Comments appreciated--128 vs. GTI - Page 5

PCG · 05-11-09, 05:39

I could probably go on for days about this topic, but I'll try and keep it simple. I currently own a 07 GTI and my only experience with a 1 series was a 128 test drive, which really isn't enough to gain a lot of insight, so I'll mostly comment on the GTI.

Reliability:
Since VW reliability was touched on in this thread I'll start with it. My GTI has been mostly painless for 2.5 years and 22k miles. A few early rattles that disappeared with time or were fixed, a few ECU updates and other odds and ends recalls that didn't slow me down and were taken care of during oil changes have been my only issues. Can't speak for the BMW as I don't own one.

Rarity:
This is a big one for me. I LOVE the 3 series and a lot of other cars but in some areas 3 series seem as common as an F-150. Luckily for you it seems like both vehicles you are looking at are fairly uncommon. Score for both vehicles and part of the reason I own a GTI and like the 1 series.

Driving:
The GTI defines "all-arounder" and it's pretty good at almost everything. It's not fast, it's quick, it's not the best handling but it's very good, and so on and so forth. Just a fun FWD driving machine, simple as that. Willing, capable, but forgiving. Like almost any FWD without a limited slip it loves to spin that inner tire while accelerating. It's my number one handling complaint by a long shot. If the R32 (w/ awd) was out back when I bought my GTI I might own one, especially if it was a little less expensive. The new GTI has "XDS" but it remains to be seen just how effective it is at reigning in the spinning inner tire. The BMW feels like a RWD car. And I'll be honest I miss it at times. The 128i is also not "fast", but it's definitely quicker then the GTI and really no slouch compared to many cars. Neither car's clutch or transmission is a stand out but I can't really fault them either.

Interior Quality:
A few rattles early on on my GTI otherwise it's tight and comfortable. Interior quality is somewhat subjective and you could find someone to argue either side. The BMW feels higher end to me, but not necessarily higher quality. A GTI with the leather seats feels very different then one with the cloth sport seats. Be sure to sit in both. Not sure the difference will be as noticeable in the new GTI but in the MK5 they felt very different to me.

Random thoughts:
When I think about my next car my heart always comes back to the 1-series. Don't take that as a fault or criticism of the GTI, it's just that life is short and you only have so long to drive so many vehicles. The 1 series wasn't out yet and even if it was optioned how I wanted (and I probably would have wanted the 135i) was more then I wanted to spend at the time. It's funny because as different as these cars are layout wise (FWD versus RWD) and also price they are definitely cross shopped.

I'm sure you'd love either, but I'd go for the BMW. Especially since it sounds like you want it.

Hey, Moe! · 05-12-09, 07:34

Thanks, PCG, for your thoughts.

I am near the end of my coaching season, meaning I will soon have time to set this process in motion.

I am looking at a road trip the first week in June, including a stop at a BMW dealer, and one at a VW dealer, who have in stock the model I am looking to drive.

I am leaning toward the 128, but I will not make a decision until I drive both. And, I will have to hash out numbers. I am not a negotiator, but it is evident that the buyer has the upper hand right now, not the dealer.

Again, thanks! Everyone's comments have been/are most welcome.

M54 · 05-13-09, 02:44

Buy a Saab Aero model.

dinosaur12 · 05-13-09, 05:48

I vote for the BMW for one reason, Rear Wheel Drive!
I just got a 335i and what a blast to drive. Love coming out of a corner and feeling the rear end rotate around, something you never really get out of a FWD.

Some other cars to think about:
350z (370z)
G35 (G37)
IS250 or IS350 (go for the 250, you can get a manual)
CTS-V (400hp)
any BMW
Genesis
mx-5 miata
Ariel Atom (for fun)

Im sure there are others but these are just off the top of my head.

J.J. · 05-13-09, 06:35

Bimmer hands down. No contest. The perfect driving machine. I'm looking at a 550 myself.

JJ

HappyWax · 05-13-09, 06:56

I think the new design chief at BMW is awesome -here is his walk around of the 1 series -it made me totally appreciate how much thought and detail goes into every aspect of BMW

MWerks.com - Adrian VanHooydonk Describes the 1 Series Styling

His walk around of the 7 series is really interesting too-

Hey, Moe! · 06-08-09, 08:53

Well, the order has been made. It will be a BMW 128.

The car and the dealership won me over. I got to drive a 128 with a stick last week, and realized how much fun it will be to drive. The extra horses of the 135 are tempting, but the 128 is just a nice all-around car with more than enough power.

Here's the order:

Black Sapphire Metallic
Terracotta interior (kind of football-colored)
M-Sport package (upgraded suspension, 135 bodywork, the thick, grippy M steering wheel, anthracite headliner, different styling wheels)

I had a very pleasant experience with the dealer. I was treated as if I were ordering a 7-series. I feel very comfortable with the dealer, and to me, that is necessary.

Between now and the time I get it, I'll learn to post pics, so I can show you after its first detail (and the Focus, which is still looking good).

Thanks to everyone for all your good insights, and thoughtful comments.

lecchilo · 06-08-09, 09:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hey, Moe!

Well, the order has been made. It will be a BMW 128.

The car and the dealership won me over. I got to drive a 128 with a stick last week, and realized how much fun it will be to drive. The extra horses of the 135 are tempting, but the 128 is just a nice all-around car with more than enough power.

Here's the order:

Black Sapphire Metallic
Terracotta interior (kind of football-colored)
M-Sport package (upgraded suspension, 135 bodywork, the thick, grippy M steering wheel, anthracite headliner, different styling wheels)

I had a very pleasant experience with the dealer. I was treated as if I were ordering a 7-series. I feel very comfortable with the dealer, and to me, that is necessary.

Between now and the time I get it, I'll learn to post pics, so I can show you after its first detail (and the Focus, which is still looking good).

Thanks to everyone for all your good insights, and thoughtful comments.

Welcome to the family!

Accumulator · 06-08-09, 09:17

Hey, Moe!- Congrats, sounds like everything fell into place just right

I think you'll do fine with that color too.

Retirement's just around the corner, huh?

Hey, Moe! · 06-08-09, 09:37

Ivan--Thanks!

Accumulator--Yeah, everything did kind of fall into place.

Actually, I am retired now. I had enough personal leave built up that May 29 was my last day in the classroom. Last week, I stopped at the BMW dealer on the way to spend the rest of the week with my brother at his beach house at the Outer Banks.

HappyWax · 06-08-09, 09:49

You have chosen wisely !

jswhitley · 06-08-09, 10:18

You'll like it, a long time from now (after i get done with school) hopefully, i'll be back in line for another bimmer