Buying used old Audi A3 Automatic / Golf MK5/MK6
Discussion
I'm considering buying an all-rounder used car (petrol/automatic)
budget is around 3k-max 3.5k
was looking into BMW 1 Series but researching online found strong opinions against them (petrol engine ones) that leaves me with either Audi A3 or Golf MK5/MK6 (2007-2010)
what do you think about these 2 cars? it must be Automatic and ULEZ compliant (so petrol).
which I should go for and what sort of price? I've read some negative opinions about Audi A3 Automatic reliability but it seems others think differently.
It seems Golf are in more demand at the moment and some used older MK5/MK6 are priced incredibly high vs 1-2 years ago,but same age Audi A3s are priced more reasonably.
any advice is much appreciated.
I'm pretty much set on either these 2 cars.
budget is around 3k-max 3.5k
was looking into BMW 1 Series but researching online found strong opinions against them (petrol engine ones) that leaves me with either Audi A3 or Golf MK5/MK6 (2007-2010)
what do you think about these 2 cars? it must be Automatic and ULEZ compliant (so petrol).
which I should go for and what sort of price? I've read some negative opinions about Audi A3 Automatic reliability but it seems others think differently.
It seems Golf are in more demand at the moment and some used older MK5/MK6 are priced incredibly high vs 1-2 years ago,but same age Audi A3s are priced more reasonably.
any advice is much appreciated.
I'm pretty much set on either these 2 cars.
A few points:-
The DSG auto gearboxes from that era have mixed reliability so do your research and as a minimum ensure the gearbox has been serviced according to schedule.
The A3 petrol engines came in 1.4/1.6/1.8/2.0 displacements. The 1.8 and 2.0 turbo had issues with timing chains and high oil consumption. The 1.4 turbo I believe is a decent little engine and the 1.6 is naturally aspirated but gutless.
The Mk6 Golf from memory came in two 1.4 configurations, single turbo as per the A3 and also a twincharged version which is best avoided. Then there was the 2.0 in the GTI.
I think the Golf has dated better than the A3 and would be my pick with the 1.4 single turbo engine.
The DSG auto gearboxes from that era have mixed reliability so do your research and as a minimum ensure the gearbox has been serviced according to schedule.
The A3 petrol engines came in 1.4/1.6/1.8/2.0 displacements. The 1.8 and 2.0 turbo had issues with timing chains and high oil consumption. The 1.4 turbo I believe is a decent little engine and the 1.6 is naturally aspirated but gutless.
The Mk6 Golf from memory came in two 1.4 configurations, single turbo as per the A3 and also a twincharged version which is best avoided. Then there was the 2.0 in the GTI.
I think the Golf has dated better than the A3 and would be my pick with the 1.4 single turbo engine.
Thanks for the reply,
I'm aware of DSG problems of that era,but from my understanding it's mainly affecting the 7 speed ones that and over 100k miles? (if transmission oil isn't changed at recommended intervals)
as for the Audi (and also Golf) ,I'm trying to avoid higher than 1.8 engines since the insurance premium is noticeably higher..
it will be a daily all rounder car mainly for city so I'm not really bothered about having less power etc
I'm aware of DSG problems of that era,but from my understanding it's mainly affecting the 7 speed ones that and over 100k miles? (if transmission oil isn't changed at recommended intervals)
as for the Audi (and also Golf) ,I'm trying to avoid higher than 1.8 engines since the insurance premium is noticeably higher..
it will be a daily all rounder car mainly for city so I'm not really bothered about having less power etc
Generally speaking the vast majority of BMW 4 cylinder engines that had issues have likely already failed. Much the same as the nikasil era issues, if the engine has survived 10 years already it's not going to be a problem
Dsg very much the same, ten people will whine on the internet 1000s won't have any issues but don't need to update everyone
Dsg very much the same, ten people will whine on the internet 1000s won't have any issues but don't need to update everyone
Get a 2.0t A3 with the 6 speed S Tronic box.
Probably the least troublesome option, but it is of an age where stuff is old and worn out.
Unfortunately the premium/cheap/petrol/auto/nice/hatchback/ULEZ combo is going to involve some compromise because there are a million people that want them and not a million cars available.
Would something like a Lexus IS200/250 be an option? They're more premium than the usual Toyota/Citroen/Vauxhall boxes, and whilst not as "nice" as the German things is less likely to go catastrophically wrong on you.
Probably the least troublesome option, but it is of an age where stuff is old and worn out.
Unfortunately the premium/cheap/petrol/auto/nice/hatchback/ULEZ combo is going to involve some compromise because there are a million people that want them and not a million cars available.
Would something like a Lexus IS200/250 be an option? They're more premium than the usual Toyota/Citroen/Vauxhall boxes, and whilst not as "nice" as the German things is less likely to go catastrophically wrong on you.
Is there reliability difference between 2.0 A3 and 1.4 A3s? I got interested in 1.4 A3 because I felt they are close to Golf specs and similar insurance premium and they are still good looking cars imo the 2.0 is high on insurance group and I'd like to avoid paying too much insurance for these old cars.
The Lexus IS200 is very high on insurance group much higher than BMW 1,Audi 3 and Golf,I just think it's a complete waste of money too pay that much for a 2004-2005 car and I'm not really after a sedan.
there are many BMW 1 Series 116i 118i within my budget as well as Audi A3s and Golf (but Golfs for some reason are almost always priced higher than what they are worth currently),I was originally considering a MK5/MK6 Golf,they are the safest option but the prices of old ones are just unreasonable at the moment, they are asking 3.5k even 4.5k for a 2008 high millage VW Golf 1.4 Litre models (they were much cheaper last year I'm pretty sure) ,but I can find BMW 1 Series and Audi A3s cheaper and they are more premium cars with similar insurance premium compared to Golf.
The Lexus IS200 is very high on insurance group much higher than BMW 1,Audi 3 and Golf,I just think it's a complete waste of money too pay that much for a 2004-2005 car and I'm not really after a sedan.
there are many BMW 1 Series 116i 118i within my budget as well as Audi A3s and Golf (but Golfs for some reason are almost always priced higher than what they are worth currently),I was originally considering a MK5/MK6 Golf,they are the safest option but the prices of old ones are just unreasonable at the moment, they are asking 3.5k even 4.5k for a 2008 high millage VW Golf 1.4 Litre models (they were much cheaper last year I'm pretty sure) ,but I can find BMW 1 Series and Audi A3s cheaper and they are more premium cars with similar insurance premium compared to Golf.
Edited by Dbz2021 on Wednesday 3rd November 20:59
I'm not trying to take a pop at you, or be mean, but you are asking for quite a lot. Not saying what you want doesn't exist, but it'll be hard to find and probably involve some compromise (i.e buying an older car).
Everything is more expensive that it was last year, this won't change any time soon.
You're trying to buy from an extremely poorly supplied sector of the market where demand considerably outstrips supply.
A lot of cars of this age/value will be old and a bit tired. Expect to spend some money getting it 100% post-purchase (and nothing at this age/value has a warranty that will help out with anything beyond a big/sudden failure soon after purchase).
If you want a small car, that is petrol engined, ULEZ compliant, automatic, cheap to insure, cheap to run, and reliable you're going to need to pay for it, and/or accept some compromise. Throw into that mix as well wanting a desirable brand and you make it doubly difficult.
The 1.4T at that sort of age has more timing chain issues than the 2.0T. You might get lucky and find a car that's had a documented replacement, but then the seller will likely want a premium vs. other cars as a result. The 7 speed S Tronic/DSG behind the 1.4T has a habit (with age/miles) of munching its clutch pack also. At a quick glance the 1.4T auto seems to start at more money anyway.
Someone above already touched on this but the 1.6 (older 100PS engine) was available in an A3 in the mid-late 2000s, with an old school torque convertor auto. This engine and box by virtue of being old and comparatively simple were fairly stout. You're more likely to be contending with "old car" things here, rather than inherent unreliability or common failures.
Everything is more expensive that it was last year, this won't change any time soon.
You're trying to buy from an extremely poorly supplied sector of the market where demand considerably outstrips supply.
A lot of cars of this age/value will be old and a bit tired. Expect to spend some money getting it 100% post-purchase (and nothing at this age/value has a warranty that will help out with anything beyond a big/sudden failure soon after purchase).
If you want a small car, that is petrol engined, ULEZ compliant, automatic, cheap to insure, cheap to run, and reliable you're going to need to pay for it, and/or accept some compromise. Throw into that mix as well wanting a desirable brand and you make it doubly difficult.
The 1.4T at that sort of age has more timing chain issues than the 2.0T. You might get lucky and find a car that's had a documented replacement, but then the seller will likely want a premium vs. other cars as a result. The 7 speed S Tronic/DSG behind the 1.4T has a habit (with age/miles) of munching its clutch pack also. At a quick glance the 1.4T auto seems to start at more money anyway.
Someone above already touched on this but the 1.6 (older 100PS engine) was available in an A3 in the mid-late 2000s, with an old school torque convertor auto. This engine and box by virtue of being old and comparatively simple were fairly stout. You're more likely to be contending with "old car" things here, rather than inherent unreliability or common failures.
Dr G said:
I'm not trying to take a pop at you, or be mean, but you are asking for quite a lot. Not saying what you want doesn't exist, but it'll be hard to find and probably involve some compromise (i.e buying an older car).
Everything is more expensive that it was last year, this won't change any time soon.
You're trying to buy from an extremely poorly supplied sector of the market where demand considerably outstrips supply.
A lot of cars of this age/value will be old and a bit tired. Expect to spend some money getting it 100% post-purchase (and nothing at this age/value has a warranty that will help out with anything beyond a big/sudden failure soon after purchase).
If you want a small car, that is petrol engined, ULEZ compliant, automatic, cheap to insure, cheap to run, and reliable you're going to need to pay for it, and/or accept some compromise. Throw into that mix as well wanting a desirable brand and you make it doubly difficult.
I get what you’re saying,makes sense.I know it’s not an easy combination but as you said,it’s possible specially with around 3.5k budget.Everything is more expensive that it was last year, this won't change any time soon.
You're trying to buy from an extremely poorly supplied sector of the market where demand considerably outstrips supply.
A lot of cars of this age/value will be old and a bit tired. Expect to spend some money getting it 100% post-purchase (and nothing at this age/value has a warranty that will help out with anything beyond a big/sudden failure soon after purchase).
If you want a small car, that is petrol engined, ULEZ compliant, automatic, cheap to insure, cheap to run, and reliable you're going to need to pay for it, and/or accept some compromise. Throw into that mix as well wanting a desirable brand and you make it doubly difficult.
Dr G said:
The 1.4T at that sort of age has more timing chain issues than the 2.0T. You might get lucky and find a car that's had a documented replacement, but then the seller will likely want a premium vs. other cars as a result. The 7 speed S Tronic/DSG behind the 1.4T has a habit (with age/miles) of munching its clutch pack also. At a quick glance the 1.4T auto seems to start at more money anyway.
Are you referring to Audi or Golf?The Audi A3 I mentioned was 1.6SE I’m not very familiar with A3 range
Dr G said:
Someone above already touched on this but the 1.6 (older 100PS engine) was available in an A3 in the mid-late 2000s, with an old school torque convertor auto. This engine and box by virtue of being old and comparatively simple were fairly stout. You're more likely to be contending with "old car" things here, rather than inherent unreliability or common failures.
How can I identify this specific model in ads etc? If I have to choose between A3 and Golf MK5 (petrol auto) which one would you go for ? I’m trying to make my list shorter A3 1.6 and Golf 1.6 FSI are the most common.
If I’m not mistaken ,cost of replacing timing chain of an A3 is around £380 so MUCH less than a Series 1 and not end of the world if it happens,not sure about Golf.
If you haven't already done so, then I recommend you be clear with yourself about what you are expecting. What is most important to you in terms of things like ongoing maintenance / best spec / reliability etc?
If you are settled on an A3 8P or Golf Mk5, I suggest you just buy the best that you can find because this is the bottom end of the market. I would personally be prepared to compromise on spec and be open minded about drivetrain on what is going to be a 10-18 year old car. My view is that at £3-3.5k you will need to prepare for your purchase to have surprises, no matter how well you do your research.
These are good cars and deservedly popular, but I would be looking closely at the history and condition of cars on a case-by-case basis rather than focusing on spec. This will make a much bigger difference than choice of engine etc, which can be important but is of secondary importance at this budget.
I would personally expect to spend another 10-20% on top of purchase price to address any niggles and overdue maintenance - e.g. tyres, brakes, brake fluid, suspension bushings etc - even on the best buys.
If you are settled on an A3 8P or Golf Mk5, I suggest you just buy the best that you can find because this is the bottom end of the market. I would personally be prepared to compromise on spec and be open minded about drivetrain on what is going to be a 10-18 year old car. My view is that at £3-3.5k you will need to prepare for your purchase to have surprises, no matter how well you do your research.
These are good cars and deservedly popular, but I would be looking closely at the history and condition of cars on a case-by-case basis rather than focusing on spec. This will make a much bigger difference than choice of engine etc, which can be important but is of secondary importance at this budget.
I would personally expect to spend another 10-20% on top of purchase price to address any niggles and overdue maintenance - e.g. tyres, brakes, brake fluid, suspension bushings etc - even on the best buys.
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