[alx4n]

Sup fellas

Lease is up after a 3 year contract..a black 325i 4 door, the first ones that came out.

The two options i have as far as moving on are A) releasing the 325 or B) purchasing an 08 VW R32.


The 325i has an $18,000 value to the dealership so releasing it would be for about $350 a month. For two years longer in this car i would spend $8,000. Plus new wheels, chip, and possibly some cosmetics. So lets say 10,000 that being said.

Other option is the R32 which has a retail value of $35,000. I think the dealer will go for $30,000 cash with this crisis we have today.
The R32 would retain it's value like no other considering it is one out of 5,000.

2004 R32's are selling on Autotrader for 20-24k with 50-60k mileage on them.

So really, if i use the r32 for 3-4 years, i'm not losing much more money than releasing the beamer.

That being said, prices are similar in the long run.

I just wanted some public opinion from other beamer fans/owners.
Do you think its a downgrade? Do you care much about the image of going from a BMW black sedan, to a "golf hatchback". To the eye of a non-car fan, its just another vdub.
Everyone knows what a bmw is.

Thanks!

[noro]

If you gonna release it for 2 more years why would you do those upgrades? Are you planning on buying that car after that?

[canucklion]

why would you re-lease it for 2 more years? might as well buy it outright

[canucklion]

1. beamer = BMW motorcycles, bimmer = BMW automobiles

2. why do you care what others think of your base on your car?

I personally don't think it's a downgrade at all.

Originally Posted by alx4n

I just wanted some public opinion from other beamer fans/owners.
Do you think its a downgrade? Do you care much about the image of going from a BMW black sedan, to a "golf hatchback". To the eye of a non-car fan, its just another vdub.
Everyone knows what a bmw is.

Thanks!

[alx4n]

Originally Posted by canucklion

1. beamer = BMW motorcycles, bimmer = BMW automobiles

2. why do you care what others think of your base on your car?

I personally don't think it's a downgrade at all.

1) did not know that, interesting.

2) I care about the car i drive and the image i present. As much as someone may support the non-judgemental mindset, the car you drive does carry through many times to someone's opinion. The world's not perfect.

But, playing devils advocate, anyone who knows a little about cars, has a little of a wow when they see a rare R32 on the road. Its not something you see every day like an A3 or a 325.

I dont want to purchase my car because i've been in a major accident (axel bent) and it cost near about near the half way mark of the total value.

Im bored of the bimmer's power and wispiness. I think an R32 would be a fun car and is still in the field of luxury. A great all around car?

[positiveions]

I was at the Vdub dealer picking up parts for my workhorse. I heard an R32. Sounded really good. Haven't driven the car though. Reminds me of my 'ol 92 GTI 16V 2.0L. a pocket rocket it was. But good luck on your choice

[cstavaru]

I would not get the R32 over the BMW. You lose the status image, you lose the upscale look & feel of the BMW. And what do 99.9% of the people know about "R32" ? They think its a Golf...which it is

[PaulBailey@ltbmw]

Do not re-lease!
Bad idea.
The new R32 is badass. . .go for it.
It can smoke you 325i

[nicknaz]

Yes the R32 is a golf to everyone but Vdub fans.

The reason I would not get a R32 (or any VW) is that it gives the shaky long term reliability and high maintenance cost of a german car without the brand image.

I'd personally get a STi or EVO if I wanted a 35k sport compact. And given the way the economy is going I bet you could lowball your way into a 328, G37s or IS350 for only a few grand more than the R32

[jj thumper]

Originally Posted by cstavaru

I would not get the R32 over the BMW. You lose the status image, you lose the upscale look & feel of the BMW. And what do 99.9% of the people know about "R32" ? They think its a Golf...which it is

[alx4n]

Originally Posted by Nick Nazareno

Yes the R32 is a golf to everyone but Vdub fans.

The reason I would not get a R32 (or any VW) is that it gives the shaky long term reliability and high maintenance cost of a german car without the brand image.

I'd personally get a STi or EVO if I wanted a 35k sport compact. And given the way the economy is going I bet you could lowball your way into a 328, G37s or IS350 for only a few grand more than the R32

I did test the STi and EVO. The evo to me was a peice of junk, excuse me. It was an engine, a few seats, surrounded by scrap metal. From the way the doors closed, to the feel of your sun visor. The wrx was nicer as far as build quality, and yes i say WRX because i don't think the extra crash for the sti is worth what you are getting.

The reason i would get the R32 out of all it's competitors, is first and foremost because it's got the best of both worlds (luxury and racing), a bigger engine, and lastly, it's a rare (special) car.


I just don't think i can get over the feel of the new bmw in the inside, you would never wow someone the way you wow them in a beamer, in a golf. Perhaps the exhaust sound might get a few looks, but what is that really saying. It's all about the feel and the comfort in the inside. (thats what she said).

[CyberGypsy]

VW
Reliable, had 5 Never again!

[mmm def]

BUY your 325.

[nmulax]

Originally Posted by canucklion

1. beamer = BMW motorcycles, bimmer = BMW automobiles

Beemer = BMW motorcycles

[Staszek]

I think you are going to be in for a surprise on your payments if you try to release your 325.

The rate calc on a used car is much worse then on a new car. Even if the car is worth 18k they do it off of what it is worth at the end of 2 more years. A car that is no longer in warranty and has much higher mileage.

For $350 a month (which I dont think you will get) you should just lease a new 328, or by the R32. Do not release your 325.

The base lease on a 328 is 369 a month right now and you can always work with them.

I really like the R32 I loved the old one. Its more of an enthusiasts car though. You really have to be into VW's to want one since its a really nice golf (which personally I dont think is to bad). But, the reliability on every VW i have owned has been awful.

Not a bad car if you keep it short term though.

[chrisE92]

+1 on the DO NOT RE-LEASE. just buy the 325, buy the R32, or lease another car. releasing is a bad idea

[GreenThree]

Buy the 325

Bimmer > R32

Although the R32 is a fun car for the enthusiast. Pretty quick, great sound, and good value. Thumbs down on worrying about the status.

[PaulBailey@ltbmw]

everyone is going to tell you to go with your BMW.
This is bimmerpost. . . what do you expect.
If you want performance. . . leave your 325.
I owned an E90 325, loved it, but. . . It wasn't fast.
Especially after i got my 330.
Then when i got my 335. . . well that clearly blows them away.

If you want something fast, and it's for you, get the R32.
Screw what people say about it being a golf.
Especially because most are going to call it a GTI before a golf. . . which is a little better.
But i've driven the new R32 and it's a really fun car.
It isn't a BMW but. . . It will be more fun to drive than a 325i.


Sorry 325i owners. . .

[Staszek]

Originally Posted by GreenThree

Buy the 325

Bimmer > R32

Although the R32 is a fun car for the enthusiast. Pretty quick, great sound, and good value. Thumbs down on worrying about the status.

He doesnt want to buy the 325 because it was in a bad accident. But he definitely shouldnt release it either.