Looking to change from an Audi A3 S-line this year

[Jamie_88]

Hey guys,

Just thought I'd get some input from you all as I'm looking to change my car this year and I'm not sure which car to go for next and would really appreciate some advice. MY apologies in advance if this is a really common topic!

I currently have an Audi A3 S-line (15) from new. It's a nice car, but I'm looking for something a little cheaper next time. I can't justify the monthly payments for it. I guess the depreciation of a new car, as well as the "brand" I'm paying for really doesn't make it worthwhile. Despite this, I really love the car but I'd rather get one which is cheaper each month and presumably the insurance would go down too(!). I am a massive Audi fan - I won't lie - but I don't owe them anything so I'm willing to change.

I've already done a little investigating and looked at Golfs, Leons, Civics, 1 Series' and A-Class' but I really don't know. Even a Focus (It would have to be an ST/RS though!) would be a viable option. I'm sure I'll miss the refinement of the Audi cabin but it's only a car.

What would you guys recommend? Any advice/help is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Jamie

[Hennerz1994]

If you really like audis have you looked at the a1. Can get a new one for a fair bit less than the a3 and the insurance is pretty low. My 1.6 tdi s line is only group 17. Also they are a bit less common than all theThe cars you mentioned if that's something that matters to you.

[Jamie_88]

It would have to be an S-line for the more glared wheel arches and rims etc (otherwise I find them a little feminine!). I'll have a look at some tomorrow though. One car I forgot to mention was the Volvo V40 too. I guess I'll be looking at used cars anyway. The new car thing is great (the smell, no miles etc) but I've done that now. Thanks for your recommendation

[Dimebars]

Jamie_88 said:

. Even a Focus (It would have to be an ST/RS though!)

What A3 S-Line are you driving that you think a Focus ST or RS would be marginally cheaper?

[Jamie_88]

You make a good point! My bad. I figured ST would be of a similar price? What do you guys think of the V40?

[loskie]

is it not what YOU think that matters or do you need our approval? Is that why you bought an A3 Sline?

[Ahbefive]

I'd much rather a 10 year old focus ST or numerous other older cars to a year old Audi A3 s-line. Maybe go for a test drive.

Edited by Ahbefive on Friday 13th January 22:23

[Jamie_88]

loskie said:

is it not what YOU think that matters or do you need our approval? Is that why you bought an A3 Sline?

Why the hostility? Just seeking an opinion! I go for what I like, but I can't quite decide this time. There are good options but you guys know a lot more than I do about cars so it made sense to ask.

[Jamie_88]

Ahbefive said:

I'd much rather a 10 year old focus ST or numerouznother older cars to a year old Audi A3 s-line. Maybe go for a test drive.

Awesome. Thank you I heard they're a lot of fun so I'll definitely test one. Audis don't provide much feedback when driving and are quite boring.

[Ahbefive]

The 2.5 engine is brilliant and sounds great and they are fun cars to throw about. You won't be disappointed and good ones can be had for around £7k.

[steve-5snwi]

By the same token spend a few grand on a type r.

The A3 is a nice car but they can be a little dull. How about a 130i ? Although they are rare.

[loskie]

Fair point OP my apologies. I would tend to go for something less showy. The V40 D4 is a pretty rapid car if you want a diesel.

[Hammy98]

If you're considering the Focus st have a look at the Volvo c30 T5 too, same 5 cylinder engine (and chassis?) albeit a bit more luxurious inside.

[Ahbefive]

Hammy98 said:

If you're considering the Focus st have a look at the Volvo c30 T5 too, same 5 cylinder engine (and chassis?) albeit a bit more luxurious inside.

No more luxurious, much worse seats (no Recaros) a pathetic boot and not as fun handling. Its a worse car all round but with the same lovely engine.

[Hammy98]

Ahbefive said:

No more luxurious, much worse seats (no Recaros) a pathetic boot and not as fun handling. Its a worse car all round but with the same lovely engine.

Reckon so? Was inside a friends D5 recently and seemed to have aged much better than my brothers Mk2 Focus. Definitely less of a jump interior-wise between the a3 and c30 than the Focus.

Can agree on the handling front however, I'd imagine the lack of LSD would mean it can't live up to the ST that way.

[Momentofmadness]

Have you worked out how much it'll cost you to get out of the Audi?

Depending on the figures, fees etc then you might be better off keeping it anyway?

[Ahbefive]

Hammy98 said:

Ahbefive said:

No more luxurious, much worse seats (no Recaros) a pathetic boot and not as fun handling. Its a worse car all round but with the same lovely engine.

Reckon so? Was inside a friends D5 recently and seemed to have aged much better than my brothers Mk2 Focus. Definitely less of a jump interior-wise between the a3 and c30 than the Focus.

Can agree on the handling front however, I'd imagine the lack of LSD would mean it can't live up to the ST that way.

I don't call an A3 or a C30 in any way luxurious. The ST certainly has much nicer seats and are generally rattle free with soft touch to the high level stuff just like the others and a nicer steering wheel with the nice additions of extra guages and a Sony stereo etc.

The ST also doesn't have an LSD but is more fun to drive.