BMW 330i (G20) or Golf 8 GTI

[Astro]

Hi All,
I have not posted here in a while. I am considering purchasing a new vehicle early next year which I intend to keep for at least 7 years. It will be my only vehicle. I am single and do not require a very large vehicle although something like a two seater roadster would not work for me. I do about +-18 000 km per year. My criteria would include long term ownership costs, practicality and the fun factor or performance. I am considering the BMW 330i, the Golf 8 GTI and even the G42 230i. I am a little hesitant on second hand vehicles due to the risks but may consider it. Also would it be correct to assume that the Golf 8 GTI would cost a little less to maintain than the BMW after it goes out of warranty. I would appreciate any input.

 

[jayaynikkal]

In my opinion:

G42 230i = Most Fun

8 GTI = Best All Rounder

G20 330i = Most Luxurious

 

[Eust]

M235i x drive

 

[GravityLee]

G42 230i if you can live with the coupe.

G20 330i if you need the 4 door practicality.

 

[AshG108]

If you want to spend that money then rather get the M240i, low mileage.

 

[///M Individual]

The G20 330is or a demo M340i if you can find a good one in your budget.

The GTI will become too common and high risk as usual. I think maintenance costs will be very similar to BMW after plan expires as well.

Also is there a reason you left out a 330d from the G20 range?

Might be better with a 6 cylinder diesel than the 4 cylinder petrol 330i and the diesels are noted for being far more reliable which will be great for you after plan expires. Not forgetting the lower fuel costs over the 7 years...

 

[Astro]

Thanks for the comments, its appreciated.

I agree the 2 series should be the most fun to drive. The Golf 8 GTI also will become quite common and would definitely be a hijacking / theft risk. Its also useful information to hear that the maintenance costs would be similar to BMW. It confirms my doubts and I am therefore going to move the Golf to the bottom of the list for now. I also prefer the looks of the M240i and 330i(s) over the Golf, with the upcoming G42 2 series in my opinion being the pick of the bunch in the looks department.

The 330d is an option however its about 100k more than the 330i and would be worth considering used. Thanks again for the advise, I am going to have a closer look (and test drive) at the G20 range and the 2 series. However at the moment I am leaning more towards the G42 230i and will have to await pricing early next year and actually seeing one in the metal to decide.

 

[jayaynikkal]

The G20 330is or a demo M340i if you can find a good one in your budget.

The GTI will become too common and high risk as usual. I think maintenance costs will be very similar to BMW after plan expires as well.

Also is there a reason you left out a 330d from the G20 range?

Might be better with a 6 cylinder diesel than the 4 cylinder petrol 330i and the diesels are noted for being far more reliable which will be great for you after plan expires. Not forgetting the lower fuel costs over the 7 years...

Isn't the 330d discontinued?

 

[jayaynikkal]

Thanks for the comments, its appreciated.

I agree the 2 series should be the most fun to drive. The Golf 8 GTI also will become quite common and would definitely be a hijacking / theft risk. Its also useful information to hear that the maintenance costs would be similar to BMW. It confirms my doubts and I am therefore going to move the Golf to the bottom of the list for now. I also prefer the looks of the M240i and 330i(s) over the Golf, with the upcoming G42 2 series in my opinion being the pick of the bunch in the looks department.

The 330d is an option however its about 100k more than the 330i and would be worth considering used. Thanks again for the advise, I am going to have a closer look (and test drive) at the G20 range and the 2 series. However at the moment I am leaning more towards the G42 230i and will have to await pricing early next year and actually seeing one in the metal to decide.

Maybe a new full spec M240i at a bargain price?

 

[MR_Y]

Isn't the 330d discontinued?

330 is still available in SA.
330d is the best secret in the sub-R1m sporty sedan market.
BMW now has this niche all to itself after the demise of the A4 3.0TDI and the C350d.

 

[MR_Y]

Thanks for the comments, its appreciated.

I agree the 2 series should be the most fun to drive. The Golf 8 GTI also will become quite common and would definitely be a hijacking / theft risk. Its also useful information to hear that the maintenance costs would be similar to BMW. It confirms my doubts and I am therefore going to move the Golf to the bottom of the list for now. I also prefer the looks of the M240i and 330i(s) over the Golf, with the upcoming G42 2 series in my opinion being the pick of the bunch in the looks department.

The 330d is an option however its about 100k more than the 330i and would be worth considering used. Thanks again for the advise, I am going to have a closer look (and test drive) at the G20 range and the 2 series. However at the moment I am leaning more towards the G42 230i and will have to await pricing early next year and actually seeing one in the metal to decide.

Stay away from the GTI - reasons:
1. Theft/hijack risk
2. DSG gearbox not the most reliable box
3. Comes standard with a service plan (while BMW has the full maintenance plan)
4. It is FWD

I would choose a nearly new 330i (with some miles under its belt, but with all the necessary checks being clean) for these reasons:
1. Maintenance plan standard
2. It is RWD
3. More space in the rear vs the Golf
4. Does not have those irritating sliding touch controls like in the Golf
5. The motor is properly strong (190kw/400m) vs the Golf's
6. You can get an OEM space saver spare wheel from BMW (if ordering the car brand new, this is a ZERO cost option)
7. The 330i would have larger discounts (even on brand new models) vs the new 230i (which would be a niche product). Also, the 330i would likely have better used car demand after 7-10 years vs the 230i (the market for coupes is not that large).

 

[AshG108]

Stay away from the GTI - reasons:
1. Theft/hijack risk
2. DSG gearbox not the most reliable box
3. Comes standard with a service plan (while BMW has the full maintenance plan)
4. It is FWD

I would choose a nearly new 330i (with some miles under its belt, but with all the necessary checks being clean) for these reasons:
1. Maintenance plan standard
2. It is RWD
3. More space in the rear vs the Golf
4. Does not have those irritating sliding touch controls like in the Golf
5. The motor is properly strong (190kw/400m) vs the Golf's
6. You can get an OEM space saver spare wheel from BMW (if ordering the car brand new, this is a ZERO cost option)
7. The 330i would have larger discounts (even on brand new models) vs the new 230i (which would be a niche product). Also, the 330i would likely have better used car demand after 7-10 years vs the 230i (the market for coupes is not that large).

Oh yes top advice Mr_Y.

Also - Many of the GTis are getting stuck everywhere, apparently software glitch.

 

[TurboLlew]

330i all day for me.

 

[Astro]

Stay away from the GTI - reasons:
1. Theft/hijack risk
2. DSG gearbox not the most reliable box
3. Comes standard with a service plan (while BMW has the full maintenance plan)
4. It is FWD

I would choose a nearly new 330i (with some miles under its belt, but with all the necessary checks being clean) for these reasons:
1. Maintenance plan standard
2. It is RWD
3. More space in the rear vs the Golf
4. Does not have those irritating sliding touch controls like in the Golf
5. The motor is properly strong (190kw/400m) vs the Golf's
6. You can get an OEM space saver spare wheel from BMW (if ordering the car brand new, this is a ZERO cost option)
7. The 330i would have larger discounts (even on brand new models) vs the new 230i (which would be a niche product). Also, the 330i would likely have better used car demand after 7-10 years vs the 230i (the market for coupes is not that large).

Great comments. Will definitely keep this in mind.

 

[kili1]

I would consider the GR Yaris Rally at that price point!



Sent from my Pixel 4a (5G) using Tapatalk

 

[SanM]

@OP, the 128ti is another option worth considering. From what I've read, it's one of the most engaging drives from the current product range.

 

[maleven-GP]

330 is still available in SA.
330d is the best secret in the sub-R1m sporty sedan market.
BMW now has this niche all to itself after the demise of the A4 3.0TDI and the C350d.

Not sure about the A4 3.0TDI, but C350 CDI was still no match for the 330d.. My brother and I have 330d's, whereas our mom has the CDI, just doesn't compare..

I'd take the G20 330d anyday..

 

[jayaynikkal]

330 is still available in SA.
330d is the best secret in the sub-R1m sporty sedan market.
BMW now has this niche all to itself after the demise of the A4 3.0TDI and the C350d.

That's good to hear. It's not available on the configurator so I assumed it was discontinued.

 

[individj]

after seeing it in the flesh and your requirements etc. would be //M235i X Drive GrandCoupe for me.

 

[individj]

i wasn't a fan of this car until i saw it in real life.