What car to buy????

[rich68a]

In a dilemma at the moment.
I have a 2006 Audi A3 2.0TFSI S-line but have now owned the car over 2 years. I have loved it to bits. 197bhp, full leather, smooth and a quality build with a good name. Now I want a change.
I am looking at my options. Would love a WRX but don't want my house broken into for it, so my options are Renault Sport Megane 230 R26 F1 Edition and a Ford Focus ST2 (ST3 only has 2 belts in the back for some silly reason).
I am looked at the Vauxhall Astra VXR but heard they are skittish and not that great?
Has any one owned any of the above cars and how do they rate them.
I know the A3 is basically a Golf GTI and they are sought after as they are a all rounder, but every one needs a change some time. Its the longest I have owned a single car.
Advice please

[Superhoop]

Go and try a Mazda3 MPS

Failing that, I'd go for the Megane, purely because you don't see as many about as you do the Focus

[rich68a]

Those Mazdas look like they shift!!
Depreciation is their down fall though

[RobCrezz]

House broken into for the Subaru but not the others?

[rich68a]

We all know that the Scooby is the preferred choice for the ram raiders and shouts out "I am fast".
The other fore mentioned cars are a little more subdued in their looks.

[rich68a]

I am viewing a Mazda MPS tomorrow. Its the Wolf in sheeps clothing that attracts me. 256bhp!!

[amusingduck]

rich68a said:

Those Mazdas look like they shift!!
Depreciation is their down fall though

I would say that the tax bracket is their downfall.

[rich68a]

I have just checked and its nearing £460 for the year which I just won't pay.
That is just silly money.
That rules that one out.

[Flat6]

If you don't mind the looks the BMW 130i is a far more enjoyable drive than any of the above, imo.. 260hp, rwd, reasonable tax and economy(facelift models around 197g/km iirc). Don't dismiss it until you've driven one

[GreatGranny]

rich68a said:

I have just checked and its nearing £460 for the year which I just won't pay.
That is just silly money.
That rules that one out.

Just see it as another £4 per week :-)

Thats how I justify my XC90!

[rich68a]

I have changed my car that many times the wife has put her foot down.
No car change for me.
Audi I will have to keep!

[SlowStig]

I have a Mazda 3 MPS, owned it for 6 weeks and its spend 3 of those weeks in the garage getting; gearbox, dmf, clutch, release bearing, top mounts, springs, power steering pump and possibly the steering rack and ecu replacing.

As you can guess, I wouldn't recommend one even though(on paper) they are the best overall package when you consider the performance and insurance is actually better than any of its rivals.


I would look at either an ST2 or 130i/330ci if I was in your position to get a car with performance and comfort/practicality combined.

[rich68a]

I am going to keep my audi. MY wife isn't happy about me changing a really good car for something that may go wrong like it has for you. I feel for you. I had that happen to me back in the day when I had a astra gte and that was a money pit.
I think this is the best hot hatch I have ever had. It has even kept its value.
I am going for a re map instead and hopefully will bring back the excitement of driving it again.

[nottyash]

rich68a said:

We all know that the Scooby is the preferred choice for the ram raiders and shouts out "I am fast".
The other fore mentioned cars are a little more subdued in their looks.

Yes but being stereotypical like you all Audi drivers are cocks, but you have one of them.

I have never had a Scooby nicked, but I suppose it depends on the area you live.
I am glad i dont have to drive something bland for non other than the reason that I was scared someone was going to pinch it.

[rich68a]

The Audi is a very good car and if I wanted one could go out and buy a brand new Subaru
I looked around a mates STi last night and have not ruled one out totally yet.
May be that you live by yourself and your car is your life

[tyranical]

amusingduck said:

I would say that the tax bracket is their downfall.

Which seems a ridiculous thing to base a car purchase on given that we are talking what, an extra 200 quid a year over other hot hatches... its hardly bank breaking, if 200 quid is the difference between being able to afford at hot hatch or not then you already can't afford one imo.

[rich68a]

I can afford it though, but its the principle of giving the government more of my money!

[nottyash]

rich68a said:

The Audi is a very good car and if I wanted one could go out and buy a brand new Subaru
I looked around a mates STi last night and have not ruled one out totally yet.
May be that you live by yourself and your car is your life

Not sure they make them anymore. I may be wrong though.
I fancied a 4 door STI, they tick all the boxes except fuel economy and tax

Married with kids, but doesnt mean the wife has a say in what car we have.
She chooses hoovers, irons and whats for tea.

Edited by nottyash on Sunday 20th January 14:37

[rich68a]

I have just been offered a straight swop as good as damn it.
56 plate STi spec D.
Sounds very nice

[rich68a]

Even though I will get some stick now, my Audi does around town 26mpg.
The 2.5ltr sti does 19.? around town, and the WRX does around 22.
Every little helps though.