GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: jlwhitworth1 on 11 February 2019, 23:17
-
Hi all,
Currently have a BMW 340i which I have loved over the past 2 years. Anyway, it’s just ticked out of warranty and don’t fancy adding £75 on to my monthlies for the insured / extended warranty.
I have the chance to latch on to a VW family car scheme at my local VW dealership. Basically you pick your car and pay the monthlies (with £0 deposit) with it but you only keep the car for 6 month and then hand it back, pick your next car. It’s almost like a demo but they don’t use it for test drives etc, it’s just your car.
Well the 5dr GTI Performance DSG is coming out £125 less a month than my current 340i, £200 if I take opt for the extended warranty so it’s a lot of money to save each month. Plus I also pocket a nice sum of money that I have spare in the car (remainder is to pay the remaining loan).
Just wondered if anyone has made the same jump and I suppose the real question is, will I regret it? I don’t really need to do it, I’m just trying to get abit more money behind me for another house purchase. Plus I like the idea of worry free motoring with only insurance to pay. Road tax is paid for and servicing doesn’t come into play as I change the car every 6 month.
Thanks in advance
-
Sounds like a good deal to me. I knew dealerships offered something like this to staff and their families but never seen the details before.
If you are worried about dropping down a car size - don't. I spent most of the last 20 years driving repmobiles and really didn't notice the difference other than its actually much easier to fit a Golf into a parking space.
-
It sounds like a good deal, if you know you will only have the car for 6 months, does it matter how much you like it.
They are a rounded practical car, it's unlikely you will not get on with it, if not really appreciate it, assuming it passes a short test drive appraisal.
-
Coming from a 340i, if I were you I'd be looking more at a Golf R rather than a GTI - although if it's only for 6 months at a time, it's not like you've got to put up with anything for too long.
Also, is it just VW or VAG group? There's a lot of nice cars across all of the brands in the group.
-
Sounds good. My previous (well I had a normal GTI first) was new shape C Class saloon and the missus had a 320d at the time. Boot probably smaller but more practical on the Golf.
Main thing I didn't like was/is the touch screen - both Merc and BM had the rotary dial which is much much easier to use on the move. But other than that, there isn't much not to like about the Golf. Won't be as quick as a 340i though.
-
It all sounds like a good deal, but what sort of equity do you have in the BMW, and what will happen to it when you hand the car back?
-
Thanks for all the responses. I did originally want a Golf R but they have recently stopped making them due to the WLTP regs. You are limited to what VW Cars only that they have in their network. The problem is with the Golf Rs they have, they all have the akropovic exhaust which is like a £3k option. Meaning that it puts the monthlies up £100 per month just for this alone. All the R are really high spec which makes them circa £150 more than the GTI Performance. I’m not really arsed about paying for an extra £600 over the 6 month for a titanium exhaust.
I’ve been offered £20k for the 340i and only have a personal loan with about £6k remaining. So I will essentially pocket £14kish.
What sort of MPG is achievable on a run. I know I shouldn’t ask this but I can get close to 40 in the 340i on a run at between 70mph and 80mph.
Long term average is 31mpg
-
You'll easily get 40+ on a run in a GTi. I get mid 40s every time on any run.
-
You'll easily get 40+ on a run in a GTi. I get mid 40s every time on any run.
I got 40+ the other week on my first long run, which bearing in mind was on a very tight & new engine (less than 500miles) I was very pleased with, as I know it'll only get better as the engine loosens up...
(https://i.postimg.cc/kXNgfCC6/Screenshot-2019-02-10-at-09-20-43.png) (https://postimg.cc/JGn8z9GM)
:smiley:
-
That’s good to hear, even at 70 to 80? Or are we talking more 60 to 70?
I drove one the other day but it was only a short test drive so I couldn’t really tell how good it would be on fuel, nor was I really trying in all honesty.
I did really like it but it was obviously different to my 340i. In some ways better, others not so good. Just as an example, I loved how light it felt in comparison and was pleasantly surprised at how it stuck to the greasy road around corners with it being fwd. guessing that’s the clever diff working its magic! But in contrast I didn’t really get on with the infotainment system but that just might be me not being used to it, having used I drive in BMWs for the last 5 years.
One question is will I still have fun with it? The majority of the time it will be used Monday to Friday to tootle to and from work. But the odd time I like to give it a blast given the space on the way home. In all honesty it will be sat on the drive over the weekend as my 340i is these days. We use the other half’s Tiguan for space with the little one
-
I had a couple of M135is and now have a 245PP.
You'll miss iDrive like crazy, VW really haven't got anything on it. There's no point comparing the drive, engine or practicality as they're poles apart.
Financially it sounds great. So long as you're not suddenly dropped in the poo should your door into the scheme get shut, I can't see many downsides.
-
Mine is a company car so used for daily commute to the office (rubbish mpg in city traffic, 15-25mpg this time of year) and then trips to meetings which can be anywhere. The GTI is great fun and on A and B roads you would need a seriously quick car to keep up. But also comfortable to drive and plenty of std spec.
-
I had a couple of M135is and now have a 245PP.
You'll miss iDrive like crazy, VW really haven't got anything on it. There's no point comparing the drive, engine or practicality as they're poles apart.
Financially it sounds great. So long as you're not suddenly dropped in the poo should your door into the scheme get shut, I can't see many downsides.
How do you find being in a 245 PP in comparison to the m135i? I know they are different drives and engine but do you miss the rear wheel drive shove, the power and also the linearity of the engine?
I can’t see my tie being plugged to be honest as I have 3 in-law family members work there. 2 whom will carry on working until they retire in 10 or so years time.
-
You'll easily get 40+ on a run in a GTi. I get mid 40s every time on any run.
I got 40+ the other week on my first long run, which bearing in mind was on a very tight & new engine (less than 500miles) I was very pleased with, as I know it'll only get better as the engine loosens up...
(https://i.postimg.cc/kXNgfCC6/Screenshot-2019-02-10-at-09-20-43.png) (https://postimg.cc/JGn8z9GM)
:smiley:
That’s good news. Was that generally sat at 70mph with a few glimpses of traffic? (Hence the average speed)
-
....
How do you find being in a 245 PP in comparison to the m135i? I know they are different drives and engine but do you miss the rear wheel drive shove, the power and also the linearity of the engine?
I can’t see my tie being plugged to be honest as I have 3 in-law family members work there. 2 whom will carry on working until they retire in 10 or so years time.
Oh, there's no mistaking the difference a 6 pot, RWD (mine had a Drexler LSD) and uncorrupted steering makes. Whilst flawed in a couple of ways, they're a unique fast hatch and very enjoyable to drive.
I was at the point where I'd had them for 6 years, I didn't fancy a 3rd and there was nothing else shouting out to me.
So, in times when I don't know what I want, I always buy a GTI. Discreet, enough power/grip for every day fun, nicely made, don't feel like a tit driving it, happily transport my missus and kids without re-arranging their organs.... They're just 'right'.
New DSG is a load better than it was in my MK5 GTI - although still really frigging annoying in that it won't let you hold a gear and shifts up on its own, engine is good, if a little lacking in ability to rev to proper numbers - feels like it has more than 245hp though. Chassis is tight, bit too grippy at the rear, but I can fix that with geo and some Superpro bits on the front... I like it French style :)
It'll do for 18 months/2 years whilst the next crop of cars come out and I see what tickles my fancy. I don't have any brand loyalty, I buy on merit.
-
....
Oh, there's no mistaking the difference a 6 pot, RWD (mine had a Drexler LSD) and uncorrupted steering makes. Whilst flawed in a couple of ways, they're a unique fast hatch and very enjoyable to drive.
I was at the point where I'd had them for 6 years, I didn't fancy a 3rd and there was nothing else shouting out to me.
So, in times when I don't know what I want, I always buy a GTI. Discreet, enough power/grip for every day fun, nicely made, don't feel like a tit driving it, happily transport my missus and kids without re-arranging their organs.... They're just 'right'.
New DSG is a load better than it was in my MK5 GTI, engine is good, if a little lacking in ability to rev to proper numbers - feels like it has more than 245hp though. Chassis is tight, if a little grippy at the rear, but I can fix that with geo and some Superpro bits on the front... I like it French style :)
It'll do for 18 months/2 years whilst the next crop of cars come out and I see what tickles my fancy. I don't have any brand loyalty, I buy on merit.
It sounds like you don’t really miss the m135i too much, am I right in thinking the GTI ticks the boxes in different ways? I’ve never owned one but always wanted one if I’m honest. Seems like now is the perfect time, even if it is for 6 month and then I change out.
How do you find the fuel economy in comparison? Town driving, Motorway Run and overall average?
-
I miss skidding it everywhere :whistle:
Yeah, apples and oranges but the GTI is a very nice car and does what I want it to do.
Does 35ish on my commute down A/B roads, mid-40s on the way to Silverstone last week, 12 on track, mid-40s on the way back. Never missed a beat.
-
I miss skidding it everywhere :whistle:
Yeah, apples and oranges but the GTI is a very nice car and does what I want it to do.
Does 35ish on my commute down A/B roads, mid-40s on the way to Silverstone last week, 12 on track, mid-40s on the way back. Never missed a beat.
Sounds like I need to just give it a go! For the money I will be spending on monthlies coupled with the amount I’m pocketing for the 340i it sounds like it will be worth it. I honestly didn’t expect mid 40s on a run. This sat at 70ish?
-
Yeah, it’s quite light and massively overdriven in 7th.
-
Hi did exactly the same move myself last year went from a 340i with the Mpspk fitted to a Golf Gti and on the whole don't miss it at all. I do miss the sound of the car in sports mode though :evil: :evil: :evil:
-
Hi did exactly the same move myself last year went from a 340i with the Mpspk fitted to a Golf Gti and on the whole don't miss it at all. I do miss the sound of the car in sports mode though :evil: :evil: :evil:
That’s good to hear. Would you say it was as comfortable and how does the fuel economy compare? Obviously the engine in the 340i is a peach so I know I will miss this at times but I was pleasantly surprised by the power plant in the GTI PP on the short test drive
-
That’s good news. Was that generally sat at 70mph with a few glimpses of traffic? (Hence the average speed)
It's a 180 mile journey of predominantly motorway driving on the M25/M40/M42/M6/M54. These are a mix of managed motorways(M25/M42/M6) where I never go above 70, and non-managed (M40/M54) where I make pace. At each end of the journey there is a 20min stint in A/B roads, it is those two stints that can impact the MPG, the GTi doesn't do consumption that well around town.
I have come from fast cars (M's RS's etc) and most recently a new Range Rover Sport, so the Golf was in essence a 'downgrade', which I did for financial budgeting reasons due to going through a messy separation. But truth be told the change hasn't been that much of a struggle as I was expecting comfort wise because I ticked the option boxes that make the difference to me (DCC, Dynaudio, Leather, Leccy seats etc).
IMO there is very little out there that can give the same all-round ability of the GTI. It can be hard to get the power down sometimes, but I put that down to me not driving a FWD car for 6/7 years and I'm slowly getting used to when/how to get the power down. My plan is to keep it for several years and even though it's only month old a 1100 miles on the clock it's exceeded expectations so far.
-
That’s good news. Was that generally sat at 70mph with a few glimpses of traffic? (Hence the average speed)
It's a 180 mile journey of predominantly motorway driving on the M25/M40/M42/M6/M54. These are a mix of managed motorways(M25/M42/M6) where I never go above 70, and non-managed (M40/M54) where I make pace. At each end of the journey there is a 20min stint in A/B roads, it is those two stints that can impact the MPG, the GTi doesn't do consumption that well around town.
I have come from fast cars (M's RS's etc) and most recently a new Range Rover Sport, so the Golf was in essence a 'downgrade', which I did for financial budgeting reasons due to going through a messy separation. But truth be told the change hasn't been that much of a struggle as I was expecting comfort wise because I ticked the option boxes that make the difference to me (DCC, Dynaudio, Leather, Leccy seats etc).
IMO there is very little out there that can give the same all-round ability of the GTI. It can be hard to get the power down sometimes, but I put that down to me not driving a FWD car for 6/7 years and I'm slowly getting used to when/how to get the power down. My plan is to keep it for several years and even though it's only month old a 1100 miles on the clock it's exceeded expectations so far.
Great detailed response, thanks. Can I ask why you didn’t opt for the R coming from your long history of performance cars?
-
Are you honestly asking whether you should switch cars, which is going to save you £125 per month and allow you to pocket £14k and thus buy another house :laugh: I wish I had your problems!
Take the Golf, even if it's sh!tte, it's going to get you from A-B, take it now!!
-
Great detailed response, thanks. Can I ask why you didn’t opt for the R coming from your long history of performance cars?
A few reasons:
1. My reason for change was driven mainly by economic/budget reasons, and an R would have meant thousands of pounds more spend over the term. If budget hadn't been an issue I would have gone for a new RS3 Sportback.
2. The depreciation curve on the GTI is much better due to it being rarer as the market wasn't/isn't flooded with base spec cheap lease cars.
3. The GTI is less of a magnet to theft than the R. Sure, the GTI is still being stolen (as a recent thread here shows), but seemingly not as much as the R/S3 and/or in such numbers of drastic instances, touch wood!
4. An R to the same spec as mine would be £43k (before discount) taking it well into the luxury car tax bracket of £450 a year for 5 years. My GTI came in just short of £39k (before discount), so that means £140 a year to tax for 5 years. Sadly the amount of discount you get doesn't impact the VED rate, it's the RRP cost that matters (excluding any OTR costs), so an R would have meant dropping some of the options (it's the same options across both cars, you don't get anything standard on the R that's an option on the GTI). which I didn't really want to do given I plan to keep it for a few years so wanted/needed what I specced.
-
What is the M140i like?, Im looking at getting one :evil:
-
What is the M140i like?, Im looking at getting one :evil:
OP has a 340 for sale :wink:
-
What is the M140i like?, Im looking at getting one :evil:
Not as good as a 340i 😉 fancy one? 😂
-
This does sound like an opportunity not to miss out on. I worked at Fiat 25ish years ago and we had a discount scheme for employees. With the right PCP deal, you could run a new car for next to nothing. My Dad had a few cars for a year at a time. On a top spec Brava, he put £2000 down, paid £14 a month (yes fourteen) and after a year, still had £2000 equity as a deposit for another new one. No road tax, tyres, servicing to pay for, just insurance and fuel. Yes it was a Fiat, but motoring doesn't get much cheaper than that.
-
What is the M140i like?, Im looking at getting one :evil:
OP has a 340 for sale :wink:
-
Sorry - meant to add mate has one, it’s a nice motor, goes like stink and well screwed together - I always think it looks a bit odd though - like it can’t decide if it’s a Hatch or Saloon?
-
Sorry - meant to add mate has one, it’s a nice motor, goes like stink and well screwed together - I always think it looks a bit odd though - like it can’t decide if it’s a Hatch or Saloon?
Which of the cars are you referring to here?
-
Sorry, my rubbish posting - the M140i. Just my opinion
-
Sorry, my rubbish posting - the M140i. Just my opinion
The M140i is a hatch, doesn't look anything like a saloon as it's a hatchback.. :huh:
-
Is he thinking of a 440i Gran Coupe?
-
Is he thinking of a 440i Gran Coupe?
Maybe a 340i. That's a saloon :grin:
-
Maybe thinking of a 340i GT?
-
Sorry, my rubbish posting - the M140i. Just my opinion
The M140i is a hatch, doesn't look anything like a saloon as it's a hatchback.. :huh:
I know it’s a hatch, just think it looks odd - IMO - especially in the profile.
-
Sorry, my rubbish posting - the M140i. Just my opinion
The M140i is a hatch, doesn't look anything like a saloon as it's a hatchback.. :huh:
I know it’s a hatch, just think it looks odd - IMO - especially in the profile.
I get what you mean. I agree.
The bonnet and screen, plus doors (front half) look like a big saloon in profile and the arse end looks like a Victorian perambulator.
I always thought its predecessor, the Compact, looked odd as well. Like a saloon that had been reversed into the garage without putting the door up first.
VW’s strong point was never big saloons and BMW don’t make attractive small hatches.
-
It’s a little tricky getting a longitudinal 3.0l inline 6 into a hatch profile, to be fair.
-
Exonian & Mike - both hit the nail on the head
-
BMW 1 series = bread van
-
BMW 1 series = bread van
Bread van = Z3M
BMW 1 series = I liked my little 1 series, it's the car I miss the most...
(https://i.postimg.cc/59Y3kYzX/IMG-2740.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kDCK25fC)
:wink:
-
BMW 1 series = bread van
Bread van = Z3M
BMW 1 series = I liked my little 1 series, it's the car I miss the most...
(https://i.postimg.cc/59Y3kYzX/IMG-2740.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kDCK25fC)
:wink:
1M?
-
Yep thats a 1M
-
Cracking car and worth a small fortune now. Understand why you miss it 🤣
-
Cracking car and worth a small fortune now. Understand why you miss it 🤣
I bought it new, ran it for 12mths, sold it for pretty much what I paid for it. Hindsight's a wonderful things and if I knew what we know now about values I'd never have sold it. But I was going through potential redundancy so at the time I thought that getting out the car financially unscathed was good.
It's a car I'll never forget, BMW at it's absolute very best. Brutal power that blew away things way above its league, feedback through the steering wheel and seat that was accurate and intense, and the chassis/handling was utterly sublime, by rights I shouldn't have been able to throw it around like I did, any other car would have bitten my head off. One of the greats IMO that won't be matched, a modern classic.
I test-drove a M140i before buying the Golf, and yes the 140 is more powerful and sounds better, but the engine feels a bit numb and it lacks driver involvement particularly around the steering feedback. The Golf delivers that in bucket loads, and that's before you get to the practical benefits of the golf over the tiny 140.
-
Cracking car and worth a small fortune now. Understand why you miss it 🤣
I bought it new, ran it for 12mths, sold it for pretty much what I paid for it. Hindsight's a wonderful things and if I knew what we know now about values I'd never have sold it. But I was going through potential redundancy so at the time I thought that getting out the car financially unscathed was good.
It's a car I'll never forget, BMW at it's absolute very best. Brutal power that blew away things way above its league, feedback through the steering wheel and seat that was accurate and intense, and the chassis/handling was utterly sublime, by rights I shouldn't have been able to throw it around like I did, any other car would have bitten my head off. One of the greats IMO that won't be matched, a modern classic.
I test-drove a M140i before buying the Golf, and yes the 140 is more powerful and sounds better, but the engine feels a bit numb and it lacks driver involvement particularly around the steering feedback. The Golf delivers that in bucket loads, and that's before you get to the practical benefits of the golf over the tiny 140.
Don’t for one minute think I was mocking your decision to sell it as you hit the nail on the head r.e resale values rocketing. Again, hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Just heard so many good things about the 1M!
In terms of the m140i I disagree with your comments regarding the engine. To me there’s no comparison between a straight 6 and a 4 pot. The refinement, Rev Range, noise, power delivery and the linearity of it is a league above the GTI. Don’t get me wrong, the GTI engine is a cracking motor, but it’s just not a straight six. Golf GTI is a great all
Rounder but for pure driving experience to put a smile on your face the B58 motor is the better of the two.
Having said that, I don’t want a pure driving experience as I only use my 340i to commute Monday to Friday. Hence the reason for considering a car that does everything, hence the Golf GTI
-
So, bit of an update. I think the 340i is going but it is going to be for a Golf R DSG instead. The GTI performance I had my eye on has sold over the weekend (Can't reserve vehicles on the Family car scheme). They do have one in stock which is the isaac blue with the seville alloys. Those alloys are awful in my opinion so I passed up the opportunity. They currently have an unregistered R in stock but I have been told by the dealer they are unable to register and tax the vehicle due to WLTP. Upon asking on a timeframe for this as I want the vehicle ASAP, I was told 'How long is a piece of string'.
Anyway, after a morning on the phone between VWuk and the DVLA, VW finally gave me an answer. New Golf R Hatch and Estates can be registered and taxed from this Friday 22nd February 2019.
I didn't realise how much this had affected the Golf R to be honest, not that I have looked in detail or anything but its taken me by surprise that they haven't been able to register new Golf Rs since this came into play. I know this is a GTI forum and to be honest, I'm abit down about not getting a GTI, but I can always opt for one in 6 months time. May be abit of useful info for anyone out there wanting a Golf R that a dealer has in stock or that is sat in the UK network.
-
Great choice! I would have the R over the GTI any day if you can comfortably afford it :cool:
-
Great choice! I would have the R over the GTI any day if you can comfortably afford it :cool:
Well I’m hoping this is the case, I can’t see the vehicle selling before Friday as they can’t register it before then. It’s a standard car apart from lapiz blue paint and the Spielberg alloys (which are the wheels I wanted on a R, can’t stand the standard ones) but it works out about £12 a month more so happy days.
-
Sounds like a great choice!
-
I think the GTI has more character than the R, but I guarantee you'll not be disappointed with either the GTI or the R.
Fingers crossed all the stars align and you're in it sometime next week.