I am still looking for a semi-daily use car after my Golf died last year. I've been unable to decide what to get next so have just lived with my Corrado as a main car temporarily. Although I have two teenage kids we only occasionally need three or four seats nowadays. I probably drive 4 to 5 thousand miles a year. I do have my Corrado which is surprisingly roomy in the back for short trips. But I'm looking for something more modern for daily use. I am comfortable VAG world, as is my wife, and three cars come to mind. However I keep flipping between them and wanted a few opinions. One of my biggest criteria is to avoid a lot of depreciation while still having a fairly interesting car. I am looking to spend about £10k (plus or minus a couple of k for the right car). But depreciation is one of the biggest criteria.
Thoughts on the below?
Audi TT mk1 Quattro Sport
- This is not a practical car for four people so a major disadvantage would be that I'd need to use the Corrado on occasions where we need more seats. However they are holding their monery well and now starting to rise. They have the potential to become a classic but obviously there are no guarantees. I've owned several 225's in the past but driving a few QS 240's recently the do feel lovely inside, mainly due to the wonderful seats. I've always wanted one and they seem cheap to maintain. But they obviously aren't a family car. Realistically I'd probably end up also buying a cheap four door runabout if I did get the QS.
Golf mk4 R32
- I used to have a mk4 V6 4Motion and it was arguably the best built Golf I've owned (better than my mk6) and I really miss the Haldex. The mk4 R32 would be like that but on steroids. It would be practical enough for a family car and I wouldn't have to rely on the Corrado which is getting a little too old. The really big advantage of this car is that it has a large fanbase and prices are now definitely on the up. I've had several cars with the VR6 engine and absolutely love the character of them. But they are a little old now so the interior is dated and maintenance costs might be an issue.
Golf mk5 R32
- I liked my mk6 GTI and discounted a mk5 R32 in the past due to increased costs, weight and the general concensus that the GTI is better. The GTI certainly seems better. But it wasn't exciting at all to own. I feel that the R32 would at least be characterful even if it's not technically as good. A 5 door mk5 R32 fits almost everyhting I need in a car. It's the sensible choice out of all of these. But unlike the QS and mk4 R32 there will be some depreciation. The tax will also be in the highest bracket.
Yes I know people will suggest non-VAG cars and I am open to suggestions. But all of the above are cars I've considered in the past and I know a fair amount about them. So they are my main candidates. Thanks.
Thoughts on the below?
Audi TT mk1 Quattro Sport
- This is not a practical car for four people so a major disadvantage would be that I'd need to use the Corrado on occasions where we need more seats. However they are holding their monery well and now starting to rise. They have the potential to become a classic but obviously there are no guarantees. I've owned several 225's in the past but driving a few QS 240's recently the do feel lovely inside, mainly due to the wonderful seats. I've always wanted one and they seem cheap to maintain. But they obviously aren't a family car. Realistically I'd probably end up also buying a cheap four door runabout if I did get the QS.
Golf mk4 R32
- I used to have a mk4 V6 4Motion and it was arguably the best built Golf I've owned (better than my mk6) and I really miss the Haldex. The mk4 R32 would be like that but on steroids. It would be practical enough for a family car and I wouldn't have to rely on the Corrado which is getting a little too old. The really big advantage of this car is that it has a large fanbase and prices are now definitely on the up. I've had several cars with the VR6 engine and absolutely love the character of them. But they are a little old now so the interior is dated and maintenance costs might be an issue.
Golf mk5 R32
- I liked my mk6 GTI and discounted a mk5 R32 in the past due to increased costs, weight and the general concensus that the GTI is better. The GTI certainly seems better. But it wasn't exciting at all to own. I feel that the R32 would at least be characterful even if it's not technically as good. A 5 door mk5 R32 fits almost everyhting I need in a car. It's the sensible choice out of all of these. But unlike the QS and mk4 R32 there will be some depreciation. The tax will also be in the highest bracket.
Yes I know people will suggest non-VAG cars and I am open to suggestions. But all of the above are cars I've considered in the past and I know a fair amount about them. So they are my main candidates. Thanks.
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