Lease Turn In To New Brand? (ATTN: GTI owners past and present!)

WHL102 · 12-19-2015, 11:42 AM

Asianoak · 12-20-2015, 02:59 PM

I haven't owned any of the recent GTIs but when I did... boy what a terrible car. That may be why the BMW cost of ownership is of so little concern to me, compared to the VW it's a drop in the bucket. The thing that got me the most is that I got to know some of the mechanics at the dealership (yes it was there that much) and one told me that he was dumbfounded as to where they got a good reputation from, he literally said he'd never buy one and would never recommend one.

With that being said, with the incentives they're currently offering due to the dieselgate thing... and if you baby it and don't drive hard... it may be an okay move for you. It seems as though the people that claim them to be reliable don't drive them very hard.

Blubaron79 · 12-20-2015, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asianoak

I haven't owned any of the recent GTIs but when I did... boy what a terrible car. That may be why the BMW cost of ownership is of so little concern to me, compared to the VW it's a drop in the bucket. The thing that got me the most is that I got to know some of the mechanics at the dealership (yes it was there that much) and one told me that he was dumbfounded as to where they got a good reputation from, he literally said he'd never buy one and would never recommend one.

With that being said, with the incentives they're currently offering due to the dieselgate thing... and if you baby it and don't drive hard... it may be an okay move for you. It seems as though the people that claim them to be reliable don't drive them very hard.

Agreed. I never owned one, but with an ex that had a Passat... Wow. Even under warranty it was garbage. I was driving it home the one night as she was too drunk and half way home the whole instrument cluster goes dark. No read outs at all. Then her rear window quit working. She took it to the dealer, and they told her they had no idea how to fix it. They have to wait to hear back from VW. Probably like a PUMA case, but they just sent her home with the car and they would call her back. Not to mention every other tiny thing that broke on the car in the first 20k miles. This was 9 years ago, but I will never buy an Audi either... I got close to looking at a S4, but then the salesperson would not even get out of her seat to talk to me about it.

End Rant -

BeeMdblU · 12-20-2015, 08:32 PM

the only issue I had with an mkv is a faulty fuel pump relay, loved the car and it's dsg

S4NoMore · 12-21-2015, 10:37 AM

I had an '08 GTI for a couple of years before some idiot sideswiped it into a writeoff.

I really loved the car, it drove well, sounded good, it was quick and dare I say fast by the time I had gone to APR "stage 2+", and it was great on gas. At that time in my life I was more into modifying my cars, and I went to Koni coilovers not wanting to sacrifice ride quality. It rode well enough but there were never-ending suspension noises that drove me crazy. I had it listed for sale at the time it was totaled, and then I got myself into the e30 I always wanted and never looked back at VWs.

One thing that stuck with me was from a user on vwvortex, who in his profile sarcastically listed "hyped up economy car" in the "car I drive" field. I really think that sums it up for VWs - they are very nice and decently equipped, look good, drive well, etc.... for an economy car. At the end of the day a GTI is still a tweaked Golf. I'm not trying to label it as a piece of junk, but just something to think about.

For as expensive as they are ($30k+) I don't think they are the best choice. I'd go for a 2-series (a nice 228i) because I value ride and build quality, and the dynamics of a RWD platform, plus the engineering that comes from a luxury car maker.

That said, my sisters both had/have new '11+ Jettas and they are great, albeit on the lower end of the lineup (TDIs without nav). For $15-25k, VWs are a hard value to beat.

WHL102 · 12-21-2015, 12:51 PM

I agree with many of the points above - I've actually re-aligned my search to the roughly $30k GTI "S" with Performance Pack and lighting. About $3k less MSRP than the SE and a truecar value of about $27k. If I can get OTD with incentives for under $25k it may be the economical yet fun car that it should be. Looking back $33k seems a bit ludicrous for a hyped up Golf, no matter how much praise the car mags throw at it. I could get into a stripper BMW at that price.

NWest · 12-21-2015, 03:45 PM

This is not referencing recent VW's, but thought it was still relevant to point out.

I've owned two Mark II GTI's, and my wife had a 2003 Cabrio, they were all manuals and blast to drive - but...they all suffered electrical problems, spent more time in the shop, and required more maintenance (especially my 16V) than the BMW's we've owned.

It's been a long time since the early 2000's, but my past experience has kept me from considering another VW or Audi.

Buzzo · 12-21-2015, 05:19 PM

I have been a very happy owner of an '07 GTI and like it better than almost all new sub 35K cars I have driven in the meantime, to the point where trading it in for a new GTI just didn't seem worth it to me. Still carries four adults and luggage at ease, is plenty fast with decent handling.

Instead of trading it in for something similar, I have added a 340xi to the stable and will keep the GTI for now. Equal in interior size, but otherwise the 340 is a whole different animal, but that is to be expected with a different price tag.

Shazsta · 12-22-2015, 09:04 AM

I traded in my 07 GTI for a 335. '08 and up GTI's are pretty good cars. But I don't think I will ever go back. GTI's are extremely easy to mod and retrofit.

Why not '15 A3 "Quattro" or '15 Golf R? I would def get an R over a $32k GTI. Just make sure it's a Mk7 R.

PS everybody looked at my GTI like it was a kids car

the_phew · 12-22-2015, 09:22 AM

If leasing, consider the Golf R over a loaded GTI SE. Lease residuals for the R are usually at least 10 pts higher than the GTI, to the point where a $36k Golf R is cheaper to lease than a $30k GTI. The extra HP and AWD are just a bonus.

I'm strongly considering a Golf R when my 320i lease is up. The BMW is fine, but sedans are really impractical. I nearly ruin my back every time I try to put my tennis ball machine into the trunk. I wish BMW offered a hatchback/wagon with a 6MT.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shazsta

PS everybody looked at my GTI like it was a kids car

And in a 3-series they look at you like you are a balding accountant; everyone would be much happier if they just DGAF what other people thought. The average American commutes alone to work in an F150 and is going to vote for Donald Trump; it's not worth your effort trying to impress them.

WHL102 · 04-02-2016, 07:15 PM

My "Vizsla Wagen" arrived today. Picked it up and spent a few hours cruising around, and will likely put on a few hundred tomorrow.

Dare I say it drives how I thought my F30 should have.

I will probably drop off the 3 series next weekend, if not sooner. It has been fun.

Base model for the "Clark" seats and sunroof delete. Seeing them in person and having them heated swayed me. I thought I'd hate it but it has a retro look without being gaudy. Golf R HID reps should be on by next week, as there were no base models with lighting package.

With its stablemate (neighbor's car).

AudiA4 · 04-02-2016, 08:42 PM

The GTI is a nice car. I almost bought one to drive a few years before handing down to my son...I would agree that it's more fun than an F30, especially with a manual. As a 47 year-old professional, I just felt I needed something bigger.

beardybaer · 04-03-2016, 02:23 AM

I've had a GTI and just come out of a GT cabriolet to the 430d.

My cars had pretty decent build quality. And while they're not luxury cars, I thought the interior PQ was better than Audi A3.

The problem with VW for me wasn't the cars but the dealer after sales service. It was awful. Poor customer service, shoddy service work and the few things (minor) that needed replacing under warranty I had to fight for, and it's gotten worse since the emissions scandal. You'd think quiet showrooms would encourage them to be better at after sales, but it doesn't.

eluded · 04-03-2016, 11:37 AM

Check out the new Prius. Hearing lots of good things.

LMK5 · 04-08-2016, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_phew

If leasing, consider the Golf R over a loaded GTI SE. Lease residuals for the R are usually at least 10 pts higher than the GTI, to the point where a $36k Golf R is cheaper to lease than a $30k GTI. The extra HP and AWD are just a bonus.

I'm strongly considering a Golf R when my 320i lease is up. The BMW is fine, but sedans are really impractical. I nearly ruin my back every time I try to put my tennis ball machine into the trunk. I wish BMW offered a hatchback/wagon with a 6MT.

And in a 3-series they look at you like you are a balding accountant; everyone would be much happier if they just DGAF what other people thought. The average American commutes alone to work in an F150 and is going to vote for Donald Trump; it's not worth your effort trying to impress them.

nicknaz · 04-08-2016, 08:26 PM

congrats on the new car OP. I saw in your forum info that you had an F30 320. I think 320 to GTi is an interesting decision and could be a step up in acceleration as well

Did you at all consider the WRX, or were you specifically targeting the hatchback?

WHL102 · 04-10-2016, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicknaz

congrats on the new car OP. I saw in your forum info that you had an F30 320. I think 320 to GTi is an interesting decision and could be a step up in acceleration as well

Did you at all consider the WRX, or were you specifically targeting the hatchback?

Thanks!

The WRX didn't come in a hatch and I remember not being impressed by the interior when I looked at one a few years ago. I haven't always been a fan of the GTI, but the MK7 just looks great to me inside and out.

IMO, it's definitely a step up in driving dynamics from the 320xi. Very impressed by the steering feel and body control. On the other hand, NVH and infotainment is a definite step down. I'd pick the GTI over the base BMW infotainment, but the lack of the idrive type controller with buttons to access pretty much everything from the armrest is pretty distracting.

Overall, can't say I have any regrets!

Rautha · 04-10-2016, 02:32 PM

You will enjoy the GTI!!

My wife has a Mk6 Golf R.
Had it 3 years, no trouble with it.
Its different then the F30 obviously but we like both cars.
The back seat space is impressive in the Golf/GTI.

Prior to that had a Mk5 Jetta TDI
Minimal trouble with that for the 5 years we had it (DieselGate issues aside!!)

Enjoy!

12-19-2015, 11:42 AM	#1
WHL102 First Lieutenant 125 Rep 391 Posts Drives: '16 GTI S, DSG, 4-Door Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Northern NJ iTrader: (0)	Lease Turn In To New Brand? (ATTN: GTI owners past and present!) Last edited by WHL102; 04-10-2016 at 01:42 AM..
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12-20-2015, 02:59 PM	#2
Asianoak Lieutenant 143 Rep 451 Posts Drives: '11 E92 M3 & "11 X3 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Southern Oregon iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 M3 [0.00]	I haven't owned any of the recent GTIs but when I did... boy what a terrible car. That may be why the BMW cost of ownership is of so little concern to me, compared to the VW it's a drop in the bucket. The thing that got me the most is that I got to know some of the mechanics at the dealership (yes it was there that much) and one told me that he was dumbfounded as to where they got a good reputation from, he literally said he'd never buy one and would never recommend one. With that being said, with the incentives they're currently offering due to the dieselgate thing... and if you baby it and don't drive hard... it may be an okay move for you. It seems as though the people that claim them to be reliable don't drive them very hard. __________________ Instagram: @dasianoak
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12-20-2015, 08:32 PM	#4
BeeMdblU Captain 452 Rep 859 Posts Drives: F86, F25, G16 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	the only issue I had with an mkv is a faulty fuel pump relay, loved the car and it's dsg
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12-21-2015, 10:37 AM	#5
S4NoMore Major 253 Rep 1,003 Posts Drives: 16 340i, 15 X3d, 91 318i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Philly suburbs iTrader: (2) Garage List 2016 BMW 340i [0.00] 2015 BMW X3 28d [0.00] 1991 BMW 318i [8.66]	I had an '08 GTI for a couple of years before some idiot sideswiped it into a writeoff. I really loved the car, it drove well, sounded good, it was quick and dare I say fast by the time I had gone to APR "stage 2+", and it was great on gas. At that time in my life I was more into modifying my cars, and I went to Koni coilovers not wanting to sacrifice ride quality. It rode well enough but there were never-ending suspension noises that drove me crazy. I had it listed for sale at the time it was totaled, and then I got myself into the e30 I always wanted and never looked back at VWs. One thing that stuck with me was from a user on vwvortex, who in his profile sarcastically listed "hyped up economy car" in the "car I drive" field. I really think that sums it up for VWs - they are very nice and decently equipped, look good, drive well, etc.... for an economy car. At the end of the day a GTI is still a tweaked Golf. I'm not trying to label it as a piece of junk, but just something to think about. For as expensive as they are ($30k+) I don't think they are the best choice. I'd go for a 2-series (a nice 228i) because I value ride and build quality, and the dynamics of a RWD platform, plus the engineering that comes from a luxury car maker. That said, my sisters both had/have new '11+ Jettas and they are great, albeit on the lower end of the lineup (TDIs without nav). For $15-25k, VWs are a hard value to beat.
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12-21-2015, 12:51 PM	#6
WHL102 First Lieutenant 125 Rep 391 Posts Drives: '16 GTI S, DSG, 4-Door Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Northern NJ iTrader: (0)	I agree with many of the points above - I've actually re-aligned my search to the roughly $30k GTI "S" with Performance Pack and lighting. About $3k less MSRP than the SE and a truecar value of about $27k. If I can get OTD with incentives for under $25k it may be the economical yet fun car that it should be. Looking back $33k seems a bit ludicrous for a hyped up Golf, no matter how much praise the car mags throw at it. I could get into a stripper BMW at that price.
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12-21-2015, 03:45 PM	#7
NWest First Lieutenant 550 Rep 373 Posts Drives: 2021 M2 Competition Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	This is not referencing recent VW's, but thought it was still relevant to point out. I've owned two Mark II GTI's, and my wife had a 2003 Cabrio, they were all manuals and blast to drive - but...they all suffered electrical problems, spent more time in the shop, and required more maintenance (especially my 16V) than the BMW's we've owned. It's been a long time since the early 2000's, but my past experience has kept me from considering another VW or Audi.
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12-21-2015, 05:19 PM	#8
Buzzo First Lieutenant 169 Rep 326 Posts Drives: MT 244'80 V70R'07 Golf R'19 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	I have been a very happy owner of an '07 GTI and like it better than almost all new sub 35K cars I have driven in the meantime, to the point where trading it in for a new GTI just didn't seem worth it to me. Still carries four adults and luggage at ease, is plenty fast with decent handling. Instead of trading it in for something similar, I have added a 340xi to the stable and will keep the GTI for now. Equal in interior size, but otherwise the 340 is a whole different animal, but that is to be expected with a different price tag.
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12-22-2015, 09:04 AM	#9
Shazsta Private First Class 18 Rep 176 Posts Drives: 2013 335i xDrive Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	I traded in my 07 GTI for a 335. '08 and up GTI's are pretty good cars. But I don't think I will ever go back. GTI's are extremely easy to mod and retrofit. Why not '15 A3 "Quattro" or '15 Golf R? I would def get an R over a $32k GTI. Just make sure it's a Mk7 R. PS everybody looked at my GTI like it was a kids car
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04-02-2016, 07:15 PM	#11
WHL102 First Lieutenant 125 Rep 391 Posts Drives: '16 GTI S, DSG, 4-Door Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Northern NJ iTrader: (0)	My "Vizsla Wagen" arrived today. Picked it up and spent a few hours cruising around, and will likely put on a few hundred tomorrow. Dare I say it drives how I thought my F30 should have. I will probably drop off the 3 series next weekend, if not sooner. It has been fun. Base model for the "Clark" seats and sunroof delete. Seeing them in person and having them heated swayed me. I thought I'd hate it but it has a retro look without being gaudy. Golf R HID reps should be on by next week, as there were no base models with lighting package. With its stablemate (neighbor's car).
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04-02-2016, 08:42 PM	#12
AudiA4 Major 648 Rep 1,476 Posts Drives: 2022 G01 X3 M40i (Black/Black) Join Date: May 2005 Location: Little Rock, AR, USA iTrader: (0)	The GTI is a nice car. I almost bought one to drive a few years before handing down to my son...I would agree that it's more fun than an F30, especially with a manual. As a 47 year-old professional, I just felt I needed something bigger. __________________ 2022 G01 X3 M40i (Black Sapphire/Black), HK, DAP, PAP, Shadow Line 2014 F30 335i (EB) 6MT, M Sport, Premium, Tech, DHP, HK, CW, M Brakes, M Exhaust 2006 E90 330i (Silver) 6MT, Sport
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04-03-2016, 02:23 AM	#13
beardybaer Private 39 Rep 82 Posts Drives: F32 430d MSport XDrive Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: London iTrader: (0)	I've had a GTI and just come out of a GT cabriolet to the 430d. My cars had pretty decent build quality. And while they're not luxury cars, I thought the interior PQ was better than Audi A3. The problem with VW for me wasn't the cars but the dealer after sales service. It was awful. Poor customer service, shoddy service work and the few things (minor) that needed replacing under warranty I had to fight for, and it's gotten worse since the emissions scandal. You'd think quiet showrooms would encourage them to be better at after sales, but it doesn't.
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04-03-2016, 11:37 AM	#14
eluded 2JZ-GTE 3038 Rep 3,992 Posts Drives: 340 6MT, 50e, others Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Sofia iTrader: (0)	Check out the new Prius. Hearing lots of good things. __________________ A man who views the world the same at 50 as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.
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04-08-2016, 08:26 PM	#16
nicknaz Lieutenant General 3187 Rep 10,509 Posts Drives: C6Z Join Date: May 2008 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	congrats on the new car OP. I saw in your forum info that you had an F30 320. I think 320 to GTi is an interesting decision and could be a step up in acceleration as well Did you at all consider the WRX, or were you specifically targeting the hatchback?
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04-10-2016, 02:32 PM	#18
Rautha Private 13 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 2014 328ixDrive touring Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	You will enjoy the GTI!! My wife has a Mk6 Golf R. Had it 3 years, no trouble with it. Its different then the F30 obviously but we like both cars. The back seat space is impressive in the Golf/GTI. Prior to that had a Mk5 Jetta TDI Minimal trouble with that for the 5 years we had it (DieselGate issues aside!!) Enjoy!
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