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Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
It is that time again; what to buy? Assist please.
- Thread starter herco
- Start date
Preshen14
Events Organiser
This is just my personal opinion, Everyone loves to say that a GTI is overrated and yes it is, but we all know the same goes for an F30. Did you ever hear complaints about the reliability on a GTI? No, cause it is a good car.
Now with the above said, I personally would take BMW over most brands but if budget is brought up and in this situation its around R300k if I am not buying a 135/335 to avoid maintenance costs, I would look at other brands. (Depending on what I am looking for from a car at the time).
There are some guys that would buy a 316i over an Audi S3 just because it is BMW. People tend to get obsessed with the brand and don't explore their options that can be available to them. (There is nothing wrong with that as it is their choice). Then you get people that looks at what they can get with the money they have and make a choice even if it means choosing a different brand.
I like other brands and with 300k I would rather drive a high spec VW for example than a low spec BMW. Personally if I had to drive a 125 I would get the fizz for a 135 especially after seeing one on the road but yet I will be spending 7k every month on it.
Everyone has their own reasons for buying a car and from reading your post I would assume you not just looking to get from point A to B but rather wants something to enjoy. The reason I would look out of the BMW brand is because you can get a lot of car for that amount but not so much with BMW.
I would choose something that excites me, It does not need to be justifiable to anyone, You driving it so you need to enjoy it. The reason I said Mk6 ED35 is because when modded a little, it is a fun car to drive, The turbo noise is awesome, its quiet quick, etc. Plus I sat in a modded one that made me admire it more. But there are many choices out there.
Keen to see the choice you make!
Now with the above said, I personally would take BMW over most brands but if budget is brought up and in this situation its around R300k if I am not buying a 135/335 to avoid maintenance costs, I would look at other brands. (Depending on what I am looking for from a car at the time).
There are some guys that would buy a 316i over an Audi S3 just because it is BMW. People tend to get obsessed with the brand and don't explore their options that can be available to them. (There is nothing wrong with that as it is their choice). Then you get people that looks at what they can get with the money they have and make a choice even if it means choosing a different brand.
I like other brands and with 300k I would rather drive a high spec VW for example than a low spec BMW. Personally if I had to drive a 125 I would get the fizz for a 135 especially after seeing one on the road but yet I will be spending 7k every month on it.
Everyone has their own reasons for buying a car and from reading your post I would assume you not just looking to get from point A to B but rather wants something to enjoy. The reason I would look out of the BMW brand is because you can get a lot of car for that amount but not so much with BMW.
I would choose something that excites me, It does not need to be justifiable to anyone, You driving it so you need to enjoy it. The reason I said Mk6 ED35 is because when modded a little, it is a fun car to drive, The turbo noise is awesome, its quiet quick, etc. Plus I sat in a modded one that made me admire it more. But there are many choices out there.
Keen to see the choice you make!
Schalk94
Well-known member
I would look at a 125i if I were you. They really run well and it generally ticks all the boxes in terms of practicality,economy, power and build quality and I am pretty sure that it would beat the G7 GTI 9/10 times ,especially because it is so easy to launch without major wheelspin.
herco
///Member
Preshen14 said:
Very good response, and I agree with all the points you made.
I am open to other brands for sure. Maybe I did not give the GTI a fair enough chance. I will go drive one again and see how I feel. The one I test drove picked up alright, but it felt bland? Maybe I will feel the same when I drive the 125 hatch, will only know once I drive one.
As to the /R and its competitors, I would rather spend those monies on something that makes its power at the rear. If I were to spend on bigger power.
I will need to start making a list and noting my pros and cons down. The options are getting more and more.
I had a look at the OPC, and I don't think I am going that route. The Opel community is dying, and part of owning a nice car is the community you get to share it with. imo.
Drive all the options you can afford. You will know which one you "want" the most straight away. Then it is just a matter and fighting heart vs head decision.
You seem to looking at good choices, so enjoy the search and test drives
125i or 135i would be my personal choice depending on budget.
You seem to looking at good choices, so enjoy the search and test drives
125i or 135i would be my personal choice depending on budget.
herco
///Member
Riaad said:
I was at Renault and had a long look at the Clio RS. AMAZING car that is. Will have a look at the Meganes, but I have heard horror stories with regards to Renault maintenance in ZA. Otherwise it would've been a serious consideration, since I like its shape the most of all the others. Beautiful car that is.
Preshen14
Events Organiser
As good as DSG is, It is also very responsive and does a lot of work for you which makes it "less rewarding" especially if you like a manual and the feel of you controlling the car. At first I also felt that the G7 is too refined but it does have another side to it. The ST's are also good but as you said the Interior is a down side. I still think that the Fiesta ST out did themselves, Its a good car.
I will admit I give more time of day towards German cars as I feel Jap still lives in the past and occasionally comes to the party now days and the price on parts for other car manufacturers are ridiculous.
I agree with the statement about Opel and Renault maintenance can turn into a horror. I will copy an article about the MK6 ED35 here.
I just love the boost on it, while feathering 1st Gear then snapping to second and once you hit 3rd it just pulls :blowheart: :cartel:
Too often do automakers release a ‘special edition’ model, but all it is is a sticker pack, with some minor aesthetic changes. However, in 2012, Volkswagen released a model, to celebrate the models 35th anniversary. It was called the Golf GTI ‘Edition 35’, and while it wasn’t limited, it was truly special. The biggest talking point about the ED35 was its motor. It used the 2.0-litre EA113, direct-injection turbo-petrol engine from the Golf R, with a reinforced block, a new high-flow cylinder head, longer duration camshafts and revised exhaust camshaft timing, uprated piston rings and pins, heavy-duty con rods, a lower compression ratio of 9.8:1, a relocated DV, a redesigned fuel pump and high-pressure injectors, an upgraded PCV system, a larger intercooler and radiator cores, and four oxygen sensors. And yes, a BorgWarner K04 turbo, instead of K03. All of this gave it 173kw (18kw more than the standard, 155kW, 2.0-litre TSI GTI) and 300nm from 2,200-5,500rpm – which was good enough for a 0-100kph sprint in 6.6 seconds and a top speed of just under 250kph. It was quick no doubt, but no-where close to the outright performance offered by the Renault Megane R.S. 3 250 Cup. The ED35 was also available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DSG transmission. It even had a specially tuned sound actuator so that the intake roar heard in the cabin has a sportier sound than in the 'regular' GTI. The ED35 had the same suspension setup as its Mk6 GTI sibling which included an electronic diff-lock called XDS. XDS worked like a mechanical limited-slip differential but used the front brake callipers to brake the unweighted inside wheel should it lose traction in the corners. The Edition 35 rode on the standard GTI’s “sport chassis”, and buyers could have opted for the optional Dynamic Chassic Control (DCC). The interior had a few upgrades over the regular GTI, with 35 badges on the head restraints, door sills and floor mats, a red stripe on the seatbelts and a modern interpretation of the classic golf ball gearknob. Even the fabric used for the centre seat panels mimicked the honeycomb pattern of the GTI’s radiator grille (although full leather was an option). The ED35 had significant more road presence than the regular GTI, thanks to a bespoke front bumper with a front splitter as well new sideskirts. Side-mirror housings were painted in black, and 35 badging ran along the front wings. The tail lights and rear windows were tinted too. It was easy to spot an ED35, thanks to its exclusive 18” Watkins Glen alloy wheels wrapped with low-profile 225/40 rubber. When launched, the 6-speed manual sold for R370 900, while the DSG version was priced at R385 700. What’s amazing is how these cars hold their value (still around R300K after 6 years), making them one of the most desirable Volkswagen products in the last two decades. Volkswagen always does something truly special when building anniversary models for their Golf GTI – the most recent being their 40th anniversary GTI Clubsport. One can only wonder what Volkswagen will release in 2022 to celebrate 45 years of GTI.
I will admit I give more time of day towards German cars as I feel Jap still lives in the past and occasionally comes to the party now days and the price on parts for other car manufacturers are ridiculous.
I agree with the statement about Opel and Renault maintenance can turn into a horror. I will copy an article about the MK6 ED35 here.
I just love the boost on it, while feathering 1st Gear then snapping to second and once you hit 3rd it just pulls :blowheart: :cartel:
Too often do automakers release a ‘special edition’ model, but all it is is a sticker pack, with some minor aesthetic changes. However, in 2012, Volkswagen released a model, to celebrate the models 35th anniversary. It was called the Golf GTI ‘Edition 35’, and while it wasn’t limited, it was truly special. The biggest talking point about the ED35 was its motor. It used the 2.0-litre EA113, direct-injection turbo-petrol engine from the Golf R, with a reinforced block, a new high-flow cylinder head, longer duration camshafts and revised exhaust camshaft timing, uprated piston rings and pins, heavy-duty con rods, a lower compression ratio of 9.8:1, a relocated DV, a redesigned fuel pump and high-pressure injectors, an upgraded PCV system, a larger intercooler and radiator cores, and four oxygen sensors. And yes, a BorgWarner K04 turbo, instead of K03. All of this gave it 173kw (18kw more than the standard, 155kW, 2.0-litre TSI GTI) and 300nm from 2,200-5,500rpm – which was good enough for a 0-100kph sprint in 6.6 seconds and a top speed of just under 250kph. It was quick no doubt, but no-where close to the outright performance offered by the Renault Megane R.S. 3 250 Cup. The ED35 was also available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DSG transmission. It even had a specially tuned sound actuator so that the intake roar heard in the cabin has a sportier sound than in the 'regular' GTI. The ED35 had the same suspension setup as its Mk6 GTI sibling which included an electronic diff-lock called XDS. XDS worked like a mechanical limited-slip differential but used the front brake callipers to brake the unweighted inside wheel should it lose traction in the corners. The Edition 35 rode on the standard GTI’s “sport chassis”, and buyers could have opted for the optional Dynamic Chassic Control (DCC). The interior had a few upgrades over the regular GTI, with 35 badges on the head restraints, door sills and floor mats, a red stripe on the seatbelts and a modern interpretation of the classic golf ball gearknob. Even the fabric used for the centre seat panels mimicked the honeycomb pattern of the GTI’s radiator grille (although full leather was an option). The ED35 had significant more road presence than the regular GTI, thanks to a bespoke front bumper with a front splitter as well new sideskirts. Side-mirror housings were painted in black, and 35 badging ran along the front wings. The tail lights and rear windows were tinted too. It was easy to spot an ED35, thanks to its exclusive 18” Watkins Glen alloy wheels wrapped with low-profile 225/40 rubber. When launched, the 6-speed manual sold for R370 900, while the DSG version was priced at R385 700. What’s amazing is how these cars hold their value (still around R300K after 6 years), making them one of the most desirable Volkswagen products in the last two decades. Volkswagen always does something truly special when building anniversary models for their Golf GTI – the most recent being their 40th anniversary GTI Clubsport. One can only wonder what Volkswagen will release in 2022 to celebrate 45 years of GTI.
herco
///Member
Very interesting read... So many options.
I had a look and a good nick and mileage 335i E90 can be had for under 200k... Which is also a viable option I guess, it leaves enough headroom to sort out any issues if they arise.
I do about 20k km a year MAX. So fuel is not a major concern for me. I mean my polo gets 11l/100km due to the older auto box.
I guess I need to read up on the care and buying tips for x35i. After speaking to multiple people the x35i seems to be a magic car in this budget.
I had a look and a good nick and mileage 335i E90 can be had for under 200k... Which is also a viable option I guess, it leaves enough headroom to sort out any issues if they arise.
I do about 20k km a year MAX. So fuel is not a major concern for me. I mean my polo gets 11l/100km due to the older auto box.
I guess I need to read up on the care and buying tips for x35i. After speaking to multiple people the x35i seems to be a magic car in this budget.
One like this is what you should be looking for. However, it has been sold.
https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=86800
https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=86800
herco said:
I will say it again, give this good consideration and do massive amounts of homework before pulling the plug. After-market warranties only cover a small portion (based on age and mileage) of costs and the bills on these cars can rack up quickly, depending on the level of your OCD. My suggestion is aim for the N55 motor, if you decide to go for an x35i and a higher mileage example should have the necessary items changed already.
My stock x35i N54 cost around R50k in maintenance during the year that I had it and it had only 80k on the clock, with warranty covering less than half. If you can stomach the possible financial risk that is attached to these cars, they are absolutely lovely and the level of enjoyment in the price bracket is hard to beat.. I had no regrets in my choice of car but with changing personal circumstances, I had to make the call to let it go. N54 ownership is a bit on the stressful/expensive side but I still miss that car immensely.. :fencelook: :hammerhead:
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