GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: drisser on 19 August 2013, 22:30
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Well it has been an emotional few weeks with pondering the gti order, then pondering the M135 and in the end deciding to go with a used 60 plate BMW 135m sport coupe.
After my first weekend since picking up the car I wanted to share some honest comparisons with the impressions I had of the gti, and whether. Have had any regrets or not.
Overall, no regrets I have to say. The deal really suited my position having had a good offer on my 330ci I decided to sell it and luckily the local dealer had allow mileage 135 coupe in. After 2 test drives and some discussion on the figures I put down a deposit on the BMW.
My thoughts on the M135 hatch are well documented on here ie no thanks, would take the GTi PP every day of the week. Why ? Don't like the handling or ride of the bMW, the looks, the interior quality didn't do it for me and it felt too "big".
I am really smitten with the 135 coupe. Personally i love the looks, it's very chunky and squat, everything the m135 isn't. The engine is a cracker and gives you 99% of the M135 performance for a better price. The driving position is very similar to the GTi, everything falls to hand and is very compact and close to you. This is what I loved about the golf and the 135 coupe, you feel part of the car. With the m135 I felt I was on the car and steering it. The coupe and GTi are much more intimate.
I averaged 33 mpg this weekend, amazing for something with over 300 bhp. It was mostly a long drive but with a few blasts, so can't complain. The engine is a belter it really is, mine has the single turbo 6 rather than the early twin turbo, there is zero lag and in any gear there is tonnes of torque. People who like cars know this car, you can tell by the looks it gets. Very similar to the looks I got in the GTi test drive - a "knowing " glance. With the M135 I just got not one single second look, very disappointing.
Brakes are awesome too, I didn't realize but it has 6 piston front calipers and boy do they work well.
So in summary, everything I liked about the golf I liked about the 135 coupe. How could the m135 hatch not do it for me ? I don't know but there is something very different about the whole experience of the way it drives and looks. I just didn't click like the golf and 135 coupe did.
Whilst I know this is a mk7 forum all I can say is if you like the golf, the 135 coupe would be much closer to your heart than an M135 hatch. That's my view anyway.
Message for Bill :rolleyes: I don't know why you are still pondering the m135 deal mate ! If you were smitten with the 135 powerplant drive a135 coupe with manual box if you like an analogue, involving experience. It even sounds like the noise hasn't been tampered with and piped into the speakers.
I do still ponder my poor cancelled carbon grey Gti but this was the right deal for me at under £20k. Good luck to all those waiting for their orders though.
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Nice write-up mate, glad you are happy with it :) It all sounds great, except for the fact it's only got 2 doors, which is a no-no for me in an everyday runner. The 5 door alternative is plain ugly!
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Thanks for your comments mate, I may see if I can get a drive in a 135 coupe as comparison to the GTI.
Problem is I'm looking for a new car rather than used so really this leaves the GTI and M135i in my price point. A new 135 coupe is a bit pricy being more than a high spec M135i or GTI even before adding any options, and there is a fair drop in mpg too.
Can't really comment on the drive since I've not been in a 135 coupe, but I enjoyed the M135i a lot. The GTI wasn't so fun. This may have been because of the sh!tty VW test drive where I was told its 6 mins on a prescribed route! However after the initial power I was left wondering where the rest of it was and spend the rest of the drive trying to get to grips with the unfamiliar car while constantly on the brakes because of other traffic. Like I say more a problem for the dumb dealer than the car but all plays into the ordering experience.
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Great review Andy. Glad your enjoying the 135 pal :smiley:
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I've been through all this too. More expensive, but if I was backing out of a GTI I'd be either going for a used 1M or that LHD Audi A1 Quattro. Both are supposed to be very good. I've BTDT with BMW's though, owned an M3 CSL from new and it's still probably my all time favorite car it's such a hooligan. I just fancied a smaller compact car like the Golf this time around and I'm pleased with my choice for a daily driver. Maybe an R on the horizon in 12 months or so when people are still waiting for cars to be delivered and residuals are high. :whistle:
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... in 12 months or so when people are still waiting for cars to be delivered and residuals are high. :whistle:
Yes I wonder about this too. Given there seems to be so few trickling through I wonder how much value will actually have been lost in 12 months. If the lead times aren't drastically lower than what they are now it could be a seller's market?
Especially if you have the "rare" reversing camera? heh heh...
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How about some pictures of the 135 to cheer us all up? :cool: