45k is the 2022 msrp, iirc 2019 msrp was more like 40k.
Like the others have stated, this seems unwise. A used Golf R for 45k sounds insane to me compared to alternative options that require a bit of patience.
Respectfully, you might as well try to win an auction on carsandbids.com on something more exciting like a used M-series BMW if you’re willing to overpay - OR try to get on a waitlist for the 2023 Golf R (which will be the 20th anniversary edition) and hang on to the X3 for now.
2021 BMW m340 and 2019 Golf GTI owner here. The GTI is way more fun to drive but 50k!!! Get out of dodge.
A Golf R is way rarer than an X3 40i and a nicely bought R will hold value better than peak bubble BMW valuations.
That being said I’m sure you can find a better deal on the R?
What is the current buyout on the x3?
I’m curious how it compares to the Golf at the moment. My uneducated guess is that it is pretty close, and I have to wonder why the hell anyone would look at a ‘21 x340 and a ‘19 Golf at the same price with similar miles and say “oh yeah, Golf for me!”
It’s around $39k, $29k residual.
So you have a choice of a '21 X340m for $39k or a '19 Golf for $45k and you want the Golf? Am I reading this right?
Maybe bias but I’d take an X3 M40i every day ending in Y.
I don’t even understand how someone arrives at this choice
Golf R is cool, but an optioned brand new GTI makes more sense financially.
Add my vote to the “don’t ever do this” category.
This sounds insane to me on every level except getting equity out of your lease.
Even though it has ~3 years (guess, could be less) of warranty left that golf R will be expensive to keep up out of warranty most likely and you will still have 3+ years left on the loan.
The market is not going towards small cars long term in terms of resale value (golf R might do ok…) and an out of warranty VW is kinda rough IMO.
Kudos. 
That’s the best way to compare those choices
Some people here talking about an x3 m40 like it’s a boat. Ya the golf is a little slimmer and more nimble but the x3 is pretty sporty for a little suv.
I can definitely attest to the X3 M40i being quite nimble and responsive in the twisties.
No, he has the option to monetize a leased X3 for +$10K equity, which I think is a no-brainer.
The best new car to finance using all or some of that equity becomes a wholly separate question.
The OP’s binary framing against an overpriced 2019 R makes no sense.
Well, yes. But I was just framing based on the presented options.
And, I guess, technically, we could say it is an x3m40 for $39k vs a 2-yr-older Golf for $35k (since we get the $10k equity). Still no contest, IMHO.
And, really, vs any other option, a $39k purchase of a '21 x3m40 with 15k miles seems a helluva good buy.
Are you in SoCal and would you consider a new design WRX?
Is the golf r one of those exclusive colors? Why is it priced that high? Your better off getting s3 for the same money, essentially identical car.
I think you mean S3, not RS3.
The m40 is so much fun to drive, better than Macan S imho, I would pick it over the VW on any day of the week but these are completely different cars. I would still take the 10K equity like tomorrow
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