UPDATE:
Michelin Pilot Sports 4's installed. So far its like a new car.
vac steam cleaned the seats and im looking pretty good now, good enough that I may .
wait until the MK8 comes. Although that is years away it seems. So I may go from this to a used R once I am out of warranty.
I did realize it would drive so much better, but its really more than I expected and Ive only driven home from the tire shop.
I do now have the option to sell the GTI with new tires and it could be a easier private party sale.
I am still going to test drive a 2019 R with 4K miles on it in the indium gray in the next few weeks,.