It’s been a while since I’ve fantasized about the R32. For a long time, it was my dream car, packing AWD with a sweet (and sweeter sounding) VR6 in the attractive (to me) Mk4 Golf package. They sound great and are very capable, but have had enough mechanical issues to have some detractors. I’ll continue dreaming though, thinking of the VR6’s terrifying growl, the 4Motion’s capability, and the hatchback sensibility. For a long time they were hovering around $20k, and you might still pay that much if you find a cherry low-mileage example, but today’s has covered 117k miles and is thus an extremely reasonable $13k.
Click for details: 2004 Volkswagen R32 on eBay
Year: 2004
Model: R32
Engine: 3.2 liter VR6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 117,300 mi
Price: $12,999 Buy It Now
Fresh trade in, like new, 2004 Volkswagen R32 GTI 3.2 liter VR6. Only 117,300 miles. 6-speed manual, 4-Motion AWD. Runs and drives amazing. Beautiful Java black paint. Perfect black leather interior. Fully leaded, ice cold AC, moonroof, alloy wheels, cruise control, premium sound!
Not a lot of fluff in the description, but I guess you can’t expect much on a trade-in. It does look very clean though, and damn if these things don’t still grab my eye. Today a silver one with roofracks completely stole my attention. They are close to the epitome of factory-beefed up for me, with great wheels, clean but aggressive front and rear fascias, and measurably (at the time) improved performance. For under $13k, this is still a very cool carto me.
-NR
How would an R32 do as a gravel racer or doing part-time, light-duty off-road detail?
Lift the suspension a reasonable amount, put narrower, aggressive-treaded tires on it and, yes, this will be a good crossover vehicle. Right?
Wish they were more efficient on the mpg, but r32s are an outstanding looking and fitted car right out of the factory.
@Beets – Google “VW golf country.” They tried your idea once in the past!
I used to *love* this car so much, and its stout, muscular looks will always make my smile…but I feel the brand new GTI, even in “base” S trim, has both the looks & performance to compete, if not beat, far pricer & more exclusive editions, such as this, from past years. Can’t wait till the “performance package” starts shipping. Under $2k and you get 10 more HP, crazy better brakes, and a real LSD.
I think the only reason to buy this generation of R32 is to enjoy the mobile soundtrack from the VR6. There aren’t many other compelling reasons, but it’s still a good one!
@G, I can think of at least one other: they’re available with a manual transmission. Later generation R32s are not.
Good point, I had forgotten about that.