[E9mdX]

Hey guys, I'm one of a lucky and fortunate few high school students whose parents have offered to step in and partially pay for a car. We'd both have money invested in the car, and both would be CPOed, so what would you do? Buy a 2008 328xi? Or a 2010 mk6 gti? And why? Or is neither car an appropriate choice? I appreciate the insight! Thanks!

[idrift4wd]

Originally Posted by E9mdX

Hey guys, I'm one of a lucky and fortunate few high school students whose parents have offered to step in and partially pay for a car. We'd both have money invested in the car, and both would be CPOed, so what would you do? Buy a 2008 328xi? Or a 2010 mk6 gti? And why? Or is neither car an appropriate choice? I appreciate the insight! Thanks!

being that you still are in highschool, the BMW will get you more girls. The 328 also has 30 more hp, but it heavier. the gti will feel like a sportier car, but the bmw will handle its own. its much more classier, and Xdrive. gti does not offer awd.

plus your on a bmw forum. people are most likely gunna say BMW.

but if it was a mazda speed 3.... then....

[tamster00]

I have a 2008 328i and a 2005 gti mk4. I like the gti just for it being spacious since I have to load crap from time to time, and its a great daily, drawback it sounds like a lawnmower (yes in mk4-mk6, driven both) while driving and feels slower than the 328. The 328 is quieter, quicker and better response IMO and is way more luxurious, and like what idrift4wd, gets more girls too

[CAPSGOD]

Out of those two, a 328i.

In high school I would get something I don't have to worry about, like a Mustang. 300hp RWD for $20k + chicks love mustangs.

[Wild Squid]

Chicks will love a BMW more. But guys will resent you for it, you may get it keyed. All the nice cars in my high school days got keyed or messed with. I had a Mustang GT and it got egged.

[PiZauL]

IMO, you'd have more fun in the MK6 GTI at your age. The 2.0T motors in there are pretty peppy, and have more tuning potential (if your into that). Build quality is nice and they look pretty sharp. If you want a more comfortable and classy car, get the 328.

[kdiggz]

neither. get a new wrx. it will be more fun. you are in high school. get a bmw when you are old

[PiZauL]

^+1 on that, I was gonna suggest that too. 2009+ WRX offers a little bit of everything. AWD, great power, handling, 5spd easily found, looks decent. Interior is a little crappy, but its not too bad. I prefer the hatchback ones too, but hate the all white tails. But they sell those red overlays which change the entire look. Just avoid the 2008 WRX, they made some big changes in 09+ WRX's.

[BTTGMan]

Originally Posted by PiZauL

IMO, you'd have more fun in the MK6 GTI at your age. The 2.0T motors in there are pretty peppy, and have more tuning potential (if your into that). Build quality is nice and they look pretty sharp. If you want a more comfortable and classy car, get the 328.

This is the best answer. The gti will be clearly YOUR car. Everyone would just think you're borrowing your mom's 328. 2.0 turbos are a blast, seriously. Go vw.

[landau88]

I'd go GTI also. It suits someone your age better. Driving a current model BMW in high school will probably get more negative attention than positive.

Even at 22, I kind of feel like I shouldn't be driving something as "mature" as a BMW and often times have thought about trading my car in for an EVO, WRX, GTI, etc. Get the GTI now and save the BMW for when you're at least in your 20s and making your own money.

[dcb69]

GTI is your car...

[guribeng1]

comparing 328 and gti?......

Originally Posted by landau88

I'd go GTI also. It suits someone your age better. Driving a current model BMW in high school will probably get more negative attention than positive.

Even at 22, I kind of feel like I shouldn't be driving something as "mature" as a BMW and often times have thought about trading my car in for an EVO, WRX, GTI, etc. Get the GTI now and save the BMW for when you're at least in your 20s and making your own money.

Nah,,,, get BMW now and get better car at 20s.

[IancoleTX]

At your age I would probably get the GTI. And if I did get a 328, it wouldn't be the XI as they will be slower and have a goofy ass ride height. Good luck!

[EVTee]

I would never consider a BMW with that engine. GTI is faster and will feel much more powerful not to mention a simple chip transforms the character of the engine to something the 328 can only wish (ok except smoothness)
.

[kdiggz]

guys, he's only looking to spend upwards of 20k. telling a high school kid that it's ok to spend all of his money on a higher mile used bmw is terrible advice. meanwhile, he can get a fairly new wrx or gti possibly with a warranty and much cheaper maintenance. not to mention those cars are much more fun than a 328xi. and if awd is needed then hands down the car for him is a wrx imo. anyone that says get the bmw isn't using their head and is probably just a bmw fanboi

[Clarence Watson]

OP: Have you driven both? If not, do. That's the first step. After that:

(a) which car is more fun to drive,
(b) but not so much fun that you're going to be tempted to cause trouble or get tickets?

Also, consider the costs of ownership -- gas, insurance, etc.

[unyi3lding]

this thread reminds me of the Top Gear episode where the three guys tried to put their shoes in the typical UK teenager's

I recently graduated from college, and I had a Subaru Legacy wagon. Not the same as a hot hatch, but having the extra cargo space of a hatch was simply amazing. (are you planning on taking this car to college?)

Originally Posted by Clarence Watson

Also, consider the costs of ownership -- gas, insurance, etc.

This is a good point. As much as we would like to be idealistic and compare just the two cars, you have to remember that you will be living with it. (Also, being a young driver and all, be sure to factor in the cost of repairing the car )

[JuppiOne]

2 completely different car, GTI is a "racer", while the 328xi is a little less sporty, its really up to your personal taste, however, since you asked this question in a BMW forum, you probably will know what most of us will tell you, likewise, if you ask the same question in the VW forum....

make a list of what you are looking for, style, performance, comfort, prestige... etc and then decide on it, don't forget other things such as cost, insurance, warranty and maintenance, a set of runflat on a bmw will cost you dearly than a set of same tire in a GTi

[mike-y]

Hatchbacks are awesome, and in HS and college I was able to fit SO much stuff in my car because it was a hatchback. And the GTI's turbo 2.0 will feel more fun than the 328i, especially if you install a tune.

In the end, I think a GTI will be cheaper to own (and mod) over the long term as well. Go drive them, but I think at this point in your life, you will enjoy the GTI more.

[335i Pal]

Originally Posted by idrift4wd

being that you still are in highschool, the BMW will get you more girls. The 328 also has 30 more hp, but it heavier. the gti will feel like a sportier car, but the bmw will handle its own. its much more classier, and Xdrive. gti does not offer awd.

plus your on a bmw forum. people are most likely gunna say BMW.

but if it was a mazda speed 3.... then....

I agree the Mazdaspeed 3 is awesome, I just sold mine about a year ago because I wanted a more mature car. But at 263Hp and 280ft. tq. it is a very cheap but nice car. Even can get the GT package with Bose and HID lights!

[roundle]

If I were 18, I'd go for the GTI or, more likely, a 2001 M Coupe

[Nalod]

I bought my daughter a 2007 Mazda 6 with 2.3 and 5speed Manual.

She wanted a manual.

Car listed brand new for 22k and I got it for 10k a year ago. Tinted windows, spoiler, sport wheels and cd changer included.

Why? Car had only 44,000 mile on it. 2.3 engine is the better choice for this "ford"!

What drove this decision? Used care prices in winter of 2010 were as they are now very high. Premium for Civics were crazy.

For my 16 year old safety was first concern. 6 airbags and good crash ratings. Her friends drive SUV's. Dumb parents think they are safe.

Price was right. Not high demand for manual trans on 4 banger.

Sporty good looks and interior FOR THE MONEY. At this price and low miles I could not touch civics, accords or camrey's but the higher miliage strippers were boring. Good value in Mazdas.

The shifter is not teutonic, the car is quick, but not fast, and it drives nice. Not like a bmw or GTI. It gets 21-29 mpg.

So why chime in? Insurance is low and putting a 17 year old in a bmw or GTI is high premium. My kid is happy, its safe, and economical. Also car is very reasoable to maintain.

Now I love my kids but paying repair and to maintain a premium german car is not a value statement I want to make or pay for.

I don't know the arrangement for who pays but kids don't usually think down the road.

If you need a nice car to attract chicks then you need help in other areas.

Make sure you have money to go away on spring break, concert tickets, gas, out to pizza with friends, etc. Don't be "married" to a car. Chicks like to be taken out and shown a good time. Not watch you wash your car.