Buying New Small Car - Discussion Time

blitzwing85 · 31 Jul 2013 at 08:56

I have an A4 at the minute and may or may not keep that but I do very few miles and all are just around town so makes sense to have something more practical instead of, or at least in edition to.

Currently I'm mostly looking at the Audi A1 but i'm not ruling out others.

Thing i'm debating to myself right now for the A1 is whether to go for the S-Line and add it a couple of extras or go for the Black edition. Need to get down at the weekend and compare them.
Or even go down to the Sport model and add on more extras... :confused:

Then I need to choose between the 2.0 TDI, 1.4 TFSI Manual or 1.4 TFSI S-Tronic.

-Anybody own these models and if so what are your thoughts?

-Also, what other makes are worth looking at?
I see a lot of small cars on the roads and none have ever caught my eye other than the A1 to be honest. The Ibiza SC Cupra is nice but I had an SC for 3.5 years before the A4 so would be a bit too familiar maybe

In the past, I've always just had 1 make, 1 model, 1 spec I wanted and just bought it. This is probably the first time in 8 cars I've ever been looking at multiple options...lol :rolleyes:

Martynt74 · 31 Jul 2013 at 09:41

How about an Alfa Romeo Mito? I think they're brilliant looking cars and the 1.4 multiair is a cracking engine.

londonbairn · 31 Jul 2013 at 10:35

Ex had the black edition 1.4 TFSi 180 PS. Was a rapid wee car and liked driving it but can't help but think that most the range was over priced.

Uriel · 31 Jul 2013 at 11:15

They do seem a bit over-priced when compared to other small VAG cars with similar engines.

Imy · 31 Jul 2013 at 11:21

I'd also look at: Polo, Golf (not that big imo), Suzuki Swift Sport, Fiesta ST.

K.C. Leblanc · 31 Jul 2013 at 12:24

blitzwing85 said:
Then I need to choose between the 2.0 TDI, 1.4 TFSI Manual or 1.4 TFSI S-Tronic.

It sounds like you won't do enough driving to recover the extra cost of the diesel. As for the S-Tronic vs Manual, you really need to try them both.

blitzwing85 · 31 Jul 2013 at 13:27

Well I'll go away and look and some of those other options. I also find the A1 overpriced but it's simply the one I prefer aesthetically by far and unfortunately I find it hard to get away from that. I'd hoped the wife would help me save money there but she likes it even more than me. lol

I got onto the A1 because my Dad bought the S-Line 1.4 TFSI and I just want a new car. The A4 is modified and I'm getting sick of not being able to go into a multi story, or get up ANY curbs etc. The car looks amazing and drives like a dream but it's not at all practical for day to day use in town.

True that I don't do the miles to justify a Diesel. I'd quite like an Automatic now to be honest as again, I only drive around town at busy times so don't get the enjoyment from shifting manually anyway. However, unless I can strike a deal I don't mind it enough to pay £1500 more.

Heading down to garage on Saturday when I finally have time and will drop into some other manufacturers too as they are all together. Shame it's like a 4-5 month waiting time which is a big turn off. I'm not that patient.
I'll probably end up buying a 12-18 month old one defeating the point of me wanting a NEW car.

ahenners · 31 Jul 2013 at 18:12

blitzwing85 said:
The A4 is modified and I'm getting sick of not being able to go into a multi story, or get up ANY curbs etc. The car looks amazing and drives like a dream but it's not at all practical for day to day use in town.

An A4 isn't practical for day to day use?! :confused:

Maybe you should buy a bus instead then?

If you get rid of the lowered suspension or big wheels, or whatever then it's probably one of the most practical all purpose cars out there. You say it looks amazing and drives like a dream so sort those and enjoy the car.

blitzwing85 · 1 Aug 2013 at 09:27

AndyH_Lufc said:
An A4 isn't practical for day to day use?! Maybe you should buy a bus instead then?

If you get rid of the lowered suspension or big wheels, or whatever then it's probably one of the most practical all purpose cars out there. You say it looks amazing and drives like a dream so sort those and enjoy the car.

I bought it from Autovogue so it's got lowered suspension, full kit, 20" wheels, different exhaust etc.
It wouldn't be worth taking things off and buying standard parts.

The fact that it's great to drive is a perk I very rarely get benefits from as my daily use is about 4 miles @30 mph all the way.
It seems a bit pointless lugging this big car around the corner every day.

The great handling is wasted, the spacious interior and the huge boot is wasted.

I want a brand new car (well, ex demo with <500 miles on as I don't buy new) and there is no point paying £180pm more for a new A4 for the use I get...even though I'd prefer it. The money isn't an issue but the principle of it is...I don't like spending where it's not needed.

And my current A4 has a few issues...once a car generates multiple issues I find it'll always be problematic. I want rid.