I haven't ever purchased a new VW, but I have a very strong rule to never pay MSRP . With all the final editions going for $3-6k markup, it was fun playing with these guys over the last few weeks. I called out of state, local etc. Local guys lost, I had to drive an extra 10 miles to save $7200 over local guys. Ended up getting my FE for $1300 under MSRP. It isn't great, but it's better than paying what most are asking.

Biggest deal is waiting until end of the month. I'm actually surprised VW is getting away with over MSRP with all the controversy they've been going through.

 

^^^^^^^
By me there are over 200 FEs available and every one can be had under msrp. Wow

 

You live in Florida, about as far away as one can get from the NW. Every single dealership in the area is holding markups. One dealership in particular is hoarding them, bought them outright and they are sitting on them until everyone runs out. It's not easy over here. This is my fifth evo, every one before I got at or below invoice. I tried for quite a while. The worst thing, they're actually selling above MSRP here.

But don't worry, my happy bubble isn't burst

 

That's crazy. Just for future reference....doesn't matter how far away a dealership is. They can ship it to you or do a dealer transfer. I did that a few years ago and cost me 200 bucks. Saved me thousands.

 

I've looked into shipping, just from so-cal it's $1k+ depending if you don't mind the car being exposed or enclosed.

Yah they are insane, thinking it's Evo IX era all over again.

 

Congrats on the purchase! I've actually been considering an R or a new 2016 STI myself.

 

What would push you towards the R over the sti or visa versa?

 

I was a big VW and Subaru guy before switching over to the Evo side. I've had a couple R32's and quite a few STI's and WRX's in my time. They each have their ups and downs depending on what you're looking for. I'll be 30 this year and I'm looking for a little more refinement in my next ride; if I don't go all out and get a used DBA GT-R next year that is.

Golf R

.Understated styling(subjective)
.Very smooth transmission(DSG)
.More refined interior(subjective)
.The utility of the car(hatchback)
.Very capable platform with minor boltons


New STI

.Semi-aggressive look(subjective)
.Capable for cargo(fold down rear seats)
.AMAZING drivetrain(6 speed)
.Time tested EJ motor(they are actually reliable if you're not a dumbass)
.Decent options for the price



Each of these platforms has pros and cons, and even though the Focus RS looks great on paper, I HATE the busy dashboard and low end interior. To me it just doesn't feel like I should be paying a premium for such a busy interior. So these two vehicles are are what I'm looking at currently. If all else fails I'll be getting into a DBA just to knock out my midlife crisis sooner than later. Might as well enjoy it now in my youth while I can

 

I am going a similar, yet different route.

I have an order in for a 2017 Audi S3 and will be trading/selling my 2011 MR when the S3 arrives in late summer.

The Audi S3 is a very similar car to the Golf R and they share many parts. They did just update the S3 for 2017 and added the virtual cockpit, new front end, and a small bump in power (305hp).

I have owned my 2011 MR since new and have really enjoyed it. Great car, but time for something new.

Congrats on the Golf R. It is a great car. I actually thought about getting one myself, but ended up going with the S3 instead.

 

Sucks that there's no manual option for the S3.

 

Yup that sucks

 

I was looking at a GTI the other day and I just didn't see the utility of the hatchback that people reference. With the hatch down, the trunk space is smaller than on my VIII, and a car like the A4/S4 is only about a foot longer but has a cavernous trunk. I could fit an adult in there with room to spare.

Yeah, the rear hatch swings up, but what can you realistically fit in there that you couldn't in a sedan. The situations where it's more practical might be counted on one hand.

 

I can't stand the way they look but nice mechanicals.

 

Golf R has been holding MSRP+ since release in 2015. There still some place that do markup. Getting one for MSRP is a good deal and below is very difficult. There's only about another $1,800 to play with anyway. Additionally, they are holding value very well too which makes the MSRP purchase more reasonable.

 

Is the right your time or the left... sorry I am not familiar with these cars other than knowing they are AWD turbo.