[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by bri1042

Well, all of that being said, the G80 manual is, to put it simply, a modern interpretation of an e39-sized M car with the lessons of the F80 learned and dealt with, for the most part. With either two screens or one big one, depending on which year. And it meets the current emissions and safety standards.

Outside of that, wheelbase is wheelbase, even more than weight is weight in the modern world. The Golf R's shorter wheelbase should be telling unless VW messed it up, just like the M2's should be. I do not think that chasing E30 M3 memories is a functional path with this car, but chasing E39 M5 memories is.

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

My dad owned an E39 530i and the M5 of that era was my dream car. V8, manual, 400 HP in THE most understated muscular Teutonic body with those absolutely STUNNING wheels. Still have never driven one.

In a way, the G80 IS the modern interpretation of that car. It actually has more rear seat legroom (those E39's are TIGHT in the back). So it's no wonder I gel with it more than the F80 I desperately tried to make myself like. I think it's why I find myself drawn to the car.

In any event, as I said having owned a GTi, they are chalk and cheese to the Golf R. If we weren't in the crazy $ / car times we are now, I would tell the OP to skip it. But with the market the way that it is, as I said, he can afford to sample the flavor without losing much, if any, money. And even though it's not an M3, it still is by all accounts a fantastic car. And if you're a Petrolhead, you must own a GTi / Golf R at sometime in your life. They are iconic for a reason. Even the Mk 5 Golf Diesel I rented in Germany in 2004 still resonates with me.

Thanks for the perspective!

Since I was able to get the MSRP M3 allocation in about a month, it does seem like the obvious thing to do (all things considered) is to grab the R and delay the M3.

[GolfR17]

This thread makes me miss my mk 7 golf r…

Maybe because it was my first “performance” car, or maybe it was the shorter wheelbase, but I’ve never had more fun on the tight twisty back roads as I did in that car.

Also super practical. I’m a sucker for hatches. When it was new I took the wife and 2 small kids on a road trip to the coast. Our other car at the time was an Audi Q5. I think we were almost as comfortable traveling in the Golf as the small SUV.

[BryanCO]

As expected, received an allocation yesterday. Status 111. But order includes the buckets so we expect it won’t move to 112 without a seat change.

The R will be here in the next 2-3 weeks. Will definitely be taking the R.

With the expected g80 delay, my current thought is to continue to move forward with the g80 and I’ll have enough time with the R to decide to skip the g80, keep/sell the R or keep/sell the e92. Only going to keep two of the three.

[Chapter2099]

Originally Posted by BryanCO

As expected, received an allocation yesterday. Status 111. But order includes the buckets so we expect it won’t move to 112 without a seat change.

The R will be here in the next 2-3 weeks. Will definitely be taking the R.

With the expected g80 delay, my current thought is to continue to move forward with the g80 and I’ll have enough time with the R to decide to skip the g80, keep/sell the R or keep/sell the e92. Only going to keep two of the three.

FWIW, spoke to two different genuines this week. Both said if your allocated build has buckets, your bucket option should get fulfilled. Both were familiar with the current bucket drama.

If and why this shortage is different than one a few months ago regarding the buckets, I have no idea, but both were very confident my build would be completed as scheduled.

I’m in 112 status, so I’ll be curious if I hit 150 successfully.

I’ll believe it when I see it though, judging from the stories I read.

[Chapter2099]

Congrats on whatever you go with though, BryanCO. Can’t go wrong with either.

What week is your production tentative for on the G80? Keep me updated if you get any updates on your status. I’m curious and wish you the best on the buckets! Should be worth it regardless.

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by Chapter2099

FWIW, spoke to two different genuines this week. Both said if your allocated build has buckets, your bucket option should get fulfilled. Both were familiar with the current bucket drama.

If and why this shortage is different than one a few months ago regarding the buckets, I have no idea, but both were very confident my build would be completed as scheduled.

I’m in 112 status, so I’ll be curious if I hit 150 successfully.

I’ll believe it when I see it though, judging from the stories I read.

Originally Posted by Chapter2099

Congrats on whatever you go with though, BryanCO. Can’t go wrong with either.

What week is your production tentative for on the G80? Keep me updated if you get any updates on your status. I’m curious and wish you the best on the buckets! Should be worth it regardless.

Thanks!

My allocation was from those released to dealers this past Thursday/Friday.

I don’t think (but could be wrong) production week is available at status 111. I didn’t ask…

Will see what happens re the seats.

[BryanCO]

Golf R 20th is here. Will pick it up next week.

g80 is delayed due to the seat availability issue which gives me some time to figure out if I should keep the R or not.

[BryanCO]

Well, son drove the R home and after a few days of consideration, decided that he’ll take the e92 to school in a couple of weeks, we’ll keep the GTI here for a winter car and sell the R. While messing around on Saturday placing the add for the R, I came across a 1300 mile, CPO, g80 spec’ed with all of my must haves - manual, buckets, optional wheels, carbon roof, red full leather, carbon trim, LED’s and more. Working on the paperwork and should pick it up on Saturday…

[Needsdecaf]

Nice car!

[mcsquared]

Nice find! So, are you still selling the R? Too bad you didn’t find the M3 prior…but, such is life. Enjoy it!

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Nice car!

Thanks. I like the blue but probably would not have picked it. Definitely trying to avoid white, black and all of the different shades of gray.

Originally Posted by mcsquared

Nice find! So, are you still selling the R? Too bad you didn’t find the M3 prior…but, such is life. Enjoy it!

Yes, selling the R. Should have just passed on it but, oh well.

~18 months ago, I felt like the value was in new cars. This 2022 g80 is pretty close to buying a new car at pre inflation prices. Considering the PPF and tint, it’s 12k less than a new 2024 with the same spec. So essentially a no-brainer…

[Habber]

Get the 911.

[skyline408]

What were your thoughts on the R?

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by Habber

Get the 911.

911? Not in play. And I have a 997.1 GT3. The g80 will be my DD.

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by skyline408

What were your thoughts on the R?

Certainly a great car. But I haven’t even driven it. I know, it doesn’t make any sense…

[BryanCO]

To close the book on this adventure…

Sold the R. Ultimately broke even considering all expenses.

Was surprised at the lack of private party interest in the R. Probably lots of reasons for this but it all worked out. Glad to be done with the various transactions…

[ourlee]

[QUOTE=BryanCO;30202976]Short backstory. Lots of cars over the years. Number of M cars. Had a F80 M3 manual that I really didn’t care for/connect with and only kept six months. Bought a new Civix Type R in 2019. Sold it (for more than I paid - crazy used car market) in Jan 2022. Got in line (was fourth on the list) in Jan 2022 with my local VW dealer for a Golf R. Bought a 2017 GT350 in March 2022. Dailey drove the car and sold it in Feb 2023. Bought a e92 M3 in Feb 2023.

The Golf R allocations are coming spec’ed so cannot select color or transmission. Got a call in March for the Golf R but it was a DSG, 20th anniversary. Passed on the R due to wanting a manual only. Decided on a G80 manual. Got an allocation the end of May but passed to get a MY24. My dealer didn’t get any June allocations last week but I’m still next which is expected to be late June for an August build. Build in place. Individual, buckets.

Unexpectedly got a call re the Golf R. Lapiz Blue 20th anniversary manual is on a ship and will be here mid July. Mine if I want it.

Both at MSRP. Once PPF’ed, the G80 will be about 2X the cost of the Golf R. Can afford either. Car will be my daily driver.

What to do…[/QUOTE

Delete

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by BryanCO

To close the book on this adventure…

Sold the R. Ultimately broke even considering all expenses.

Was surprised at the lack of private party interest in the R. Probably lots of reasons for this but it all worked out. Glad to be done with the various transactions…

Wow, surprising. I guess the high listings on all the online sites are just fishing and won't find many takers!

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Wow, surprising. I guess the high listings on all the online sites are just fishing and won't find many takers!

I think dealers are getting the money. My dealer told me they sold the DSG R I passed on for $5k over in 8 hours and I believe them.

I sold my R to a dealer for above MSRP so there must be some money to be made.

[Duracell24]

Originally Posted by BryanCO

I think dealers are getting the money. My dealer told me they sold the DSG R I passed on for $5k over in 8 hours and I believe them.

I sold my R to a dealer for above MSRP so there must be some money to be made.

Really interested in your thoughts on the Golf R (or your son’s thoughts if you didn’t get the chance to drive it). I’m cross shopping both as well. Haven’t had a chance to drive either (nothing within 3 hours of me), but have owned an MK7.5 Golf R previously that I loved. I have a chance to get a G80 at 10% under MSRP and am really trying to figure out if it’s worth the extra $35k (a lot of money!)

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by Duracell24

Really interested in your thoughts on the Golf R (or your son’s thoughts if you didn’t get the chance to drive it). I’m cross shopping both as well. Haven’t had a chance to drive either (nothing within 3 hours of me), but have owned an MK7.5 Golf R previously that I loved. I have a chance to get a G80 at 10% under MSRP and am really trying to figure out if it’s worth the extra $35k (a lot of money!)

Yes.

You're getting a NEW G80 10% off MSRP? That alone should convince you to buy it.

But "worth the extra" is highly subjective. How important is that $35k in your life? Are you dipping deep into your savings to make it up? If that's the case I'd say the Golf R is plenty of car. But you already know what it is; the Mk 8 isn't going to move the game on significantly from your Mk 7.5. The G80 is an altogether different proposition. It's a complete weapon for a sports sedan. Far more serious bit of kit. Can you use that every day? Will you be in a position to appreciate the difference? Only you can say, but there is a big difference.

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by Duracell24

Really interested in your thoughts on the Golf R (or your son’s thoughts if you didn’t get the chance to drive it). I’m cross shopping both as well. Haven’t had a chance to drive either (nothing within 3 hours of me), but have owned an MK7.5 Golf R previously that I loved. I have a chance to get a G80 at 10% under MSRP and am really trying to figure out if it’s worth the extra $35k (a lot of money!)

Very limited time in the R. But great car for what it’s trying to do. The g80 is a big, heavy sports sedan. It’s awesome but very different. Feels like it should cost $35k more but worth it is up to you.