2023 MK8 Golf R 15,000 Mile Ownership Review + Future Plans!

[@blam9346]

Not that this is relevant to the video, but as of recent, EQT made an announcement on their mk8R (Stock turbo, Intake, IC, DP, EQT MPI on full E85, tuned TCU) performance results. -1/4mile @ 10.66s (128mph trap speed at 60F ambient temps). So still room for more improvement -0-60mph @ 2.79s -60-130mph @ 8.62s What a f*cking time to be alive as a MK8R owner lol.

[@Nebuleads]

Judging by those #'s I would say that's about on par with a stage 2 DAZA (93 oct.) which is extremely impressive indeed. 👍

[@noahfps]

Looking to purchase this car in the near future & was super happy to come across this video. Thanks my man!

[@JVette01]

Glad I could help!

[@waelal-zubieri5358]

trust me, don't get a B9 S4/S5. I actually sold my prestige S5 sportback for a Golf R. There is nothing wrong with the cars , but they are not engaging cars to drive. the S5 bored me and made me question my decision every time I drove it. It's not just about speed. Yeah they are about the same, but the Golf R, is just really enjoyable even at traffic speed.

[@JVette01]

Thanks for pointing that out! The golf r is a hoot for sure

[@RDriver2.0]

Surprised about the S5 and not being engaging. Interesting point...

[@MatthewJay80]

I really enjoyed my B9.5 S5, and felt it was a substantial upgrade from my MK7.5 GTI.

[@brandonp5762]

I love my 19' s5 coupe, maybe yours is boring because its 4 doors and heavier? mines is 033 stage 1 FBO. If you have good roads by you and no traffic its great. Its very fast though, so maybe where you live you have no fun. I also had a tuned b9 a4 with exhaust FBO, that was super fun and i would be red lining and making all the DSG farts, not nearly as much power so esay to get allot out of it making it fun to drive. My s5 can easily get me in jail terriotry very quickly...

[@MatthewJay80]

@@brandonp5762 I hear that man! My FBO B9.5 S5 pulled on an F80 M3 from roll like he was standing still. I didn’t even want to race, but he flagged me down on the highway. Comparing it to my 2019 Camaro ZL1, Audi RS3, and current G87 M2 I felt it was very nimble and one of the best all around “sporty” vehicles.

[@jimdrivas4949]

Nice job on the video. Very down to earth talk. It’s tough to find a better overall daily driver than the Golf R. My 2019 Golf R with a stage 1 tune and trans tune was perfect. I did trade it in for my 2024 BMW M2 and I still miss it. BMW made me a deal I couldn’t refuse. Keep up the good work!

[@JVette01]

The M2 is a whole different animal! Thanks for watching

[@racer247]

Nice review as usual, Golf R is such an all a round great car. Hatchback with all the bells and whistles, 4 doors, AWD, comfortable, economical, and Fast. It all adds up to a car that's practical and fun.

[@JVette01]

Absolutely! :) when I think about it, there’s nothing else out there that I would rather have in that price range (new)

[@racer247]

​@@JVette01That's saying a lot from a guy who lives in Vegas. I live in Michigan where the other cars I was cross shopping would've been garaged during the winter, besides the GR Corolla, which was a Hard Pass after driving a friend's. No creature comforts, adjustable dampers, cheap looking interior, crazy markup and underwhelming performance. It was the car I was most excited about until I actually saw and drove it.

[@JVette01]

Yeah true. It’s just such a good daily. Sure, you could get a Supra for not much more and it’s “more fun” and faster but it’s not nearly as comfortable/practical as the golf

[@bmw_for_life8902]

I’m a vw tech when it comes to warranty if vw can not prove that the issue is related to the tune it will be cover also when it comes to them even knowing if the car is tuned it is hit or miss the scanner most of the time will not pick up on the tune if it has been flashed back to stock I have even seen car with tunes that were not flashed back to stock come in and not get flagged now if there are bolt on parts and stuff it’s not gonna look good but if the car looks stock most the time you will be ok

[@JVette01]

Yeah I feel like since my car looks 100% stock (it is visually) then it probably didn’t raise any eyebrows.

[@hovan2yourjunk]

Is an intake a big deal? Do I need to replace the stock air ox before I take it in for service?

[@bmw_for_life8902]

@@hovan2yourjunk if there is no tune u should be fine they won’t trip but if it is tuned I would take it off just to not rase any eyes

[@bmw_for_life8902]

@@JVette01 yeah u definitely chillin

[@hovan2yourjunk]

@@bmw_for_life8902 no tune…yet 😉 Thanks buddy!

[@ronniesosin3265]

Nice review as always! I hear ya on the tcu tune. Can’t wait to tune mine when the tcu is unlocked.

[@JVette01]

Yes! We need the tcu already 😭

[@ronniesosin3265]

@@JVette01 yes and then the car will really be fun!!

[@martybarrios123]

Yes, I got the same yellow engine light on with my 2023 GTI S, and the dealer took care of the evap system at no cost.

[@martybarrios123]

That was only at 5,800 miles with 12 months ownership

[@JVette01]

Thanks for sharing

[@CrimpKeeper]

@@martybarrios123 bummer

[@vunlz4896]

Some dealers don’t mind the mods at all lol but some do. I have taken my GTI for some warranty parts at my local vw and I’m FBO IS38 E85 and they love the car. At first I was ready to pay for some stuff because I thought they were going to void my warranty but they didn’t and just asked me what I had done to the car

[@JR007x]

Great update on the R! Glad to see everything is running smoothly. Btw, I own a ‘22 AMG C43 (coupe) with the twin-turbo V6 and it’s stellar! From performance to design. Also, I have a ‘18 Mustang GT PP1 as well and of course it’s faster and rowdy which I love!

[@JVette01]

Great lineup! I like the older c43 with the TT V6!

[@Dillon000]

I absolutely love my S5 Sportback! At my dealership (at the time) we also had a few Golf Rs. I really enjoyed the MK8R A LOT but I just felt for me personally, the S5 was a better daily. I really love that thing! I plan to go stage 3+ sometime in the near future! They turn into animals! Very interested to see what they do with the B10 S5 and S4!

[@JVette01]

Me too! Congrats on the S5

[@Dillon000]

@@JVette01 Thanks man!

[@doctorrobert60]

I also bought 2023 Golf R but with 6 speed manual. I know the DSG is quicker but enjoy the engagement of the 6 speed. Only problem I have currently is failure of the Magna rear wheel drive. Suddenly got error messages and most cleared but the AWD unavailable message persisted. I have two cars so this happened at less than 4,000 miles. I read the rear wheel drive should be serviced every 10,000-20,000 miles with the shorter interval if you track the car. This involved changing the filter on the pump unit and changing the pump and differential oil. More common failure is the pump but was told mine is differential failure. My car has been at the dealer 10 days and the part comes from Europe so maybe another few weeks to arrive. Then 1-2 days labor. VW should have the part in USA in my view to prevent the delay. Glad this happened under warranty but worry this could happen again but hope the differential was defective from the factory. I have avoided hard launches to save the clutch since the torque is limited to 280 from the factory. Sorry for the long post but just wanted to chime in. Great video covering the car, thanks for posting!

[@JVette01]

I hope they get your car fixed soon!

[@doctorrobert60]

@@JVette01 Thank you!

[@chrism869]

Glad you enjoy the car,glad they fixed the check engine light issue even when it has a tune it

[@jmed753]

I was on the fence between this car and a honda CTR. My main concern about the wagon was its reliability and maintenance. I DONT THINK a HONDA would have engine issues at those low miles

[@Symphoniics]

I’m glad to hear your ownership experience has been a positive one. I’ve been wrestling a lot lately with the idea of getting a 24 GTI S over the 24 Elantra N. I’ve commented on past videos that the EN’s exhaust is a huge factor for me. But another thing I discovered upon researching the issues each car has is the Mk8s are absolutely plagued with electrical issues. I see a new post almost every day in the Mk8 Facebook group about someone experiencing some crazy issue with the electronics. Likewise, I rarely see that in the N groups. But then I see videos from you and others with Mk8s who’ve had wonderful experiences. I guess it’s just a dice roll with the Mk8s

[@JVette01]

I’ve had 2 MK8s and never had any issues with that stuff. Maybe every now and then something weird will happen like my phone disconnecting but they’ve been great.. as far as GTI or EN, they’re both good options. EN if you want something more performance focused and GTI if you want a better daily that’s more refined thats similar in straight line speed with only 87 octane

[@Symphoniics]

@@JVette01Yeah, Mk8s seem so hit or miss. There are a lot of owners who haven’t had a single electrical issue or just very minor ones like you. But it just seems like such a roll of the dice. I see posts almost daily about people having bizarre issues with cabin lights, infotainment, backup cam, steering wheel, etc. But man, the Mk8 just looks so good and is so refined that I can’t help wanting it lol

[@JVette01]

I recommend looking into my GTI playlist. Might help your decision ;) kzbin.info/aero/PL7hs59v20pjDmWKxRBlwxY33XOvErbLZQ&si=BuJcOwhW0ROIJW2I

[@Symphoniics]

@@JVette01 Maaan, I’ve already seen every video in there 😂 That’s exactly why it’s been so hard to choose. Made me realize how much value the Mk8 offers

[@JVette01]

The S model is a great value. SE + is too expensive imo.

[@bariscars]

Great video ! Downpipe makes a huge difference. Burbles and the dsg sounds are much more agressive and adds a drama to the car, i really recommend it

[@JVette01]

That’s why I would consider. For sound only since performance gains are minimal I’ve heard

[@JacesOwnWorld]

I highly recommend the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires. Have them on my MK7 GTI. I’ve ran a lot of different tires on this car, and for the money, these are the best. They last a long time (I’ll be getting an easy 40k miles out of them and it’s been 90% city driving and 10% canyon runs), they’re compliant and comfortable on the road, and they have the grip you’ll ever need for the street. You can find deals on them pretty often too.

[@JVette01]

I’ll look into those

[@k00LuEdAm]

Like the videos man. What all is done to yours? Just a tune and e85.

[@JVette01]

Thanks! Yes, just e85 tune

[@charleskaczmarek6568]

@jvette, I haven't had the door sills creak on my Golf R ('24), but they did on my M3. When I took it in, BMW put felt tape on the inside edge where the door sill met the painted part of the body, immediate fix. Just passing it along in case it comes back or you want to give it a shot.

[@JVette01]

Thanks for the tip. It’s actually very minor now, barely hear it, might just grease them every now and then

[@davidG15]

So apparently an evap is an issue . My mk8 r got it at 15000k with no tune 🤔

[@vebalasvegas31]

Im glad they took care of it . even if your car is tuned..👍👍

[@JVette01]

🙏

[@DJRAMVEVO2013]

Dude I literally got the exact same code on my 24R, tuned 034 stage 1

[@JVette01]

Interesting. Did you get it fixed?

[@TomShirazi]

Audi S4 and S5 are nice, but I would throw the RS3 in that group. As I mentioned before, that's the car I wanted when we bought our S3 in 2021 since RS3 was not going to be out for another year. I just drove an RS3 last weekend. Audi's 5 cylinder is AWESOME, and the car is a hoot. There is a place in Arizona that can tune them to 642 BHP. In Europe, they call the tuned version RS3-R. On a different note, how did you get 15K miles on your Golf R. I only have 3200 miles on mine. Obviously, you like driving it a lot. We will be taking ours when traveling to Oregon to visit family in a few weeks, so we will be putting a few more miles on it. I am looking forward to the drive since I am the family designated driver.

[@JVette01]

RS3 is great! A little too expensive for me right now and I feel like it wouldn't make sense to have an RS3 and my M2 when the Golf does daily driver things so well and it's been great so far.

[@BigPoppaAA]

Good 15k Miles review. Regarding the door creaking sound - I had this problem also but I lubricated the felt linings on the edge of the doors with Gummi Pflege Stift, the sound went away. (not the rubber door seals, rather the felt-like strip to the upper 1/2 of the door above the windows where it makes contact with the door frame). Is your new Michelin tires quieter than the stock Hankook ones? I also have Hankook as stock and the droning noise on coarser roads is annoying due to the tread pattern. I'm considering the Michelin PS5/PS4 or the non performance oriented Yokohama Advan Sport V107

[@JVette01]

Thanks for the tip. I go over my thoughts on the tires in the video

[@robt9790]

I cannot wait for the TCU tune I just upgraded the exhaust on mine. Did you use your manufacturer warranty for the EVAP system or did you purchase a warranty from the dealership?

[@JVette01]

Manufacturer warranty. Everything's covered for 4 years / 50k miles.

[@slamminx3]

Turbo went on mine after 4 months from brand new. It was also stage 1 tuned. VW wouldn't fix it as the tune was flagged up, even after I flashed it back 😢. Luckily Racingline who tuned it, paid to replace the turbo thinking the tune could've been the cause. Turns out somehow very small bits of plastic got into the turbo and cracked the turbine blades. Have you noticed any creaking from the back suspension when going over bumps or having passengers in the back?

[@JVette01]

No creaking. However, sometimes there was a thump coming from the back and it was my roadside assistance and tire iron kit that was making the noise

[@392Reviews]

Current Yacht owner...21' Daytona Charger 392...considering getting a smaller AWD vehicle. Golf R...S3...if you could tell someone who is considering a Golf R one thing what would it be? Appreciate your response in advance!

[@JVette01]

Buy it haha. I'd recommend watching my Golf R playlist because I go over goods and bads.

[@392Reviews]

@@JVette01 I watched this and your 10K review...let me go Like both also! I appreciate your honesty and straightforwardness. Did you consider an S3? Side note I LOVE the M2...I also would love an RS3 but the M2 / R combo goes crazy my friend.

[@JVette01]

I did not consider S3 because I personally believe the Golf R is better, more special, and less expensive too.

[@benbustama3430]

Which tuner did you go with?

[@JVette01]

034 Motorsport. I mention in the video

[@du3lcitiz3n]

I swapped the Hankook's at 300 miles for Michelin PS4's. The hankooks are in my basement. I'd be curious to hear your impressions on which is better.

[@JVette01]

I did go over it a little in the video

[@makinmoneywithjuan1108]

Ever considered a aftermarket blow off valve instead of intake so you at least get some sound from the turbo??

[@JVette01]

Nah not really. If I did an aftermarket intake, it would give that blow off sound. If I ever feel I want that, I will get one

[@hovan2yourjunk]

@@JVette01Hey man…any clue if I have to swap out my intake for the stock air box before I take it in for service? Brand new GTI…only 600 miles. Just curious for the future

[@JVette01]

Not sure. Probably won't be an issue unless the problem has something to do with your intake.

[@jerryel1nico]

Why was the evap sensor labor so expensive?

[@JVette01]

No idea haha

[@coreykaar962]

Well dont get an S4 sold my gti for it and the engine blew up after getting it tuned by IE. Worse mistake wish I would of got the R.

[@iankerr6526]

thinking about getting a golf r. I want the apr stage 1 plus (need warranty). Without the TCU tune available, does the car shift or launch weird at all?

[@JVette01]

Sometimes it will do a weird shift at launch, yes. Overall, it's good though

[@williebrown1974]

Is that Findlay VW in Henderson?

[@JVette01]

Yeah that’s where I got it serviced

[@gunterification]

oil consumption?

[@JVette01]

Nope

[@jodirt2k7]

Is it possible for the dealership to detect the Tuned ?

[@JVette01]

Not sure, but if they can, they must not have cared

[@jessestevenson8041]

Yup, as soon as VW requests a scan, usually as part of a warranty claim, it will come up as “TD1” flagged, even if you flashed it back to stock. Once your car is flagged in VW’s system any dealer that runs your vin will see the flag. That doesn’t mean the warranty is void, they can only legally deny warranty coverage on failures that can be traced to the tune. The emissions issue Jvette01 had is known and happens frequently in untuned cars, they’d have a hard time denying a claim based on the tune since you can look up where several others have had that same problem untuned.

[@Rs3mocha]

Should've ppf the front end

[@JVette01]

Eh.. unpopular opinion but I don’t care for PPF

[@hovan2yourjunk]

Another quick question…do you like the larger paddle shifters on the R? I got after market stick on shifters for my mk8 GTI but they get in the way. Wondering if it’s worth the swap to the R paddles.

[@JVette01]

The R paddles are great. I’m not a fan of paddle shifter extensions

[@hovan2yourjunk]

@@JVette01 Yeah…lesson learned. The extensions were terrible. Already took them off. Thanks bud

[@geneg6343]

Did you consider the Audi RS3? I know it cost around the same price as a M2. We are currently thinking about a new Golf R, Audi RS3, or BMW M2. The Golf R is the value leader but I am worried about getting use to the lack of buttons and most of the functions of the car are accessed in the center screen. What are your thoughts on the sound quality of the stereo of the Golf R?

[@JVette01]

The sound is fine. Nothing special but not necessarily bad. I did consider an rs3, but I like my golf r better in some ways especially given the price difference

[@RDriver2.0]

You got lucky not blowing a TDI on that service call. They could void your warranty as I don't trust Volkswagen.... I have PPF all over car and it's not 100% armour proof but mine's holding up well... say how do find your 4S tires? I Just got new ones a couple of weeks ago. Had some mild humming when I first got them jnstalled but thankfully it's dissipated after some break in period..

[@JVette01]

Interesting. My Michelins are fine

[@yigitkucukay6374]

I have 2024 i hate 1 issue only ınformation media system first couple minutes so slow but generally enjoyable car more pros than other brands 😊

[@yigitkucukay6374]

I can't modify my car because under warranty 😢

[@dylan4119]

Get a cheaper manual trust me nothing like shifting your own gears when it comes to engagement.

[@JVette01]

That would be fun if I got like a $5k car to toy around with

[@dylan4119]

@@JVette01 I got a gti mk8 manual last year as kinda my fun toy car and well I see a lot of used options that would of been alot cheaper and still be alot fun for 5 to 10k lol. Nothing like it paddles are great and way better in track conditions and allows you to focus on what really matters. But when ur cruising on a joy ride it’s really hard to beat imo.

[@JVette01]

Yeah manuals are fun, I just don’t get them in cars that have very good auto alternatives

[@dylan4119]

@@JVette01 cause it’s a manual;) I know what ya mean but when ya do get get good with the manual and familiar it’s not that much slower but when ur learning like I am it’s def slower lol. A lot of cool used manual out there cheap atm could be a fun experience to go from crazy m2 power to a car you gotta really rev out to get speed