Likes
- Sensational performance for the asking price.
- Understated styling flys under the radar.
- Excellent tuning support
- Some OEM equipment can be retro-fitted.
Used Volkswagen Golf R (MK 6) review
2008 - 2015
Dislikes
- Some reliability concerns.
- Parts and labour can often ask a premium.
- Many used examples have been abused and modified poorly.
- Owners can struggle to retain their driver license.
Stuff you should know
- The Golf R, the flagship model of the Mk6 Volkswagen Golf range, competes directly with rivals like the Audi S3 and Mercedes Benz AMG CLA45.
- It comes equipped with a range of features typical of the Mk6 Golf line, including leather interiors and premium sound systems.
- Under the hood, it boasts a potent 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, powering all four wheels through either a manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission.
- Performance enhancements include upgraded brakes and suspension.
- Australian-delivered models were manufactured in Germany between 2010 and 2012.
- Due to depreciating prices, the Golf R is often considered an excellent value-for-money performance vehicle.
- However, many examples on the market may have been poorly modified or subjected to abuse.
- Prior to purchasing, a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection is crucial to identify potential issues.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
- The plastic clips holding the front bumper corners can become brittle with age, leading to potential breakage and protrusion of the bumper.
- Electrical components, particularly folding door mirrors, may exhibit erratic behavior, though this is not overly common.
- Drainage holes in the doors can become blocked, indicated by sloshing sounds when opening and closing the doors, potentially signaling drainage issues.
- A concerning issue involves sound deadening sponge in wheel arches holding water, leading to rust and corrosion over time, particularly in cold climates or areas with salted roads.
- Rust around the rear badge and hatch can occur in regions with salted roads or coastal locations, albeit not very common.
- With the increasing affordability of these cars, inexperienced owners may lead to accidents and shoddy repair work; thorough inspection of the exterior is advised.
Interior:
- Headlining sagging can occur, easily fixed by a professional upholsterer or DIY.
- Some reports mention electrical glitches, so thorough testing of all functions is recommended.
- Interior plastics may become brittle, causing rattles; check for noise during test drives.
- Water ingress issues may arise from door speaker seals, window regulator card seals, and taillights, leading to damp carpets in footwells.
- Sunroof-equipped models should have clear drainage holes to prevent water leaks into the electronics.
Mechanical:
- Engine:
- The Golf R is equipped with the EA113 engine, featuring CDLF & CDLC engine codes, which utilizes a timing belt rather than a chain, unlike the EA888 engine found in many other performance Volkswagen models.
- Timing belt replacement is recommended every 105,000 kilometers or 7 years, although they often outlast the chains in the EA888 engines.
- Notably, the timing belt operates a smaller and simpler water pump compared to the problematic water pump in the EA888.
Common Engine Concerns:
- High-pressure fuel pump issues may arise.
- Cam follower failures can occur.
- Odd fuel pressure codes may appear, but these are typically easily rectified.
- Turbo diverter valve seal failure can lead to boost pressure regulation codes, although resolution is generally straightforward.
- PVC valve failure may cause lean and misfire codes, accompanied by increased engine noise.
Transmission & Driveline:
Manual Transmission:
- Generally reliable, with dual mass flywheel failures often preceding clutch issues.
Dual Clutch or DSG Transmission:
- Servicing at 60,000 km intervals is crucial for maintaining reliability.
- The DQ250 six-speed is generally considered more reliable than the seven-speed variant.
- Despite being jerky and clunky in operation, these characteristics do not necessarily indicate faults.
- Signs of potential issues include abnormal shifting, strange noises, unpleasant vibrations, or warning lights.
- Accumulator and mechatronics issues are reported, along with clutch and electronics issues.
- Even well-serviced units may experience these problems, with operator driving
Exterior:
- The plastic clips holding the front bumper corners can become brittle with age, leading to potential breakage and protrusion of the bumper.
- Electrical components, particularly folding door mirrors, may exhibit erratic behavior, though this is not overly common.
- Drainage holes in the doors can become blocked, indicated by sloshing sounds when opening and closing the doors, potentially signaling drainage issues.
- A concerning issue involves sound deadening sponge in wheel arches holding water, leading to rust and corrosion over time, particularly in cold climates or areas with salted roads.
- Rust around the rear badge and hatch can occur in regions with salted roads or coastal locations, albeit not very common.
- With the increasing affordability of these cars, inexperienced owners may lead to accidents and shoddy repair work; thorough inspection of the exterior is advised.
Interior:
- Headlining sagging can occur, easily fixed by a professional upholsterer or DIY.
- Some reports mention electrical glitches, so thorough testing of all functions is recommended.
- Interior plastics may become brittle, causing rattles; check for noise during test drives.
- Water ingress issues may arise from door speaker seals, window regulator card seals, and taillights, leading to damp carpets in footwells.
- Sunroof-equipped models should have clear drainage holes to prevent water leaks into the electronics.
Mechanical:
- Engine:
- The Golf R is equipped with the EA113 engine, featuring CDLF & CDLC engine codes, which utilizes a timing belt rather than a chain, unlike the EA888 engine found in many other performance Volkswagen models.
- Timing belt replacement is recommended every 105,000 kilometers or 7 years, although they often outlast the chains in the EA888 engines.
- Notably, the timing belt operates a smaller and simpler water pump compared to the problematic water pump in the EA888.
Common Engine Concerns:
- High-pressure fuel pump issues may arise.
- Cam follower failures can occur.
- Odd fuel pressure codes may appear, but these are typically easily rectified.
- Turbo diverter valve seal failure can lead to boost pressure regulation codes, although resolution is generally straightforward.
- PVC valve failure may cause lean and misfire codes, accompanied by increased engine noise.
Transmission & Driveline:
Manual Transmission:
- Generally reliable, with dual mass flywheel failures often preceding clutch issues.
Dual Clutch or DSG Transmission:
- Servicing at 60,000 km intervals is crucial for maintaining reliability.
- The DQ250 six-speed is generally considered more reliable than the seven-speed variant.
- Despite being jerky and clunky in operation, these characteristics do not necessarily indicate faults.
- Signs of potential issues include abnormal shifting, strange noises, unpleasant vibrations, or warning lights.
- Accumulator and mechatronics issues are reported, along with clutch and electronics issues.
- Even well-serviced units may experience these problems, with operator driving styles impacting reliability.
All-Wheel Drive System:
- The Haldex pump may occasionally present issues, although less likely if properly serviced.
- Servicing is often overlooked, despite the necessity for maintenance every 3 years or 40,000 kilometers, especially for vehicles subjected to hard driving or track use.
- Tailshaft rear drive coupling failures are infrequent but not unheard of.
Modifications and Tuning:
- Poor modifications and improper tuning can lead to significant issues.
- Purchasing modified examples should be approached with caution unless high-quality components and expert tuning are confirmed.
Additional Information:
- Educating potential buyers about the importance of regular maintenance, especially for critical components like the timing belt and transmission, can help mitigate future issues.
- Emphasising the impact of driving style on reliability encourages responsible vehicle operation and maintenance practices.
Exterior:
- The plastic clips holding the front bumper corners can become brittle with age, leading to potential breakage and protrusion of the bumper.
- Electrical components, particularly folding door mirrors, may exhibit erratic behavior, though this is not overly common.
- Drainage holes in the doors can become blocked, indicated by sloshing sounds when opening and closing the doors, potentially signaling drainage issues.
- A concerning issue involves sound deadening sponge in wheel arches holding water, leading to rust and corrosion over time, particularly in cold climates or areas with salted roads.
- Rust around the rear badge and hatch can occur in regions with salted roads or coastal locations, albeit not very common.
- With the increasing affordability of these cars, inexperienced owners may lead to accidents and shoddy repair work; thorough inspection of the exterior is advised.
Interior:
- Headlining sagging can occur, easily fixed by a professional upholsterer or DIY.
- Some reports mention electrical glitches, so thorough testing of all functions is recommended.
- Interior plastics may become brittle, causing rattles; check for noise during test drives.
- Water ingress issues may arise from door speaker seals, window regulator card seals, and taillights, leading to damp carpets in footwells.
- Sunroof-equipped models should have clear drainage holes to prevent water leaks into the electronics.
Mechanical:
- Engine:
- The Golf R is equipped with the EA113 engine, featuring CDLF & CDLC engine codes, which utilizes a timing belt rather than a chain, unlike the EA888 engine found in many other performance Volkswagen models.
- Timing belt replacement is recommended every 105,000 kilometers or 7 years, although they often outlast the chains in the EA888 engines.
- Notably, the timing belt operates a smaller and simpler water pump compared to the problematic water pump in the EA888.
Common Engine Concerns:
- High-pressure fuel pump issues may arise.
- Cam follower failures can occur.
- Odd fuel pressure codes may appear, but these are typically easily rectified.
- Turbo diverter valve seal failure can lead to boost pressure regulation codes, although resolution is generally straightforward.
- PVC valve failure may cause lean and misfire codes, accompanied by increased engine noise.
Transmission & Driveline:
Manual Transmission:
- Generally reliable, with dual mass flywheel failures often preceding clutch issues.
Dual Clutch or DSG Transmission:
- Servicing at 60,000 km intervals is crucial for maintaining reliability.
- The DQ250 six-speed is generally considered more reliable than the seven-speed variant.
- Despite being jerky and clunky in operation, these characteristics do not necessarily indicate faults.
- Signs of potential issues include abnormal shifting, strange noises, unpleasant vibrations, or warning lights.
- Accumulator and mechatronics issues are reported, along with clutch and electronics issues.
- Even well-serviced units may experience these problems, with operator driving styles impacting reliability.
All-Wheel Drive System:
- The Haldex pump may occasionally present issues, although less likely if properly serviced.
- Servicing is often overlooked, despite the necessity for maintenance every 3 years or 40,000 kilometers, especially for vehicles subjected to hard driving or track use.
- Tailshaft rear drive coupling failures are infrequent but not unheard of.
Modifications and Tuning:
- Poor modifications and improper tuning can lead to significant issues.
- Purchasing modified examples should be approached with caution unless high-quality components and expert tuning are confirmed.
Additional Information:
- Educating potential buyers about the importance of regular maintenance, especially for critical components like the timing belt and transmission, can help mitigate future issues.
- Emphasising the impact of driving style on reliability encourages responsible vehicle operation and maintenance practices.
Should you buy it?
Whether we’d recommend buying a Mk6 Volkswagen Golf R largely hinges on your desired driving experience.
If you crave maximum acceleration and cornering prowess at a reasonable price, coupled with a touch of understated elegance, and you stumble upon a meticulously maintained specimen, then the Mk6 Golf R is certainly worth considering. Just set aside a few extra funds for inevitable repairs.
However, if you seek a car that demands finesse and skill to truly appreciate, prioritising driver engagement over sheer speed, and requiring time to unravel its nuances, then the Golf R might not fit the bill.
It may sound paradoxical, but setting aside potential reliability concerns, the Mk6 Golf R’s all-around excellence could lead to a sense of predictability once the initial excitement of its power wears off. It might not be as dull as its successor, the Mk7, but there’s a risk it could become a tad mundane over time.
Whether we’d recommend buying a Mk6 Volkswagen Golf R largely hinges on your desired driving experience.
If you crave maximum acceleration and cornering prowess at a reasonable price, coupled with a touch of understated elegance, and you stumble upon a meticulously maintained specimen, then the Mk6 Golf R is certainly worth considering. Just set aside a few extra funds for inevitable repairs.
However, if you seek a car that demands finesse and skill to truly appreciate, prioritising driver engagement over sheer speed, and requiring time to unravel its nuances, then the Golf R might not fit the bill.
It may sound paradoxical, but setting aside potential reliability concerns, the Mk6 Golf R’s all-around excellence could lead to a sense of predictability once the initial excitement of its power wears off. It might not be as dull as its successor, the Mk7, but there’s a risk it could become a tad mundane over time.
Should you buy it?
Whether we’d recommend buying a Mk6 Volkswagen Golf R largely hinges on your desired driving experience.
If you crave maximum acceleration and cornering prowess at a reasonable price, coupled with a touch of understated elegance, and you stumble upon a meticulously maintained specimen, then the Mk6 Golf R is certainly worth considering. Just set aside a few extra funds for inevitable repairs.
However, if you seek a car that demands finesse and skill to truly appreciate, prioritising driver engagement over sheer speed, and requiring time to unravel its nuances, then the Golf R might not fit the bill.
It may sound paradoxical, but setting aside potential reliability concerns, the Mk6 Golf R’s all-around excellence could lead to a sense of predictability once the initial excitement of its power wears off. It might not be as dull as its successor, the Mk7, but there’s a risk it could become a tad mundane over time.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body Styles
- 3 door Hatchback
- 5 door Hatchback
Engine Specs
- 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 188kW / 330Nm
Transmission
- 6-speed Manual (R)
- 6-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (R)
Fuel Consumption
- 6.8 – 11.9 / 100km
Length
- 4212mm
Width
- 1785mm
Height
- 1461mm
Wheelbase
- 2574mm
Kerb Weight
- 1496kg
Towing
- Not listed
Ancap Ratings
- 5 stars, tested 2009 (R)
Body Styles
- 3 door Hatchback
- 5 door Hatchback
Engine Specs
- 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 188kW / 330Nm
Transmission
- 6-speed Manual (R)
- 6-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (R)
Fuel Consumption
- 6.8 – 11.9 / 100km
Length
- 4212mm
Width
- 1785mm
Height
- 1461mm
Wheelbase
- 2574mm
Kerb Weight
- 1496kg
Towing
- Not listed
Ancap Ratings
- 5 stars, tested 2009 (R)
Body Styles
- 3 door Hatchback
- 5 door Hatchback
Engine Specs
- 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 188kW / 330Nm
Transmission
- 6-speed Manual (R)
- 6-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (R)
Fuel Consumption
- 6.8 – 11.9 / 100km
Length
- 4212mm
Width
- 1785mm
Height
- 1461mm
Wheelbase
- 2574mm
Kerb Weight
- 1496kg
Towing
- Not listed
Ancap Ratings
- 5 stars, tested 2009 (R)
Warranty & servicing
Warranty
- 3 years / 100,000 km (R)
- 3 years / unlimited km (R)
Servicing
- 15,000 km / 12 months
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Apr 11, 2024.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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