Tough Choice: 2001 Jetta VR6 vs. 2000 323i

[Thud]

I think I know what you guys will say, but hear me out:

I'm having a bit of a dilemma. I currently own a MINT 2001 VW Jetta GLS VR6 (2.8L V6), which I bought new and only has 12000 miles on it, and I love it. KBB lists it worth about $17000. I've been presented with an opportunity to buy a friend's 2000 BMW 323i (2.5L inline-6) w/33000 miles on it for a very good price (under $22000). It's silver and in very good condition. Both cars are similarly equipped/appointed/accessorized, except the 323i has leather.

I always planned on upgrading to a 3-series (e46-era) eventually, but this was a llittle sooner than I'd expected; but since I can still get very good money for the Jetta and would owe little on the 323i, it may be a good time. But it will be tough to go from an almost new car that I love, to an older one with 3x as much mileage. I consider it an upgrade, but is it worth the trade on mileage; not to mention that the Jetta up-til-now hasn't cost me a dime other than one post-warranty oil change, and gas; the 323i has been problem free for them as well.

I also own a 1990 325i convertible, and at 13 yrs and 126000 miles it's still rock solid, and I had an '86 Scirocco for 9 yrs and 133000 miles that was equally solid when I sold it. So I'm confident that either has the potential to last a long time.

Just looking for some feedback. I posted the exact same topic on the Jetta pages on VWVortex, and the e46 3-Series pages on mwerks, to get comments from both sides.

 

[Bryan330i]

I have had good luck with VW in the past as well. This is a tuff call[???1] There are few cars that I would trade my BMW for, it is a 330i Performance Package but I did wait to get what I wanted and was ready to spend the money. If you are unsure about the BMW, it may not be the right time to "trade up" but in some ways "trade down". Newer is nice. My opion may be to keep the VW for now.

 

[brahtw8]

Have you driven your friend's car? If so, you don't need our help to answer your question. You know which car suits you better. It may be the BMW, it may not.

I would take the BMW, as I believe it is a superior machine, particularly in the handling and braking department.

 

[Thud]

Unfortnately I have not driven the car yet as I'm in CT and my friend lives in CA. I plan to go out there in a few weeks to check it out of course (air fare is cheap), but since I haven't yet, I'm gathering any info and feedback I can in the meantime. You're absolutely right; if I had driven the car already I'd probably know. Thanks for your reply.

 

[brahtw8]

Unfortnately I have not driven the car yet as I'm in CT and my friend lives in CA. I plan to go out there in a few weeks to check it out of course (air fare is cheap), but since I haven't yet, I'm gathering any info and feedback I can in the meantime. You're absolutely right; if I had driven the car already I'd probably know. Thanks for your reply.

Why wait? There must be several similar cars in your area just waiting for a test drive.

 

[Thud]

There are, but not for the price ($22,500 neg). If I can get what I want for the Jetta, plus a few thousand out of pocket, it's a pretty sweet deal, plus I don't have to deal with dealers or private sellers who may or may not be trustworthy. He also has a transferable 7-yr Warranty on it to boot (which he bought, and I don't have to), with 4 years left.

Otherwise, you would be absolutely right.

 

[brahtw8]

I am not getting through. Test drive a local car (preferably from a dealer) before you fly to CA to buy your friend's. It is okay to drive a car even if you are just trying to get a feel for it. You are not obligated to buy it.

That way, if you hate the BMW you don't have to waste the time and money to go to CA (assuming you were not going to go anyway).

It will also help you evaluate your friend's car if you do make the trip.

 

[Thud]

Oh yeah, sorry, I didn't read your reply thoroughly. I'm doing that on Saturday with another 2000 323i with similar mileage; mainly to get a feel for the overall handling/performance depreciation with 3yrs and 30,000+ miles under it's belt. But I know I'm not going to hate it; just have to weigh all the other factors. But your point is a good one.

 

[Delgreco13]

well to put my 2cents into this............. u mentioned earlier u had a 1990 325 convert....... i know the car is much newer but do u really want "2" 3 series bimmers sittin in ur garage? Not knockin the 3 series I would die for one, also if the 323 has more options than the JETTA u currently own and u only have to dish out a couple thousand that definately sounds like a good deal. And the mileage aint so high for a 3 yr old car......... granted ur JETTA is younger with less mileage but BMW has a great name for itself and their cars are built to last (1990 325 over 130,000) well good luck with whatever you decide to do!

 

[Thud]

Thanks a lot for all your replies. I welcome more as long as this topic is open.

 

[Thud]

I think I can live with 2 3-Series sitting in the garage. The convertible is a strictly weekend/warm weather/fun car. yes it's a BMW and yes it's a 3-Series, but it's main pupose is sheer fun. It could be any convertible (Miata, Mitsubishi, MG, VW Cabrio, etc), but when i bought it the logic was; "I want a convertible, and I want a cheap one that wiil last and be fun to drive". There is only one answer to that question; BMW. Still, it's a fun car first, BMW second; actually it could be argued that "fun car" = BMW, so I'll take the heat for that one.

FYI; you can find e30 convertibles for less than $5000, and there are endless parts sources. Almost any e30 can be brought up to "code" for another $1000. I highly recommend this. Thanks very much for your input.