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      05-12-2021, 11:16 PM   #1
bhaswar
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2017 Certified M2 vs 2018 Certified VW GTI Autobahn

I am not able to make up my mind completely whether to hit the trigger on a certified 2017 M2 with around 37k miles for $43k or get a 2018 certified GTI Autobahn with around 25k miles for $29K. Definitely, M2 is the better car here without a doubt and the car that I actually want but the only reason why I am hesitating is because its a 2017 model. A new M2 is out of the question for me, at least for now. Should I get the GTI now and change it later to a new M2 when I can or is it worth going for the old M2 right away and not worry too much about it?
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      05-13-2021, 02:26 AM   #2
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I’d say get the M2. The other car won’t be as fun, and buying and selling a car usually results in a financial loss. I just sold my ‘17 M2. I have no regrets about owning the car for 2.5 years. It was a fun daily, good track car, and I was able to exceed my Nurburgring lap time goal in it. It was solid too, not a single problem.
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      05-13-2021, 04:14 AM   #3
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I say go M2, especially if it is a clean, well cared for example. I currently DD a GLI Autobahn and it is a wonderful car. But leagues away from the OG M2. Plus when it comes time to sell it, my sense is the M2 will have better resale value vs the GTI. Good luck!
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      05-13-2021, 05:11 AM   #4
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      05-13-2021, 06:20 AM   #5
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If it were a Golf R, might be a more difficult decision, but I’d go RWD or AWD over FWD any day. GTI is nice but won’t drive nearly as well as the M2.
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      05-13-2021, 06:59 AM   #6
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What's important to you? Practicality or fun? M2 can serve as a daily but really the back seats are a hassle and the trunk is on the smaller side but none of it matters cuz the m2 is so much more fun than the golf. The golf will have no issues fitting anything. I'd say m2 since I've never regretted buying mine and it's practical enough
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      05-13-2021, 02:09 PM   #7
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Get what you can afford is the sensible answer but you didn't ask an M2 forum for that. Get the M2 so you won't have regrets.
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      05-13-2021, 02:11 PM   #8
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      05-14-2021, 01:17 AM   #9
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That's quite an unanimous answer. I intend to keep the car for long as I have changed way too many cars in the last decade. Actually, this is not my first BMW. I leased a 2016 M3 for 3 years and absolutely loved the car. I have never driven a more fun car than a bimmer and probably I am trying to come back to it once and for all. Practicality is not a concern here as my other car is a 2017 land cruiser which I am never gonna give up. If I can keep the M2 for a long time without investing on frequent expensive repairs, then I will choose the M2 any day as well. And since nobody here raised that as a major concern, I think I should be fine with an older model. Thanks everyone for the inputs
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      05-14-2021, 04:30 AM   #10
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Given that you have a Land Cruiser as another car I'd say M2, no concerns over it being a 2017. I have a 2016 M2 and 2017 VW GTI, love both but totally different cars. If it were your only car frankly the GTI is a better all around car. But for a fun car, M2.

One note is that my GTI is heavily modified (turbo swap, Brembo, coilovers, etc) so it gives me the exact experience I'm looking for, but also took years to dial it in, which is fun to me.

Judging by the fact you're going for a certified car I'm guessing you're looking to keep stock. If you keep both stock M2 will be leaps and bounds better. Faster, better brakes/suspension, sounds better and more engaging.
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      05-24-2021, 06:05 PM   #11
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I have daily drived a MK6 GTI since 2012, modded, tracked it, etc...Just purchased a OG 2018 CPO M2. The cars are completely different, but I appreciate them both as I still have the GTI. The M2 will put a grin on your face almost every time you drive it.

I also cross-shopped the S3 as an alternative, and if you are torn $$$ wise, may be the performance bargain you are looking for. A golf r would be better than an S3, but used/CPO S3 are priced way better than golf r's.

Keep in mind that a 2017 CPO doesn't have THAT much warranty value. Check the in-service date on carfax to see when the warranty expires. Happy to talk more offline as I just went through this 3 month exercise.
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      05-24-2021, 06:17 PM   #12
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Traded my 2018 GTI SE for my 2020 M2. Since I have an old Rabbit and my wife's SUV, I'm very happy with the decision.

If I only had one car the GTI would be more practical. Super fun car, but they are on completely different levels.
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      05-24-2021, 11:14 PM   #13
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Golf R owner here. Get the M2.
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      05-24-2021, 11:17 PM   #14
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This might be a different answer coming from a N55 guy, (OG M2) but I'd say if you can wait a little longer & find an M2 comp or go with a M3/4. It's a better bang for the buck as far as the S55 is concerned
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      05-24-2021, 11:19 PM   #15
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In general I'd go with the M2 regardless of which one it is. You can't really compare that to the golf.

The M2 has its own problems but it's in an entirely different league of cars versus a car like the golf. No question M2>>>
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      05-26-2021, 02:42 PM   #16
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I wouldn't own a powerful FWD car here in Seattle. Just too much wheelspin, RWD is a little better but mostly it's just a lot more fun in the corners. The asphalt here is at the very least "damp" for about 9 months a year.
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      05-26-2021, 05:13 PM   #17
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I agree with the M2 decision most are advising. It is in a much different league than the VW. Also as a long term keeper, the N55 M2 will be way less maintenance than the M2 Competition.
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      05-28-2021, 12:43 PM   #18
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IMO it's a pretty bad time to be buying almost anything used. Especially if you think you might want to turn around and sell it in a year or two. Good chance you'll lose a decent amount of money when the market adjusts and values come back down to earth.

I also think $29k for a used GTI autobahn with 25k miles sounds like a lot. I bought a brand new 2017 GTI S w/ DSG for $21,000 a few years back. VW often has great discounts on GTIs. Once production and inventory normalizes I'd expect some deals to start showing back up.

As far as which car I'd prefer: I've now tried twice having a Golf as my only car. First with the GTI I mentioned, and now with a 2019 Golf R manual. Neither are scratching the fun car itch for me. If I could do the last purchase all over again I would buy a M2 LCI or Comp. Since we're getting closer to the new M2 launch (next year maybe?) I'll be okay just waiting to see how that car pans out.
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      05-28-2021, 02:00 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alan7467 View Post
IMO it's a pretty bad time to be buying almost anything used.

I also think $29k for a used GTI autobahn with 25k miles sounds like a lot. I bought a brand new 2017 GTI S w/ DSG for $21,000 a few years back. VW often has great discounts on GTIs. Once production and inventory normalizes I'd expect some deals to start showing back up.
Yep. I got my new 2018 SE MT for ~$25,000. Sticker was $32,000 if I remember correctly.
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      06-01-2021, 05:06 PM   #20
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The true cost of the car has a lot more to do with its depreciation curve than the upfront price, assuming you don’t drive it until it dies. The M badge holds its value exceptionally well, so it may not be that much more expensive than the GTI in reality.
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      06-03-2021, 12:48 PM   #21
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Wife has a 2020 GTI SE, I have a 2020 M2C. Both cars are fun. The VW is very practical but so is the M2 believe it or not. Also, you mentioned you have a Land Cruiser, so no point in the VW. You would get a major case of FOMO whenever you see a BMW M and if you live in Seattle or the surrounding areas, you'll see a ton of them.

Here's the real problem that I see with your dilemma, you mentioned that you leased a F80 M3. The OG M2 has a N series motor. It wont pull like your S55 did. It will have different characteristics. Honestly, I would take an extensive test drive to see if that's what you expect and really want. If it isn't, which of course is fine, I would wait until the G87 or save up for a F87C.
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      06-16-2021, 01:14 PM   #22
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I have a 2016 GTI Autobahn and a 2020 M2 Competition. Completely different cars. If you don't need the power and just drive on the street I'd take the GTI honestly. For the money it's a lot of fun and more practical.
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