Time to consider a family-mobile! Opinions please? And yes it is relevant to 8V owners...

batch

batch

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So, the time has come when I need to start considering a family-orientated replacement for the S3. Mrs B wants an SUV but ironically thinks both the Avant/estate options I've put on the list would be "too big"... there's also the consideration of sticking with an S3 if with one child it will be adequate!

We have considered running two cars but not sure we'd need to, so back to thinking about one and these are my thoughts at present:


NEW

Take another S3 at the end of this PCP - benefits are everything swaps straight over, we know the car, and I get to keep my favourite model! Cons - may not be big enough...

Lease an S4 Avant - pros are it's a lot of car for not a lot of money, huge power and space. Cons - "too big"?!


USED

SQ5 - I've always loved these and they have the space as well as being beastly especially with a remap! Cons - price.

Q5 V6 - as above but I'd still want the S! Mrs B loves Q5s but thinks the S is unnecessary!

335xD M-sport touring - fast, comfy, great spec, good value, but apparently too big (really?!)

XC60 - used ones are great value and huge spec on them but not very fast! Somehow got a big soft spot for these though!

S4 Avant - as with a new one...


So, any opinions on what size we could get away with, anyone got experience of any of the above? Happy to take suggestions!
 
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An A3 is plenty large enough for a couple and one or two young children. I would think that a 5 door (Sportback) would definitely be the model to go for - 3 door would not be convenient.
 
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RichardT said:
An A3 is plenty large enough for a couple and one or two young children. I would think that a 5 door (Sportback) would definitely be the model to go for - 3 door would not be convenient.
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Thank you Richard - I've got a sportback so we are covered, and can find out in the last year of the PCP how we get on. Hoping it will be the case as I love mine!
 
Of course, you may have to learn to drive your car a bit differently if you want to avoid puke on your seats!!:whistle2:
 
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I've an s3 sb and 2 kids, never had an issue thinking the car isn't big enough. You might want to try buy your current car so any child incidents aren't as bad as in a new car!
 
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Similar situation to you, but I'm coming to the conclusion that the only times the A3 isn't (arguably) big enough for a family of 4 is holiday time, so it' not worth buying and running a big car all year round, just for holidays. For those times, I'll buy a roof box.
 
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batch said:
So, the time has come when I need to start considering a family-orientated replacement for the S3. Mrs B wants an SUV but ironically thinks both the Avant/estate options I've put on the list would be "too big"... there's also the consideration of sticking with an S3 if with one child it will be adequate!

We have considered running two cars but not sure we'd need to, so back to thinking about one and these are my thoughts at present:


NEW

Take another S3 at the end of this PCP - benefits are everything swaps straight over, we know the car, and I get to keep my favourite model! Cons - may not be big enough...

Lease an S4 Avant - pros are it's a lot of car for not a lot of money, huge power and space. Cons - "too big"?!


USED

SQ5 - I've always loved these and they have the space as well as being beastly especially with a remap! Cons - price.

Q5 V6 - as above but I'd still want the S! Mrs B loves Q5s but thinks the S is unnecessary!

335xD M-sport touring - fast, comfy, great spec, good value, but apparently too big (really?!)

XC60 - used ones are great value and huge spec on them but not very fast! Somehow got a big soft spot for these though!

S4 Avant - as with a new one...


So, any opinions on what size we could get away with, anyone got experience of any of the above? Happy to take suggestions!
Click to expand...


I have completley discounted the XC60 now, as they have ****** me around a bit with the offer.

Ive decided to sit tight on the S3 and see what offers appear in the next couple of months...

Keeping my eyes peeled for any Q5, Q2 and Tiguan offers( R-Line only)
 
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batch said:
Thing is gents, I'm quite partial to the idea of the SQ or 335d!
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Ahh. Now your changing the terms of reference!
Basically, an 5 door A3 is big enough. That question is answered. But if you fancy a change - go for it.
To be honest, I've never, in over 50 years of motoring, had the same car twice. I've had lots that I like, but it's also nice to have a bit of variety!
 
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As a owner of a new a4 and mainly only me driving go for the s4, there is far more about it than the s3 and it is only just over 400mm longer. A no brainer and far more refined...
 
cuke2u said:
As a owner of a new a4 and mainly only me driving go for the s4, there is far more about it than the s3 and it is only just over 400mm longer. A no brainer and far more refined...
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Try telling Mrs B it's not much bigger! I'm aiming to get her into the S4 and 335xD touring to try to prove her wrong but I know even if I do she'll keep it up!
 
RichardT said:
Ahh. Now your changing the terms of reference!
Basically, an 5 door A3 is big enough. That question is answered. But if you fancy a change - go for it.
To be honest, I've never, in over 50 years of motoring, had the same car twice. I've had lots that I like, but it's also nice to have a bit of variety!
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I love S3s, to me the ultimate hot hatch. Always wanted one, been lucky enough to have two. I'd happily have a third but I always get itchy feet at around 30months in!
 
Hi mate F Pace V6 diesel R Sport..... or try and source a ex demo run out Black Edition SQ5,the BMW touring doesn't have anymore interior space than a normal 3 series.... Just has a larger storage/boot area and it ain't that desirable a X4 330d is your best bet BMW for you, l do rather like them.......
 
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Budget strictly around £30k used so doubt I'd get a run out SQ for that much.
Main thing about the tourer is the boot!
 
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S4 Avant would be my choice for room, power and looks....I detest SUVs and I am not a fan of hatchbacks either. Saloons, coupes and estate cars for me.
 
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My dad always laughs when he hears "young folk these days" saying they need bigger cars when a family comes along.
He transported my mum, me and my sister when we were kids plus 2 suitcases for 2 weeks holiday in a 850cc Mini. I recall it was a bit of of a struggle climbing up the Devils Elbow to Glensee enroute to the Banffshire Coast be we always made it lol. That's was in the days where folk didn't bother with irrelevant things like proper child seats or seat belts right enough ha ha!
 
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Audi Bairn said:
My dad always laughs when he hears "young folk these days" saying they need bigger cars when a family comes along.
He transported my mum, me and my sister when we were kids plus 2 suitcases for 2 weeks holiday in a 850cc Mini. I recall it was a bit of of a struggle climbing up the Devils Elbow to Glensee enroute to the Banffshire Coast be we always made it lol. That's was in the days where folk didn't bother with irrelevant things like proper child seats or seat belts right enough ha ha!
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I'd happily keep the S3! Always interested in other options but still! Might mean roofbars and a box too, always looks good on modified hatches!
 
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cuke2u said:
As a owner of a new a4 and mainly only me driving go for the s4, there is far more about it than the s3 and it is only just over 400mm longer. A no brainer and far more refined...
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Also, Mrs B definitely knows what 400mm looks like, that's why we're in this ****** mess! :tonguewink:
 
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Stay S3 if you can, been big enough for us, family of 4 with 2 grown up kids ferrying to and from uni as well as holidays. 4 of us and luggge for 3 week in the US was a bit tight though

2 younger kids including a pushchair and shopping might be a bit difficult though.

R line Tiguan could be good option though as friend at VW swears by them
 
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The new S4 is lively but pricey once spec'd with sport diff etc. Friend of mine has a 335d xdrive tourer and absolutely loves it, prior to that he had a 911 4CS, much prefers the BMW as an overall package. Test drive both, the performance the S4 offers isn't much more than the 335, the 335 returns 40mpg easily.
 
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TYb said:
The new S4 is lively but pricey once spec'd with sport diff etc. Friend of mine has a 335d xdrive tourer and absolutely loves it, prior to that he had a 911 4CS, much prefers the BMW as an overall package. Test drive both, the performance the S4 offers isn't much more than the 335, the 335 returns 40mpg easily.
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Thing is Mrs B won't entertain the BM. I will; we used to have the 330ds as work cars around 2007-2011 and they were epic.
 
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I have far too much experience... ha ha

The 2 things you need are an auto and a high car... you have one ticked!

The S3 will be plenty big enough...boot wise and interior space.... however..

What an SUV gives you is a height advantage. ( the A4, BMW 335d etc wont be any good either height wise! ) My wife thought all the estates ( RS4 / S4/ 335d's etc ) that I tried all made her look like a hearse driver or a farmer!! Ha ha

Height....Which for a new parent with a push chair and a babe in hands,is a blessing and a back saver.... all the bending down and strapping kids into travel cots and baby seats is back breaking work... forget punping iron Batch...!! Just try two kids and all the associated toot !!... ha ha

The auto box is essential as you just need a car gou can steer!!! Gears are hard work with a screaming baby in the back ... ha ha

Good luck on your quest!.. it doesnt need to be massive, its what you do with it !!

Jungle
 
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jungle650 said:
I have far too much experience... ha ha

The 2 things you need are an auto and a high car... you have one ticked!

The S3 will be plenty big enough...boot wise and interior space.... however..

What an SUV gives you is a height advantage. ( the A4, BMW 335d etc wont be any good either height wise! ) My wife thought all the estates ( RS4 / S4/ 335d's etc ) that I tried all made her look like a hearse driver or a farmer!! Ha ha

Height....Which for a new parent with a push chair and a babe in hands,is a blessing and a back saver.... all the bending down and strapping kids into travel cots and baby seats is back breaking work... forget punping iron Batch...!! Just try two kids and all the associated toot !!... ha ha

The auto box is essential as you just need a car gou can steer!!! Gears are hard work with a screaming baby in the back ... ha ha

Good luck on your quest!.. it doesnt need to be massive, its what you do with it !!

Jungle
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I don't get the kids = high car argument, but then I dislike SUVs. Anything high won't be as fun as an S3!

We've got a child and a manual S3. No problem getting them in and out of it or changing gears during screaming fits (you get used to it)! The only slight issue is the boot; it's only just big enough for the buggy. Anything else has to go in the back - roofbox would be essential if you took it on holiday.

Tip - get a baby seat with detachable isofix base. No need to fiddle with seat belts/straps until they're older and you get to stay sane
 
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hellodave said:
I don't get the kids = high car argument, but then I dislike SUVs. Anything high won't be as fun as an S3!

We've got a child and a manual S3. No problem getting them in and out of it or changing gears during screaming fits (you get used to it)! The only slight issue is the boot; it's only just big enough for the buggy. Anything else has to go in the back - roofbox would be essential if you took it on holiday.

Tip - get a baby seat with detachable isofix base. No need to fiddle with seat belts/straps until they're older and you get to stay sane
Click to expand...
Looking at the Recaro one that grows with your kid!
 
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TYb said:
link doesn't work for me but that not a bad price really is it. It's a step up from the S3 in terms of build quality, power delivery and package and not a huge price increase.
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A4/S4 depreciation is worse than the A3/S4 and running costs of the S4 is a good bit more higher fuel consumption etc also @batch budget is £30k
 
jassyo06 said:
A4/S4 depreciation is worse than the A3/S4 and running costs of the S4 is a good bit more higher fuel consumption etc also @batch budget is £30k
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Agreed, just thought price wise it isn't bad for an all together different beast, V6, build quality etc.
 
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jassyo06 said:
A4/S4 depreciation is worse than the A3/S4 and running costs of the S4 is a good bit more higher fuel consumption etc also @batch budget is £30k
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£30k used budget, as will have to buy mainly on finance. New or lease I could step it up a bit, and some awesome lease deals on S4s around.
 
batch said:
£30k used budget, as will have to buy mainly on finance. New or lease I could step it up a bit, and some awesome lease deals on S4s around.
Click to expand...

Personal leasing why not go for it then, the S4 comes with a nice spec
 
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audi upgrades
An S3 should be perfect for one child.....plenty enough space in them. But if you do want to change, a lot of people say the 335d BMW is all the car you'll every need. You obviously need to like beemers though.
 
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batch said:
So, the time has come when I need to start considering a family-orientated replacement for the S3. Mrs B wants an SUV but ironically thinks both the Avant/estate options I've put on the list would be "too big"... there's also the consideration of sticking with an S3 if with one child it will be adequate!

We have considered running two cars but not sure we'd need to, so back to thinking about one and these are my thoughts at present:


NEW

Take another S3 at the end of this PCP - benefits are everything swaps straight over, we know the car, and I get to keep my favourite model! Cons - may not be big enough...

Lease an S4 Avant - pros are it's a lot of car for not a lot of money, huge power and space. Cons - "too big"?!


USED

SQ5 - I've always loved these and they have the space as well as being beastly especially with a remap! Cons - price.

Q5 V6 - as above but I'd still want the S! Mrs B loves Q5s but thinks the S is unnecessary!

335xD M-sport touring - fast, comfy, great spec, good value, but apparently too big (really?!)

XC60 - used ones are great value and huge spec on them but not very fast! Somehow got a big soft spot for these though!

S4 Avant - as with a new one...


So, any opinions on what size we could get away with, anyone got experience of any of the above? Happy to take suggestions!
Click to expand...
@batch - Or how about a Golf R estate on a lease deal ?
I missed out by 2 hours on a MY18 Golf R DSG estate on a 2 year lease deal @ £275/month with no deposit
The leasing company sold their allocation in 4 hours at this price
Still, there's bound to be more similar deals available me thinks
 
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batch said:
So, the time has come when I need to start considering a family-orientated replacement for the S3. Mrs B wants an SUV but ironically thinks both the Avant/estate options I've put on the list would be "too big"... there's also the consideration of sticking with an S3 if with one child it will be adequate!
Click to expand...

Think this will be my last S3, we did a 1.5 hour drive today and managed to get a bit of 60mph road for about 10 mins, the rest was 30, 40, 50 mph limits! I also noticed the potholes/fixed potholes are getting worse and tbh I'm getting a bit sick of the hard ride every time I hit one!

Looked at SUV's myself, the new X-Trail out next month, new Honda CRV out end of the year and the new XC60 out soon, so some good deal on old/pre reg stock!

Even looked at the new Tekna+ Qashqai that has everything on it and comes in well under £30k

 
S32B said:
Think this will be my last S3, we did a 1.5 hour drive today and managed to get a bit of 60mph road for about 10 mins, the rest was 30, 40, 50 mph limits! I also noticed the potholes/fixed potholes are getting worse and tbh I'm getting a bit sick of the hard ride every time I hit one!

Looked at SUV's myself, the new X-Trail out next month, new Honda CRV out end of the year and the new XC60 out soon, so some good deal on old/pre reg stock!

Even looked at the new Tekna+ Qashqai that has everything on it and comes in well under £30k

Click to expand...
I can sympathise, but when you hit a bit of open road in the S3 it's all worth it!

I can't understand why people buy Quashqais - the dullest, blandest, most uninvolving thing I've ever had the misfortune to drive. The Wife and I both got out feeling distinctly unimpressed! The higher driving position did nothing for me and the interior was just acres of cheap black plastic. I would say you can't get much worse this side of a Renault Scenic...but Nissan are also responsible for the Juke, a car even Stevie Wonder would refuse to be seen in
 
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S32B said:
Think this will be my last S3, we did a 1.5 hour drive today and managed to get a bit of 60mph road for about 10 mins, the rest was 30, 40, 50 mph limits! I also noticed the potholes/fixed potholes are getting worse and tbh I'm getting a bit sick of the hard ride every time I hit one!

Looked at SUV's myself, the new X-Trail out next month, new Honda CRV out end of the year and the new XC60 out soon, so some good deal on old/pre reg stock!

Even looked at the new Tekna+ Qashqai that has everything on it and comes in well under £30k

Click to expand...


They're some MotherF***ing fancy seats for a Qashqai!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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Our family car (the wife’s) is a Hyundai Tucson sport pre reg 22k comes with 5 yes warranty and AA cover and sits between the Q3 and Q5 size wise and also comes in Ara blue ....
IMG 4756
 
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