[Curt2000]

The time has come to turn in my 135i lease and I am on the fence as to what direction I will go next. I will be using the car primarily for highway commuting to and from my job and a 'going out' car for my wife and I here in Vegas. A 10K mile lease will suffice for all options.

I've narrowed the search down to three very different cars.

1. Lease a loaded 335is: I've always wanted a DCT (which is one of my main gripes with the F30). I can lease it for under $600/m with ~$1500 out of pocket which is a smoking deal IMO. Worst gas mileage for my highway commute of the three but buku style/uniqueness points and has the N54 which has great aftermarket support.



2. Lease a loaded 2013 335i Msport: Sexy and rare (for at least the first year of ownership) But there are hardly any incentive programs out there and even using the super high residuals from the 2012's I estimate the lease will be $650+ with $2000 out of pocket. I will also have to extend my lease on the 135i to wait for it to be built/delivered. I will have to say I want this the most out of the three but can foresee buyers remorse when I see how cheap they can be had in a year or so whilst I'm paying a premium.



3. 2012 VW GTI 4door 6spd: $350/month 12K mile lease with no money out of pocket. Car is super fun to drive and very versatile not to mention super cheap. But I would essentially be giving up all style points and be taking a step backwards in 'car ownership maturity' if that makes sense. However, this would get the job done for cheap and allow me to save up to purchase a used M3 or M coupe to make up for the lack of speed/style.



Thoughts?

[PeteW84]

#1 would be my choice.

[wren57]

The financially prudent decision would be none of the above. Buy a slightly used 335i with a warranty. Besides, would you really mod up a lease?

[sammy_0559]

#1
or just wait for an F32, but #3 is out of the question

[bmwforme]

#1, I think that M Sport is beautifullllll, but I'd rather roll around in Vegas in a tuned 335is rather than a F30 sedan.. even if it is M-Sport

[Curt2000]

Originally Posted by wren57

The financially prudent decision would be none of the above. Buy a slightly used 335i with a warranty. Besides, would you really mod up a lease?

Cobb AP, DCI...nothing too involved...

I've thought about a CPO but really like the maintinance plan and honestly hate selling cars after I get tired of them in 2-3 years.

[MWhy]

What are you currently paying on the 135i? Do you like it?

If so, on the low end, seems you might also want to consider another 135, rather than a GTI. Then you're not sacrificing the cool factor.

The VW lease saves you $250 a month off the 335is. If you put that away every month, you are only talking about a $9k savings over three years. That won't get you into M3 territory, unless you have more savings. So to me, the cheaper lease isn't worth it. And id pick the 335is.

So then it's sedan vs coupe for about the same monthly. That's a personal preference. Tho I will say the DCT is super fun and fast.

[Torn]

choice number 1 is the best!

335is!

[Curt2000]

Originally Posted by MWhy

What are you currently paying on the 135i? Do you like it?

If so, on the low end, seems you might also want to consider another 135, rather than a GTI. Then you're not sacrificing the cool factor.

The VW lease saves you $250 a month off the 335is. If you put that away every month, you are only talking about a $9k savings over three years. That won't get you into M3 territory, unless you have more savings. So to me, the cheaper lease isn't worth it. And id pick the 335is.

So then it's sedan vs coupe for about the same monthly. That's a personal preference. Tho I will say the DCT is super fun and fast.

$510 for our current 1 lease. It'd be a year or so of driving the GTI before I got so bored that I was forced to buy an old Z3 Mcoupe which would cost me more in the long run!

I havent priced out a new 135i, I'll check it out. I guess I was just wanting something a bit bigger but if the price is right I might be swayed.

[chimichangaz]

If you can afford it, definately 1. The things you get on even a base car is insane (performance exhaust, grille, rims, etc.) and it is beautiful and extremely fast.

[idrift4wd]

NUMBER 2!!!!!!!!!

LOL at number 3

[Curt2000]

So you guys think $599/month 10K yr lease with $1,500 out of pocket is a good deal for a $61K MSRP 335is?

[Curt2000]

Thanks for everyone's input, I'll be sending in an APP today for the IS!

[chong0]

Originally Posted by idrift4wd

NUMBER 2!!!!!!!!!

LOL at number 3

VW definite step backwards unless you get a phaeton and even that is dull and boring.

Agree with #1

[Astephens94]

Definitely the M -- #2

[rbtamms]

If money is not an issue...go for number 2...

[VMRWheels]

All very good cars including the GTi. It's definitely a step down from a BMW but the feel and environment of the car totally different. GTi's are great cars based on my experience on the MK5 and MK6 forum. Very fun car with a good tranny.

[Curt2000]

Originally Posted by VMRWheels

All very good cars including the GTi. It's definitely a step down from a BMW but the feel and environment of the car totally different. GTi's are great cars based on my experience on the MK5 and MK6 forum. Very fun car with a good tranny.

would you recommend the 6spd or dual clutch tranny on the GTI?

[idrift4wd]

Originally Posted by Curt2000

would you recommend the 6spd or dual clutch tranny on the GTI?

what do you recommend???

DSG is faster then the 6speed. and has an automode.

manual...well its manual.

[Curt2000]

Originally Posted by rbtamms

If money is not an issue...go for number 2...

Its not so much the money...its the fact that I know I'm paying more than other people who waited 6 months for the market to cool down for the same car.

[darkw1sh]

Originally Posted by Curt2000

would you recommend the 6spd or dual clutch tranny on the GTI?

since ur drving highway it wont matter but i love the DSG trans on these things... I honestly would go the #3 depending on how long the lease is... 1 u save on gas, 2 u save a butt load on the lease, 3 its a decent car, its no 335i but you will have the ///m badge!

[turn1racing]

And I wouldn't knock the iS gas mileage all that much. I averaged about 28-29 on my trip from Indiana back to Virginia (manually calculated).