Anyone moved to SEAT from Audi?

[Mutley75]

Anyone moved to SEAT Leon from an Audi A3 and regretted their decision? Or, once you're over the whole badge thing, is it a much better car pound for pound?

[Mutley75]

Thanks that's useful to know and confirms what I suspected to be the main differences. The residuals is one concern though. A lightly used, decent spec Leon FR can be had for just £15-16k, a used A3 with equivalent spec and mileage would set you back £19-£20k. However in 3 years time, the A3 would still be worth £14k whereas the Leon would have probably dropped to around £9k. So where it may be cheaper to buy in the first place, it will lose more money in the long run. Even so, if like me where newness and spec are of more importance than outright quality or the badge, then it's a no-brainer.

[Mutley75]

Couple of A1 drivers here... in your opinion, which drives better - the Leon or the A1? I do like the A1, just concerned it's a little bit small (not that I need a big car though).

[Mutley75]

Residuals not so important. I guess the question for me is, with my budget do I go for a 3 month old Leon FR with every gadget known to man and interior trim that's superior to Ford, Vauxhall etc even if it is a wrung or two below the A3 and Golf... Or do I buy a 2-3 year old A3 that's likely been sullied by the previous owner? Must admit I'm leaning toward the Leon. Who cares about a badge? No one else cares what I drive so why but something older just to impress the neighbours more?

[Mutley75]

It certainly does look better. No offence, but I really don't like those standard 17" alloys though. I'm going to take one for a spin to see what I think. I've already driven a new A3 S-Line to compare with.

[Mutley75]

Would you be offended if I called you an utter, utter bd!!? :-)

[Mutley75]

Out of curiosity, your Cupra would have cost around £25k. Why did you opt for the Cupra instead of a lightly used Golf GTI or Audi A3 S-Line for example? Not that I am criticising your choice, I am just interested in your reasons. Thanks.

[Mutley75]

I'm in a similar boat (as per my original post). Had been looking at A3, but to get the spec I wanted, I'd be looking at £22k for a used one. I can get the exact spec (and then some) with the Leon FR, as an ex-demo with about 3k miles on the clock for £16k. The A3 is nice, but is it worth £6k more? Probably not.