Going from my 4Runner daily to a small hatchback, what to know?

[Bandit Runner]

The biggest change you will experience, is not being nearly as cool as you were in the 4Runner!

 

[Ammomac]

I was having a hard time wrapping my head around your question until I saw your location.

Right on... I'm with ya

:smokin:

 

[atalarico]

Bear in mind that there are a few oddball things about the Golf R that don't appear in the GTI. The R has no spare tire, a console box with a lid that won't open, and no sunroof option. There are ways to fit it with a spare and fix the console lid, but it is annoying to have DIY projects in a much more expensive car than the GTI on which it is based.

On the other topic, skiing has been great but more snow is always appreciated!

Oh, yes, I'm definitely already aware of the handful of DIY things I need to undertake that are kind of silly. And for the love of god, the lack of sunroof was suuuuuch a tough call. I use my sunroof on my 4Runner way more frequently than most sane people. Ah well, maybe I'll fashion a DIY hole in the roof after it's out of warranty. =p

 

[Split]

I daily a MK6 GTi and my 2016 TEP. If I drive one for too long I miss the other. Both great at what they do, but very different.

My main problem is I really wish all hatchbacks had a rear window that rolled down.

 

[atalarico]

My main problem is I really wish all hatchbacks had a rear window that rolled down.

Yeah, I actually mentioned that over on a VW forum recently and people's heads exploded. Wouldn't that be a nice compromise since the R doesn't have a sunroof?! That rear window feature is one of my favorite things about the 4Runner.

I'm also with you on having the two cars for different applications. I saw a great sticker on nicely modded and older Jeep that said something along the lines of "She may not be fast, but she can go *ANYWHERE*".

 

[m85476585]

It sounds like the golf R has plenty of power for driving up mountain passes. I used to have an 8th civic R18 automatic, 140hp, and my top speed up mountain passes was 65mph because of gearing. It would redline in 2nd and then go into 3rd gear just below the power band. One time going up Fremont pass it slowed down from 65 to 45 with the gas to the floor before it decided to shift. I could have manually put it in 2nd under about 60mph, but I wanted to see what it would do.

You'll miss out on some of the benefits of an SUV, like getting great parking spots that have too much snow for other cars, or driving wherever you want. For example, recently I had to make a 3 point turn to get out of an extremely small parking lot, so I just drove on the grass/snow in protest of the size of the parking lot.

You won't be able to visit Boulder after a big snow storm because they don't plow the side roads.

You will probably need to get a roof rack for the golf.

 

[atalarico]

It sounds like the golf R has plenty of power for driving up mountain passes. I used to have an 8th civic R18 automatic, 140hp, and my top speed up mountain passes was 65mph because of gearing. It would redline in 2nd and then go into 3rd gear just below the power band. One time going up Fremont pass it slowed down from 65 to 45 with the gas to the floor before it decided to shift. I could have manually put it in 2nd under about 60mph, but I wanted to see what it would do.

You'll miss out on some of the benefits of an SUV, like getting great parking spots that have too much snow for other cars, or driving wherever you want. For example, recently I had to make a 3 point turn to get out of an extremely small parking lot, so I just drove on the grass/snow in protest of the size of the parking lot.

You won't be able to visit Boulder after a big snow storm because they don't plow the side roads.

You will probably need to get a roof rack for the golf.

Yeah, the R has some ponies, and I'm hoping the DSG gearing will be adept.

The side perks of the lifted SUV you mentioned are the kind that put a smile on my face on a regular basis. I *love* crawling up on to the snow pile next to my parking spot in the back of the building. I don't even have to because of space or anything, it's just "there" and I feel obligated. There's usually a group of smokers from another office out back when I roll in and I can tell some of them are just thinking I'm a nut, but I think one of them "gets" it.

I've definitely learned about the theoretical plowing in Boulder since I started commuting here for work. Luckily we are such a small outfit, and our jobs can be done remotely, we work from home if it snows enough to get our office manager's Beetle stuck (which doesn't take much).

I'm opting out of the roof-rack for now since I'll use the 4Runner for any major hauling duties. I used to work at REI forever, and I sure do miss that once a year 80% off Thule discount, but I barely ever used the rack on my old Golf when I had it and it was my only car. I can't wait to put the rack and basket back on my 4Runner though since I won't have to worry about garage clearances.

Another thing I'm realizing since I've been paying more attention to the "spirited" driving enthusiasts; we live in a great location to carve up some canyon roads! People pay good money to go to tracks that seem to mimic a lot of what we just have 30 minutes from town. Granted, tracks are closed courses, so I'm not going to be hauling ass around blind corners and ploughing into road-bikers (having been one of those Lycra clad freaks for so long myself), but I'm going to learn how to responsibly enjoy such local highways like 6, 7, and 36!

Sounds like delivery will be Monday(!!!)

 

[mgreen6616]

You can't go wrong with the GTI or R. The GTI will be the more engaging car for 90% but the R will better serve you guys in the mountains. I was thinking of keeping my MkVI GTI as a second car but realized that even though it is a fantasitc "all-rounder" that surprised everybody the first time they rode in it, it just wasn't special enough to keep for occasional driving so I let it go. I am going to look for a 997 to fill that spot in another year. Great choice on the R

 

[Split]

I'm also with you on having the two cars for different applications. I saw a great sticker on nicely modded and older Jeep that said something along the lines of "She may not be fast, but she can go *ANYWHERE*".

That was the thought behind buying them. Just a few months ago I had a new Charger RT and a Porsche Cayman S. I had two fast great cars but was missing out on a lot. Moving on to the GTi and the 4runner has been so much fun, and with a lot less attention. I feel like I now have the option to do anything I want, just depends on which set of keys I grab.

 

[m85476585]

I didn't realize, it sounds like you are keeping the 4runner too. That's good.

Lee Hill Dr northwest of Boulder is fun, and the speed limit is high enough for most of it that you can have some fun, though you won't be able to drive all-out.

Magnolia Rd up the canyon is a good one with extremely tight hairpins. Just watch out because they put down a lot of sand/grit there. Maybe once it warms up they will do the once-a-year street sweeping and clean up all the sand from winter. I think that usually happens around May in the city of Boulder, and I don't know if the county ever does it. It wound't hurt if they could do it more often though.

If you go during the week you would be less likely to find people on bikes. It's too bad that there are no mountain roads (that I know of) with a good shoulder or bike lane to ride bikes on. I mostly mountain bike, but riding up a canyon would be good training if it was safer and less stressful. The bike path up clear creek canyon will be good when it's done.

 

[LandCruiser]

Hey all,

Long story, but most important thing first, I'm not getting rid of my 97 Limited. OK, now that you all are done panicking, I'm just curious about anyone's experiences going from daily driving a big ol' 4Runner to a tiny (by comparison) hatchback like a Golf, and what driving habits I have to adjust.

I'm realizing there are things I just haven't had to be mindful of since I drive this beast that I might need to look out for. For example:

1.) Curb rash is a thing when you don't have anything close to a low-profile 19" wheel/rim. I have near 32" tires right now, and while I try not to hit curbs while parking, it sometimes happens and I just shrug and keep adjusting. I hear that this isn't a practice I should carry over?

2.) Being able to see in front of many other cars on the road means I can tell what's happening a half a mile away and adjust accordingly.

3.) Dropping into my seat instead of climbing up to my seat?

4.) Being fearless when it comes to the "You had every opportunity to merge behind me for the last half mile and now you're trying to merge next to me because you think I'm scared of you hurting my almost 20 year old SUV?" game.

5.) Rocketing up and down my driveway curb because bottoming out hasn't been in my vocabulary on pavement since 2009.

What else? I am kind of serious about this too since I don't want to screw up my new car, but I appreciate there's a ton of room for humor here too.

Tiny SUV to tiny car.

Not much difference.

Try driving a 4x4 3500 quad cab around LoDo.

 

[atalarico]

Tiny SUV to tiny car.

Not much difference.

Try driving a 4x4 3500 quad cab around LoDo.

It's relative though. Relative to the new car, my 4Runner is gigantic and will likely be a very different driving experience because of that. That's all I was really talking about, and I'm trying to make any big dick swingin' comments about my big ol' 4runner. I'm well aware that my 4Runner isn't the biggest thing on the road and I don't care. I've learned long ago that kind of thinking gets you in trouble, as there is always going to be someone bigger/faster/stronger/wealthier/<insert whatever measurement metric you want>.

I'm sure there would be a truck driver doing a delivery in LoDo who would say the same about your quad cab! =p Also, sincerely, I've always wondered about people who drive huge pickup trucks in crowded metro areas. Is it your only vehicle? I mean, it just can't be easy to try and navigate, park, etc. I'm sure it's a great challenge if you enjoy that sort of thing, but it seems a bit like the people who commute in modded off-road oriented cars. Sure...you can do it, but it's definitely not the happy place for that vehicle.

Don't worry, as someone who aspires to have a horse ranch some day, I'm not anti-pickup-truck!

 

[LandCruiser]

It's relative though. Relative to the new car, my 4Runner is gigantic and will likely be a very different driving experience because of that. That's all I was really talking about, and I'm trying to make any big dick swingin' comments about my big ol' 4runner. I'm well aware that my 4Runner isn't the biggest thing on the road and I don't care. I've learned long ago that kind of thinking gets you in trouble, as there is always going to be someone bigger/faster/stronger/wealthier/<insert whatever measurement metric you want>.

I'm sure there would be a truck driver doing a delivery in LoDo who would say the same about your quad cab! =p Also, sincerely, I've always wondered about people who drive huge pickup trucks in crowded metro areas. Is it your only vehicle? I mean, it just can't be easy to try and navigate, park, etc. I'm sure it's a great challenge if you enjoy that sort of thing, but it seems a bit like the people who commute in modded off-road oriented cars. Sure...you can do it, but it's definitely not the happy place for that vehicle.

Don't worry, as someone who aspires to have a horse ranch some day, I'm not anti-pickup-truck!

I have had a 3rd gen, 5th gen, and a huge pickup and have rented a Yaris or two when I travel--so I was just giving perspective from my POV.

I try not to drive the pickup into tight areas, but the 4Runner was in the shop getting lifted.

 

[atalarico]

I have had a 3rd gen, 5th gen, and a huge pickup and have rented a Yaris or two when I travel--so I was just giving perspective from my POV.

I try not to drive the pickup into tight areas, but the 4Runner was in the shop getting lifted.

That's fair then. I know there are "urban" cowboys out there who have them and any time I see them in a parking spot or trying to navigate the one way streets it just looks painful. They're usually great looking trucks too, so I wince when I see it get close to getting hit!

 

[Sportsfreac]

About 3 years ago I purchased a a new Ford Fiesta 5 speed as a daily. That is after driving my F-150 Supercrew everyday for 5 years. The biggest adjustment I saw was vision, I couldn't see over other folks like I had been use to. However upside is the ability to weave in an out of Traffic easily.

 

[atalarico]

About 3 years ago I purchased a a new Ford Fiesta 5 speed as a daily. That is after driving my F-150 Supercrew everyday for 5 years. The biggest adjustment I saw was vision, I couldn't see over other folks like I had been use to. However upside is the ability to weave in an out of Traffic easily.

The vision thing is going to be a change for sure. I'm a short guy too, so I really like being able to see over some people's heads for once in my life. Now, if only I could bring my 4Runner to concerts...

 

[atalarico]

:lol: I just realized that the Golf R weighs a paltry 470 lbs less than the 4Runner. That's an obese hatchback...

 

[TRDCal]

1.) Curb rash is a thing when you don't have anything close to a low-profile 19" wheel/rim. I have near 32" tires right now, and while I try not to hit curbs while parking, it sometimes happens and I just shrug and keep adjusting. I hear that this isn't a practice I should carry over?

This one! When I first got my FR-S, I drove it into one of those 4 inch yellow concrete parking spot dividers because I was so use to driving the 4runner into parking spaces until I felt the front wheels hit the divider, this time it was my brand new red bumper with a whopper 1000 miles on it. So now when I'm down doing my oil changes I have a subtle yellow reminder not to do that haha

 

[atalarico]

This one! When I first got my FR-S, I drove it into one of those 4 inch yellow concrete parking spot dividers because I was so use to driving the 4runner into parking spaces until I felt the front wheels hit the divider, this time it was my brand new red bumper with a whopper 1000 miles on it. So now when I'm down doing my oil changes I have a subtle yellow reminder not to do that haha

Oh no! Yeah, every once in a while I'll witness someone pulling too far forward in a parking lot and hear that awful scrape. Now I'm paranoid...

 

[Falonious]

About 3 years ago I purchased a a new Ford Fiesta 5 speed as a daily. That is after driving my F-150 Supercrew everyday for 5 years. The biggest adjustment I saw was vision, I couldn't see over other folks like I had been use to. However upside is the ability to weave in an out of Traffic easily.

And have to spend a bunch less on fuel. Prices are low right now but it wasn't always the case and I'd bet it wont last long either.
My dd gets at least twice the mpg the runner gets. 20 vs 40 mpg on a good day for the toy and a bad day for the dd. Drive an hour to work each way so it ads up.
The money I saved over the past 10 years or so helped me build up the runner...a nice new supercharger.....lift....armor.....tundra brake upgrade....you get the idea.

Just watch out for the big road hogs doing 90 or the late ones (always running late) and you'll be fine. Only issue I've ever had.