MK7 GTI vs M135i

[monkeyhanger]

I'm sure there are some here that never considered the BMW because they never thougt in their wildest dreams they could get £5k+ off list price for one. Some here are true VW fans that would only consider a GTI/GTD, some are just looking for a a high spec practical car with performance that offers excellent value for money and low running costs (relative to the sticker price), and that M135i is looking more tempting to them (fuelling costs excepted) in light of VWs inability to supply in a reasonable length of time, especially if you have specced a camera.

From a used value point of view come p/x time, I do think the lack of build restriction (supply exceeding demand), the large level of discount and an ever incrreasing desire for better fuel economy from would-be buyers may hurt residual values (but not by much vs a GTI). If worst case is GFV of £12k after 4 years then you can just hand it back if you have 48 month finance.

[Thornster]

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.

I think you will like the M135i. It's been said a lot before but it should really be compared to the Golf R or S3.

I deliberately didn't test drive it, as I thought I may not be able to resist, and it was more than I wanted to spend this time around.

Because of your spec (in particular the Leather) the cost difference for the car itself is probably not that great, although it will cost more to run if you do higher than average mileage.

It'll be a shame to see another potential GTI owner go down the M135i route, but I couldn't blame you after the way VW have messed you (and most the other early adopters) about.

[drisser]

I'm sure there are some here that never considered the BMW because they never thougt in their wildest dreams they could get £5k+ off list price for one. Some here are true VW fans that would only consider a GTI/GTD, some are just looking for a a high spec practical car with performance that offers excellent value for money and low running costs (relative to the sticker price), and that M135i is looking more tempting to them (fuelling costs excepted) in light of VWs inability to supply in a reasonable length of time, especially if you have specced a camera.

From a used value point of view come p/x time, I do think the lack of build restriction (supply exceeding demand), the large level of discount and an ever incrreasing desire for better fuel economy from would-be buyers may hurt residual values (but not by much vs a GTI). If worst case is GFV of £12k after 4 years then you can just hand it back if you have 48 month finance.

This was my theory, and the reason why I went down the PCP route - worst case if values plummet in 3 years I walk away and probably abroad with work anyway.  The GFV of the car I specced is £15,200 after 3 years which isnt bad considering I am paying under £28k.

[Bill_the_Bear]

You obviously favoured the GTI over the M135i previously, largely due to price, because you ordered one and stuck it out this long.

It feels to me as if I'm looking at the M135i because it has just this minute been released and wasn't an option when I ordered the GTI.  I guess what I mean is its not that a favoured the GTI, or that I've changed my view on it.  Its also not that I'm being influenced other than in being made aware that there is another option out there.  Its popped up on my radar so I'm going to have a look.

I also have my p/x to consider.  Last night I lined up a third family member who wants my car and will take it off me for close to the p/x I was offered in April, because to them this is still less than they'd pay on the forecourt and they know the history of the car.  Yet again I have a narrow window as they've been offered a great deal on a new vehicle and they have a few weeks before that expires.  Doesn't mean I have to shift my car now but there may be some advantages if I can.

To be hoenst I wish I could get myself an M-lite and my wife a GTI (so I could drive it).  However her priorities differ.  She likes soft tops... or a smart car due to parking.

Because of your spec (in particular the Leather) the cost difference for the car itself is probably not that great, although it will cost more to run if you do higher than average mileage.

Yes.  Effectively I've spec'd the GTI higher than its most competitive price point such that price wise the M135i is now competitive.  Kinda my own fault though! haha

I just arranged a test drive for this afternoon.  Hoping when me boss gets here he will take pity on me and give me the time off! hehe.  Being a car enthusiast and driving a BMW himself I hope to convince him he should.

[Gryzor]

First question I ask myself is, "Do I like the look of this car?"  If it's a no, it can be as fast and cheap as it wants!  Believe it or not though, I do get why people are getting fed up and have (relatively small in the scheme of things) financial considerations to want to jump ship, especially if the price and spec is there or thereabouts, with a "guaranteed" delivery.

Bear, it's a tough decision, and one I'm very happy to not put myself into a position of needing to make!

[matchboy]

I just arranged a test drive for this afternoon.

Don't forget to report back Bear, I'll be very interested in what you think of it.

[monkeyhanger]

This was my theory, and the reason why I went down the PCP route - worst case if values plummet in 3 years I walk away and probably abroad with work anyway.  The GFV of the car I specced is £15,200 after 3 years which isnt bad considering I am paying under £28k.

3 years GFV of £15200 beats the GTI (standard spec) by about £2100 (£13084 on GTI at 3 years/30k miles). Maybe factor in an enhancement of £1000 for a very well specced GTI to same price (leather and PP being largest option contributors to GFV) and the BMW is £1100 up, perhaps mitigating it's higher purchase price after discount. Seems to me that if you resign yourself to worst case scenario of giving the car back at GFV then there isn't much in it either way

[Bill_the_Bear]

Don't forget to report back Bear, I'll be very interested in what you think of it.

Will do.

Gryzor, yeah if you can't get over the looks you shouldn't look at the BMW.  I doubt anyone would argue it looks as good as the GTI.  I expected to see it and think "no".  It actually wasn't bad at all.  Still hardly a point in its favour!

[Gryzor]

Gryzor, yeah if you can't get over the looks you shouldn't look at the BMW.  I doubt anyone would argue it looks as good as the GTI.  I expected to see it and think "no".  It actually wasn't bad at all.  Still hardly a point in its favour!

It's not "that" bad, but looks are definitely not in its favour!  Now, if it was in 1-series coupe form, it would be a different consideration altogether!

[JohnP]

I just arranged a test drive for this afternoon.

Don't forget to report back Bear, I'll be very interested in what you think of it.

Yes me too!! The last BMW I had was a 335i and although I loved the car the ride for me was overly firm to the point of being uncomfortable at times. Be very interested to see what you think