My two cents. Save your money with the exhaust. Put aside those funds for an eventual down payment on a GT. Probably not what you want to hear, but this is experience talking
Just had a large branch fall on my roof during a storm. Roof is getting replaced. Yes, there is a CF option. Was looking at that CF option, still not sure.
Had a 2016 GTI with DSG for a daily driver and now a ‘21 6 speed GTfor a weekend ride. Both were/are lots of fun. Tough call between the two, but each serve(d) their purpose favorably
Ditto for the early AM or late PM wash. Ditto also to the portable canopy, you can pick them up fairly cheap. I always keep a pump spray bottle of distilled water for my final rinse and do each panel with that and P&S bead maker. I don’t get the high temps you do, but that combination has worked...