The 2008 VW Golf R32 (Mk5) is a Used Car Hidden Gem
Contents
Introduction
If you’re shopping for a fast, fun, and practical car that can not only go the distance but do it in comfort and style — and without breaking the bank — you’d be hard-pressed to find a better choice than the 2008 Volkswagen R32.
Like its predecessor, the 2004 VW R32 from the Golf’s 4th generation (Mk4), the Mk5 R32 was a limited production model, with just 5000 units brought to the U.S. and only for one model year: 2008. Slotted above the GTI and loaded with options, it was considered pricey for a Volkswagen, with an MSRP starting at $32,000. That’s almost ten grand more than the least expensive GTI at the time.
As a result, sales were fairly tepid, and some languished on the lot. After all, why spend thousands more when the GTI was already a great car?
Over a decade later, though, the calculus has changed. Most Mk5 GTIs have long since been driven into the ground. Meanwhile, between the magic of depreciation and the pride of ownership showered on those R32s that did find loving homes, the 2008 VW R32 has become a used car hidden gem.
Engine and Transmission
At the heart of the R32 is its unique engine: a 3.2 liter, naturally-aspirated, narrow-angle V6 (“VR6” in VW speak), putting out a solid 250 hp plus 236 lb-ft of twist at a relatively low 2500 rpm. Likely the last non-turbo mill ever to be placed in a performance VW, its instantaneous response and glorious soundtrack are addictive, even in stock setup.
The VR6 is backed by VW’s 6-speed automated manual transmission, branded “DSG” (for direct-shift gearbox). If you prefer to row your own gears — sorry, you’re out of luck. VW only brought DSG-equipped cars to our shores. But don’t fret too much. The quick-shifting automatic is excellent and pairs nicely with the smooth and torquey VR6, always keeping you deep in the power band. Plus, its steering wheel mounted paddle shifters allow you to call up the right gear with the flick of a finger.
And if that’s not enough, the R32 has another trick hiding under its wheel wells: its Haldex all-wheel drive (AWD) system. Borrowed from sister company Audi and dubbed “4Motion,” it transforms the normally front-drive platform into a serious canyon carving tool. In their original road test, Car and Driver remarked that AWD “endows the already stoic chassis with an even more remarkably planted feel on open roads.” It also helps tremendously in the slippery stuff, making the R32 not just a fair weather friend.
Suspension and Handling
The good news is that the VW R32 starts with the already-nimble Mk5 GTI as its base. From there, the engineers made some tweaks to account for the additional mass that comes from the R32’s larger engine (some 330 lbs heavier than the GTI’s turbo four) and its all-wheel drive system. The result is a chassis that’s distinctly different. Where the GTI feels light and tossable, the R32 feels solid and fast. If the GTI is as playful as a puppy, the R32 is as resolute as a Rottweiler.
Of course, AWD makes a big impact here, allowing the R32 to get its power down far earlier in a bend than is possible in the front-drive GTI, where too early on the throttle means scrubbing off speed. Knowing that all you have to do is mash the throttle and let the 4Motion system sort out the rest is a real confidence booster, helping you to make the most of the VR6’s additional power.
Despite its handling prowess, the R32 still delivers a quiet and comfortable ride in everyday driving. Its electric-boosted steering has good feel, and the brakes can haul the car down from 60 mph in a scant 111 feet — only about 15 feet shy of supercar territory.
Exterior and Interior Features
As the top-of-the-line Golf, the R32 comes appointed more like an Audi or Mercedes than a VW. Standard goodies include 18 inch wheels, Xenon headlights, a sunroof, heated leather sports seats, and automatic climate control. In fact, the only available factory option was navigation, which, though now quite dated, is kind of nice to have if only because it’s paired with an adapter to plug in your phone.
Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, and front and side curtain airbags. While no safety ratings specific to the R32 are available, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Golf (upon which the R32 is based) as “Good” overall, its highest rating at the time. For the rating details, see the IIHS website.
The build quality of the R32 is excellent, with high quality materials throughout. In its review, Edmunds called it a “well-appointed cabin” that “gives off a neatly tailored European vibe.” And for what is considered a small car, the R32 is surprisingly roomy. Though VW only brought the two-door version to the U.S, there’s still ample space inside for four adults — five in a pinch — and the split-folding rear seats provide as much as 43 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s about the same as a Chevy Suburban, albeit with its rear seats in place.
Details and Specs
- engine: 3.2 liter DOHC narrow-angle V6 (VR6)
- horsepower: 250 @ 6300 rpm
- torque: 236 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
- transmission: 6-speed automated manual (DSG)
- mpg: 18 city / 23 highway
- fuel capacity: 14.5 gallons
- fuel type: premium unleaded
- drive type: all-wheel drive (4Motion)
- curb weight: 3547 lbs
- turning circle: 35.7 feet
- exterior colors: United Gray Metallic, Candy White, Tornado Red, Deep Blue Metallic
- interior color: Anthracite leather
Buying Tips
Depreciation has been chipping away at R32 values over the last ten years, trimming 50% or more from their original sticker prices in most cases. Generally speaking, we suggest targeting $15,000 to $18,000 for an excellent example with relatively low miles (under 60k), a nearly blemish-free appearance, and no outstanding mechanic needs.
You can certainly pay more than that, but we wouldn’t recommend it unless you are a collector and looking for something of museum quality. If the prior generation is any guide, this could certainly pay off. Recent examples of the Mk4 R32 have sold for as much as $62,000 on enthusiast auction site Bring a Trailer.
You can also find good, well-maintained specimens in the $10,000 to $15,000 range. These will generally have somewhat higher miles — up to around 120k — which isn’t really much of a concern for an R32, if it’s been looked after. The iron block VR6 engine has proven to be one of VW’s most reliable from this era, with some racking up as many as 250k miles without issue.
Under $10,000, the picking starts to get a little thinner. Most in this range will have 150k or more miles, some cosmetic blemishes, and perhaps a fender bender or two on their records. But you should still be able to find a solid, driver-quality car. Tread carefully, and favor examples that may have a few more miles but with extensive service records showing proper care throughout their lives.
The Bottom Line
The 2008 Volkswagen R32 offers a rare combination of things in the automotive world. It’s both practical and fun. It’s both compact and roomy. It’s both well-made and affordable. Even though it’s over a decade old, a well-kept R32 still looks sharp — and sounds even sharper. And prices for used R32s have never been cheaper.
If you’re on the hunt for a nice R32, our advice is to buy the very best one you can afford, even if that means paying a bit more than average. These cars, built in limited numbers, are special, so good ones are only likely to increase in value. And of course, make sure to have any R32 you’re seriously considering checked out by a knowledgable specialist before you buy. It’s always worth the money (usually about $250) to get a thorough pre-purchase inspection (PPI).
Beyond that, our only advice is, once you bring yours home, drive it hard and drive it often — ’cause they don’t make them like this any more.
Photos courtesy of Volkswagen and Wikimedia Commons