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Suggest me an alternative to an A3
matt_gsxr - 27/2/10 at 11:52 AM

Hi there,

My wife is due a new car (new as in new to us!). She wants an A3 3door and like the 04-05 facelift body shape, and would like a petrol model ideally with some go (say 2litre FSI, or turbo models).

The problem is that they are awful value for money on the 2nd hand market, and there are hardly any petrols out there (yes, yes, we all know, she should want the 2litre TDi).


So, any cunning ideas of an alternative?

It has to be fit an image, needs seats in the back (small ones are fine), and up to 6 years old.

I was thinking Alfa GTV (2litre). What else fits the bill, i.e. good value for money, not the same as all the accountants wives.



Anyone with experience of the 2litre diesel in the A3? I have it in the A6 and its quick, but not nippy.


Thanks,

Matt

Toltec - 27/2/10 at 12:11 PM

My wife likes her 325 compact, just on the age border for you though.

les g - 27/2/10 at 12:44 PM

i would still go for the A3
my daughter has the 1.8 turbo
its very quick a rock solid car and has been ultra reliable it also handles well if you abuse it
quite spacious with good seats etc.
but like you say they hold there price well
and it took her ages till she found one private and mugged the old fella
cheers les g

tegwin - 27/2/10 at 12:56 PM

Seat Leon Cupra (or Cupra R)....

Much more "fun" than an A3.... same engine, almost the same interior etc...

smart51 - 27/2/10 at 12:58 PM

quote:
Originally posted by matt_gsxr
Suggest me an alternative to an A3


erm, A Golf? Full range of engines including the GTi and the VR6.

The Alfa Mito and Fiat 500 have "image", if that's what she wants. The Multi Air engine is supposed to be good.

gottabedone - 27/2/10 at 02:59 PM

There are some nice Benz's around like the C180. As already mentioned the Leon's are wicked.....does a Mini have the image that she needs?

MakeEverything - 27/2/10 at 04:32 PM

quote:
Originally posted by 907
One like this?

2L TDi 140 6 Speed.... and yes, it's nippy.

£6595

Paul G


Same as the one i had. Quick, Solid, Reliable and with more "Prestige" than the others i looked at. It even had Leather interior. I really liked it and was gutted to see it go.

mattyc - 27/2/10 at 05:01 PM

quote:
Originally posted by gottabedone
There are some nice Benz's around like the C180. As already mentioned the Leon's are wicked.....does a Mini have the image that she needs?


I have a 56 plate c180 coupe and love it, not super quick but has some pock when you want it. best of all insurance friendly for us young ones

MikeR - 27/2/10 at 05:18 PM

g/f had A3's for years, decided on a change and got an Alfa 147. Its got a tiny boot, handles very well, comfy but stupid stupid stupid ergonomics and design in places. Really really spoils what could have been a great car.

I've decreed we're never having another alfa because of this one (actually i think i decreed, whilst i'm around you're not having another alfa).

MakeEverything - 27/2/10 at 05:28 PM

quote:
Originally posted by mattyc
quote:
Originally posted by gottabedone
There are some nice Benz's around like the C180. As already mentioned the Leon's are wicked.....does a Mini have the image that she needs?


I have a 56 plate c180 coupe and love it, not super quick but has some pock when you want it. best of all insurance friendly for us young ones


I had a '52 C180 saloon, and it was the worst car ive ever had. Cost me £1000 a month when i sold it after 6 months, and had to go back every two weeks for warranty repairs.
Comfortable and safe, but then, most of the time it was stuck in the workshop so then, it was probably one of the safest cars off the road.... Fkin piece of shit. I wont ever buy another Merc, or recommend buying one. Had nothing but trouble, and once they had my £12k, they werent interested.

In case you didnt notice, it boils me up just talking about it, and im still paying for it now.

karlak - 27/2/10 at 05:36 PM

BMW 1-series ?

55 plate 130i for under £10k (ntdwm)

http://www.babybmw.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=17270&view=unread#unread

dhutch - 27/2/10 at 06:15 PM

quote:
Originally posted by tegwin
Seat Leon Cupra (or Cupra R)....

Much more "fun" than an A3.... same engine, almost the same interior etc...
Ive not owned one, but i would seriously consider this if i had to replace the pug (1.8l w-reg 306)


Daniel

matt_gsxr - 27/2/10 at 06:55 PM

Excellent suggestions.

Thanks chaps, I will report back after I have consulted!

I know alfa are rubbish, but you've got to own one in your life, and I was thinking it would be easier if I wasn't dependent on it!

Matt

morcus - 27/2/10 at 06:58 PM

What about the Citroen C4 Coupé? I've driven one and would have one If I could afford to.

I've never really been a fan of the A3, I think it looks too much like a golf, they should have done more to make it look different.

tegwin - 27/2/10 at 07:01 PM

quote:
Originally posted by dhutch
quote:
Originally posted by tegwin
Seat Leon Cupra (or Cupra R)....

Much more "fun" than an A3.... same engine, almost the same interior etc...
Ive not owned one, but i would seriously consider this if i had to replace the pug (1.8l w-reg 306)


Daniel


I had a cupra R for a bit... 1.8t... tweeked and remapped to nearly 300hp... was AMAZING... dont know why I ever sold it lol

Simon - 27/2/10 at 09:29 PM

quote:
Originally posted by matt_gsxr
I know alfa are rubbish, but you've got to own one in your life,
Matt


You're absolutely right, but everyone goes about owning one the wrong way.

I bought one (Alfa Sud for £50) that I thrashed around a field for 6 months then scrapped.

Minimal depreciation maximum fun and no disappointment when it became a bean can, as that was what I was expecting

ATB

Simon

matt_gsxr - 7/3/10 at 09:50 PM

Just to update and close out this posting.

Picked up Paul's (907) A3 today. Drives nicely and in great shape. Everyone happy :-)

Maybe I'll get an Alfa next time.

Thanks,

Matt