MK7 GTI vs M135i

[Bill_the_Bear]

I haven't gone yet!  But the more I think about what I saw today the more I like that car though, gotta see how it drives.

It may be a bridge too far though.  Best discount is only on the one in the showroom.  Plus side is I could be driving it this weekend (except I'm not in the country) down side is the spec.  Can't pick the exact options and its black not blue.  Then again those options are expensive so it's debatable I'd be able to afford specing one up anyway!

Just not sure i wouldn't regret it later.  As you say if the 0-60 squishes me into the seat like I think it will i might have nothing to worry about.  And it does look better in person, but lets not kid ourselves, it's no looker.  Interior is super though.  Why can't I have the M-lite AND a GTI?

Hehehe ok that's too greedy isn't it?

[Gryzor]

Buying a car you didn't really want in the first place, just because of delays, and because others are doing it, isn't the way to go about it.  Sorry to be blunt!

[Bill_the_Bear]

Don't worry that's not the reasons at all.  I never even looked at the M135i because I knew what I wanted (GTI) and it was too expensive anyway.  But what if I don't want the GTI that bad?  And what if the BMW isn't as expensive as I thought?

Basically I'm treating this as if I'm starting the new car selection process from scratch.

[Gung-Ho]

For those considering a M135i as an alternative to the Golf, here's an interesting debate going on on Pistonheads.....

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=23&t=1243801&mid=0&i=0&nmt=Has+the+BMW+M135i+killed+the+Golf+GTI%3F&mid=0

[Gryzor]

Don't worry that's not the reasons at all.  I never even looked at the M135i because I knew what I wanted (GTI) and it was too expensive anyway.  But what if I don't want the GTI that bad?  And what if the BMW isn't as expensive as I thought?

Basically I'm treating this as if I'm starting the new car selection process from scratch.

So is this just a theoretical exercise for you, or are you actually treating it as a new car selection and reviewing your original choice?!  Even if it is theoretical, it's one exercise triggered by the delays, lack of info. and the fact that others are canceling and going for the M135i.  What else could have triggered it?!

End of the day it's your hard-earned cash, so you need to be happy with what you get.  I'm sticking with the GTI as it looks much classier and is way fast enough for me, with all the refinement I want.

[Bill_the_Bear]

Not sure what theoretical means in this context?

I'm looking at the M135i, I'm gonna drive one.  If I like it enough I'll tell the BMW guy if he can give me a low enough price I'll cancel the GTI and go to the dark side.  If I don't get a low enough price or I don't like it enough then I'll just stick it out waiting for the GTI.

You seem to think I must have a preferred choice, which is not subject to change, and that to pick a different car is therefore not sensible.  But I don't really have a preferred choice.  I didn't even consider the M135i originally, well now I am considering it.  Also it is possible for perceptions to change over time.  The GTi is not perfect.  There are a whole set of pros and cons for each car, but I haven't properly tested the M135i yet so I can't yet make a judgement.  First stage is to drive it, then to see what the best price is.

My gut feeling is I'm going to find the M135i the better car... but at £32k it is too expensive, and they've implied the one they have, with less spec than I'd ideally like, will not go for less than £32k.  This is jumping the gun though, gotta wait and see tomorrow.

[CraigW]

Not sure what theoretical means in this context?

I'm looking at the M135i, I'm gonna drive one.  If I like it enough I'll tell the BMW guy if he can give me a low enough price I'll cancel the GTI and go to the dark side.  If I don't get a low enough price or I don't like it enough then I'll just stick it out waiting for the GTI.

You seem to think I must have a preferred choice, which is not subject to change, and that to pick a different car is therefore not sensible.  But I don't really have a preferred choice.  I didn't even consider the M135i originally, well now I am considering it.  Also it is possible for perceptions to change over time.  The GTi is not perfect.  There are a whole set of pros and cons for each car, but I haven't properly tested the M135i yet so I can't yet make a judgement.  First stage is to drive it, then to see what the best price is.

My gut feeling is I'm going to find the M135i the better car... but at £32k it is too expensive, and they've implied the one they have, with less spec than I'd ideally like, will not go for less than £32k.  This is jumping the gun though, gotta wait and see tomorrow.

To be fair if they got close to £30k I think I would have jumped ship

[Gryzor]

Bear, it's just that you said you are not revising your choice because of the delays and the fact that others are considering the M135i, so I'm curious as to why.  You obviously favoured the GTI over the M135i previously, largely due to price, because you ordered one and stuck it out this long.  Of course perceptions can change, but they often change due to influence.

I never said the GTI is perfect, few things in life are.  You might well be smitten with the BMW, especially the speed, and if the price is right and you don't mind the looks, go for it. 

[drisser]

I think if they were the same price, available in a month, parked side by side I would still probably take the Golf.

WHile I agree the M135 is too expensive (for me) at £33-£35k it feels very well engineered for that money and has performance of a £60k + car, that is undeniable.. although the looks will always bug me a bit.

I also maintain at anything over £30k the Golf is also too expensive.. so when I was able to spec an M135 with leather and nav over and above the Golf I specced, for a price that was almost the same, and delivery in a month rather than months... it was too compelling to turn down.

I dont blame anyone for staying with the GTi, I would have done as well but cant wait for maybe 4-6 months for my car

[drisser]

oh, and also to say i had "judged" the m135 on car mag road tests and looks alone having not driven it and ruled it out on the list price

When I drove it, some of those perceptions changed.. and then when the price became comparable.. well then its a different argument..