E46 330Ci or Golf Mk7 GTI

[Lawmacmoore]

Greetings,

First time poster on here. I will need to get a car in the next month and am very attracted to the BMW 330Ci, and would love to have a low-mileage one, however, I am also tempted by the Golf GTI. My budget is about $18,000. What I really want is a manual transmission drivers car that has some cargo room (not a 2 seat roadster) and the 330Ci, even though it is older really does tempt me a lot. My family have all owned a BMW and we know a fantastic mechanic in the area so maintenance for larger things doesn't scare me too much. My mother also had a BMW with the same engine and was able to get 300,000 miles out of it.

What are your thoughts? I know the GTI is probably more practical, but I'm a young man with no family so that doesn't bother me too much.It is also a hell of a lot newer (2014) so that is a plus for the GTI, but then again I won't lose much with depreciation if I get the 330Ci. Is there a vehicle I'm overlooking also?

All replies are welcome!

[legoman67]

I know nothing about the new golfs, and i imagine the majority of people on this forum will be in the same boat so its hard compare. Have you driven both? Are you planning to work on this car yourself? What are you actually looking for in a car?

$18,000 will get you a very nice 330 with a significant chunk leftover so there is no issues there. I am not sure what the newer golfs are worth.

[Lawmacmoore]

The $18,000 will get me a slightly used golf, but it will be the base model.

Really the top things I'm looking for are:
1: Performance and handling. I'd like a good amount of power but handling is what matters to me more. I would like to track this car about 3-4 times a year. A manual transmission is a near must also.
2: Practicality. Just able to hold a hockey bag. No family yet so nothing too extreme.
3: Reliability. I don't mind regular maintenance but I don't want to be stranded when driving 3 hours.
I'm planning on doing the easy stuff by myself. For instance, oil changes, changing lights, air filters, etc... For anything like a control arm or water pump I will more than likely go to a professional.

I have driven the golf and like it but it just doesn't get me that excited feel I have when I'm in the 330. I have only sat in the 330 and rode in it but haven't driven one yet.

[legoman67]

I do love the performance and handling of these cars, especially for the low entry cost.

Practicality wise they are probably a bit worse on fuel then a golf, and do require premium fuel, so it will cost you a little more at the pump. The trunk is nice and large and if you find one with fold down back seats there is tons of room. Additional costs will likely be involved if you want to be able to plug your phone into the radio, or have bluetooth/handsfree calling. Even though bmw was significantly ahead of the technology curve, they weren't THAT far ahead. These sorts of things are probably standard even in the base newer golfs.

Reliability... This one is VERY hit and miss it seems and largely depends on how the car has been cared for up until this point. Buying something high mile with no service records and no inspection is a gamble and can cost you big time especially if you are hiring out the work. The only common thing unique to these cars that will leave you stranded is the plastic cooling system. Its recommended that everything be replaced every 100k, and even at that there are no guarantees. Other then that the most common issues with these cars are oil leaks and worn out suspension components, these will not leave you stranded unless they become extreme, but if you want your car to be in its best condition they can nickel and dime you to death quite quickly. If you are looking at 330 make sure you have a PPI done by someone knowledgeable with these cars. Personally ive probably put 60k miles on various E46 in the last few years and have never been left stranded.(knock on wood)

[Lawmacmoore]

I have found a 330Ci with 26,000 miles on it, and good service records. It is about the lowest mileage I can find on one with a manual gear box so I'm tempted to pull the trigger on it too, especially since I would have enough left over to replace the entertainment system so I could connect my phone.

I am getting a PPI done on this particular car as well so hopefully everything checks out

[legoman67]

wow, nice find!

[Lawmacmoore]

Another option could be a Subaru BRZ/Scion FRS but it's just a little small for me