Any A35 owners??

[Greendubber]

I need to return my lease later in the year and I'm going back to owning a car is ready of borrowing one as leasing costs are just daft now.

After 3 boring but utterly reliable years in a Hyundai Tucson I need to get back into a quick hatchback which was my old default. I don't need such a big car as the wife has gone from her Mini into an Evoque (sigh)


I need something mid sized, 5 door, quick enough and I keep getting drawn to the A35, essentially it looks to fly under the radar a bit unlike the Golf R/GTI and S3 etc. Having previously had a stealth grey Focus ST I don't want the attention from idiots when I'm out and about and the A35 looks fairly inconspicuous.

The Merc also looks to have a far nicer interior compared to the VAG group offerings.

Has anyone got one and if so, what's ownership like?

If be going for something about 3 years old.

Many Thanks

[Greendubber]

Thanks for the replies both, good useful information.

I'm not too fussed about the aero pack, I know it looks good but I quite like the subtle nature of the non-aero cars. Having had a stealth grey Focus ST a few years back that attracted every idiot from miles around I'll happy have something a little more subtle.

I think a premium or premium plus 2020 onwards car for me will be ideal but I don't think I fancy a yellow on I just need to go and drive one and make sure I fit as I'm 6'4" so a bit of a lump.

[Greendubber]

Thanks for the replies chaps, really appreciate it.

Good to know they're pretty sure footed as we're semi rural so the roads can be a bit crappy in the winter months. I'm budgeting for a set of winter wheels and tyres so hopefully I'll not get stuck!

[Greendubber]

Thank you all for the further info, it's really appreciated. First time 'buying' a car in about 10 years due to leasing so being as I'm going to be keeping it a while, it's got to be right.

Glad to see a lack of horror stories as well!

[Greendubber]

Glad to see no horror stories cropping up with these, thanks again for the replies.

[Greendubber]

Hello again all,

Thanks again for all the info already supplied. I've having a dig into any reliability issues and there's been a few incidents of head gasket problems on these, with some being outside of warranty cars on low miles etc.

Has anyone got any knowledge of this at all?

Thanks again.

[Greendubber]

I've not tried one yet, I think I'm bailing out to be honest as I've been reading about too many pre facelift cars having significant cylinder head issues.

I only wanted a 5 door as my dog goes on the back seat and it's easier to just open the side door so leg room really isn't an issue for me.

I'm also looking at BMW 135is (new shape) due to the head issues that are bothering me on the A35.

[Greendubber]

The odds aren't great for that poll, I'd be after a pre-facelift car (20/21) and they seem like prime candidates for the head issues.

An approved used with the issue already sorted might be an option but I'd want some hefty warrantied reassurance it won't happen again as I'm hoping to keep whatever I end up with for a decent time period.