2004 VW R32...Should I or Shouldn't I.

"maximillious" (maximillious)
09/13/2013 at 16:17 • Filed to: None

As many are aware I have been car shopping lately. The most recent one I have found is in a dealership not far from me. Its an 04 VW r32 with 70xxx miles. They are asking 16k which is obviously negotiable. But my question for you oppos is, should I or shouldnt I.

I have heard horror stories about maintenance, but have also read many articles and reviews saying they are reliable long lasting high quality cars.

The car is so new on the dealership lot they have not posted pics yet.

What are your thoughts?

DISCUSSION (38)

Tom McParland > maximillious
09/13/2013 at 16:20

Just something to think about, typically what type of buyer gets an R32? so how gentle do you think those 70k miles are

PowderHound > maximillious
09/13/2013 at 16:20

My aunt has one, bone stock, that has given her almost no problems. Great fun little car. I say go for it

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Tom McParland
09/13/2013 at 16:23

This is rather wise advice.

maximillious > Tom McParland
09/13/2013 at 16:23

I dont have a clue, but that certainly could have been the same for my 02 SVT focus or 05 SI before that or the 01 Teg GS-R i had before that. Pretty much any time you buy a car that is a "performance" model there is a good chance it was used for what it was built for. I have also noticed alot of people babying these things. I am more curious about their overall reputation, are they a money pit well kept or not?

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > maximillious
09/13/2013 at 16:23

If I had 16k to buy a car I'd but a GTO.

maximillious > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
09/13/2013 at 16:24

it is something else I am considering but I live in wisconsin and winter is rapidly approaching

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > maximillious
09/13/2013 at 16:27

Seems like a good deal. Maintenance issues aren't bad; GTIs of that era really only had issues through '01 or so, everything was cleaned up by '04 and R32s don't appear to suffer from anything extraordinary. It'd be nice if they have some documentation of the Haldex having been serviced/flushed/new filter recently.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > maximillious
09/13/2013 at 16:28

I've had a thing for those for a while, but I too have heard maintaining them is an issue.

Coming from someone who also owns a limited-production sport-model variant of a regular car (2002 SVT Focus) I would research: A) how available parts actually are in your area, B) if there is a ton of R32-specific stuff that will need replaced at around 100k, C) and how easy it is to work on yourself.

Ford has stopped making certain SVT Focus parts, which makes it very difficult and expensive to keep my car running, especially since I am not handy with a wrench. Labor is costly anywhere, but even more-so when a shop knows you have a low-numbers production vehicle.

And like my SVT, I hear that it is critical the timing assembly is kept fresh.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > Tom McParland
09/13/2013 at 16:28

So we're just supposed to avoid used performance cars altogether?

As far as R32s go, there are two types: those that have been owned by morons on VWvortex and have indeed been beat to shit, and those that have been owned by people who babied the everloving crap out of them. There's not much inbetween, but it's pretty easy to spot which kind any given example is.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > maximillious
09/13/2013 at 16:32

If I lived in Wisconsin and had 16k I'd buy a rad old SUV or Pickup truck.

Assuming the heat works:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/404505…

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/405738…

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/404834…

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/392716…

tons of options!

Group B-raaaaaaaaaap! > maximillious
09/13/2013 at 16:32

Why does your avatar have a block M inside the state of Wisconsin?

No pot stirring, just sincerely curious.

maximillious > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
09/13/2013 at 16:33

I have an 02 SVT Focus as well. In Silver Blue on black interior, Borla CAT back with K&N Short ram and Diablo Sport Predator Tune!

maximillious > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
09/13/2013 at 16:35

just had to replace the AC compressor. Would have been alot more from ford, bought third party. Also looked to buy stock air box assembly...guess how much...550$$$ CRAZY. I just crossed the 40k mile mark on the SVT its what I would be selling/trading. Do you have any unstable idle issues with yours? particularly when the AC/Heater is on. I know i know I just bought the third party compressor but the issue existed before that.

ColoradoTaco > maximillious
09/13/2013 at 16:37

The VR6 is VWs high point as far as engines go. Slap an exhaust on, a stiffer rear bar and enjoy.

maximillious > Group B-raaaaaaaaaap!
09/13/2013 at 16:37

Its a brand called "Sconnie" based out of madison that makes wisconsin apparel. I am from milwaukee and that was the Milwaukee shirt they made. What you cannot see in the pic is the little blue star marking milwaukee on the state. The Block M while being a Michigan thing now was once the logo for the Milwauke Braves

Kinja'd!!!

Group B-raaaaaaaaaap! > maximillious
09/13/2013 at 16:38

That's pretty awesome. I had worried that some Wolverines were getting out of hand.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > maximillious
09/13/2013 at 16:39

Nice! What's you build number? I've got number 85, just turned over 99k, and still running strong; apart from the clutch. My replacement kit should be arriving today or tomorrow.

I've got a poly lower-engine mount, STS, and FSWerks Stealth exhaust. Going to be adding some more poly suspension bushings over time as I have the full kit, an Aluminum flywheel when I have the clutch replaced, and all three shifter bushings from Steve on FocalJet.com

I've always thought the R32 was a good lateral replacement for the SVT. Still a sporty, small-ish hatchback, but with a little more refinement.

maximillious > Group B-raaaaaaaaaap!
09/13/2013 at 16:39

haha thanks :) nope just some cleverly nostalgic wisconsinites hard at work.

Group B-raaaaaaaaaap! > maximillious
09/13/2013 at 16:42

We have a lot of that in MI.

Kinja'd!!!

These decals are on a lot of cars, too:

Kinja'd!!!

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > maximillious
09/13/2013 at 16:44

Yup. the idle is related to the tune from Ford. Get an tuner and a tune from FSWerks and it will make it so much more driveable. I don't have one, but it's on the list of upgrades I want to do.

Only 40k!? Wow. Have you changed the timing assembly? If it's still original you better sell it soon as it's a time-bomb. The tensioners will and have let go with age, and our SVT's are 11 years old now.

maximillious > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
09/13/2013 at 16:47

3051/4788 is my build. I love the car. It handles amazingly well, but I am getting bored with FWD. I live in Wisconsin and would enjoy AWD. I am not a huge fan of the body styline of the SVT, although it grows on me. The engine tone of the SVT is great, and I know when I give it some juice and pull away people are wondering what is under that Focus hood haha

maximillious > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
09/13/2013 at 16:50

It has a Diablo Sport Predator tune in it already. (Which is throwing a computer error) That idle problem really pisses me off. I will have to look at the timing assembly thing. do you have more information or a link to more info on that anywhere?

maximillious > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
09/13/2013 at 16:56

I did some reading at focusfanatics and it looks like everyone is doing the belt and internals around 95k. IM not too worried being that its at 40k now. I know i wont have this car past 45k IF THAT. Since I am already shopping around haha

feather-throttle-not-hair > maximillious
09/13/2013 at 17:05

Honestly the MKIV R32 probably the coolest car to come from VW in the last 20 years or so.

That's just my two cents.

maximillious > feather-throttle-not-hair
09/13/2013 at 17:09

couldnt agree more

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > maximillious
09/13/2013 at 17:10

www.focaljet.com

The best resource for SVT Focus info. The general rule on FJ is timing every 5-6 years or ~80k miles. You can push it to 95k, but with the age these cars are now, and the probability that your timing assembly is original, you are asking for trouble waiting if you don't unload the car. And it would be kind to inform whoever you sell it to that the timing needs done, if you are so inclined.

You are always running 91+ gas as well, correct? The SVT requires Premium Unleaded. Just checking, not trying to insult you.

The DiabloSport doesn't work as well on the SVT for some reason. The SCT tuners work best. You should still be able to read the code using the DS.

Not that the winters in Ohio are as bad as WI, but I bought a set of SVT Contour wheels on CL and threw some Goodyear RSA all seasons on them and they work well enough.

maximillious > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
09/13/2013 at 17:30

I Run 91+ always. I have heard horror stories about not. I dont have the Diablo Sport computer... the last person who owned it did the tune but didnt give the tuner to the dealership with the car. It was all suspect but I know it was tuned because the owners manual for the tuner was in the glove box and the computer is throwing the error. I am not really that worried about the snow. I drove and 05 civic SI before this SVT and I was fine. I would just love to have the AWD for those months and what bettwe way than in a sporty hot hatch haha

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > maximillious
09/13/2013 at 17:45

That's lame. The previous owner can't even use the tuner until they've cleared the tune from your car if it wasn't reset to factory before they sold it.

Ford wants $$$ for a reflash, so that's probably out since you want to sell it soon.

Having heard about the winters in WI, we have friends in Madison, I can't say I blame you for wanting AWD. Good luck finding the new ride.

maximillious > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
09/13/2013 at 17:49

Yeah it pisses me off too. I even called the Stealership in ILLINOIS to get the tuner but they said the previous owner didnt have it and they couldnt call him. That dealership was the worst ever. Once I got the car home and did some basic stuff to it i found that they mixed coolants....idiots. Never ever buy a car in Illinois, they have almost no regulation over dealerships and they have to do almost zero inspection on the car. When I get my new car I am going to drive down there walk in the door and flip off everyone in that place. I am also going to flash the computer before I sell it.

911e46z06 > maximillious
09/13/2013 at 19:06

That's e46 M3 money buddy. But if you don't want everyone to think you're a douche, go ahead.

maximillious > 911e46z06
09/13/2013 at 20:39

I hear you have to have DEEEEEEEEEEEP pockets for E46 M3's for repairs and maintenance. Trust me I have considered that car heavily. The R32 AWD would be nice in Wisconsin Winters. Also alot of people have e46s and the R32 is pretty unique... I shouldnt say a lot of people have E46s but I probably see 10 to every 1 r32.

911e46z06 > maximillious
09/14/2013 at 04:23

All very true. Just a few weeks ago I traded in my e39 for an e46 m3 for my DD. Dropped $123 today on a new wiper fluid pump, and we're less than 2 months in, but it's still the best decision I've ever made. Hot damn, is it good. It's just so goddamn good.

I'm sure the R32 is too, and it definitely edges the m3 in the rarity department. But as far as I'm concerned, rwd is better than not rwd. All that said (and keep in mind it all comes from a BMW fanboy), the R32 is a pretty interesting/awesome rig.

maximillious > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
09/17/2013 at 11:09

Hey. So I talked to ford and they cannot actually "Reflash" the car. they can only install the latest update but not return it to stock. If i buy a new tuner and install over the Diablo sport will it mess up the car or should it just replace the programming that is in there now?

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > maximillious
09/17/2013 at 12:14

That's correct. The stock tune is stored on the DiabloSport, and cannot be recovered unless you have it. Ford can put their most current tune onto the car, but not the original one it left the factory with. The newer Ford tune is better than the stock one anyway.

If you were selling private party, I would invest in getting an SCT tuner and a tune from FSWerks. If you are only trading it in, then I would just get the Ford tune flashed to it. Unless the SCT tuner is cheaper. I know FSWerks charges $100 per tune, but they are best at tuning for the SVT in the country, and their customer service is beyond excellent. I have honestly never seen anyone post anything negative about them on FocalJet in the 7 years I have been on that forum.

I think an SCT that will work for the SVT sells for about $200 - $300, maybe. I haven't looked in a while. Not sure what your local Ford will charge for the updated tune.

maximillious > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
09/17/2013 at 14:06

I am guessing that is not the same as the Tom guy i read about all the time on the forums. I know he uses the SCT tuner. I think he is with Focus Power? You are saying this FSwerks place is better?

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > maximillious
09/17/2013 at 19:09

Lol. Infinitely better. Tom has made many enemies among the Focus community, and many people would not recommend working with him.

FSWerks started out as FocusSport, and has earned their stellar reputation for superb customer service.

maximillious > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
09/17/2013 at 20:05

Yeah it seems like ff and fj are equally divided on randy and tom.... I spoke to tom today and he seemed pretty legit. I don't know all the history though so there is that. I'm going to call fwerks tomorroe to get their take on it. I hear one big dofference is werks doesn't give you updates for life like tom but fj certainly thinks they are better. I didn't realize there was such a distinct divode between all this haha

maximillious > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
09/17/2013 at 20:05