That's good to know! Also, I can see why a G sedan driver would move on to a Golf R as well. Nice to see that you have one, too!

 

Golf R FYI:
The AWD (Haldex) oil should be replaced every 20,000 miles and the filter replaced every 40,000 miles.
Nice DIY: https://www.vwvortex.com/threads/mk7...e-diy.8908177/

 

hmm that’s good to know! I picked it up at 20K miles—I need to look back and see if that service was done yet.

I’m hoping mine will be as trouble free-ish as the G37 was, but I think that’s asking a lot from a German vehicle.

So far, the only thing I can see driving me crazy over time will be this clutch. I’ve done the little mods to improve the feel, but I think I’ll be getting the Sachs SRE clutch next year.

 

That is another good point. I am sure I could reach over and open the door to get it started and maybe a teacher could close it once she gets in. We could probably figure it out, but maybe I should go back to considering the M3 (I do like the styling a bit better than the M2). Or maybe I just keep the G like I was going to do if I got a new Z.

 

I think you might be right about that...
By today's standards, the G37 isn't very complex. Port fuel injection, variable cam timing, even the VVEL system is quite basic using electric motors, rockers and shafts.

The Golf R is much more complicated. It ha a dual fuel system (direct AND port injection), turbocharged, 3 drive chains (cams, oil pump & balance shafts)
The water pump is located at the back of the engine and is driven by a belt, that is driven from the balance shaft, that is driven via chain from the crankshaft.

If anyone wants more technical details, here is a great document by VW: https://www.carworklog.com/stuff/SSP...eration%29.pdf

 

Might be picking up a 2018 Ford Escape Titanium in August. My mom has one as a lease that's going back, but the buyout is ~$7000 less than market price for it so even though it's not something super interesting, it might make some sense.

 

And you've just sold me on never buying the golf R now.

 

I saw a E36 M3 with a LS1, what a beautfiul combination. It weighs around 3k and has 430hp. That's enough.

 

And if done right - reliable

 

I hear the LTs are even better. I would love to get an E36 or E46 Wagon and have it swapped.

 

haha! I wouldn’t let engine complexity deter you from the car. it’s really a blast to drive; and through lurking the forums/groups they SEEM relatively reliable. Still, fingers crossed.

 

I am really staring to get interested in the Mazda 3 AWD Turbo with 310 (87 octane) / 320 (93 octane) foot-lbs torque in a 3400 lb car.
Car and Driver just tested it: 0-60 in 5.6 and 1/4 mile in 14.1 @ 99 MPH:
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...y-the-numbers/

All for about $35,000!

The only downside (for now) is there is no manual transmission

 

I'm waiting to try one of these once we get one, but I am told it is not as sporty as you would like and not as lively as the old Mazdaspeed3. I bet the fit and finish is about 100 times better than the old Mazdaspeed3 though.

That E36 w/ the V8 sounds like fun.

 

I think you mean there is no manual transmission.

$919 for forged wheels--EACH. Who charges by the wheel

 

Another $10k to Corksport and you might have something scary fast.