Another what car - 335i touring v S4 v Golf R estate

[Chiefbadger]

Hi all,

I've been going backwards and forwards on which way to go for weeks now and have finally narrowed down choices to the above (I think!) so just trying to get a view from anyone who has been through a similar decision!

Currently in an c7 a6 Avant ultra black edition (phew) which is a great car but just too much of a barge. Don't have space for two cars (or time to drive on my own anyway) and have 2 young boys so need an estate. I had originally planned on just say boll@cks to it and ordering an RS3 but the boot is just too small.

So, key considerations are:

Fun factor
Interior quality/space
Pricing (going down PCP route)

Well optioned S4's and 335i's seem to be coming in at a fairly similar price. BMW cheaper but monthly figures similar due to Gfv of the audi. Smaller discounts available on the golf (I guess fair seeing as it's not on the roads yet) but again costs are similar. Am I mad comparing a golf R estate to the BMW or the Audi? The interior is definitely a notch down, but I really enjoyed the drive in the 5dr dsg hatch. Audi is a lovely place to be and a very competent all rounder (my wife would have this hands down over the others) but just a bit too refined and I haven't had the chance to drive an f31 3 series yet, but I'm not entirely sold on the looks.

Please help!
Cheers,
Ols

[iacabu]

Based on looks alone, I really fancy the new C-class estate. No idea if it's in budget or if you've already ruled it out given that you haven't mentioned it

[Chiefbadger]

iacabu said:

Based on looks alone, I really fancy the new C-class estate. No idea if it's in budget or if you've already ruled it out given that you haven't mentioned it

I really like the look of it, but until the c450 amg comes out, there is nothing in the range that interests me unfortunately! Sounds like the 450 won't be hear until summer next year and I'm too impatient!

[anonymous-user]

As well as the C class suggestion it may be worth throwing the Merc CLA AMG Shooting Brake into the mix along with the Volvo V-60 Polestar and the suprisingly good value Insignia VXR estate

[Chiefbadger]

Thanks for the thoughts. I did look at the CLA but can't justify the cost/size when compared to the golf. V60 looks great on the outside but interior is a mess and the depreciation terrifies me. Same on the VXR and makes it look expensive on PCP deal.

RS4 would be ideal but again, it's the financing that rules it out. Looking at £42-45k and the APR figures mean monthlies are way over budget.

Looks like I've also cocked up the figures for the S4 which make it more unattractive. BMW and Golf are both circa £400 a month over 48months with 6k down for the specs I want.

[tomsugden]

Have you though about an Audi RS Q3?

https://www.audi.co.uk/content/dam/audi/production...

2.5 litres, 5 cylinders, ~340 horses, 0-60 in 4.8, and not every other bugger has got one.

[Ali_T]

Number one on the list is fun factor and the option is 335i, S4 and Golf R? I think you're going to be disappointed. They're very good cars, but they're all built to go quickly without bothering the driver too much!

[Chiefbadger]

Ali_T said:

Number one on the list is fun factor and the option is 335i, S4 and Golf R? I think you're going to be disappointed. They're very good cars, but they're all built to go quickly without bothering the driver too much!

Agree totally! Should have said fun in comparison to other family sized estates. An RS4 or c63 are basically what I want but just can't push the budget that far.

[Chiefbadger]

tomsugden said:

Have you though about an Audi RS Q3?

https://www.audi.co.uk/content/dam/audi/production...

2.5 litres, 5 cylinders, ~340 horses, 0-60 in 4.8, and not every other bugger has got one.

Not any more space than the RS3 so just too small. I'm really keen to avoid an SUV and keep it petrol otherwise the SQ5 would also be an option.

[Axionknight]

Would you consider a Volvo V60 Polestar? They started at £50,000 but pre-registered ones are available for £41,000 and that's fully loaded, spec wise. A good contender against the S4 and 335i.

[Chiefbadger]

Axionknight said:

Would you consider a Volvo V60 Polestar? They started at £50,000 but pre-registered ones are available for £41,000 and that's fully loaded, spec wise. A good contender against the S4 and 335i.

As mentioned above - residuals and interior put me off. Even at 41k it's a good 75-100 a month more than either the audi or BM.

[Axionknight]

That'll teach me to read the whole thread before replying!

[MattHall91]

This is quite a difficult one. I couldn't justify spending that much a month on any of those, I just don't find them inspiring or desirable at all. I know they are maybe not meant to be, but I'd want something I love in return for my hard earned.

To be honest, I'd probably go 335d X Drive and enjoy lower running costs whilst being made to smile by the silly torque on offer.

Nothing of this nature will be 'fun' compared to something less practical.

[DKL]

What about a Macan? Not sure about budget but I'd imagine you'd be ok if you discount the turbo.
We are after the same things but not just yet!

[CrgT16]

Difficult one... Have you looked into the Jag XF Sporbrake? Or upcoming XE?

[Chiefbadger]

MattHall91 said:

This is quite a difficult one. I couldn't justify spending that much a month on any of those, I just don't find them inspiring or desirable at all. I know they are maybe not meant to be, but I'd want something I love in return for my hard earned.

To be honest, I'd probably go 335d X Drive and enjoy lower running costs whilst being made to smile by the silly torque on offer.

Nothing of this nature will be 'fun' compared to something less practical.

I'm going to try and get drives in the 335 petrol and diesel. The 335d does look pretty good as an all rounder.

[Nickbrapp]

If you're getting it on pcp what does deprecation matter? That's all you're paying for with the monthly payments.

Lightly used c63 estate? I bet there's still a few pre reg ones knocking about.

[Chiefbadger]

Nickbrapp said:

If you're getting it on pcp what does deprecation matter? That's all you're paying for with the monthly payments.

Lightly used c63 estate? I bet there's still a few pre reg ones knocking about.

Makes a huge difference on payments due to the residual value of the car. Have been scouring the market for a lightly used c63 with PPP and a dark leather interior at a sensible price but can't find anything. Again - APR for used makes it a lot pricier too though.

Test driving the 335i and 335d on Sat. Well, 435i but it's the engine that I'm interested in.

[Nickbrapp]

I would Say the 3 series is the most generic of the lot and certainly not a sunday car.

What about a infinity fx?

Or go Abosulty mental, blow the budget and by this

[Chiefbadger]

Nickbrapp said:

I would Say the 3 series is the most generic of the lot and certainly not a sunday car.

What about a infinity fx?

Or go Abosulty mental, blow the budget and by this

I keep seeing that and thinking 'where can I find another 10k without my wife killing me'