Tell Me About the Audi A3/Similar

platypus

platypus

platypus

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The other half is looking at an A3 as a potential for a new car. Just looking through the options, there are more engine and trim configurations then you can shake a..shakey thing at. Going from a 1.8 TDi Focus.

She does a fair bit of commuting, so we're looking at getting as new a car as possible (not brand new of course though), potential to trade in the Ford Focus.

Needs to have 5 doors, and she wants air conditioning in it, cruise control a nice bonus. Other then standard options (air bags, rcl and the like) it doesn't really need any fancy add ons.

Also - any cars in a similar spec, price range welcome.
 
If she's wanting to stay diesel, then the obvious choices are the 2.0TDI A3 and the BMW 120d. 15k won't quite get you a 123d, unfortunately.

Both are good cars and infinitely better than a Focus, assuming you want to go 'premium' and not save money.
 
It depends how quick it needs to be in an A3 as to whether you want a 2.0 or 1.9 TDi. I went for the 140ps 2.0TDi because I found the 1.9 a little sluggish. There is also a 170ps 2.0 so it depends what you are looking for. The only thing I have found with it that has surprised me a bit is that it goes through a lot of oil compared to the diesels I have had in the past.
 
Minxy said:
It depends how quick it needs to be in an A3 as to whether you want a 2.0 or 1.9 TDi. I went for the 140ps 2.0TDi because I found the 1.9 a little sluggish. There is also a 170ps 2.0 so it depends what you are looking for.
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Isn't the 1.9TDi an old unit now and for the price range the (apparently considered a lot better) 2.0TDi should be do-able as long as they are willing to go used?
 
Peerzy said:
Isn't the 1.9TDi an old unit now and for the price range the (apparently considered a lot better) 2.0TDi should be do-able as long as they are willing to go used?
Click to expand...

I'm sorry I think I'm having a blonde moment as I'm not sure what you mean. They are still putting out 1.9s brand new if that is what you mean.
 
It doesn't need to be an amazing performer, and she definitely doesn't want a BMW.

We had a look at a top spec Ford Focus as well last night and for the money it seems like a good car.

Definitely willing to go second hand for a 2.0 TDi though.
 
Spuderoony said:
If she's wanting to stay diesel, then the obvious choices are the 2.0TDI A3 and the BMW 120d. 15k won't quite get you a 123d, unfortunately.

Both are good cars and infinitely better than a Focus, assuming you want to go 'premium' and not save money.
Click to expand...

Really, is this perceived infinitely betterness or actual infinitely betterness?

*Betterness being a new word meaning better than.

Personally i think the A3 and LCI 1 series are indeed better than the focus, but not infinitely nor twice the price better.
 
It really depends, at just about every A3 price point you can get just about the same car from a different maker for cheaper (bar the badge and arguably quite as good fit and finish).

If you must have an A3 i'd spend 10k on a 2005 - 2006 2.0TDI Sport with as many options / full stamped book and recent belt change.
 
I'm happy to entertain other cars - the trouble is now though with my accident this morning, we need a new car quickly, and we'd started to think about the A3 earlier.
 
I've had quite a lot of 140/180bhp 2 litre diesel hatchback experience lately and would urge you to go with the TDI 170 A3 or the 120d.

I would ague the 120d is definately a better car than the A3 however it can be quite reasonably argued that the 1 Series looks like crap. Therefore my advice is get the 120d, but if you cant stand how it looks, get the A3. If you dont mind the way a 1 looks though its the better car, IMHO.
 
Sorry Fox I know little about cars to start with and my heads kind of spinning..what is the 170 in TDi 170?

Firestar - around 12-15,000 miles a year.

Town and motorway.

A slightly bigger car isn't a non starter - it's our "practical" car (mine is an MX-5) so the idea of being able to move stuff around from time to time, do a big shop etc.

Thanks guys - in a bit of an odd situation and appreciate the help a lot.
 
Does your budget stretch to a 325d? I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that a 6 cylinder diesel is far better than a 4 pot of similar power and similar on paper performance stats.
 
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