Cant decide , need options guys

[Kn0ck0ff]

Hi

Im new here & im looking for a little advice , im currently looking for a good all round hot hatch ( must have 5 doors for my family ) my budget is around the £20 000 mark .

At this moment in time im looking at 2 motors , i can pick up an audi s3 sport back on an 11 plate with 20-30 000 miles on for around 20k , now iv had an audi a3 2.0 140 tdi sport & i loved the car , it put a big grin on my face as it was pretty torquey , the only problem was i had nothing but issues with it & the repair bills were somewhat ghastly lol

The 2nd car im looking at is a 13/14 focus st3 with around 10-16 000 on the clock fully loaded for around £17 000 , i currently own a 1.8 focus s , an st with it was haha , but the two years iv had it , iv never had an issue with it at all

Im reading reviews on both motors , the s3 gets a good all round review , but the focus st3 seems to get a better review , its leaving all its customers with smiles on the face , i understand the ford will loose 40% of its value in 3 years , yet the audi will hold its money well .

any advice or options , alternatives woukd be welcome , thanks for listening

Kn0ck0ff

[xRIEx]

If you'd been a few months earlier I would have said lease a Golf R, but it looks like you've missed the deals on that.

[HonestIago]

The earliest M135is must be getting well into the low 20s by now I'd have thought? A 5-door could be an interesting alternative? Everything I've read suggests the S3 is brilliantly capable if a little lacking in character. I don't know much about the ST.

[Buff Mchugelarge]

In my all be it limited experience with the 2012/13 S3 and tbh, whilst very quick, it left me wanting.
There is almost too much grip from the 4wd which took away some of the fun. Well built and nice interior, but every 2.0 diesel looks like an S3 nowadays?.

Apart from the fuel consumption, I've not really ever heard a bad word said about the ST. A proper hot hatch, with proper hot hatch grin factor.
You see loads of ST's of all ages and specs on every trackday.. Not so many S3's..

[TTwiggy]

I would be looking at the M135i

[Kn0ck0ff]

HonestIago said:

The earliest M135is must be getting well into the low 20s by now I'd have thought? A 5-door could be an interesting alternative? Everything I've read suggests the S3 is brilliantly capable if a little lacking in character. I don't know much about the ST.

Iv looked at the m135i & as yet are still mid 20s , atm thats a tad over my budget , 0-60 in 4.9 secs rear wheel pocket rocket

[Kn0ck0ff]

Buff Mchugelarge said:

In my all be it limited experience with the 2012/13 S3 and tbh, whilst very quick, it left me wanting.
There is almost too much grip from the 4wd which took away some of the fun. Well built and nice interior, but every 2.0 diesel looks like an S3 nowadays?.

Apart from the fuel consumption, I've not really ever heard a bad word said about the ST. A proper hot hatch, with proper hot hatch grin factor.
You see loads of ST's of all ages and specs on every trackday.. Not so many S3's..

this seems to be the case in general , iv drove an s3 & the performance was brilliant , the handling exceptional , but as youve said , it doesnt give you alot to do , the car , engine & 4wd do everything , iv yet to test drive the st3 , but you cant help take note of what people reviewing this car say , not a bad word , it beats vxr & renault rs in a straight line , good power , lots of torque , 0-60 in 6 secs , 5 door family car , i think i need to test drive one tbf , make my own mind up

[typer0612]

I have a 2013 Focus ST3, great family car and a hoot without the kids in the back and it cost me £18k.

Don't see myself changing anytime soon although i have had an electrical issue (warranty sorted that for me) - i'd recommend it if you aren't worried about the value of the car, think they are closer to £16k now already.

MPG is quite good taking it easy, 30mpg is achieveable on average.

p.s i'd sell mine for £16.5k if you turned up at my door for it!

[HonestIago]

Kn0ck0ff said:

HonestIago said:

The earliest M135is must be getting well into the low 20s by now I'd have thought? A 5-door could be an interesting alternative? Everything I've read suggests the S3 is brilliantly capable if a little lacking in character. I don't know much about the ST.

Iv looked at the m135i & as yet are still mid 20s , atm thats a tad over my budget , 0-60 in 4.9 secs rear wheel pocket rocket

If possible I'd hang on till they depreciate more/you save a bit more then. Might well cost you less in depreciation than a newer ST not to mention cheaper tax and better MPG.

[Kn0ck0ff]

HonestIago said:

Kn0ck0ff said:

HonestIago said:

The earliest M135is must be getting well into the low 20s by now I'd have thought? A 5-door could be an interesting alternative? Everything I've read suggests the S3 is brilliantly capable if a little lacking in character. I don't know much about the ST.

Iv looked at the m135i & as yet are still mid 20s , atm thats a tad over my budget , 0-60 in 4.9 secs rear wheel pocket rocket

If possible I'd hang on till they depreciate more/you save a bit more then. Might well cost you less in depreciation than a newer ST not to mention cheaper tax and better MPG.

Very fair point , i dont think i will be actually buying till jan 15 anyway , im looking to px my 10 plate focus zetec s against something followed with a rather large tax rebate .... thank you mr tax man haha