Audi A1 alternatives

SpeedFreak

SpeedFreak

SpeedFreak

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A little background here. My sister is after a new car. She bought a Yaris 1.3 in 2007 brand new for 10.5K. Now this was against my recommendations and I'm not thinking that this time will be any different, however I will be with her when she's looking.

The Yaris at current rates will fetch 5k if she gets an OK price. She now has her heart (tell me about it) set on an audi A1. She has specifically mentioned that she likes the 1.6 diesel because "it will save her on road tax and fuel" (she currently fills the Yaris once every two and a half weeks).

What I really want to do is the following:

help her find a car as good if not better than a 17k 1.6d A1

possibly find it for 12k or even less and is 1-2 years old

find something that will not loose over half this value in 3 years of light use.

The only issue I currently have is that I have not been in the A1 yet (viewing this weekend) My current suggestions to her are as follows:

BMW 120d M Sport 08 but is similar in price to the A1

Volvo C30 R Design 2.0D 08/09 (maybe 1.6 petrol)

Honda Civic Type S 08/09 (Probably a 1.4)

A3 S Line 2.0d (140bhp) 08

I know it is unlikely that she will take any advice, however on this occasion the wife and I are looking for a new car as well so we may be able to get the dealer to be flexible on price if there are two sales (Honda the most likely in this case). Can anyone suggest a car that may appeal to her and is not overpriced or generally poor?

Thanks
 
I prefer the C30 to the A1 but the A1's much more practical with regards to its boot access.

I'd take any of the alternatives, barring the Honda, over it, though.

MINI maybe?
 
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hadn't considered the Mini, good reminder there. tbh, practicality is not imperative, the yaris is quite small and she does fine with it, almost anything is bigger lol
 
The A1 looks good in and out. The diesel is, it seems, the best of the bunch engine wise with truly amazing mpg too. I think you'll be more impressed than you expect.
 
I am prepared for that and don't get me wrong, based on the A3 it may actually hold it's value. I'm just concerned that she will buy it without even looking at any alternatives, and I'd quite like her to be certain it is the best car for her money.
 
If she isn't a badge snob and can handle a bit less refinement... A Skoda Fabia (currently dealers are doing a 20% off promotion)
 
VFM Addict said:
The A1 looks good in and out. The diesel is, it seems, the best of the bunch engine wise with truly amazing mpg too. I think you'll be more impressed than you expect.
Click to expand...

I managed to coax about 50mpg out of the one I had, which was on a par with the C30 and probably the 120d - but the interior already had some interesting rattles and sqeaks going on, it wasn't as well put together as the C30 - although, overall, it was very nicely built and did have some of that 'premium' feel that everyone was raving about.

It did look good though, inside and out, and had some interesting little detail bits. Drove well, although not particularly inspiring :) Quite comfortable and relaxed on the motorway as you'd hope, too.
 
The Polo may actually be a very good shout. They seem to do the same 1.6 diesel unit and although not as nice, could be almost 4k cheaper.
 
If you're talking about the previous shape A1 then I'd take any of the cars of your list gladly but would be heading towards the A3.
 
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