Test drove a GTI - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

raymr · #1 05-25-2007, 02:36 PM

I wanted to try one of these, as a possible future replacement vehicle (if/when the unthinkable happens). I drove a 6-speed. It had nice room inside despite its tiny peapod outside appearance. I spent 10 minutes learning about the computer that does different languages and can, for example, dim the footwell lights by increments of 5%. I couldn't help seeing future repair headaches. None of the minor controls respond right away. It's almost like it wants to think for a second or 2 after you turn the knob, before it decides it really should open that sunroof.

Of course driving it was fun with all the good attributes I have read about. Road noise was more than I expected (the old Benz is much quieter) and the sunroof is comparatively tiny. The throttle seems 'mushy' until the engine gets up over 2500 rpms. Once you are in the right range it zings in a very solid way. There is a sound tube up front that actually sends good engine sounds into the cabin.

As fun as it was, I don't think its something I would like to drive daily. Am I spoiled? Old? Where else to spend 25K?

Jim B. · #2 05-25-2007, 02:54 PM

What about a 2003 or so, BMW 330ci, or a 1995 Mercedes W124 cabrio?

BENZ-LGB · #3 05-28-2007, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

...a 1995 Mercedes W124 cabrio?

Yeah.

Or a well maintained, low mileage undisturbed SEC?

PaulC · #4 05-25-2007, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymr

I wanted to try one of these, as a possible future replacement vehicle (if/when the unthinkable happens). I drove a 6-speed. It had nice room inside despite its tiny peapod outside appearance. I spent 10 minutes learning about the computer that does different languages and can, for example, dim the footwell lights by increments of 5%. I couldn't help seeing future repair headaches. None of the minor controls respond right away. It's almost like it wants to think for a second or 2 after you turn the knob, before it decides it really should open that sunroof.

Of course driving it was fun with all the good attributes I have read about. Road noise was more than I expected (the old Benz is much quieter) and the sunroof is comparatively tiny. The throttle seems 'mushy' until the engine gets up over 2500 rpms. Once you are in the right range it zings in a very solid way. There is a sound tube up front that actually sends good engine sounds into the cabin.

As fun as it was, I don't think its something I would like to drive daily. Am I spoiled? Old? Where else to spend 25K?

A new Passat.

Hatterasguy · #5 05-25-2007, 10:20 PM

You can get a lot for $25k. What about an E55? Or a BMW 540I with a 6spd. Now thats a good car!

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=221095788&dealer_id=97097&car_year=2000&search_type=both&num_records=25&make=BMW&keywordsfyc=&transmission=&distance=300&model=540I&address=06460&make2=&advanced=&default_sort=priceDESC&certified=&max_mileage=&max_price=25000&sort_type=mileageASC&min_price=&body_code=0&end_year=2008&color=&keywordsrep=&start_year=1981&drive=&engine=&doors=&style_flag=1&fuel=&cardist=142

I can't imagin to having to pay $25k to drive a GTI, surely VW must be joking.

raymr · #6 05-26-2007, 12:14 AM

I sat in the Passat while I was waiting for the GTI. Not bad but it treads pretty close to family sedan territory. Likewise for the Aura XR I drove today. To their credit, the only thing I found wrong with the Aura is the wide turning circle. Its otherwise comfortable and fast. The Beemers are a pretty entertaining idea. Never even thought of those.

The Swede · #7 05-26-2007, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymr

I sat in the Passat while I was waiting for the GTI. Not bad but it treads pretty close to family sedan territory. Likewise for the Aura XR I drove today. To their credit, the only thing I found wrong with the Aura is the wide turning circle. Its otherwise comfortable and fast. The Beemers are a pretty entertaining idea. Never even thought of those.

Can't go wrong with a 6 banger -- and a 330ci is one good looking ride. Once you get into the 5 series territory, more "issues" start to crop up.

raymr · #8 05-26-2007, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Swede

Can't go wrong with a 6 banger -- and a 330ci is one good looking ride. Once you get into the 5 series territory, more "issues" start to crop up.

Are any particular years of the 330Ci better than others? Is the 6-cylinder 5 series less likely to have problems?

The Swede · #9 05-26-2007, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymr

Are any particular years of the 330Ci better than others? Is the 6-cylinder 5 series less likely to have problems?

I'm not sure. You'd have to check some of the BMW boards. Bimmerforums.com and Bimmerboard.com

You can get the 6 cyl in the 5 series, the 528i and the 530i. The 2.8 is a little slow, the 3.0 is a better choice imo. Here's a review: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/LongTerm/articleId=102443

You can get it with a 5-spd Getrag manny as well.

I own a 740i sport. 125kmiles and going strong. The only issues so far have been a ps hose leak and had to replace the upper control arms. I don't think the 3 series has the suspension issues like it's heavier 5 and 7 series siblings.

Brian Carlton · #10 05-26-2007, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Swede

You can get the 6 cyl in the 5 series, the 528i and the 530i. The 2.8 is a little slow, the 3.0 is a better choice imo. Here's a review: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/LongTerm/articleId=102443

$5,000 in maintenance and repairs within a two year period on a $31K vehicle with only 50K on the clock. Add this number to the depreciation of $11,200 and the attraction to such a vehicle wanes pretty quickly.

Seems like a page out of the M/B quality and durability manual.............

Hatterasguy · #11 05-26-2007, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymr

Are any particular years of the 330Ci better than others? Is the 6-cylinder 5 series less likely to have problems?

My cousin has had a 2002 since 05 and it hasn't had any problems so far. Its a 330CI with a 6spd, nice car.

Jim B. · #12 05-26-2007, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymr

Are any particular years of the 330Ci better than others? Is the 6-cylinder 5 series less likely to have problems?

If you are serious, I would ask at the roadfly and bimmer and similar forums, where the real fanatics have the knowledge.

I'd definately take a look at the 330ci, so long as it was the pre-Bangle styled model, and without the run flat tires, Who needs i-drive (i-drivel) in a drivers cars.

Those little 3 series are really driver's cars, they handle so well they almost intuit your thoughts, I really like them.

One in good shape with a good history and in a color you like, and if you are lucky, one with the Sport package, (some of the M trimmings) would be nice. I'm not too sure what you get with it, but I think it might include M trimmed steering wheel and seats, better suspension and wheels, and possibly those run flats, which are expensive to replace. Either an automatic or manual are lots of fun.

raymr · #13 06-21-2007, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

If you are serious, I would ask at the roadfly and bimmer and similar forums, where the real fanatics have the knowledge.

I'd definately take a look at the 330ci, so long as it was the pre-Bangle styled model, and without the run flat tires, Who needs i-drive (i-drivel) in a drivers cars.

Those little 3 series are really driver's cars, they handle so well they almost intuit your thoughts, I really like them.

One in good shape with a good history and in a color you like, and if you are lucky, one with the Sport package, (some of the M trimmings) would be nice. I'm not too sure what you get with it, but I think it might include M trimmed steering wheel and seats, better suspension and wheels, and possibly those run flats, which are expensive to replace. Either an automatic or manual are lots of fun.

I have been checking the prices of used 330Ci's and they seem pretty reasonable. Is there something better about the coupe as opposed to the 330i sedan? Either one comes with a stick or Sport package.

All the cars I've driven so far don't have the combination of isolation and control that my old Benz has. They either have one or the other, sometimes neither. I haven't driven the 330 yet but I wiill soon

PaulC · #14 05-26-2007, 12:19 AM

Keeping it in the VW family, what about one of the Jetta variants?

raymr · #15 05-26-2007, 01:29 PM

My last impression of BMW was that the US versions had more tacky stuff put on them compared to their cleaner looking Euro brothers. I guess that has changed some. I might try out a 330Ci to see how it fits.