patrick_y[PuristSPro Moderator]
33553
I'd do BMW or a GTI or a R32.
In the USA we have a Golf GTI (GTI is similar to the GTD in petrol format) or a Golf "R" which is a high performance AWD version of the hot hatch.
The ZF 8 speed auto is fantastic. Best automatic torque converter transmission I've ever driven. How is the VW DSG transmission reliability after several years?
The BMW 1 series also has a tiny trunk. Which is really annoying when you're doing your travels or shopping. In addition to the rapid depreciation you mentioned.
How much more of a financial premium is the BMW 1 series over the GTD? I'd personally get the BMW.
How big is a BMW 320d sedan a further big gap in price compared to the 120d? Try the 320d that F30 chassis is simply to die for. So comfortable, yet undeniably sporty, even with the 17-inch wheels with the H rated non low profile tires, it's still a tremendous amount of fun. In the USA we have the "328i" 240 hp petrol I4 which is so good on the drive through the mountain to a certain ocean beach that I simply say, "A Porsche is almost not necessary."
That's a hard decision between the GTD and the 120d. Here in the USA we don't have the 1-series BMW hatchbacks. So I've never really seen one nor driven one. Just what I've seen in Europe. But the VW Golf is a good car. I'd be very happy to own either the GTD or 120d. I have a feeling the GTD is going to be larger and more practical, because I recall seeing the 120d in Europe and saw that it couldn't hold more than 3 bags of groceries. In the US, we have a store called COSTCO (think even more extreme than CARREFOUR warehouse stores) which is a "buy in bulk" retailer and the 120d would probably not be able to fit a typical family of four's COSTCO shopping.
Really difficult decision, I wouldn't know what to do...