Probably asked a lot - Pirelli vs R32

[Portent]

I would appreciate an opinion. I'm in the lucky position of having three cars in contention. The main two are:

2008 Pirelli - 26k miles - £14k but is a little untidy. VW dealer.
2006 mk5 R32 - 17k miles - £11k and is in superb condition. Independant dealer.

The ace in the hole for the R32 is that it's early March 2006 and therefore falls into the cheaper £270 tax bracket. I'm very much undecided on which I prefer. I have owned various VAG cars including GTI's and V6's and love them all. So I think it comes down to which is likely to hold its money better in the future.

The V6 is the last of its breed and so may become an enthusiasts car in the future. But the Pirelli was a very limited run (albeit 'just' a slightly different GTI).

[Tortaruga]

I would buy the Pirelli. Newer, but mainly because you won't see another. R32's are common as muck by comparison.
Although the sound of the R32 is just stunning.

[driver rider]

R32 still tempts me.  That noise.  There won't be cars like it for the foreseeable future.  Get one!  Think they'll become a cult car.

[E30Dom]

I'd say R32 for sound and presence Pirelli for rarity and speed...

More details on the R32, might get myself lol

[Portent]

Thanks for the comments so far.

E30Dom, I see you've changed at some point from an R32 to an E30. Any regrets? Mind if I ask why you changed?

I'm also of mixed mind about the rarity of the Pirelli. Yes it is incredibly rare but it's "just" an E30 with different wheels/seats/badge. Wheras the R32 is "just" a mk5 but has a unique engine and drivetrain. When I drove the Pirelli I liked the nimbleness of it compared to a heavier car. But currently owning a mk4 4motion I'd really miss the 4wd. I do aave a Corrado VR6 to recapture that V6 sound though so wouldn't be going cold turkey on aural pleasure (when that thing hits 5k all hell breaks loose )

[Saintsteve]

With your 14k , I'd approach Greeners on here. his Pirelli is up for sale, and can tell you know ,it is absolutely Mint and superb spec. You won't be disappointed.

tell him I sent you  

Oh and Pirelli is where my money would be.


http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,51042.0.html

[Portent]

Thanks for the heads up on greeners car, but unfortunately I need a need a 5 door.

[andrewparker]

An R32 for that price with only 17k sounds like a pretty tempting prospect. What sort of mileage will you do in it?

[andrewparker]

Is it this one?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4148166.htm

[Saintsteve]

An R32 for that price with only 17k sounds like a pretty tempting prospect. What sort of mileage will you do in it?

Is it this one?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4148166.htm

Interior doesn't look to good for something so low on mileage...

[Portent]

Yes that's the one. There are indeed a few marks on the interior, but then it is a6 year old car.

[johnston]

i would say pirelli. Much more tuning potential, and a better looking car IMO. stick a R32 style milltek and rear bumper on it and u have the better end from both cars look wise. Lower fuel bills on the pirelli. cheaper insurance. cheaper servicing..
The only good bit about the r32 is the 4mo..

[sub39h]

if you're staying standard - R32


if you plan to modify - Pirelli (tho personally i'd look for a top spec Ed30 for the money you're looking to spend. i prefer the interior and alloys)

[R32UK]

R32... no question 

[john87]

This is the situation I was in when I ended up going for my GTI - I had the choice of both and decided on the GTI since it was still pretty quick, was cheaper to insure, tax etc and was in better nick...

I don't regret the decision I made, but every time I see an .:R32 driving about, that V6 soundtrack comes into my head and I can't help but think I should have took the chance to own one of the best-sounding 'daily drivers' ever made  even if it is heavy, inefficient and makes less sense than the GTI; sometimes you have to buy with your heart