Is this 2017 VW Golf R the best AWD daily driver for the PRICE?

This Mk7 VW Golf R features it all! Under the hood is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 mated to a slick shifting DSG gearbox. Under the sheet metal is VW's DCC adaptive dampners and suspension bit. All of this is connected to the Golf R's 4MOTION AWD system. Check oout all the details of the 2017 GOLF R. (Price $34,611)
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[@RaitisRides]

Paul Brown Hello everyone if you have any questions on this C63 S or any of the Mercedes products please contact me. [e-mail] or 727 374-2296 Thank you Paul Lokey Motor Company.

[@AngelValdovinos]

What do you mean freight train ?

[@incognitoguitars9999]

Three weeks into owning my 18 Golf R (coming off 2x E350s, bmw, etc) it’s the best car I’ve ever owned. Simply a home run Gear job Joe!

[@RaitisRides]

I am so happy that she is giving you many smiles per miles!

[@MrVara411]

Hi! Which cars have you owned previous to this one? Still enjoying it a year later? I'm strongly considering a Golf R...

[@ndhkroatien999]

best car in the world dude. keep it forever. IT DOES EVERYTHING. haldex awd is on rails

[@ashleyc4500]

i test drove a 2016 golf r in the gray and i couldn't stop smiling during and after the test drive! I got my eye on a 2017 Lapiz Blue Golf R...great video!

[@casandrapritchard2530]

I bought one of these for mountain commuting and it drives like a dream. I appreciate the sleeper styling. Anyone who knows what I'm driving appreciates it, but it doesn't attract unwanted attention from highway patrol. Super smooth and incredibly comfortable. We're long-time VW owners. There's been a smattering of Jettas in the family, but we're really Golf people. I just sold my MK4 Golf GLS, which was still running strong after 14 years (great city commuter). We also have a MK6 GTI. While the GTI drives great, I find it uncomfortable for distance driving. The one downside that I didn't see touched on in this review is that the R does not come with a spare tire. That was the first retrofit I invested in (the previous owner sorted out the armrest issue). I hit a big pothole while visiting family in the Bay Area over a rainy holiday and destroyed the sidewall of my tire (the little pump and goo they include is zero help for sidewall damage). I was super grateful I had a spare on hand. It's the best investment you can make for shoddy CA roads.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that great ownership experience!

[@LS1007]

I’ve never driven a Golf but by your reaction it must be a blast to drive. Someone will grab that ride pretty quick if you don’t beat them to it. Lol. Nice job! 👍👍

[@RaitisRides]

It was my first time in a Golf R with a DSG and it was a blast! Very surprising! I am not ready for my next car yet!

[@Mo0nMan13]

Thanks for doing this review Joe!! because of this when a used 2017 Golf R appeared I jumped on it. Got in the Lapiz blue with the DCC & Nav. keep up the great content!

[@RaitisRides]

That is so awesome! I appreciate you saying that!

[@shaunchristensen4386]

Great review Joe!! Have a wonderful rest of the week!! Thank you for making my day brighter!! God bless!!

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very welcome Shaun!

[@domain300]

Love your reviews Raitis! Keep it up

[@alecj9570]

I always have had s soft spot for the Volkswagon Golf. My first car was a '85 Golf, bought it in 2004 when I was 18 years old, paid $500. It was awesome, stick shift with no power steering, hell yeah!

[@RaitisRides]

That sounds like a blast! I miss those old days!

[@kenny-d3944]

Joe great vid my friend... I'm really thinking of getting a 2019 golf R Thanks for the rides ..

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you Kenny for saying that! Have you driven one yet? That will seal the deal!

[@andrewj939]

Loving these longer videos!!

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad to hear that Andrew! Thanks for watching!

[@mavsman7449]

Lapiz blue is my absolute favorite on the golf R but man I must say that tornado red really pops. Great review btw.

[@petersothern2909]

and spielberg alloys

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree! If I were to get a Golf R is would have to be Lapis Blue!

[@RaitisRides]

Yes sir!

[@kottyking]

I will never buy a red car again. The tornado red on my mk4 r32 was absolute trash. The clearcoat on these never held up. I have since repainted but I would def go for a blue one.

[@donovan5939]

Limestone metallic all the way for me

[@rockyarchambeau5820]

Great video brother!!👍🏻👍🏻just bought a GTI Autobahn edition it’s older ,but mint!! 2012 MK6 love the R ,but I’m very happy with my GTI …R is a lot more money lol….I don’t need AWD in South Texas that was my deciding factor,and of course money Hope you ,and the wife had a great Thanksgiving this year keep up the great work videos are awesome as always 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

Even though VW dealers weren't selling the Golf R below MSRP, they were very late to ship over. I got tired waiting for the 2018 Golf R to hit the US, so when my local Audi dealer offered me a loaded 2018 S3 at invoice ($4K more than the MSRP of the Golf R) I jumped on it. It's been over a year now and I still love my S3.

[@RaitisRides]

You did very well Rob!

[@lagerace227]

The S3 would of been my choice but I only have VW Dealership in my city. Audi is 2/12 hours away. I was lucky to get a 2017 in Canada with analog gauges

[@sylvainlebel7024]

Excellent review as always my friend just change my focus rs for that same golf r you test i love it superbe car thaks for the great advice continue your good work i am one of your first subscriber love your Channel your one of the best you and Tom mâle a great team dont quit love you guys 👍👍💪

[@RaitisRides]

I am so happy to hear that you are happy Sylvain. Thanks for being part of the Raiti's Rides family!

[@Flyingbikes748]

I just bought the exact same car today 😎. Nice upgrade from my 2015 GTI.

[@RaitisRides]

Congrats Cory! Well done man!

[@xtiantab]

I got love for R golf. Nice car

[@RaitisRides]

Trust me I have a lot more love now that I got to enjoy this one!

[@Bobby4v]

First off, great video! Even though i own and daily a ST i still like the gti. I was in the market for a gti or st when i bought my first st. I really wish the st/rs had the performance on screen like the golf r and sti. I also wish the st showed the tire pressure to each tire. Everytime i get a low pressure warning its a guessing game to see which one is low. They only downfall i have read about on the golf r is you cannot turn off the driving aids and it dampens the fun on a track day. Both st/rs and gti and golf r have thier ups and downs. they are still super fun to drive imo

[@RaitisRides]

I really appreciate your compliment! You bring up some very good points about the ST!

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

This will be my dream vehicle to own Joe.

[@Pietro931]

Great review. The car looks amazing

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you sire for taking the time to say that! I am still drooling over your RX-7!

[@Pietro931]

@@RaitisRides its almost ready. Final detail remaining. Moved into the new house, things everywhere. We will definitely set a time. I will contact you next week.

[@RaitisRides]

FANTASTIC! I am so happy to hear that the move went well!

[@bradfoster8146]

This is my next car after I'm done with my wrx. It was my first choice initially, but money was the object there.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Brad for sharing your thoughts on this one!

[@jamesshotbolt1005]

I’m really impressed that you referred to the original VW Golf GTI as a VW Golf GTI. I’m always a little bemused as to why American car reviewers always seem to refer to it as a VW GTI 😂

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks you James for saying that!

[@monsieurlaflamme995]

Isn’t it a VW and GTI? 🤔

[@kottyking]

most of the power goes to the front, when it detects slip it sends more to the rear. 4Motion is very fwd bias usually 70/30 at most. However, there are after market company's that allow you to flash the haldex (united motorsports) to get you close to an even split. You wouldn't be getting over 33mpg highway if it wasnt fwd bias.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for your input and perspective!

[@RacesForTheChannel]

1 more thing I would like to mention. You can tune the DQ250 6 speed DSG in this car for improved clamping pressure to increase your torque limiters to be on the safe side, if you go with the 93 octane high torque Stage 1 or 2 file when flashing your ECU...... Also Joe I would like you and your subscribers to know that you can tune the Haldex ECU module in this car as well to however you want the power distributed 10%-100% in the rear or 10%-100% in the front, or just do it like I'm going to do which is 50/50 power distribution due to the fact I'm putting on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (Y) rated maximum performance summer tires, which means perfect grip. To be honest with just these tires alone it wouldn't matter that the car is front wheel biased. But the fact still remains that it is front wheel biased which also means the tires wear out quicker up front as well which means rotating every 10k miles too. Try to get a hold of an APR Stage 2, 93 octane high torque tuned DSG Golf R that you can test drive. I'm at 400hp and 409lb-ft of torque and I'm doing 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds flat with the new APR V2.6 tune update and before I was doing 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds using launch control of course.

[@RaitisRides]

Now that is fast! I am so glad that you shared this information with the channel!

[@deanmarr785]

Race Ready!

[@RaitisRides]

You can say that again!

[@mick2181]

Beautiful car , i love it !

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you liked this one!

[@miquellopez7185]

Hey Joe! I'm watching an oldie but a goodie here, lol. I found a 2017 Golf R on sale right now for 31,000 dollars with 50k miles on it and this review helped me out as you always do. Is that price outrageous or do you think that it is worth going to talk them down in this market? Thank you my friend!

[@cornertocornerboxingshow5846]

Another stellar review! Joe I bought a 2021 R line jetta last year after watching your review of the 2020. Great car but really is a grocery getter. I checked into having it tuned at a local shop here in SWFL but after talking to a tech there he said get a 2017 - 2019 Gti or a Golf R and I can tune it if needed. What do you think, Gti and get it tuned or a straight up Golf R? Thank you much!

[@cerveloultegra]

you're right about the wide body for the "R"

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks brother for sharing the same thoughts!

[@tonya.2645]

As a teenager, I always dreamed of having a GTI. In my early 20s i test drove an early 90s model GTI. Was not impressed. Test drove the 93 corrado VR6. LOVED it but at $24K it was $5000 more than 93 car of the year which I bought: A 6sp manual Ford Probe GT. Got a 2001 Mercedes C240 and that was it. Nothing other than a merc was going to do. Got a 03 Mercedes E55 and still have it. Got a used 2010 manual GTI MK6 with 115Kmi for fun and for the plaid seats. Bought golf-R wheels for it from a guy who demonstrated launch control on the golf R half a dozen times. Very fast. Sold the '10 GTI and got a brand new 2017 MK7 GTI SPORT w/DSG. loved it. You know what though? A VW is no Mercedes. It's too noisy when I want to just relax. After driving the E55 for 10 years not much else impressed with performance. Finally I got the right car alongside my AMG: A MB dealer certified 2015 Mercedes C400 4MATIC with 3.0L twin turbos, 329hp and 354TQ, 0-60mph in 4.7s great mpg, almost 4 years of unlimited miles MB CPO warranty all for about $36K out the door with 32Kmi. It's faster than Golf-R yet super quiet on the hwy. It handles really well in the mountains. The open pore black wood waterfall dash and interior is just gorgeous and way ahead of just about anything else on any car. The Burmeister sounds great. Now I alternate between n the C400 and the AMG. But, I still miss the GTI's plaid seats, the stick and extra pedal. GTI has it's own character and I loved it.

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you so much Tony for sharing your awesome memories and experience! I really appreciate you taking the time to do that!

[@signkutter9218]

4.7 0 to 60 is not faster than a dsg equipped mk7 R

[@deanmarr785]

My next car. Upgrade from my mk7 GTI. Well done Joe!

[@RaitisRides]

You will love it Dean!

[@cristhosanchez5050]

It looks so cool!!!

[@cristhosanchez5050]

Those wheels and that color looks amazing!!!

[@RaitisRides]

It really pops!

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you!

[@1danrdz]

If you’re Raiti I’m ready for this review.

[@RaitisRides]

I like what you did there!

[@robertb2694]

It’s the best daily driving car so far !

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you are enjoying yours!

[@AudiophileTubes]

Actually, the first time a 'hot hatch' came to the USA was when VW released the Gen 1 'Rabbit GTI', in the late 70's.

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you so much for sharing you input and perspective! I really appreciate you watching!

[@reidzitzelberg7329]

Beautiful clearwater florida roads. Us19. Miss it

[@RaitisRides]

I am sure you don't miss the traffic! LOL

[@dondrap513]

You can pretty much fix the push/understeer for $300 and an hour of wrenching with a bigger rear sway.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for that great input!

[@lagerace227]

Agreed a rear H&R 25mm solid sway bar and replaced those plastic end links, did the trick for me.

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Really wanted to love the Golf R, but I think it’s too polished for me. It’s great, but I prefer the Evo10 or Focus RS in this class. Although, it’s my favorite as far as looks, especially inside. Although, i think the Exterior of the GTI is actually better without being a “look at me” car. Looking to test drive the Veloster N. Great job.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Jorge for sharing those thoughts! I really want to get my hands on a Veloster N!

[@KenseisGarage]

Solid car, but manual please, hehe. I not a huge fan of VW, but this is one of its greatest car ever IMO. Great video Joe

[@RaitisRides]

The great thing is you can get manual or automatic!

[@smellycatgamingofficial]

This is the best car for the money!

[@RaitisRides]

It is a great bang for that buck!

[@derek9081]

Okay your right, the mic is much better now.

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you sir for giving me a second chance!

[@RacesForTheChannel]

Has sport tuned McPherson struts and shocks front and back with rear anti roll bar and electro mechanically adjustable dampers, also the MK7 R's came with only HID headlight's with LED DRL's and not full LED's, those are on the MK7.5 2018's, it also has 280lb-ft of torque not 286, has race mode not track mode, also the 2019 Golf R 's won't be out till April/May and the special spektrum colors (40 colors optional) won't be delivered till June. Now the APR tune won't give you the pops and bangs unless you upgraded your downpipe and went with the Stage 2 tune with the optional crackle tune file to flash to your ECU. Love the color. Can't wait to take out my MK7.5 2018 full bolt on APR Stage 2+ Golf R out in the spring. It's still garaged till winter is done. Too bad you didn't try launch control in this beast 😯

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you for sharing your great expert details! I really appreciate you taking the time to do that!

[@kevindust2712]

Why would you store an AWD daily driver car in the winter?

[@RacesForTheChannel]

@@kevindust2712 Well because I have 2 Subarus 👍 an Outback and an Impreza 😊

[@RaitisRides]

Great question!

[@RaitisRides]

Well done sir!

[@rabiaaoude6839]

I never saw you that much excited on other cars 😂

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks my friend for letting me share it with you!

[@RAM-KINGOFTRUCKS]

Thumbs up Raiti

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you sir for your support!

[@liberty0758]

In Europe, Seat Leon Cupra 300 would be a smart choice as well for a hot hatch lover. Seat even offers an Estate version, just like the VW does with the Golf R.

[@RaitisRides]

I wish we had those here in the USA!

[@liberty0758]

Sadly, Europe only...

[@RaitisRides]

What else is new!

[@marvi2941]

Red adds 50 horsepower. Can confirm from personal experience

[@RaitisRides]

Trust me I felt it! ;-)

[@con8723]

Great car but the new model should be out sometime next year. I’m saving my money till then

[@RaitisRides]

It's going to be interesting to see how this is going to turn out!

[@koreyhimself]

Vw R is a solid car but i would like to see it with a wide body option to it. Not anything drastic but poke that rear fender out a little more. Put some carbon fiber zo6 style side skirts on it. Great review. Great info.

[@RaitisRides]

I like how you are thinking! I would be first in line tp buy!

[@robertm3951]

You can mod it like that yourself

[@koreyhimself]

Robert M yeah true. But vw needs true styling inhancement as a company. If this is your top model you have to take it form honda chevy ford lexus ect. Aero and wide finders work.

[@RaitisRides]

This is very true!

[@RaitisRides]

That would work for me!

[@alphazoomii9408]

Not as sporty as I'd like however they nailed the front side scoops, (Not cheap plastic junk like on most) remind me of the BMW's 135 honestly. How does this drive compared to the Focus RS in your opinion? They do get nice power from the 2.0 engine though. I'm sure it's great on gas. Can this run any E85 mix right out of the factory by any chance? I know the 135i can run E30 on stock parts, that's why I ask.

[@RaitisRides]

The power is so much smoother in the Golf R! It feels faster from the seat of the pants. O a road course though this Golf R is going to understeer a lot!

[@joelyelcanio]

Bro, would you pick a 2017 over the 2019. I mean, considering $8 approx on savings?

[@serkanister3620]

U make me wanna buy a car! 😁

[@RaitisRides]

Trust me, every tie I review a car I want to take it home with me!

[@robertm3951]

Sorry, but I love my manual transmission Golf R. Five seconds is plenty fast for me and I found in more enjoyable in test drives

[@RaitisRides]

Trust me I am a manual guy all the way, but it's nice to have options!

[@lagerace227]

I drove both R’s , being older got sick of shifting in heavy traffic. The ACC is nice but I do miss the Manual at times. For me using the paddles compensates👍

[@MUQR]

Dsg all the way

[@kamerun1]

How does this perform in the snow in Canada?

[@cookiekooke]

Considering trading my E46 M3 in for one of these! Not sure what to do though I want something with more modern conveniences.

[@RaitisRides]

Definitely take one for a spin!

[@michaelduenas1364]

I’m gunna have to zonk that awd system joe. Still a good car though

[@RaitisRides]

I wish the system would transfer more power to the rear wheels!

[@michaelduenas1364]

Yeah I wish it was rear biased and full time like the sti

[@RaitisRides]

It would help with using the rear of the car to pivot.

[@WilbanksUSMC]

I like how all i need to do is a stage 1 tune and its quicker than an RS

[@RaitisRides]

That is a very good point! Thanks for watching!

[@WilbanksUSMC]

@@RaitisRides Absolutely! Great videos sir!

[@RaitisRides]

I really appreciate that!

[@froesesp]

The dsg version is slightly quicker than the RS, in stock form that is.

[@quinnsilence]

No sun roof? Because racecar =) I do like the huge sun roofs on the GTI's though. Also I used to live in Germany. I noticed that the Mercs I'd rent also had that armrest pass through. Might be a German thing.

[@fatinjalal922]

You are not in Canada are you? Its freezing out here

[@RaitisRides]

No, I am in sunny Florida. It is actually hotter this year then last year! I did live in Canada before!

[@raph0412]

It has HID's not Full LED Lighting. That's for 2019

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you for that extra info and for watching!

[@raph0412]

You’re welcome!

[@RatchetWrenches]

Audi S3! Same price same platform but more sleek looking. Ps coming from a Gti owner

[@aarongundersen2318]

S3 is around 10 grand more

[@RatchetWrenches]

aaron gundersen only 4 grand more. That’s not bad at all

[@aarongundersen2318]

@@RatchetWrenches brand new s3 on auto trader are between 48 an 55 grand. golf r brand new are 42

[@aarongundersen2318]

i just looked. did a 500 mile radius search

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for the input!

[@lagerace227]

You’ll won’t miss the sunroof coming from someone who’s always had one. Plus they are a pain to maintain and warranty.

[@RaitisRides]

That is so very true!

[@AudiophileTubes]

One of the cars I have is a 16 year old '03 VR6 GTI, and it has been super reliable. Sunroof too. No problems or issues.

[@EthanL21800]

Mk7s had a few issues with them leaking

[@eklektikTechno]

Old review but this was a decent used 2017 but not sure why owners put those sun shades on the windows?? 😬

[@thatonebeone]

as much as i love subies im getting a R

[@RaitisRides]

It is a fun car!

[@davemcguigan218]

VW first made the GTI in the USA in 1983 in the Westmoreland factory near Pittsburgh, PA. I owned an 84, 85 and finally an 87 GTI 16V. All made there. They were as good as the German cars, I had a 76 and 78 Rabbit and an 77 Scirocco. The Rabbits and Scirocco were from Germany. Back then VW was reliable and my 76 Rabbit I had for 8 1/2 years and 148K miles and still ran great! No Mexican VW's back then!!!

[@jsafrit0717]

Looks like its time to get a real rally car.....STi!

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you so much for your great input!

[@RaitisRides]

You are hilarious!

[@saxplayingcompnerd]

Audi S6?

[@Krenisphia]

Removing the storage in the center armrest is just bizarre.

[@RaitisRides]

Exactly! I don't get it!

[@blue-ck9ns]

It was some sort of US regulation that an AWD car had to have a latch for the center armrest, which the R doesn’t. VW didn’t see the need in spending extra money to create a latch for it just for the US market (since it’s a low selling vehicle), so they bolted it shut. This was lifted for the 2018/2019 models. Cost is also the reason it doesn’t have a sunroof in the united states. The GTI is crash tested with the Golf, the Golf R is crash tested with the e-golf. Vw didn’t want to destroy another R to certify a low-selling vehicle, so they went without the sunroof for the US market.

[@Jvilleman400]

I hope I’ll never have to get rid of my R. If you want to drive a stage 2 dsg mk7 R, let me kno. I’m still here in Kentucky

[@RaitisRides]

Tat would be amazing! Hope fully one day I can make it over there! What color is yours?

[@Jvilleman400]

Raiti's Rides Lapiz blue. Check out my insta if you want @lil_danny904. Beech bend here in bowling green has a lot of car events like LS fest, import alliance, mnra, etc

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks man! I will check it out right now! I have to make it out there! Are you near the Corvette Museum?

[@Jvilleman400]

Raiti's Rides I am right down the road from it actually lol

[@RaitisRides]

Now I am really bumping this up on my list! :-) I'll let you know if I can swing it thing summer!

[@dantheman9395]

I know the auto transmissions are way better from when I was in high school as well. Heck the ones in your generation were probably better LOL

[@RaitisRides]

You freaking crack me up!

[@dantheman9395]

@@RaitisRides I am happy to hear that. It makes my day hearing people say that.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Dan! Keep them coming!

[@AB-uu1bm]

Btw those are brembo brakes.

[@kawzx777]

Just admit it Raiti, over all it's better than a RS lol (i own a 16 gti so im bias)

[@RaitisRides]

Actually for daily driving it is!

[@kawzx777]

@@RaitisRides Lol, just messin with ya Raiti. I park next to a Grey RS w/ Invidia exhaust everyday a work #ENVY😡

[@RaitisRides]

No problem brother! Don't tell anybody but I am thinking about a Golf R!

[@schunkelperser1794]

Sophisticated car - a good buy. No one regrets ordering and driving this car. But...no manual option. Zonk.

[@RaitisRides]

Save your Zonk Jan for another day! You can get a manual in a Golf R!

[@schunkelperser1794]

Not in Germany ☹️

[@RaitisRides]

That is insane!

[@schunkelperser1794]

That is a big VW Zonk in its Home Country.

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree!

[@edmusick7794]

Seems a little expensive but I agree it's a nice ride.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one Ed!

[@coopsnz1]

It's got nice interior , you put that interior in a wrx sti it will start at 40k

[@RaitisRides]

Very good point!

[@matt2473]

The 2017 model came with the best wheels. The other year models the wheels look to comical to me.

[@kgthegreatone943]

I like the focus RS better

[@RaitisRides]

They are both uinque in their own way that is for sure.

[@mk1rabbithole]

Raiti's Rides ones a daily the others a weekend warrior.

[@andersonrodriguez8258]

When u realize this golf is just as fast as the Zupra 0-60MPH 😱😱 with the DSG wow what a shame

[@RaitisRides]

Tell me about it! Great comment!

[@andersonrodriguez8258]

Raiti's Rides do the type R STI all these more budget friendly cars as just as fast wow smh

[@RaitisRides]

I know right!

[@andersonrodriguez8258]

Raiti's Rides rather get the type R tbh bout 20 grand cheaper getting almost if not the same performance prolly even more

[@RaitisRides]

How is a Type R 20k cheaper? Some dealers are adding $20k mark up on them! lol

[@harrisdave]

Why do so many car reviewers get this fact wrong? The first Rabbit GTI was a 1983 model, not 1984.

[@RaitisRides]

hmmmm I appreciate your feedback and perspective!

[@harrisdave]

@@RaitisRides I guess I should have led with "Nice review." I only mentioned that because every review I see on the Golf GTI, Golf R or any hot hatch lately seems to include this inaccuracy when tracing the history of the type. It's as if someone said it once and everyone just repeats it. Seriously, though, very thorough and well-done review.

[@RaitisRides]

That is really nice of you reply David! Thank you so much for the feedback and help!

[@edwardkondek2548]

David Harris in Germany 1976

[@harrisdave]

@@edwardkondek2548 Correct. Golf GTI in Germany 1976. Rabbit GTI in USA 1983.

[@christopherbassit2757]

No center console wtf

[@Pearl3Drummer]

Nice ride but needs sunroof

[@RaitisRides]

It's crazy how here in the USA we don't get one!

[@chadmack1633]

Exactly what I’ve been saying. I want one, but can’t do it without a sunroof

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for your input Chad!

[@phantomstratocaster]

das Fahrvergnügen ya?

[@RaitisRides]

JA!!!!

[@phantomstratocaster]

@@RaitisRides Aber ja!

[@RaitisRides]

Danke dir

[@SVT.bullitt]

How many times are you going to review the same car

[@RaitisRides]

Well I guess since it a car that I know my subscribers like probably as may times as they want!

[@vladkuz1298]

I hate the OEM USA tail light they look cheap. I am spending 1300 $ for freaking European version.

[@Pabs502]

Whats the price for this bad boy

[@RaitisRides]

It's listed for $37k

[@Pabs502]

Wow. !!! Thanks man

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very welcome!

[@WilbanksUSMC]

Sounds like you might need to ditch the RS xD

[@RaitisRides]

You never know! ;-)

[@relaxationcomediesmemes2953]

The S3 sounds better than the golf

[@Aluzcz]

You don't know what you are talking about, you sound like random salesman. The 4x4 is haldex gen 5. It's proactive system, in ideal condition the power goess only the front wheels, but that basically never happens, in regular run its 90/10 and max split is 50/50.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your input and perspective! I appreciate you watching!

[@kenmason1461]

I'll stick with my Focus RS thank you very much made in Germany Great car for a great price 100 miles on it for and how about this 37500 out the door

[@RaitisRides]

Well done Ken! I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts!

[@kenmason1461]

Keep up the good work really enjoy your videos

[@RaitisRides]

That means a lot!

[@cristhosanchez5050]

First!

[@RaitisRides]

You are lightening tonight!

[@jsafrit0717]

I can't talk too much smack bc I've never driven one...but theres no way I'd prefer the DSG over my STi gearbox. Don't care about numbers...but for me it couldn't replace my baby..esp not in a few short weeks Joe!!

[@supamonkey25]

JSAFRIT1984 you can buy them in manual, they're just harder to find

[@vr6gls]

Diego Pelcastre Also, the manual is significantly slower and weaker when it comes to modifying.

[@RaitisRides]

I totally know where you are coming from brother!

[@RaitisRides]

That is a 100% correct Diego! Thanks for commenting!

[@supamonkey25]

vr6gls True, buy that is true for most modern automatic/dual clutch transmissions. They are still good transmissions you just need to get a stronger clutch if you want to put down more power, like most cars. But nothing is more satisfying than a perfect heel toe downshift

[@poker_18rs92]

I would never even consider a VW. I'd buy a Focus ST & RS over a GTI & R.

[@RaitisRides]

It's so sad Ford is not going to be selling those in the USA anymore!

[@daniellocke9534]

Wait until it breaks!I'll take a Subaru STI over the VW any day!

[@RaitisRides]

I appreciate your input! Believe it of not some people say the same thing about the Subaru! ;-)

[@gravemind6536]

I am going to say two words that make every Subaru owner shit their pants here it is, Head Gasket. Modern Volkswagen are not much better though and the electronic parking brake means no sale to me a car must have a handbrake or I am not owning it.

[@RacesForTheChannel]

@@gravemind6536 lol I own both. An Impreza, and outback both with handbrakes, and a 2018 Golf R without handbrake. Head gasket is easy cheap repair FYI and my 1996 22 year old outback legacy wagon has only 92,000 original miles and just recently only had to replace my air conditioning compressor belt and my alternator belt which broke and they were original. My head gasket hasn't gone out yet. I do need to replace 1 bad 180 dollar strut, but everything else is just general wear and tear maintenance stuff. I'm not going to shit my pants nor did I either because of a head gasket so the statement wasn't true. That's an easy repair. What's your reasoning on the handbrake? Are you a professional race car driver or drifter? I drift my 2 subies but the Golf R doesn't need a handbrake so I'm confused.....

[@gravemind6536]

@@RacesForTheChannel head gasket repair is a very expensive problem you goon and the handbrake is nothing to do with drifting either it will last longer and be cheaper to fix than an electronic parking brake.

[@WhiteBuffalo-ou6ew]

I think I'd always go with a ford for a hatchback over VW any day. I feel like the RS would stomp this into the ground.

[@Jvilleman400]

White Buffalo2019 nope. I’m stage 2 mk7 golf r with the dsg and run high 11’s. Stage 2 is just downpipe and stage 2 tune. Focus rs wouldn’t touch it ever without serious work

[@RaitisRides]

It's nice to have options! The DSG shifts faster then any human that is for sure!

[@RaitisRides]

OMG! I would love to review that!

[@WhiteBuffalo-ou6ew]

@@Jvilleman400 at the end of the day though, the RS will always look better than a golf. In my opinion.

[@Jvilleman400]

White Buffalo2019 ehhh lol I beg to differ, I agree that the RS looks sportier but I just like going under the radar