Mk7 GTI or CPO BMW 328i?

"Nick George" (ngphotog)
11/11/2014 at 02:27 • Filed to: BMW, Volkswagen

I'm about to replace my BRZ, and am stuck between these two pretty different options: A brand new 2015 Mk7 GTI w/Performance Package? Or a super clean low mileage 2013 CPO BMW 328i M-Sport? Both priced the same. The Bimmer has a better warranty and maintenance included. The GTI is a little more performance oriented. What would oppo do?

DISCUSSION (16)

Arben72 > Nick George
11/11/2014 at 02:35

Bmw guy here, get the gti. (Don't forget to look at subarus offerings, again, though).

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > Nick George
11/11/2014 at 02:38

I agree with Arben. Go with the GTI. It's a new car so anything and everything that happens to it is your doing (both good and bad). The BMW however, something goes wrong, you have no idea what the previous owner did with it or to it. It may be a CPO but it's still a gamble.

gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun > Nick George
11/11/2014 at 03:10

I'd say BMW, but sell it before the warranty expires. May I ask why you're replacing the BRZ?

Too many M's > Nick George
11/11/2014 at 06:07

If I had to buy new, the MK7 GTI would definitely be the top of the list for me. I owned a MK6 Golf and had a MK7 for a month and the difference between the two was so far in the MK7s favor. Plus you can get plaid seats. VS an E90 BMW there is no comparison.

The F30 though is quite nice and can be more sport oriented than you think. Does this one have the sport-automatic with paddle shifters? That makes a bit of difference compared to the regular tuned auto. A CPO is a nice safety net, I wouldn't worry about the previous owner too much. I'd be more wary if it couldn't pass CPO but try to sell before that's expired or prepare to take a hit on resale. RWD, same as the BRZ, more fun IMO.

Talking about resale value as well, the BMW already has a almost two years of depreciation. The base price for that is $37k not including any of the spendy options those come with. Fair to say it won't tumble as far as the VW. In my experience the VW will drop pretty quickly. In two years, and speculating on the market with the GTI being assembled in Mexico again, that fact alone might hurt the value in the future.

Insurance for the two? The GTI might fare better here being new and safe.

But be sure to drive them both and go with which one is more fun for you.

E92M3 > Nick George
11/11/2014 at 06:58

Also a BMW guy, but I would get the GTI in this case. BMWs free maintenance is a joke. You'd end up with 2 oil changes and a brake fluid flush out of it. Maybe 1 "inspection" also (which is BMWs way to suggest a $200 alignment). Their oil change interval is 18k miles now. Everything else is "lifetime fluids". If you get one anyway I would HIGHLY recommend following an old school maintenance schedule.

AthomSfere > Nick George
11/11/2014 at 07:02

I'd go BMW... But I am in the minority here and don't like the GTIs.

Alex B > Nick George
11/11/2014 at 07:20

I would pick the BMW because RWD, personally.

jkm7680 > Nick George
11/11/2014 at 07:24

GTI, It's a new car after all.

Vicente Esteve > Nick George
11/11/2014 at 07:31

I'd say in the end the GTI is a better performer, but the badge isn't seen as exclusive. Thing is, the interior of the GTI is probably better.

DipodomysDeserti > E92M3
11/11/2014 at 08:26

I got brakes and rotors on all four corners with the free maintenance on my 335d CPO. That saved me around $1k.

DipodomysDeserti > Nick George
11/11/2014 at 08:29

I would get the BMW because it's a CPO. The resale on the GTI is going to drop like a rock, but the BMW won't as much since you're buying it used. Personally, I'd look for an E90 CPO. You could probably pick up a 335i with lowish miles for about the same price, and it would be much more fun than either of those choices. I got a CPO 2011 335d with 30k miles on it for less than $30k and it's fully optioned out.

Party-vi > Nick George
11/11/2014 at 08:50

You should look at how long you're going to keep the car. You're going to owe more money on the GTI than it's worth after you drive it off the lot, and after 3 years it's value is going to drop to about $19k. If you're thinking of reselling after a short time you should taken into account who is going to buy a used GTI vs. a used BMW. I would guess more people are in the market for a BMW than a VW (non-performance buying would buy the BMW as opposed to enthusiasts buying the GTI).

Of course you could always test drive them both and pick which one you like better.

nermal > Nick George
11/11/2014 at 10:30

I went from an E90 to an MK6. Close enough that I'm assuming most of it applies here.

The first thing you'll notice is the difference between FWD and RWD. The cars will rotate differently and accelerate out of corners differently. I don't think either is any better or worse overall, just different. The GTI makes me giggle and act more juvenile for some reason.

The next thing you'll notice is reactions from others. The BMW will be better at picking up babes, and people will think you are a smug asshole that makes more $$$ than them. The GTI will get no reaction whatsoever, except from other VW guys, who will want to talk to you about VWs. Most babes will not be impressed.

The BMW will be more comfortable, especially on the highway or for long road trips.

Either way, plan on getting new tires ASAP. The all-seasons that come on either are crap. Both need dedicated winter tires in snow areas. Summer tires for summer, winter tires for winter.

Make sure you get the upgraded headlights either way as well. Both of mine had the xenons that turn when you turn. The BMWs were great, the GTIs are downright amazing.

I have the upgraded Dynaudio sound in my GTI and it's spectacular.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Nick George
11/11/2014 at 11:49

BMW, it might be more practical and it's a 3-series. I know I'm in the minority here but if they're around the same price you can get more for your money with the BMW.

kiwi_matt > Nick George
11/11/2014 at 14:41

Buy neither. Get a Audi S3.

9brghtn4 > Nick George
11/11/2014 at 16:05

Come on, are you serious? Bimmer all the way.