German automatic saloons - which one?

[EddScott]

My mother wants a new car.

She currently has an 02 A4 diesel which is manual and she's got a bit of a gammy left leg and wants to change to an auto.

She used to do 30K a year so the diesel was a good choice but she now does probably half that these days.

She's looked at 1 series and A3s and isn't too keen on the 1 series. The A3 she does like but she does seem to prefer saloons.

So, a couple of things I'm not sure about is - should it be petrol or diesel and should it be a few years old A4 or 3 series.

She went for the (i think its a b5??) A4 previously because it was more comfortable on long journies than the E46 320D we tested at the time.

Budget is no more than 15K preferably less. We looked at a few 3 series on pistonheads and couldn't decide whether to go for a diesel and lose toys or go petrol and get more toys (for the same price)

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1781304.htm
We like this one

or

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1781015.htm
I know this is manual but its an example of how a diesel is similar price to petrol but less toys.

One question I'd like to ask regarding Audi A3 is the DSG gearbox - they all seem to say DSG so are they all DSG or is it just something that sellers call all Audi automatics? I thought DSG was flappy padals?

 

[[TW]Fox]

This money should get an 07 current shape C class. This would be my choice as Audi and BMW are firmly locked in a sportyNess competition.

 

[Participant]

One question I'd like to ask regarding Audi A3 is the DSG gearbox - they all seem to say DSG so are they all DSG or is it just something that sellers call all Audi automatics? I thought DSG was flappy padals?

No they're not all DSG.

DSG is the gearbox.

Flappy paddles are flappy paddles.

Not all DSG cars have flappy paddles.

The A3 is old now despite the facelift, and a new one is coming soon.

 

[BigT]

Well if she wants the most comfortable on long journeys and an auto I would suggest a Mercedes instead of the Audi or BMW equivalents which are better driver's cars. The only problem I can see is that with £15K, the C and E classes (if she wants a bit bigger) of the era were not built to the highest standards.

Are size, running costs or age an issue? For maximum comfort and easy auto driving with loads of toys an S320 diesel is hard to beat:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1752759.htm

edit: didn't realise £15K got you a current shape C which is much better. Thank you fox.

 

[EddScott]

This money should get an 07 current shape C class. This would be my choice as Audi and BMW are firmly locked in a sportyNess competition.

She had a C class before and was very happy with it. The Audi has done the job but doesn't really do anything for her emotionally. She does like to have a reasonable level of "sport" in the cars even if she doesn't actually use or need the sportiness.

She does go back and forth to Oxford but only once a month or so rather than every weekend so she doesn't do big miles anymore hence being undecided over diesel/petrol.

I think the A3 is probably out because she wants a saloon.

When the decision is made on what model and spec she will ask a car dealer friend of ours to go find it so I would imagine it will be ex-fleet. It suits her becuase it keeps him sweet and he's a good client of ours and he also becomes responsible for looking after the car for her.

 

[Sukh]

I like the first one, no need for petrol, but as Fox always says, might as well get a 330i as you will be paying the same running costs.

 

[[TW]Fox]

I like the first one, no need for petrol, but as Fox always says, might as well get a 330i as you will be paying the same running costs.

This tends to only apply as the cars get a bit cheaper, at this end of the market there is often quite a difference in purchase price. I agree its stupid to pay 330i money for a 325i but you might find quite a saving with the 325i.

For example there are a glut of 325i E92's around the £15-18k mark at the moment - you could only dream of an E92 330i for that, whereas there is plenty of 325i choice.