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Jason85

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Hi All,

Im new to the forum, I have been driving a vauxhall corsa for the best part of 7 years and lookig for an upgrade...cars on my list are

Civic Type R - EP3 or FN2
Golf Mk5 Gti
Focus ST

or an A3...

I have driven a 58 plate 2.0 T FSI S line at work and it was a very nice place to be, but i don't know whether its too grown up for me atm being 24, should i buy a the CTR etc.. and the premium i'm going to have to pay?

Looking at the prices of that motor, im going to have to spend about 14k for a decent one with low ish miles..for that money i can get a very new CTR/Focus etc

Question is how reliable is the 2.0t, costs of repair, what prices should i be aiming at for 2nd hand and what year model to go for? because for that price im probably ooking at one out of the warranty period with a ot of business miles :(

would a good choice be a seat leon? with same engine?
 
If I were you I'd buy the Golf GTI. Same chassis / engine as the A3, but more fun and a younger cooler image.

With the Golf/A3/ST if you get bored of the power, a remap will very cheaply and easily turn into a different animal. With the CTR if you get bored of the power, it's very expensive to do something about it.
 
I heard the Golf is a bit boring, and with the prices being roughly the same i much prefer the A3 interior, but its just for the price im going to be getting one out of a warranty...
 
Should be able to pick up a fairly decent 2.0T s-line for between 10-12k.
55 - 56 reg.

I got my 55 reg (06 model) 2.0 tfsi s-line quattro in Feb 09 - £10k with 33k miles from a private seller.

2.0 tfsi is a reliable engine, no problems as yet.
 
I actually went from an EP3 CTR to an A3 2.0T Quattro and it was a different league of car. The A3 is such a nicer car to be in, looks more stylish and less boy racerish. If you're not interested in Quattro then I would go for the GTI instead.

The ST is a great car but it's back to the boy racer image and the fuel economy is pretty terrible, especially compared to a TFSI.

It's all down to what you want though Jason. All good cars but after owning an A3 I wouldn't want to go back to a Civic or a Ford. Audis are just a little more classy.
 
exactly my thoughts, but im thinking should i really blow my budget on a more classy car at the min lol, i think i dare't buy private, just in case, but im going to be ripped off by a dealer...

is there a thread anywhere with the different model year versions?

up to 05 was a split grille? what happened after? latest 1's have LED running lights right

what are servicing costs like?

and to your MPG staz - i read some guy was getting 19 MPG!
 
I have upgraded from a ep3 Civic type R. To a A3 3.2 v6 smg. Much stronger. Luxury with power. Turbos have there fun but V6 is the way. I would recommend a A3 3door 3.2 V6 u wont go wrong. Mpg is slightly less than a Type r but not much. around 10miles on a Full tank difference. Go Audi u wont go wrong.
 
kool_bouy said:
Mpg is slightly less than a Type r but not much. around 10miles on a Full tank difference.
Click to expand...

Not the most helpful comparison when the CTR tank is 50l and the A3 tank is 55l !
 
paddy said:
A pre middle 06 3.2 will give you low car tax... and an early one will cost you £10k-£12k..win win :drool:
Click to expand...

That's £10-12K plus whatever is spent trying to resolve misfiring / idling issues...
 
audi upgrades
Jason85 said:
Civic Type R - EP3 or FN2
Golf Mk5 Gti
Focus ST

or an A3...
Click to expand...

Hi Jason,

Welcome to Audi Sport Jason. What exactly are you looking for from your next car? Personally I would get the A3, out of what you've chosen, but if you can't quite afford it then the Golf GTI, still a nice car, just not as nice.

The audi is ahead, and there are so many mods you can do to it.

V6Pete said:
If I were you I'd buy the Golf GTI. Same chassis / engine as the A3, but more fun and a younger cooler image.

With the Golf/A3/ST if you get bored of the power, a remap will very cheaply and easily turn into a different animal. With the CTR if you get bored of the power, it's very expensive to do something about it.
Click to expand...

Well said.
 
My list of cars below gives you some idea of my experience in talking about the relative strengths (and weaknesses) of the A3 2.0T. :)

In summary, if you like what an A3 is good at, then you'd like an A3. With the 2.0T lump, the A3 is smooth, has a "feelgood" factor and is very satisfying to own. In Quattro form, you'll also be able to play with the hot hatches from a standing start. But, if you want a really driver-focused car, you're better off with a bona fide hot hatch. I was only weened off hot hatchbacks when I needed space for an impending baby and was very pleasantly surprised by my A3 and its maturity.

IMO, if you've been driving a Corsa for so long, then any of the above cars will seem fab and it's just a matter of taste. The Golf GTi could be a good compromise between an A3 2.0T and the more focused hot hatches...

I think you'd be lucky to find a nice 2.0T for £10-£12k as one poster above suggested. Remember that used car values fell off a cliff over autumn / winter 2008 but recovered very strongly in 2009, to the point that I got 35% more trade-in for my Clio 197 in July than I was offered in January! Used prices are still strong due to the short supply of new-ish used cars.

If you want the full Audi ownership experience and are willing to pay for it, a well-spec'd model will cost upwards of £13k from an Audi dealer - with the added comfort of warranty, MoT cover etc. (I paid £15k - £16k sticker price - for my loaded '56 Sportback back in July and I'd recommend the Audi used car programme).

General reliability and build seems good with the A3. It's expensive to buy and service, but once you take the gentle depreciation into account it's quite competitive overall from a financial viewpoint.
 
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I am in 2 minds of what i want from my next car..I want something quick, modern, well built. hence why i was looking for a CTR, really fancied one, but the toys just put me off, i have not actually driven any of the above apart from an A3 2.0T...

i do drive a modified corsa atm, so i know the image it gets, so im trying to move away from it, but the 2.0T seems far less powerful than others mentioned, the ST/CTR or VXR....

so one side is kinda looking for a car appealing to young people ST/VXR/CTR

but another side of me fancies something up market, A3, 1 series, z4 coupe....etc but i dont know if can live up to the image of having a german car, i will be on a very tight budget and i dont want people to think im loaded either lol...

GTi seems a good choice, but interior is a bit of a let down for the price they charge
 
Jason85 said:
but i dont know if can live up to the image of having a german car, i will be on a very tight budget and i dont want people to think im loaded either lol...
Click to expand...

Funny you should say that, since I bought my A3 everyone thinks i'm minted, had all sorts of comments of people. Weirdos, its 4 years old and cost 9k.

I too had a similar decision to make, at the time the new shape Type R was getting slated and it was out of my budget. I decided to be sensible and get a TDi but car for car, spec for spec the A3 is much better than a mk5. The Gti is decent though, especially if you get leather/buckets/Xenons/nav which you should do for your 14k budget.
 
I bought my A3 when I was 22 and have never thought its too grown up for me over 2 years on. I also moved on from a modified Corsa. It was good fun but was time to move on to a proper car.

I agree about the everyone thinking your loaded comment. I'm not badly off but people assume I must earn a fortune to have the car I have?! I'm not sure why.

I like the Focus ST in white. I couldn't live with the fuel consumption though and the interiors are quite poor.
 
My brother has a Corsa VXR, very nice little car for him, with bags of potential, he's 21 and suits him perfectly.... If you want something quick, why not a 2.0TDI A3 then get a map on it, get the economy and power in one. 2.0T with milltek and intake will be a very capable car.

I'm 25 now and I was 23 when I picked up my A3, not old image at all imo.....I'd get the audi man, mod it, and it'll be in a different league to the rest.
 
All good cars so there is no `wrong` one IMO.

Obviously it depends on what you are looking for as they all do things slightly differently, but I would say the best allrounder from your list is the Golf Gti.
Superb with a remap, bit of a giant killer once you are on the move.

Maybe stretch to an ED30?

Happy shopping

Paul
 
Staz said:
The A3 is such a nicer car to be in, looks more stylish and less boy racerish.

Audis are just a little more classy.
Click to expand...

I would have to agree with these quotes.

I have owned a Corsa and VW Golf, and the Audi A3 is just a class above the rest.
 
I was 19 when I first got my A3.

My girlfriend refers to my car as an 'dads car' and I can see where she's coming from, but its still an amazing car.

I've always been the type of person that likes change; I've had 4 cars in 2 years but ever since having the Audi, I now wouldn't be suprised if I stayed with Audi. They truly are exceptional cars.

And seriously, everyone wants to own an Audi over a Ford, Vauxhall or Honda...

When I first got my A3 I was in a dilemma as to buy the A3 or a Astra Sport Hatch, and after a lengthy discussion with a Sheffield cabby, he just said to me...

"If you can't distinguish any major pro's over either of them just ask yourself if you would rather have a Vauxhall or an Audi"...
 
audi upgrades
Go and drive them all, spend a saturday trawling round dealerships and try them you'll know buy the end of the day which is the one you personally like, doesn't matter what anybody else thinks as its you who needs to be the one who is satisfied.

Imo was toying up between Focus ST, R32 and A3 3.2, The A3 is so much more refined has the performance but is nicely understated.

Good luck....
 
I am young 21 and drive an a3 an can honestly say thats its not too grown up for me at all, it has more class than most cars people of a young age drive. I was looking at the Focus ST-3 and the GTi before i got the audi and though that it had just that little bit more class than the others and i dont often see people of my age driving one so thats what swayed me decision. The only time i ever regret buying it is when i have to get it serviced, but the car is so much of a joy to own i can get over that. It wasnt too expensive either, i went for the 2.0 TDI though not the 2.0T i payed £9500 in march this year for a 2006 a3 2.0 tdi 140 se 55k miles with quite a good spec.
 
As TAC say, drive them all! One will steal your heart more than the others.
 
problem is there isnt much choice in hull lol...

I have driven a Tdi 140 Golf, which was powerful enough, but i don't think a diesel suits my driving style, and i don't do the mileage, work is only 2 miles away, i want something nice for a spirited drive too =) i really like the 2.0T in S line spec only, but trawling through audi.co.uk 14k gets u a 3 yr old one with quite high miles lol
 
dont think i can stretch to new, my salary doesnt allow, its only because i live at home lol.....

would also love an RNS-E too in there

were HID's ever an option on the 2.0T model?

N8 your car is very cool - how much power do you have in the car now after remap? ay comparisons against other cars? but i will be after the 3 dr

i aint got a family yet :D
 
N8 said:
Agreed, but its very cool to have a new A3 at a young age..
Click to expand...

Your still not using that old chestnut that your 25,i remember going to your 30th a few years back ;):lmfao:
 
Jason85 said:
dont think i can stretch to new, my salary doesnt allow, its only because i live at home lol.....

would also love an RNS-E too in there

were HID's ever an option on the 2.0T model?

N8 your car is very cool - how much power do you have in the car now after remap? ay comparisons against other cars? but i will be after the 3 dr

i aint got a family yet :D
Click to expand...

Hey Jason,

A3's have xenons, bi-xenons, and bi-xenons adaptives. RNS-E is especially retrofittable and a very good unit at the price, other things to do are flat bottom multi-function steering wheel and bluetooth as well.

I haven't done a rolling road, as they are BS to be honest, it should be around 180bhp+ with 300ft-lb+ something along those lines. I ain't a family man, but I have a dog and do alot of travelling so need the room, hence the sportback, but I think its cooler than the 3 door anyway :racer:

evocos said:
Your still not using that old chestnut that your 25,i remember going to your 30th a few years back ;):lmfao:
Click to expand...

:laugh:
 
...something not yet mentioned, but was crucial to me choosing the S3 (and my previous Audi) is the Quattro system - Having loads of power in FWD-only car isn't a good thing in my experience. You need to be able to put it down!

I had a Clio Cup (172) when I was early twenties and the torque-steer was nasty, you were fighting to keep it in a straight line under hard acceleration. I appreciate that the Clio chassis isn't the best however!

The most 'useable' example for Quattro is the classic traffic light situation, where I live (nr the Pennines) it rains...a lot, on wet roads, NOTHING FWD-only stands a chance. Or, if you need to pull out of a side road, onto a fast moving main road, you want to do it as quickly/safely as possible - Quattro wins again!

I'd consider (and did test) an R32, but the insurance was a killer (car-jack central!), plus, as has been said before, Audi interiors are awesome. It's where you spend your time, no point having a fast-as-fk car if it looks crap on the inside.

Finally, I had to consider the 'tunability', I previously owned a TT Coupe (1.8T 225) which was good fun, but when I got it mapped, it was brilliant. Definitely consider this if you're into 'modding' - Large displacement NA Cars sound great and have LOADS of torque, but you're largely stuck with the power you're given (no +40BHP gains)
 
i think 14k is too much, i would rather spend as close to 10k as possible, i know i won't find anything at an authorised audi dealer but how about specialists like fontain etc..

I think the DSG will be confusing, never liked the idea of an auto...

Quattro is amazing, i driven a works A4 2.0T quattro and no wheel spin, it was amazing..but i also understand its mega bucks to get fixed if it fails, just like the turbo...

Its kinda wanting a nice car on a tight budget = )
 
Jason85 said:
i think 14k is too much, i would rather spend as close to 10k as possible, i know i won't find anything at an authorised audi dealer but how about specialists like fontain etc..

I think the DSG will be confusing, never liked the idea of an auto...

Quattro is amazing, i driven a works A4 2.0T quattro and no wheel spin, it was amazing..but i also understand its mega bucks to get fixed if it fails, just like the turbo...

Its kinda wanting a nice car on a tight budget = )
Click to expand...

DSG is anything but confusing - it either does everything for you - or you have 2 paddles - 1 for up, 1 for down. It's the least confusing thing ever.

The Quattro on the A3 is different to that on an A4, but if maintained properly is pretty reliable, so wouldn't dismiss it on those grounds.

Having said that, a 2.0T (but likely to be out of budget) drives well as FWD. I've always found the smooth power delivery on these helps get the power down. With a TDI it could be more beneficial, as all the low down torque seems to generate quite a lot of wheel spin, even if it hits the rev limiter 2 seconds later....

For your budget and requirements, I still stand by my suggestion of a Golf GTI :)
 
audi upgrades
how does DSG work if u want to go down a couple of gears, or if u stop at 5th gear and want to bang it into reverse? do u have to click it 6 times down or something?

inteior on golf isn't really nice tho lol..ill keep searching for the miracle car
 
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