Automatic VW Golf or BMW 3 series?

[mcast]

I'm looking at buying either of the above, 12-18 months old with about 15k miles, budget around £17k. I'm more of a comfortable drive than performance person. I believe both are getting a refresh next year, so should get a 17/18 plate at a decent price.

Anyone got any opinions?

 

[Nasher]

Not sure about the current BMW. But pretty much every VAG car I've been in has had a horrible ride on UK roads if you want comfort. Like they think rock hard suspension in everything makes it "sporty".

 

[blun]

Seems strange to narrow down to two completely different cars? Do you want a golf-sized hatchback (focus / astra competitor) or a premium saloon (A4 / C-class competitor) ?

 

[Maundie]

Out of those 2 it would have to be the 3 Series all day long, coming from a petrol 3 Series to a diesel Focus (so a similar car to a Golf) I found the 3 Series a much better cruiser, more comfortable and a bit quieter on the motorway.

Would be better to go Octavia, Mondeo or Passat which is more the 3 Series size/equivalent.

 

[Scania]

The 3 is being replaced very soon with a completely new model rather than a refresh as such.

With regard to the 3 Series, the automatic is one of the best gearboxes I’ve used but I’d avoid the M-Sport as the ride imo is way too firm.

I’d find a well optioned SE - plenty out there.

 

[dessimpson]

Not sure about the current BMW. But pretty much every VAG car I've been in has had a horrible ride on UK roads if you want comfort. Like they think rock hard suspension in everything makes it "sporty".

I've got a 2017 Golf GTD Blueline and it's not harsh at all. I'd go as far to say it may be a little soft.
My mate has a 2017 TDI R-line and I'll agree with you on that one. It's quite hard on the bumps.

 

[MrRockliffe]

Not sure about the current BMW. But pretty much every VAG car I've been in has had a horrible ride on UK roads if you want comfort. Like they think rock hard suspension in everything makes it "sporty".

BMWs can be pretty poor due to run flats, at least on circa 2010-2015 models. My father replaced all of the run flats on all of the BMWs he's owned.

However, in your scenario, I'd take a 3 series most likely - all round nicer car IMO

Then again, if you're getting the Golf with a Dynaudio system... It's pretty special

 

[mjt]

I'm looking at buying either of the above, 12-18 months old with about 15k miles, budget around £17k. I'm more of a comfortable drive than performance person. I believe both are getting a refresh next year, so should get a 17/18 plate at a decent price.

Anyone got any opinions?

I have a Golf 1.4 TSI ACT GT DSG for my commute and it's pretty decent. As it only has 150bhp it lacks power over 100mph and the DSG gearbox is not the smoothest when pulling away, but it's a solid car that does the job.
I don't think the ride is particularly poor, but it's German, so I don't expect wallowy suspension.

Which engines are you considering?

 

[wesley]

i went from 2016 320d ED+ auto to 2017 Golf GTD DSG.

if you want comfortable ride then get the 3 series. but i find the golf GTD more fun to drive overall. both gearbox are smooth but sometimes the auto in 3 jerk hard from 7th to 8th when cruising on motorway