audi, you cant realy go wrong with any of the cars mentioned. I just love the focus ST!
 
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Randell Floyd said:
The Mk II Skoda Octavia vRS, and for £25k you can have every option under the sun and a few £k left over.

Seriously go have a test drive before dismissing it.
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Amen 110%

Should be able to find one for around £16k new I believe online or £18k(ish) at a dealer.

Identical engine to that in the Golf GTI / Audi A3 2.0T and just as many toys in a car that is more practical and imo looks better.

I would personally avoid the BMW130i as it really is overpriced for what it is (compared to say the R32).

Piccy of the vRS:

863-03.jpg
 
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Oh and if your allowed to 'chip' etc the car then the vRS becomes a whole different league of car!

My Mk1 is running 250bhp/260ft/lb and the difference from standard is awsome.
 
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