Leon Cupra + TDi or BMW 120d

[chiefsilverback]

My problem with a 1 series, wouldn't be because it's a BMW nor would it be because in some peoples eye's it's an ugly freak of nature. My problem would be because it's the bottom run of a prestige car makers ladder. A bit like buying a boxter (bear with me).

To me buying a 1 series just says that you really wanted a better one. I know there's not a huge amount of logic in it. It's also a bit like people who buy really old BMW's then think they have the latest and greatest motoring icon.

Just my opinions.

I don't know if that is strictly true! A fully specced out 130i costs more than most of the 3 series and Z4 ranges!

It is fair to say that a lot of BM drivers think they are the mutts nuts, I had a couple at the weekend try to prove their superiority, unfortunately for them they only had one weedy exhaust pipe so I spanked them!!!

For me though it's about how the car feels, if I like it and the quality. I test drove the Fabia VRs and I just wasn't impressed with the finish in the cabin. The quality and fit of the materials was fine, but the design was distinctly 'Skoda', very bland and utilitarian!!

I am strongy considering a BMW as my next car but having just read about the new Scoobies in Evo my mind could be swayed. The new WRX is hitting 60 in 5.4 secs and can pretty much stick with £6K dearer STi!!

£21K for a Porsche beater has got to be good in anyone's books!!!

 

[Reg]

For me though it's about how the car feels, if I like it and the quality.QUOTE]

My thoughts exactly. I find that BMW's drive with a beautiful feel matched by few others (for real world money anyway). I'd say that about other car's too, especially the couple of Jaguar's that I have driven.

I don't see whats wrong with someone buying a 318i because they love the M3, or a 525i because the love the M5. They do share a lot of 'bloodline', and I'd include the 1-Series in that. But not everyone can afford mega bucks to buy and run a top model.

And I don't think that BM drivers are any worse than others for acting like a ****** behind the wheel - there are plenty of reps out there in their Mondeo/Vectra/Primera/Golf/Subaru etc that should be locked up for the way they drive.


There are young lads on here who have bought a 1.4 Leon because they can't afford to buy & insure the Cupra/ Cupra R they really wanted. Does that reflect badly on them? No, of course not. They are just buying into the 'idea' at the level they can currently afford. Good luck to them.

 

[chiefsilverback]

And I don't think that BM drivers are any worse than others for acting like a ****** behind the wheel - there are plenty of reps out there in their Mondeo/Vectra/Primera/Golf/Subaru etc that should be locked up for the way they drive.

Chatting to a friend of mine the other day and mentioned that I'd had to put a TDCi Mondeo in its place and he said that he was on the verge of writing a letter to Evo denouncing all the TDCi rep-mobile drivers (Mondeos and Boras/Passats are the worst offenders) who think that because they've got a bit of torque they are the kings of the road.

He actually had a guy in Jag wave goodbye to him as he put his foot down. The jag driver didn't realise my friend was in a 172 with a sport CAT!!!

I look at it this way, if they weren't there we'd have to find someone else to embarrass!!

 

[slimjim]

Same old same one ....

Friend of mine has a VTR.... he get's LOADS of grief from the VTS guy on the forum "Why mod a VTR to get to VTS standards?" ... well why mod a VTS to get to Civic standards?

Morel is ... as always ... "There are always bigger fish"....

 

[ianrawlins]

I know what you're all saying and it doesn't seem to be the case with "lesser" brands like the skoda/audi/seat/VW statements. If someone drives a regular 1.6 Golf I don't think that he's aspiring to an R32 or GTI. Whatever we drive, people will draw an opinion on the person and there are stereotypical opinions out there. Blokes who drive XR3i's, White van man, young girls who drive Saxo's. I'm not saying that any or all of the people in these categories actually are akin to the stereotypes, but people will still make judgment. I just find that people that drive "buget" (ok they can still be bloody expensive) prestige cars make me think of a certain type of person that is trying to be a bit more flash than they actually are. This doesn't mean that any of them are though.

 

[richard_jerome]

Maybe you should put some of you preconceptions & prejudices behind you. They are a fine drive, as are all of the BMW range. I'm not saying that just because I have one (a BMW that is, not a 1 series), whether or not they are fitted with a slippy diff. You don't need to drive at 8/10's to know that.

I've driven numerous of the last shape 3-series - 318/320 and you're right, they are a good drive (steering, gearchange, brakes), but only until you want to drive them hard. Then you just end up provoking them to get rid of the all the understeer, and until you end up with the spinning inside wheel and it all gets silly. Admittedly, they might actually (i suspect) be better balanced on the limit on a racetrack - but it's not the right setup on the road.

I agree a lot are bought as a status symbol (if thats what it wants to be perceived as), but that is true elsewhere. Why buy the Audi when you could buy a perfectly good Skoda on the same platform?

I would, and nearly did (at 11k-ish new, from Brighton taxi supplier - who wouldn't?) - but the commuting put paid a vRS, and I was annoyed that VAG ECU cuts the fuel when you try to use your left foot. I was just trying to pitch something perceived to be in the same "class" as a BMW... I'd quite happily have the green chicken sitting on my drive.

To me, although I would not want one, your choice excellent of Peugeot 106 model indicates to me you are a connosieur, but to many un-initiated you may be taken for a chav.

Quite right - it isn't a car which is really understood. It's nice to be different though No chav type issues - probably cos' i don't drive it through town at 60mph with a farty exhaust and lexus lights.

Don't be so quick to slam other choices.

Oh, it's fun poking a bear ;-)

I just think BMW pricing is ludicrous, and the exploit their position in the market place through the ignorance of (to be honest) people who have no idea about cars.

Or maybe it just I have different expectations of a car...

Ho Hum

 

[jezyg]

I've driven numerous of the last shape 3-series - 318/320 and you're right, they are a good drive (steering, gearchange, brakes), but only until you want to drive them hard. Then you just end up provoking them to get rid of the all the understeer, and until you end up with the spinning inside wheel and it all gets silly. Admittedly, they might actually (i suspect) be better balanced on the limit on a racetrack - but it's not the right setup on the road.


I just think BMW pricing is ludicrous, and the exploit their position in the market place through the ignorance of (to be honest) people who have no idea about cars.

Or maybe it just I have different expectations of a car...

Ho Hum

Understeer from an E46 I assume. I do find that hard to belive, in the ones have owned they are all tail happy the minuite you turn the DSC off!! The E90 and to a lesser extent E87 understeer but nothing like a FWD car. You wopuld find that they are actually worse on a racetrack as the suspension is honed for road use

As for pricing I agree to a point that it is high but no higher than any other of the prestige Marques, Jag, Audi, Merc. I owned a new shape A3 and although it was nice it was also very dull and boring and too close to the Golf in many ways to justify it's cost. Engines again were dull untill they brought in the TFSi. The same can be said for the C class I owned. A smooth ride and great long distance cruiser but not realy very dynamic and pricing was higher than an equivelent BM. To me BM's still have the dynamic edge and cracking engines the bangle lines are a taste thing though

 

[kezFR07]

ive just put a deposit down on a 120d today. being sensible its time to make cut backs and i for one cant afford 24mpg anymore. loved the cupra but got a kid on the way and i cant drive fast with him in the back/front so if i cant do that why have a cupra? i like the looks of the 120d, i prefer it to the 3 series. i just love hatches i guess. nice smooth drive aswell and with a little map il be up past 200bhp so its not all bad