S3 (8P) or R32 (mk5)

[Erf]

As per the title, I'm considering selling my 8L s3 and looking at getting something else. Currently considering either the 8P s3 or mk5 R32. This is very much a second car so will only really do about about 2.5k miles a year. Ideally don't want to get hammered on service costs for consumables. Looking at spending about £11.5k.

Currently leaning towards the R32 as the 5 door versions are cheaper and that makes it more convenient for getting my 4 year old daughter in and out. Don't mind getting a 3 door version of either, but I do prefer the look of the sportback s3, but the prices are still to high.

What do you guys think? Any other options worth considering?

Erf

 

[jojo]

R32 is £400 a year road tax I think. If same price, has to be 8P S3, stage1 remap is 300bhp+! Happy days!!

 

[Erf]

Yep it is (slightly over) £400 a year!

 

[N3DXT]

If you get a pre april 2006 R32 I think the tax is £225 or thereabouts, there is no difference in the engine but for some reason it classes as a lower band.

I've had both, the S3 has the nicer interior. The R32 is a better proportioned car visually (to me), the interior is a bit more dated but the seats are way more comfortable than the S3.

If I had to choose one of the 2 I'd go for the R32 without a doubt.

 

[jojo]

Or just buy an 8P A3 3.2 V6, and stick an S3 bumper on it!