U.S. R32 Registry

Hitting 15000 miles yesterday I take a moment to look back at my R32 and consider the pluses and minuses of ownership. This car is not for a V-dub guy barely scrapping by to keep his car running. Not that I've had alot of need for work on the car but the maintenance is more expensive than the average VW. I've driven a few other MKVs and they have thier share of issues including drive train slap in and out of gear. Having had already at least two recalls for the fuel ventilator and now one for coilpacks I am convinced that VW has had some viable complaints with the car. This is nothing new to the VAG family in general as my prior Audi A4 had them as well. The car has performed well through out 4 seasons in Virginia. Traction is never a problem and my only concern has been ground clearance with serious snow for which I shouldn't be driving this car anyway in deep snow.
Mods I've had completed since I bought it include the GIAC chip tuning which add a level of throttle tip in response and a bit more punch than the stock programming seen on other cars. The Neuspeed P-Flo intake also compliments this and adds to the overall sound and performance. The dogbone motor mount / insert was an absolutely stupid easy and required mod for this car. it tightens up the engine slop associated with the stock mounts. Its well worth its cheap price and a recommended mod for any MKV owner. The wheels and tires were done as an effort to track the car. The stock rims weighing in at 28 lbs feel very heavy compared to the 18 lb Neuspeeds RS 10s (18 x 8.0) and with the sticky Direzza Star (225/40-18) Spec rubber on them, I can now overdrive the suspension before the traction gives way as with the stock setup it was the other way around. Note the stock tires are the all seasons.

The car's audio was upgraded as well to some Alpine Type R components and matching amp because - and I'm sure I'm not alone here - the stock stereo lacks. It makes the required distance driving for work much more tolerable.
This coming summer should see a host of suspension upgrades depending on budget and time. Til then.. Bis Gleich

Took the car up from VA to Philly to attend the 09 Tony Luke's Cheese Steak Run Event. Event was all makes and models, car was given respect by everyone but BMW owners.. snobs. Rained during most of the cruise, car handled well.