£30k budget - What car would you buy?

[Ron burgundy]

S3 8V saloon and take the rest finance, thats what i'd do.... Love them, i'll own 1 someday!

Sportback over the saloon surely ?

 

[pluves1]

My first choice would be a BMW 3 series with xDrive. 330d should be within budget or it might stretch to a 335d.
Second choice would be the S3 8V.
Its sort of what I did originally. I ran an S3 8P for a year or so from new and then wanted something that matched the S3 on power but, which left me in slightly better shape after my 90 mile daily commute. I have test driven lots of cars of late - sadly none seem match BMW for driver comfort in this price bracket in my opinion. That said the car can look a little dull but, when I pull up and see them side by side I think the 3 series touring sits and looks well when compared to the S3. I find the brakes on my bog standard 335d far better than the S3 standard brakes. The Audi still feels a little special in snow and wet weather and the BMW fails dismally in the snow (okay in the wet so long as you have more tread on your tyres than I currently have!) However, I test drove an X3 with xDrive in 2012 and it was great and felt as steady as the S3 did although it did have winter tyres on as well. I didn't get a chance to test drive a 335d xDrive this year due to lack of snow but, in standard form and in the wet it felt as attached to the road as my current S3.
Car choice is very personal. I'd be interested to hear if you have test driven any of the BMW range?

 

[warren_S5]

Sportback over the saloon surely ?

No way, saloon all day long (followed by hatch)!

 

[Ron burgundy]

No way, saloon all day long (followed by hatch)!

No no no haha, car looks to small to be salooned!!! Is that even a word ?

 

[warren_S5]

I bet the new 8V saloon is about the same size as a B5 A4....

 

[Ron burgundy]

I bet the new 8V saloon is about the same size as a B5 A4....

Yeah id say that too looking at this pic..

Does look smaller in person for some reason but clearly it's not!

Still a sportback for me..

You know the 07 plate rs4's, do you prefer the saloon or estate version on that model?

 

[warren_S5]

You know the 07 plate rs4's, do you prefer the saloon or estate version on that model?

I'd take either, love the saloon, but the estate is a classic. Don't like Sportback in 8P or 8V, 4 doors looks ok on an estate, hatchbacks look better with less shut lines and less doors through my eyes!

 

[Ron burgundy]

I'd take either, love the saloon, but the estate is a classic. Don't like Sportback in 8P or 8V, 4 doors looks ok on an estate, hatchbacks look better with less shut lines and less doors through my eyes!

Yea I hear what your saying, i like both, I think I just like the roomy feel of an estate , the sportback gives a similar feel for some reason ..

I use to love 3 door hot hatches but over the last few years I seem to prefer them in a 5 door.

Really want an RS4 though.

 

[warren_S5]

My wife wanted RS4 Avant but as we don't have kids (no need for rear doors) and I wanted a supercharger the S5 coupe won this time round. RS next time, but wouldn't mind a twin turbo version over V8 when they eventually downsize.

 

[nluk100]

V8 S5 (and RS5) needs revving and will feel completely different to your S3 (not to mention the MPG!) Test drove one and it felt flat below 5k RPM compared to my S3.

 

[Ginger Prince]

My wife wanted RS4 Avant but as we don't have kids (no need for rear doors) and I wanted a supercharger the S5 coupe won this time round. RS next time, but wouldn't mind a twin turbo version over V8 when they eventually downsize.

Your wife wanted an RS4 Avant....I can see why you married her! Haha

Ive recently changed my 3dr S3 to a Sportback S3 and I've no use for the rear doors either but i prefer the look

 

[Ron burgundy]

My wife wanted RS4 Avant but as we don't have kids (no need for rear doors) and I wanted a supercharger the S5 coupe won this time round. RS next time, but wouldn't mind a twin turbo version over V8 when they eventually downsize.

Haha, I've a baby on the way so 5 door is needed anyway I guess..

I just love the brutal noise of a V8 especially when the lungs have been opened up with a decent exhaust system ..for me it makes the whole driving experience a lot more exciting and makes me want to drive more..

Didn't realise that a lot of cars manufacturers were down sizing. I wonder why the M3 went the other way with a V8...unless they are down sizing on the next generation ? I'm not sure.

 

[warren_S5]

Rumours a lot of the V8's will be downsized to V6 twin turbos next time round. Very high end vehicles will retain big V's, but manufacturers have Co2 targets to meet and the only possible way to do it is downsize on cylinders and force feed for the gas guzzlers.

 

[HarryM]

Rs5 if you are willing to pay the extra costs.. If not s5 any day for me

 

[Ashmcblue]

The only area cost increases slightly is in the fuel department (but then petrol costs less than diesel these days). The TDi may see 40mpg (3.0TDi Quattro) whereas the 3.0V6T will do 27mpg, but otherwise there is fair parity in running costs.

I've just run an S3 for 3 years and it's done an average of 29mpg, and cost me one set of tyres (and two services) in the near 3 years I've owned it. So £800 for tyres, £400 for servicing. £1200 over 3 years isn't huge (given size of wheels etc.) I doubt you could run an S-Line for much less.

This is good to know. I'm hopefully picking up my S3 Friday and with my 500 (ish give or take) miles a week. 29mpg is good. I expect the 8v should be even better.

I'll probably shred tyres though thinking about it. And fuel.

I'm ****** excited.

 

[warren_S5]

This is good to know. I'm hopefully picking up my S3 Friday and with my 500 (ish give or take) miles a week. 29mpg is good. I expect the 8v should be even better.

I'll probably shred tyres though thinking about it. And fuel.

I'm ****** excited.

If there is one thing I've learned in 7 years of S3 ownership, if you can brake with a bit more sympathy (e.g. Not always jump on brakes at last minute), you can extend your tyre life by nearly 100% and still go ****** quick. Read the road ahead and you can do this safely and save a lot on brakes/tyres whilst still giving it beans.

 

[Ashmcblue]

If there is one thing I've learned in 7 years of S3 ownership, if you can brake with a bit more sympathy (e.g. Not always jump on brakes at last minute), you can extend your tyre life by nearly 100% and still go ****** quick. Read the road ahead and you can do this safely and save a lot on brakes/tyres whilst still giving it beans.

Thanks for the wisdom!

 

[wuta3]

Sportback over the saloon surely ?

View attachment 32055

*drool* that looks yummy

 

[perazzi]

So, SO true.

P

 

[perazzi]

If there is one thing I've learned in 7 years of S3 ownership, if you can brake with a bit more sympathy (e.g. Not always jump on brakes at last minute), you can extend your tyre life by nearly 100% and still go ****** quick. Read the road ahead and you can do this safely and save a lot on brakes/tyres whilst still giving it beans.

So, SO true.

P

 

[rams_s3]

Specced-up ex-demonstrator Golf R?

More than 30k!

 

[Forbzeeee]

What about the budget for the running costs etc...?
I was recently faced with a similar dilemma and found out that the running costs of the RS models ramped up considerably from that of the S3 (that came straight from Audi themselves)
You cant beat the sound of the RS (awesome), however, after a few modifications to the S3 the performance of the RS3, 4 and 5 isn't drastically different (thats unless the RS's have been modified too!)

I have ruled out the RS's for this year now but I did see a really nice RS4 saloon and was slightly tempted... until the missus said that she doesn't really like them and says the look really old!!!

 

[Forbzeeee]

My first choice would be a BMW 3 series with xDrive. 330d should be within budget or it might stretch to a 335d.
Second choice would be the S3 8V.
Its sort of what I did originally. I ran an S3 8P for a year or so from new and then wanted something that matched the S3 on power but, which left me in slightly better shape after my 90 mile daily commute. I have test driven lots of cars of late - sadly none seem match BMW for driver comfort in this price bracket in my opinion. That said the car can look a little dull but, when I pull up and see them side by side I think the 3 series touring sits and looks well when compared to the S3. I find the brakes on my bog standard 335d far better than the S3 standard brakes. The Audi still feels a little special in snow and wet weather and the BMW fails dismally in the snow (okay in the wet so long as you have more tread on your tyres than I currently have!) However, I test drove an X3 with xDrive in 2012 and it was great and felt as steady as the S3 did although it did have winter tyres on as well. I didn't get a chance to test drive a 335d xDrive this year due to lack of snow but, in standard form and in the wet it felt as attached to the road as my current S3.
Car choice is very personal. I'd be interested to hear if you have test driven any of the BMW range?

Yes I've driven a few BMWs recently and they do have some great engines. I tried to get the missus in a 135 but she didn't 'see the point of it' and opted for a 120d msport convertible

I also took a 335i out for a test drive and yes it has a great engine, felt like a great car but it's RWD and I would want the M3 or possibly the M4 if I was going back into BMWs. The other downside is that there are already a few BMW owners on my street and too many in my office car park! Thanks for the advice though as I might arrange a test drive of a xDrive just to see what they are like.

To everyone else, thank you for your responses. I have a test drive lined up on Saturday in an S5 I will let you know how it goes!!

The S3 8V is still in the running so I will keep you posted and let you know what I decide. Decisions... decisions...

 

[warren_S5]

I might arrange a test drive of a xDrive just to see what they are like.

Bet a 4 with X drive wouldn't be a bad car. Just promise if you do switch you'll keep using your indicators and not plaster the front and back of it with arbitrary faded M badges from Fleabay.

 

[batch]

Mk7 Golf R ex-demo, with some options, over 30k? No it's not, surely?!

 

[reyres]

How have you got on, made a final decision yet? Here's my view for what it's worth - currently driving an S5 V6 Supercharged 3.0 cab with full Stasis upgrade pack (390mm front discs/brakes, exhaust, wheels, air filter), Bilstien PSS10s Suspension, Revo Stage 1+ with Pulley Upgrade and soon to have DSG upgrade - Car is pushing around 465bhp and not only destroys RS5s for fun but in Revo tests sees off an R8 V10! The pulley upgrade and remap gives huge mid range gains and power, the car feels effortless, drives and rides like a dream and is a wolf in sheeps clothing. 4 wheel drive safety combined with exhilarating power. Driving past a new BMW in a ditch this morning on a wet country road (i did feel for the guy) it reminded me why I love Quattro. We drive to day to day on a road and should save rear wheelers for the track! Grab the S5 and get straight to Andy at Autotechnica in Hull ;-)

 

[shortfletch11]

S5

 

[Chilly]

C6 RS6 any day but monster running costs

 

[Forbzeeee]

I am going with an S5 in the next few months Just waiting for the right one! Watch this space. Thanks for the advice all!!

 

[warren_S5]

I am going with an S5 in the next few months Just waiting for the right one! Watch this space. Thanks for the advice all!!

Good man, that's the spirit ;-)

 

[newbieboyy]

Alternatively go a little older and get an Aston Martin DB9 V12.

 

[thetrashcanman]

Bit late to the party, but what about an RS3 mate?

 

[Johnny Bravo]

For 30k today I would buy the new Leon Cupra 280.
If there would be a 4x4 Cupra R, that I would go for that one.

 

[Forbzeeee]

Bit late to the party, but what about an RS3 mate?

I'm now running Stage 2+ and as weird as this sounds it wouldnt feel like I'm getting a new car if I got one of these.... Even though I would love to have one I think I would want to trade it after a month or so.

 

[thetrashcanman]

I'm now running Stage 2+ and as weird as this sounds it wouldnt feel like I'm getting a new car if I got one of these.... Even though I would love to have one I think I would want to trade it after a month or so.

Fair enough mate,

But then again stage 1 or 2 on an rs3 is quite a bit more plus 7 speed DSG, would be my choice of a daily if I had 30k but up to you mate

 

[Dave-S3]

I think my next one is going to be an S4 or S5 3.0 V6 depending on the prices of the S5 coupes!

 

[JayA3sline]

Got to be the 4.2 V8 - nothing beats that purr!

 

[RedDejavu]

There is not much that compares to S3 stage 2+ is there. I was in 2 minds but after going through so many options I'd need to fork out an extra £10k to get a 5dr car with similar performance which is not an option, therefore I'm buying a focus 1.8tdci for less than 2k that I'm going to use when 5dr are needed. Sorted and for money saved I can buy myself more tuning parts :icon_thumright:

 

[16Klappe]

Two RS2's, one to drive and one to look at.

 

[MartayMcFly]

C63 over an M3, but if you're looking to go down the mapping route then the V6Ts are pretty formidable. I just don't want to drop the V8 just yet.