New Job / New Car 118d v A3 sport

[stevieb]

I have recently accepted a new job and the main perk is a company car....

I have a number of options but it boild down to a A3 2.0 TDCI sport or a 118d SE.

I dont mind the look of either car, i have not driven either and dont erally want to go to the dealership for a drive and waste there time. But the local dealer will get the order.

SHall i go for the test drives?? or shall i just take a punt over which car to have? I will have to live with it for 3 years or so.

[craggers]

I would say test drive both as you will be living with it for next 3 years not us !!

Both are nice.

P.s. Didn't realise that Audi do 'TDCI' - thought that was for Ford

Edited by craggers on Thursday 24th July 16:12

[stevieb]

craggers said:

I would say test drive both as you will be living with it for next 3 years not us !!

Both are nice.

P.s. Didn't realise that Audi do 'TDCI' - thought that was for Ford

Edited by craggers on Thursday 24th July 16:12

Oopps the other option to me was the galaxy TDCI.. But i have ruled that one out in favour of buying our own volvo XC90 and get rid of the impreza!

So this will be a work hack covering 15k miles a year!

Edited by stevieb on Thursday 24th July 16:16

[bmw2002]

The 118d SE isnt the best looking car, will they not go for the M sport version? Not driven an Audi but the 1 series is like a little go-kart and the 18d is quite refined.

[stevieb]

No chance of the M sport version.. I am upto my spending limit... My criteria is to have a reasonable nice car for driving to clients offices. with a low Co2 rating less than 140 g/km.

Personally i dont find the looks that bad but i dont mind the new subaru impreza.

[stevieb]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Not that Keen on the A3 though! Will be going to guildford tomorrow after work to have a look around em. If not will be going there saturday morning. Need to make up my mind by monday!!! or they will give me a Honda Civic Hybrid!

[john_r]

Some other options in the same criteria and similar price:

HONDA CIVIC 5DR HAT 2.2 i-CTDi EX GLASS/RF LTH 08
FORD MONDEO 4DR SAL 1.8TDCi 125 6sp TITANIUM 08A (154 CO2 though...)
RENAULT LAGUNA 5DR HAT 1.5 dCi 110 EXPRESSION 08
MERCEDES B180 5DR 2.0 CDi SPORT 09
NISSAN QASHQAI 5DR HAT 1.5dCi TEKNA S/N 07
JAGUAR X TYPE 4DR SAL 2.0L D S 09 (149 CO2)

Just think that compared to the Audi or the BMW you'll get a lot more for your money, and when it comes to motorway munching there's probably better out there than a BMW 1-series or Audi A3...

Now if you were looking at a 130i M-Sport then it would be a no-brainer purely for the fun factor!

[stevieb]

The Merc and the JAg are not on the List...

I dont really want a Ford. But the Honda i have driven as a hire car.. But the seat was not to my liking.. Covered over 1000 miles in 2 days!

[Dave B S3]

Personally the Honda, an old colleague had a similar situation and said i was the best move he made that 2.2 is lovely and the styling is quite nice now?

Hope that helps

D

[AngryS3Owner]

I expect the Audi would be nicer for doing loads of miles, but the BMW more fun, I'd test drive both cars as close to the spec as you'll be getting as possible as the options will make a huge difference.

[MadDad]

I had an A4 TDi for a couple of years and could not fault it as a company wagon! At the time I chose it I had a choice of a number of different cars (up to a hire cost limit), my budget would allow an A4 TDI SE (with a little cash left to spend on extra's), a standard 318d with no money left for extra's (and windy windows in the front, tape deck instead of CD player and no air-con!), Merc C180 Coupe, Volvo V40 1.9 tdi and a few others...............test drove them and the Audi won hands down!

Take them for a drive, remember your the one that will have to do 15k per year in it not us lot!!

[stevieb]

I have had a look around the A3 and didnt really like it tht much as it was only a 3 door, the 5 door seemed out of proportion!

I am off to look at and drive the 1 series tomorrow.. Now thinking if it is possible to get some rear end action out of a 118d..

[Munter]

stevieb said:

I have had a look around the A3 and didnt really like it tht much as it was only a 3 door, the 5 door seemed out of proportion!

I am off to look at and drive the 1 series tomorrow.. Now thinking if it is possible to get some rear end action out of a 118d..

A3 or a 1 series. And you even bothered to look at the A3!

you'd never guess which one I'd have on paper would you

[stevieb]

Went up to have a look around the 1 series after work and it seems ok just need to go our for a drive now

[VerySideways]

I may be biased but the 1 series is awesome. And you can chip a 118d for pennies.

[stevieb]

VerySideways said:

I may be biased but the 1 series is awesome. And you can chip a 118d for pennies.

Its not my car.. But is the chip detectable or can you get a piggy back one that you can disconnect from the wiring loom??

STeve

[arun1uk]

Which A3 is it though?

The 140bhp or the 170bhp? The 140 is ok, the 170 delivers the power in one massive blow and I really didnt like it....I prefer a nice linear power delivery, but that's just me.

I'd go for the Audi and spec it up to an S-Line.

[stevieb]

arun1uk said:

Which A3 is it though?

The 140bhp or the 170bhp? The 140 is ok, the 170 delivers the power in one massive blow and I really didnt like it....I prefer a nice linear power delivery, but that's just me.

I'd go for the Audi and spec it up to an S-Line.

It was the 140 BHP version but specced up to SE only. S-Line is not avalible.

I have gone for the BMW and added a couple of options

[bmw2002]

stevieb said:

arun1uk said:

Which A3 is it though?

The 140bhp or the 170bhp? The 140 is ok, the 170 delivers the power in one massive blow and I really didnt like it....I prefer a nice linear power delivery, but that's just me.

I'd go for the Audi and spec it up to an S-Line.

It was the 140 BHP version but specced up to SE only. S-Line is not avalible.

I have gone for the BMW and added a couple of options

Good man