I bought a couple of new VW's back in the late 90's and had major problems with both. Wouldn't by another based on the treatment from the dealer and VWNA. Speed 3 is more reliable and no issues as of yet other than the squeaks when its really cold out.
You might consider adding some sound deadening to the Speed3 to give it the same solid feel as the VW, especially in the doors.
you might consider waiting for the R20. It's the next AWD VW with a upgraded version of the GTI 2.0 TSI motor and should have DSG and 6 spd. Should have output of the R32 but not the same weight but obviously you lose the sweet sounds of the VR6.
DSG is fantastic if you can't have a stick as it offers the super fast shifting, rev match downshifts,paddles, a sport mode that takes ever gear near redline etc..heard bad things about the EVO MR dual clutch.
downside? aside from missing a manual at time, the recommended service for DSG is at every 35-40k miles and pushes close to 4 bills. youch.
If you want a MKV R32 there should be some deals out there but based on the mileage, see my previous note and make sure the DSG was serviced IF it's close. It's a very liveable car for day to day commutes and offers a fun side and sounds. Great on long trips, brakes and suspension are better than in the GTI but fuel economy is roughly 20mpg in a 13.5 gal tank. A3/A4 3.2 quattro is another upscale alternative.
Among some of the things you have to consider is that it's 4-door vs 2-door (unless I'm drawing a blank), the interior ROOM (one of the reasons I got rid of my MKIV GTI was because we started having kids and the MS3 has a lot more room than the VW), and the price. The R32s are much more expensive.
I've always hated the MKV design. The MKIVs were the best. And I personally HATED DSG. I was very close to buying an Audi A3 before I got the MS3 (I was literally a day away form placing my order when the Mazda dealer called to tell me he had the MS3 to test drive). I drove one with a DSG and wanted to drive into a wall.
Me? I just didn't like the whole concept. Maybe I'm old school (or just an uncoordinated dolt), but I enjoy having full control with a 6-speed. I felt the DSG took something away from my driving pleasure.
Me? I just didn't like the whole concept. Maybe I'm old school (or just an uncoordinated dolt), but I enjoy having full control with a 6-speed. I felt the DSG took something away from my driving pleasure.
these were my feelings as well... it is a sweet little car, but i worried about the longevity of VW platform with this many special parts... i have a friend who is having good luck with his, for the most part.
pricey (out of my budget, anyway), but a hoot to drive (the older, manual version), like our MS3s. i seem to remember no manual for '09, right? that DSG might be great, but not what i would want. the VR6 is a nice little engine...
R32 was an 08 only model importing 5,000 units. most were sold I'm guessing. The 04's all sold and at a bit more rapid pace than the 08's. A big part of the slower sales in 08 has to be that no manual was offered but VW did manage to get rid of most of them. There are some used ones available and plenty would still have warranty since they were all 4 yr/50k miles. Way too expensive to mod so unless you have $$ to burn on performance upgrades, you'd have to accept it for what it is. A great touring car with some fun.
