Autopia.org - View Single Post - Comments appreciated--128 vs. GTI

slicknickis3 · 04-08-09, 11:31

If the car is simply to be used as a daily driver then there's no contest: BMW 128i every time. It's just as practical as a GTI with MUCH better reliability and MUCH better resale value. Plus I like the way it drives in comparison (Gotta love light-weight RWD with a 230hp I-6!)

It is the more expensive car, but you get what you pay for. Your service experience will be better at a BMW dealership (at least in my experience) and you'll visit it far less than if you choose the GTI. Overall the BMW will be the easiest car to own and enjoy on a regular basis. The overall fit and finish of the BMW will be much better. (Though VW has been known for solid interiors, just not BMW solid)

If you're into the boy-racer or auto-x scene, you may want to choose a GTI, you'll be fixing a lot of things, but the car is very well supported by the aftermarket and simple computer upgrades do wonders for the car. The car is much cheaper than the BMW and gets slightly better gas mileage.

A friend of mine recently purchased a pre-owned GTI that clearly had work done on it; while it is a quick car, it has loads of problems.

If I'm paying for a car, I want to it to be in my possession more than the dealers. My vote: 128i.(Though if I were spending the money, I'd spring for the 135i, fantastic car)

04-08-09, 11:31	#12 (permalink)
slicknickis3 Registered User slicknickis3 is offline Join Date: May 2006 Location: South Jersey Posts: 313	Re: Comments appreciated--128 vs. GTI If the car is simply to be used as a daily driver then there's no contest: BMW 128i every time. It's just as practical as a GTI with MUCH better reliability and MUCH better resale value. Plus I like the way it drives in comparison (Gotta love light-weight RWD with a 230hp I-6!) It is the more expensive car, but you get what you pay for. Your service experience will be better at a BMW dealership (at least in my experience) and you'll visit it far less than if you choose the GTI. Overall the BMW will be the easiest car to own and enjoy on a regular basis. The overall fit and finish of the BMW will be much better. (Though VW has been known for solid interiors, just not BMW solid) If you're into the boy-racer or auto-x scene, you may want to choose a GTI, you'll be fixing a lot of things, but the car is very well supported by the aftermarket and simple computer upgrades do wonders for the car. The car is much cheaper than the BMW and gets slightly better gas mileage. A friend of mine recently purchased a pre-owned GTI that clearly had work done on it; while it is a quick car, it has loads of problems. If I'm paying for a car, I want to it to be in my possession more than the dealers. My vote: 128i.(Though if I were spending the money, I'd spring for the 135i, fantastic car)