PToK72

I got a bundle of 3 from Amazon for £9.99 (with free delivery at the time on our Prime Account). I have the spare key in one tucked away indoors... https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00QIEX04K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I was skeptical about them at first, but I can stand beside my GTD with the key in the pouch and the car will not open (or start if sat inside). First attempt I thought I had been sold a load of rubbish as the door unlocked but then I realized that you put the key inside the silver/grey lining pouch not just in the outer pocket, what a numpty. At that price I believe it is worth buying, won't stop somebody coming in the house or carjacking you but at least it will help to prevent this type of theft. When/if I do gown down the route of ordering the R Estate that is currently in my head (when I can convince myself and the wife that they are safe to keep and drive without having to fear some a-hole doing whatever he feels he must do to rob you of your prize possession) I will look into Ghost etc. At the moment, I believe, the GTD is at a lot less risk of other types of theft than their faster brothers.

I agree, my favorite colour on the Golf R

Dog and car look awesome. Loving the colour matched coat.

Will look decent which ever combo you go with...

So are you going Lapiz with Black Prets etc then?

Respect him for his honesty really, he could have easily said it was out for the weekend. He allowed me to take a look in the workshop and, despite the finger print dust all over, it did look good.

Could be worst... my wife is telling me that getting an R is out of the question. Dealer telling us on Sunday that the demo R Estate had been robbed from his house (broken into in early hours of morning) has put the gitters up her (and me to a point). Car was back in the workshop after being tracked and dusted by forensics but the thought of some a***hole getting in and scaring he shite out of my family is worrying. Statistically probably would never happen, I know. Need to do some serious groveling but I know if anything happened she would never forgive me.

This video helped me make my mind up on the colour choice for my future order...

Shame, I was only at Listers in Leamington on Sunday. Went to look at a demonstrator R Estate in Indium Grey to see the colour in the flesh. Nearly didn't get to see it, and has put some serious concerns in my mind over R ownership but will save this for another post. I didn't notice the Atlantic Blue one but could have asked if it was there and got better pictures. There are a few Lapiz Blue with Black Prets and Mirrors knocking around and they look really good too.

Is that what Gavras was talking about earlier in his response to my original posting? I didn't know it was quite that clever. Wouldn't be any use to me though, my wife is scared to drive any of my cars just in case she dinks a wheel. She has this impression that I am OCD about my cars.

Thank you Tam, expected it to be worst than the GTD and am paying for my own fuel unfortunately. Cost of car is partly funded by works cash for car option rather than company car. My day to day drive to and from the office is only 6 miles each way, the GTD is barely warmed up on this journey so miles per gallon doesn't register much over mid 30s let alone the potential damage to the DPF with such short trips. Despite looking at the R, I wouldn't class myself as a speed freak and tend to take it steady on the motorways anyway. I know it will cost me a little more in fuel each month (plus the inevitable insurance rise on this one too) but with the mileage I do I don't think it will be a deal breaker. Appreciate your response...

Thanks gents for all taking the time to respond. I have been doing a lot of reading on different cars of late but it is good to get some proper feedback from experience of owners. Your thoughts on the DCC are noted and I think this is one thing that sounds like a must have. I have always been a sucker for bigger alloys but tend to feel regret when the roads get rough. If the DCC helps to smooth some of this out it's money well spent. With Dynaudio, Black Prets and Wingmirrors / Roof Rails. I just need to see what deal I can get to see what other bits can be afforded (keeping in mind the £40K limit for Road Tax Threshold). Dealer has been back on today asking if I have made any decisions, thinking I might try to get an extended test drive for a few hours to really see what it's like on a good range of roads with the different modes. Pretty sure they will not allow it but worth asking. Looking forward to seeing where this goes, and whether I end up ordering in the coming weeks. Thanks again all...

Hi all, am a new forum member looking for advice from experienced owners before I decide whether to press the button and order. I am currently driving a 2016 GTD and honestly still love the car but realized we need a "slightly" bigger car. I started to look around and was nearly sold on a 335d Touring with MSport and Xdrive. The deal was reasonable but I was put off knowing that the new 3 series is likely to arrive next year and the current model hasn't changed a great deal in a few years. Also not sure whether buying another diesel is the best move with the way things are going at the moment. We took a look at a new shape Volvo XC60 R Design Pro, completely different car to the Golf or BMW, a sensible option but very limited discounts at the moment due to it being so new. Was a good drive and has a lot of nice tech but expensive. Then, last Saturday I visited the local VW dealer and took out the demonstrator R Estate. I like the familiarity of the car and the driving position and had a smile on my face with the power and sound. I have already specced it in my head (indium grey with black pretorias, and some other nice bits) but just can't help but wonder if I will feel the same after driving one for a while and worrying whether the front door will be stoved in one night with some a***hole wanting to take the car (of course I would be upset at losing the car but the thought of putting my family through the ordeal would be devastating). I would appreciate some honest feedback from R Estate owners (particularly with 19" wheels) on everyday use and comfort. I love the style of the R Estate but wonder whether it would be too harsh (whether I should look at DCC?) and whether it can be driven as a sensible family car when required. Also is theft of R's still a big thing? I know it depends on location and your security measures but I read a lot about BMW thefts (ODB Port key cloaning and signal boosting) when considering the 335d. What extra security measures are you guys taking to try to keep your R's safe? Lastly what to spec... I am a tech freak and have in my head to order the Navigation Pro with Dynaudio (love this in the GTD). I wonder if the Nav Pro is worth it or is money better spent elsewhere as I can't afford to stretch the budget too much? Is DCC a good option and does it change the feel of the Estate? What other must have options should I consider? Sorry for all the questions but my heart is telling me to order and my head is telling me to keep looking. Thanks guys, any advice would be appreciated.