Want New Car Appreciate Help Deciding

Right now it's between a BMW 335 xi and Audi S4.

I want something quick with good power throughout the RPM range, AWD, 4 doors, nice interior, safety, understated flashiness which sounds like a contradiction with decent MPG and reliability.

I'm paying cash and would like to keep it closer to $45k and under 20k miles. The S4 seems to hold value better. I almost bought a 2011 335xi coupe with all options and 12k miles the other day for 38k.

I've always been a BMW guy, but the supercharged S4s give me a naughty tickle. I like the upgraded diff and the auto. No question the bimmer is great, but from what I've heard the 'feel' has changed in the newer 3 series. I've driven my buddy's M3 a few times and obviously loved it, but I want something a bit more sedated as I am already in a bit of trouble for my driving habits.

I live near Seattle so I suppose I don't need AWD but I have appreciated it on other vehicles and it's saved my glorious behind on occasion.

Any kraut drivers in ATS land?
Anyone here had both? I know a lot of guys end up with a 335 and S4 in the garage.

You are on of many who have come to this bottle neck decision! Their both very nice cars and pretty much evenly balanced throughout. I think it comes down to personal preference, which for me is the Audi S-Line 4.

There's a new shape BMW 335 coming out at the end of this year too so expect a big(ish) depreciation if you get the BMW. Audi wont change their model for a while so it will keep its worth if you treat it right.

Decisions decisions! Good Luck

Originally posted by Domo1

Anyone here had both? I know a lot of guys end up with a 335 and S4 in the garage.

After reading the first couple sentences, I already knew what my response was going to be. Then you decided to go and say it for me.

If you're referring to purchasing a NEW car, you are wasting your money.... it's simple as that. Don't take my word for it.... but you want to talk a depreciating value? Lets talk about 25-40% with in 2 years.... yeah, great decision...



But hey, lets say you could care less. You want it new, and that's all that matters....

autos.yahoo.com...

That will be the best decision you have ever made.

reply to post by n00bUK


I really dislike the new styling on the bimmer. I've only read this but a lot of that ultimate driving machine got taken out too. At the same time I just have this weird thing for BMW.

reply to post by FractalChaos13242017

If you're referring to purchasing a NEW car, you are wasting your money

These cars new would be around $60k. I plan on buying used. I have seen a few 335xi and S4 models with the options I want around 15k miles in the $40k price range.

reply to post by Domo1


Mate, I drive a beemer. I would say go for the 335i. It drives wonderfully, and the sound it makes is just fantastic. Once you have driven a beemer, like you said you have, no other car feels the same.

Believe me, when you get in the 335i you will feel right at home. The audi is really a very good car too, and, even as a huge beemer fan myself, I must admit, the trimmings and build quality in the interior of the audi is slightly better than the bmw.

Rear wheel drive is my choice though, coupled to a proper manual gearbox, lots of fun. My choice would be the bmw.

vvv

reply to post by VreemdeVlieendeVoorwep


I must give you a swat for saying beemer. Bimmer is a car, beemer or sometimes beamer are motorcycles. Bad enthusiast.

I have heard so many people say the Audi has a better interior. I think it's just different. Love the BMW interiors. BMW has more soul in my opinion, but the newer S4 just makes more sense and I think wins.

Also I want to spoil the dog. I have treats. They may be too small. Let me borrow the pup and we will find a Mamoth so he gets a good chew toy. Really a gorgeous dog.

reply to post by Domo1

I must give you a swat for saying beemer. Bimmer is a car, beemer or sometimes beamer are motorcycles. Bad enthusiast.

Depends where you from mate, beemer, bimmer, bmw, or sometimes just BM, is what we call it. It certainly is not a sign of being an enthusiast. My current BEEMER is a 330 e46 (if you know what that means), before that I had a e36 M3. I also have a 528 bmw, from 2002, which I drive everyday, and all of them manual. So yeah, big BM fan here mate.

I have heard so many people say the Audi has a better interior. I think it's just different. Love the BMW interiors. BMW has more soul in my opinion, but the newer S4 just makes more sense and I think wins.

That is down to personal choice, like I said however, its not about how it looks, the quality seems a tad bit better in the Audi.

My vote will always go to the BMW.

vvv

I drive a Wolfsburg edition VW Jetta and it is an awsome little car. VWs are very well built automobiles. The Germans seem to do things right. I have a 2.0 with a turbo and it is speedy enough for me. It is still good on gas as well as long as I use premium. If you don't wan't to go to the higher end with the BMW, or Audi then I would suggest checking them out. I have an 08' but the newer ones are even nicer. I used to be an american car guy but you just can't top the German engineering in those vehicles. Not to mention I paid the same for it as I would have an american car of equal or lesser value. VW goes the extra mile with the little things and it is nice. Also VW gives you a full size spare(came in handy yesterday). No doghnut tires t5o mess with.

reply to post by Domo1


Given the criteria you have described, have you looked at the Subaru WRX. For that sort of money you could probably pick up the STi version as well. Good after market performance tuning and cheap parts. AWD, turbo 2.0L or 2.5L depending upon the year model.

I've owned Beemers and an Audi quattro but the Japs are performance gurus and I am very satisfied with my current WRX - running 20psi boost, 510Hp at the wheels, fully street legal, looks fantastic, sounds awesome and destroys everything on the road - and my wife loves driving it too.

Have a drive of one at least - before you commit - you'll see what I'm talking about - amazing drive

reply to post by Domo1


Tough call. I would stick with the AWD because having that extra bit of control when needed could make or break your day. Look up some reviews via google, I'm sure you'll find a plethora of pros and cons for both.

Originally posted by usmc0311
I drive a Wolfsburg edition VW Jetta and it is an awsome little car. VWs are very well built automobiles. The Germans seem to do things right. I have a 2.0 with a turbo and it is speedy enough for me. It is still good on gas as well as long as I use premium. If you don't wan't to go to the higher end with the BMW, or Audi then I would suggest checking them out. I have an 08' but the newer ones are even nicer. I used to be an american car guy but you just can't top the German engineering in those vehicles. Not to mention I paid the same for it as I would have an american car of equal or lesser value. VW goes the extra mile with the little things and it is nice. Also VW gives you a full size spare(came in handy yesterday). No doghnut tires t5o mess with.

The VW Jetta tdi is a rocket ship. Also fully loaded under your price budget by about $1-2k. Plus diesels have super long life, and/or great re-sale value.

reply to post by Sublimecraft


Good call on the wrx. I enjoy them.

reply to post by jacknast76


I appreciate the post but I believe it's about $28k to get into a fully optioned TDI. They get decent gas mileage, but the performance is rather sub par and I don't think one can be had with AWD. Diesel here is pricier than Supreme. Also I don't care that much about gas. I just want better than the 14 average I get.

I think this is going to be a purchase I make my Mom help me decide on. 'Sweetheart just buy a nice Honda or Toyota, you don't need to be a fancy guy.'

'But Mooooooommmmm!'

'It's your Money but I think at your age you should pick something sensible.'

'But but but'

'Never have I heard such gratuitous use of the word but!'

'How's th new Lexus?'

'It's a nice Toyota. I've seen what you do to cars!'

Well crap she has a point.