Not sure if this is the right spot for this, but here we are. I find myself considering the Honda Accord 2.0 (Sport or EX-L) and the newly released VW GLI. I am looking for a DD that allows for occasional spirited driving. Both may not lease well, so considering buying a used Accord and pricing out a GLI. I haven’t driven either one yet, but plan to. I have two car seats, so that’s why prefer GLI over GTI, more space. I get the accord has more space, but if the GLI has enough, then it’s a toss up to fun/price.
If you can find a leftover 2018 Accord they’re actually leasing really well. IMO the Accord doesn’t make much sense to buy used as the selling price discounts on new are very strong. I haven’t seen any lease numbers on GLI but I’d imagine they’re atrocious since it’s so new. And VW ownership can be, uh, interesting.
Other than that, it’s a personal subjective judgement call. I love the way the Accord looks inside and out, and it is very GTI like in its ride and handling. The chrome mustache is brutal but Honda sells an accessory sport grille for $200 that fixes it. IMO it’s a must have.
I have a 2018 Sport 2.0T 6MT and it’s been fantastic. Have 27k on it so far. I have a 3 and 5 year old and the backseat room is amazing for a midsize sedan. The only thing it needs is an LSD…does the GLI have an option for one?
I am sure you are right on the extra space. I don’t haul the kiddos everyday so that’s why I am ok (in theory) with sacrifing some space to enjoy myself every day. That may not be exclusive to only one choice in this equation.
Go grab a 3 series fart car for half the payment of the GLI, good luck finding an accord deal. GLI won’t lease well until inventory builds, which will be awhile. If you want a '18 an accord, get on it before there’s nothing left, post some quotes instead asking us internet clowns what to do
The GLI is going to be a car that you buy, and one that you buy because you really want it. A car for someone who wants a GTI but needs the extra space in the rear seat that the Jetta provides. You buy it because you’re an enthusiast that loves the GTI/GLI and not because it’s the best deal for the $$$.
I’ll be buying one next year because I’m this guy.
I can’t get over how ugly the front grill is on the new Jetta. I don’t like the lines and headlight shape at all. I had hoped it would grow on me, but it hasn’t.
Doesn’t matter if you haul kids weekly or daily, car seats will be fixed in place. I would first take car seats to dealership, put them in each car and see if they affect you and/or wife’s ability to have seat where you want it.
I actually went through this debate last year. Cars like the three series and Q50 have poor rear seat leg room (which translates into car seat room) although numbers don’t always tell the whole story. The GLI has significantly more rear leg room than either of those compact luxury so should be doable although not as spacious as the Accord.
I assume you have read motortrend’s recent GLI review. Sounds like a great performance car that is more fun to drive although definitely not as refined as Accord EX-L. Also, GLI runs premium fuel. If you put that same premium fuel in the Honda you should get a significant HP bump based on Hondata’s Dyno testing results.
We bought an 2018 Accord 1.5 touring. Was end of model year and got 20% off MSRP which was a discount I couldn’t match on the 2.0 touring. Even with that purchase price they weren’t leasing well so leasing wasn’t a good option. I have been very happy with it although it’s definitely a little more of a PITA to get kiddo into and out of than SUV but the huge back seat means my wife can have her seat in a comfortable position and passengers have plenty of room.
I think the Accord 2.0 is a good compromise for a fun/family friendly car but the GLI is going to win the sportier contest by virtue of it’s transmission and smaller size.
It’s not going to lease well now or even 4-5 months from now (see GTI). Dealer nearest me has an Autobahn for $2K off MSRP, which is a ~7% discount. Assuming only 1st month, tags, doc fee it’s still close to $500/month for 36 months.
. I know the opinion is to buy, just didn’t realize how bad the lease was. Rediculous.