7R to 8R , Is it worth it and WHY ???

[Msportman]

13 hours ago, Darlo said:

I have only just seen this thread. I have come from a 7.5R estate to an 8R.

 

I lease so my view is slightly different, it’s all about pounds and pence. My 7.5R had to go back so I had to get a replacement. I pay £80 more a month for the 8R. Is it worth it.... in the 200ish miles I have done in it. Absolutely. When you compare it to the equivalent hot hatches. I have test driven the m135i and the wife has an A35. You can lease an R for about the same as these main competitors (sat in new s3, not driven it)..... i prefer it to both.
 

If you’re comparing it to the 7R... it’s a lot more modern in appearance, drives differently, has better tech and is quicker.

 

I was worried that all these reviews were too good to be true. They arnt. It has a few minor issues you need to get your head round but it’s a fantastic car. 

 

 

Good to see you’re happy.

I think the two main factors for many current owners are:

1. I’m very happy with my current 7 or 7.5 R and can I / want to afford either a monthly PCP or bank loan to change and will it be worth it.

2. Do I want to own it and modify the car to my own personal taste or am I happy just to lease a car and not touch it.

Somehow it just feels less personal in that Ownership experience.

 

When I’m bored or I feel I want to change is when I’ll move my 7 R on and look at deals on the 8R or if I drive one later in the month and I’m blown away by the car that pushes me to get the ball rolling.

[Booth11]

24 minutes ago, Msportman said:

Good to see you’re happy.

I think the two main factors for many current owners are:

1. I’m very happy with my current 7 or 7.5 R and can I / want to afford either a monthly PCP or bank loan to change and will it be worth it.

2. Do I want to own it and modify the car to my own personal taste or am I happy just to lease a car and not touch it.

Somehow it just feels less personal in that Ownership experience.

 

When I’m bored or I feel I want to change is when I’ll move my 7 R on and look at deals on the 8R or if I drive one later in the month and I’m blown away by the car that pushes me to get the ball rolling.

That sums things up pretty well.  Now that restrictions are easing and the opportunity to get test drives (not just an 8R but other potential cars on the wishlist) is a real prospect now, I think anyone thinking of a potential move or even just wondering is going to be a position to find out if it’s worth it for them or if they do want to make a move.  It’s entirely down to the individual and personal circumstances, needs, wants. 

[Darlo]

42 minutes ago, Msportman said:

Good to see you’re happy.

I think the two main factors for many current owners are:

1. I’m very happy with my current 7 or 7.5 R and can I / want to afford either a monthly PCP or bank loan to change and will it be worth it.

2. Do I want to own it and modify the car to my own personal taste or am I happy just to lease a car and not touch it.

Somehow it just feels less personal in that Ownership experience.

 

When I’m bored or I feel I want to change is when I’ll move my 7 R on and look at deals on the 8R or if I drive one later in the month and I’m blown away by the car that pushes me to get the ball rolling.

Yes for sure. I should have added I have spent a lot of time in mK7 golfs.... 2 years in gti when they first came out, 12 months in s3 then back in to another gti for another year (then wife had it) also some time in wife’s gtd when I was waiting for 7.5R then spend nearly 3 years in that.

 

I was ready for a change and was looking at other manufacturers. The mk8 is different enough from the mK7/7.5 to make me stick with VW. It’s being badged as a bit of drag queen but there is so much more to it than that. I didn’t know what to expect from the the torque vectoring but i love it. Definitely brings a sense of fun in a different way to the 7R.

 

As for modding, I have lightly modded lease cars purely at my own risk in the past. In the same way I have pcp cars. Just because your name is on the log book, it isn’t yours. I declare everything to my insurance company. 
 

Can’t see me touching this to be honest. 

[Hewittjamie1]

I’m sure the 8R is a step up and move on from the 7/7.5R but to me it’s possibly just gotten too expensive for what it is.

I know it’s a hugely personal thing but im in the turmoil of considering changing mine for this. Under 2 years old with only 3700 miles, and a completely different prospect but just feel it is a much more special car for just over 40k, probably less than I would be spending on my ideal spec 8R?

Would love to know others views though as I haven’t driven the 8R or M4 Comp yet 😁.

[Darlo]

45 minutes ago, Hewittjamie1 said:

I’m sure the 8R is a step up and move on from the 7/7.5R but to me it’s possibly just gotten too expensive for what it is.

I know it’s a hugely personal thing but im in the turmoil of considering changing mine for this. Under 2 years old with only 3700 miles, and a completely different prospect but just feel it is a much more special car for just over 40k, probably less than I would be spending on my ideal spec 8R?

Would love to know others views though as I haven’t driven the 8R or M4 Comp yet 😁.

I have driven my friends m4.... completely different beast. But to be quite honest all the performance is 100mph plus for me. It’s genuinely didn’t by feel as quick as I had imagined. The competition has more power so may feel a little more special. But when you consider running costs, useable performance etc you may be swayed but something else. Also difficult comparing new with old. A lot of other benefits with new cars like the warranty etc. But the m4 has done a lot of its depreciating so offers excellent value. 
 

A very tough and nice problem to have 😃👍

[Hewittjamie1]

Thanks for the feedback darlo. 
I’m very particular about my cars and wouldn’t normally consider a second hand car but I’ve inspected it externally and can’t find anything I can’t sort with a bit of detailing work 😁, as you would expect really for a car with so few miles and only one owner.

I can’t view it properly until the 12th so got some time to do some thinking 🤣.

 Running costs would definitely be higher, tax, services etc but then the 8R would probably be the same tax to.

As you say possibly slower in normal use with our weather, but maybe just a more special feeling when driving?

Has your friend still got his M4? If not what has he changed it for? Oh and what did he have before the M4 just out of interest?

Hope you’re loving your new R after what must have seemed like an eternity of waiting. 👍.

[Darlo]

33 minutes ago, Hewittjamie1 said:

Thanks for the feedback darlo. 
I’m very particular about my cars and wouldn’t normally consider a second hand car but I’ve inspected it externally and can’t find anything I can’t sort with a bit of detailing work 😁, as you would expect really for a car with so few miles and only one owner.

I can’t view it properly until the 12th so got some time to do some thinking 🤣.

 Running costs would definitely be higher, tax, services etc but then the 8R would probably be the same tax to.

As you say possibly slower in normal use with our weather, but maybe just a more special feeling when driving?

Has your friend still got his M4? If not what has he changed it for? Oh and what did he have before the M4 just out of interest?

Hope you’re loving your new R after what must have seemed like an eternity of waiting. 👍.

This is the strange thing, my mate isn’t a petrol head. Just lucky to have a wife that is so she got it for her to use at weekend and had a Range Rover to use through the week. He just pottered about it in. I have a video of me driving it ‘enthusiastically’ somewhere and he wasn’t impressed 😂. 

 

It went last year and they replaced it with a JCW Mini of all things.... a car which I have had myself previously and absolutely loved it. Before that they had a couple of C63’s, clk500 and E46 M3 cab. His wife loves m3’s the most. 
 

I have to agree there would be something special about owning an M4C over the 8R. They both have their strengths/weaknesses for sure and depends on what type of driving you do. I’ve been there and done that with powerful rear wheel drive cars. Loved it but I like the additional grip these days. Maybe I’m just getting old 🙌🏻😂
 

 

 

[Hewittjamie1]

Hmmmm.... well I’ve got no excuse regarding age as I’ll be 50 within the next couple of years! 😂

Actually Maybe that’s the issue 🤣🤣🤣.

I have enjoyed BMW’s in the past and even had a lotus as a daily for a couple of years 😳.

[Msportman]

20 hours ago, Hewittjamie1 said:

I’m sure the 8R is a step up and move on from the 7/7.5R but to me it’s possibly just gotten too expensive for what it is.

I know it’s a hugely personal thing but im in the turmoil of considering changing mine for this. Under 2 years old with only 3700 miles, and a completely different prospect but just feel it is a much more special car for just over 40k, probably less than I would be spending on my ideal spec 8R?

Would love to know others views though as I haven’t driven the 8R or M4 Comp yet 😁.

It’s a good choice and as it’s probably at the bottom of the depreciation curve with such few miles it’s a great buy.

Totally different class of car to the Golf and certainly if you’re going to pamper the car one I’d consider for weekends away or trips out.

I looked at these and M2’s and can’t change my car immediately but am going to drive an 8R.

Im

sure it will be good but in my desired spec it’s going to be a £45k car before discounts.

 

With that in mind there’s so many older tasty cars between £35-£45k.

The M4 is a car that feels more hardcore and is shame they don’t sound nicer but the overall ambience sitting inside makes it feel special.

 

I have been looking at these RS5’s and RS4’s all in similar price bands.

 

With those miles at that price it’s sorely tempting!

[blakspark]

I think I’m going to have to go with a nearly new A45S. Anyone moved from an R to one?

[invisiblekid]

On 05/04/2021 at 13:06, Hewittjamie1 said:

I’m sure the 8R is a step up and move on from the 7/7.5R but to me it’s possibly just gotten too expensive for what it is.

I know it’s a hugely personal thing but im in the turmoil of considering changing mine for this. Under 2 years old with only 3700 miles, and a completely different prospect but just feel it is a much more special car for just over 40k, probably less than I would be spending on my ideal spec 8R?

Would love to know others views though as I haven’t driven the 8R or M4 Comp yet 😁.

M4 is a great car. I had one for a few months. Interior in the one I had was well below what I would expect from a car that expensive. The interior of both my RS3s has been light years ahead. I guess there new M4s are updated interiors now?

 

The engine was superb, super responsive and the gearbox was a dream. M1 mode was a bit nervy. M2 mode was totally unusable for my limited driving ability and RWD experience. Practicality and usability-wise, I couldn’t wait to get back in my RS3. But the M4 is a wicked car. Certainly an experience I enjoyed. Not sure I could live with one though. Maybe I just needed more RWD experience 🤷🏻‍♂️ 

[Charles M]

I want a small estate. I've got a pick up truck for big things and the Mrs has the family car when we need the space - a horrendously boring but superbly comfy Scooby Outback. 

 

So do I keep the 7.5R Estate or chop it? The estate is still an unknown beast, but it does seem that the new one solves one of the problems I have, but also may well change the dynamics - that is rear leg room. At 6'3 there isn't a huge amount of space behind me. But then I have to ask, does that matter? We have the Scooby if I want to take the kids. TBH I feel that the 7 Estate is a 3 person car (tall wife and tall kids!)

 

So the VAG alternatives are Octavia (not a 300+bhp engine) or Cupra (looks better than pics of the 8R Estate). I don't really get off with BMW, MB, Audi these days. Had 5 series for 20 years, but having said I would go for a C43 over a 340i, I think that if the R got nicked tomorrow, I'd go for a 340i (I like the split tailgate!). I can't quite decide whether after 25 years with 6cyl whether I now miss them. I think I might, so I've turned up the soundaktor to 50%!!!  

There are a couple of things that don't really bother me....

 

1) The increase in performance of the 8. The 7.5 goes far too fast for me already, though I am toying with the thought of a Stage 1 though probably won't do it. Handling, torque vectoring etc. - not in a position to comment, but the 7.5 is OK with me for on road use - there are always going to be improvements and advances. I think I'm becoming a bit of an old man, as I prefer driving around in my Amarok!!

 

2) I find all the interior tech bits are of little interest to me (regardless of what make of car), and I certainly don't think I am missing out on anything. TBH all I need is bluetooth telephone, DAB radio and satnav (which these days means Android Auto). With that in mind, what does the 8 bring that is new and is a must have? Mobile key? I hate keyless as it is!! A new cockpit layout? Maybe it is new, but not sure the old one is something I have an issue with and feel I have to change + buttons and gear stick! 

 

I wholly get the lease "argument" of changing. I am adverse to borrowing, so always buy cars outright - though no doubt this will change when electric comes out (and damn 4yr for a VW ID4 is about £650 a month for top spec). I do like to try and get depreciation to about £2.5k a year over the period of ownership, but the older I get, the more flexible I think I am. 

 

I'm currently at the stage of thinking that the 7.5 is fine, fun to drive etc etc. Not looking to change, but also not so enamoured with it that I won't. I'm just too parsimonious to spend the money!

 

[OOV]

On 05/04/2021 at 10:42, Darlo said:

Yes for sure. I should have added I have spent a lot of time in mK7 golfs.... 2 years in gti when they first came out, 12 months in s3 then back in to another gti for another year (then wife had it) also some time in wife’s gtd when I was waiting for 7.5R then spend nearly 3 years in that.

 

I was ready for a change and was looking at other manufacturers. The mk8 is different enough from the mK7/7.5 to make me stick with VW. It’s being badged as a bit of drag queen but there is so much more to it than that. I didn’t know what to expect from the the torque vectoring but i love it. Definitely brings a sense of fun in a different way to the 7R.

 

As for modding, I have lightly modded lease cars purely at my own risk in the past. In the same way I have pcp cars. Just because your name is on the log book, it isn’t yours. I declare everything to my insurance company. 
 

Can’t see me touching this to be honest. 

What do you mean with it being badged as a drag queen ? Don’t get that comparison 😅

[uhf79]

If/when I get rid of my mk7 i'll be going a completely different direction.  I get bored after a while and a mk8 is just too much of the "same again" (which granted works in the pub).  After nearly 2 years of ownership, I fancy something with a bit more personality, the looks are still pretty dull compared with other cars and as its not my daily driver I dont need the comfort and features I get with the R.  That said, for anyone wanting an excellent all round daily, don't think you can really go wrong but i'm not a person to just buy a new version of something i've already got.

[jimmy_uk]

I've had my R for just over 5 years now which is the longest I've ever owned a vehicle by a country mile. I've been getting itchy fingers for about a year to change but with Covid and a vast reduction in the amount of miles I'm driving I wasn't able to justify it when I am not paying anything on my current car. The last couple of months I've started to drive more again so I've looked at various different options for replacement.

 

Mk8R was the natural choice, and I'm liking the exterior more and more everytime I see one. Bec's R has shown how good it looks in Lapiz! But when I sat in one the other day I just wasn't feeling the interior, especially the DSG shifter. I was considering a Tiguan R, but it's too expensive for me to justify and having had 2 Mk7's, a little bit too much of the same. I started looking at other makes. 

 

The S3 and A35 were ruled out due to a number of reasons. I took a M135i out for a test drive at the weekend and to be honest was blown away by how good the car drove and felt. The tech was a big improvement over my Mk7, although you need a few options to get it to the "right" spec. Price wise it was on a par with the Mk8R, but the BMW low rate finance (2.9% on PCP or HP) makes it a lot more affordable. So I've placed an order for one, for delivery in September on a 71 plate.

 

I've never owned a BMW before, but I've driven plenty through work. I know the looks are a bit subjective, but I found colour makes a huge difference (I've gone for mineral grey). I'm quite excited about it arriving, just like I was with my R. It's going to be a long 18 weeks!