A3 2.0 tdi for 10k? plus a few questions

[Duncan]

Hi all,

am looking at buying either an Audi a3 tdi 2.0 or a golf 2.0 tdi gt

i have a budget of 10k and am not sure which model to go for, i think the 170bhp a3 is out of my price range.

what is the difference between the SE and the sport model?

would like to get one with loads of extras but then would also like DSG transmission, is it much better than manual in a diesel or do you think its worth going for the extra's like leather interior, bose sound system and the other bits and pieces?

also what sort of mileage and age would i expect to get for that price? and what sort of things should i look out for when buying a second hand a3?

am still in Beijing at the moment but will be back in the uk early march.

any help would be great

Thanks

Duncan

 

[Duncan]

any help / advice anyone?

 

[davemk]

You'll find the SE / Sport question has been asked many times. Basically, the SE has more toys - auto lights / wipers / cruise etc, the Sport has less toys but lowered suspension, 17" wheels, DIS etc.

Between the Golf and the Audi, I'd go for the Audi. I looked at both and I was disappointed with the interior of the Golf. The A3 seems to be a step up IMHO.

 

[Duncan]

probably been asked a million times but will ask it anyway

is there a big difference in handling between the sport and the SE - what would people advise getting?

 

[davemk]

Yes, another question asked before!

I've not driven an SE to compare but I love the ride of my Sport. However, there are people who prefer the softer ride of the SE. It's down to your preference really. The best thing to do is to take them both for test drives when you're in the UK.

FWIW, I'd go for the Sport.

 

[Wai-Fan]

I was in a similar position last July, I was also trying to decide between and A3 and a Golf. I'm so glad I chose the A3, it's classier and more stylish than a Golf. Regarding the handling part, one of my mates has an SE Sportback and he says that there is a bit of bodyroll on the SE. However, on my sport, I don't really notice that much bodyroll, but then again I don't drive as enthusiastically as him One of the things I noticed about my A3 is the ride is a bit firmer than I thought, but it is still very comfortable.

My A3 costed me just slightly under 10k from Leeds Audi with 51k miles on the clock on a 2004 plate. Just had a quick look at Autotrader, I think you may be able to get a 55 to 06 plate 2.0 TDi Sport with about 40k to 60k miles with 10k.

 

[Duncan]

great!!

thanks for the help guys - now to find a garage thats willing to give me about 3k for my 2003 clio 172 cup as part exchange!!

i think im definitely leaning towards the A3! should I let mileage be the big decider if there are two very similar models?

am really up for as many extras as i can get, would i notice much if i went for something with 50k miles vs 20k miles, is it definetly worth going for as low mileage as possible?

 

[davemk]

Not really. I guess some of it depends on how many miles you're intending to do per annum.

With 10k, I'd say you're more likely to get an older car so, in some respects, a higher mileage might be seen as better.

 

[Duncan]

one more thing... is there a big difference between the bose car stereo and the standard one?

 

[davemk]

I think Bose is a "love or loathe" thing but I've not heard one to compare (sorry, not much help!).

I've got a Symphony II in mine and pleased with the standard setup though.

 

[Duncan]

have found one for 10,990 (hopefully he will come down in price)
38k miles
S-line interior
DSG
2.0 TDI sport
6 cd bose stereo

does this seem like a good deal?

 

[10blazin]

i have the full bose setup and i like it its pretty good bass is ok to i no its not the best ie instaling your own ice but as a setup i like and you can always add to the setup amp speakers bass box etc im thinking of adding amp and bass box that i have from my last car just to shake the car to bits lol but bose sound good i think i would choose it if i bought another audi but after this one i doubt i will there to much up there own ar&* audi sale have bad attitudes especially derby audi terrible experience there its made me never want to go audi again im goin bmw next time

I think Bose is a "love or loathe" thing but I've not heard one to compare (sorry, not much help!).

I've got a Symphony II in mine and pleased with the standard setup though.

 

[epicfx]

Had my 06 A3 2.0 TDI (140) Quattro Sport for about 3 weeks now. My budget was 12k and i chose it over a 56 plate Golf GT TDI 170bhp, mainly due to the build of the car and how much more i have got in the Audi. The Golf interior did not even have digital climate control and felt a bit tacky. Also the lack of 4wd in the Golf, meant on my test drive all the torque going to the front tyres was making them spin way too much. granted it was a bit wet.

My A3 has got 21k miles on it, Leather heated seats, 18" S Line alloys, Bose with Symphony II, Quattro, Fogs...

The sound on the Bose is nice but havent really played with all the settings yet, i'm going to change the HU for a Double Din jobby, prob Pioneer or JVC so i can hook up an External HD.

Also going to get a remap at the end of the month, which should be fun

Epic.

 

[kaz219]

I had the decisiong of a gt tdi golf and a a3 but in the few mk5s ive driven - all have had a irritating rattly interior! I also had a 2007 Jetta with 4k miles and that had a ratte from the ashtray and where the seatbelt is...

Build quality is very poor on them IMO but the A3 is defo a nicer place to be.

I paid 11k for my 2004/54 A3 S-Line DSG, 60k in June. It was cheap at the time (They were going for £12,500+ then) but im sure you can pick up something similar but the same price. Mines got the leathers, cruise, bose, storage pack and a few other things so not too bad!

id get the milage as low as poss but make sure if you get a 04/05 - its had the cambelt done as that could set you back a bit but i got mine done for under £400 from a specialist...

Common probs are bearings, Intake manifold flap, porous heads (BIG JOB and EXPENSIVE!), leaky rads and thats about it tbh. I've had my bearings and IMF changed...The other 2 are slgihtly rare but a few members have had the probs.. the mk5 has the same common probs.

The only disadvantage i see with not going with the golf is that aftermarket parts are more easy to come by (bodykits, 2nd hand bits, etc) and its cheaper to service but Id still go Audi

Love mine to bits

 

[Duncan]

Great, thanks Kaz

I think im definitely going to go for the audi now

just need to find one with as many extras as i can wtih DSG box

is the DSG worth going for - i feel like it is but as i havnt tried it yet not 100% sure

would be great if i could find an S-Line spec as well - was yours an SE or Sport?