Automotive Crossroads: An Undeniable Facet of the Auto Enthusiast Persona

"VW Fan Boy" (VWFanBoy)
09/30/2013 at 10:32 • Filed to: oppositelock

As car enthusiasts, I believe we approach automotive crossroads rather frequently and (for those who are like me) it almost becomes second nature to self-induce these crossroads daily because of our fascination with the automobile. I’m not talking about physical crossroads…I’m trying to be metaphorical and deep so bear with me here. I don’t think our inner ‘car demon’ ever changes through life; rather our experiences and maturity affect our perception and how we make our decisions. My latest major automotive crossroad happened on September 12, 2013, but before I describe that day it’s important to understand the background.

The Early Years

I did not have a privileged upbringing, but I was never deprived of anything and was even lucky enough to have been exposed to some luxuries others are not afforded. That being said, I was always a lover of all things automotive. A question was asked around here recently about “The first time you realized you loved cars” and I honestly don’t remember…true story. This is because at 3 years old I could be asked the make and model of every car on the road and I would answer, and usually these answers were correct. It was my exposure to certain cars though, certain enthusiast cars, that cultivated this passion into what it is today. Not to get into a name dropping game, but some vehicles that went through my family as a kid were: ’72 Datsun 240z, 1985 Corolla (SR5 Unfortunately), 1988 e30 325is, 1989 Saab 900, ’93 Corrado VR6. The Corrado in particular was important because it was supposed to be mine when I came of driving age, but life is such that what you think is meant to be usually isn’t. Instead I got a hand me down ’86 Z31 300ZX non-turbo…admittedly the T-Tops were cool in High School. I gained a lot of mechanical experience from that car and believe me, those ZX cars taught you how to drive and in the scariest of ways! (Lift-off oversteer at every corner anyone?)

So then we get into my life with cars. I don’t race professionally, bar some Autocrossing in my old S2000 and my usual Quarter Mile antics at what used to be Moroso. (Us Miami folk still call it Moroso) I have some moderate mechanical abilities (A gift bestowed by my late Grandfather who was one of the best). I guess in summation I’m just a car nerd…it’s my hobby and my passion. For the most part, the cars I’ve owned have always spoken much about my persona and where I was in life during that time. I’ve owned too many cars to list here but I guess some of the more important ones were: ’86 300ZX, ’89 MX-6 Turbo, MK4 Jetta VR6, ’03 RSX Type-S, S2000, MK5 GTI, and most recently a 2009 MK5 GLI. I searched long and hard to find a GLI with a 6 Speed Manual, TSI Engine (standard on MK5’s as of 2008.5), Leather, and Sunroof. I said this was the car I wanted while I began my family and established my new career…and I loved it even in stock form. After two years though, the car was still stock and I realized it would cost thousands to get it to a point where it could make me somewhat happy. Meanwhile the rest of my life started turning gray just because I was MISERABLE with my car…my automotive reflection.

The Summer of ’13 (Doesn’t sound as good as ’69…sorry Bryan)

This brings us to the summer of 2013. I’m sure my misery was not helped by the ‘contact high’ effect in my office due to coworkers driving the likes of an R8, C7 S6, and a Lingenfelter CTS-V coupe. It is a dangerous effect that leads to questions like: Why can’t I have my dream car? Why can’t I have that smug assurance about what’s in my parking spot? Well, there are answers to those questions, conversely: You can’t afford it now, you just bought a house, and you have a family now. Well then, this should be an open shut case right? Wrong. I kept torturing myself, and kept searching for what would make me happy. I reached the conclusion that a Golf R would be ideal and, with the available options, is what I was looking for. Unfortunately, I only found a couple on sale that were optioned the way I wanted and those deals fell through. I was so miserable with my car that I ventured outside of my VAG comfort zone and found that there wasn’t much that would make me happy in my price range. FR-S? Fun car but made my GLI feel like a muscle car. Mustang GT? I’ve been spoiled by years of German build quality…Coyote and all I just can’t stomach it. Focus ST? 30k Ford hot hatch? No thank you, I’ll take a GTI instead. I test drove an Abarth and loved it, however I knew it was not practical and the numbers did not make sense. I finally landed in Fiesta ST territory and thought to myself “They are giving this car away, I can do a 2 year lease and drive the piss out of this little guy until the MK7 Golf R comes out!!!” Well, it’s off to Carmax to see what those thieves … I mean nice folks want to give me for the old GLI.

I have a very distorted perception of Carmax that I’ll leave unspoken, but one aspect I do enjoy is walking the parking lot and seeing what they have in stock. So as I’m walking along on this fateful day, I see an e90 M3…pretty cool. Then a C63…nice! I then wonder to myself what they have in the VW flavor. Maybe a cheap MK6 GTI could satisfy my craving until the Next R? As I approach a Candy White VW I notice LED runners and an R bumper…could it be? It’s a special kind of feeling that came over me; one which is very hard to describe. I do not feel it when I see a brand new McLaren or Ferrari and I don’t even get it when I see my current dream car the 991 Porsche GT3. It’s the feeling you get when you see a car and instantly imagine your hands around the wheel, foot planted, wind in your hair…well you get the idea. I was still very skeptical since I knew every single Golf R for sale in a 500-mile radius of my zip code and this was not one of them….WHAT’S THE CATCH?? I did a quick visual inspection of the vehicle and found it to be almost perfect. I ran to the computer terminal in the lobby to search for the car and the dingbats, I mean the extremely competent staff, at Carmax, listed the car as a base Golf! Could this be fate? The exact car, the exact color, and the exact options I wanted? Here? Now? Just waiting for me? The test drive was perfect…well, nearly perfect since the sales guy wouldn’t stop yapping about how it’s impossible that a Golf would be more expensive and faster than a GTI…. Sigh…

I’m very lucky to have married not only the love of my life, but a woman who also understands me and what makes me tick. Soon after discussing the purchase, she agreed this would be a good fit for the family and I was signing the paperwork and buying the car. It had to be fate and this had to be the car for me. Forget the reviews on the Internet about the Golf R, forget the opinions of every douchebag from here to New Zealand, and forget the bench race peanut gallery. When you are in the seat of a car you love, there’s not a worry in the world that could jade the perception of your car . It was a feeling I had not felt since the day I bought my S2000. I can only describe it as an invigorating breath of life.

Life With the R

I don’t know how long I am going to keep this car. I may do some work to it in order to up the power to what it should have been from the factory. I might even autocross it every now and then. I can definitively tell you that I will enjoy it every time I drive it. Whether it’s feeling the boost come on in second (which never gets old), powering out of a corner and feeling the Haldex AWD system keep the car planted, or listening to my music through the great sound system…I enjoy every second of it and I still feel giddy every time I drive it. (I know I know, Honeymoon phase)

I guess you could say my take away from this Automotive Crossroad is: Go after what makes you happy and also fits your current financial situation. Yeah the guy in the M3 over on the next lane could probably smoke me…but is he as happy in his car as I am in mine? If hope he is, because it’s a feeling we all deserve as automotive enthusiasts.

And for you those of you who will inevitably mention the Stability Control defeat, I'll just leave this here. Anybody with half a brain and a VAG-COM can insert the Canadian coding and enable the defeat...and yes I did get it sideways already.

DISCUSSION (89)

Tom McParland > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 10:41

Nice write up, I'm always a sucker for these reflective pieces.

VW Fan Boy > Tom McParland
09/30/2013 at 10:43

Thank you! I really wanted to begin posting regularly on Oppo and I figured a good self reflection would be the right start...

Tom McParland > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 10:46

I agree it's a nice way to get to know you. Just a tip find the most recent "Best of Oppo" post and let DasWuato know about this.

VW Fan Boy > Tom McParland
09/30/2013 at 10:47

I will do that. Thanks!

vdub_nut: scooter snob > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 10:50

Does the Canadian trick void any warranties? Or will the techs revert it back to standard US programming? I've heard of dealers rewiring Euro headlamp switches back to US configurations (with one extra dead setting) on orders from VAG.

VW Fan Boy > vdub_nut: scooter snob
09/30/2013 at 10:55

I don't know too much about the rewiring of the headlamps. I'm in the process of researching that to enable the Auto feature, however every article I read leads me to believe the light sensor & module is missing on US cars. There are a few companies that sell the OEM parts to address this.

I always speak to my friend who's a former VW Tech and this mod should not void any warranties. In reality, unless they hold down the button they will not even know anything has changed. It's OEM coding which is being inserted so there should not be any red flags.

vdub_nut: scooter snob > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 11:00

The wiring thing was mostly B5 and A4 chassis cars, where the euro ones came with available fog only/driving lights/parking lights/three hundred other options. Not too sure myself, but there was a wire you had to add to get the euro switches to operate properly, and several forumites reported that vw techs would remove said wire.

And that's good, has VW said why we don't get the full defeat option?

VW Fan Boy > vdub_nut: scooter snob
09/30/2013 at 11:03

Zee Germans do not trust us Americans to our own devices! lol I don't have an answer to that one and neither do my local VW contacts.

My experience with the A4 cars and headlamps was limited to just disabling the DRL's on my Jetta GLX. Sadly, it's just bending a pin on the actual light switch. On my MK5 GTI though, I did buy a Euroswitch that enabled many features. Each gen is different...

maximillious > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 11:32

The 04 r32 is my DD fantasy car. I wants it so bad and will have it in the next year. The new golf R's are so mean and just plain epic. I test drove one and fell in love, and it fell way outside my price range. I am not much of a Volkswagen fan but anything they slap an R badge on seems to be amazing....except the 08 R32 which i was disappointed by.

VW Fan Boy > maximillious
09/30/2013 at 11:40

The '04 R32 is still on my want list. VR6's with some forced induction are like crack-cocaine. I wouldn't completely write off the '08 R32 though. My father had one and it was miles more refined than the '04, handled better, and although I like to row my own gears, that DSG is amazing. It couldn't hold it's own in a straight line against my MK5 GTI, but given the choice back then I still would have had the R32...

maximillious > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 11:50

Its the DSG that kills it for me. Its so frustrating they didnt make a 6 speed manual. I think once I pick up an 04 I will do some sort of FI on it. I like the NA VR6 but I think it would be fun to slam a Supercharger on there.

VW Fan Boy > maximillious
09/30/2013 at 11:54

Skip the supercharger and go with a nice turbo setup. Your cost will most likely not be much different however power gains are much higher on the turbo setup.

maximillious > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 12:00

That is very true. Hrmmmph all this talk of the R32 makes me want one even more

Montalvo > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 15:09

Sometimes the best things come from sudden surprises. I am glad that you were able to find the car that really clicks with you. I grew up the same way and my love for cars was inspired by my father's heavy right foot. He had an assortment of Camaros and LSC Lincolns before moving on to whatever BMW was kicking out the most power. He is now in the new sinister M6 and I can't help but laugh every time he lets that car loose, it is just pure nostalgia. I am in the middle of my own search at the moment for a clean 1999 BMW E36 M3 and things are looking promising, hopefully I too will be able to get my hands on the one I crave for.

VW Fan Boy > Montalvo
09/30/2013 at 15:20

Good luck! Hope you can find the right one. It becomes even more difficult when searching through the used market if you are as picky as I am. I don't have much experience with e36's except for a 328i my aunt had which I drove a couple of times. It was 5 Speed though!

I do have experience with the S52 engine though. My old man had a 2001 M-Coupe with an Active Autowerke's supercharger kit. The S52 is a beautiful thing...even if the US-Spec was somewhat underpowered. That was definitely a fun car...

Aaron Kahn > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 17:40

This is a great piece and really illustrates that C-element that exists when you're trying to get from point A to point B! I just bought a 2009 335i, after spending a loathsome 3 years with an '07 Impreza 2.5i base. (read: 0-60 in 9 seconds) From the sheer ecstasy I felt when I signed the papers to the satisfaction of sitting in my high-bolster seats every day, behind that 300hp twin turbo, the sticker price and cost of maintenance become secondary.

Doug DeMuro > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 17:44

Great post!!! Keep us updated on life with the Golf R. Carmax has its faults, and that's what makes it so damn good. Love that they listed it as a base Golf - though surely they priced it properly. They're smart about the money aspect. As for your point - just buy what makes you happy. Wish everyone would do that!

VW Fan Boy > Doug DeMuro
09/30/2013 at 18:11

Thanks! I've really been wanting to start writing stuff and posting up on Oppo. There will definitely be updates on life with the R and the upgrade process.

I agree whole heartedly...the world would be a better place if people just listened to that inner voice.

VW Fan Boy > Aaron Kahn
09/30/2013 at 18:14

That C-element definitely exists for auto enthusiasts. It is a tough thing to describe to a regular person. To them, it's just transportation and should be viewed as such from economy to luxury.

I just can't view a car that way....I just can't. Congrats on the 3 Series BTW. I drove many 335i's & 135i's in this latest vehicle search and they are animals. I just succumbed to my VAG roots in the end!

Vintage1982Benz > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 18:17

I'm currently in a 2013 GLI Autobahn and I love the car. I'm fortunate to have a friend who works for VAG North America at their HQ just outside of DC where I live, and part of his job is he gets a new car every 6 month to drive around and show off to the public.

About a year ago he managed to get the Golf R in blue and let me drive the thing - holy hell, hitting the on ramp to I66 and feeling that boost was great. My friend asked me while I was still in 4th on the Interstate and kindly asked me to put it in 6th as opposed to keeping the tac up around 6000 RPM :)

Have fun with it and great post!

rabbitman > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 18:19

Hi, we must be the same person, exactly what I would do, and my wife would let because she know's... and congratulations on that sexy thing.

So since I see a little VW dub brotherhood going on in this post, I have to share this with you guys, came up out of yesterdays OEM post some one asked so I have to share it here too you 04 r32 guys may like it to well except the death of the donor car. Can't wait to see it run, the build quality is unbelievable.

Kinja'd!!!

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php…

VW Fan Boy > Vintage1982Benz
09/30/2013 at 18:22

Thank you! It's funny because my '07 GTI had an EA113 FSI with all the mods up until upgrading the turbo. That car pulled nice...but it never pulled like this thing does in stock form. It really does feel great in any gear once it comes on boost.

Still, the '13 GLI has a great engine (see my '09 GLI up top). That thing is so flexible it's amazing. Take care of that Dub!

FrankenB5S4 > vdub_nut: scooter snob
09/30/2013 at 18:29

Facelifted B5 A4s and S4 require you to modify the relay module. There is not any euro switch for these.

tapzz > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 18:30

A weird counterpoint.

I instantly recognised your early years; knowing every car model on the road, enthusiasm going back to before any distinct memory, having some brands in your DNA, etc.

But, in more than four decades on the planet, I've yet to own a single car. For at least half of that stretch it was a case of 'can't', but always 'don't need one'. I can get some tasty stuff now, but I've come to realise that The Lust will always be for something I don't have. Satisfying it once won't make it go away. It'll just get transferred to something else, leaving me with my own Jetta GLI I don't need.

So I enjoy the dreaming, not hindered by service schedules or parking tickets, and rent what I want, when I need it.

I realise it's somewhere between bizarre and masochistic, I won't recommend it to anyone, but it works for me.

VW Fan Boy > rabbitman
09/30/2013 at 18:57

A caddy with a 3.2 VR and 4Motion...what's not to love about that!!?? Build quality looks very good too. What are the plans for this beast? Forced Induction?

VW Fan Boy > tapzz
09/30/2013 at 19:00

Indeed a very interesting counterpoint. I'm assuming that you live in an area which does not allow for ease of auto ownership.

Interestingly enough, I moved at a young age from up north and who knows what would have happened if my family decided to stay up north. Maybe I would have ended up in the Big Apple and shared your same sentiments...

Thank you nonetheless for sharing your experience.

Charles Marzette, Jr. > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 19:17

Must have an update on life with the Golf R! It too is my dream car in this 3rd decade pre-family stage of life.

rabbitman > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 19:19

Well reading though, I haven't found mention of his engine plans, this guy is skilled and he is getting it engineered certified, he even mentions he is going to have his buddy that is x-ray certified make the welds look better, he is way to modest about his skills like wow it's already art almost. I cant believe he did all that work the front end and then started all over because he decide to go in another direction. Here is his plans he said he is sticking with.

I guess up until now i have been trying to mash a few different worlds together and
it was starting to look like a Mish Mash.
Now it's decided - Purely Motorsport inspired machine -
NO Smooth bay
NO Classic looking steering wheel and seats
NO whatever else i still had rattling around in my head from the
start of this build lol.
Will be driving it to hill climbs and track days for fun.
Finally feeling feeling good about where its headed.

rabbitman > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 19:19

VW Fan Boy > Charles Marzette, Jr.
09/30/2013 at 19:26

I can say this...since I wrote this piece and debated whether to post it I took my baby to the doctor in this car. My wife had work so she took the Tiguan and all my grandparents/parents were busy. Therefore, Golf R it was.

It 'baby's' well, but the one thing I would change about the car is adding those extra 2 doors. However the times I will have to use an infant car seat between now and when my daughter is of age for a toddler car seat is few and far between...I'll gladly deal with that inconvenience in order to drive my car the rest of the time!

tapzz > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 19:42

Yup; European city. Purely as transport, cars are an active pain around here.

rabbitman > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 19:45

well I tried edit to tell you this and now have a double un-editable post, here is is engine plans such a small mention I missed it.

The Plan is to get it finished off naturally aspirated. Once i have had some good drive time and any bugs are sorted out overall i will start work towards a big HP engine. Just thinking about wether or not i build a straight 3 inch system now so i don't have to double track later on when forced induction becomes a reality.

TheCrudMan > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 20:16

Wait...they had it listed as a base Golf?!?

Did you get it for base Golf price?

VW Fan Boy > TheCrudMan
09/30/2013 at 20:24

I wish I was that lucky. If you read the part about the sales guy I mention how he was yapping about it being more expensive than a GTI. The reps at Carmax were selling it however as a Golf with upgrades. I guess that's why it never sold...

Carmax has a very solid administrative department and that would never have slipped through the cracks. And if something would ever happen like that, I wouldn't wax poetic publicly lol.

MPA > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 20:36

I am so sad that I am not in a place where I think more about saving than what I am driving.

I am DYING for a performance car.But I have a beautiful girlfriend that I love so much, and she has an adorable daughter, and sadly my house is not in the best area, so it's not an option for us to live here. Which means I need to make that payment if I can't rent it out, or get rid of it in a short sale.

In March I traded in my '09 WRX (Stage 1 yo!) and bought a '13 Fit so I could save money. The Fit handles pretty good for what it is, but it's not the white BRZ Limited with the 6 speed stick that I want. And I want it bad.

Between insurance, gas and payment, I was laying out approximately $645 a month on the WRX, and it's dropped to $475 a month with the Fit. Getting a BRZ would up that total to $745 a month, which is too much to cut out of what I can save each month. The extra $ is about 1/3rd of what I can save each month, and totals $15,000 over 5 years.

So even though on Saturday she told me I should just go buy the BRZ (and not in that "do whatever you want" trickery tone) I somehow managed to keep from going to the dealership, even after seeing that I could get a BRZ Limited for $26,900.

So for now it's me and the Honda Fit. Once it's paid off I can get something to wrench on - I really want a C5 - and still DD the Fit. And if I can't wait that long, there are a ton of Miatas out there under $3000.

But the psychotic car guy in me says "get a C5 now and DD it!" But I know that's likely a nightmare, and in bad weather I would be stuck at home, away from my girlfriend.

Bla! :)

DavidHH > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 20:36

For me it was finding an all wheel drive car that didn't fall apart, the Audi 4000Q. Bought my wife one too, and she loves it because "it just goes". May I offer one piece of advice, learned from the folks who have said "I had one of those and should have never sold it..." to our 4000Q's, or Vanagon Westy. If you found what you wanted, don't ever sell it, trash it or wreck it, or you will always regret it.

VW Fan Boy > DavidHH
09/30/2013 at 20:43

I'm a sucker for early Audis. Any pictures?

I definitely understand what you are saying though and in many way can relate. I still wish I had my 300ZX and don't even get me started on my '92 4.0 YJ...I truly miss that Jeep and had no reason to sell it other than use the money to mess around. I'll never find another in that condition.

The advice is much appreciated and I'll try my best to stay grounded with this one.

MPA > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 20:46

I am so sad that I am not in a place where I think more about saving than what I am driving.

But the psychotic car guy in me says "get a C5 now and DD it!" But I know that's likely a nightmare, and in bad weather I would be stuck at home, away from my girlfriend.

Bla! :)

VW Fan Boy > MPA
09/30/2013 at 21:00

Your thought process is definitely where mine was during this time. In my case, I'm extremely conservative and could have probably gone with something pricier than the R in the first place. In other words, or how my wife would say it, I'm a cheap ass.

It is important though to reward yourself every now and then...and I've been told those little rewards start becoming more and more meaningful as the kids grow in number and age.

For now let's just be thankful our heads are in the right place!

UnderscoreHero > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 21:04

They were probably waiting for the "right guy" to notice it. Maybe it's fate.

DavidHH > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 21:58

Kinja'd!!!

Inky bent my wife's hood. One word of advice, VW Group has decided to copy Japanese automakers on maximizing their profit on parts. So finding a good salvage yard is very, very helpful since if only VW makes it, it will be expensive.

J-Tenno > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 22:49

Great read, very entertaining and absolutely inspiring.

I have had some struggle getting on my feet in life but I'm slowly getting there, first step was getting my own car, nothing short of magnificent... Nissan Almera 2.2 Di.

I mean nothing short of the most boring cars around, and even if it does feel fast due to the torque, I still can't help thinking, man, is this thing boring.

I almost daily check out second hand cars in my area, be it M cars or fast Renaults (saw a Megane RS250 the other day, it was pure bliss) or Fiesta ST's... You know this. You just went through this. But instead of looking, you managed to get something... Once I'm done with my army, I promised myself, I'll get a car which I won't choose for fuel economy or anything like that, but for pure excitement or enjoyment of the ownership of said car.

That said, as a first car I looked at 240 Volvos, none around my area, not even in the whole country... And MX5's, way way overpriced. So a boring Japanese diesel hatchback it was. Although having seen and heard a GT-R nearby did remind me why do I like Nissans...

My comment must be very confusing at this point. I hope you're very happy with your awesome white Volkswagen!

Gmonster > MPA
09/30/2013 at 23:05

You're a good man. Good luck w shit. Sounds like your girl really loves you too

Vintage1982Benz > VW Fan Boy
09/30/2013 at 23:41

I'm tempted to get a chip in my car, but I feel like it would give it too much torque steer.

Still, if money was no object I would do it and also get some new custom wheels on it (even though I love the factory 18's it currently sits on).

ZweiDeutschesAutos > Vintage1982Benz
10/01/2013 at 00:58

I'm pleasantly surprised with how tractable my Mk6 GTI is post-APR stage one. I drive it around DC all the time and the only problem so far is all the goddamn potholes destroying sidewalls on the OEM Dunlops!

ZweiDeutschesAutos > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 01:01

Awesome post.

I bought my GTI Autobahn because it reminded me of the Corrado I could never get. I was going to pick up a BMW 135i the next day when I saw the red VW freshly unloaded at the lot. Traded my black GTI the next day.

APR stage one later, I still love that car. No regrets. Yes the BMW was faster and RWD, but I love getting into my dub every morning!

VW Fan Boy > Vintage1982Benz
10/01/2013 at 05:54

I'll be real honest...I don't know what all the fuss is around here with torque steer. Yes, higher horsepower FWD'ers (350+ whp) can be very challenging but under that you'll be fine. You also have the stability that is afforded by a VW on your side.

The chip will wake up your car and give it the power it should have left the factory with. Your main concern should really be the warranty....but sounds like your buddy should be able to pull strings if necessary ;)

VW Fan Boy > ZweiDeutschesAutos
10/01/2013 at 05:59

Thanks! The GTI will always hold a special place with me. I think part if the love affair with this car is that it even reminds me if my MK5. The RWD argument is a compelling one. At the end of the day, getting sideways is just plain fun. But that doesn't mean you can't have fun in a FWD'er either.

I still have the dream for the Corrado though...I found one once and hesitated I promise it won't happen again next time!

thefuddster > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 07:04

Of course the guy in the M3 in the other lane is as happy or happier than you!

VW Fan Boy > thefuddster
10/01/2013 at 07:11

Simply because he's driving an M3? I think you missed the point of the entire piece if that is what you are trying to say here.

I've known M3 drivers that purchased their cars as a status symbol or because it was a quick car. But they never truly loved the car or had a connection with it. On the other hand there are die hard BMW fanatics that live and breath their vehicles...and that's what I was getting at. Get the vehicle that makes you happy, not what makes you look good, picks up chicks, or is just fast.

92SLC > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 07:16

Kinja'd!!!

Nice article. I was looking to purchase a 3rd (weekend toy) car for my stable and recalled my college years in my tornado red 91 Jetta GLI 16v. Loved it. Ended up purchasing this bad girl to keep me feeling young...

VW Fan Boy > 92SLC
10/01/2013 at 07:22

That's a beautiful car. The quirks that come with Corrado ownership are in my opinion well worth it. At some point in the future I'll want to buy something from my youth to restore and the Corrado would definitely be in that top 5 list. Enjoy every second of it!

thefuddster > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 07:23

That's exactly my point. You see the M3 driver and automatically assume he's bought the car because he's a brand whore. He's driving the car he's always wanted, just like you.

VW Fan Boy > thefuddster
10/01/2013 at 07:30

I think we're on two different roads headed towards the same destination lol. Listen, there's brand whores who are absolutely happy with their cars as well. My father is a BMW brand whore for the most part and he loves his 335i. More power to those people...it could be a Bentley Flying Spur in the next lane in this situation but as long as that person is truly happy in their car then I am happy for them. There's no hating here or assumptions.

BTW, that Bentley will probably smoke me too ha!

ZaqAtaq > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 08:11

After driving an Infiniti Q45 and a Twin Turbo Dodge Stealth for 4 years I inherited a soul crushing Pontiac Vibe and decided the adult thing to do was drive it until the wheels fall off. I have been lusting after Golf R's and GTI's for the past 6 months. Scouring the local dealerships and Craigslist nearly daily. I have been able to push this urge down and rationalize it because I am restoring a 1966 Dodge Coronet so I put my money into that car but reading this story just makes the itch stronger. Some day I will be forced to scratch it...

VW Fan Boy > ZaqAtaq
10/01/2013 at 08:16

I know the feeling all to well. My GLI was no slouch and the goal was to drive the wheels off of that car. Never gave me a single problem and was truly loyal but eventually my itch could not be ignored anymore. I'm thankful that I satisfied the itch, because I probably would have been miserable with some of the other options I was considering. It's funny what you'll consider when you are that desperate for change lol

Maxis47 > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 08:30

'I’m very lucky to have married not only the love of my life, but a woman who also understands me and what makes me tick'

This is my situation too. I was planning on buying a Mazdaspeed3 when her truck got paid off, but I managed to talk myself out of it over concerns like repair cost and fuel efficiency. She talked me back into it with logic about how if it makes me happy its worth it. Got the car almost two months ago and I love it to death. Premium gas doesn't cost as much more as expected, and if repairs are more expensive it's okay because its worth it

OhAlbanianKar > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 08:50

My first car, too, was a '86 Z31 300ZX, except mine was a turbo. And yes, this car taught me all things mechanical DIY and driving on the slightest wet roads without crashing. It was a love-hate relationship for me that somehow lasted more than 14 years until I sold it last year.

Kinja'd!!!

meccapanzer > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 08:59

Great writeup, really enjoyable read. You captured a lot of how I feel about my cars as well and I am currently in misery. Hopefully I'll soon be able to get on to a car I enjoy more myself.

VW Fan Boy > OhAlbanianKar
10/01/2013 at 09:05

Very nice Z31! The love affair with those cars is definitely a strange one...but I guess that's why it has a soft spot in my heart.

If I'm not being too intrusive, why did you sell yours after so many years?

VW Fan Boy > meccapanzer
10/01/2013 at 09:06

Thank you!

VW Fan Boy > J-Tenno
10/01/2013 at 09:08

Thank you and I hope you find yourself in a position to get into a car you truly love soon!

VW Fan Boy > Maxis47
10/01/2013 at 09:09

Congrats on the MS3! It's a very nice car and believe it or not our cars have some fueling and forced induction bits in common.

Enjoy!

DangerRanger > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 09:23

You talk about german build quality and you drive a vw? Smoking crack is a terrible lifestyle choice.

VW Fan Boy > DangerRanger
10/01/2013 at 09:35

I'm sure your question could have been worded differently...but nonetheless I'll entertain it.

Yes, I drive a VW and speak about German Build Quality. I'm not sure if your argument is A. VW's are no longer built in Germany, B. VW's shoddy reputation for reliability, or C. Just a bad experience with the VW's of yore.

There is no recreational drug use here...I stand by my perception of VW's and their build quality. That is MY perception and I'm definitely entitled to it. I have not had any major problems with my VW's aside from self inflicted issues. They've treated me great, are much more refined than the Japanese cars I've owned and American cars I've driven, and overall the complete package for me.

There's no right and wrong answer to what car brand or model you love. I'm sure you have a passion for whatever you drive and nobody should knock that.

MPA > Gmonster
10/01/2013 at 10:16

She does. So the sacrifice is worth it

lcrain33 > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 10:18

Had an '06 GLI that I loved. I didn't really know what it was until I saw it on the lot. Luckily it had the autobahn package or else I likely wouldn't have been interested. I can't stand the plaid cloth they offer. Had ~70k miles on it when I sold it and it literally had no issues at all. Other than a GIAC tune it was stock and I wish I had never sold it. Great highway cruiser. VW makes an excellent manual transmission. It was built so well too.

The car that replaced it is more than worthy (BMW e82 of the M variety), but now I wish I had a DD. Sold the GLI for too little to Carmax (to be fair, their process is so easy). Will be tough to find something that is fun, reliable and as well built as that GLI was for close to what I sold it for.

Love the R's and congrats. Go ahead and have it tuned, that way you can smoke those e9x M3s off the line. Stage 3 and the M3 will have a hard time catching up.

Der Sportwagoner > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 10:51

Anybody with half a brain

Well, I'm out.

VW Fan Boy > Der Sportwagoner
10/01/2013 at 10:56

lol! It really is that easy. That comment was aimed at some forum posts that elude to paying some company online to send you updated long coding and what not. It really is as easy as changing two bytes.

It works for most '12 + VW's with this issue.

Der Sportwagoner > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 11:00

Cool. I was just funnin' with ya. I would totally do this if I had a modern VW, even though I have a full brain and you state that only anyone with half a brain is capable. :)

project_falcon > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 11:23

I came here to comment on the same comment, though as a fellow VW owner I won't be quite as harsh. I love my CC. Mechanically it's been great. Interior build quality is completely unacceptable...though I admit that other cars in the same bracket probably aren't in reality much better. The silver gauge surround trim creaks. My door card rattles. My sunglasses drop down already doesn't stay closed over a bump (21k miles). My passenger rear seat is by far the most rage inducing though. It constantly screeches, even on smoother roads. I put a folded rag in between the seat back and trunk because there is no adjustment in the latching mechanism. My 60k mile Mazda3 didn't have as bad of rattles as this thing did by 10k. Have I taken it to a dealer for warranty work? Not yet. Why? Because the nearest dealer is two hours away and I'd rather gouge my eyes out than let them touch it. We are getting a new dealer under an established name that holds themselves to a higher standard so I will be taking it in to them soon.

VW Fan Boy > project_falcon
10/01/2013 at 12:20

Sorry to hear about the experience you're having with your CC. I can tell you my MK4 did suffer from those squeaks and rattles and my wife's current Tiguan has some quirks. But coming from a family with 4 VW's currently owned and plenty of friends I honestly have no complaints to report. Are they perfect? Far from it. Could I list small issues I've had? Sure, more so than most.

The point of the article was not strictly build quality and I really don't want to focus on that. The context I placed it in was in comparison to a Ford Mustang GT which I test drove. I'm sorry, but my opinion is that VW's have much better build quality over Fords. Could that change? Sure. Is it purely my perception? Maybe. But my friends and family with Fords don't argue it....

oldirtybootz > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 12:43

I've always been surrounded with American cars and that has definitely shaped my automotive tastes. For most of my life my mother worked at a Ford dealership and Ford has been my favorite brand because of that for as long as I can remember. Growing up, we had mostly Fords aside from the 91 Camaro RS my mom drove for the first few years of my life before being replaced by an Escort. Later, my dad got the Escort and she replaced it with my Uncle's Bronco and for me that started a passion for those trucks.

The car that made me a full blown car enthusiast was a different Camaro. Around 2002, I was in the 6th grade and my father was starting to go through his midlife crisis. He went out and bought a 1969 Camaro coupe with a 350, powerglide, and Z/28 badges. When he brought it home, something inside me clicked, and I realized that cars were my passion. He would take me to car shows in it and I would ask him questions about every car we walked past. I was hooked. Around that time I remember waiting at my mom's hair salon and reading an issue of Car and Driver. If I recall correctly, a 350Z was on the cover. A month later my first issue came in the mail featuring a tuner shootout and "FOURGASM" emblazoned on the cover.

Aside from the Camaro, the other most important "milestone" car for me was the 2003 Mach 1 in the showroom where my mother worked. I instantly fell in love with that car when I sat in it. I couldn't see over the Shaker hood scoop but I knew that someday I would own one. Fast forward 10 years and I'm driving a 2010 Focus automatic. Disappointing, I know, but I still lust after Mustangs and I will eventually own one. My first car was an 88 Bronco, so at least one goal has been checked off, even if I want another one of those as as well.

As for your VW, it's definitely not my taste but congrats on the purchase and I'm glad a fellow Jalop got their dream car.

Moltenburn > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 13:00

Add me to the list of the car addicted. issue with me is I have yet to find said dream car, but getting closer. Notables I have owned 95 M-edition Miata, 01 BMW 740i sport, Nissan Spec-V, MK4 VR6, 88 Jaguar XJ12, 10 VW MKVI TDI 4 door. But I am finding that I am becoming partial to the older weird cars out there. As a Die hard VAG guy have owned 5 different VWs. My daily is a 2013 TDI Passat but my passion has been a beat old 92 VW Cabriolet. Car is lower mileage and my goal the last two months has been getting it to be a perfect daily driver. Now that I am nearing my goal something about a well tuned MK1 that gets my rocks off plus it is topless. That being said my Passat is looking more like it will be traded in towards my first actual legitamate sports car. I figure the Cabby makes a decent Daily, so lets buy something rear wheel and can go side ways. So now I am eyeballing a 13 BRZ, 2010 135i, something in the 25K range. But I wont lie if I could find a porsche/AMG tuned 300CE Benz or a low mileage Corrado G60 I would probably bite. Who knows, regardless great read.

BritishCars > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 13:12

A Volkswagen! a poor day for humanity...

OhAlbanianKar > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 13:28

Because a child seat wouldn't fit. :)

VW Fan Boy > BritishCars
10/01/2013 at 13:35

Luckily for humanity there are other choices!

VW Fan Boy > OhAlbanianKar
10/01/2013 at 13:36

That'll do it!

VW Fan Boy > Moltenburn
10/01/2013 at 13:39

Thanks! The MK1's are an interesting bunch. I had a buddy with a MK1 Cabby that was pretty sweet. He started a 1.8 16v swap but never finished it. Would have definitely been a cool car.

The FR-S has great character but if you cross shop it with a 135i...the BMW will win I promise lol. You just have to be sure you are up for the maintenance costs of an out of warranty BMW. That 135i is a great car...

VW Fan Boy > oldirtybootz
10/01/2013 at 13:43

Thank you! My biggest fear with this article was that others would think I'm totally blind to the other vehicles in the automotive world. I like all cars and trucks. To touch on Fords, I love their trucks and still lust for a Bronco like what you had. I even have a secret crush on Fox Body notchbacks.

At the end of the day I hang out with friends from all walks of life who love all different types of cars. We bag on each other all the time...but ultimately we respect each others tastes and hope for the other to be content.

Maxis47 > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 13:56

Believe me, I have been enjoying it. It's been crazy useful for work too. For my purposes, the MS3 really is the full package. That, and I'm one of the few people that love the goofy grin look of the 10-13 model ;)

oldirtybootz > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 15:12

Fanboyism is a part of the hobby. I try to be as open minded as possible, but there are cars and automakers I just don't have much love for. VW, BMW(as of late anyway), Hyundai, and Mercedes in particular. They just don't do much for me and I couldn't see myself owning any of their products but I can appreciate that every automaker has their own following. I'm definitely a Ford fanboy buy I try very hard not to be blind about it and I think I do well.

I can definitely relate to feeling unhappy with your current car. I've been there with my Focus and at points I've gotten serious about replacing it but it just didn't make sense financially. I'm finally at the point where I could make it work but now I'm not as driven to do it. I want something sportier but I can live with the Focus for another 2 or 3 years. Still, seeing Mustangs always gets that fire burning. First world problems, ugh.

Moltenburn > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 16:20

Agreed, I have owned a few BMWs as well, Driving reward is easily worth the maintenance. As long as you stay on top of the work it will not sink the financial ship.

foolio > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 19:34

Glad you got something that makes you happy, because the same car makes me happy everyday too!

-Fellow Golf R owner

Kinja'd!!!

foolio > DangerRanger
10/01/2013 at 19:39

I have a Golf R like the author of this post, and I just passed 10k (15 months of ownership) and everything is still tight as a drum, inside and out. Yes, I know this is purely anecdotal, but just wanted to throw that out there.

ZaqAtaq > VW Fan Boy
10/01/2013 at 21:35

I thought you should know I spent about 45 minutes tonight looking at rear shots of every Golf for sale in a 200 mile vicinity of me looking for centrally located exhaust. No luck... but I will press on with the hope I have the same luck you do.

Charles Marzette, Jr. > VW Fan Boy
10/02/2013 at 11:51

Yeah, I'd probably go with the 4 door. I currently drive a 92 slc, I don't think newborns will appreciate the tight suspension setup. Or how the road noise of Seattle's ubiquitous chip seal just transfers right into the passenger cabin.

As much as I lust after the Golf R, it's insanely expensive compared to a WRX. Did you consider a Subie? Any thoughts or comparisons between the two?

VW Fan Boy > Charles Marzette, Jr.
10/02/2013 at 12:38

Well my car (while looking brand new) was bought with 11k miles on the clock so I got it about 8k under MSRP when new. At that price point, it was less than a brand new GTI Autobahn and well under a fully loaded WRX.

There are many problems I have with the WRX though beginning with the Transmission to the suspension and the list goes on. I really did consider it and I would have chosen it over an current Evo any day. In the end though, while both those cars provide more out of the box performance the R is light years ahead in livability and has a lot of overhead for power to be extracted thanks to VAG's over engineering their drivetrains.

Kugelblitz > VW Fan Boy
10/02/2013 at 14:08

As an ex-M3 owner, YES! Nice writing, driving the car you WANT is one facet to me, of living happy. FWIW, I had a similar Carmax purchase (it was a mint WRX that had evaded being put intheir database). I felt like I had found the lost treasure of the Sierra Madre.