Comments appreciated--128 vs. GTI - Page 4

Hey, Moe! · 04-18-09, 09:19

Hi, everyone! Yes, I am still up!

Again, thanks to everyone who chimed in on this. All comments were read, digested appropriately, and thought about, since it is my nature to think a lot about major purchases.

I would love to just be able to get up on a nice fall day later this year, and go to my garage, and jump in a nice, clean, fun vehicle, and blast through the leaves here in the back roads.

Or, to say, "road trip," meaning that my sister and I will head for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, and get a behind the scenes tour, since she "knows people."

These scenarios are why you buy a car, aren't they?

I don't look to modify this vehicle unless it doesn't suit my needs. If I purchase wisely, there might not be a need for that.

My girlfriend/landlord (yes, I pay rent), sweetheart that she is, keeps saying, "You were talking about this car back when you just got divorced, and struggled. Things are different now. Do what you want. Get the BMW."

I am a big believer in cars for lifestyles. I guess it is my time to step up to the plate.

I will let everyone know about the result.

Picus · 04-19-09, 06:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by lecchilo

I really don't want to sound like some BMW elitist but where are you getting the "ton more reliable power and far superior handling" from? Yes you can chip it but what's with the superior handling haha...

The superior handling is him assuming you're going to do coilovers and sways. Do the same thing to the 128i and it'll handle just as well, or better, than a GTI.

Dunbar42 · 05-02-09, 10:51

Have you thought about a 328i coupe instead of the 128i? I think the 3 series coupe looks a lot better than the 1. I would personally pick up a CPO 335 coupe for the same price with a 6yr/100k mile warranty. I've driven all engine variations of the E9x 3 series (own an E46 330) and the twin turbo six is in a completely different league.

I haven't driven the current GTI but it is supposed to be a great car but I'd be sure to buy it new. VW/Audi have amongst the worst reliability record of all German brands. Granted, no German brand can compete with Japanese reliability, BMW included.

Hey, Moe! · 05-04-09, 09:57

I've seen a few 328 coupes here in the boonies, and they look nice. One belongs to a local state trooper (it's Alpine White), and it is very nice.

I'm OK with the styling of the 1-series. No problem there.

I just haven't time lately to work on this issue. I'm in coaching mode with a good team, and I am trying to close out my last year in teaching.

After May 29, all bets are off.

Who knows? There may be a 3-series on a lot somewhere that might be a better deal than ordering a 1er.

GTI's are not completely off the list. I had too much fun in my VWs back in the '80s to not think about them.

I will post updates.

Accumulator · 05-05-09, 09:53

Hey, Moe- Enjoy this last month on the job.

Darkstar752 · 05-05-09, 10:10

Go with a 135i. At least test-drive it first.

lecchilo · 05-05-09, 10:14

Moe, I'd make a field trip out of it haha...

Hey, Moe! · 05-05-09, 08:34

Hi, all!

Hey, got back earlier from our local district HS tennis tournament. My #1 player won the singles bracket, and gets to go to the state HS tournament.

I know he is going to go to college to be a math teacher, and he told me this evening that he is going to minor in coaching, because he wants to coach HS tennis.

Maybe I did have an impact over those 34 years.....

lecchilo--yes there will be a roadtrip! BTW, could you get the Cubbies to play better?

Accumulator · 05-06-09, 09:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hey, Moe!

Maybe I did have an impact over those 34 years.....

Gee, ya think so?

That must be pretty gratifying (your #1 tennis player's plans).

JohnnyDaJackal · 05-07-09, 12:01

Congrats on resigning on a high note. I'm actually looking to begin my teaching career this coming September.

As for your new purchase, my vote goes to the 128, since you plan on holding onto to the focus. I've seen a couple really nice black ones with the red interior. The 135s are beasts too, I believe I read somewhere that BMW down played the numbers so the car isn't overshadowing the 3 series.

rickk · 05-07-09, 01:11

For my company car I "had" to choose between a lowly 118d (jup.. thats for 1.8l diesel you American lot) and a fully specced, chiptuned MKV GTI.

I chose the GTI, and I still regret it sometimes.

The GTI is in all rational aspects the better car, faster, much more practical (you'd be surprised how much stuff you can fit in these Golfs) , far cheaper and probably more reliable, maybe even more ergonomic (I really like the GTI seats and wheel!), and quite full of character, but every time I drive in my humble E46 320d (jup.. that's a 2.0 diesel) I feel like coming home. What they say is true: only a BMW drives like a BMW. The GTI is a fantastic car, great fun but the BMW is just a better drive.

I you're able to afford the 128i, just go for it. I bet you you won't regret it for a second.

Good luck!

Hey, Moe! · 05-08-09, 09:02

rickk-thanks so much for your comments. They made a lot of sense to me.

I am very much tuned into the "feel" of driving a car. I guess that's a carryover from my tennis, because I am picky about how my racquet "feels." I do string my own racquets, and don't question splurging on the kind of string I want.

And, though I am a huge t-shirt fan when I am not working, I won't wear one unless I've line-dryed it, because it feels better. I'll hang my bed sheets on the clothesline in January because I like them that way.

Enough said about that. I just want to be able to drive at a quick rate when conditions permit, handle challenging curves in an enjoyable manner, and own a vehicle that is made for that kind of duty.

Having owned a GTI that I loved, I was willing to give it an opportunity. I will likely still drive one, though I am disappointed that the '10 has no horsepower increase, because it needed a little bump. I'm not looking to do a chip mod.

The BMW does have something of an advantage. And, the people who know me well keep saying, "You've been busting your butt for quite a while. We know you want to do this. Go do it."

Yeah, I can afford the 128. In a couple of weeks we will know the answer.

Just 12 more work days left! That does make my head turn.