Considering an Audi A3 ... wise purchase?

Spartacus · 18 Sep 2013 at 02:48

DaveyD said:
sticking with VAG you'll get a nicer Octavia (same platform as the A3).

Although sitting in a Skoda is no where near as nice as sitting in an Audi

Zefan · 18 Sep 2013 at 03:28

A £600 turbo is the least of your worries with diesels of that era. Talking £1000 for a replacement DMF and clutch, and they do go - mine did

Petrol all the way.

DaveyD · 18 Sep 2013 at 07:32

dav3evans said:
Guessing the 1.4 version of the focus isn't worth considering? Seems like a small engine for a reasonably large hatchback like this?

I'm scouring Auto Trader again to see what's about, on that subject as well, a petrol focus for around £4k - rough guide on mileage for a reasonably maintained car, around 60k? Again I know there is a lot to consider with owners etc... but a, generally no more than X miles would be useful.

Edit: Looks promising: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...t/page/2/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

1.6 minimum on the Focus, try and test drive a few if you can.

Buy on condition, not mileage. If I found a better 100,000 mile car than a 60,000 mile car, then I'd be happy to go with it so long as it has good service history.

metbandit1 · 18 Sep 2013 at 08:22

Mazda 3 for that price?

rossk26 · 18 Sep 2013 at 08:29

metbandit1 said:
Mazda 3 for that price?

That's where my money would go. I've found they are similar price, if not cheaper, but have more kit and look nicer too.

Essentially the same car too I believe.

metbandit1 · 18 Sep 2013 at 08:40

rossk26 said:
That's where my money would go. I've found they are similar price, if not cheaper, but have more kit and look nicer too.

Essentially the same car too I believe.

Aye
I bought mine for a bit over 3k. sport model with 6 speed gearbox, Cd changer auto wipers etc etc etc

Janesy B · 18 Sep 2013 at 10:50

Gun9 said:
stop telling him not to get a diesel.Its his cash and i think Diesels are great.

Good for you.

wingman · 18 Sep 2013 at 11:27

Gun9 said:
stop telling him not to get a diesel.Its his cash and i think Diesels are great.

Just to chime in here, and I know I'm repeating what others have said, but don't listen to this naive and vague nonsense.

dav3evans · 18 Sep 2013 at 11:30

metbandit1 said:
Aye
I bought mine for a bit over 3k. sport model with 6 speed gearbox, Cd changer auto wipers etc etc etc

Good to know, I'll see what's about. Mate of mine is coming to ferry me about today to see what we can find, so I'll have a look at the Mazda 3s that are on offer now

Thanks for the continued help folks, much appreciated :cool:

Janesy B · 18 Sep 2013 at 11:56

dav3evans said:
On top of that, isn't the MPG around 45 for the diesel, and around 29 for the petrol, is that a sginificant difference to consider?

29 MPG on what? I have a 1.6 Petrol Focus and did 45 MPG on my last tank...

The 42 MPG entry was achieved whilst stuck in traffic for about an hour amongst other stop start driving.

MattTheTall77 · 18 Sep 2013 at 13:16

I have an 05 Focus, the girlfriend has an 05 Mazda 3, both 1.6 petrol. The focus is far better in handling and steering feel as well as more response from the pedal. Test drive all options before deciding.

wingman · 18 Sep 2013 at 13:20

OP, what are your thoughts on a Skoda Fabia?

dav3evans · 18 Sep 2013 at 19:19

Sorry folks, was out car hunting today so I missed all of the above!

I've taken the plunge. Found a great 2007 Focus, Zetec 1.8 petrol. 57k on the clock.

Full service history, and 2 previous owners. By all accounts from my knowledgeable friend it's been very well looked after.

Thanks to all for the assist on the purchase, definitely would have been more difficult otherwise.

Now....about that **** stock stereo....

Minstadave · 18 Sep 2013 at 19:27

Nice job, that should do you nicely.

dav3evans · 18 Sep 2013 at 19:28

Thanks

Nice bunch of guys at the garage as well. We found a bunch of things that needed fixing and have said that they'll MOT it, and whatever comes up they'll fix as well.

Gonna be weird not driving a classic mini anymore, but somehow I think that my knees won't miss it ^_^

dav3evans · 19 Sep 2013 at 00:21

One other thing whilst I'm looking at the insurance stuff, can anyone confirm for me what alarm system is fitted in the Zetec? I think it's a Thatcham CAT 2 immobiliser, as well as a perimeter alarm, making it a class 2/1... I think.

DaveyD · 19 Sep 2013 at 07:18

Have a quick look in the manual, I think there's usually something in there with technical details.

dav3evans · 19 Sep 2013 at 08:15

Don't pick the car up until Saturday so I can't check! Ill pop down there later and ask methinks.