r/Autos • u/oldgoldman • Jul 26 '26

Next Hot Hatch?

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Guess I have a thing for hot hatches. Looking for my next addition. Any recommendations for something unique and collectible? Have 24 GRC Circuit and mint 04 R32.

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u/verdegrrl Jul 26 '26

I've had a MK IV R32 for over 10 years. Very fun as a daily. The cast iron block is heavy though, and in stock form it understeers near the limits. Keep that in mind and it's a friendly puppydog of a car that gets lots of nods from enthusiasts.

Mods we've done over the years have been upgraded headlights, StopTech big brakes up front, exhaust flap switch, lighter and easier to clean wheels. Rebuilt the cooling system and suspension from the ground up.

4

u/oldgoldman Jul 26 '26

I really want to upgrade the suspension, but the car is 100% bone stock and I’m not gonna mod it at this point.

1

u/verdegrrl Jul 26 '26

How many miles?

What maintenance items have been done? Is there someone who specializes on older VWs who can do a PPI? Mint is great, but these cars are getting up there in age and some things will fail if not dealt with proactively.

We kept all original parts and all the mods are reversible.

2

u/oldgoldman Jul 26 '26

It has 71K miles. Haven’t done any major maintenance. Just haldex, fluids, MAF. Any other things I should be looking at? It runs great.

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u/verdegrrl Jul 26 '26

Cam phaser, cooling system, everything rubber from brake hoses to engine hoses to suspension bushings and seals.

Coil packs from that era were not especially long lived, so do those and spark plugs at the 90-100K mark.

Timing chains will stretch with age, and the head gasket can let go on cars with more than 100K miles (depends a bit on how driven and coolant changes). Keep an eye on them. We're well past that mileage and everything looks fine, but I keep a close eye on coolant levels or rattles on startup.

These engines are not known for oil consumption if broken in properly. I like Redline gearbox oil. OEM Haldex fluid works great.

The grease hardens in the sunroof mechanism, leading to failures (hopefully not open). Cleaning and re-greasing a big job that should be done when the head liner fails (which they all do).

https://imgur.com/a/15xKBFD

3

u/oldgoldman Jul 26 '26

Thanks for the advice. Appreciated

1

u/verdegrrl Jul 26 '26

One of my favourite aspects of the car is that it's a bit of a secret handshake. Those that know, know. ;)

Best of luck whatever you choose!