The MountainR32
2004 Volkswagen Golf R32

No, it's not a GTI

2004 Volkswagen Golf R32 - Reflex Silver and Black Leather Engine: 3.2L (195 Cu. In) VR-6 DOHC 4 Valves per cylinder (24 valve) 240 bhp / 236 ft-lbs torque 11.3:1 Compression Cast iron Block, Aluminum Heads Drivetrain: 4Motion (R) All-Wheel Drive System 6 Speed Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) Fully Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension Stop and Grip: Massive 13.1 Front Vented Discs - dual caliper 10.1 Rear Vented Discs 18" Alloy Wheels Goodyear Eagle F1 225/40ZR-18 Tires Anti-Lock Brakes Performance (June 2004 Road & Track): Curb Weight: 3300 lbs (it's no lightweight!) 0- 30 MPH: 1.6 Seconds 0- 40 MPH: 3.0 Seconds 0- 50 MPH: 4.1 Seconds 0- 60 MPH: 5.8 Seconds 0- 70 MPH: 7.4 Seconds 0- 80 MPH: 9.5 Seconds 0- 90 MPH: 11.9 Seconds 0-100 MPH: 14.4 Seconds 0 - 1/4 Mile: 14.1 Seconds @ 99.2 MPH 60 - 0 MPH: 111 Feet 80 - 0 MPH: 196 Feet Lap of Luxury: Much more than a sports car! Koenig front sport seats (feels like riding in a baseball glove!) w/R-logo Leather wrapped 3-spoke R-logo steering wheel and shift knob Alloy interiror trim w/R logo pedals R-logo front and rear floor mats Power glass sunroof with tilt, slide, & preselect Climatronic Electronic Climate Control Monsoon Sound System Am/FM/Cassette/CD Self-dimming interior rearview mirror Rain sensor, automatic wiper speed control Rear window wiper Heated windshield washer nozzles Height Adjustable and Heated front seats Multi-function trip computer Cruise Control Power Windows, Power locking system Height adjusttable telescoping steering wheel Power/Heatable outside mirrors

I purchased this awesome car on 6/1/04 and I think it's the best thing I have done in a long, long time. This car is perfect for the mountains (but not the snow due to a very low ground clearance). This really was a dream car come true, but (regretfully) I have sold it in favor of something more "practical" (oh my gosh, am I getting old) for the mountains. Can you say Volkswagen Tiguan? I thought you could!

Every article I have read on this car is full of nothing but compliments, and I understand why. There is simply no fault to be found with this car at all. A bit heavy nosed in the corners, yes. This is simply the most powerfull, all wheel drive, hatchback that exists in the United States. People compare this to the Subaru WRX STI and the Mitsubishi EVO, but the reality is this is something, well, different. The R32 makes no pretenses about being a "tuner" car. No "look at me" rear wing, no Mash-Pause-Snap acceleration. This car has enough torque to pull smooth from idle to over 130 MPH and deliver it with grace, reliability, and most importantly, no turbo lag. This is the grown up go-kart you've always wanted, without the unwanted attention that a pseudo race car would bring you.

Value for the money? This car has everything you would want from a three door hatchback (except the weight). This is the only car I have ever paid retail for, and I am actually smiling about it. Yes, it's the end of a body style, yes, I expect of the 5000 imported into the United States that towards October through December dealerships, if they have any left, will be selling under retail. Do I care ? No ! This is the only AWD Uber-Golf that will be around for a long while. My WRX was loosing value faster than reason would allow, and lets face it, I have been waiting for this particular car for a long time. (I have also been waiting for the Audi Steppenwolf - but I don't think that will ever see production - too bad.)

Newsflash - this car is now for sale because I am banking on the Volkswagen Concept A crossover SUV. This might finally be the car I *need* up in the mountains, but beleive me, the R32 has been one of the greatest cars I've owned.

Why did I get an R32 over my WRX - I think this explains a lot (Thanks Ian):

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