Stick or Twist - Do I run my M140i to the ground or upgrade?
Discussion
Good afternoon everyone,
I’m currently running a 2019 M140i Shadow Edition auto. I’m the second owner and it’s in really nice condition. I love the car and it's actually my second M140i, my first one was a manual. That said, it’s now on around 71k miles and because I do a fair bit of driving, I’m starting to question whether it makes sense to keep pushing the mileage up (ideally I'd keep it as a weekend car and buy a boring car but I don't have the space)... I do like to daily something interesting and In hindsight I probably should have bought a lower mileage example.
A friend of mine from my time in the motor trade is working at Audi, and he’s made me aware of some very attractive PCP deals on new RS3s. I’ve also been watching reviews from people like Joe Achilles (BMW fanboy) and others who seem to be raving about the facelift. The five cylinder sounds full of character, it’s obviously very quick, and the interior looks a clear step up and much more modern compared to the M140i.
I’ve looked at cars like the M2, but realistically they feel a bit too raw for everyday use. Refinement is important to me. A new M240i also feels like it would be very similar to what I already have, rather than a proper step forward.
I’d really like to hear any thoughts or experiences from people who have moved on from an M140i to a new mid 2024-now RS3, or know someone who has.
Am I overthinking this, or does a new RS3 actually make sense as an option? especially with the five cylinder engine likely to be discontinued in the next year or so due to Euro 7 regulations. Because the residuals are good the monthlies are decent (I know this doesn't justify it's high price)... but I'd be going base spec with Pan roof, I would never spend 80k on an RS3.
Would really appreciate some honest opinions and apologies if it's been discussed a million times before.
I’m currently running a 2019 M140i Shadow Edition auto. I’m the second owner and it’s in really nice condition. I love the car and it's actually my second M140i, my first one was a manual. That said, it’s now on around 71k miles and because I do a fair bit of driving, I’m starting to question whether it makes sense to keep pushing the mileage up (ideally I'd keep it as a weekend car and buy a boring car but I don't have the space)... I do like to daily something interesting and In hindsight I probably should have bought a lower mileage example.
A friend of mine from my time in the motor trade is working at Audi, and he’s made me aware of some very attractive PCP deals on new RS3s. I’ve also been watching reviews from people like Joe Achilles (BMW fanboy) and others who seem to be raving about the facelift. The five cylinder sounds full of character, it’s obviously very quick, and the interior looks a clear step up and much more modern compared to the M140i.
I’ve looked at cars like the M2, but realistically they feel a bit too raw for everyday use. Refinement is important to me. A new M240i also feels like it would be very similar to what I already have, rather than a proper step forward.
I’d really like to hear any thoughts or experiences from people who have moved on from an M140i to a new mid 2024-now RS3, or know someone who has.
Am I overthinking this, or does a new RS3 actually make sense as an option? especially with the five cylinder engine likely to be discontinued in the next year or so due to Euro 7 regulations. Because the residuals are good the monthlies are decent (I know this doesn't justify it's high price)... but I'd be going base spec with Pan roof, I would never spend 80k on an RS3.
Would really appreciate some honest opinions and apologies if it's been discussed a million times before.
Ok, NOT the same but I have a same age BMW 120D and a 2016 Audi TT.
The BMW has been faultless over 110k. The TT is and feels like a cheap hatch back with a nice bodyshell. The quality of it is nothing like as good as the BMW and I regret swapping from our 3.0 Z.4. Superficially it looks nice and the plastics are nice but then engines (2.0 turbo) have their issues, the rear spoiler leaks, the coolant system.... well you get the idea.
The RS3 is nice BUT its a big lump of cash for an admittedly very fast/nice sounding 5dr hatch. I've driven one RS3 and it was quick but felt quite remote/isolated and oddly unexciting (but it was only a 20 mile drive).
For that money make sure it really is as good to drive as it seems on paper but check out what you can get for that money elsewhere.
Also, don't under-estimate the cost of car finance. On my £70k Emira it was £13K! (I got mine on 0% otherwise I wouldn't have been able to stomach that much interest).
The BMW has been faultless over 110k. The TT is and feels like a cheap hatch back with a nice bodyshell. The quality of it is nothing like as good as the BMW and I regret swapping from our 3.0 Z.4. Superficially it looks nice and the plastics are nice but then engines (2.0 turbo) have their issues, the rear spoiler leaks, the coolant system.... well you get the idea.
The RS3 is nice BUT its a big lump of cash for an admittedly very fast/nice sounding 5dr hatch. I've driven one RS3 and it was quick but felt quite remote/isolated and oddly unexciting (but it was only a 20 mile drive).
For that money make sure it really is as good to drive as it seems on paper but check out what you can get for that money elsewhere.
Also, don't under-estimate the cost of car finance. On my £70k Emira it was £13K! (I got mine on 0% otherwise I wouldn't have been able to stomach that much interest).
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