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11-18-2012, 11:15 PM | #1 |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 873
Join Date: Feb 2000
Chapter/Region:
TXIC
Location: www.testdrivemylife.com
Vehicle:2020 JEEP / RAM Datsun 71 240Z & 68 2000 |
Golf R purchase tomorrow
Well I have been holding off buying a new car since March. But now is the time to make my decision. I have been going back and forth on the 13 STI and the 13 Golf R for many many weeks. THe STI is definitely where my heart is. Always has been since I sold my 2006 modded STI. It was such a great car. Very raw and connected. FAst forward 6 years, and I have a 4 year old and another kid on the way in February. I could not be any happier. So with that being said, the 2000 Tundra I have been driving since I sold my 2011 WRX has been a great vehicle, but its time in my life is at an end.
The case for the Golf R is compelling. I have taken 2 test drives that equates to about 40 minutes in the car. I have posted about the fabulous suspension, the amazing seats, and the incredible brakes. I have complimented the car on its ample room and well laid out interior. The engine makes power smoothly and sounds good while it does it. The SHifter is just amazing. The technical features of the Golf are FAR and beyond the STI (with the exception of the lack of home link.. which is weird). Now cons. Well the reliability of the Golf will not match the STI. No doubt about that. But the VW dealer is only about 8 miles away, where the Subaru dealer is 46 miles (on a toll route). THe golf is not as raw and connected as the STI. And that is actually quite a drawback. The Golf is not as fast as the WRX or STI from an acceleration point of view I want to buy an STI again, it will be my 8th subaru since 2000. It would look good next to my 2007 Outback XT. It is a familiar and comforting car to own. But I have to force myself to think logically as I ask myself the question: CAn a die hard Subaru guy be happy with a VW? Right now, it seems buying the 2013 STI after owning a well modded 2011 WRX just feels like I am buying the same car again. (even though they are next to nothing alike mechanically) The Golf R is a better Daily Driver in every conceivable and measurable category. It has better seats, better materials, more room inside, better ride quality, better stereo, more advanced keyless features, better MPG, lower price tag, and a solid build feel. The STI is a more focused track car, whose limits are higher than the golfs in braking and acceleration. Stepping back, I only do about 2 to 3 track days a year, and they are just purely for fun. The last time I went I took my 2011 WRX and completely destroyed the stock brakes in 20 minutes. The STI and Golf R will probably not have that issue. So again, tomorrow I get the keys to a Golf R, and shortly after a complete comprehensive review will follow. Having an APR tuning shop 20 minutes from my house does not hurt either... STay tuned for a golf R review! |
11-18-2012, 11:26 PM | #2 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 272675
Join Date: Feb 2011
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: West Haven, CT
Vehicle:2011 WRX 2002 Corvette Z06 |
Can't say it's what I'd have chosen simply because of the notorious reliability issues, but it sounds like you know that going in and have lots of other reasons for choosing it.
Hope you like it! |
11-18-2012, 11:49 PM | #3 |
*** Banned ***
Member#: 263954
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Houston, TX
Vehicle:2014 EVO X / 05 WRX Wicked White / Blue |
Meh, enjoy, but I never regret any day that I turn the key on my STi.
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11-18-2012, 11:53 PM | #4 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 55067
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Pittsburgh
Vehicle:2015 Audi S3 Monsoon Gray |
It is all about what moves you and it sounds like the Golf R does just that for you! Keep us updated with the reliability as well.
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11-19-2012, 02:36 AM | #5 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 294461
Join Date: Sep 2011
Chapter/Region:
NWIC
Location: Grass Pants, OR
Vehicle:2006 San Remo Wagon Under construction |
I was a VW guy until I got a Subaru... The Golf has always been a great platform; I have a hopped up MKI GTI sitting in the driveway at the moment. Enjoy!
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11-19-2012, 07:16 AM | #6 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 100300
Join Date: Nov 2005
Chapter/Region:
MWSOC
Location: MIC|-|IG/\N
Vehicle:06 WRX CGM |
The brakes on the Golf are quite large. They make my brakes look tiny! My friend bought one and with 100 miles on it he ragged it all the way out and was banging every shift really hard. Made me laugh, but it seemed like a great car that is lots of fun.
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11-19-2012, 07:40 AM | #7 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 262760
Join Date: Nov 2010
Chapter/Region:
MWSOC
Location: Lake in the Hills, ILLnoise
Vehicle:2011 WRX Hatch Limtd Satin White Pearl |
There are two types of performance; perceived performance and actual performance. To me, perceived performance is the exact balance of what you need or desire, even if it's not the top performer in reality. It sounds like you've weighed out your decision.
You are of course on a Subaru forum where Subaru love is high. That being said, I'm not unreasonable and I am pretty well versed in cars. I have love for cars of all makes. With all of this in mind, I personally would never buy a VW because of their reliability, or lack thereof. Don't get me wrong, the Golf R offers incredible features wrapped in a very cool looking package. I just hope your ownership experience is everything you hope it will be. I would spend my money elsewhere but I'm happy for you and can't wait to read your reviews. |
11-19-2012, 08:04 AM | #8 |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 873
Join Date: Feb 2000
Chapter/Region:
TXIC
Location: www.testdrivemylife.com
Vehicle:2020 JEEP / RAM Datsun 71 240Z & 68 2000 |
Perhaps the most well written and unbiased reviews I have ever read on NASIOC in 5 years. Kudos and thanks!
Yeah, the reliability is what really scares me. Everything else I am fairly confident in. What I did not post is what exactly I am looking for in my next car. That would have been useful as it would put my words in more context. I was looking for a car that would slot in between the WRX and STI performance wise. The Golf R is very quick. Would give any WRX a run for its money in a straight line. And my initial test drive told me that the Golf R is a far better handling car than a stock WRX is, even with its all season tires. However, a WRX can be made much better with a handful of mods. Wheels, tires, sway bars, and brakes to name a few. But, and this is where the Golf R leaps above the stock WRX for me. I do not want to have to dump 4000 dollars of mods into a car to make it enjoyable. The Golf R is VERY good right out of the box. And if it needs more power, then an APR flash is only 499 and 15 minutes away from 305 HP. To me the Golf R's more direct comparison is the WRX. Some would say the GTI, but the FWD nature of that car to me makes it too different. Okay, so anyway, it is about T minus 8 hours until I go to the VW dealership. This will be my first German car. I will make sure I introduce myself to the service manager when I am there. I advise people on buying cars all the time. And if there is anything I preach to people is this. Be honest with yourself. Do you buy a car as an appliance, or as a source of joy. Be honest with yourself. How will this car actually get used? Be honest with yourself. Know how much you want to spend and do not exceed that. There will be times your head and your heart will cloud your judgement. And if your are truly honest with yourself, you can help navigate those waters. Should you buy a car that comes with a boat load of compromises so you can enjoy it for 1% of the driving you actually do. Or should you buy a car for the 99% of the driving you do? My decision to buy the Golf R is just that. It is a car that fits my life right now 99% of the time, that will still allow me to have a bunch of fun on those 1% days. |
11-19-2012, 10:51 AM | #9 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 272675
Join Date: Feb 2011
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: West Haven, CT
Vehicle:2011 WRX 2002 Corvette Z06 |
Quote:
Either way definitely sounds like you were being honest with yourself about what you really need. I hope it works out! |
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11-19-2012, 10:53 AM | #10 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 136314
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: A$$achusetts
Vehicle:2014 Grand Cherokee |
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11-19-2012, 10:56 AM | #11 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 272675
Join Date: Feb 2011
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: West Haven, CT
Vehicle:2011 WRX 2002 Corvette Z06 |
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11-19-2012, 12:09 PM | #12 |
*** Banned ***
Member#: 24038
Join Date: Sep 2002
Chapter/Region:
South East
Location: Godspeed Cale...
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Last edited by REX8; 11-19-2012 at 12:19 PM. |
11-19-2012, 12:51 PM | #13 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 136314
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: A$$achusetts
Vehicle:2014 Grand Cherokee |
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11-19-2012, 08:18 AM | #14 |
Add Lightness
Moderator Member#: 13699
Join Date: Dec 2001
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Hopkinton, MA
Vehicle:2021 Building It Better |
Having the dealer 8 miles away will really help you a lot. When I had my 2 Audis, I only had about 12 miles and the dealer was pretty much on my way to work. Really worked great and the only drawback was when I'd get out of work, I would forget which A4 (or S4) was mine, because I drove loaner cars so much. Hopefully your R will be in the shop less than my S4 was (exactly 50% of the time I owned the car). What I don't quite understand is why anyone in Houston (or Florida or socal) would ever buy an AWD car. The hit on efficiency, power to the wheels and fuel mileage really makes you pay a premium for something that I always look at as a way to be able to get up my driveway in the winter. But...whatever. Tight hatches are certainly fun. I drove my son's CRX to work today and it's a blast to drive. Good luck with the car. Post a picture when you pick it up.....or maybe pics of the loaner cars.
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11-19-2012, 10:06 AM | #15 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 229802
Join Date: Nov 2009
Chapter/Region:
South East
Vehicle:2008 WRX STI OBP |
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11-20-2012, 04:38 AM | #16 | ||
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 200268
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Wilmington, DE
Vehicle:2011 WRX wagon silver |
Quote:
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11-20-2012, 07:03 AM | #17 | |
*** Banned ***
Member#: 16200
Join Date: Mar 2002
Vehicle:OK buy Nates beans westcoastroasting.com |
Quote:
there are MANY reasons for awd wherever you live.....and some of us realize that fuel mileage is irrelevant to the issues at hand |
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11-20-2012, 07:11 AM | #18 | |
Add Lightness
Moderator Member#: 13699
Join Date: Dec 2001
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Hopkinton, MA
Vehicle:2021 Building It Better |
Quote:
Why anyone would own a Porsche or Aston Martin or Lotus........I do understand that too. |
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11-20-2012, 11:33 AM | #19 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 313217
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Vehicle:2013 STi Sedan Stg 1 Plasma Blue Pearl |
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11-20-2012, 12:53 PM | #20 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 246990
Join Date: May 2010
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Location: NOVA
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Quote:
I have no hate towards engineers; a TON of my friends are mechanical or electrical engineers. I do have to agree that they calculate instead of think though. Its kind of tough to explain but for example we joke about one of my ME buddies always calculates how much a girfriend would cost and we always counter with "but it will make you HAPPY" and you cant calculate or put a price on happieness you know? Not sure if I did a good job explaining there. |
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11-20-2012, 09:34 PM | #21 | |
*** Banned ***
Member#: 16200
Join Date: Mar 2002
Vehicle:OK buy Nates beans westcoastroasting.com |
Quote:
maybe you will see where what you think is wrong, some day and enginers are idiots......the very vast majority of them you may learn that in your life, too....if your eyes are open enough and you brain isnt too blunted |
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11-20-2012, 10:17 PM | #22 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 150494
Join Date: Jun 2007
Chapter/Region:
South East
Location: Charleston
Vehicle:20 Genesis G70 3.3 |
Quote:
Now if you want to talk street smarts vs. book smarts, well, that's a different story. |
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11-20-2012, 11:41 PM | #23 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 194216
Join Date: Nov 2008
Chapter/Region:
W. Canada
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Vehicle:2022 Fast POS |
LOL sure. A lot of engineers may be social misfits but I can assure you that the majority are not idiots. Honestly your post is one of the dumbest I've read in the internet in a while and you have the nerve to call another group idiots.
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11-20-2012, 08:50 PM | #24 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 180514
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Windsor/Canada & Detroit/MI
Vehicle:2004 Sti WRB |
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11-21-2012, 11:04 AM | #25 |
Scooby Guru
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Chapter/Region:
SWIC
Location: Gilbert, AZ
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