2K car choices

[ollyver27]

Hi everyone,

I will soon have a budget of around £2,000 to spend on a car. I am looking for advice on the best purchase.

I am currently torn between two cars: the Alfa 147 2.0 TS Lusso, or the Audi A3 1.8 SE or Audi A3 1.8T

I really like all the extras you get in an Alfa, and I've heard people fall in love with them! But on the other hand, I'm just a bit worried that I won't be able to afford to fix all the problems that an Alfa might throw at me.

Which has led me to the Audi A3. With my small budget, I am only able to afford one with around 100,000miles. But I thought that maybe the Audi is more reliable, so more miles may not be a problem, but I don't know? I have done my research with the Alfa, but not much with the Audi A3.

I like the look of both cars equally, and I think both will be fast enough for me (I've got a Saxo 1litre at the moment!)

Any general advice, or even other suggestions would be welcome

Thanks

[ollyver27]

bump

[Deluded]

Alfas really aren't as bad as people on the internet seem to make out. They are just as reliable as most european cars. There will be some bad ones and some good ones. View a few and pick a goodun. A friend has a 156 JTD and has done around 40k in the last 5 months. Only problem he's had was a split boost hose.

[Matt35]

can't comment on alfa, although will have one, one day. As for the Audi, see my post, just bought a a4 with 145k, s/h up to 110k, nothing since as far as i can tell. Other then the autobox and the air con needs re-gassing its been solid!! Not sure whether this helps or not, but miles has never put me off a car.

[300bhp/ton]

ollyver27 said:

bump

Afla cool and interesting. Audi, probably the dullest car ever made.

Lots of variance in between from almost any car maker though.

Edited by 300bhp/ton on Monday 23 August 13:13

[GreatGranny]

E36 Beemer
MKII/III Golf GTI 16v

[Ricky_M]

Have you considered a Focus? Not as desirable as the Alfa or Audi, but probably a better drive and they are fairly reliable. I picked up a 51 plate 2.0 Zetec with 98k for £1300.

[ollyver27]

why do you think the A3 is boring? even if I got the 1.8T, and bearing in mind I'm coming from a 1.0 Saxo. Seems like I've picked two cars are at the opposite ends of the spectrum!

I thought the A3 might be a good choice. Audi build, more reliable, and I actually prefer the looks over the Alfa.

I don't fancy the focus, I just don't like the look of them at all, but I do realise they are probably a good choice.

[Matt35]

Ricky_M said:

Have you considered a Focus? Not as desirable as the Alfa or Audi, but probably a better drive and they are fairly reliable. I picked up a 51 plate 2.0 Zetec with 98k for £1300.

+1 here, fantastic car and with your budget, pick one one with all the toys, leather, heated seats etc etc

[MoonMonkey]

We ran an A3 1.8T sport for 3 years and it was just ok.. Shouldn't really wear a 'sport' badge though.

It wasn't the most reliable thing with a myriad of elec problems then the diff stting itself into a million pieces.

Got it repaired and gave it to my Mum 3 yrs ago at 98k miles and it's still going strong with just routine maintenance and a couple of wheel bearings. Now on approx 120k miles.

[300bhp/ton]

ollyver27 said:

why do you think the A3 is boring? even if I got the 1.8T, and bearing in mind I'm coming from a 1.0 Saxo. Seems like I've picked two cars are at the opposite ends of the spectrum!

I thought the A3 might be a good choice. Audi build, more reliable, and I actually prefer the looks over the Alfa.

I don't fancy the focus, I just don't like the look of them at all, but I do realise they are probably a good choice.

This all depends what you are after from a car.

The Audi is just dull, inside and out. Not a great dynamic drive. Ok the 1.8T is moderately quick, but that doesn't mean it's fast point to point or fun to steer.

I don't really have anything against them apart from this. I just find them so non interesting. Also I've had some experience of MK IV Golf's, all have been quite unreliable and expensive to maintain. I think the urban myth about reliability and running costs stings more than a few people. Of course there are those that get a reliable one too.


Does it have to be a hatchback?

Loads of interesting cars for sub £2k these day.

Puma, MX-5, CRX Del Sol, Prelude, 200 BRM, ZS180, 200SX, Celica, MR2, MGF to name but a few.

[djt100]

Why the A3 but no mention of the Golf, I'm no VW group fan,but the A3 is just a golf in a posh frock, so get a golf and save money, Or as other posted have said get a focus and have a better allround car in the first place. Get a Saloon and it'll be even cheaper to buy and insure also.