Well, others are probably way more knowledgeable than me - I just deal with things as they come up, besides the major issues any car might get., especially at higher mileage.
Common issues I know of for Mk5 Golf platform, not necessarily VR6/R32 specific, but some are:
- Water/leaking in the battery box enclosure
- Timing chains rattling - either from stretching or guides becoming worn and causing problems
- AC compressor, radiator failing, or thermostat leaking coolant and/or crack pipe breaking
- Oil pan or other underbody pieces prematurely rusting, along with front bottom door corner rusting and areas under the hatch logo or rocker panel
- Hatch mechanism, hatch release button going bad, and/or hatch (and hood) struts not supporting
- Rear hatch motor or wiper sprayer going bad
- Sunroof seals leaking or failing prematurely
- DSG issues - Mechatronic unit going bad, causing harsh or chattery shifting or dual mass flywheel issues with wear, also oil pan cover rusting
- Soft touch interior panels peeling or cracking at high usage points (or from sunlight, people with lotions, other types of common chemicals that repeatedly touch the plastics)
- Serpintine belt/tensioner failure prematurely
- Exhaust - Flex pipe breaking, catalytic converter going bad or O2 sensors going bad
I'm sure there's other issues, plus normal German car issues. Things like wheel bearings going bad, motor mounts breaking, struts and springs wearing out, along with control arm bushings, replacing thermostat, water pump etc. at higher mileage, window/accessory motors going bad. Also interior relay going bad.
I'm positive there's a few of these common issue threads floating around here or the vortex because I've read them off before also. Maybe not specifically R32 but Mk5 golf in general.
My car specifically has had a whole bunch of issues that the previous owner dealt with. I'm actually pretty impressed at his maintenance budget. Replaced the radiator twice and AC compressor once and still complained to the dealer about not-cold AC. Replaced starter wiring harness and ignition module. Replaced a headlight because he thought it was not functioning properly. Replaced the flex pipe and catalytic converter with OEM parts. Replaced mechatronic unit once. Replaced the serpentine belt once. Repainted the front and rear bumper covers. Kept up on the oil intervals properly and replaced tires pretty frequently as well.
Once I got the car, I had to replace the suspension - struts, springs, rear wheel bearings, tie rod ends, end links, rear control arms. Also replaced the DSG oil pan due to rust, both headlight bulbs (man those were like $100 each but OEM lasted over 8 years so I figured it was worth it), random interior and exterior light bulbs, and interior relays affecting signaling, interior lighting and rear wiper functions. Also rear control arms had to be replaced due to bushing failure. That's it for the absolutely necessary repairs, there's a bunch of mods I did for my own gratification also.
I always wonder if an Accord or Camery would have as much monetary value vs. the maintenance dollars I have to put in, especially when i think about all the dollars put into the car for pure maintenance vs. modding.
Thats a very comprehensive list and really appreciate this! I’ll start proactively purchasing some of the items that you mention so I can be prepared for when the time comes
I sometimes wonder the same... but every time I turn the switch in this car it brings a huge smile to my face so for now lol, I’ll keep modding as much as time permits.
Hope to see some more cool stuff added soon, what the next mod that you have in mind?
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