Currently, I am looking at purchasing/leasing (not sure yet) a new car in spring 2008, maybe a bit sooner. The two options are: 2008 VW .:R32 + awd, great sound, extremely fun, smaller size, sportier feel, limited edition - reliability, no free maintenance, terrible service (had a Touareg), terrible residuals or 2008 BMW 328xi + awd, 4 dr, more reliable, decent service, free maintenance, better $$ (worked with dealer several times) - mediocre sound, larger size, not unique Any opinions? Thoughts?
Must have AWD? I think you might come to regret the hoped up GTI, agree with you 100% on their piss poor service.
AWD is preferred. I test drove the .:R32 and it was a really rewarding driving experience, the only downfall is the questionable reliability. VW service is traditionally awful; I take it you had one?
According to Consumer Reports a VW holds its value better than any other non-exotic marque...50% after 5 years...Lexus was 2nd...that being said, it will be hard to beat an EVO X or new WRX STi for an under $40k daily driver IMHO...
Might be pushing your limit a bit, but if you can get by without a back seat the Audi TT is blast. I have an '08 2.0T coupe, but the quattro V6 version is actually in lower demand and might be a better deal.
Why on earth would he want that? First, the MSRP was $37,995. Now, it's suddenly $40,095. To make matters worse, that thing is going to only get 18.5 and 19.5 in fuel. Oh, and here comes the best part. There's $2,100 gas guzzler tax. What..the...****.
I like the tt idea. Its a remake of a classic? Its fast? I dont how it gets only 1mpg more on the expressway then city? Some people like all kinds of cars.
If I was not 6'8-->6'9 that would be a viable option; I sat in one at the NY auto show and I could not reach around my knee to get to the climate controls. If I did not have a 'thing' against American cars that would be a good idea. I wonder how much the actual model will differentiate from the concept; the Ford mustang concept was spectacular--the actual model is lacking. No offense. Better than a 355? Say it isn't so!
If you are buying, beware of VW/Audi reliability. They are both horrible. BMW is probably a safer bet.
Go with the BMW. Our families old 3-series (2000) had almost 200,000 miles on it before we sold it, and it was still running really well then. The only reason that we sold it was that we just needed one with AWD, so we got a 2006 3-series and we love it so far.
I hear the slightly extra cost of the twin turbo 335 is money well spent.. I have a feeling you could price out the 335 ix for 40 grand too..(or just over by a grand or two)
The upcoming BMW 1 series will also have the 3.5 turbo as an option...now that will be a rocket! http://www.edbmw.com/blog/2007/06/28/bmw-135i-official-press-photos/
Good point but size and no AWD puts in an unlikely bid. My research indicates it is pretty much an e46 in size; it certainly fills the e46 price point. Granted, I will give it a look when it arrives.
It will certainly not be overlooked . We've worked with this particular dealer several times over the years so we usually can wrangle out a killer deal.
Actually the r32 has the same engine, chassis, tranny as the TT v6 quattro...the audi has the nicer interior, more racy looks and a lighter body....and of course a higher price tag.......
good point, with the twin turbo engine, the 3 series becomes a sub 5 second 0-60 car, last generation m3 fast......
If you are just looking for a "fun" daily driver. I recommend Civic Si Sedan. It is only around $22,000 and it comes with everything you need. A great stereo, great engine, and great utility. You should test drive one, it may surprise you. I was going to get Acura TL-S, but after I drove the Si, I couldn't pay extra $10,000 for the TL-S. Civic Si is "fun" to drive while TL-S is just like any other sedans.
To be fair, my '02 BMW was a fairly troublesome car. My '08 Audi is too new to judge, but so far zero issues (4 months of ownership). So, I'd say German cars are still the best daily rides out there, and be grateful for warranties. Yup. IMO, worth the price jump, although the R32 is more practical. But the balance in the TT, with its aluminum bodywork, is hard to argue with.