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?

PaulC · #3 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 · #4 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 · #5 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.

PaulC · #6 05-26-2007, 12:19 AM

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

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.............

The Swede · #11 05-26-2007, 01:24 PM

Goes with the territory. It isn't $25K new.

OTOH, I'm lucky. Avg a few hundred/yr to maintain my BMW.

Brian Carlton · #12 05-26-2007, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Swede

Goes with the territory. It isn't $25K new.

OTOH, I'm lucky. Avg a few hundred/yr to maintain my BMW.

There is no good excuse for a $50K vehicle to need the repairs that were necessary in that article. If the territory is a build quality that is so poor that the vehicle can't make 100K with few repairs due to component failure, then the company doesn't deserve to charge $50K and the people who purchase such a vehicle are simply purchasing the emblem on the hood.

raymr · #13 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.

The Swede · #14 05-26-2007, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

There is no good excuse for a $50K vehicle to need the repairs that were necessary in that article. If the territory is a build quality that is so poor that the vehicle can't make 100K with few repairs due to component failure, then the company doesn't deserve to charge $50K and the people who purchase such a vehicle are simply purchasing the emblem on the hood.

okay then...

The Swede · #15 05-26-2007, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymr

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.

Go for it. I had a previous generation M3 (str-6) and the drivetrain was bullet proof. A blast to drive, much moreso than any Mercedes. My 740i is a kick to drive too, like riding on rails and not insulated. Can't say that about any MB barges.

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