So, Who else's GTi is in Transit? - Update Now In UK

[Gryzor]

And don’t the f**k*rs know it!

Yup, they do, but I guess the one thing to come from the long lead times and people jumping ship is that it will make the GTI feel that bit more special when it does arrive.

Nothing does touch it in terms of looks I agree, and the M135i for eg is more expensive to run - but it is more refined and has a better cabin, and is obviously quicker.  I don't want to change as I love GTI's, and this one is special, but 28 weeks - really??  Anyway, I'll stop moaning now as I'm boring myself! 

At the end of the day we are comparing two class-leading cars, and while I can't speak for overall refinement in the BMW with regards to how it drives, I'm not that keen on the cabin.  Raw speed and acceleration don't do that much for me at this end of the scale either, with the GTI being more than adequate for my everyday driving needs.

I guess part of it is me having had a GTI for the past 8 years too - it's been the most desirable car I've ever owned, and always brings a smile to my face.  For me there is more to this purchase than "just the car", and the GTI is such an icon.

[Bill_the_Bear]

Nothing does touch it in terms of looks I agree, and the M135i for eg is more expensive to run - but it is more refined and has a better cabin, and is obviously quicker.  I don't want to change as I love GTI's, and this one is special, but 28 weeks - really??  Anyway, I'll stop moaning now as I'm boring myself! 

I'd say the beemer's looks grow on you a lot when you sign on the dotted line (ha!), and likewise the GTI starts to look less special (but then the GTI is the one with the heritage).  This makes sense as owners of both cars will typically tend to see them in a better light than others will I think.  That said if a requirement is you want people to notice the car then don't get the beemer cause its a sleeper!

However, the running costs there are no getting around.  Its gonna be 30mpg in the M instead of 40mpg in the GTI, and the tyre costs are probably £750 ish for a full set, hopefully only every 2 years Anyone know what the GTI tyre costs are?  I imagine they are lower but the fronts need replacing slightly more often?

So I wouldn't worry about the looks, but the running costs should be properly considered I'd say.  Insurance is up a little (insignificant), tax is the same.

[monkeyhanger]

Well, I just rang VW UK to ask what was happening with my car, hoping to find out shipping status.
Before the rep went away and chased up status with VW sales she said “they are currently working a skeleton crew in Wolfsburg as they are coming to the end of their 6 week holiday” I asked whether I could apply for a job there and how long did they get off for Christmas.
She put me on hold for a while and then came back to confirm that it was “build is complete, it is leaving the plant today”.

I was hoping for them to say “it is at Emden and about to be loaded onto the city of Rome ship”. Looks like pick-up of at least the 10th is on the cards, as there is no ship from Emden to port of Tyne until at least after the 2nd.

[Bill_the_Bear]

Woah woah, wait a minute.... is she saying the shutdown has been for 6 weeks not 4? (and originally it was supposed to be only 3)

[monkeyhanger]

Nothing does touch it in terms of looks I agree, and the M135i for eg is more expensive to run - but it is more refined and has a better cabin, and is obviously quicker.  I don't want to change as I love GTI's, and this one is special, but 28 weeks - really??  Anyway, I'll stop moaning now as I'm boring myself! 

I'd say the beemer's looks grow on you a lot when you sign on the dotted line (ha!), and likewise the GTI starts to look less special (but then the GTI is the one with the heritage).  This makes sense as owners of both cars will typically tend to see them in a better light than others will I think.  That said if a requirement is you want people to notice the car then don't get the beemer cause its a sleeper!

However, the running costs there are no getting around.  Its gonna be 30mpg in the M instead of 40mpg in the GTI, and the tyre costs are probably £750 ish for a full set, hopefully only every 2 years Anyone know what the GTI tyre costs are?  I imagine they are lower but the fronts need replacing slightly more often?

So I wouldn't worry about the looks, but the running costs should be properly considered I'd say.  Insurance is up a little (insignificant), tax is the same.

Tax is the same for a GTI and an M135i? Surely not. Lower mpg = higher CO2 = higher tax. £125 for the GTI is it? Not sure what the M315i is, but it cannot scrape under the 140g/CO2 band surely?

225/40 R18 Tyres on the Golf can be had quite reasonable. About £120 a corner for Michelin Pilot Sport 3s in Costco fully inclusive of fitting/valve/balance etc.

[Bill_the_Bear]

Oh, my bad!  Beemer is 175g.  So its £75 more per year.

[Gryzor]

This makes sense as owners of both cars will typically tend to see them in a better light than others will I think. 

It’s fair to say that whatever car people choose, they will defend over the other, and it really is like splitting hairs when you consider what you are actually getting.  I genuinely think the BMW 1 hatch is one ugly car, can’t quite pin it, but the coupe is a real looker in comparison.

Anyways, I’m sure you’ll have plenty of fun with the beemer, just as I will with the GTI.  Two cracking cars, but like I’ve said, don’t challenge me to a drag race at the lights! 

Edit:  Woop, just got the phone call I wanted - collection will be Sunday 1st September, 09:30

[rick2b]

This makes sense as owners of both cars will typically tend to see them in a better light than others will I think. 

It’s fair to say that whatever car people choose, they will defend over the other, and it really is like splitting hairs when you consider what you are actually getting.  I genuinely think the BMW 1 hatch is one ugly car, can’t quite pin it, but the coupe is a real looker in comparison.

Anyways, I’m sure you’ll have plenty of fun with the beemer, just as I will with the GTI.  Two cracking cars, but like I’ve said, don’t challenge me to a drag race at the lights! 

Edit:  Woop, just got the phone call I wanted - collection will be Sunday 1st September, 09:30

We should meet to play spot the difference and call each other tits. 

On a more serious note, I hope you have a a long as I did when you collect.

[Bill_the_Bear]

Edit:  Woop, just got the phone call I wanted - collection will be Sunday 1st September, 09:30

Congratulations!  The perfect delivery date/time!

Gonna be posting some pics and review ... when you finally pull yourself away from it?

[Gryzor]

We should meet to play spot the difference and call each other tits. 

On a more serious note, I hope you have a a long as I did when you collect.

Haha, that's a good idea!    But no, seriously, cheers mate, and I certainly will be sporting a big grin that day!

Congratulations!  The perfect delivery date/time!

Gonna be posting some pics and review ... when you finally pull yourself away from it?

Cheers Bear, and yup, I'll definitely take some snaps (probably at the showroom while it's still clean!) and post my comments.  I've got a few places to be that day, with mixed roads and a good 40'odd mile round trip on the night.