VW R32 - Why does the old model hold its value?

[Dr. Detroit]

Just curious and wondering why the affinity for the previous gen R32's?

The 2004's with 30K miles are holding there value at $26-$28K while the 2008 R32's are $33K new and $29K used?

Don't feel like registering on a VW board to ask this question so I pose it to the Anandtech garage!

 

[Blackjack200]

I'm not sure, but they are beloved cars. I saw someone offer one for sale at 1addicts or something and other posters were jumping into the thread yelling at him not to sell it. Weird.

 

[fstime]

6 speed manual vs DSG only for the new one may be a reason.

 

[Aharami]

MkIV (2004) R32 has special seats and interior trim that set it apart from regular GTI. MkV (2008) doesnt.
MkIV R32 has a more aggressive body kit. MkV doesnt.
MkIV has 3.2L 250 hp engine. MkV has the same engine but it weighs couple hundred pounds more.
MkIV has an exhaust note to die for. MkV doesnt.
MkIV has full manual. MkV doesnt

MkIV R32 was a much more raw car than the MkV. It's a shame VW dumbed down the R32. I was gonna buy it too, but lack of manual put me off

a stiffer chassis is the only thing VW did right in the MkV

 

[zerocool84]

The only thing about the R32 was that compared to it's competition and others costing thousands less, the performance was not on par. It is fairly exclusive and handled fairly good and had a "nicer" interior but you could get an insanely better performing car for less or equal. They do look pretty nice though.

 

[Nutdotnet]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Just curious and wondering why the affinity for the previous gen R32's?

The 2004's with 30K miles are holding there value at $26-$28K while the 2008 R32's are $33K new and $29K used?

Don't feel like registering on a VW board to ask this question so I pose it to the Anandtech garage!

1. If you're in the U.S. there are no "2007 R32s". 2008 model line only for the MKV.
2. Please show me where the MKIV R32 is STILL selling for 26-28k? They are selling for ~ $20-22k now (which is still great). They did sill for that much used at one time, but not anymore.

That's it. The MKIV R32 is a great car. I like the MKV better.

 

[Nutdotnet]

Originally posted by: Aharami
MkIV (2004) R32 has special seats and interior trim that set it apart from regular GTI. MkV (2008) doesnt.
MkIV R32 has a more aggressive body kit. MkV doesnt.
MkIV has 3.2L 250 hp engine. MkV has the same engine but it weighs couple hundred pounds more.
MkIV has an exhaust note to die for. MkV doesnt.
MkIV has full manual. MkV doesnt

MkIV R32 was a much more raw car than the MkV. It's a shame VW dumbed down the R32. I was gonna buy it too, but lack of manual put me off

a stiffer chassis is the only thing VW did right in the MkV

MkIV (2004) R32 has special seats and interior trim that set it apart from regular GTI. MkV (2008) doesnt. (Yes on the seats, not so much on the interior trim. The MKIV wasn't so much different than a GTI. Same as the MKV and the current GTI.)

MkIV R32 has a more aggressive body kit. MkV doesnt. (This is purely a matter of opinion.)

MkIV has 3.2L 250 hp engine. MkV has the same engine but it weighs couple hundred pounds more. (While the same engines, the MKIV is 240 stock. The MKV is 250)

MkIV has an exhaust note to die for. MkV doesnt. (Again, purely matter of opinion. My opinion is that both cars sound amazing)

MkIV has full manual. MkV doesnt (Yes, but have you driven a DSG? I wonder how many people realize that it is a manual w/ automatic ability vs. an automatic w/ a manual option (like tiptronic)).

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Originally posted by: Nutdotnet

1. If you're in the U.S. there are no "2007 R32s". 2008 model line only for the MKV.
2. Please show me where the MKIV R32 is STILL selling for 26-28k? They are selling for ~ $20-22k now (which is still great). They did sill for that much used at one time, but not anymore.

Ebay pricing appears to be $24K

Craigslist Bay Area Pricing = $26K+
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/667455454.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/666341746.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/666134933.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/666341746.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/663107942.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/666226349.html

 

[DJSfurry]

Uh my friends R32 is a 6 speed manual 2007 model and no he didn't opt for the optional bucket seats because he wanted the side airbags in the standard ones. They still offer great support during cornering so really, it shouldn't be an issue. Not having the bucket seats as an option may be something that was needed to comply with safety regulations there in the states (though I doubt this). But otherwise a lot of European cars exported over there get modified/lower specs (more so in the past). Also stock rims on the R32 in the states are.. crap looking. like really crap.

Both the Mk4 and 5 have similar engine notes. Its the near as makes no difference the same engine for christsake.

 

[Aharami]

Originally posted by: Nutdotnet
MkIV (2004) R32 has special seats and interior trim that set it apart from regular GTI. MkV (2008) doesnt. (Yes on the seats, not so much on the interior trim. The MKIV wasn't so much different than a GTI. Same as the MKV and the current GTI.)

mkv R32 has the same exact interior as the regular GTI. MkIV had aluminum pedals (not found in mkV), dimpled dash, better looking door lock pins, aluminum trim (while it's true that 20th anniv GTIs came with alum trim, regular GTIs didnt), better shift knob and trim, etc. All this set the mkIV R32 apart from the GTIs

MkIV R32 has a more aggressive body kit. MkV doesnt. (This is purely a matter of opinion.)

Not a matter of opinion
mkIV GTI
mkiV R32
R32 came with deeper and more aggresive front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and spoiler.

mkV GTI
mkV R32
Yea the new R32 has different trim, but sadly, it's not as aggressive as a car costing $10K more should have.

MkIV has 3.2L 250 hp engine. MkV has the same engine but it weighs couple hundred pounds more. (While the same engines, the MKIV is 240 stock. The MKV is 250)

big whoop 10 more hp and 200 extra lbs, when every one of its competitors are pushing close to 300 hp

MkIV has an exhaust note to die for. MkV doesnt. (Again, purely matter of opinion. My opinion is that both cars sound amazing)

again, not a matter of opinion. It has been widely discussed over in vwvortex forums how mkV r32 doesnt sound as nice as mkIV. i know people who own both, and there is no doubt that the mkIV sounds better.

MkIV has full manual. MkV doesnt (Yes, but have you driven a DSG? I wonder how many people realize that it is a manual w/ automatic ability vs. an automatic w/ a manual option (like tiptronic)).

yes I have. No third pedal, no full manual. DSG is nice, i wont lie, but I prefer to row thru the gears in a car that's supposed to let me enjoy driving. In fact, back in 2005, VW financed a study of US drivers' likes and dislikes. They called it the moonraker project. One of the things that the study showed is that US drivers who drive VWs, prefer manuals over DSG, esp in cars like the R32. VWVortex even had a vote and petition for VW to bring manuals over DSG in the R32 when VW hinted that they would only offer one option. the vote was something like 90% (IIRC) in favor of manuals. Yet VW chose showcase their more high-tech transmission option instead of giving the people what they wanted.

No wonder mkV R32 are sitting in dealer lots and VW is being forced to offer discounts to get them to move.

 

[Aharami]

Originally posted by: DJSfurry
Uh my friends R32 is a 6 speed manual 2007 model and no he didn't opt for the optional bucket seats because he wanted the side airbags in the standard ones. They still offer great support during cornering so really, it shouldn't be an issue. Not having the bucket seats as an option may be something that was needed to comply with safety regulations there in the states (though I doubt this). But otherwise a lot of European cars exported over there get modified/lower specs (more so in the past). Also stock rims on the R32 in the states are.. crap looking. like really crap.

Both the Mk4 and 5 have similar engine notes. Its the near as makes no difference the same engine for christsake.

mkV R32 is a 2008 model in the states and only offered in DSG form. Sadly, VW chose not to bring the 6sp manual to the states. Probably the biggest reason why I held off on buying the mkV R32.

 

[Nutdotnet]

Originally posted by: DJSfurry
Uh my friends R32 is a 6 speed manual 2007 model and no he didn't opt for the optional bucket seats because he wanted the side airbags in the standard ones. They still offer great support during cornering so really, it shouldn't be an issue. Not having the bucket seats as an option may be something that was needed to comply with safety regulations there in the states (though I doubt this). But otherwise a lot of European cars exported over there get modified/lower specs (more so in the past). Also stock rims on the R32 in the states are.. crap looking. like really crap.

Both the Mk4 and 5 have similar engine notes. Its the near as makes no difference the same engine for christsake.

Uh...you live in Hong Kong homie...VW only brought over the DSG version to the states.

 

[Nutdotnet]

Originally posted by: Aharami

Originally posted by: Nutdotnet
MkIV (2004) R32 has special seats and interior trim that set it apart from regular GTI. MkV (2008) doesnt. (Yes on the seats, not so much on the interior trim. The MKIV wasn't so much different than a GTI. Same as the MKV and the current GTI.)

mkv R32 has the same exact interior as the regular GTI. MkIV had aluminum pedals (not found in mkV), dimpled dash, better looking door lock pins, aluminum trim (while it's true that 20th anniv GTIs came with alum trim, regular GTIs didnt), better shift knob and trim, etc. All this set the mkIV R32 apart from the GTIs

MkIV R32 has a more aggressive body kit. MkV doesnt. (This is purely a matter of opinion.)

Not a matter of opinion
mkIV GTI
mkiV R32
R32 came with deeper and more aggresive front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and spoiler.

mkV GTI
mkV R32
Yea the new R32 has different trim, but sadly, it's not as aggressive as a car costing $10K more should have.

MkIV has 3.2L 250 hp engine. MkV has the same engine but it weighs couple hundred pounds more. (While the same engines, the MKIV is 240 stock. The MKV is 250)

big whoop 10 more hp and 200 extra lbs, when every one of its competitors are pushing close to 300 hp

MkIV has an exhaust note to die for. MkV doesnt. (Again, purely matter of opinion. My opinion is that both cars sound amazing)

again, not a matter of opinion. It has been widely discussed over in vwvortex forums how mkV r32 doesnt sound as nice as mkIV. i know people who own both, and there is no doubt that the mkIV sounds better.

MkIV has full manual. MkV doesnt (Yes, but have you driven a DSG? I wonder how many people realize that it is a manual w/ automatic ability vs. an automatic w/ a manual option (like tiptronic)).

yes I have. No third pedal, no full manual. DSG is nice, i wont lie, but I prefer to row thru the gears in a car that's supposed to let me enjoy driving. In fact, back in 2005, VW financed a study of US drivers' likes and dislikes. They called it the moonraker project. One of the things that the study showed is that US drivers who drive VWs, prefer manuals over DSG, esp in cars like the R32. VWVortex even had a vote and petition for VW to bring manuals over DSG in the R32 when VW hinted that they would only offer one option. the vote was something like 90% (IIRC) in favor of manuals. Yet VW chose showcase their more high-tech transmission option instead of giving the people what they wanted.

No wonder mkV R32 are sitting in dealer lots and VW is being forced to offer discounts to get them to move.

MKV has aluminum pedals. It has different dash/door trim. It has no door pins.

No, the body-kit "aggresiveness" IS a matter of opinion. Agressiveness is an objective term.

Yes, "big whoop" on 10hp. However, this was your arguement...I was just proving you wrong.

Yes, the exhaust note IS a matter of opinion. Again, this is purely objective as it is YOUR ears that you are basing your opinion on. I have driven both, for many, many miles. Two tones sure, but the MKV is pure sex.

Yup, I'll agree with you on the manual vs. DSG. I thought I would hate DSG until I started driving it...

I'm not trying to argue with you bud...I think they are both GREAT cars.

Edit- I don't know if you remember but the MKIV was being discounted as well since it had a difficult time selling after the initial "rush". It was only after the 5000 were allocated that the resale value became what it was.

Oh, and one more thing- to whoever said it's $10k more than a GTI...it's far, from that. It's a great time to buy an R32.

 

[Nutdotnet]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B

Originally posted by: Nutdotnet

1. If you're in the U.S. there are no "2007 R32s". 2008 model line only for the MKV.
2. Please show me where the MKIV R32 is STILL selling for 26-28k? They are selling for ~ $20-22k now (which is still great). They did sill for that much used at one time, but not anymore.

Ebay pricing appears to be $24K

Craigslist Bay Area Pricing = $26K+
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/667455454.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/666341746.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/666134933.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/666341746.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/663107942.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/666226349.html

Just because they are asking 26,000 doesn't mean they'll get it. I'm not the best in finding correct market prices though...living in Alaska skews things quite a bit.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: Aharami
MkIV (2004) R32 has special seats and interior trim that set it apart from regular GTI. MkV (2008) doesnt.
MkIV R32 has a more aggressive body kit. MkV doesnt.
MkIV has 3.2L 250 hp engine. MkV has the same engine but it weighs couple hundred pounds more.
MkIV has an exhaust note to die for. MkV doesnt.
MkIV has full manual. MkV doesnt

MkIV R32 was a much more raw car than the MkV. It's a shame VW dumbed down the R32. I was gonna buy it too, but lack of manual put me off

a stiffer chassis is the only thing VW did right in the MkV

Yeah, the Mk IV chassis is abysmal.

 

[batmang]

The older R32's hold their value because they are AWEEEEESOOOOME. I've always wanted the MK4 R32 since they were released. Never could afford one though, even used. I think it looks 14366464326 times better than the new one. However, I would love a new one too, I'm partial to VW's though.

 

[biggestmuff]

The output of the '04 R32s is underrated. I don't recall the exact specifics, but had something to do with importing the Audi TT 3.2 earlier. So, the '04s have the same rating.

The weight difference isn't really an issue either; the '04s don't have a spare tire and tools.

They're both great cars.