Downgrade worth it?

Elessar

Or is it an upgrade?

Trade in of a 2012 VW Golf 1.2TSI for a 2010 BMW 318D Msport with 34k on the clock. Cost to change to be worked out, likely €6k or thereabouts in new year.

Madness?

bazz26

Work out what mileage you are doing per year and then see if it is worth switching to a diesel car that is two years older than what you have and costing you €6k. €6k will buy you alot of fuel for your current car.

In most cases downgrading will result in you not getting the true value of the car your downgrading from.

Elessar

It's not about the mileage, I do about 7000km a year. I had a BMW previously for 4 years and the Golf just doesn't handle as well. Also the seats leave a lot to be desired and I long for the Msport seats again. Seriously considering changing back due to the seats and better driving dynamics.

kippy

Elessar wrote: »

It's not about the mileage, I do about 7000km a year. I had a BMW previously for 4 years and the Golf just doesn't handle as well. Also the seats leave a lot to be desired and I long for the Msport seats again. Seriously considering changing back due to the seats and better driving dynamics.

I think you've slightly more money than sense being honest.

djimi

In what way, other than the reg plate, is switching from 1.2 Golf to an M Sport BMW a downgrade?

dar83

djimi wrote: »

In what way, other than the reg plate, is switching from 1.2 Golf to an M Sport BMW a downgrade?

When it's a 318d?

megafan

Worried about Comfort & handling doing only 7000km per year (that's a little over 4000miles??) & probably all short journeys too.....?? sure your hardly in the car!... keep the Golf anything else madness...

Larbre34

Whatever gets you out of a TSI, do it. Youll be happy when you arent the one staring at a lunched engine at 40,000 kms

€6k is too much for that change, you'll have that arranged for €4k, enjoy the BM

djimi

Hang on, if you only do 7k a year why on earth are you buying a diesel?

djimi

megafan wrote: »

Worried about Comfort & handling doing only 7000km per year (that's a little over 4000miles??) & probably all short journeys too.....?? sure your hardly in the car!... keep the Golf anything else madness...

What difference does mileage make? Even if I was only driving 700km a year Id sooner do it in something with a bit of comfort.

tuborg_man

7000km, buy an e36 m3

megafan

djimi wrote: »

What difference does mileage make? Even if I was only driving 700km a year Id sooner do it in something with a bit of comfort.

Suppose if money not an issue.. go for comfort so!

Elessar

kippy wrote: »

I think you've slightly more money than sense being honest.

Maybe, but the seats in the Golf are driving me nuts. They're too wide, and the supports too far apart to provide any comfort when turning, mostly for my back.

In terms of diesel, I'm aware of the DPF but there seems to be virtually zero petrol models sold in the past few years, and fewer available for sale now.

thecomedian

If you hate sitting in the golf then get rid of it. If your paying thousands for something you might as well enjoy it!

You might as well get a petrol BMW but there's not too many of them.

Del2005

Elessar wrote: »

Maybe, but the seats in the Golf are driving me nuts. They're too wide, and the supports too far apart to provide any comfort when turning, mostly for my back.

You could buy new seats and upgrade the suspension on the Golf for a lot less than €6k.

Bigus

Newer model golf coming out now so it mightn't be a bad proposition to go back to BMW now. See if you can find a VW or Audi dealer with a BMW before you finalise the deal, they might see the golf as worth more.

bazz26

dar83 wrote: »

When it's a 318d?

The 318d has 143bhp as standard and a simple remap for not alot of money will bring that up to near 180bhp. No rocket but most TDi drivers who see that sort of bhp as awsome.


OP, did you buy the Golf on impulse or something because the Golf from day one was never going to as good a drive as the BMW? The sports seats in the M Sport are very snug alright but equally some folks just cannot get comfortable in them. Personally I always found standard VAG seats lacking so I can understand where you are coming from there.

At the end of the day if you have the money and have your heart set on a BMW again then nothing said here will change that. Best of luck with your choice.

What sort of spec does the M Sport have?

Elessar

It's decent spec, much the same as my last BMW....black leather sports seats, climate control, cruise, auto dimming mirror, sports MFSW, and of course the msport pack.

There is another msport I test drove - a year older (09) and with 59k on the clock. It has all the above except the sports seats are alcantara/suede and have electric side wings on the seats. There is a switch that lets you adjust how far apart you want them! I got it nice and snug, exactly what I was looking for. Drives well too. And a few k cheaper. Only thing putting me off is the mileage (come resale time) and the fact that it will be due its NCT next year!