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holly35

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Well,i know most of you wont understand what just transpired with me this week end ,but i will try and explain............................and perhaps a few may be on the same wavelength.
I have been an Audi owner for 6/7 years .The main draw for me is the build quality and classic looks,and was looking at the new A3 range,both sport back and saloon in 1.6 and 1.4 sline trim.In fact i was very close to placing the order,but was torn on colour and extras (to some extent).Both fine cars and were really an extension and more compact and modern version of my A4 (i have a 57 tdi sline.).
Last week ,while browsing this months "what car" awards reviews,i came across the new Nissan Qashqai Tekna.I read and looked on with some passing interest.(during a past visit to my Audi dealer,i was loaned a Q5 ,too big for me but liked the Q3 .)
I did some research on the new Qashqai,and was impressed ,on paper at least.
Upshot is ,i went to view the car this weekend,test drove the 1.5 dci Tekna.Came away very,very impressed.Very comfortable,excellent build quality (even for an Audi owner)quiet,and beautifully styled.Finished in gun metallic (close to daytona grey)it shows the shape and body creases perfectly along with the 19 inch polished titanium and black alloys, black glass roof and rear windows.Spec wise you would need to add £9000,yes£9000 to order a A 3 in the same spec.Astounding to say the least.
Perhaps,as i am now approaching 50 my needs have shifted from the dynamic low slung sline Audi to the raised comfort of this ...
Biggest shock was me placing the order for the Nissan,thats how much i was taken with this.........................................................Make up your own minds.
Nissan qashqai dynamic 122
 
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All i can say is as an ex Nissan owner who had to fight for 5 months to reject an as new vehicle......... Some say the Audi dealer network and customer services are not great.... wait till you get tied up in nissan.
 
It's certainly an ugly car.. Good luck with it!
 
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Hmmm, jap stuff has never hit any heart strings for me. I know they can build some good stuff but it always feels a bit too much "production line" and less "made for you". Maybe it's just the Germans ability to totally tailor their cars to fit what you want rather than you looking at different models and making something fit you.

Can't see a time where I'd buy one but they're clearly very popular, loads of people have them :)
 
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Itguy said:
Hmmm, jap stuff has never hit any heart strings for me. I know they can build some good stuff but it always feels a bit too much "production line" and less "made for you". Maybe it's just the Germans ability to totally tailor their cars to fit what you want rather than you looking at different models and making something fit you.

Can't see a time where I'd buy one but they're clearly very popular, loads of people have them :)
Click to expand...

Well i knew it would provoke an intetest, all manufacturers can have negative responses and all have their issues , but all things considered i can only speak as i found.
I had the choice and favoured the Above.
I found it more visually appealing than both the Q3, BMWX1/3
I still admire Audi, but this time round it was not to be.....
 
Bain0 said:
It's certainly an ugly car.. Good luck with it!
Click to expand...

Ugly?
I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but that crease lines around the wheel arch very similar to Audi, as are the tornado style A3 crease lines along the side.
Put the Q3 and this side by side and the Nissan for me looks far more flowing and dynamic imo
 
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I can understand why people are moving to Jap cars. The cars certainly have much better value and the entry level options puts Audi to shame.

But there are still some parts of the cars where you can tell where the savings have been made in parts and little finishes, hard plastics over soft materials.

I think if I was looking between the Q3 and qashqai Id pick the qashqai, but then again if I wanted a big car like that Id probably buy a one that could actually go off road and do other things, rather than just being a big car.

Id be surprised if it has the quality of an Audi, but better value it probably will be.
 
We've just moved my partner's make of car from Mazda to Ford after owning two Mazda 2's since 2008. Poor build quality, squeaks and rattles, alloys that corrode, on both cars, and terrible interiors, hard black plastic. Then there was a recall in the first month of ownership because of rear wheel bearing failures. Sure she paid more for the Fiesta, £2k, but she has a car with up to date technology, a good engine and far more standard equipment than my A3 saloon came with.
 
Cumbrian_bob said:
I can understand why people are moving to Jap cars. The cars certainly have much better value and the entry level options puts Audi to shame.

But there are still some parts of the cars where you can tell where the savings have been made in parts and little finishes, hard plastics over soft materials.

I think if I was looking between the Q3 and qashqai Id pick the qashqai, but then again if I wanted a big car like that Id probably buy a one that could actually go off road and do other things, rather than just being a big car.

Id be surprised if it has the quality of an Audi, but better value it probably will be.
Click to expand...

Well,i have been an Audi driver for 6/7 years so i am well aware of the cars build etc.Saying that my 2002 A4 was better built than my 57 plate (be it slight) so there will always be subtle changes over the years.
I have gone to great lengths to fully examine all aspects of the quality of the interior ,as i said i could have gone Audi...but found any difference trivial,and of no great importance.Most surfaces you come in contact with are soft touch.Indeed there are some secondary quality plastic even on the Audi.You really need to view the car in order to make the comparison.
I dont want to start a "whos better" and "mines more reliable than yours " debate or a Japan vs Germany thread,as i stated,it was a shock brand swap,but i would not have ordered if quality was a issue,considering this drew me to Audi in the first place.
Problems arise with all brands,but i imagine the Qashqais ever popular demand and popularity is well justified,but saying that i wouldnt have given the previous model any interest at all.
Regarding the ability to taylor a German car to individual needs is fine,but it can be an excuse to charge additionally for most every option,having them all as standard is great (and a huge saving).
Also how may Ranger rovers are ever taken off road? These are as much a fashion statement as all suv s etc are.
Love to see a pic of the Q3 in daytona grey along side the grey Qashqai pictured! Lets all vote !!! Both are much the same size.I appreciate What Cars award for Car of the year. (but also appreciate the choice of exec car winner!)
 
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Having had a Q3 for a while on loan the rear of the Q3 is pig ugly from the rear, however the Qashqais looks like any other Japanese crossover..
 
cuke2u said:
Having had a Q3 for a while on loan the rear of the Q3 is pig ugly from the rear, however the Qashqais looks like any other Japanese crossover..
Click to expand...

See how taste differs, I consider Q3 rear to be best looking of all Audis, except maybe A5. I'm not crazy about Q3's front light shape, but other than that I consider it to be a very good looking car.
 
I had a Gash-key as a hire car last summer; it didn't tug at my heart strings at any level. If I'm honest it felt a bit thin and reedy, over-servoed, lacking in a depth of real engineering, and the tinsel dressing of interesting options were nice but not enough to lift the status of the vehicle to anything I consider to be a compelling ownership proposition. That said it was the old model which was frankly hideous, and the new model you've ordered does look much better.

I hope it suits your needs and understand why you'd buy it over the small Audi SUV's as they are not things of beauty. The SQ5 has an interesting lump in it but other than that... Yawn! Maybe we'll see you back one day?
 
I'd take the Qashqai over a Q3 any day
 
holly35 said:
Well,i know most of you wont understand what just transpired with me this week end ,but i will try and explain............................and perhaps a few may be on the same wavelength.
I have been an Audi owner for 6/7 years .The main draw for me is the build quality and classic looks,and was looking at the new A3 range,both sport back and saloon in 1.6 and 1.4 sline trim.In fact i was very close to placing the order,but was torn on colour and extras (to some extent).Both fine cars and were really an extension and more compact and modern version of my A4 (i have a 57 tdi sline.).
Last week ,while browsing this months "what car" awards reviews,i came across the new Nissan Qashqai Tekna.I read and looked on with some passing interest.(during a past visit to my Audi dealer,i was loaned a Q5 ,too big for me but liked the Q3 .)
I did some research on the new Qashqai,and was impressed ,on paper at least.
Upshot is ,i went to view the car this weekend,test drove the 1.5 dci Tekna.Came away very,very impressed.Very comfortable,excellent build quality (even for an Audi owner)quiet,and beautifully styled.Finished in gun metallic (close to daytona grey)it shows the shape and body creases perfectly along with the 19 inch polished titanium and black alloys, black glass roof and rear windows.Spec wise you would need to add £9000,yes£9000 to order a A 3 in the same spec.Astounding to say the least.
Perhaps,as i am now approaching 50 my needs have shifted from the dynamic low slung sline Audi to the raised comfort of this ...
Biggest shock was me placing the order for the Nissan,thats how much i was taken with this.........................................................Make up your own minds.
View attachment 26765
Click to expand...

Perhaps you would get a more positive reaction on a Nissan forum?:uhm:
 
warren_S3 said:
I had a Gash-key as a hire car last summer; it didn't tug at my heart strings at any level. If I'm honest it felt a bit thin and reedy, over-servoed, lacking in a depth of real engineering, and the tinsel dressing of interesting options were nice but not enough to lift the status of the vehicle to anything I consider to be a compelling ownership proposition. That said it was the old model which was frankly hideous, and the new model you've ordered does look much better.

I hope it suits your needs and understand why you'd buy it over the small Audi SUV's as they are not things of beauty. The SQ5 has an interesting lump in it but other than that... Yawn! Maybe we'll see you back one day?
Click to expand...
Yes the old model is ugly..............
 
Isn't the 1.5 dci significantly lower power than any engine option in a Q3?
 
Nissan tried to kill me... Promised me winter tyres when selling me my 370z and then told me they wanted nothing to do with me and that it wasn't possible for them to sell me winter tyres. NEVER AGAIN! Screw Nissan. Not even a call from them after i was sent to hospital.
 
I bought a Nissan Qashqai Tekna 1.6dci in May 2012. I was drawn by the amazing level of standard kit, but after 4 months I gave it to my wife as the ride, performance and build quality just didn't live up to VAG cars. I've heard the new Qashqai is an improvement on the model we have but can't help but feel you'll be disappointed if you've come from an Audi.
 
Well done, it's your money and your choice. I admire you for making your own decision. This is an Audi forum and the feelings of posters is bound to be slanted towards the Audi product.

Perhaps after six month of Nissan ownership you'll stick your head above the parapet again let us know how it's all going?
 
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Agree Steeve, personally any small SUV isn't really my bag, but if it's what makes people happy then good for them. If it had been a GTR or 370Z I'd have been more flattering, I'm just pleased she's not felt compelled to buy the Audi either as it's easy to get caught in the trap and not be bold enough to try something different. So kudos for that.
 
My wife and I test drove the new Qashqai 1.5 just to make sure we don't want to change our mind before committing to the A3 SB.

Even though the Qashqai has far more kit as standard, is much better value for money and has more interior space, we still preferred the A3.
 
I almost bought the new Qashqai, I like the looks of it and the standard kit on the Accenta Premium was astounding! However, the 1.5dci engine put me off. I ordered a 184PS TDI A3 Sport instead.

Using Nissan's friends and family scheme gives you 15% off the brand new Qashqai, but not even that was enough to sway me. Tyneside and Wearside is literally deluged with Qashqai's & Juke's..... Because of the discounts offered by the friends and family scheme. In fact, I don't know anyone who's paid full price for one.
 
Migwire said:
I almost bought the new Qashqai, I like the looks of it and the standard kit on the Accenta Premium was astounding! However, the 1.5dci engine put me off. I ordered a 184PS TDI A3 Sport instead.

Thanks to everyone who has made a comment,of course i didnt expect an overwhelming response in favour of the Nissan on an Audi forum.
However i listed this,because of my previous Audi ownership and due to me almost placing an order on the new A3.
I, as many others, can become "blinded" by brand and not "look outside of the box".I am glad i did,it was a eye opener as to how good other cars have become.
Where i live there is a "follow like sheep" mentality on choosing cars,flooded with Audis ,Bmws Range Rovers etc.One buys a white one and they all do.For me the Nissan is very refreshing,and a welcome change.
I just could not believe the £9000 cost to add the spec to the A3 to match the Tekna.Power isnt an issue for me ,my needs have now shifted to comfort.
I am sure i will continue to admire Audi,they are excellent ,but i am happy with my choice.......Fare well !
Click to expand...
 
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I had a Nissan Juke before my A3. It was a perfectly good car, but the quality was hardly there. The cost they quoted me for my last service was bordering on the ridiculous as well so I took it elsewhere (Audi's fixed price servicing is cheaper). I've not looked at the Qashqai - perhaps that's different - but my Dad was the dealer principle at a Nissan dealer so have been in some Qashqais in the past.
 
Hey Holly, so long as you are happy with what you spend YOUR MONEY on that's all that matters. Enjoy your new motor.
 
cemerson said:
I had a Nissan Juke before my A3. It was a perfectly good car, but the quality was hardly there. The cost they quoted me for my last service was bordering on the ridiculous as well so I took it elsewhere (Audi's fixed price servicing is cheaper). I've not looked at the Qashqai - perhaps that's different - but my Dad was the dealer principle at a Nissan dealer so have been in some Qashqais in the past.
Click to expand...

I have no interest whatsoever in the pre 2014 model,nor any other nissans.Unless you have viewed and inspected the new model,what is the point in adding any comments on old ,previous versions and other models? The new Qashqai is a huge step up in quality from the Juke and previous versions.Remember ,i have had Audis for years!
Running costs in a non issue for me.
 
I was just adding my comments, and wasn't slating your choice in any way - there's no need to be so hostile. Presumably you wouldn't have posted about it here if you didn't want people's comments. I'm sure the new Qashqai is very nice as well.
 
Thanks for your reply,i appreciate your comments,its just that some comments have nothing to do with the subject, comparing old models,and quality is not really what the original thread was about.
The shock brand change was an indication of how much other brands have improved and how easy it is to be sucked into "following the leader"
 
holly35 said:
Well,i know most of you wont understand what just transpired with me this week end ,but i will try and explain............................and perhaps a few may be on the same wavelength.
I have been an Audi owner for 6/7 years .The main draw for me is the build quality and classic looks,and was looking at the new A3 range,both sport back and saloon in 1.6 and 1.4 sline trim.In fact i was very close to placing the order,but was torn on colour and extras (to some extent).Both fine cars and were really an extension and more compact and modern version of my A4 (i have a 57 tdi sline.).
Last week ,while browsing this months "what car" awards reviews,i came across the new Nissan Qashqai Tekna.I read and looked on with some passing interest.(during a past visit to my Audi dealer,i was loaned a Q5 ,too big for me but liked the Q3 .)
I did some research on the new Qashqai,and was impressed ,on paper at least.
Upshot is ,i went to view the car this weekend,test drove the 1.5 dci Tekna.Came away very,very impressed.Very comfortable,excellent build quality (even for an Audi owner)quiet,and beautifully styled.Finished in gun metallic (close to daytona grey)it shows the shape and body creases perfectly along with the 19 inch polished titanium and black alloys, black glass roof and rear windows.Spec wise you would need to add £9000,yes£9000 to order a A 3 in the same spec.Astounding to say the least.
Perhaps,as i am now approaching 50 my needs have shifted from the dynamic low slung sline Audi to the raised comfort of this ...
Biggest shock was me placing the order for the Nissan,thats how much i was taken with this.........................................................Make up your own minds.
View attachment 26765
Click to expand...

My next door neighbor worked for Nissan for 25 years, he just recently left to earn a fortune in the oil industry. He drives an S3. I asked why himself or his wife (she has a new BMW 1 Series) why don't you have a Nissan as they would receive such a favorable discount. His reply was "I watch the plucking daft chimps that put them together they are rather shocking!!!! Gosh!!! I said.
 
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holly35 said:
The shock brand change was an indication of how much other brands have improved and how easy it is to be sucked into "following the leader"
Click to expand...

Interesting to see where Audi are in the top car sales for 2014 BBC News - UK new car sales highest since 2007, SMMT says

The qashqai is a good car. It has more bits and bobs and is cheaper, Nissan have raised their game a little bit. But the Audi has little touches and smarter bits than other brands seem to have. I like the way the vanity light comes on at a angle and when the mirror is open, I like the depth of carpet all around the boot (extra special and preffered by kidnap victims), the way the screen pops up (that is such a nice bit off class), I love the engince and its refinement (having an S3 also means the engince is especially nice) love the low insurance value, couldnt believe how cheap it is for such a fast car, love the safety ratings for the car, from all the raod management to keep it on the road and the air bags and what nots to the new pedestrian imact zone and the boot lift gadget thingy for their head to hit, love the qualiy of materials throughout, love how the door sounds like a golf (I wonder if the golf still sounds like a golf??), I love the simple driver cabin experience, the way all the buttons have been removed and there are clean areas for each set of commands and buttons, I love the fact somebody in Audi must look after buying or making all the controls so they all feal the same and the same click, every one of the air vents has the same click for on and off, and the engineering to have a fan so it can blast or wide air distribution.

The qashqai is a good car, it will sell very well I am sure. It has made other car makes raise their game a little bit as the expectations are changing all the time. I mean Nissan have had to raise their game with the like of Dacia and Skoda. Its all good for the customer and may they cars continue to advance. Who knows in a few years I might be driving a new Nissan Qashqai
 
I was looking at the Q3 for my wife last year and neither of us were blown away by the looks. For almost half the price we picked up a 6 month old top of the range hyundai iX35 which had a specification that would have cost who knows what on an Audi.

6 months later my wife is happy enough with it but for me I hate every second driving it. It's big, unengaging and plastic everywhere. I much prefer my Audi and also the Ford Kuga we had before it. I've heard the Nissan is a good car though and I can definitely see where the temptation comes from. You'll find out soon enough if its as satisfying as your Audi!
 
In a similar way my wife is thinking about a new car. She'd love an A1 but is also considering the face lifted ford fiesta titanium (or titanium x). She's had a new fiesta before (pre facelift but current shape) and it was a great car. Probably 85% of the quality of audi.

It's the lack of standard kit on the a1 that's the problem and the discounts at ford are better too.

Residuals are better on the audi so the pcp evens things up a little but not enough to make it really attractive to her I think.
 
Cumbrian_bob said:
Interesting to see where Audi are in the top car sales for 2014 BBC News - UK new car sales highest since 2007, SMMT says
Click to expand...

I'd rather see Audi models way outside the top 10, means you don't see one on every street corner. Most of the brands in that top 10 list discount hard so you'd expect them to be there; the 3 series is there because when people gravitate out of the other cars in the top 10 they think it's seems to be the default choice for the 'I think I've arrived' generation. Just surprised the 1'er wasn't above it in the rankings as there are plenty of these driven by po-faced over made up nose in the air 'my sh1t doesn't stink' types round here.
 
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Itguy said:
In a similar way my wife is thinking about a new car. She'd love an A1 but is also considering the face lifted ford fiesta titanium (or titanium x). She's had a new fiesta before (pre facelift but current shape) and it was a great car. Probably 85% of the quality of audi.

It's the lack of standard kit on the a1 that's the problem and the discounts at ford are better too.

Residuals are better on the audi so the pcp evens things up a little but not enough to make it really attractive to her I think.
Click to expand...

As a co-owner of a new 2013 Fiesta you can't go wrong as long as you get a great enough discount on buying new to offset the depreciation..
 
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