OT: Even BMW sales guys prefer VW :)

[faisan]

In my line of work (outbound sales), I meet a lot of different people. Yesterday, I met a guy who used to work at a BMW dealership (sells lawn mowers now) Anyway, we started talking about cars and he noticed my Jetta. I told him that I was looking at a BMW 320i at the time but couldnt justify the cost vs features.

The amazing thing was, he agreed! He said that the BMWs are great cars but only the top end models (325, 335) were worth buying. He said he would probably go a Passat instead for the same sort of money. I have to agree. I could not justify spending $70k+ on a spec'd up 320i exec when I could have an R36 for the same money.

I just thought this was interesting as I know a few other ex car sales guys (audi and merc) and they always stick up for their brand.

[ChrisR32]

Completely agree, but no offense, that isn't really rocket science. We get screwed on imports hence the 320i, c200k are bad value propositions over here. Europe on the other hand...

[mtj007]

My dad test drove the 320d, Peugeot 407 HDI and Passat TDI before settling on the Passat. Didn't even bother test driving the Merc C230 CDI. 320d with Executive package was a touch over 70k at the time, couldn't justify the extra 20k on a smaller car with less features.

[Nathan_B]

baseline models compared to high spec arnt really in the same market..

R36 over a 320 ANY DAY !!!!

[maca]

I think i'd rather buy a Maxima over a 3 series any day... Cheaper, more standard equipment, better looking and much more rare!

[faisan]

baseline models compared to high spec arnt really in the same market..

R36 over a 320 ANY DAY !!!!

When you compare the price though, you gotta be asking some serious questions.

[livingthedream]

I think i'd rather buy a Maxima over a 3 series any day... Cheaper, more standard equipment, better looking and much more rare!

Sorry Maca, i couldnt quite do that.

I do agree with the original post though. Why pay top dollar for something that doesnt 'go'. Unless its a top of the line BMW they arent worth it. My Jetta TFSI even with alot off options ticked a sh*tload cheaper than the BMW318 and goes twice as hard

VW all the way for me, and one day if im lucky enough i may dip into the world of AUDI

[Transporter]

I'm not a rear wheel drive fan, but you are comparing FWD with RWD (except 4Motion Passat) and some people will not drive or accept a RWD car, it's simple like that.
About the higher price for BMW; when you buy a car around $100k you don't care how much the extras are, and paying $10k or $20k up and down is not the issue, if you are car enthusiast.

The lawn mower man was not the true BMW fan.

[Gti Dave]

I agree with the lower spec BMW's or any other prestige cars not being worth the coin. However, I've had too many problems with the VW since day one. Surely its fun to drive but its damn annoying with all the minor squeeks, rattles and problems I've had with it. Never had a problem with my beamer during the period of ownership and customer service was top notch too. I've driven many other cars on the market and nothing other than the likes of Porsche etc handles like the BMW's (definately not even Merc's). So if my finances allow once again in the future, I'm definately going back to BMW for the new Z4 or M3 (haven't stopped dreaming about them since the motorshow). To me, my VW is like a little boys toy to keep me relatively happy for the time being until I can afford the real thing. LOL.

[maca]

Sorry Maca, i couldnt quite do that.

I do agree with the original post though. Why pay top dollar for something that doesnt 'go'. Unless its a top of the line BMW they arent worth it. My Jetta TFSI even with alot off options ticked a sh*tload cheaper than the BMW318 and goes twice as hard

VW all the way for me, and one day if im lucky enough i may dip into the world of AUDI

Haha sorry I should've been more specific! Yeah I agree with it also and of course i'd rather go VW over many, many cars on the market.. But when looking at a BMW or MB, there are so many other cars i'd rather get that are much more equipped at a way better price.. The Maxima was just an example!

[Transporter]

Haha sorry I should've been more specific! Yeah I agree with it also and of course i'd rather go VW over many, many cars on the market.. But when looking at a BMW or MB, there are so many other cars i'd rather get that are much more equipped at a way better price.. The Maxima was just an example!

Hmm,... Maxima or a base model of the BMW or MB.
I know which one I take, any day. The one which is sophisticated and with the latest technology and long history in making vehicles for 100+ years.

[anthony]

When the Jetta was launched in Germany in late 2005,Automotorundsport magazine compared a normal petrol 2.o FSI to a BMW 320i,and all round the Jetta won.
In my immediate family we have owned 5 BMW s,and they were all a bit niggly,although beautiful cars.
We have owned 9 Volkswagens,and they have all been excellent...
The fleet also consisted of GM products and Fords,and now there are a few Hondas and Toyotas...

[anthony]

And forgot to mention...we have 1 Mazda...a CX9,and 3 Mercedes.

[Transporter]

Based on the price...Bang for your buck.