Some great life changes and a much much shorter commute (70 miles a day vs 4 miles a day now) and a company car led to me trading my 2025 GTI for a 2026 R. I'm no longer an employee of VW but was when I got the GTI and a fantastic employee discount so I was break even after a year. Obviously the R is more expensive by about $10K, but in my short 2 week ownership it is well worth it (to me). I was looking for a car that was slightly more "special" than the GTI while also still being refined and comfortable enough to take a trip out of town if need be. I've got 200 miles or so on it now and it is going out of town for full front end paint protection film and ceramic coating the paint/glass/wheels. No big "mods" planned but maybe a few small things down the road.
While it's still in it's break in period meaning I haven't really opened it up, it is arguably the funnest car I've owned. Looking forward to babying it and running Mobil 1 ESP 0W30 through it exclusively every 5K miles which will probably be closer to a year for me on this car. I'm looking for a proper torque wrench and oil extractor so I can do the in between maintenances myself. I know there are a few guys here with Golf Rs so I look forward to soaking in the knowledge.
*if you look closely in the main picture you'll see our poodle heading to daycare - Betty June, named after my grandma - peeking out while I take the pic.
While it's still in it's break in period meaning I haven't really opened it up, it is arguably the funnest car I've owned. Looking forward to babying it and running Mobil 1 ESP 0W30 through it exclusively every 5K miles which will probably be closer to a year for me on this car. I'm looking for a proper torque wrench and oil extractor so I can do the in between maintenances myself. I know there are a few guys here with Golf Rs so I look forward to soaking in the knowledge.
*if you look closely in the main picture you'll see our poodle heading to daycare - Betty June, named after my grandma - peeking out while I take the pic.
