[Jimbo4GC]

Howdy all,

So - its new car time.

The 420d Gran Coupe has been great but approaching the end, new one has to be sub 40k choices are...

A5 Sportback 2.0TDI S Line 190 Auto - can only afford flat bottom steering wheel and multi coloured LED lighting

BMW 330i Shadow with Pro Nav and Heated Seats- but have to wait until February next year to order (boring reasons but non-negotiable, similarly A4 Black Edition)

420d M Sport but has to be flat colour to allow 19's & HK

or.... total left field

Golf GTI Performance Pack with 19's & Dynaudio

Any help - its literally impacting my ability to be useful.

[NotGotABimmer23]

M240i?

[Mintvilla]

Your on a BMW forum, so most people on here have probably had the same choice of cars when buying their cars, and came to the conclusion that the BMW was the best.

Specifically on your list above, the 330i is in a class of its on compared to the others, its faster and unless i'm wrong, the only 6 cylinder 3l engine there. Youve also spec'd it higher than others, easy choice for me.

[NotGotABimmer23]

Originally Posted by Mintvilla

Your on a BMW forum, so most people on here have probably had the same choice of cars when buying their cars, and came to the conclusion that the BMW was the best.

Specifically on your list above, the 330i is in a class of its on compared to the others, its faster and unless i'm wrong, the only 6 cylinder 3l engine there. Youve also spec'd it higher than others, easy choice for me.

2L 4pot turbo

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by Jimbo4GC

Howdy all,

So - its new car time.

The 420d Gran Coupe has been great but approaching the end, new one has to be sub 40k choices are...

A5 Sportback 2.0TDI S Line 190 Auto - can only afford flat bottom steering wheel and multi coloured LED lighting

BMW 330i Shadow with Pro Nav and Heated Seats- but have to wait until February next year to order (boring reasons but non-negotiable, similarly A4 Black Edition)

420d M Sport but has to be flat colour to allow 19's & HK

or.... total left field

Golf GTI Performance Pack with 19's & Dynaudio

Any help - its literally impacting my ability to be useful.

Golf. All the others seem to have reasons not to have them (limited spec, wrong colour choice, wrong timing) whereas the Golf is a great car with a great spec that needs little else adding.

Fast, economical, refined and comfortable in standard form (not sure with the 19s...)

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by Mintvilla

Your on a BMW forum, so most people on here have probably had the same choice of cars when buying their cars, and came to the conclusion that the BMW was the best.

Specifically on your list above, the 330i is in a class of its on compared to the others, its faster and unless i'm wrong, the only 6 cylinder 3l engine there. Youve also spec'd it higher than others, easy choice for me.

yep, you are wrong. 2 litre 4 these days - 320i in higher state of tune.

PS I've never had an F30 but have had a Golf GTi PP....

[....,,,,..,,..]

Golf R Estate, fast and practical.

[Mintvilla]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

yep, you are wrong. 2 litre 4 these days - 320i in higher state of tune.

PS I've never had an F30 but have had a Golf GTi PP....

Fairneough, i thought the 330i was a 6cyclinder, the 330D is after all.

[MashinBenzin]

Originally Posted by Jimbo4GC

Howdy all,

So - its new car time.

The 420d Gran Coupe has been great but approaching the end, new one has to be sub 40k choices are...

A5 Sportback 2.0TDI S Line 190 Auto - can only afford flat bottom steering wheel and multi coloured LED lighting

BMW 330i Shadow with Pro Nav and Heated Seats- but have to wait until February next year to order (boring reasons but non-negotiable, similarly A4 Black Edition)

420d M Sport but has to be flat colour to allow 19's & HK

or.... total left field

Golf GTI Performance Pack with 19's & Dynaudio

Any help - its literally impacting my ability to be useful.

You've had a 420d GC, the 330i might feel like a slight downgrade (engine apart) as things like electric seats will be missing and maybe other bits. I also prefer the looks of the F36 to the F30. Another 420d is more of the same.

Golf GTI PP - lovely, something of a change and something of a classic model.

[225]

Have to agree golf seems like a winner.

[mcoops]

You not listed any particular criteria, but since you've listed the Golf I'm assuming you don't see it as too compromised from a space / practicality PoV. Even if it was, Brigand makes a good point about the estate (if you like the looks). Another vote for a Golf then...

[Sabo]

I wouldn't want an F30 after a GC and definitely not a Golf no offence to anyone but I find it boring inside and even more the outside(one of my colleague just had a GTI delivered so I had a good check over) so it's an A5 Sportback for me without a doubt. Might not be the sportiest drive but good looking interior/exterior and would feel a step up from the GC rather two step down.

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by Sabo

I wouldn't want an F30 after a GC and definitely not a Golf no offence to anyone but I find it boring inside and even more the outside(one of my colleague just had a GTI delivered so I had a good check over) so it's an A5 Sportback for me without a doubt. Might not be the sportiest drive but good looking interior/exterior and would feel a step up from the GC rather two step down.

While the Estate is a bit like looking for something nice with a fat bird.

I would not really Class the inside as boring.

Decent info display size (8" or 9.2") and Active Info Display (12" TFT display)

Decent internal lighting etc.


Having previously looked at both A4 and A5's you do get what you pay for.

I guess if someone wants to poverty spec one, then that's fine.

Bang for buck, with discounts and standard options the Golf R Estate takes some beating.

Yes it's like shagging a far bird, but once inside it's fine

A fat bird that goes like a belt fed wombat

[Sabo]

Originally Posted by Brigand

While the Estate is a bit like looking for something nice with a fat bird.

I would not really Class the inside as boring.

Decent info display size (8" or 9.2") and Active Info Display (12" TFT display)

Decent internal lighting etc.


Having previously looked at both A4 and A5's you do get what you pay for.

I guess if someone wants to poverty spec one, then that's fine.

Bang for buck, with discounts and standard options the Golf R Estate takes some beating.

Yes it's like shagging a far bird, but once inside it's fine

A fat bird that goes like a belt fed wombat

Don't get me wrong, I don't think the Golf is a bad choice in GTI or R form and have to admit I do like the TFT display a lot not so keen on the touch screen full of marks after a day and a bit too much gloss black going on but as you mentioned bang for bucks it's hard to beat. I just personally prefer the new A5 classier look compared to the Golf and I'm not even an Audi guy hence I've ordered an M140i which isn't going to be a beauty queen either.

[moff]

Easy - Golf GTI

[r1cey]

Originally Posted by Jimbo4GC

Howdy all,

So - its new car time.

The 420d Gran Coupe has been great but approaching the end, new one has to be sub 40k choices are...

A5 Sportback 2.0TDI S Line 190 Auto - can only afford flat bottom steering wheel and multi coloured LED lighting

BMW 330i Shadow with Pro Nav and Heated Seats- but have to wait until February next year to order (boring reasons but non-negotiable, similarly A4 Black Edition)

420d M Sport but has to be flat colour to allow 19's & HK

or.... total left field

Golf GTI Performance Pack with 19's & Dynaudio

Any help - its literally impacting my ability to be useful.

What about an M140i ?

Having been a member on year since 2013, when I bought my 5month old 320i x-drive auto, which I thought I got a decent deal on, I quickly realised that the deals on the top end of each range, were even greater!

I had no regrets with my last car, loved it, and did everything I needed, my only dissappointment (coming from an X3) was practicality, but still couldn't believe folding rears seats were an option on a 37k list price saloon car!

Anyway, come "new car time", and having been an avid reader/contributer on ths forum, there was one itch that really needed scratching, a RWD 3.0litre BMW!

With the data from this site, easily secured over 20% discount on a brand new 17 plate, plus 3 yr service pack, which if I'm being honest (and prior to joining this forum) would not have thought possible!

Absolutely love my new car, practical, enough space, and goes like a "stabbed rat", and can't help driving everywhere in sport mode, for the sound of that B58 engine......best decision I've made, and seriously, heavily influenced by this forum!

Bearing in mind, the (current) M140i is likely to be the last RWD Hot Hatch, so glad I've "ticked that box"

[SONGLAM1004]

Within your list, my choice will be Golf GTI. My fiancée has a golf 7th generation 1.6 TDi and we love it, except the engine noise.

No finger mark on touch screen (as it's not a gloss polish screen anyway) and the entertainment is easy to use. The only downside is typing address in the sat nav is a painful procedure.

You have mentioned sub 40k budget, is it on paper value or after discount? You may able to get a x40i with that budget after discount, though it may not be fully spec nor have a running cost like the list above.

[Stan876]

Originally Posted by Jimbo4GC

Howdy all,

So - its new car time.

The 420d Gran Coupe has been great but approaching the end, new one has to be sub 40k choices are...

A5 Sportback 2.0TDI S Line 190 Auto - can only afford flat bottom steering wheel and multi coloured LED lighting

BMW 330i Shadow with Pro Nav and Heated Seats- but have to wait until February next year to order (boring reasons but non-negotiable, similarly A4 Black Edition)

420d M Sport but has to be flat colour to allow 19's & HK

or.... total left field

Golf GTI Performance Pack with 19's & Dynaudio

Any help - its literally impacting my ability to be useful.

Bmw has just flooded the market with pre reg cars you can get a 435 or a 335 with every box ticked for 35K

[Hooded]

Just a word of warning about the golf .. try sitting in one during heavy rain. I had one as a hire car a couple of years ago while my E90 was in for repair and it sounds like the rains landing on top of a metal canopy above your head ..very bad noise insulation inside the cabin. In comparison the rain is hardly noticeable sitting inside a BMW. It Just made it feel like cheap build quality in comparison and it was great to get back in my own car again.

[JustChris]

From his list I'd go golfrrrr

[Jimbo4GC]

Wow, some good thoughts, thank you.

Seems from the above Golf comes out on top broadly speaking.

Someone mentioned I didn't give any criteria so maybe I can put your brains to the test.

I created the shortlist from the following criteria;

a) Wife has the main car so mine is only for work

b) To comply with company rules it must be <250hp and <40k

c) I like music so a good stereo is important

d) My recent car history was SKODA Superb, Volkswagen CC, BMW 325d, BMW 420d

e) I can't go mad with options - 2k max value

f) I do 25k miles per annum many on the motorway so it must be comfortable

Anything I should have shortlisted?!

[stefan4]

I had a gti as a hire car recently and it was very nice, my first gti experience! I read that the performance pack is a must have as it has the trick duff that wipes out the understear that was very noticeable on the standard model I had.

be warned, they're not great on fuel on the motorway, at least in 6mt spec, my 340i would be significantly better in that respect, and is generally a far superior cruiser.

I think with your restrictions, its has to be a contender, though I think it would be a close call between that and a 3