Used Volkswagen Golf R32 Mk5 review

Exterior

• The Volkswagen Golf Mk 5 R32 marks a transition period for Volkswagen. Some of their cars from this era were not perfect in terms of build quality, but the R32 managed to minimize a few concerns. There are reports of electrical issues, including door lock actuators, central locking, and power window faults. Fortunately, it takes no time to remove either the outer door skin or interior door card, making access to these components easy. Additionally, if you’re willing to buy aftermarket parts instead of OEM replacement parts, fixing most of these issues is easy and affordable.
• There are also reports of the mirrors delaminating, but like the door-related issues, these are cheap and easy to fix. The automatic Xenon headlight height adjustment might fail and require a new motor; however, it could also be a sensor issue, which is relatively inexpensive and straightforward to repair. Another potential issue with the headlights is that the wiring insulation can become brittle, causing problems.
• Water ingress can lead to electronic issues, especially through the sunroof. If drainage holes are clogged, water can enter the car’s panels and soak electronic components like the ECU, which can be disastrous. Rust issues are another concern, particularly on the front wheel arches and the bottom of the A-pillars. Check the sills behind the front wheels for corrosion as well. Although rust is less common in Australian cars, it can be a problem in colder climates with salted roads.
• The paint on the R32 isn’t particularly resilient if parked outside regularly and not cared for. The clear coat can fade and peel, so it’s important to maintain the exterior to keep it looking its best.

Interior

• Inside the Mk 5 R32, the headlining can sag, which is easily fixed. The seat mounts, particularly in 3-door models, can rattle even when securely fitted. This is more likely if the seats are frequently folded forward and back to let people in the back.
• The plastics in the interior can become brittle over time, leading to rattles and occasional breakage, such as the coin tray buttons. The biggest complaints from owners surround electronic issues. While sometimes it’s simple problems like a broken switch, other times it can be more complex and expensive, such as power window winder mechanism failures.
• The air conditioning system can also be problematic, with faults ranging from simple and cheap to fix, to more complex issues requiring the entire dashboard to be removed, which can be costly. Checking owner groups for tutorials and advice on fixing these potential issues is highly recommended.
• The leather upholstery, though soft and supple when new, can become loose and gather if not cared for properly. The door card leather can sag, the steering wheel leather can fade, and all the leather can degrade without proper treatment. Seat bolsters can lose their structure, and the interiors, in general, aren’t very resilient.

Mechanically

• The VR6 engine in the R32 is robust but can suffer from PCV issues such as air leaks, which can result in fault codes. These issues can occur inside the valve cover, requiring the inlet manifold to be removed to access the valve cover bolts. This is a substantial job.
• A positive aspect of the engine is its port injection, which prevents manifold inlet clogging. Timing chains are generally reliable but can fail on poorly maintained examples. Because they are located at the rear of the engine, fixing them requires removing the transmission, which is a significant undertaking. It is advisable to replace the clutch and dual-mass flywheel while the transmission is out.
• The DSG transmission in the R32 can be problematic, with common issues including clutch and mechatronics unit failures. The water pump, a conventional belt drive style, occasionally fails but is less common and cheaper to fix than issues with more recent EA888 4-cylinder engines. Thermostat housing and bypass pipe leaks are also common.
• The transfer case and Haldex coupling are usually reliable if serviced properly. It’s important to note that the transfer case has its own separate fill point and is not part of the transmission oil system. Lower control arm bushes can wear prematurely, a common issue in many Volkswagen models.
• The most common and significant mechanical issue tends to be poor modifications. It’s best to avoid modified examples unless you can confirm that premium items have been used and fitted and tuned to the highest standards.