335i or A3 3.2 quattro?

[sunburned]

The Cobra goes back to Florida tomorrow evening, so I've been busy looking for a new car. I drive 80 miles per day, almost all highway, so I want something more comfortable. I've been pretty stuck on a 335i because I know a few people that have them and they are such nice cars. I've always been a fan of BMW, so I've been primarily looking for one with all the options I want.

Being bored today, I went over to the local Porsche/Audi dealership to check out their inventory. Ended up test driving an A3 that was loaded to the gills. 3.2L V6, Quattro, DSG trans, titanium sport package, big sunroof, navigation, etc. I really liked the car, enough to wonder if I should just get this instead. I was only looking for a manual before, but the DSG seems pretty awesome with very fast shifts.

So this is my dilemma. I'm planning on keeping this car for a long time, so I want to be completely happy with my decision. Both these cars are in the low 30's range, and I can get either one pretty much optioned out. The BMW will be an '07 with maybe 30-40k miles and the Audi is an '08 with 14k miles. Any insight?

or

What they could eventually look like:

 

[SNCBOOM]

Definitely the 335i. The interior of the audi reminds me of a pontiac.

 

[low03tb]

Audi A5:thumbsup:

...335 in your situation!

 

[txyaloo]

335... The Audi is fugly.

 

[KingJay]

I'm a BMW tech. I would never want to own a 335. Those things are garbage. Buy one and see for yourself.

 

[deannyc]

just picked up a 2008 335xi fully loaded..

love it so far.
it moves out for what it is, ALOT of modability. Got a 4 year 100k warranty all for 35k.


There are reliability issues that seem pretty prevalent.
Mostly High pressure fuel pump failure.
BMW has 10 year 120k mile warranty on the part though.
so w/e. its covered.

Then again all cars have issues.
None for me so far. Love the car, would recc it.

$700 = 50-70hp,70-90tq.
muhahaha.

 

[sunburned]

I'm a BMW tech. I would never want to own a 335. Those things are garbage. Buy one and see for yourself.

My mom has one actually. Her's hasn't had a single issue, save for some floor mats that kept rolling up. She loves it.

And the Audi interior is actually really nice. I was surprised how good it looked, everything just surprised me for being Audi's lowest level car. Then again, it's got pretty much every available option.

 

[KingJay]

Mostly High pressure fuel pump failure.
BMW has 10 year 120k mile warranty on the part though.

I love replacing these pumps (job security). 3-4 pumps in the same car is not unusual. I put one in and a month later its back for another one. It's great!
I also love voiding warranties on modded ones. That pisses them off good!

 

[sunburned]

Or I can pick up a brand new 2010 A3 TDI, well optioned, for $37k and get ~40 mpg on the highway...

 

[SSmoked99]

335i fasho!

 

[hoamskilet]

I love audi's, but that one looks to much like a station wagon.

 

[1993R]

M3

 

[sunburned]

M3

Ain't happening.

 

[pho_phizzat]

I dont really care for either but if i had to pick it would be the audi

 

[sunburned]

I dont really care for either but if i had to pick it would be the audi

And what would you suggest?

 

[Derek@Amazon]

335i...

only audi i like is the s5... my sister has one and she seems to love the car. hasnt given her any issues and she said its quick... wish i had the lightning still or had the LX together so i could hand it to her

 

[FISHTAIL]

Dale, you might want to look at a loaded GTI (not kidding). You can get a brand new one for the price you are looking at, and fully loaded, they are pretty damn nice. My Dad test drove a completely loaded 4 door GTI, and I was very surprised at how quiet and comfortable that little thing was.

That car is not typically my cup of tea either, but after having been in it, I'd drive one. A loaded fusion sport was also a surprisingly nice car (it's what my dad ended up getting), quieter than my 330, more gizmo's and faster. Doesn't drive quite as nice, but for some reason I can't see you in one of those anyway.

Oh, and one other car to checkout is the volvo S40...very nice ride.

 

[Derek@Amazon]

Oh, and one other car to checkout is the volvo S40...very nice ride.

thats a good call... i love my s70 its not the fastest thing in the world but it handles well and is pretty quick for such a big car.

 

[WireEater]

What's your thoughts on the G37, I'm sure you can find one in that price range.

 

[swoosh_stang]

Considering what you're looking at, and your price range, you should throw a Lexus IS350 into the mix.