We ran a Golf IV PD150 for a long time and it was great. The new Golf VI seems solid.
I am not keen on the style of the new 3-series. It is however very good to drive and well built. I personally dislike the new 3 series design so perhaps now is the perfect time for a 1 year old ex-demo with full spec to make it comfy. Despite the looks you cannot underestimate its development.
Outside choices for value? The SEAT Exeo is built around last gen Audi 100 engineering but they are keen to move so deals are about. Skodas new Octavia or Superb may be a good one to look at as well. VW platform but bags of space and seemingly well built. Given the tax and cost of a new car, length of warranty and standard of build quality in general (Morgan excepted !) I would buy ex-demo or 1 year old these days. Savings are significant. If you can get the service plan that BMW and others offer it would be worthwhile.
re the BMW driver comments. I thought that the loons that used braile to read your rear number plate had left BMW ownership and were driving white A5's these days ?
These days all the BMW I seem to find on the M3/4/A34 are BMW 320i efficient dynamics that are drafting to save fuel at exactly 78mph and never actually accelerating to pass other cars. They take forever, whatever happened to "the third lane is for overtaking, execute the maneuver and return to the furthermost left lane". I am beginning to think the accelerator is now an option these days!
