Used 2013 Volkswagen Golf R Base Hatchback Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2013 Volkswagen Golf R Base Hatchback.
Most helpful consumer reviews
A magnificent true driver's car
JT Noonan, Seattle, WA, 05/16/2016
2013 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD w/Sunroof, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
I did a lot of research on the R, including comparing the 2012/2013 model mk6 with the current mk7. I bought a used mk6 with 21k miles for about $12k less than a new one and I couldn't be happier. The AWD is fantastic, especially in cornering. It has plenty of power, any more and you run the risk of multiple speeding tickets. The 6 speed is the best I've ever used. The turbo sound … is beautiful. The pervasive criticism of the mk6 R has been mainly that it should do more and offer more, such as offering a DSG transmission (as in Europe), more aggressive styling and the ability to turn off stability control and more HP. Not for me. I'm not going to take it to the track. I hate automatics (even DSG's) and I prefer the understated styling. I want people to think it's just a Golf. Further, the new mk7 doesn't offer a sunroof (my mk6 does) and has limited and basic colors to choose from (none that I liked). My dark grey/greenish understated R mk6 is perfect. My only complaint is that there is no basic USB (why they put in a proprietary MIDI cable I don't know). The integration with iPhone could have been done better, even in 2012. Sat/Nav is acceptable. The sound quality is superb, however. This is a driver's car for old school manual transmission enthusiasts that enjoy *the art* of driving, more than just shaving .5 seconds off 0-60 that a DSG would give you.
I really want to love this car
Jacob, Fort Wayne, IN, 09/03/2019
2013 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD w/Sunroof, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
I've been a Subaru STi fan for the past decade. On a whim, I decided to give this car a try. at the start it's pretty impressive compared to other cars in its market, very cush interior, nice feeling responsive steering and powerband. But after a few years of ownership, certain non-wear items started breaking for no apparent reason. The clutch is barely strong enough to manage stock … power levels, and even with the APR stage 1 stock tune I noticed some occasional minor slippage in higher gears, no big deal really... The problem is the most "reasonable" upgrade/replacement that makes the car dependable again costs around $1500, and most VW dealerships will charge in the neighborhood of $2000 for installation.
The non-wear items that I was referring to are the paint, which is apparently weaker than sketch paper, I have chipping galore, and 90% of my driving has been on city streets and highways. The entire roof lining has separated from the foam, and the crazy part is, apparently other R owners just know about this are are cool with it... the interior repair shops know modern VWs are notorious for this, and even the dealership admitted that it's pretty common in most models for this to happen. and the weirdest bit of unexpected wear is the rear bumper reflective marker just "fell out"... For real... I don't beat on this car, I don't race, I have no plausible explanation for what happened to this stupid little plastic piece, I just got home one day, was walking around my car and noticed something missing.
Performance-wise, this car is awesome, it feels so great to romp on, the engine and transmission feel fantastic and respond positively to high revs. But it seems like everything else built around the powertrain is built with the lowest cost in mind... be prepared to be asking yourself how the hell "that" fell apart if you're willing to stick it out for the driving experience.
This car is a blast to drive
peter emmons, Stoddard, NH, 04/19/2016
2013 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD w/Sunroof, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Buy the manual shift. I thought the automatic in my GTI was great, but this manual is much nicer and gives a better driving experience. The power and acceleration of the R is fantastic. Great comfort and relative fuel economy is an added bonus.
the DNA of the MK1 rabbit.
ERNEST J, 06/22/2020
2013 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD w/Sunroof, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
the golf R has a light feel when driving, sharp handling, quick turn in with the rear of the car changing direction quickly. the wheel base is correct. brakes are very good with no drama feel is good no fade. no problems with 50000 km tire wear is very good with the all wheel drive and no torque steer when driving the car hard. power is very good from idle to red line. the car is very … good in corners and is stable. the real leather seats are all leather. not like other cars with leather centers and sides are pleather. door panels and dash steering wheel is high quality. I can not find anything bad to say. as for the others hatch back cars I see poor interior. torque steer. drive line problems. looking at other cars similar to the size with 4 tires and a steering wheel don't compare. the get in and drive the car is a pleasant mix of power handling fun to drive. ITS a car hard to compare. before you buy a CUV SUV drive this car it really sets the bar it very high.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2013 Volkswagen Golf R Base Hatchback
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Strong turbocharged engine
- Pro:standard all-wheel drive
- Pro:sharp handling and composed ride
- Pro:hatchback versatility
- Pro:two- or four-door configurations
- Pro:interior sophistication.
- Con:Considerably more expensive than the GTI
- Con:lack of interior storage space
- Con:manual gearbox only
- Con:no power seats.
Full Edmunds Review: 2013 Volkswagen Golf R Hatchback
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2013 Volkswagen Golf R in Hawaii is:
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