2024 VW Golf R: The Best Car For Under $50,000?

Today I drive and review a 2024 Volkswagen Golf R!
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[@jonathandemont3758]

There is a handle on the hatch for closing. It’s inverted on the plastic part. I have a ‘22 Golf R and I come from having many VW’s. it works fine.

[@user-se8lu5qy6c]

I bought a 2023 20th Anniversary edition Golf R four months ago. I love it. We also have a 2022 Audi S3. We love the Audi just as much. Audi has a nicer and more user friendly interior. VW has more options for less $. Audi is a better looking car, but it was $9K more expensive. All in all, they are both great value for $ spent. I highly recommend both.

[@karmahunden]

What's up with VW dealership employee buying their own shit lol.... i literally went to buy one the other day and the "only blue one" was already reserved for the manager, then they let me test drive a DSG black one but I had to pick it that same day because their was a mechanic that had already dibs on it, if no client wanted it. Geesh.

[@user-se8lu5qy6c]

​@@karmahunden I put out feelers through internet sales managers in our 100 mile vicinity. I requested info through the VW portal from all the dealers and got many responses. Most dealerships were asking for $10K over MSRP. Two wanted 15K over MSRP (yeah, right!). Couple wanted $5K over MSRP. I was able to find a dealer that did not put any markup stickers on their cars. I worked out the deal that I wanted for the Golf R as well as my trade (with the internet manager via email). Two days later, the car arrived on the truck and the internet manager let me know as soon as it arrived. I went there the next morning, and the deal was done in 15 minutes. They gave me all I wanted for my trade-in and sold me "R" for exactly what we worked out via email (MSRP). On my trade, which was 4 years old, I was able to get $7K less than what I paid for it when I bought it brand new. It takes a little time, some footwork, and lots of persistence, but it is worth it when it was all said and done. I did the same thing with the S3 back in 2021 (during COVID). Due to supply chain issues, the markup on cars were crazy high and my S3 was one of the first ones to get here from Germany (had a 10K markup sticker). I did the same thing and was able to get the S3 for MSRP and got all the $ for my trade (my trade was little over 4 years old, and I got $4,500 less than what I paid for it brand new). You just got to look around, don't give up, be persistent, stand your ground for the deal you want, and don't be afraid to walk away if they try to rake you over the coals for the purchase price/interest rate (if you finance)/the trade-in value.

[@vandrosia]

1) Can you turn off the auto-dimming side mirrors? 2) Can you redline the DSG without it autoshifting for you or is that only possible in Nürburgring mode?

[@Dagot1948]

Just picked up my new 2024 R 6sp in Lapis blue yesterday. I had to drive nearly 400 miles to get it, though. Dealers in my area are "adjusting" prices by $5K IF you got there fast enough. The dealership I dealt with worked me by phone and Face Time and we settled on a much better price. I traded in a 2022 Golf GTI 6sp which is a great drive, too . Driving home took 8 hours due to intermittent heavy traffic, but gave me a great feel for how planted and fast it is. Having had a 2018 R, I know how good these are in snow. Yeah, the buttonless climate control is terrible, but I'm used to it now and it's not a deal breaker. I'm very happy to get the last of the manuals. I hope VW reconsiders this stupid move.

[@freeridetony]

Can we be a friends? ! e😂😂🎉

[@tdub25]

How was the depreciation on the gti

[@Dagot1948]

@@tdub25 At the time of my purchase, the price of used cars was on the way down. I got full Blue Book for the trade, which wasn't too bad.

[@Tigerex966]

5k less or more

[@johnh.heartland7952]

I have the Golf R 20th edition with 6 Speed Manual. If you are on the fence for a pricey hatchback, get the Automatic (DSG)

[@rxytv]

this is definitely the car i’m getting in march 🤭

[@user-ul4wy2lx2m]

My gti is a good car but would love to try out the golf r but it went up in price 😢

[@GOD999MODE]

Please bring back quality buttons. Capacitive touch is not the future we want. Good, high quality, knobs and buttons, preferably aluminum.

[@rjmoyer2]

Yes!

[@Tigerex966]

Im surprised third parties have not addressed this by giving a wifi wired or Bluetooth or accessories that can be hacked until the system to give real buttons switches ac knobs volume tuning balance play pause ff rv that can be installed . I have seen the 2915 real steering wheel buttons these should be easy to retrofit. And maybe aux ib sacd DVD audio sacd player in glove box. High quality 360 camera and front front rear recording dash cam that can transmit to the center screen. Side mirror cameras that show in the screen when you signal a turn.

[@gobblegobblematt]

Does anyone know if the vw white has pearl in it?

[@Tigerex966]

Can a traditional parking brake be modded in for safety and fun,?

[@eagletalon9735]

I feel like VW trolled all of us who hate gloss black anywhere with that key fob...

[@happycampr1546]

Do these have android auto? I never see it listed on the specs anywhere

[@jab92]

If you can get it under $50k, then yes. The "if" is the problem in the current market...

[@thebrassbandit]

In Canada this car brand new with the DSG and carbon package/sunroof cost me ~$41,000 USD. Or $56,000 CAD. And that included front end PPF, muddy buddy mats all around, and lifetime windshield rockchip repair. I think it's good for the price. And Corolla GR's are basically impossible to find.

[@anthonyrodriguezjr.8728]

The price would be ok if they actually stood at MSRP and these dealer mark ups are ridiculous, reason I didn’t get one

[@Digiphex]

Do you have a Go Pro on a head mount or how do you film?

[@BenBrrown]

Similar to how miles & Topher does it

[@Djart82]

Still available?

[@LL1684L2]

I'm wishing I'd be in the market for a good awd vehicle next year (2024) but financially it doesn't yet feel right to replace my existing '15 Scion FR-S. We'll see, now that I know this R-spec is out. This is all especially since Subaru has let many of us down with its sudden discontinuation of its STI. Toyota's little hot hatch seems too limited in its availability but may be my other potential choice at this time. Thanks for the review.

[@theheresiarch3740]

Subaru was on the way out as a company for car enthusiasts in 2014 when they got rid of their hatchback. Now that they've also ditched the STI entirely and only make lame Mom cars with CVTs, there are a lot of people who will never own one again. Plus now that they make like five slightly different SUVs and crossovers and nothing else, they're cannibalizing their own market.

[@user-mb8re1jm2q]

Hi friend I wanna give you my genuine advice. The golf R and only the 2.0 turbo chassy does things that if you attempt to do in your car one side will go in air and things get very very done basically, where in the same situation at over 100 mph the R do things very more aggressively than it can do on lower speeds. Plus the wheel itself is ro die for, that confidence and control and once change the tires to fatter wider gooey Michelin or Continental solely then it will become even more fun and less harshness and more occasional sideways which btw the new norborgring or whatever its called mode literally proves my theory on fatter tires. It will only make the R more M3 M4 like to slide instead of the skinny tires grasping ro the asphalt too much. In this theory and the car simply behaving Lamborghini like above 100 mph the combination of fat tires will balance the over good handling of this car which is just too much in most scenarios. The wider size also 255 is to ensure finer ride and insurance basically

[@jus_call_me_los]

Dsg transmission comes from the lambo which is also a vw company so u have a bit of Audi and lambo mixed into the golf r but most don’t know

[@tdub25]

…..More like your lambo has vw parts…. Since the last lambo developed tranny was a junky single clutch automated manual in the aventador… the dsg was developed by vw

[@cborel83]

Is there a heads up Display? I see something on the windshield

[@adamfehr1994]

Yes

[@johnh.heartland7952]

Yes, it will display your speed and the posted speed as detected by the front camera. It comes very handy in school zones.

[@nickelass427]

Tbh, I have yet to see a Golf R sticker under 50k at dealerships around me here in south Florida +_-

[@umbraydn]

I think...I think this is the car I trade my 2012 Golf R in for...I've loved this car for the past 7 years, but it's time for something new. Now the question is, do I grab the DSG or 6speed? I enjoyed learning and driving stick with the MK6, but the DSG looks insanely fun. Plus, I moved to Seattle in the past year and we definitely have some curvy roads that the DSG would enjoy. Thank you for this video, it definitely helped tip me back towards the R over the GRolla.

[@psiturbo]

if you live on high traffic area, dsg

[@eklektikTechno]

I live in Chicago and have a 2018 Golf R 6 speed my only car for now and if I upgraded to the MK8 I’d go DSG due to the traffic and I’ve been driving manuals for 23 years but with the increase in traffic the auto is looking attractive!

[@kimboofdzners9574]

​@@eklektikTechnomy only gripe is, I am used to manual dsg from the center gear shifter, just like in my Lexus, and now is gone, just a small nugget feature.

[@saucyluu]

they do have a handle to close the trunk, its inside

[@mqbr22]

Have a 2022 MK8 R but thinking about trading for a M340. What would you daily? The R or M340?

[@amiller2121]

M340I has a much nicer interior and a better engine but overall, is a large step-down in excitement compared to the Golf.

[@eklektikTechno]

@@amiller2121 I personally would never join the Beamer club I’ll go Audi before going that route. A used RS3 or older RS4 for me

[@mqbr22]

@@layne4376 I have heard that from so many M340 owners. I got my R for the older original MSRP of $45,000 and some change. I’m looking now a low mileage 2020-2021 M340 X-drive is about $45,000 so it kinda tempting but I might hold off little longer and see

[@mqbr22]

@@layne4376 Good question. Honestly mostly due to my DSG leaks issues. I had 3 complete transmission replacements and it’s still leaking. Yes I know this sounds crazy. Other than that I truly love the R

[@mqbr22]

@@layne4376 Yea there has been some on the forum I saw and mine. Don’t trust 2020-2023 covid cars

[@antikytheramechanism7909]

They need a more Scirocco looking version of this with 2 doors. This looks like a square econobox that nobody will notice, even with all the badges and colors.

[@TorontoTowing]

Just bought ‘22 R in blue. 16,000k 49k$ (in Canada that’s cheap) I agree with everyone that price doesn’t reflect what’s given. But this is last model to get 6 speed moving forward.

[@user-kg7zr3yl3n]

it's msrp was 47k 💀

[@chris-cu2vi]

​@@user-kg7zr3yl3n$49k CAD is $36K usd. 2024 models are already being discounted to around $38k USD where I live.

[@thebrassbandit]

He means $49k in Canadian dollars. Roughly $36k USD. I just bought a '24 R DSG for ~$56K CAD, or $41.5K USD. ​@@user-kg7zr3yl3n

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

Are these going for at or below MSRP now? I know that as recently as about a year ago these were going for well above MSRP.

[@whysosad1234]

some as msrp, some just slightly above. in ohio, i got mine a few grand over because i was impatient and wanted blue/manual. west coast is still 7500-15k over, east coast more like 4-7k

[@larryveal7263]

I've got one coming in a couple of weeks for MSRP in NH, but there's one listed at 55K in another dealership nearby😮.

[@mikeromano453]

Below? Not a chance. At MSRP, if you scour the country you might be able to do it.

[@lancairw867]

In Tennessee they are either $3k over or msrp.

[@hojushigolsaneunsaram]

Im thinking of trading in a mustang gt for this... two doors get old after 5 years 😮

[@prodigyweeb8986]

I like this car because the interior blue accents lol

[@GLI_1701]

As an owner of a Mark 8 GTI 40 Anniversary Edition at 35000 is the sweet spot for the GTI at 48,000 it is Audi pricing

[@andrewwalkowiak563]

Now I know why my car shakes after seeing this video.

Ben, I’ve owned many VW’s. Their quality is very good. Not the materials of Audi but great quality cars.

[@viiixxcvi_416]

55k in toronto Ontario

[@user-mb8re1jm2q]

@8:35 DSG will start to become annoying after a couple of thousand miles or so and suddenly the Lag starts happening and so on. My 2022 Q5 45 Sline started this problem at 5k and my mk7 golf r started it in the first year also . But God knows how fast my 1st generation mk7 DSG was for the first few months. Faster than Bugatti and Ducati I'm talking about. It never was that fast ever again and problems accumulated due to skinny tires and not having great shock obsorbers and also bad for los angeles streets. BuTtt I'm still considering maybe buying this 2024 dsg and your video sounds like they beefed up the necessary things more than couple of times already since 2014 mk7 Should I buy it 🤔 👀 I'm 42 and insane

[@umbraydn]

Is there a known reason why the DSG eventually becomes laggy like you mentioned? Is there any upkeep you could do to keep it fresh? I'm thinking of grabbing this model, but can't decide between manual or DSG. I've had manual for the past few years in my MK6 R, and love driving stick...but not sure if the paddles are an upgrade or not. I'll test drive them both, of course, but it's like you said - it's hard to gauge issues or feel after a few thousand miles. I can't imagine ever getting tired of stick - I've literally driven across the country in the R, and can't wait to do it again...but something tells me DSG might get old after awhile.

[@user-mb8re1jm2q]

@@umbraydn hi 👋 I definitely guarantee that the DSG will change your life and its exactly like going wireless cellular phone that becomes 5G internet. This DSG is the 5G that you need. I've been looking for one and found out that the new bigger Continental Turbo comes with better DSG and that is good. Remember any action that makes the DSG male noise would break the clutch in a manual stick shift and this is another reason why you shouldn't get stick. I would say as soon as you learn the car just make sure when you know there is gonna be a delay don't force to floor it and let the automation do its thing. And the only factor that will keep the car in mint condition is to not drive it slow regularly. They beefed up everything and the 2025 will have some buttons to adjust hvac ac and Slightly better infotainment system. Another reason to get DSG is the extra speed and 0 to 60 and top speed and Mainly stuff that needs both hands on wheel and no time for stick once you Master double the speed with half of the effort

[@thebrassbandit]

DSG doesn't NEED, but should have, some specific driving habits to keep it lively as long as possible. For instance; barely releasing the brake, or still partially holding the brake, and allowing the vehicle to creep forward can cause premature clutch wear. It's a good practice to always either be on the brake, or on the gas. Not really fluttering between the two. Bumper-to-bumper traffic it can be tempting to let it just roll under its own power, but really you should let the vehicle infront of you advance a bit so that you can go from brake, to gas, back to brake. Additionally, if on an incline, it's bad for the vehicle to be allowed to rest under its own power, AKA releasing the brake and letting it hold itself with torque. Once again, you should always be either on the brake, or on the gas, to avoid slipping the clutches as often/heating them up. One thing I don't often see mentioned is that the owners manual for the Golf R specifically says to never allow the vehicle to roll down an incline in the Neutral setting, particularly if the engine is stopped, say if the automatic start/stop is engaged and you came to a stop and decided to switch to neutral do some reason. Obviously I don't know your driving habits nor do I know the type of driving/terrain/roads you do routinely, but that's the only real "weak" points in the DSG and it's more of an unknown learning curve to maximize longevity.

[@user-mb8re1jm2q]

@@thebrassbandit I haven't been amazed at a reply for ever. Thank you Master, this was super helpful 🙏

[@georgemax1661]

80k in Australia 😢

[@nikbau7642]

Get a GTI S for 33k great cars

[@outcast3397]

Golf R or Jcw Countryman???

[@katiecannon8186]

Golf R. No question

[@johnh.heartland7952]

Golf R, the handdling offereb by this vehicle it is superb

[@RAaaa777]

1 there is a handle to close the back door 2 materials are not the best, alot of hard plastic, older car had better materials

[@themusers03]

Not even Elantra nline is 25k, I think it's fairly priced.

[@i.d.6492]

What does this car has that's worth $15K more than Elantra N

[@ericw3517]

I still think the GTI gives you more bang for the buck.

[@AlperG35]

47k i think too expensive ican buy a new accord and second hand 2021 gr86

[@carter4294]

Way quicker than a GR86

[@vandrosia]

I seriously doubt legitimate buyers of a brand-new Golf R will cross shop an Accord or used '21 GR86.

[@AlperG35]

@@vandrosia minds are changable id1ot its my mind now..... gtfo

[@zone47]

They are killing the car by deleting the manual 6 speed. I was hoping to buy one but not ready until next year. It's not going to happen now.

[@signkutter9218]

Ive both the GTI and an R both mk7. IMO , the GTI is the better all around car fir the money IF you stick to the S version of the GTI. The R is better is acceleration and in inclement weather....The GTI is a better highway car, better daily driver, MUCH less expensive is S form....and is easily tunable to 350 hp.

[@bsr6823]

I just cannot get over the degradation of interior quality and design. The MK7 to MK7.5 was bad enough but this is beyond excusable. I sold my MK7.5 R and never looked back

[@1hondatoy]

Too Expensive !! My local Stealer ( Pete Moore ) in Pensacola what’s 5.5 K above sticker & will Not let you Test Driver on if you don’t agree on the Price. What a waste you my time, Good Luck trying to Sell them.

[@johnhunt9674]

50k?!😂😂😂

[@Corkfish1]

Nice because it's something an adult can drive

[@i.d.6492]

Just bought 2021 genesis g70 sport prestige with 20K miles for $33K. It's a steal because you get so much with so much power, I can't imagine paying that much with same milage for shitty vw

[@vwmafia1360]

You bought an overpriced Hyundai

[@i.d.6492]

@@vwmafia1360 overpriced Huyndai? Find me a car that gives you 365hp, rwd, heated/cooled seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, lexicon premium sound system, lsd, brembos on all 4 wheels not just front wheel, big moon roof, real nappa leather, sway headliner, hud, 360 camera, all the safety features including lane assist departure, parking assist, acc and more. Twin turbo v6. What brand can give me all of this for $33K I wait, exactly. Yall bum azz clowns paying for badge just to barely get any features in the car. I'll keep buy huyndai and kia. And btw that Elantra N manual will shit on VW on a track and it sounds better and is much cheaper and it'll last longer

[@raphaeldevalle9653]

I have a MK7 R. Perfect! MK8: No 6MT… too many electronics …… paying for all the wires IMHO…… Yes, more power but just can’t tear me away from the MK7

[@mcveigh1983]

I have a MK7.5 R now, and I am getting the MK8 R next month, we have manual here in Canada.

[@hellobooom]

Maybe for 38K it is a decent value proposition, but you can get in a mustang GT premium for less money.

[@theheresiarch3740]

But then you have to drive a Mustang, which is gross.

[@mikeromano453]

2 door RWD Mustang that's everywhere versus a limited production 4WD hatchback, makes sense

[@i.d.6492]

@@mikeromano453 that's overpriced and unreliable

[@recursion.]

Civic type R is way better cause it's got actually buttons and knobs for climate and media control.

[@nevercedes2070]

its a better drivers car.. thats it lol interior is not 50k in the type S or Type R

[@johnh.heartland7952]

I agree, however the low inventory of the new Civic Type R renders a huge dealership mark up.

[@vasilshipka277]

I love Volkswagen expecily the Golf model, but the new models have less and less features and quality than previous models and are more expensive. It is like Volkswagen is the new Opel or KIA. No practicality , poor quality, less features and big prices will make the costumers look for other models and brands. I beg Volkswagen to fix all this things so we can continue to buy this brand.

[@Penthousephil]

Best car ($ for $) cheaper than an aventador

[@Robert-yj1kk]

The piano black has to go.. easy to scratch and is cheap way to go at this price point.. 50k seriously wtf is going on with this market

Ben, those are two-toned machined wheels, most likely aluminum. Not close to being silver/chrome.

[@Iambetterthanyouanduknowit]

Sorry these prices are fucked. I can buy a brand new Lexus for 50 gs, an actual luxury brand.

[@dailypovs7800]

These are going 60k$ CAD🥲

[@adamfehr1994]

Got mine for 52k couple days ago

[@ubroberts5541]

Just bought a WRX Premium. It was $11,000.00 less than the Golf R. The golf is very nice but expensive.

[@speeddemon311]

Golf R is next level to a Subaru wrx bro!

[@hellobooom]

I don't like the MK8 VWs, so no more for me when I'm done with my mk7, but I have tested and tried to love the new WRX, but I just can't get over how butt ugly it is, just unacceptably so.

[@carter4294]

Golf R’s 0-60 is 3.9 seconds. 172mph top speed. If you consider the performance the price isn’t bad.

[@the_batmobile0.4]

Might as well get an Audi S3 at that point

[@genderlessyoutubefanperson]

R is better than S3. R comes fully loaded, it is cheaper and much more practical than the sedan S3. GOLF R has MAGNA torque vectoring diff and more powerful engine.

[@user-kg7zr3yl3n]

why are golfs so overpriced in north america

[@nateisright]

Review the shopping cart next

[@los4vws]

Sucks that it. Looks like a Honda civic

[@Grimesitty]

Even better go buy a Kona N while you still can for 35k, with the DCT you'll have just as much fun

[@speeddemon311]

No you won't lol

[@Grimesitty]

@@speeddemon311 100% you will and if you think otherwise leads me to believe you've never driven one. They're on par with the golf R and Type R my bro

[@speeddemon311]

@grimesitty Not even close guy! Driven both the type R, and the Kona, and it's a completely different league in every way imaginable! Think what you want bro! Money talks if you know what I mean!😄

[@Grimesitty]

@@speeddemon311 I'm sure you did

[@speeddemon311]

Let me guess you've driven them all right, but me, nope, because it doesn't suit your agenda !🤡

[@Mr99Burns]

GTI is the way to go

[@ThePanickedGamer]

I love how he accidentally hit the audio… what a shitty fucking design. VW no one wants capacitive buttons. I hope they lose so much money from these garbage designs. I’m so pissed cause the rest of the car is pretty awesome.

[@chriss3594]

Manual way better

[@user-ip9bv2im3y]

50k for a car😂 nooooo thanks

[@Chibi_Ninja_]

It's not just a "car" a Toyota Corolla is a "car" a Nissan Altima is just a "car"... This is a " modern race car" what 4 cylinder car puts out 300hp and 300lb of torque?

[@yusunglee6873]

you can’t touch one of these under 50k so no it is not worth it.

[@bucknut2000]

I just got mine for MSRP in novermber, I think it depends on where you live. I went to Chicago and they tried to justify like 75K out the door. When i went back to detroit and Ohio, I found 5 dealers for MSRP.

[@yusunglee6873]

@@bucknut2000damn you’re lucky i’m in cali the land of the ridiculous mark-ups

[@adamfehr1994]

I just got mine for 52k CAD

[@robm.8772]

What in the world? 50k??

[@philh8829]

My Dad would roll in his Grave if he heard a Golf costs $50,000.

[@wantsanewvehicle]

Hell naw. I drove one of these (a 2023 with like 3k miles on it). I was not impressed at all.. Maybe for $20-25k.

[@hellobooom]

Wtf is with you people, what can you buy for 20-25k that is even close to this??? These comments are just absurd foolishness.

[@carter4294]

You’re high

[@i.d.6492]

⁠@@hellobooom idk about $25K because it's too cheap. But I'd say between $38-40K maybe $42K max for this car with awd and all the bells and whistles. $50K plus mark ups is extremely overpriced especially with only 320 hp. Elantra N is way better priced. Yes it has cheaper interior but it's priced as that. But no way golf R worth $15K more than that

[@Underhills]

Combustion engine is so obsolete.

[@WilliamPozo]

That is a 25K car .... no way its 48K! VW prices not making sense on this one.

[@yoitsrami]

What’s so bad about this car?

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

@@yoitsrami They can't get past the price and assume that it's just a higher trim version of the GTI....

[@kevs2good133]

@@yoitsramithey can’t afford it obviously. They think a new civic should be $10k

[@Matthews_Dintwe]

You should see what 25k cars look like, maybe you'll change your mind.

[@speeddemon311]

25k is the price of a basic GTI from about 15 years ago or so lmao! You can't be serious?

[@shagy9560]

OVERPRICED

I’ll take a Vdub over a Toyo any day.

[@lifeforce9937]

VW sucks