Golf R vs S3 Saloon vs F30 335d - boring bits
Discussion
Sorry another specific what car thread although having driven all 3 and liking them all I am after advice on a more, well boring level.
I am contemplating spending roughly 30k on a newish car - I am looking at 14 and 64 plates rather than new as want to limit the depreciation impact. So other than the car itself (how it drives etc) given it is a lot of money for me to spend on a car I am also looking at:
- resale value (usually keep cars 2 years)
- how close to 30k or under can I get
- reliability (ie how often to take it back to fix things for the 3 dealers)
- servicing costs at dealers
- wear and tear replacement parts cost (brakes etc)
The Golf R is a real front runner but it's low GFV and the lease deal impact has put me off buying it a little bit. The Audi and BMW will be a push for 30k although new they aren't that much more that 2nd hand prices I am seeing so not sure if they hold value generally better or not many about at moment and so dealers keep prices high. Also interested in servicing costing and wear and tear item costs to help understand cost of ownership.
So anyone with experience of anything similar, thoughts on future values etc especially on the Golf R? Like I said I really like all 3 to drive so it's down to the boring stuff to help with decision...
I am contemplating spending roughly 30k on a newish car - I am looking at 14 and 64 plates rather than new as want to limit the depreciation impact. So other than the car itself (how it drives etc) given it is a lot of money for me to spend on a car I am also looking at:
- resale value (usually keep cars 2 years)
- how close to 30k or under can I get
- reliability (ie how often to take it back to fix things for the 3 dealers)
- servicing costs at dealers
- wear and tear replacement parts cost (brakes etc)
The Golf R is a real front runner but it's low GFV and the lease deal impact has put me off buying it a little bit. The Audi and BMW will be a push for 30k although new they aren't that much more that 2nd hand prices I am seeing so not sure if they hold value generally better or not many about at moment and so dealers keep prices high. Also interested in servicing costing and wear and tear item costs to help understand cost of ownership.
So anyone with experience of anything similar, thoughts on future values etc especially on the Golf R? Like I said I really like all 3 to drive so it's down to the boring stuff to help with decision...
When I ordered my R in June the residuals were far superior to the S3 making it £200 per month cheaper, helped also by the fact I got £4k off list while Audi were only doing £2.5. I think things have evened out a bit now. The residuals on the MK6 R are excellent but I do think the lease cars will dilute the 7R residuals. I only really bought the R because it was so cheap, however it is a very good car. If they are both a similar monthly or if your paying cash I'd go for the S3 as I think residuals will be stronger.
Pommygranite said:
Out of interest how does the R compare to the S3 to drive?
I found the S3 a little less involving but with the suspension settings it offered a bit more variety than the R (one I drove didn't have DCC). Both were excellent and performance obviously very similar. Audi felt a little more refined inside, I prefer the looks of the R in most colours - unless im looking at a sepang blue S3 saloon - they really float my boat at the moment.Little Lofty said:
When I ordered my R in June the residuals were far superior to the S3 making it £200 per month cheaper, helped also by the fact I got £4k off list while Audi were only doing £2.5. I think things have evened out a bit now. The residuals on the MK6 R are excellent but I do think the lease cars will dilute the 7R residuals. I only really bought the R because it was so cheap, however it is a very good car. If they are both a similar monthly or if your paying cash I'd go for the S3 as I think residuals will be stronger.
Thanks - this is very usefulYes would be looking at outright purchase, as you say if the 7R was like the 6R re-sale wise it would be winner but the lease deals etc will affect it. Although I would be keen to look at one with a few options which would make it bit more appealing that the lease entry level ones that will flood market.
clowesy said:
Also out of interest, how come you're considering a 335d? It seems a completely different proposition to the Golf R or S3. They're fast in a straight line and a good motorway mile muncher but what else? Mk6 Golf R prices are still very strong which might bode well for the Mk7.
BMW a bit of a left field option, but cant argue with the stats (50+mpg and sub 5s 0-60). For the money it is an excellent option and enjoyable car, more of a motorway muncher but no too shabby around town either although the other options easier to drive quick I found. It is currently 3rd option whilst other 2 fight it out but thought I'd add it in there if competitive on residual values etc.
The M135i was the obvious choice but although they do look nice, I don't like them as much as the 7R/S3/335d M Sport xDrive and so had ruled them out.
jimmy_wrxsti said:
I found the S3 a little less involving but with the suspension settings it offered a bit more variety than the R (one I drove didn't have DCC). Both were excellent and performance obviously very similar. Audi felt a little more refined inside, I prefer the looks of the R in most colours - unless im looking at a sepang blue S3 saloon - they really float my boat at the moment.
Thanks.I'm considering changing next year and these 3 are on my list too.
I haven't seen any of the above under £30k in a 14/64 with lowish miles and a good spec, though I think you will struggle the most with the 335d as they are a dearer car to start with.
I've had 4 BMW's in a row and not had a problem with any of them, can't speak of VAG cars. At £30k they have still got a lot to lose. Have you had any PCP quotes, as the MGFV gives an idea of value in 3/4 years time? I started looking at the M135i, great engine, but had problems with the driving position and it is fugly, so tried a 330D next. I think the F30 is a much nicer car and whilst the 330D had good performance, I think I would always be wishing I got the 335D. I haven't seen one in a spec I want for less than £35k though. Also considering a 330i but they are very rare.
Havent driven a Golf R or S3 yet, thinking of trying them in the new year if I can. I know the Golf gets the rave reviews, but I think the S3 looks nicer inside and out, will probably be rarer, and would have thought it's residuals would be fairly good but thats a complete guess. I would be interested to see how different they are if you are not going all out. I'm finding the S3 saloon quite appealing at them moment, but none under £30k.
I haven't seen any of the above under £30k in a 14/64 with lowish miles and a good spec, though I think you will struggle the most with the 335d as they are a dearer car to start with.
I've had 4 BMW's in a row and not had a problem with any of them, can't speak of VAG cars. At £30k they have still got a lot to lose. Have you had any PCP quotes, as the MGFV gives an idea of value in 3/4 years time? I started looking at the M135i, great engine, but had problems with the driving position and it is fugly, so tried a 330D next. I think the F30 is a much nicer car and whilst the 330D had good performance, I think I would always be wishing I got the 335D. I haven't seen one in a spec I want for less than £35k though. Also considering a 330i but they are very rare.
Havent driven a Golf R or S3 yet, thinking of trying them in the new year if I can. I know the Golf gets the rave reviews, but I think the S3 looks nicer inside and out, will probably be rarer, and would have thought it's residuals would be fairly good but thats a complete guess. I would be interested to see how different they are if you are not going all out. I'm finding the S3 saloon quite appealing at them moment, but none under £30k.
I'm currently looking at the exact same cars, similar budget and looking to buy march (ish). So far i've found VW dealers to be worse than terrible. I get 1 word answers, told they're on 6 month build and no discounts. So it's off my list.
Audi were good but, again little discounts and cars are holding value. Have a look at A45 AMG's, they're crashing in price, spec one new then look at the approved used. There are more than a few reasonably spec'd for low £30's that are 63/14 plates.
I also have the BMW's top of my list at the moment, mainly as my company pay HMRC ppm rates for fuel and having a 3litre i get more money. Look at the 335i's, maybe not as good on fuel but they won't be far behind, plus there's a couple of 63/14 plates for just over £30k that are tastefully spec'd. They're a good £4-5k cheaper than the derv version, though i think the xdrive must add £2k.
Audi were good but, again little discounts and cars are holding value. Have a look at A45 AMG's, they're crashing in price, spec one new then look at the approved used. There are more than a few reasonably spec'd for low £30's that are 63/14 plates.
I also have the BMW's top of my list at the moment, mainly as my company pay HMRC ppm rates for fuel and having a 3litre i get more money. Look at the 335i's, maybe not as good on fuel but they won't be far behind, plus there's a couple of 63/14 plates for just over £30k that are tastefully spec'd. They're a good £4-5k cheaper than the derv version, though i think the xdrive must add £2k.
garreth64 said:
I'm considering changing next year and these 3 are on my list too.
I haven't seen any of the above under £30k in a 14/64 with lowish miles and a good spec, though I think you will struggle the most with the 335d as they are a dearer car to start with.
I've had 4 BMW's in a row and not had a problem with any of them, can't speak of VAG cars. At £30k they have still got a lot to lose. Have you had any PCP quotes, as the MGFV gives an idea of value in 3/4 years time? I started looking at the M135i, great engine, but had problems with the driving position and it is fugly, so tried a 330D next. I think the F30 is a much nicer car and whilst the 330D had good performance, I think I would always be wishing I got the 335D. I haven't seen one in a spec I want for less than £35k though. Also considering a 330i but they are very rare.
Havent driven a Golf R or S3 yet, thinking of trying them in the new year if I can. I know the Golf gets the rave reviews, but I think the S3 looks nicer inside and out, will probably be rarer, and would have thought it's residuals would be fairly good but thats a complete guess. I would be interested to see how different they are if you are not going all out. I'm finding the S3 saloon quite appealing at them moment, but none under £30k.
Biggest thing for me against the F30 335d was Xdrive only - so I ended up in an F10 535d rwd (check these out they may well be cheaper and have more kit). I haven't seen any of the above under £30k in a 14/64 with lowish miles and a good spec, though I think you will struggle the most with the 335d as they are a dearer car to start with.
I've had 4 BMW's in a row and not had a problem with any of them, can't speak of VAG cars. At £30k they have still got a lot to lose. Have you had any PCP quotes, as the MGFV gives an idea of value in 3/4 years time? I started looking at the M135i, great engine, but had problems with the driving position and it is fugly, so tried a 330D next. I think the F30 is a much nicer car and whilst the 330D had good performance, I think I would always be wishing I got the 335D. I haven't seen one in a spec I want for less than £35k though. Also considering a 330i but they are very rare.
Havent driven a Golf R or S3 yet, thinking of trying them in the new year if I can. I know the Golf gets the rave reviews, but I think the S3 looks nicer inside and out, will probably be rarer, and would have thought it's residuals would be fairly good but thats a complete guess. I would be interested to see how different they are if you are not going all out. I'm finding the S3 saloon quite appealing at them moment, but none under £30k.
garreth64 said:
I'm considering changing next year and these 3 are on my list too.
I haven't seen any of the above under £30k in a 14/64 with lowish miles and a good spec, though I think you will struggle the most with the 335d as they are a dearer car to start with.
I've had 4 BMW's in a row and not had a problem with any of them, can't speak of VAG cars. At £30k they have still got a lot to lose. Have you had any PCP quotes, as the MGFV gives an idea of value in 3/4 years time? I started looking at the M135i, great engine, but had problems with the driving position and it is fugly, so tried a 330D next. I think the F30 is a much nicer car and whilst the 330D had good performance, I think I would always be wishing I got the 335D. I haven't seen one in a spec I want for less than £35k though. Also considering a 330i but they are very rare.
Havent driven a Golf R or S3 yet, thinking of trying them in the new year if I can. I know the Golf gets the rave reviews, but I think the S3 looks nicer inside and out, will probably be rarer, and would have thought it's residuals would be fairly good but thats a complete guess. I would be interested to see how different they are if you are not going all out. I'm finding the S3 saloon quite appealing at them moment, but none under £30k.
Thanks for thisI haven't seen any of the above under £30k in a 14/64 with lowish miles and a good spec, though I think you will struggle the most with the 335d as they are a dearer car to start with.
I've had 4 BMW's in a row and not had a problem with any of them, can't speak of VAG cars. At £30k they have still got a lot to lose. Have you had any PCP quotes, as the MGFV gives an idea of value in 3/4 years time? I started looking at the M135i, great engine, but had problems with the driving position and it is fugly, so tried a 330D next. I think the F30 is a much nicer car and whilst the 330D had good performance, I think I would always be wishing I got the 335D. I haven't seen one in a spec I want for less than £35k though. Also considering a 330i but they are very rare.
Havent driven a Golf R or S3 yet, thinking of trying them in the new year if I can. I know the Golf gets the rave reviews, but I think the S3 looks nicer inside and out, will probably be rarer, and would have thought it's residuals would be fairly good but thats a complete guess. I would be interested to see how different they are if you are not going all out. I'm finding the S3 saloon quite appealing at them moment, but none under £30k.
I do check the VW site for GFV to see what those figures are - currently for a 5 door with DSG a 24 month figure (how long ill own it for no doubt) with 20k miles it's £18,495 - but that doesn't change when you add options into it as well as a second hand one im looking at would have been £37k from VW and checking this on the VW site gives same GFV.
Quite a few R's with decent options around the 30k mark so I'd be confident of getting one at 30k even if waiting a bit. The S3 saloon though is stronger price wise so unless some 10% discounts I think 32k is more realistic at the moment. The 335d's I have seen some around the 32k mark, to be honest on all 3 even standard they have decent spec so im not overly concerned spec wise.
kingofdbrits said:
I'm currently looking at the exact same cars, similar budget and looking to buy march (ish). So far i've found VW dealers to be worse than terrible. I get 1 word answers, told they're on 6 month build and no discounts. So it's off my list.
Audi were good but, again little discounts and cars are holding value. Have a look at A45 AMG's, they're crashing in price, spec one new then look at the approved used. There are more than a few reasonably spec'd for low £30's that are 63/14 plates.
I also have the BMW's top of my list at the moment, mainly as my company pay HMRC ppm rates for fuel and having a 3litre i get more money. Look at the 335i's, maybe not as good on fuel but they won't be far behind, plus there's a couple of 63/14 plates for just over £30k that are tastefully spec'd. They're a good £4-5k cheaper than the derv version, though i think the xdrive must add £2k.
I have to admit started looking at the A45's yesterday, as you say they seem to have come down a lot. Which is both good and bad I suppose!Audi were good but, again little discounts and cars are holding value. Have a look at A45 AMG's, they're crashing in price, spec one new then look at the approved used. There are more than a few reasonably spec'd for low £30's that are 63/14 plates.
I also have the BMW's top of my list at the moment, mainly as my company pay HMRC ppm rates for fuel and having a 3litre i get more money. Look at the 335i's, maybe not as good on fuel but they won't be far behind, plus there's a couple of 63/14 plates for just over £30k that are tastefully spec'd. They're a good £4-5k cheaper than the derv version, though i think the xdrive must add £2k.
Watched a few reviews and worried by some of the ride comments even in comfort - I am keen for something that can be used as everyday car so would need to drive one. Didn't think they would be in price range but think they also are a viable option now.
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