Yeah, sort of got there in the end. I still find the S the more perfect driving position. The seats are great in the Golf, super supportive.
An update though, after a spirited drive - the clutch is terrible. OK, it's not terrible, it's weak. And from what I can gather, it has an annoying delay valve (which I'm going to remove) which interferes with timing your gear changes. I've noticed it too many times and keep thinking my foot is still on the pedal.. The clutch itself is the same one as the GTI and quite simply, the set up cannot cope with extended time in Race mode hooning about. 4wd and massive grip exposes the weak point unfortunately. Bloody VW. Dicks. No wonder the mk8 is now DSG only, no manual choice sort of concedes the issue. I'm a bit disappointed, and I suppose relieved that the clutch isn't going bad (I'd return car anyway immediately). A slight slip at the top of 3rd on max power, then 6000rpm in 4th..only a smidgen though. However next day, it seems to have vanished. The VW R forum confirms that the clutch is fine for daily driving - after all, it's Maud's car, but struggles on continued harsh acceleration. So, if the weapons come out more often, better to upgrade to a Sachs organic (the best choice) or Sachs sintered clutch, for around £800-£900 fitted. Some have said the OEM clutches have lasted 6000miles (in their Lease R no doubt), others state 20-30k is normal. I assume this is on its 2nd clutch being at 40k.
The plot thickens! I still like the car, but it's a long way off the love I have for the Honda.
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sounds a good plan as long as the clutch action isn't too harsh in 'normal' maud

 

Already off for its first repair today, rear centre air vents are buggered as I probably mentioned early on in the thread. Mauled no doubt by a young sprog. Probably half a dozen sweets posted in there I reckon!
Strangely, yesterday on the M58 hack to the beach in Crosby, the TPMS monitor claimed all my tyres had suddenly become flat! I remember this happening in the brand new GTD in 2015 on its 1st motorway stint - the pressures had not been "saved". Quickly fixed via the MMI. Drove in Eco mode for sh&ts and giggles for the 30 minute journey. Bizarrely it felt like the engine was a bit strained, and reminded me of the short ownership we had of an Audi A3 2.0T (200bhp) before we handed it back, littered with faults.
Pop back to normal mode (or shall we say Maud mode) that's more like it. In race mode, it's still possible to not have noise dramas unless provoked. Sort of like an induction kit, with a speaker. But importantly the ride then firms up, the steering has more feel, the engine more eager right up to the top.. it pokes the car into readyness for you to engage with its chassis. So far though, it's a sharp performer in a well rounded package. It's superior to the GTI (which I've driven) in terms of speed but only just. I can only imagine the rewards it would give on that deserted airfield. 'er indoors would shoot me if I even considered mentioning the possibility!
In terms of faults, I ran an OBDeleven check and it was clear. Delving further shown an old issue with the fuel flap door actuator (fixed by removing a tab on the inside of the fuel flap door, that rubs on the actuator stalk when activated), and an exhaust door valve sticking code. Bloody 4 exhausts!! I'll be keeping an eye on that one.

 

Now the thread title should read... "After weekend I returned..."
It's gone back, had enough of its faults. Appreciating it's not new but I wasn't happy with the sale and had rights to terminate the agreement.
The exhaust door flap valve returned as a fault on my obd11, as did the door flap actuator. No EML though,but the issues are just there waiting to get worse. Topping it off, the rear caliper seized on Sunday. It had new discs and pads on it too before picking it up.. A decision had to be made within the 30 day consumer rights time period, I decided to dodge the bullet.
No arguments from the motor company, returned to their workshop this morning and monies auto refunded same day.
Shame really, it was a car I had started to like and really began to understand its hidden talents.( And slipping clutch at its top end occasionally.) I mean to many, it looks like a silly Golf with a boring cabin. Thats part of the thing, you don't expect it to be as good as it is and it delivers such pace, with feel. You can really chuck it around. Not as numb as most vw's!
We aren't getting another one, Maud decided she's going SUV and conceded she never truly bonded with it. The boot space was the biggest problem for her It was small due to the haldex.
Even funnier - on the way back from returning, the EML decided to appear on the s2000. Smells like it's running rich - my guess is an O2 sensor. Drives OK but underpowered in limp mode. Bloody cars eh!
So - tail between legs. For now..

 

Probably the right decision - when you have that gut feeling you've got a lemon it's usually the right one.

 

Agree the sour taste in the mouth despite the moments of fun could only get worse and this is too much in < month. Shame.

Have you considered a cunning plan to undermine the SUV/large handbag obsession with a nippy little 'e' like @Nottm_S2 is managing? Softly softly catchee monkey

 

FTFY :P

 

I hate SUVs and would rather walk
get an eSUV, at least they don't stall and can handle the fat ass
Or an e ftw

 

Sounds like a lemon. Very good chance it would have been nicked or there would have been an attempt. A well known poster and good friend of mine had one stolen after they broke in while he was asleep. Your wife clearly wasn't going to bond with it. You made the right call.

 

Thanks for the kind words guys, I am a bit gutted.. Even though it was hers!
However, we have stayed German and found a Q3 today, S line with the 184bhp Derv. Sat nav, panoramic roof, heated seats, power tailgate etc etc.. Suits her down to the ground and she's a happy pup. Drives well, gets good marks in the reliability surveys. But more importantly no faults & excellent history.
Oh - and the EML on the s2000 turned out to be P2a00 O2 Sensor circuit range bank1 sensor 1.. According to my dongle and Torque app. so I'll have to see which sensor that is, where to buy and how to fit. Unless you guys know
I understand its the sensor before the cat, at the front?