Would you swap?

[knockturnal]

Hi All, been reading a while however only just managed to get the phone to behave with the forumns, dilemma is that currently I have a 2000 1.8 n/a a3 (which I find incredibly dull after my ibiza cupra that someone crashed into) and I have been offered an MGZR diesel in straight swap lower mileage however bits of rust and niggles about it being a rover, is this right or are the mg's different?

[nagsheadwarrior]

Why not just flog the Audi and buy something you do want?

[Spanna]

The engines are pretty robust in these, but there's loads of them out there for little money so why bother buying one that's rusty. With rust it's probably worth south of £800, whilst you could get a decent mileage, well looked after example for £1400.

[varsas]

Don't think I'd swap...you'd be getting rid of one boring car that you know (and I'm assuming is reliable, cheap to run, does what you need it to do) for another boring car which is unknown. It might be as good as your A3, it might be utter rubbish but it seems like a no win for you, you can only make things the same they are now or worse.

Save up for a bit and get something you really want, Golf GTi or whatever.

[knockturnal]

Image is not the issue, it's just I find the A3 bland, thinking also of a 106 gti as cheaper to run (also an issue as a3 managing 25mpg on nun runs only) but think I might find it too basic, any other ideas, only looking round the £1.5k mark

[varsas]

knockturnal said:

Image is not the issue, it's just I find the A3 bland, thinking also of a 106 gti as cheaper to run (also an issue as a3 managing 25mpg on nun runs only) but think I might find it too basic, any other ideas, only looking round the £1.5k mark

Yeah, sorry, mis-read the post.

Don't drink and post people.

[soad]

I wouldn't swap personally.

[R300will]

You think the audi was dull? you're contemplating getting a diesel rover.

[smugglersvin]

I would stick with the Audi but I guess it depends on the condition and the mileage of your A3.
At least the A3 wont have rust issues, I think the Rover diesels are not too bad as they are a Peugeot derived diesel engine.
I think that even a banger A3 would sell for about £800, and a old rover 200 isn't worth any more than that.
So as an earlier poster said sell the A3 and buy something you like.

[knockturnal]

Cheers for the replies folks think keeping the a3 may be best for now, just wanted something more rewarding to drive

[NiceCupOfTea]

R300will said:

You think the audi was dull? you're contemplating getting a diesel rover.

Typical misinformed view. Have you driven one? The MG is a really decent steer, and the diesel engine is pretty pokey, if a little agricultural. The MG will probably be more fun to drive, if that is what the OP wants. Having said that, I would sell the Audi and look at something bigger personally, like an e36.

BTW, why call it a Rover when it's an MG? Don't see you calling the Audi a Skoda!

[knockturnal]

I have thought about e36's but which models offer best £'s per mile (fuel and upkeep)

[R300will]

NiceCupOfTea said:

R300will said:

You think the audi was dull? you're contemplating getting a diesel rover.

Typical misinformed view. Have you driven one? The MG is a really decent steer, and the diesel engine is pretty pokey, if a little agricultural. The MG will probably be more fun to drive, if that is what the OP wants. Having said that, I would sell the Audi and look at something bigger personally, like an e36.

BTW, why call it a Rover when it's an MG? Don't see you calling the Audi a Skoda!

Because Audi aren't owned by skoda? a golf maybe but not a skoda. I feel many will agree with me when i say that a diesel rover, or MG if it makes you think you are more retro chic, is not the car to choose when you are looking for something that can be compared to a seat cupra. No diesel engine is pokey, you get that low down torque for about 1000rpm at best before you are left with nothing.

Personally i would also trust VW/Audi to make a better handling car than MG. I do however agree with the e36 idea.

[NiceCupOfTea]

Probably the 318iS? Got reasonable poke and you won't have to thrash it all the time to get moving. I would have the 328 though - but will be thirsty around town.

[Nick1point9]

nagsheadwarrior said:

Why not just flog the Audi and buy something you do want?

Sorted.

[Matt UK]

mk1 mx5

[Toaster Pilot]

I'm always suspicious of people who want to swap an old dull hatchback for another old dull hatchback in situations like this, suggests there's problems with it imo...

[Justayellowbadge]

Do you need the seats and hatch?

If not the MX5 would be the default response.

Or, Imho, MGF for more at the same pricepoint.

[Rammy76]

smugglersvin said:

I would stick with the Audi but I guess it depends on the condition and the mileage of your A3.
At least the A3 wont have rust issues, I think the Rover diesels are not too bad as they are a Peugeot derived diesel engine.
I think that even a banger A3 would sell for about £800, and a old rover 200 isn't worth any more than that.
So as an earlier poster said sell the A3 and buy something you like.

They do not use a Peugeot derived diesel engine FYI.

I personally would buy a decent mark 1 Focus if you want a good fun hatch, I still believe they are as good as you can get for that kind of budget.

[NiceCupOfTea]

R300will said:

NiceCupOfTea said:

R300will said:

You think the audi was dull? you're contemplating getting a diesel rover.

Typical misinformed view. Have you driven one? The MG is a really decent steer, and the diesel engine is pretty pokey, if a little agricultural. The MG will probably be more fun to drive, if that is what the OP wants. Having said that, I would sell the Audi and look at something bigger personally, like an e36.

BTW, why call it a Rover when it's an MG? Don't see you calling the Audi a Skoda!

Because Audi aren't owned by skoda? a golf maybe but not a skoda. I feel many will agree with me when i say that a diesel rover, or MG if it makes you think you are more retro chic, is not the car to choose when you are looking for something that can be compared to a seat cupra. No diesel engine is pokey, you get that low down torque for about 1000rpm at best before you are left with nothing.

Personally i would also trust VW/Audi to make a better handling car than MG. I do however agree with the e36 idea.

Retro chic? Er, no, just calling it by the name on the badge, rather than trying to be a smart arse. You know exactly what I mean - it's the first stop for anybody doing any MGR bashing - call an MG a Rover. The Audi is the same car under the skin as half a dozen VWs, Seats, Skodas, etc. Similarly, the Rover & MG are very similar but do have significant changes (suspension, chassis, etc) that make it significantly different to drive.

I'm hardly saying it's the best thing since sliced bread. What I am saying, is that in a choice between the two, the more entertaining drive is going to be the MG IMHO.