Buying new car this year

[sanpt7777]

Well, I posted something similar about replacing my car some months ago, but my budget was more limited (July 2013) but things have changed and I thought it was best to make a new thread in order to avoid confusion.

My future this year is uncertain, but it's sure I'll replace my car this year. I mention that my future is not clear because for that same reason, my budget may or may not increase this year. Another thing to note, I said new car this year because I may change it in about a month, or half a year, I'll further explain later on my post.

My list, in order from $ to $$$ is as follows:

-Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI with manual 6-speed, fully loaded (sunroof, heathed seats, all electric, etc):
Best choice if budget stays low, no rival. It does almost everything I want, but it's to small.

-Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 With sunroof:
Again, I like the looks, does everything I want and that 2.5 would sound sick with an AWE exhaust as shown in this videos:

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Problem with the 2.5 is fuel and bad quality interior plastics

-Audi A1 1.4 TFSI: Im not sure if its l/100 are worth it, It's rather expensive for such a small car, and it's almost getting in the 118i's price range... maybe I should get a Polo GTI 1.4 TSI
-BMW F21 118i, base model, optioned with h/k and LED lights under door handles.
-BMW F30 320i Sport Line: six speed manual with adaptative M suspension, LED lights under door handles and probably h/k HOT ICE already told me great things about his, except for the handling, which I think is covered with the adaptative suspension. It ticks all the boxes except it's in the $$$ end of my list. I would do as much as I can to get a special ordered Phoenix Yellow one like this



Another great thing to me about the F30 is it has a lot of enthusiastic owners sharing experience about it on the internet

I considered A3 Sedan and CLA, but for the price or cheaper I can get a 1 series or a 3 series, which are both RWD. C180 or C200 is great and crazy cheap right now, so maybe it's also a car to consider.

I need an efficient car. My daily commute sees a lot of uphill driving with LOTS of speed bumps and red lights (I'll post a video soon) and I'm tired of my car being so slow off the line. I don't need it to take off just build decent speed uphill quickly. I also want a RWD if money allows, that's why I insist with BMW.
It should be well equipped. I want it to last long so I'm going to do as much as posible to get in a 3 series this year.

My dad needs a quick cash at the moment to get some goods (furniture) from the border for a client, who will obviously pay him more money in return, so he wants me to sell my car to do it. That's why I said I may get something new in about a month or two. I saw today in a used car dealership a silver E92 335i, I don't remember what year it was (my attention was focused on a 1M). What do you think about a second hand 335i/325i? My dad does not like used cars (and the plan is he's going to pay about half the car, so he gets to choose), but I may convince him.

I've been having the desire of an F30 3 series since it was released, so it may be the best choice, and maybe I should check a used 328i instead of a 320i. The problem is it will be VERY hard to find a manual here in Mexico.

I'm also considering leasing the BMW, but I don't like the idea of not owning the car, and I want it to last.

So:
-What do you think is the best choice? Should I buy A1 or Polo? 118i or 320i? and so on
-What do you think about leasing?
-What do you think about used?
-Cheaper and smaller fully optioned car vs bigger more expensive one?

Thanks for reading! I'll be happy to read your opinion! (and alternatives to the cars I mentioned)

 

[sanpt7777]

If I forgot to add any info or details please tell me, I'd like to hear your opinions about this, as I will surely replace my car. I know cross shopping a BMW and a Polo isn't usual but this time it's actually the case, what I really need to know is:

-If my budget for a downpyment does increase, should I go with a smaller but better optioned/fully loaded car or with a bigger but similarly priced more expensive (with less equipment and optioning) one? This would be mainly the case for the 118i vs 320i
-Should I lease?
-Used 335i good idea? Are they reliable? I've found there is a problem with a pump (fuel or water, can't remember)

P.S. I visited a Ford dealer located in the same building as work and found out that Focus sold in Mexico are no longer american spec, but euro spec (no amber reflectors on the side, heated cloth/leather seats, rear fog lights, adjustable headlights) and are a little cheaper. They also offered me a discount right away just for being "neighbourgs", working in the same building. My only concern is it's only offered with powershift, and I haven't heard nothing good from it.

 

[W201]

You have listed so many cars, from many different classes...

Get VW Golf/BMW 1 Series - with automatic transmission.

This is just a quick tip, and highly subjective opinion. And don't forget to be realistic about your NEEDS, not your wishes.

 

[sanpt7777]

You have listed so many cars, from many different classes...

Get VW Golf/BMW 1 Series - with automatic transmission.

This is just a quick tip, and highly subjective opinion. And don't forget to be realistic about your NEEDS, not your wishes.

Thanks for the advice, I'll shave a couple from the list and explain why.

Thanks! Are you suggesting the auto on the BMW? Golf is manual only here, and I have yet to drive a 118i with auto since I don't want to get spoiled and actually prefer it over the manual From what I've heard, it's great!

 

[W201]

Yup, since you drive through lots of speed bumps, and red lights every day, I think auto transmission will make your daily drive lot more comfortable. But that's just me.

The reason why I suggested 1 Series is this - Polo is way to small for you (as you said yourself, plus its one class below), and 3 Series is bit pricey (and one class above). Golf-segment cars sound just right for you, and the best are the Golf itself, and the 1 Series. And of course, the A Class.

Of course, be sure to drive cars that you consider buying, and choose what suits your needs best.

 

[sanpt7777]

This is my corrected list, I narrowed it a little:

-Polo 1.2 TSI Off the list because this is the car I surely buy in the event I sell my car this month, it's perfect for what it is. And would leave me with spare money since it's also the cheapest. I still think it's small on the back/trunk, but I can deal with that.
-Jetta 2.5 Still considering it, I feel very comfortable inside being tall.
-Focus Sedan Fully loaded, I can get a discount.
-A1 1.4 TFSI Off the list. Too much for little equipmment. Not what I expected after visiting the dealer. Good quality and solid build though
-118i It does everything well. (I felt more comfortable in the Polo ). Would get harman/kardon, LEDs under door handles and sport suspension. 3 years warranty and maintenance included.
-F30 320i Efficient. Sufficient power. Desired equipment. I would only option sport suspension. 3 years warranty and maintenance included.

So it all comes to Focus vs Jetta and 118i vs 320i

Yup, since you drive through lots of speed bumps, and red lights every day, I think auto transmission will make your daily drive lot more comfortable. But that's just me.

No problem with shifting at all. My concern in red lights and speed bumps is the lack of torque on my car, so I have to go into first after every speed bump (and increase my mpg) or keep it in second and go slow.

Polo is way to small for you (as you said yourself, plus its one class below)

Youre right about it being down a step. It's fine on the front, it's the rear passengers who would have problems

I think I'll just follow your advice for the moment and stick with this segment (golf, 1 series etc

I'll do as suggested and point my needs and wishes:
Need:
-Medium sized trunk.
-Some legroom, not too much since the back seat is used by my friends on very short trips, and they are not tall.
-Torque: This is very important. I'm considering turbo since I need enough N-m from low RPM's for a more comfortable drive
-Efficiency: I can accept a lower mpg / L/100km if the car has power to go uphill

Wish:
-RWD
-Good sound system
-Sedan/Saloon body
-Xenon
-Sunroof
-Good overall equipment
-Manual

 

[Sayyaaf]

3 series with a bigger smile.

Regards.

 

[mini_cooper4]

Depending on how long you are planning on keeping your car... you should either go with the Jetta or the 3-Series... I know that it might sound strange but that's what I'll do. I'll always take a sedan over a hatch. The Jetta is one of the best small sedans ever!
The 3-Series ownership is always a love story. I love my stolen E90 318d more than my ex LP560-4... that speaks volumes or just tells how crazy I am

PS: The 1-Series is the best driver's car BMW has currently on offer.
I'll never buy a Ford if it's not a Fiesta ST.
I love the Polo.

 

[Giannis]

I'll never buy a Ford if it's not a Fiesta ST.

Just_me, is that you in there?

 

[mini_cooper4]

Just_me, is that you in there?

Shhh multiple accounts are highly illegal they say!!!!

 

[sanpt7777]

Depending on how long you are planning on keeping your car... That's the problem. I wouldn't keep a Polo for more than 3 years, even though it's such a great car and I like the design. So I would spend money again on a new car. It may be cheaper on the long run to wait some months and buy a BMW right away. I would feel better owning a 320i for 6 years and I'm pretty sure it wouldn't bore me. Now the Jetta... Maybe 4 or 5 years with it would be fine. I know I will mod it a lot (wheels, grille, exhaust, re-upholster seats in red, yes RED haha), but I would do it at a slow pace, so that would keep me busy and happy with it (it's rewarding to have a modded car, different from the rest ) you should either go with the Jetta or the 3-Series... I know that it might sound strange but that's what I'll do. I'll always take a sedan over a hatch. The Jetta is one of the best small sedans ever! Sedan over hatch, I'm with you, and it's in the Polo's price range. Although the Polo is very attractive with it's standard equipment and mpg.
The 3-Series ownership is always a love story. I love my stolen E90 318d more than my ex LP560-4... that speaks volumes or just tells how crazy I am It speaks volumes indeed haha, I don't think you are crazy. It's BMW vs VAG after all (Just joking, I'm a VAG fan too )

PS: The 1-Series is the best driver's car BMW has currently on offer. I'll have to do a test drive, sounds good since I want my car to be fun to drive.
I'll never buy a Ford if it's not a Fiesta ST. My dad will pay half (I think ), and he says it's too much for such a small car "you could buy this or that for the same price". He thinks the best car is the one who offers more size for less money.
I love the Polo. Who doesn't?

 

[mini_cooper4]

1.Go straight ahead and test drive them all if you didn't already!
Do it in the same day if possible.
2.Negotiate a good price(get the option you really want for free or get a discount)

PS: Trust me if you ask for it they/we usually give it to you. Depends on the market of course and whether you order or buy from the floor.
Tell them that you can't go over your budget and that you want your car to have that and that and you are unwilling to compromise on anything.
They want your money while you don't really want their car only. Remember to tell them that you got great offers from the competition/other dealerships and you are considering them too.

PS2: Hopefully that helps. Good luck and keep us updated

 

[sanpt7777]

1.Go straight ahead and test drive them all if you didn't already!
Do it in the same day if possible. I'll try to drive them in the same day. VW salesman is great and already scheduled a test drive for the Polo next week, so I'll make an appointment with BMW for the same day.
2.Negotiate a good price(get the option you really want for free or get a discount) I was thinking about asking to get the shipment fee or whatever it's called for free or get the LEDs under door handles for free. For the Jetta, I'll have to see what they offer me.
PS: Trust me if you ask for it they/we usually give it to you. Depends on the market of course and whether you order or buy from the floor.
Something that bothered me about BMW dealer was that the salesman only wanted to sell me the car he wanted, not I. I want options but he says that I'll have to wait 3 months for an optioned car, even if it's only changing 8-speed for manual, which I thought was ridiculous. I said so be it, I'll wait for my manual. But he says nobody will want a manual BMW when I try to sell it and he insists that I should buy off the floor or order a car without options. Do you know the reason why they would want me to buy a less optioned (and therefore cheaper) car? I assume they prefer clients buy from the showroom instead of ordering, but why? What would be the adventages I can get if I buy from the showroom? I have an idea* but I'd rather hear your opinion.
Tell them that you can't go over your budget and that you want your car to have that and that and you are unwilling to compromise on anything.
They want your money while you don't really want their car only. Remember to tell them that you got great offers from the competition/other dealerships and you are considering them too.

PS2: Hopefully that helps. Good luck and keep us updated
Thanks, I will.

*My guess, since I'm in the furniture bussiness and is similar in a way, is that they want to sell stock to bring new stuff, it's faster, so they get paid faster and don't have to go trhough the hassle of "special" ordering a car. So I guess I can get better discounts from demo cars and cars bought off the showroom, but why they don't want me to buy a car with more options? They'll get more money after all

 

[mini_cooper4]

*My guess, since I'm in the furniture bussiness and is similar in a way, is that they want to sell stock to bring new stuff, it's faster, so they get paid faster and don't have to go trhough the hassle of "special" ordering a car. So I guess I can get better discounts from demo cars and cars bought off the showroom, but why they don't want me to buy a car with more options? They'll get more money after all

They are OK with both.
They'll make more money selling you a car with more options but in the same time they want to clear what they have in stock like pre-specced cars that have been already delivered by AG and need to be sold(they don't just send them back). You don't earn much by selling cars on floor but you are obviously bound to have some.

 

[sanpt7777]

Hey guys, sorry for wasting your time, I may not be buying any of this cars as planned. Maybe I'll keep mine, maybe I'll buy another car. For now, I won't say much until things start to happen so you don't think I'm just talking BS lol

Basically, I decided I wan't to rally, something I've been dreaming of since I was a kid. I'm doing a lot of research daily and seems plausible. I may buy a new car and build it or I may build the one I currently have. Racing aint easy on the wallet so I have to be cautious and maybe I don't do it at all. I'll keep you updated.

 

[mini_cooper4]

Keep us updated

 

[sanpt7777]

So, I took a decision: Keep my car as I started to like it more for some reason.
It was all great until a month ago, when a distracted lady drove her minivan into my car (parked outside my house).
Her insurance is POS, I mean, it's a well known company but they don't want to pay a reasonable sum for the damage and they say my steering is OK, which is completely not the case. For all I know there may be even more damaged mechanical parts yet they say it's only bodywork.