R32 if you can live with the fuel consumption

I looked at one and ended up looking at 2.0TFSi quattro A3/S3/A4 due to better fuel economy and there cheap to tune but if neither of these are issues then go for it

What I would say, AWD or not, the car is only as good as the tyres. Still easy to get stuck. AWD with winter tyres is awesome

330d MSport Touring manual for me, with FSDs and non-runflats

It's just a better all-rounder in my book, will be a better ownership prospect with lower running costs, very decent pace especially if mapped and strong residuals. If you set the V6 noise apart (especially with a Milltek) I found a ride out in an R32 a strangely sterile experience and it didn't handle or excite as much as the Mk5 GTi.

As for the winter question, a set of 17" BM wheels with some Wintracks on it should do the trick

I also know what you're saying about the Mk2 vRS. For me it wasn't quite the ownership prospect it should have been. It's one of the reasons I have a Fabia again. As ever, it's horses for courses and everyone's different

Cheers,

Steve

Wardy speaks sense ^^

Plus the E39 530d M-sport my dad had was awesome, despite the extra heft and weight.

. If you set the V6 noise apart (especially with a Milltek) I found a ride out in an R32 a strangely sterile experience and it didn't handle or excite as much as the Mk5 GTi.

I got the same feeling to be honest... it was too... competant! Especially with DSG. However, a 3" full exhaust and stiffer suspension would, imo, transform it.

If you get a pre '06 R32 the tax is only £215.

I didn't believe it until I saw the figures on the DVLA page. Mate from work is flying down to Bournemouth today to buy pre 06 R32 manual in blue.

what about the new ford RS focus? 300 bhp - interior looks rubbish though but i've seen them advertised at 24K

The BMW, whats the servicing cost going to be on a 330 - never had a bmw service but i understand their not cheap.

Can't see myself ever paying £20k for anything front wheel drive. does't matter how good they claim it is theres a point where front wheels can't handle everything and i think ford are on that limit. If not beyond it already!

330d MSport Touring manual for me, with FSDs and non-runflats

It's just a better all-rounder in my book, will be a better ownership prospect with lower running costs, very decent pace especially if mapped and strong residuals. If you set the V6 noise apart (especially with a Milltek) I found a ride out in an R32 a strangely sterile experience and it didn't handle or excite as much as the Mk5 GTi.

As for the winter question, a set of 17" BM wheels with some Wintracks on it should do the trick

I also know what you're saying about the Mk2 vRS. For me it wasn't quite the ownership prospect it should have been. It's one of the reasons I have a Fabia again. As ever, it's horses for courses and everyone's different

Cheers,

Steve

I've often wondered about BMW's with winter wheels. They get much more severe winters than us in eastern europe and theres loads of beemers over there that run fine.

Quite interesting that on a Skoda Forum theres no-body advising keeping the VRS and sticking a remap or anything else on it.

Edited 16 February, 201016 yr by beedie

Because you've listed some better choices!

I run an E92 330d and had no problems in the snow with Vredestein winter tyres on 18" alloys. We are considering our next car at the moment and the Octavia VRS is one of the contenders, seems incredible value for money. Although it will need to be good to replace the E92.

Have you been trained to use indicators?

what about the Golf R? read up on that the other day in a VW mag lol, and it sounds ace.

It's not a real R though. Only a 2.0 :(

It's not a real R though. Only a 2.0 :(

that and the £30k+ asking price

I am stuggling to work out why everybody rates the R32 over a 330i? I find the R32 bland, and wooly handling, and slow, with an average at best 4wd system etc. Compared to the delicate handling, rwd 330i its just not even a comparison worth making imho. The R32 with an aftermarket exhaust sounds good for sure, but whack an equivalent system on the 330i and it will be just as fruity, and raspier to boot.

£440 is worth it! Tis only £36 a month

Its about £1.50 a DAY... and thats regardless of if you drive it or not...

Insurance will be higher on a R32 too as spotty oiks like to nick them

at the end of the day its still a golf.

Most people seem to be making a point on it sounds nice.... get a focus ST instead then

Its about £1.50 a DAY... and thats regardless of if you drive it or not...

Insurance will be higher on a R32 too as spotty oiks like to nick them

at the end of the day its still a golf.

Most people seem to be making a point on it sounds nice.... get a focus ST instead then

I make it £1.21 a day - don't become an accountant Colin!

Agree on your other points 100%

Different noise, but yes they both sound awesome

I make it £1.21 a day - don't become an accountant Colin!

Agree on your other points 100%

Tart.. i used £1.50 as a reason not to like my MPS (which would utterly destroy a R32 btw)

But the MPS is only a Mazda.

But the MPS is only a Mazda.

very observant!.. have a medal!

I agree an MPS would destroy the R32, it handles better too.

very observant!.. have a medal!

I agree an MPS would destroy the R32, it handles better too.

meh.. wouldnt say that.. although they are along the same lines.. capable but uninvolving.. bigger balls req to drive the MPS on the edge compared to a gay haldex motor

compared to a gay haldex motor

Says the man with the MX-5

Says the man with the MX-5