It is that time again; what to buy? Assist please.

[herco]

Hey all!

So it is car time again... I am recently out of a long relationship, and with that responsibilities shift and I no longer need to drive the Polo.

I want something 'quick' again. I miss my old Astra TS (2L Turbo beater) the most of all my previous cars. I will allow my self a comfy monthly budget of R7k for car and insurance.

I went to test drive a few cars on Saturday to get a taste for what is out there;

Golf GTI; nice, but common around the block and way too easy to drive. No real thrill, the car keeps you in check. Makes noises that does not seem natural for the car?
Focus ST; VERY nice ride. Quick, responsive, corners lekker. But the interior is not great. If I'm going to spend 250k it should at least match my old E90 320d.
Fiesta ST; better ride than the focus imo. Same issue with the interior, and I am on the fence about 2 door cars. Very exciting car to drive though.
135i Coupe; in a WHOLE different class, super quick and smiles all around. Buying one for 250k seems risky?
125i Coupe; slow in comparison to the 135. Sounds absolutely amazing. Seems 'dull' and less fun compared to the turbo toys listed. Also 2 door...

125i Hatch; what a nice car. I see why some call it the 'better GTI' Seems to tick all the boxes and a lot of fun in the sport mode. Plus it has my favourite round badge on the bonnet.

What cars am I missing on the list? Feel free to list any car you think I should try. I would like to test as many before I make a decision and begin my search.

ps. I do not like the newer Audis and I do not want to drive a Mini, the round center console makes me uncomfortable.

 

[yush1]

I would consider a M135i, F30 335i and maybe Golf 6R or Audi S3. :smilebounce:

 

[herco]

I would consider a M135i, F30 335i and maybe Golf 6R or Audi S3. :smilebounce:

All of those would be great to own, but I doubt the payment and insurance will come in under 7k. :dunnoanymore:

 

[Woodies]

135i coupe!!!! R250k is a fair price for good one, just save for fuel and the other odd things that will break. It is stretching the budget a bit, but it is leagues ahead of the other options.
The when money allows you can turn it into a crazy 300WHP monster

 

[dvst8]

In the price range and list of cars posted, for me the F20 125 is the winner.

Good luck with your purchase.

:thumbs:

 

[Iceman12596]

In the price range and list of cars posted, for me the F20 125 is the winner.

Good luck with your purchase.

:thumbs:

Yip 125i makes sense.

 

[tman]

You have a deposit too?

Personally, I'll avoid a FWD.

M135i would most probably be best bang for buck.

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[herco]

You have a deposit too?

Personally, I'll avoid a FWD.

M135i would most probably be best bang for buck.

Sent on the move using Tapatalk

Deposit can be arranged if necessary. Else I would just postpone the purchase till I have what I need.

The 125i hatch is RWD.

 

[Zach]

You enjoyed your e90 320d, why not a e90 330d LCi? Got plenty go to match the cars on your list and pass the lot at the pumps.

 

[KPM3_30]

X35i's can be expensive vehicles. Very rewarding, but it comes at a cost, more so the early models. Consider your financial circumstances and plan accordingly..

Personally I would look for a well sorted 330d but seems like a 2 door/hatch is what you are after.. Leaves only the F20 125i and M135i. The e82 125i is a solid car with less things to go wrong (theoretically), but 'normal' naturally aspirated cars don't necessarily feel the quickest, especially after being exposed to forced induction (M cars excluded, obviously)..

Good luck with your choice and happy hunting!

 

[Ddoooooon]

For me its the 135i , awesome car

 

[RAArmstrong]

330d :thumbs:

 

[cOlDFuSiOn]

Will this be your only car or a weekend car?

Why not keep the polo and buy an E82 135i at a good price.. You can then decide how to throw money at it..

You will always feel like you should have bought the 6cyl turbo in when driving the 125i.. My 2c..

Else 330d is a good bet if it is a daily as well!

All the best choosing! :thumbs:

 

[FerdiBotha]

Finding an E90 330d with decent mileage is almost impossible. An F30 will probably be slightly out of OP’s price range.

Go for a 2013 and onwards F20 125i - that car will have the revised motor and will be loads of fun.

If it falls within your price range maybe have a look at a 2013 and onwards F30 328i as well. They are massively underrated.

 

[LOW BOOST]

I just bought a van for my company. It landed me 317k
Paying 5.9 k installment and R900 insurance.
No deposit, no residual.
I'm sure your budget could be more flexible than 250k..
I'm sure you could reach the 300- 320k mark with insurance and installment.

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[Preshen14]

Golf Mk6 35 Edition in manual. De-tuned K04 with 4 doors. Nice car.

 

[herco]

Thanks for all the inputs.

I think the x35i is out of my budget. I am not sure if I am prepared to cover the long term costs of owning that beast. Maybe it is less than what I think...

The only reason I am considering hatches is due to their practicality. I rarely drive around with more than 2 people in the car, so I would still be willing to try a coupe, maybe. But going coupe I might as well go for the underrated 328i.

The F30 330d's are too expensive. And to search for a E90 with ~100k mileage that I can finance is going to be a hard find.

There seems to be a ton of options in my price range. Looking at a few videos again, I am sure I want to stay in the BMW camp.

With that said, I think the 125i hatch covers everything. Economy, speeds, practicality, reliability, price... And there are a few options around in price range.

 

[Iceman12596]

Golf Mk6 35 Edition in manual. De-tuned K04 with 4 doors. Nice car.

Ai Sies man Tsek !!! :roflol::roflol::roflol::roflol::roflol:

 

[Dirtydeedsman]

Thanks for all the inputs.

I think the x35i is out of my budget. I am not sure if I am prepared to cover the long term costs of owning that beast. Maybe it is less than what I think...

The only reason I am considering hatches is due to their practicality. I rarely drive around with more than 2 people in the car, so I would still be willing to try a coupe, maybe. But going coupe I might as well go for the underrated 328i.

The F30 330d's are too expensive. And to search for a E90 with ~100k mileage that I can finance is going to be a hard find.

There seems to be a ton of options in my price range. Looking at a few videos again, I am sure I want to stay in the BMW camp.

With that said, I think the 125i hatch covers everything. Economy, speeds, practicality, reliability, price... And there are a few options around in price range.

4 doors are like a tow hitch, you never think you need it until you need it then you realize you need it.

---

Golf Mk6 35 Edition in manual. De-tuned K04 with 4 doors. Nice car.

Very nice car but if you find one the owners are not willing to sell and if they do. They want ridiculous amounts. Pretty much hens teeth

 

[Kimeran]

Out of that list of cars, I would go for the F20 125i.
What about an Astra H OPC? Seeing as you've come out of a TS.