I remembered reading this thread some time ago, and while starting to think about replacing the vRS noticed my local VW had a Clubsport up for sale.  Popped down to see it yesterday, and arranged an extended test drive today:

 

 

Black pack, winter pack, dynamic chassis control.  Can't remember what else.  Just (reluctantly) handed it back.

 

I don't actually need to wax lyrical coz Newbie69 has it already covered, but pow, what a car!  So much better, in my opinion, than an R.

 

It would have been so easy to sign on the dotted line, but we just didn't get there on price 

 

But as to my next car, the Clubsport has just firmly arrived in the no.1 spot.  Thoroughly impressive bit of kit.

 

Gaz

5 hours ago, V6TDI said:

I remembered reading this thread some time ago, and while starting to think about replacing the vRS noticed my local VW had a Clubsport up for sale.  Popped down to see it yesterday, and arranged an extended test drive today:

 

 

Black pack, winter pack, dynamic chassis control.  Can't remember what else.  Just (reluctantly) handed it back.

 

I don't actually need to wax lyrical coz Newbie69 has it already covered, but pow, what a car!  So much better, in my opinion, than an R.

 

It would have been so easy to sign on the dotted line, but we just didn't get there on price 

 

But as to my next car, the Clubsport has just firmly arrived in the no.1 spot.  Thoroughly impressive bit of kit.

 

Gaz

Maybe get this one on an extended test drive :https://usedcars.volkswagen.co.uk/en/used-cars/volkswagen/golf-20-tsi-gti-clubsport-s-310-ps-3dr/clubsport-s-k5bcfwu

 

Sorry no room for the kids but the dogs okay strapped in.

 

Edited 1 July, 20178 yr by vrskeith

It's not actually a car you want to take passengers in anyway.  Well I don't; I want it all to myself 

 

Gaz

 

 

On 01/07/2017 at 14:59, V6TDI said:

I remembered reading this thread some time ago, and while starting to think about replacing the vRS noticed my local VW had a Clubsport up for sale.  Popped down to see it yesterday, and arranged an extended test drive today:

 

Black pack, winter pack, dynamic chassis control.  Can't remember what else.  Just (reluctantly) handed it back.

 

I don't actually need to wax lyrical coz Newbie69 has it already covered, but pow, what a car!  So much better, in my opinion, than an R.

 

It would have been so easy to sign on the dotted line, but we just didn't get there on price 

 

But as to my next car, the Clubsport has just firmly arrived in the no.1 spot.  Thoroughly impressive bit of kit.

 

Gaz

 

Took me some time to see this as I am currently on vacation (and longing for a drive with the car already...)

 

Re the price: In Sweden where the price difference between an R and a Clubsport of identical equipment was around 15-20%  - the R being the more expensive car - one year later it has evaporated completely, and in some cases you need to even pay more for a CS compared to an R of similar age, mileage and equipment. That's around 5-6K lost within only the first year, against 2-3K on the CS confirming early assumptions of the CS holding value much better than any other Golf of current gen. Point here is it's no surprise that not many great CS deals are available in the UK where the CS had one of its highest prices compared to the rest of EU markets iirc.

 

Which brings me to my next topic...

...a (very) young child, a wife that does not appreciate the thrill of driving and a few CS particularities (buckets with glossy, plastic, non-toddler friendly back, alcantara steering wheel etc.) seem to be a hard equation to solve... This is made worse by the fact that in reality there aren't that many nice b-roads nearby (ie. none) to exploit the car's potential and due to work and family my time to drive further is currently limited. Also, track days require much more than just an entry fee in the long run, especially with a car like this. Funnily enough, those worries surfaced right after the best time I've had with the car in a "Clubsport driving experience" event hosted by VW Sweden, where CS owners were shown both basics of competitive driving as well as how to treat extreme scenarios on the road, a great experience overall.

 

The drive back home left me wondering how often I actually use the car to its full potential and whether an equally powerful (at least in a straight line), more practical but far less special/interesting option would be preferred, one that would not require significant (if any) extra spending after trading in/selling the current car. I don't even dare speak it but MY2016/17 R estate?? Especially after the average impressions I had got during my test-drive? I know I must be out of my mind but when you've got to think about 3 (potentially 4) people instead of just you it gets complicated. As I wrote earlier, such cars are now selling (in Sweden) for similar money like my CS so it should be a direct exchange more or less.

 

The thing is I know already how the R will feel compared to the CS and even worse how it will look against it (i just never was an estate guy - in fact i hate the look of almost every one of them except for the RS6 - not very useful). To be honest the CS hasn't even proven impractical yet, it works perfectly as a daily driver as well but it's just the thought of future space needs and whether I'm doing the right thing in a country where the smallest car is 4.5m long  

 

There have been thoughts of a Tiguan (wife's secret love) but I would be totally losing myself in a car like that, an R estate is somewhere in-between: nobody's favourite car but one that could work both ways to an extent. I just think it's a pity to get rid of the best car I've had so far for something well quite similar, but at least to myself far less special and attractive... or maybe I just have to stop talking with friends/colleagues ordering/buying estates and SUVs...

 

Edited 5 July, 20178 yr by newbie69

As a growing family that needs space, safety  and a comfortable yet good performing car ,,you can't go far wrong with the Golf R Estate.but when your on your own and have that enthusiastic rush of adrenaline the R will do the business for you with very little difference in handling to the hatch. I still would have appreciated the option of manual or DSG. The Six speed DSG was fine in mine but to me the manual gives you something  else, especially around my country lanes .

 

You will love It , as the all inclusive Family hot estate.

What about a Leon Cupra 300 ST? Choice of AWD or FWD available on these.

19 minutes ago, Bogwoppit said:

What about a Leon Cupra 300 ST? Choice of AWD or FWD available on these.

I didn't realise that FWD was available in the ST. 

In the UK you can have either FWD with manual gearbox or AWD with DSG.

 

In other European countries you can also have FWD with DSG, but UK is forced to have AWD if they want DSG transmission.

Edited 5 July, 20178 yr by Bogwoppit

Technically the Cupra could also be a choice but depreciation of SEATs is even worse, I would be saving money in that case. It also doesn't look any better than the R in my eyes (being a genuine estate hater). To put it this way: the Clubsport is a poster-car for me, one that I just love to look at every time I go near it, take photos of and stare at in the parking lots like a fool, it's attractive even when I just sit in it with the engine off, this was one of the things I wanted from my next car and neither the R or the Cupra would be able to offer it to the same extent, even less in ST guise. But then the whole point of a change would be to exploit the fact the CS is holding value well and swap it for a bigger car now, getting ready for when time comes to need that extra space so the ST is the only variant I should consider.

 

Or maybe I should try to not worry about meeting a non-existent requirement yet since the CS is basically fulfilling all our current needs. Can I really claim that in 5 years time, an R estate would not feel dated and up for replacement either? Probably not, so why kill the Clubsport me thinks...

Edited 5 July, 20178 yr by newbie69

7 hours ago, newbie69 said:

Technically the Cupra could also be a choice but depreciation of SEATs is even worse, I would be saving money in that case. It also doesn't look any better than the R in my eyes (being a genuine estate hater). To put it this way: the Clubsport is a poster-car for me, one that I just love to look at every time I go near it, take photos of and stare at in the parking lots like a fool, it's attractive even when I just sit in it with the engine off, this was one of the things I wanted from my next car and neither the R or the Cupra would be able to offer it to the same extent, even less in ST guise. But then the whole point of a change would be to exploit the fact the CS is holding value well and swap it for a bigger car now, getting ready for when time comes to need that extra space so the ST is the only variant I should consider.

 

Or maybe I should try to not worry about meeting a non-existent requirement yet since the CS is basically fulfilling all our current needs. Can I really claim that in 5 years time, an R estate would not feel dated and up for replacement either? Probably not, so why kill the Clubsport me thinks...

Unfortunately, when it's just not you to satisfy anymore ,live is a bugger and a compromise / reality sets in. Unless your wallet is bottomless and you can afford both.

Decision, been through it and come out the other end - it's called family compromise  !! Or get yourself a fatter salary!

Newbie 69,

 

Hope you enjoy.

 

 

Most of what he says is why I find it very hard to change, just for the sake of 200 extra lt. of boot space...

 

PS. I just can't stress enough how good those bucket seats are, most comfortable seat I have sat in a long time yet with excellent lateral support. Drove a basic 2012 Polo yesterday morning and almost had lower back pain after 1h.

So, long story short, I put an ad on Friday just to see how much I would get (theoretically). Asking price is 90% of buying price and I have been offered it by two people already. First of all this confirms my estimate that Clubsports are going to do very well in terms of depreciation - at the same time R's of similar age and mileage are going for just 70-80% of original price (that's within only a year). Now why did I put the ad other than curiosity? Clubsport is by far the most special and enjoyable car I've ever had and I know I can't get in anything nearly as unique without spending more, much more, I must be crazy. Well, it's just those thoughts about future space needs and family expansion and whether I should profit from a change now that it can still sell for only 10% loss within one year. But everything I look at is far more boring or un-inspiring: Golf R Estate, 2017 Cupra ST 4Drive, Octavia vRS or even Tiguan If I forget about power. At the same time people are asking when they could see they car. Last car I sold I was excited every time a potential buyer contacted me, with this I feel upset every time I see a new message - leave me alone I don't really want to sell it!!  Where did I put myself in?

Edited 10 September, 20178 yr by newbie69

1 hour ago, newbie69 said:

So, long story short, I put an ad on Friday just to see how much I would get (theoretically). Asking price is 90% of buying price and I have been offered it by two people already. First of all this confirms my estimate that Clubsports are going to do very well in terms of depreciation - at the same time R's of similar age and mileage are going for just 70-80% of original price (that's within only a year). Now why did I put the ad other than curiosity? Clubsport is by far the most special and enjoyable car I've ever had and I know I can't get in anything nearly as unique without spending more, much more, I must be crazy. Well, it's just those thoughts about future space needs and family expansion and whether I should profit from a change now that it can still sell for only 10% loss within one year. But everything I look at is far more boring or un-inspiring: Golf R Estate, 2017 Cupra ST 4Drive, Octavia vRS or even Tiguan If I forget about power. At the same time people are asking when they could see they car. Last car I sold I was excited every time a potential buyer contacted me, with this I feel upset every time I see a new message - leave me alone I don't really want to sell it!!  Where did I put myself in?

newbie69,

Man up ,its only bloody car.

Family comes 1st , so just get on and make  the right decision . Life, sometimes when you have others to consider, is a compromise unfortunately . Simples ! 

Not easy though, bit its like when your 1st child leaves home for University .

21 minutes ago, vrskeith said:

newbie69,

Man up ,its only bloody car.

Family comes 1st , so just get on and make  the right decision . Life, sometimes when you have others to consider, is a compromise unfortunately . Simples ! 

Not easy though, bit its like when your 1st child leaves home for University .

 

But that's the thing, there hasn't been an occasion that we've actually needed a bigger car yet, that would have definitely made me want to switch cars. Still just the two of us and a 1,5 year old, no dogs, no hobbies that require huge volume and being expats, no long, full with stuff trips to see family and friends (most people we visit are pretty close). If anything I have been surprised by how much the Golf can actually fit (two big suitcases and a stroller in the boot is quite impressive - that's all we carry from/to the airport every time). So don't even think for a second that I'm creating problems to our transportation for my own pleasure. Hell even the wife says "car's fine in terms of space, forget about changing and enjoy it until we do actually come to need the extra space". Not everyone needs an estate surely.

 

So why the heck I bother? I guess just because I see so many estates around me and think "act now and profit in the future", but jumping to a bigger car that I won't need/use as such and that I will see getting old and wearing out till I come to need it doesn't make much sense, does it? The other thing is I was really curious to see what price I could get for the Clubsport, more like checking value of an asset of yours, and I deliberately set the asking price rather high, but not stupid high and already I see there is demand so that makes me even more hesitant to sell.

 

I am just wondering if this is really a good opportunity to jump to "something" bigger (although if you ask me to state even one clear need that is not currently fulfilled by the CS and that will be from a bigger car I can't come up with one) or I am making the biggest mistake of my life even thinking about it.

Edited 10 September, 20178 yr by newbie69

4 minutes ago, newbie69 said:

 

But that's the thing, there hasn't been an occasion that we've actually needed a bigger car yet, still just the two of us and a 1,5 year old, no dogs, no hobbies that require huge volume and being expats, no regular trips to see family and friends (most people we visit are pretty close). If anything I have been surprised by how much the Golf can actually fit (two big suitcases and a stroller in the boot is quite impressive - that's all we carry from/to the airport every time). So don't even think for a second that I'm creating problems to our transportation for my own pleasure. Hell even the wife says "car's fine in terms of space, forget about changing and enjoy it until we do actually come to need the extra space". Not everyone needs an estate surely.

 

So why the heck I bother? I guess just because I see so many estates around me and think "act now and profit in the future", but jumping to a bigger car that I won't need/use as such and that I will see getting old and wearing out till I come to need it doesn't make much sense, does it? The other thing is I was really curious to see what price I could get for the Clubsport, more like checking value of an asset of yours, and I deliberately set the asking price rather high, but not stupid high and already I see there is demand so that makes me even more hesitant to sell.

 

I am just wondering if this is really a good opportunity to jump to "something" bigger (although if you ask me to state even one clear need that is not currently fulfilled by the CS and that will be from a bigger car I can't come up with one) or I am making the biggest mistake of my life even thinking about it.

newbie69,

Fully understand your dilemma . What price would dealers offer you in PX  as another measure?

There are loads in dealerships in the UK available ,check out the UK market on Autotrader.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201704284880489?radius=1500&price-from=27500&sort=sponsored&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&postcode=sn119rn&advertising-location=at_cars&model=GOLF&price-to=45000&aggregatedTrim=GTI&make=VOLKSWAGEN&page=1

 

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201704274838189?price-from=27500&aggregatedTrim=GTI&make=VOLKSWAGEN&sort=sponsored&radius=1500&advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=sn119rn&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&price-to=45000&model=GOLF&page=6

 

Couple of examples. Price variable with spec as you would expect

21 minutes ago, vrskeith said:

newbie69,

Fully understand your dilemma . What price would dealers offer you in PX  as another measure?

There are loads in dealerships in the UK available ,check out the UK market on Autotrader.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201704284880489?radius=1500&price-from=27500&sort=sponsored&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&postcode=sn119rn&advertising-location=at_cars&model=GOLF&price-to=45000&aggregatedTrim=GTI&make=VOLKSWAGEN&page=1

 

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201704274838189?price-from=27500&aggregatedTrim=GTI&make=VOLKSWAGEN&sort=sponsored&radius=1500&advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=sn119rn&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&price-to=45000&model=GOLF&page=6

 

Couple of examples. Price variable with spec as you would expect

 

Haven't thoroughly discussed with someone and of-course actually ordering or discussing about ordering a new car can enable better offers I believe than just stopping by and asking how much can you offer me for my car. Still one used car dealer (not VW dealership) I asked two months ago how much he would buy my car for if I bought a similar age and mileage R estate, he said a stupid low value equaling 22% loss in 10 months (again, not stating GBP equivalents because it will seem too high due to recent drop in exchange rates) . I'm glad I didn't take him seriously as by selling privately  it seems I can half that loss to just 10% and that's in 12 months. A VW salesman had also suggested something nearly as bad when I mentioned thoughts about possible change so unless I could get a serious discount on a new order, it is not worthy considering. Even then, I'd have to first find a car to order that I like a lot! 

 

There is also another issue. Take the R estate or Cupra estate (the AWD version) which are strong options. They are literally the same cars as mine, there is not an extra millimeter of space or comfort at the front or back, the only thing I will get is a larger boot that I currently have nothing to fill it with. The Octavia yes it's a bigger car that would offer more space overall but I can't get it with the same engine (actually the same turbo) but regardless of that, there is a serious lack of young, 1y.o. Octavia vRS in Sweden. I can only find older 2014-15 models with higher mileage or brand new MY2018's with silly prices, higher than brand new AWD Cupra 300 Estates and only 3-4K less than brand new R estates, it's ridiculous.

Edited 10 September, 20178 yr by newbie69