Another,"Help me choose a car" thread...

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nevadayz

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Ok, so, that time again, need to look at another car.

I am not looking for scathing comments about brands, cost etc, just decent thoughts opinions and suggestions.

Im currently looking at the 120d, 5 door, possibly a one year old model, MSport with a couple bells and whistles.

What i really need,

~130kw
~enough torque to not feel like im driving a wheel barrow, so +240Nm
~auto, but a good auto, preferably a DSG/DCT/Stronic
~good fuel consumption, less than 8l/100km
~maintenance plan, dont really wanna hafto worry about the car for like 4/5 years
~budget is between 320k-350k

All ideas/suggestions are welcome:o

Thanks guys!
 
Not sure about many other models, but I drive a Polo GTI and it ticks all those boxes and it is less than you budget. I love it and would recommend it. go take it for a test drive and you might be pleasantly surprised.
 
that was actually my first choice, just concerned about maintenance plan as well as insurance.

Ive driven it a few times, beast of a car :D
 
nevadayz said:
that was actually my first choice, just concerned about maintenance plan as well as insurance.

Ive driven it a few times, beast of a car :D
Click to expand...
Don't worry about the Maintenance plan - just make sure that you have it all sorted out before you buy.

Being VW, they will, no doubt charge you for a plan, but you would probably still be well within your budget at that point. :)
 
Hi there

I assume you're looking at diesel for improved fuel economy? For your budget I'd rather go for the brand new 118i, which will suit your pocket and you can probably add in some extras. Or go for a demo model :)

Bear in mind the new shape 1 Series hatch (F20) has many improvements over the previous 1 series. You get the iDrive controller and screen, 8 speed ZF automatic transmission and different selectable driving profiles (Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro).

The 118i only has a 1.6l engine, but it comes with a twinpower turbo and I was very impressed with the 125kW power. I also have a 125i convertible (E88) with 166kW and I was blown away by the responsiveness and acceleration from the 118i. Obviously the fuel economy of the 118i is very good, especially if you switch to Eco Pro mode.

Here's some specs :

Model: BMW 118i
Engine: 1,6-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol
Power: 125 kW at 4 800 r/min
Torque: 250 N.m at 1 500 r/min
0-100 km/h: 7,4 seconds
CO2: 131 g/km
Top speed: 222 km/h
Service or Maintenance plan: 5 years/100 000 km

Hope this info helps :)

Not sure where you are based but if you're in Cape Town or surrounds I can also hook you up with a guy that delivers FANTASTIC service. And no, I don't get any commission for referrals. LOL
 
Not sure how big a priority the output is to you, but I personally would recommend a Golf 1.4 DSG. Has 90kw and 200nm so that is down on what you posted but I've driven both that and a 120d and can't say that the Golf is lacking power in any form, especially coupled with the DSG that just times the shifts perfectly and there's zero turbo lag compared to what I felt in the 120d. I was actually driving the Golf on the highway and hit 180 accidentally without realizing it somehow...
Fuel consumption is claimed at 5l / 100 for combined use and it actually managed 4.5 for the test drive I had with it (70% on highway, about 15 km total). Never thought to check the consumption in my other test drives in the main part of the city though but shouldn't go above 7 easily I think.

Spec levels are much better than the 1 Series, you can get one with maxed out kit for around 350 I believe. Has a service plan standard, not sure on price for maintenance but should be able to fit in under 350 if you avoid frivolous items like the 20k nav system.
 
Thanks for the input guys!

i drove the 118i as well, really good car, cant really fault it on anything, personally i think the 120d has a slightly stronger kick, but nutn mind blowingly different. Just need to do a comparison between the petrol and diesel and see which one is better for the time period of owning the car.

Will also look into the golf, i generally tend to stay away due to them being overpriced, but will have a look and go for a test drive :)
 
Alfa Mito QV

Edit: Missread - It's manual
Re-Edit: Alfa Guiletta with the TcT gearbox :D
 
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I understand what you refer to, when one hears VW you don't immediately think of it in the same vein as the BM's and so on but it is a really good car, I was pleasantly surprised when I first drove it especially the fact that I could fit comfortably inside. It is cheaper than the A-class or 1 series or A3 etc but it does have much better default spec than any of the direct competitors.
 
You're right VW's are seriously overpriced. Doesn't mean they're crap cars. Just... overpriced for what you get.
 
exactly, a 2nd hand or demo model is much better value for money, but at the risk of knowing the previous owner could have really belted the car, especially for cars like the polo gti
 
Go for a low Km or Demo model 120d or E90 320d. With that kind of budget you can get one with lots and lots of motorplan left.

The power vs consumption ratio is amazing.
 
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