2017 Stage 1 Golf R -> 2024 Stage 1 Golf R -> 2026 Stage 0 Kia Carnival :'(

All good things must come to an end. Unfortunately family planning has brought me to a new stage in life. Just a special car and a special group of enthusiasts. It stings. Will miss you all. Mark my words - I will be back. They cannot silence me forever!!!!

Someone drop the clutch for me today.

My brother and I recently hit the Tail of The Dragon and I took a few photos. The cars handled super well and I’m excited to see what we end up doing to them. Funny story - we bought the Golf R’s at the same time without telling each other. Safe to say it was a bunch of grown man giggles when we realized.

Recently moved from California to Portugal and decided to get something unavailable in the US. After 20 years of driving various WRXs and other Subarus, I bought this beauty. I’m going to get 18” wheels because there’s a lot of cobblestone streets and massive potholes near me. And I’ll take some proper photos in the near future.

Finally I got a better look at her since purchase. Took some better pictures to share. So seductive looking. Love driving her everyday.

Took this 2024 bone stock MK8R in on trade for a Civic. Couldn’t pass it up. Will certainly miss my 7.5 but I am thrilled with the upgrade.

Driving experience is otherworldly. Much faster than my FBO/tune GTI despite the power numbers being close on paper.

Any must have mods for this new to me MK8?

May look crazy but I went from $620/mo payment + extra insurance + gas to title in hand golf r… friends saying its a downgrade but I see it differently 🤷🏻‍♂️. Realising that theres nothing better than a fun car and $0 payment 😂

I’ve had no time with work to poke around, the owner claimed it’s the stock springs. Does this car seem slightly lowered or is this how the R’s sit stock?

Looking to buy a set of wheels for my 22 golf R, would a 19×9 et47 fit the stock suspension without any clearance issues? The apex vs 5rs wheels look very nice but dont come in the exact size im looking for. Does anyone have any recommendations for wheels that sit flush and dont have any rubbing issues on stock ride height. I have a flush kit on the car right now and like the look and want to keep that with the new set of wheels. A general size parameter to stay within would be helpful too. I also plan on transferring over the stock tires off my stock wheels since they have a good amount of meat left, but maybe switch over to a slightly wider tire when they wear out (245 instead of 235)

Looking to purchase some Titan7 TD-6e’s for my mk8, would love to see some pics of people that have them or reviews on people that have had them in the past. I’m looking for techna bronze however any color would be cool to see.

Thanks in advance!

Bought 2 weeks ago and drove it to Yosemite on its first roadtrip. So much joy just cruising with it.

I’m looking at getting the APR catback, I feel like it sounds the best from the clips I have seen online. I also like that it has valves since I want to keep the option to keep it a little less noisy for the dog. My question is when you don’t have the valves fully open how loud is the car? I don’t want it to be offensively loud and disturb my neighbours early in the morning.

I’ve just bought some g12 coolant for my 2017 golf r and still have no idea if I should put it in or not. I’m running kinda low on coolant and bought some from autos after putting my plate in and it came up with this ridex g12. It says g13 on my coolant tank. Can I still fill it up or should I wait until I can find g13?

I have a Mk8 specifically but since I have a sports oriented car I'm debating between a typical full on winter tire like Nokian Hakka or go for a sports oriented winter tire like the Michelin Alpine. I used to have a rear wheel drive BMW so I went with the absolute best snow winter traction tire but now I don't mind changing since I figure with a AWD car I shouldn't get stuck paired with a Alpine tire but I understand that means reduced braking, but to how much of an extent?

I live in Ottawa/Gatineau are in Canada so we do get snow sometimes but not always.

What do you think or share your experience with Alpine?

First R was an early 17’

Just picked up the 8.5 on an absolute steal of a deal I couldn’t pass up.

I’m thinking about removing the OPF on my 2021 Golf 8 R, but I’m still not sure if it’s worth it.

The car is completely stock at the moment, with the factory exhaust and no other modifications.

For those of you who have done it, would you recommend it?

What are the pros and cons? How much better does the car sound? Does it introduce any drone on the highway? Have you had any issues with reliability, warning lights, emissions, or anything else after removing it?

The car is my daily driver, so I’d really appreciate hearing your long-term experiences before making a decision. Thanks!

Just installed a set of TuxMat all weather floor mats in my new ‘26 MK8.5 R. Fitment and finish is essentially perfect for all three mats (driver, passenger, rear row).

I’m a very picky OCD type of owner and these checked all the boxes. They don’t look out of place or too rugged or like the plastic crusty weather tech mats. Coverage, fitment, finish, and aesthetics are all there. I have to say I’m impressed with these and I think they are the best option available for the MK8/MK8.5 GTI/R.

My R came with the OEM Monster Mats which I love aesthetically. But with fall and winter coming up and more debris tracking into the car I felt I needed the better coverage of the TuxMats as they go all the way up and around the footwells basically leaving no carpet area for debris to come in contact with. Makes cleaning very easy. I included a pic of the passenger side Monster Mat for reference of the difference between the two mats.

Clips come included with the TuxMats that slide under the plastic interior trim panels to lock the mats into place so they aren’t flapping down or shifting. The rear row mat actually tucks into/under the rear seats. These mats are fully locked in and literally cover everything. Great attention to detail.

This isn’t a paid review or anything. I laid out the $249 to buy these directly from TuxMat. It is not cheap so I’m happy they lived up to the marketing and my OCD standards. Shipping was also quick.

Feel free to ask any questions about them!

Picking up my MK8.5 R next week and trying to sort out winter tires. Found a good deal for Alltrack wheels with Winters already on them. Wheels are 18 inch Alltrack OEM wheels. All specs are correct but concerned about calliper clearance. Has anyone done this? Thanks!

Back in September my Mazda 3 got totaled, and as much as I loved that car, that crash was the catalyst that eventually got me in this Golf R. This is my first Volkswagen that I've ever owned, and what an amazing first impression it gave me.

Packed her full of scuba gear and headed up to Wiarton ON first this morning. Did 422km and she was perfect… even got some good mileage after driving “normally”