1. It's auto and uses more diesel than I imagined. Not massively, but certainly more.
2. It's power is 'ok' but not exciting by any means. If I were buying another 3 series it would be the 320d, for sure.
3. Running costs - mine is due its next major service soon and the cost from a dealer (and yes I want to use a dealer to keep the 'full BMW history' bit...) is £595. That's a lot for essentially an oil and brake fluid change.
4. My insurance is due at around the same time as the above service. Another £600.
5. I spend half my time working away. The 3 series is in the garage half the time. That would be the same as any car, accepted.
Now, why am I therefore considering the Golf:
1. Hatchback - practical.
2. Smaller.
3. Running costs - significantly less than above, I have had one before. Road Tax is £30/p.a. Insurance is £400 vs >£600. Also much better mpg.
4. The Golf has the following which the BMW doesn't - Cruise, DAB Radio, USB iPod interface, much much better UI for its Bluetooth telephone system and radio - BMW's is awful.
In my mind the only reason I'm hesitating, as I frankly don't care about the badge and in my eyes the Golf is almost as engaging to drive, is whether the residual value on the VW is significantly less enough to warrant it being not a sensible decision.
As an aside, I haven't really bought into the 'BMW Quality' with this car - it has creaks and squeaks in the front cabin that my VW never did.
Hope that helps clarify why I am pondering.
Point by point
1. Autos will always use more fuel. Common knowledge.
2. My 118D was fine but in a bigger, heavier 3 series I would want the 320D without a doubt.
3. Had 2 services on my 118D, 2 year cost was £250, 4 year cost was £400. These were at a main dealer and included all the work including brake fluid changes. £650 for 4 years servicing was probably the cheapest I have ever had, way less than our old Golf.
4. All cars need insuring, differences are relatively small.
5. Why bother mentioning it.
1. If you wanted a hatchback why did you buy a soloon.
2. If you wanted a smaller car why did you buy a bigger one.
3. Road tax, insurance etc may be higher but how long will it take to recoup that money considering the extra money you are willing to spend on a new motor.
4. If you wanted that kit why did you buy a car without it.
Quality of my 1 series was fine, after 5 1/2 years no creaks groans or loose trim. paint was still perfect. Last Golf we had creaked and groaned from day one, exactly the same after 7 years.
If you want a different car buy one and enjoy it but don't try and make an economic justification for it, just never works.
|
