[harbour456]

By lesser, I mean less expensive then your BMW. By this fall I'll be near the end of my warranty on my 330i. It's been a great car in many ways but less so in others. It's actually left me stranded twice... once with a nail in my runflat (on a Sunday... greater then 200km from home) and the second with the infamous steering wheel lock issue. The latter had me without the car for two weeks. When the cars works, it's great, but perhaps I expected more for 50K Cdn. On a whim I test drove a VW GTI 4 door the other day. I must admit to being quite surprised at how fun it was to drive. Now before anyone starts the "oh, but it isn't a BMW" line... it doesn't have to be at the price. As a physician I'm easily in the position to simply buy a new 335i (or higher) without any difficulty but I'm wondering where the law of diminishing returns kicks in and ultimately how much should I pay for a car, even though I love driving? The GTI certainly isn't as fast as a 335 (although close to my 330i) but it sure was FUN. Like the 330i, the 2.0T motor can easily be chipped for more power. With the leather package the interior isn't all that much different either. The BMW is a great car but I used to have just as much fun with my old WRX and the GTI seems to be a good compromise between the two. I love driving but the name isn't important to me. Anyone else consider heresy such as this or is this just crazy talk?!

[ward]

there are cars cheaper than BMW that are still fun

if you liked the VW go test drive a mini cooper S

[elucas730]

Crazy talk.
Wrong wheel drive FTL

[Two Sheds]

When I was test driving cars to buy this one just over a year ago I test drove the mini cooper s and was seriously considering that (possibly with JCW package) and my fiance (now morphed into wife) persuaded me to look at cheaper cars so I also test drove the Mazda 3. I was very tempted by the mini, but if I got it I really wanted a manula and the mrs can't drive manual. I do think the 3 series is a great car to drive, but for a fun ride I certainly preferred the mini.

[BMW F22]

S2000, used Z4, civic SI, etc. lots of cars out there.

[Zeeman]

try out the Audi A3. Same engine as the GTI.

nice car, although I am not a big fan of the FWD/AWD

[LEDZEP]

I used to have a Jetta, and would have one again. Also had a Passat W8 which was "better" in many ways than the E90 (and not as good in other ways).

Never say never. The right car is the one that is right for you when you buy it.

[007e92]

crazy talk

[epbrown]

I've often considered going downmarket on my commuter, so I could go upmarket on my weekend car (as in Z4 M Roadster). If I were looking to replace my 3-series with something cheaper, I'd get a VW GTI. I liked the Ford Focus ZX3 but the owners I talked to weren't encouraging.

Typically, though, my first reflex is simply to buy the car I like once it falls into my price range. If I wanted a BMW and only had $25k or whatever, I'd get a used BMW before I spent the same money on a new Honda or something. Come to think if it, that's how I ended up with my two BMWs. I wanted a practical commuter and a fun weekend car, so I was originally looking at a brand new M3 Cab. I didn't like the E46 convertible, so I split the money and bought a 325i and Z4.

[danimal]

I seriously considered the VW GTI and MazdaSpeed 3 before ordering my 328i (and somewhat less seriously considered several other cars), but, in the end, it came down to RWD and refinement.

The GTI is a great package, especially for the money, but it can feel rather clumsy at times (especially when trying to get power to the ground over bumps or around turns), the turbo'd engine runs out of steam well before redline, and there's zero joy in shifting the manual tranny.

The Speed 3 was noticeably more fun to drive than the GTI, but I wasn't wild about the styling, the loudness of the exhaust note, or the somewhat downscale interior. Also, at the time, the dealership was refusing to allow any freeway driving during test drives unless you put money down first (since the car had just hit the market), so I didn't get much seat time.

Overall, I would say there are definitely diminishing returns to getting a BMW. These sport compacts are probably about 85% as good for about 65-70% of the cost. I just decided I really wanted that extra 15% of goodness. So far, I don't miss the money.

-Dan

[Atombyte]

Over the next 3 years, I'll determine if a BMW is really "worth it". If I have a lot of quality problems and the car leaves me walking a lot, then I would "upgrade" to a better car that may just cost less. If the car works as advertised and I have a lot of fun driving it, then I may not "downgrade" to a car that costs less.

We'll see...

[Beerflakes]

07 C230... it was a grand or 2 cheaper

[e92man]

Originally Posted by Moze

07 C230... it was a grand or 2 cheaper

but every street corner has at least 3 c230s

[ejazbmw]

Nissan maxima, yes i said that it was really fun to drive and pretty damn fast, but some how ended up with a E90.

[FNV]

You know what I was thinking the same thing...to downgrade..and I was in fact wondering if the 330I is worth the money..and then I drive it and every now and then it just feels so right. I on a lease and even though I have a year and a half on it left I still haven't decided whether or not it's worth buying it out or buy something cheaper. I guess only time will tell!

[STE92VE]

This is my first BMW and the most expensive car that I was considering before I decided on which car I was going to purchase. I don't know how I will buy anything other than BMW's in the future. .....

[Driver72]

VW GTI 2.0T with DSG is a blast of a car.
Quick stock and with a chip will go like stink.

But you being a physician, I'd look into the Audi A3 instead.
I do believe they make the 2.0T with AWD in the Audi line.
Would be quick and good for Toronto winters.

The other car I'd highly recommend, and few people have them is the
Subaru Legacy GT

I had one a couple year ago. Basically a "detuned" STI engine (some internal differences) but a very nice "adult" STI.
With a Cobb Accessport "chip" they are also fast cars.
You'd have the "beauty" of AWD for your winters and a car that will do 0-60 in the 5.4 range stock, and 5.0-5.1 with the Accessport.

It will walk all over your 330i in performance, especially in the snow/rain.
It has pretty upscale interior (not Audi, BMW or Lexus mind you, but on par with Acura).

Don't feel bad about "downgrading" there are plenty of good fun cars that don't cost as much as a BMW.

Good luck and have fun.

[SROC3]

Originally Posted by harbour456

By lesser, I mean less expensive then your BMW. By this fall I'll be near the end of my warranty on my 330i. It's been a great car in many ways but less so in others. It's actually left me stranded twice... once with a nail in my runflat (on a Sunday... greater then 200km from home) and the second with the infamous steering wheel lock issue. The latter had me without the car for two weeks. When the cars works, it's great, but perhaps I expected more for 50K Cdn. On a whim I test drove a VW GTI 4 door the other day. I must admit to being quite surprised at how fun it was to drive. Now before anyone starts the "oh, but it isn't a BMW" line... it doesn't have to be at the price. As a physician I'm easily in the position to simply buy a new 335i (or higher) without any difficulty but I'm wondering where the law of diminishing returns kicks in and ultimately how much should I pay for a car, even though I love driving? The GTI certainly isn't as fast as a 335 (although close to my 330i) but it sure was FUN. Like the 330i, the 2.0T motor can easily be chipped for more power. With the leather package the interior isn't all that much different either. The BMW is a great car but I used to have just as much fun with my old WRX and the GTI seems to be a good compromise between the two. I love driving but the name isn't important to me. Anyone else consider heresy such as this or is this just crazy talk?!

hmmm......well, I actually have considered lesser cars every now and then as I always try and find value in what I choose to purchase. My car has its fair share of issues...but then again, its sometimes fun to figure those things out You're right though, for 50K, why have those issues right? But I gotta tell you, I love my car. Its a great combination of creature comforts, speed and agility - all in one package. Quite fun too really, when you want it to be, then also "serious" for special occasions (dates, long cruises, business, etc.).

So, I guess to sum it all up, I have considered less....but am definitely happy with what I have. I say buy it, be done, and enjoy it.

[John 070]

I would say of course.....I started dreaming about a BMW when I was a newly minted MBA (my cousin bought a 2 y.o. E36 M3 and let me borrow it), when it was an impossibility, nothing more than a pipe dream, about as realistic as being invited to the Playboy Mansion. At the time, I was driving a 15 y.o. Volvo 240. Finally, 2 years later I was making my way on the fast track and spent 23k on a Japanese car, which was my pride and joy. Still have it and drive it daily w/146k on the odometer. I felt that 2k7 was going to be my year to get a 3 Series, and wham, MT comes out with an article on the upcoming G35 vs. E90 330, and I read the article with excitement, hoping that somehow, someway, the G35 would be superior and I'd save another 8k. On a business trip, I saw a 335 coupe (Sept.) and I knew the E92 was my next car. So yes, I seriously considered a G35 Sedan.

It's amazing that many on this forum can skip the above scenarios and cr** and get a 335 while still in HS. That's partying like it's 1999!

[ToddMcF2002]

When I sold my issue ridden M3 I swore off BMW forever. Apparently forever is ~10 months or so. Everytime I compare cars BMW keeps cropping up with RWD, 6 speeds, great suspensions, styling and fit and finish. I have to be honest though - they just arent reliable. Now I'm driving a very reliable Subaru LGT 5 speed and its fast, decent looking etc. The suspension is total crap just like the resale. More importantly though - its boring no matter how fast it is.

I need another BMW - either M3 or 335i.

[Driver72]

Originally Posted by John 070

nothing more than a pipe dream, about as realistic as being invited to the Playboy Mansion.

Well that "pipe dream" came true for me.
Been there, done that.

[0asis]

i'd get whatever makes you happy, regardless of price.