M235i vs Golf R
Author
Discussion

bp1000

Original Poster:

873 posts

208 months

Thursday 12th June 2014
quotequote all
Which would you pick and why?

I'm still looking to change my XFR, I don't need something that big but I do need rear seats and reasonable boot for day/weekend trips. I ideally want a lighter weight but powerful fun car although I'm not sure either of the proposed cars fall into the lightweight category considering what is discussed here.

I felt like the m235i might be the perfect contender for my needs but then I discover the golf R. I prefer the overall package of the m235i but the R seems tempting.

The mileage is only going to be less than 7k p/a, I have a works car so my car has to be lots of fun, fairly to very nice place to spend time, sound good and be a brilliant drive. The long life servicing and reliability of the BMW is a bonus because I had considered a 997 but running costs seem worlds apart so I'm not sure it's worth it. M235i seems a good fit does it not? However would loose an absolute stack on depreciation.

Debaser

8,414 posts

290 months

Thursday 12th June 2014
quotequote all
I'm not too fussed about practicality and prefer RWD, so the M235i for me.

Leins

10,422 posts

177 months

Thursday 12th June 2014
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Because of the last sentence in your post OP, I have to ask why you are considering either of these as a secondary fun car? Or is that just an acceptance of the large depreciation? Running cost will probably be a fraction, etc etc

Actus Reus

4,312 posts

184 months

Thursday 12th June 2014
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Given your criteria the BM sounds good to me, but I wonder if a used 987 Cayman mightn't be better than both if you have a work car for boring stuff? I have a Golf R on order thanks to the superb lease prices, but a baby on the way would rule out the BM anyway, and the 135i is just a bit...ugly. If you need occasional back seats though, BM for me please.

xxChrisxx

538 posts

150 months

Thursday 12th June 2014
quotequote all
The m135 was immmense when I drove it. Quiet and comfortable on a roads, more so than my E90.

Exceptionally quick when you need it. The beauty is that its effortless from 1500. The ultimate lazy mans fast car, any gear any speed and you just go.

Doesn't strike me as the ultimate drivers car, but as a package its excellent.

I'd go for the refinement 6 cylinders if nothing else.


Not driven the R for comparison though.

Atmospheric

5,346 posts

237 months

Thursday 12th June 2014
quotequote all
Let's not much about. The 235i is a completely different proposition than the Golf. Not comparable like for like.

I'd be looking at a 235i in a dark colour, by the way....

chrispmartha

23,489 posts

158 months

Thursday 12th June 2014
quotequote all
Actus Reus said:
Given your criteria the BM sounds good to me, but I wonder if a used 987 Cayman mightn't be better than both if you have a work car for boring stuff? I have a Golf R on order thanks to the superb lease prices, but a baby on the way would rule out the BM anyway, and the 135i is just a bit...ugly. If you need occasional back seats though, BM for me please.
100% this.

If it's a second fun car why get a golf? A second hand cayman will not lose as much money and is a far far better drivers car

lamboman100

1,445 posts

150 months

Thursday 12th June 2014
quotequote all
A Cayman S or 1M would be better for a weekend toy.

Or an A45 AMG if you need 5 seats and a better badge.

bp1000

Original Poster:

873 posts

208 months

Thursday 12th June 2014
quotequote all
I agree 100% that the cayman is a much better drivers car. I was actually considering a boxster spyder but seriously doubting the decision because I would not be able to transport the family. Much much better car for the money though.


loose cannon

6,057 posts

270 months

Thursday 12th June 2014
quotequote all
235i for me !

elephantstone

2,176 posts

186 months

Thursday 12th June 2014
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bp1000 said:
I have a works car so my car has to sound good
My mate has the new R and as fking fast as it... it doesn't sound good.. not even that loud.. BMW.

bp1000

Original Poster:

873 posts

208 months

Thursday 12th June 2014
quotequote all
elephantstone said:
bp1000 said:
I have a works car so my car has to sound good
My mate has the new R and as fking fast as it... it doesn't sound good.. not even that loud.. BMW.
Part of the thrill of driving the xfr is the immense sound, it made such a difference to my driving experience.

Gave more serious thought to a cayman s. Picked up for reasonable money but I think I might get it and regret it because I can't drive it and take us all away for the day or something like that. Might make me resent it slightly.

Makes me want to hang onto the xfr, apart from the slightly weighty feeling to it, it fits the bill. Just seem to change cars every year at the moment.

chrispmartha

23,489 posts

158 months

Thursday 12th June 2014
quotequote all
bp1000 said:
Part of the thrill of driving the xfr is the immense sound, it made such a difference to my driving experience.

Gave more serious thought to a cayman s. Picked up for reasonable money but I think I might get it and regret it because I can't drive it and take us all away for the day or something like that. Might make me resent it slightly.

Makes me want to hang onto the xfr, apart from the slightly weighty feeling to it, it fits the bill. Just seem to change cars every year at the moment.
Ok for the price of either the R or the Bmw you can get a decent 911 that has 4 seats and is in another league altogether.

kazste

6,117 posts

227 months

Thursday 12th June 2014
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Can you use the company car for non company use?
If so whilst the 235 and the golf r are undoubtedly nice cars is it worth buying either if you already have a similar company car. Okay it might not be as quick but then how fast do you want to drive with your family in the car?

Only you know the answer which suits you best, but if it were me I would be looking for an elise,boxster,z4 etc secondhand and then if possible get a golf r or 235 as the company car next time around.

Fantuzzi

3,297 posts

175 months

Thursday 12th June 2014
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35k on a fun, good sounding 4 seater with boot?

Maserati Gransport for 25, then the rest on upkeep?

DonkeyApple

69,703 posts

198 months

Thursday 12th June 2014
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I have to say that if you already have a company car I can't see the advantage of buying another one but just with a turbocharger.

I get the need for 4 seats and practicality but it's not like these cars are actually any different from their corporate diesel brothers for 90% of the time.

Mastodon2

14,323 posts

194 months

Thursday 12th June 2014
quotequote all
elephantstone said:
bp1000 said:
I have a works car so my car has to sound good
My mate has the new R and as fking fast as it... it doesn't sound good.. not even that loud.. BMW.
Indeed, those Golf R's aren't slow in car terms, but jesus they sound bland. The price of these 4 cylinder turbo sofas is really getting out of hand, the turbo BMWs aren't a stunning aural experience either but they're head and shoulders over those Dyson-esque blown Golfs.

Personally I think OP should look away from these frankly rather dull depreciation beasts and get an E9X M3, those V8s are to die for.

DonkeyApple

69,703 posts

198 months

Thursday 12th June 2014
quotequote all
Mastodon2 said:
Indeed, those Golf R's aren't slow in car terms, but jesus they sound bland. The price of these 4 cylinder turbo sofas is really getting out of hand, the turbo BMWs aren't a stunning aural experience either but they're head and shoulders over those Dyson-esque blown Golfs.

Personally I think OP should look away from these frankly rather dull depreciation beasts and get an E9X M3, those V8s are to die for.
I have to say, I agree. These new cars are unbelievable but in terms of spirit and character I think previous M3 models are just better. Probably won't depreciate the same way and be much more engaging as a second car.

nottyash

4,671 posts

224 months

Thursday 12th June 2014
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I like the 235, as it looks good. The Golf looks like a Golf, again.
DTD are doing a new M235 for 32k, so There's not the 6 grand discounts like on the M135..... which is ugly.