VW Golf R32 (MkV) – Entry 022

David Conway    Personal, VW Golf R32 (MkV)     official r32 entry, vw golf r32

Exactly one year ago today, I was given the keys to the best thing I’ve ever owned, my pride and joy, my R32. That day was one of the highlights of my life and I’ll never forget it. Maybe to someone who’s already owned a string of nice cars, an R32 would just be a ‘good car’ but for me, coming from a £6k Peugeot 206 the difference was akin to burgers and fillet steak!

A lot has happened in a year, I’ve upgraded my Haldex system, shortened my gear change, improved the sound system, bought a private plate, added a couple of carbon fibre bits, swapped to 19” alloys with better tyres and changed my exhaust. At not far off £5k, modifying cars is certainly an expensive habit. Maybe I’ll look back at it and think I was a bit silly, I’m not sure really. As things stand today, I’ve enjoyed every penny spent and don’t regret it one bit.

We’ve now covered 16,000 miles together, travelling the length and breadth of the country, the highlights being several spirited drives into North and South Wales. Whether it’s bombing down the motorway, blasting along country roads, night time cruising or stuck in traffic, my R32 never lets me down. Even now, I still wake up in the morning relishing my drive to work. I can’t imagine ever tiring of this car! I may well replace it in three years but when the time comes, it will be gone but never forgotten.

Whilst the car on its own offers great reward, I’ve found that being part of an owners club has genuinely added to the ownership experience. It’s great to be able to chat and meet with people who share your enthusiasm. From now on, whenever I buy a car I always join an owners club. Thank you to everyone on R32OC.

I wonder what I’ll be writing a year from now? Will I have written it off? Will I have been forced to sell? Will I have fitted a turbo? I have no idea but the anticipation of things to come excites me. One thing is for certain, I’m looking forward to starting another fantastic year of R32 ownership!

Thanks for reading.

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