Spec me an A3 replacement

andicole0

andicole0

andicole0

Soldato
Joined
12 Sep 2005
Posts
6,497
Location
Grundisburgh
I'll be looking after Xmas to replace my A3 Sportback 1.8T S-line with a new or nearly new vehicle around the 30K mark, 20 + PX.
The simple answer is another A3 as it fits what we need and like very much. But just for a sanity check are there any alternatives. My wife has a number of requirements but we'll ignore those at the moment.
The simple requirements are petrol as we do very few miles these days, auto because I've become used to it and 4 wheel drive as we live in a fairly rural area.
Useful would be a slightly higher ride so Q2/Q3. The Q2 is very new and I've read that it offers little over an A3. The Q3 I believe is older design/tech.
Any thoughts would be appreciated or laughed at :-)
Andi.
 
[TW]Fox said:
You probably don't need a quattro to be fair, FWD is absolutely fine.
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You are wrong there I'm afraid. Both our A1and A3 suffer from lack of front wheel grip.
Bear in mind my car history and driving style is based on your Sti's an Evo and a Quattro A6.
I don't normally do fine otherwise I'd be looking at a Ford
Andi.
 
[TW]Fox said:
You'd be better off with the right tyres rather than restricting your choice going for 4wd IMHO.

A correctly tyred FWD car will happily drive around the guy spinning all 4 of his wheels in his quattro.
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That's not the scenario I am looking at. I have always fealt more comfortable with AWD. This aspect isn't really up for discussion as I have experienced both and prefer AWD.
Andi.
 
[TW]Fox said:
You realise the 4wd system in the A3 is not a conventional full-time 4wd system like that you've had in the A6, right?

If you want proper 4wd you will need to look at the A4.
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I doubt I'd notice the difference as I won't be driving them side by side or at the extreme. It will however give 4wd feeling to a mainly fwd car and the comfort factor of having the additional drive in dodgy conditions.
Andi.
 
Nasher said:
You don't really NEED AWD in the UK, especially not those part-time ones. If you need an AWD car, get a proper AWD car.

I drive a RWD car year round and it's fine, just don't do something stupid. AWD won't magically make it rock solid on snow/ice. As above, tyres make a bigger difference.
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You have no idea what I need! Don't assume people are all like you or drive the same as you. I have driven all kinds of vehicles over the years including Land Rivers and a pick up 'truck' (sorry fox). I know what I need and why I need it, hence my comments in 1st post.
Andi.
 
Ok so let's just assume I know what I want rather than need. Some sort of 4 wheel drive is on the list of requirements, now get with the program people.
For reference I have been driving for about 45 years, I have trophies from RAC rallies and autotests and obviously held the appropriate competition licenses.
I am not looking for opinions on other peoples driving abilities just whether there are potential alternatives to A3/Q2 quattro.
Andi.
As an aside 4wd helps where I live due to small lanes with wet biggy edges and lots of mud. The ability to get extra drive is essential unless you want to be a ****** and just wait on the tarmac for other drivers to sort the congestion out.
 
Give it a rest guys because you are not winning the argument. Having to pull over a on small lane with the left side wheels on a very muddy edge can easily lead to the driven wheel just spinning. A LSD or traction control might help but 4wd even part time 4wd will make things a lot less problematic. It means I can be more adventurous in my attempts to get out of the eay of other road users.
Andi.
 
sanaxe1 said:
It makes me laugh when people say they need 4WD due to where they live. Then you find out their neighbour has a vauxhall corsa and manages just fine.
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It isn't a matter of managing it's a matter of being prepared. I had a friend at university with a Hillman Imp. Drove from Edinburgh to Swansea, got through some snow in mid Wales and was stopped by Police and told the road he had come down was closed. Decent drivers can cope under most conditions being sensible, but having an extra tool on your toolkit can never be dismissed.
Andi.
 
I am fully aware of driving conditions like snow frost water gravel mud etc etc.
Will pop down to local Subaru in a mo as they're within walking distance even out here in the sticks.
Also yes need to look at X1 beamed x drive.
Andi.
 
One consideration was for 2 cars, an M3/4 and a small 4x4. So not so silly suggestions.
Other option could be an Isuzu pickup and whatever is cheapest in the UK new.
Andi.
 
I quite like the Skoda range but they limited on petrol options. I have liked the idea of a Yeti in the past JC likes them too.
Andi
 
arfoll said:
Sorry but what? You *need* AWD/4WD Ain Sussex? I recommend watching a few videos about modern winter tyres, here's a yeti AWD vs yeti FWD on winter tyres:

FYI i'm in germany with quite a lot of snow and people drive all year round on RWD BMWs without issues because of winter tyres.
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As I have already made it clear this not for snow/ice it is for those very occasional moments when 4wd would be helpful. Muddy edges of roads, rubbish road surfaces rapid acceleration beyond the ability of 2 wheel drive. I can spin the front wheels in a 1.4 sport Audi A1 that is a waste. I do not want to 'manage' with what I can get away with i want any extras that could help under some circumstances.

People please understand I am not going to drive around in an under-powered under capable vehicle that limits my enjoyment of driving. I can cope perfectly well with most vehicles in most conditions I am just choosing to pay for something better with more options that suit me.

I happily drove a 944 Turbo in the snow and ice back the 80's but an Impreza turbo was much easier to deal with.

I am not looking here for a basic minimal vehicle so PLEASE stop with "you don't need' business.

Andi.
 
@mjt Yes but I do know how to liven up Motors with the people here
Never expected to get anything sensible but it is entertaining!
Actually the Subaru suggestion could be fruitful, new model XV should be worth a test.
Andi.
 
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