2004 VW MkIV R32 Buying Guide/Tips

[schoona]

Moderator Addition
Due to all the interest, common questions and multiple threads about the MkIV R32 recently, I have merged them all into one thread. Please search through this thread or ask questions here if you have any. General MkIV questions should be asked in separate threads but as always please search before posting.
Cheers,
Trent

Good evening guys, how's y'all keeping?

To business, in light of my large desire to boost my VR6, I was looking at a nice, cruisey, sweet daily.

My dad has a MkV GTI, 95% percent of that car is perfect, eing a MkV. But it's not an .:R. So looking at MkV .:R's ,i 'd be looking for a United Grey, manual, 3 door. Pricing, perhaps more then I want to spend in my position.

Stepping "down", the Mk4 R32.

I love the looks, from what I have read the build quality is sensational. The Monroe suspension need to be binned. They have a great character etc etc

I guess I'm looking for opinions on how my thought process is working at present.

As I understand it, the Haldex in the Mk4 is V2? Currently it is at V4? Is this purely a software upgrade or combination of mechanical and sensory/electrical?

The purchase is a while away yet, I have a few small hurdles to climb but things are looking good. Just exhausting some options to see whats around etc...

Thanks in advance, take it easy

[Treza360]

The Haldex version is a generational thing and not just a software upgrade. MkIV R32 was Gen 1, Gen 2 was in the MkV.
You can't fit a Gen 2 controller or higher in. Each generation has its' own upgrades.
Cheers,
Trent

[Manaz]

The Haldex version is a generational thing and not just a software upgrade. MkIV R32 was Gen 1, Gen 2 was in the MkV.
You can't fit a Gen 2 controller or higher in. Each generation has its' own upgrades.
Cheers,
Trent

What you can do though is go up to either a blue or competition controller within the Gen 1 range. The blue controller hooks the rear up quicker and allows more torque transfer to the rear than the OEM controller, and the competition controller goes further by not immediately disengaging the rear when you hit teh brakes.

[Treza360]

What you can do though is go up to either a blue or competition controller within the Gen 1 range. The blue controller hooks the rear up quicker and allows more torque transfer to the rear than the OEM controller, and the competition controller goes further by not immediately disengaging the rear when you hit teh brakes.

Yes this is the individual generation upgrade I was speaking about. The competition controller is know as the orange controller.
Cheers,
Trent

[schoona]

Thanks lads

[Big_M]

Well I flogged my last car couple weeks ago now and I've been looking into the R32's. I really like the MkIV's.
I see there is a black one on carsales. 62tho k's asking 32900.
I was wondering if anyone on here knew the car at all?.

Looks nice, but anything I guess can be made to look nice!.
Made contact and he tells me a local car from AUSVW and he's second owner.

What things should I be looking at if I go and have a look at it ?

Anyone recommend any good people to do a pre-purchase Inspection.

Rather be ahead of the ball game than get something and start having to play catch up !.

So guess, any pointers on things to beaware of. What to look for. Obvious faults to my untrained R32 eye!
And any pointers to who to use for inspections!.

Thanks guys for any help or assistance.
I know what it's like when the bug hits, hence garage full of aircooled dub's.

Thanks again, Matt.

[h100vw]

You need to talk to Jimmy, Jmac. He does prepurchase inspections and can advise you on all the things to look at on the R32.



Gavin

[craig_the_german]

Hi,
I believe Jmac on this forum does pre-purchase inspections and as anyone in Brisbane will confirm...he sure knows his stuff.

Hope this helps

Pete

[craig_the_german]

Seems like great minds think alike.....

[OEM G60]

Hi mate i've been on the lookout for one recently too.

I've spoken to that guy about his car and it does sound good, it has been APR chipped by Harding Performance, (user name GuyH on here) it was done by the previous owner. It has had its 60K service done before 60K too i think.

Jmac is your man on here to go and inspect it, he'll wire it up to his laptop (VAGCOM) and check for faults, also you could contact the people who serviced it to make sure things add up.