BMW 1 Series or Audi A3

asakura797

asakura797

asakura797

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Basically my mate is looking to buy either a brand new BMW 1 series 3 door or an Audi A3 3 door. Either one in Diesel. I advised him to buy the A3, mostly because I think the Audi looks better than the 1 series, however I do love BMWs! Your thoughts are greatly welcomed!

Thanks in advance guys!
 
he needs to drive them, when I drove the above I preferred the 1, but I drove and older 120i that didn't have the new PAS, which I hear is terrible.
 
Neither of these cars are worth anything like the sticker price as new. Avoid unless you are a company car buyer. Otherwise buy used.

The 1 Series is a great car, I like them quite a bit now but they are a complete ripoff at the prices they command new.

I advised him to buy the A3, mostly because I think the Audi looks better than the 1 series
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What a thoroughly worthless bit of advice that was. I'm sure he's capable of deciding which one looks the prettiest himself.
 
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Avoid the 1.6 1 series (if they still make them?) - that's an awful car it is like trying to accelerate whilst a big chain is trying to pull you back. Personally prefer the Audi - but, as said already, try them both. I'd at least go for the 2 litre variants.



M.
 
I had a 1.6 1 series as courtesy car a few weeks back. I can honestly say I was terrible and I nearly jumps for joy the following week when they apologised and said they could only give me a Grande Punto. The Fiat was A much more enjoyable place to be.
 
I had a 1.6 1 series as courtesy car a few weeks back. I can honestly say I was terrible and I nearly jumps for joy the following week when they apologised and said they could only give me a Grande Punto. The Fiat was a much more enjoyable place to be.
 
I just had a 1 series m sport for a week and thought it was great.. really impressed.

Not quick, but quick enough and handled very nicely. For a small car it seemed well put together. Niggles were poor rear visibility and a terrible stereo... but overall I came away thinking it would be an ideal car for the woman. It was reasonable fun too...

I wouldnt hesitate it as an option for me in the future too.

With regards to the a3 I tested a 140 TDi about 6 months ago and found it quite boring really... drove fine, but didnt feel better than anything else.
 
I love my 120d

It's plenty quick enough for me and has a good kick to it when you plant your foot. It handles extremely well, I've foolishly thrown it around some corners a bit faster than I should have done at times and it's just laughed it off. It still brings a smile to my face everytime I get the time to drive it properly

It's quite good on fuel too. I get about 420 miles out of a £55 fill up of BP Ultimate. Usually about 44mpg on long journeys, 35-37 on my work journey

For a diesel engine it sounds fine, a little noisy in the extreme cold, but any other time, I often get quite a few remarks from people who are surprised it's a diesel when I tell them.

The interior is fantastic I find, very solid, no squeaks or rattles anywhere and it's a very nice place to be. I've done a couple of very long drives in it and never once felt uncomfortable. The seats provide a good amount of adjustment options which means I can get it perfect for me. Visibility is a bit off when looking out the sides at junctions, the pillars sometimes get in the way. But that really is my only gripe with it so far
 
[DOD]Asprilla;15870260 said:
I had a 1.6 1 series as courtesy car a few weeks back.
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Me too, was glad to give it back and get my 5 series back. It also only managed to return 23mpg. Would really like to have a go of one of the bigger engined variants though.
 
Not much to add technically, but it seems a high proportion of A3s are driven by total knobs. If your mate falls into that category, then it's probably the right choice.
 
Steedie said:
For a diesel engine it sounds fine, a little noisy in the extreme cold, but any other time, I often get quite a few remarks from people who are surprised it's a diesel when I tell them.
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From inside or outside? I was parked next to a diesel 1 series the other day with it's engine running, and even my girlfriend pointed out that it sounded like a tractor :p Could have been a different engine though I suppose, if there are different ones through the range.
 
They do sound quiet inside - same as some of the bigger Audis which sound like the engines eating itself outside yet inside it's very quiet and serene.

The problem with the 1.6 is that when you are foot to the floor it barely moves yet sounds like you're about to burst through the gates of hell.


M.
 
DannyDan said:
From inside or outside? I was parked next to a diesel 1 series the other day with it's engine running, and even my girlfriend pointed out that it sounded like a tractor :p Could have been a different engine though I suppose, if there are different ones through the range.
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It's not particularly quiet inside at all, really, infact the only diesel 4 pot BMW that I've found is, is the E60 520d but even that isnt so quiet you dont know its a diesel unless you are a bit dim.
 
I absolutely hated the 1-Series I have had the mispleasure of driving. I still cannot fathom who designed the pedal spacing on a RHD car. Must suit the Japanese market to a T, but my measly size 8 found it immensly annoying.

Not driven a new shape A3 to comment.
 
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