[Danforz]

Hey guys,

So, this is going to be a long, detailed post, the end of which I'm going to ask you for a lot of advice. So, thanks in advance for reading.

To start, my first two cars were a 2001 BMW 325 followed by a 2006 BMW 328 coupe. Then, looking for some additional horse power, I gave into the dark side and leased an Infiniti G37s because I could not afford the lease on a 2009 335.

Lets just say, I regret the day I made that decision. The G37 has a wonderful touch screen, great Bose audi, fantastic seat warmers, and is all together a phenominal value when compared to BMW's slowly increasing prices.

That said, the vehicle has poor steering feel on mid to large sweepers and the transmission is... lets just not get started on that. I need my performance back. I need the feel of the road back. I need TORQUE back.

So, that's why I'm posting here today. I'll be in the market when my lease ends in June and I wanted to get your opinions and advice on lease prices.

2012 Audi TT
I'd be looking at getting the latest engine, prestige. I *really* want magnetic ride as it just sounds like one of those toys that would serve well for... "dynamic weekend canyon driving." Furthermore, from what I hear, without it, the TT isn't as high performing as the looks and class category might suggest. Additionally, I was thinking of throwing the sports package on there too... not because I care about the front intakes or anything, but those sport rims... WOW they transform the TT from the one your neighbor owns, to something much more special.

So, this is a pretty loaded TT and I'm hoping that because its a little older, that the lease price could be managed for around $550 a month? Maybe $3500 down? What do you guys think and what experiences with leases have you had?

Please note, I live in Southern California.

2012 BMW 335
And then, there's the other option. BMW has just gotten expensive as of late. But, I do fondly miss the handling, torque, and just unmatched interior class that I found in my prior 3 series.

Because this car is new, the lease is bumping (high) so I can't really get any options on this vehicle, I don't think... I'd want a sports edition, with sports transmission, and the upgraded sound package. I'd love to get navigation/heads up display and leather, but honestly, not sure I can afford it.

The question then comes down to, can either of these vehicle be leased within my $550 a month range? And if so, what are your opinions on which to take?

Finally, What I'm Looking For in a Vehicle
Right now, my goal is performance. Especially steering feel and torque. Two things I've missed over the last 3 years with my Infiniti. Again, lease price around $550 a month.

Thanks for your input!

[Red Bread]

Given your goal of steering feel and torque, I'm sort of left scratching my head why you'd be considering a fwd car with Haldex.

[NYAWE60]

These are two totally different cars. Personally I think you could get into a 2012 335i w/sports package, that should meet/exceed your expectations. One thing is for sure, it blows the TT away.

[SoFlo_Nick]

You said steering was important to you. I really don't like the EPS (Electric Power Steering) it feels weird the E90 was way better. Givin that you want power and like steering the Audi S4 might be a good option. Or maybe even a 2011 335i with all the tech features

[Danforz]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Given your goal of steering feel and torque, I'm sort of left scratching my head why you'd be considering a fwd car with Haldex.

Are you suggesting the TT is a front wheel drive car?

[Danforz]

Originally Posted by NYAWE60

These are two totally different cars. Personally I think you could get into a 2012 335i w/sports package, that should meet/exceed your expectations. One thing is for sure, it blows the TT away.

Why does it blow the TT away?

[Danforz]

Originally Posted by NGuyadeen

You said steering was important to you. I really don't like the EPS (Electric Power Steering) it feels weird the E90 was way better. Givin that you want power and like steering the Audi S4 might be a good option. Or maybe even a 2011 335i with all the tech features

I don't think you can get a S4 for $550 a month, can you?

[Michael Schott]

I'm a little confused about your pricing as the TT with Prestige, Sport and Magnetic shocks retails for almost $49K. A 335 Sport with sports transmission and upgraded stereo is $47K. Plus BMW offers better lease rates and deals than Audi.

Also, I doubt you can lease the Audi at your price out the door. Last, we don't recommend downpayments on a lease. It's money out the window at lease end. Take that $3500.00 and divide it by your least terms and you have $100.00/month to add to your lease. A $47K 335 probably leases for $650.00/month including tax.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Danforz

Are you suggesting the TT is a front wheel drive car?

No, I'm saying it's a front wheel drive car with Haldex, which is an awd system that sends power to the rear wheels when it detects slippage. This is shared with the A3 and Golf R and is a result of the transverse engine mounting.

This is different animal than Audi uses in the A4, A5, A6, A8 and R8 which have a mechanical awd system which operates at 40%f / 60%r and can transfer up to 90% to either end.

Drive a TT, decide for yourself if you like it, but if you want great steering feel, your odds of getting in a rwd car are much better than in an awd or fwd car.

[SoFlo_Nick]

Originally Posted by Danforz

I don't think you can get a S4 for $550 a month, can you?

Yea with some good negotiation skills you can get it for $500

[Danforz]

Originally Posted by NGuyadeen

Yea with some good negotiation skills you can get it for $500

Any advice on how to handle something like that?

[AlexM]

If you're looking at TT then rather go for Z4...

[Danforz]

Originally Posted by AlexM

If you're looking at TT then rather go for Z4...

I'd LOVE to... but the lease price is rough.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Danforz

I'd LOVE to... but the lease price is rough.

BMW lists the 28i for $519/mo and the 35i for $569/mo using my old OC zip code:
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...R85vgUAVk4dg==

[SoFlo_Nick]

Originally Posted by AlexM

If you're looking at TT then rather go for Z4...

Ohh hell ya!!!!!

[Danforz]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

BMW lists the 28i for $519/mo and the 35i for $569/mo using my old OC zip code:
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...R85vgUAVk4dg==

What zip?

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Danforz

What zip?

I plugged in 92651, which was my zip in Laguna Beach. My 1er is from Crevier.

[AlexM]

Originally Posted by Danforz

I'd LOVE to... but the lease price is rough.

dunno about that but i thought Audis don't come cheap

[jtuds]

If the goal is performance, there are a bunch of other cars you can consider in the price range....if it is literally 100% performance.

I just don't see how you can go wrong with a 335i...performance and practicality. Go drive both, that should help you decide.

[ebeem]

E92 335i

/thread

[tuned2ride]

According to EPA, the 335i Step (300HP RWD) and Audi TT (211HP AWD) have the same annual fuel cost over 15000 miles. And the Bimmer is almost 450lbs heavier .... Incredible!

[johntchow]

the only way to get any of these cars on lease for less than 550 /month would be 36 months / 10k miles and you'd have to probably put about 4-5000 down. i dont care how good you can negotiate.