[matty231]

OK guys, hard decision for me.

I've driven a 335i for the past year (E90) and now looking for either:

- a LCI E90 335i with low miles
- a F30 335i
or maybe a STi

Now, I have found a 335i that I can get down from $95k to $82k, it's brand new demo car with 5000km on it. (Im from New Zealand by the way hence crazy price)

OK, so I can also get me a brand new, 2015 STi in Black, only 7 are coming to NZ at the moment, so I can get this for just $69k, much cheaper and brand new.

But i've owned Subaru's all my life before my first 335i and the interior quality and prestige is obviously paramount in the BMW, but the fun factor lies in the 6MT STi, I drove the new WRX by the way and that was really fun but a bit loud and tinny feeling...

Any opinions, I know it's my choice but what would you guys consider based on the price difference.

The 335i I have the price offered on is a beautiful 2013 Estoril Blue M-Sport Sedan with the 19" 403M looking alloys.

[sonystyle02]

(For reference, I own a 2014 435i but traded in my FBO stage 2 2011 STI for it)

You can definitely make the BMW fun with mods (albeit a bit more expensive): faster, better handling, etc., but it's not as easy to make the STI more refined. Sure you can dampen the sound with Dynamat and foam spray the loose panels/wires/and such, but it'll never be on par with the BMW.

It depends what you hold in higher regard. Cheap thrills, great aftermarket selection, and AWD? Or refined interior, solid construction, and a more "adult" ride.

To each their own.

[Halsifer]

If you are going for speed, performance, and handling at a cost effective level, choose the STI, but don't expect quiet and luxurious driving.
If you want similar performance but with luxury, comfort, and technology, choose the 335i, but it comes with cost, as you already stated.

It's really what you are looking for. If I wanted an affordable race car, I would get something like an STI, but I wanted to drive everyday in comfort with high performance, more-so the 335i, and the price was affordable in my case, so naturally I will select the 335i.

[kyouhakuteki]

I went from a 2013 STi to a 2013 328i.

STi is fast, but you're paying so much money for all of the engineering and tech. You won't notice it on a daily basis, just the cheapness of the interior will bother you with rattles beyond belief.

328i feels almost as powerful, but gets 32mpg instead of the 20mpg I barely got in the STi. You feel the quality (though it's not the best) over the STi in everyday driving.

If you don't plan on tracking the car, go with the BMW or a WRX.

[JJS]

Matty,

$82K is a steal for a barely run-in 335i. But you seem to like the involvement of 6MT. I too drove the latest WRX, which is a massive improvement on the previous model, particularly the interior. But it isn't a BMW. Even my 17 year-old daughter said so.

I'll always have a soft spot for Subaru. I've kept my 2006 Legacy wagon as a runabout hack. I'll probably replace it with a used WRX in a few years' time, when a 2014 model can be had for half price.

To answer your question, I think the STi will be a backward step once you have gone BMW. Unless you intend to rally-cross it or race it, the 335i will be a far better daily driver. But make sure the 335i has M-sport or better yet, M-adaptive suspension. I know that some of the earlier 335i M-Sport were imported with the sport suspension deleted.

Better yet, order a new one with 6MT. I did.

[fecurtis]

Originally Posted by JJS

$82K is a steal for a barely run-in 335i.

I'm waiting for an American member to read this and get really confused.

[dtn]

Originally Posted by fecurtis

I'm waiting for an American member to read this and get really confused.

God Bless America!

[Ali Shiralian]

Originally Posted by dtn

God Bless America!

And I thought they were over priced in Canada....Damn

[Coolhydro]

How much do you guys make in NZ? what is the average income like compared to USA?

[rjpeaks]

you have a better set of choices mate than us here in the US....

i know what i would look for but since you offered up those two i have the 335, i guess its moot to answer.

g/l

[JJS]

Originally Posted by fecurtis

I'm waiting for an American member to read this and get really confused.

Haha. Yeah, our European cars are expensive because we're a very small market and I guess the official importers need to make a healthier margin to stay in business. I've just come back from taking a look at the 4GC in the flesh and was told the 335i sedan will soon be an indent-only order, which will add to the purchase price if buying new. As if the current list price of $112K for an M-Sport 335i sedan isn't steep enough. OP, get in while you can. The 435i is another $17K with two or five doors.

[Gastoys]

Had a 2010 STI, fast and fun, but it was always a $17k w/ $20k of Subaru go fast performance parts. 335i is so much refined and just as fun, plus you don't feel like a pediphile when you show up for car meets - seems like all WRX/STI owners are teenagers

[fujitashi]

I think the STi will be a backward step once you have gone BMW.

[matty231]

Cheers for feedback guys, sounds like it's a bad idea heading back to Subaru...

I have a old 2000 Subaru Outback 3.0 with 330,000km on it too as a runabout, great old car but not a car I love getting into, although I hold Subaru as probably my most trusted car brand ..

Originally Posted by JJS

Matty,

$82K is a steal for a barely run-in 335i. But you seem to like the involvement of 6MT. I too drove the latest WRX, which is a massive improvement on the previous model, particularly the interior. But it isn't a BMW. Even my 17 year-old daughter said so.

I'll always have a soft spot for Subaru. I've kept my 2006 Legacy wagon as a runabout hack. I'll probably replace it with a used WRX in a few years' time, when a 2014 model can be had for half price.

To answer your question, I think the STi will be a backward step once you have gone BMW. Unless you intend to rally-cross it or race it, the 335i will be a far better daily driver. But make sure the 335i has M-sport or better yet, M-adaptive suspension. I know that some of the earlier 335i M-Sport were imported with the sport suspension deleted.

Better yet, order a new one with 6MT. I did.

Sounds like a good point, so you saying the 'indent' order only deal means that they'll be far more expensive to purchase in months coming?

Maybe I just go book a brand new one :/ Needa make my mind up!

[JJS]

Originally Posted by matty231

Sounds like a good point, so you saying the 'indent' order only deal means that they'll be far more expensive to purchase in months coming?

Maybe I just go book a brand new one :/ Needa make my mind up!

Indent means it's entirely up to the importer to agree to bring one in for you and as the price is subject to quote, you're quite unlikely to get any discount. The good thing is there are quite a few used M-Sport 335i sedans available if you like the 8AT. But if you want a 6MT, then you might like to get an order in before they close the order books from the standard NZ spec-sheet.

Alternatively, the 4CG with the N20 engine can be had for just under $100K if you add M-Sport, delete 8AT and negotiate a little. I miss the frameless windows of my Subaru.

[mike@x-ph.com]

I would get a 335.
With little money this car will get crazy fast.
Looks better.
Girls Dig BMW

[sdhotwn]

I sold my WRX in less than nine months. Too many crappy materials and bad ergonomics. Would not recommend it.

[fusionchicken]

If you're into freeway pulls it'll cost quite a bit to make an STi equal a simple bolt-on and chipped 335i