Decisions, decisions.... 1 Series, S40 or A4?

[tezza]

Hi Everyone,I have a friend (female) who is contemplating either getting:1) 6 month old BMW120i ex-demo model2) Brand new Volvo S403) Audi A4 1.8TCurrently, the front runner is the beemer. I'd just like to ask the people in this forum about the opinions regarding the three choices above. I'm particularly interested in:a) Overall value and thrill of the carB) Cool factor (note that this is a regular girl we're talking about)c) "Hotness" of the car, i.e. which one is more susceptible to car-jacking or being stolen.d) Anything else to be considered.Thanks very much!

 

[kelvinp]

Get the MINI Cooper S and she'll have the choice of being the "regular girl" or otherwise. :nyehehe:

 

[safri]

driving wise, the Audi hands down - believe it's a second hand car?. but, for the money to be spent, go with the S40.

 

[sam]

Hi,

Just my 2 cents worth. I am also considering some alternatives such as the Oner and S40.

As for the Oner, I like the handling (I think its better than E36/46), engine is responsive and agile. I also think it is a head turner... (had the opportunity to ride in one for a week) In terms of marketability, as you would know, demand for the Oner has been mediocre in this country. Generally, Malaysians would go for bigger cars for that kind of money but I think the investments in the Oner has gone into the engine (it is a cheaper version of the E90s). This said, it may be difficult to flog it later when she feels like another car. Unlike in the UK, it is a popular car as ppl in those markets (including Europe) prefer smaller cars.

As for the S40, which is currently doing well, from my various conversations from ppl in the car industry, the maintenance is generally more expensive compared to the beamers. I also noted that the petrol consumption for the oner is efficient. ( RM50 for 3/4 tank - thats good in light of escalating petrol prices)

As for the Alfas, I understand from various sources that after services is not up to mark - probably still reeling from Auto Dunia days.

What is her take on the Oner? Would like her feedback - I too am in a fix.

 

[OSFlanker]

My personal opinion, for the price of the 120i, the Golf GTi Mk5 is definitely the better buy. On the other hand, the Volvo S40 is much much cheaper than both the 120i and Golf GTi, although being a 2.4 litre 5 cylinder NA comfort car, it may not be as fun to drive as the Golf or the BMW.

 

[safri]

Originally posted by OSFlanker@Dec 12 2005, 10:30 AM
My personal opinion, for the price of the 120i, the Golf GTi Mk5 is definitely the better buy. On the other hand, the Volvo S40 is much much cheaper than both the 120i and Golf GTi, although being a 2.4 litre 5 cylinder NA comfort car, it may not be as fun to drive as the Golf or the BMW.

Agree 100%. the GTi is probably about RM20K costlier than the S40 even though the Volvo is offering 0% interest free. sorry but even the mini is better than the oner...

 

[supergripen]

wud have to agree with some of the guys..the Mini Cooper wins hands down.chic factor through the roof,driving wise its FWD making it a breeze to drive for a lady and the residual value IMHO will be better than any of the other choices mentioned..

well,that's what i think...

 

[tezza]

Hi,

Thanks everyone for your inputs and replies. However, as great as the MINI is, it isn't one of the choices (too small apparently).

Some updates..... she went for a test drive in the 120 recently. "Very nice" car. Hahah... I guess I shouldn't have expected anything more detailed than that!

Anyway, it seems like she's sold on the car. I did some research on the 1 series and found some good info. Most think it's a great car except for the price tag. Ah well... quality never comes cheap I guess. Decision time soon....

 

[The Necessary]

Ex-demo = thrashed the hell outta by people who "like" the car but will never buy it. Ie. people like me.

She's a normal non car dynamics loving girl who doesn't want too much attention?

Gotta be the Vulva. Oops, Volvo, I meant.

 

[mini_jeff67]

I think the Mini's more spacious than it looks - shld be abt the same size if not bigger than the One...

 

[supergripen]

Originally posted by mini_jeff67@Dec 12 2005, 11:42 PM
I think the Mini's more spacious than it looks - shld be abt the same size if not bigger than the One...

k: agreed!!!
shud ask her to try having a test drive first..i'm sure she'll be sold on the Mini..

 

[OSFlanker]

Originally posted by The Necessary@Dec 12 2005, 11:15 PM
Ex-demo = thrashed the hell outta by people who "like" the car but will never buy it. Ie. people like me.

very true! When Zoggee & I test drove the 120i, we redline it in almost every gear, we braked hard, then we repeated he redlining thingy........and I remember WJ also made the salesman very angry with the way he tried to get the 120i's tail out

 

[safri]

looks like she has already has an eye on the one series...go ahead and get it but don't think it will be a wise decision value wise. has she test drove the GTI?.

 

[sam]

Wow- GTI is expensive. A 2 litre is going for RM236K much more than a Oner.

 

[tezza]

Case closed. She just signed for the Oner.

Personally, I think the GTI would have been SWEET but hey, i'm not the one who's buying a car. Actually, I've been seeing the new S40 around much more recently, and I must say that it looks pretty good.

Delivery is next week, so we'll see how it goes.

Thanks everyone.

 

[nikazwaa]

Congrats... do fill us in on what the car's like, your experience with it etc.

 

[tezza]

I sure will. I'm quite looking forward to getting behind the wheel and giving it a go. I've read much about how good it's supposed to handle. Maybe a trip up Ulu Yam is in order.

 

[tezza]

Hi,

Just thought I'd update this thread since I promised to do so.

Anyway, I've been able to take the 120i out several times now and it sure is fun.

Pros:
1. Handles really well. Gives me good confidence at corners.
2. Auto-everything. One of the pluses of driving a beemer, I guess.
3. Lots more space than it seems. Surprisingly ample space in the back seat.
4. 7 way adjustable seats
5. 6 speed semi-auto tranny
6. Start/Stop button (instead of turning an ignition key) - adds to the cool factor but no real benefit.
7. Nice 17" wheels, but the runflat tyres contribute to the bumpy ride, I think.

Cons:
1. Too much head-bobbing. Suspension is pretty hard and I'm bouncing everywhere. Can't imagine how uncomfortable the passengers are.
2. 200k plus and no electric seats?!?!
3. Noticeable lag when kicking down a gear to accelerate quick.
4. Did I mention the hard-suspension? It's really bumpy.
5. Looks like crap from the side. Not too bad when it's from a rear-side angle.

One interesting thing I noticed is that there isn't an engine temp gauge in the display. Only shows ambient temp on the outside. Strange...

It would be nice if our roads were smooth and wide like the Sepang track. Unfortunately, they're not and my biggest complaint about this car is the ride comfort. Otherwise, it drives almost like a large go-kart. Kinda fun.

The lady-friend loves it. Why? Cos it's auto-everthing. Sigh.

 

[fire]

with tht kind of money, rather go for Mini Cooper S...entertaining drive are guaranteed...interior space is not small as one think...

 

[mini_jeff67]

Did u guys catch the comment on Top Gear on the 130i? "Boot's so small you cannot even fit a turtle in here" or something like that!