What to buy? A3/rocco/rs250
Discussion
Hi - looking for some advice. Got about 8-9k to spend, been looking at the below. Used to own a 3 series coupe 320i e92 which caused me no end of problems and money so for this reason one of the main factors is reliability, along with looks and performance (not looking to be the fastest on the road but have some oomph when I put my foot down).
- a3 black edition 2.0tdi c. 2012
- scirocco 2.0 gt tsi c. 2010
- megane rs250 c. 2010
- 1 series coupe???
Thoughts?
- a3 black edition 2.0tdi c. 2012
- scirocco 2.0 gt tsi c. 2010
- megane rs250 c. 2010
- 1 series coupe???
Thoughts?
These seem somewhat stupid comparisons. You sound really cheap.
Why a 2.0tdi a3 vs a 2.0 tfsi scirocco?
I run a 2.0 tfsi a3 as my daily. It has wierd pearlescent rare paint. Only 250 specced. It's almost 10 years old. I look like someone who can only afford an £8k car but do more a week in revenue. It's great because people instantly dismiss me as "rich" including girls (gold diggers) who are looking for someone to pay for their lives. Yet has heated seats and full spec! Doesn't sound like a taxi and is worth around £8k as it happens. Yet quick enough with a remap... yet I see people who make £20k a year driving a brand new golf R makes me laugh
Why a 2.0tdi a3 vs a 2.0 tfsi scirocco?
I run a 2.0 tfsi a3 as my daily. It has wierd pearlescent rare paint. Only 250 specced. It's almost 10 years old. I look like someone who can only afford an £8k car but do more a week in revenue. It's great because people instantly dismiss me as "rich" including girls (gold diggers) who are looking for someone to pay for their lives. Yet has heated seats and full spec! Doesn't sound like a taxi and is worth around £8k as it happens. Yet quick enough with a remap... yet I see people who make £20k a year driving a brand new golf R makes me laugh
mehmehmeh said:
These seem somewhat stupid comparisons. You sound really cheap.
Why a 2.0tdi a3 vs a 2.0 tfsi scirocco?
I run a 2.0 tfsi a3 as my daily. It has wierd pearlescent rare paint. Only 250 specced. It's almost 10 years old. I look like someone who can only afford an £8k car but do more a week in revenue. It's great because people instantly dismiss me as "rich" including girls (gold diggers) who are looking for someone to pay for their lives. Yet has heated seats and full spec! Doesn't sound like a taxi and is worth around £8k as it happens. Yet quick enough with a remap... yet I see people who make £20k a year driving a brand new golf R makes me laugh
Charming! Lol. Not bothered about petrol or diesel, reason for the a3 tdi is its better specced and newer in my price range/decent mileage. If there's a reason to spend more on an older tfsi variant, then feel free to enlighten me... I'm new here and looking for advice and suggestions hence the postWhy a 2.0tdi a3 vs a 2.0 tfsi scirocco?
I run a 2.0 tfsi a3 as my daily. It has wierd pearlescent rare paint. Only 250 specced. It's almost 10 years old. I look like someone who can only afford an £8k car but do more a week in revenue. It's great because people instantly dismiss me as "rich" including girls (gold diggers) who are looking for someone to pay for their lives. Yet has heated seats and full spec! Doesn't sound like a taxi and is worth around £8k as it happens. Yet quick enough with a remap... yet I see people who make £20k a year driving a brand new golf R makes me laugh
This is a similar situation to what I'm in. Same budget looking for something performance orientated, although I'm looking to change from the first car on your list. I currently own a 2010 A3 2.0 TDI Black Edition. Cracking car but looking for something a bit more 'exciting'.
Im leaning towards a Focus ST225 or Megane RS250.
Im leaning towards a Focus ST225 or Megane RS250.
mehmehmeh said:
Well, it doesn't sound like a taxi and doesn't have a DPF, there's two reasons for you.
if it is the 140 non dpf model...good luck with that they suffer from s
t head's and the turbos clog full of soot.
The OP is looking for a 2012 model so it will be a CR 140 with DPF the same as mine. As long as driven correctly and the DPF is allowed to regen fully the DPF isnt an issue. I have an app that manages the regen cycle ensuring it always finishes.if it is the 140 non dpf model...good luck with that they suffer from s
t head's and the turbos clog full of soot. Edited by Chrismawa on Monday 15th April 09:56
J90ack said:
Anyone owned an RS250/can vouch for reliability? Common problems?
All of my Renaultsport's have been the most reliable cars I've ever owned. I've got an RS250 at the moment and I'd easily be taking one over the other cars in your shortlist. They're pretty bullet proof (touch wood) and very tuneable. Only issue I've come across with mine is front swivel joints which are known for failing, but can be changed for as little as £130 a side.Cambelt/dephaser service is pricey and will set you back £600/700 so check to see when that has been done, but there's a good handful around in your price range. Gearboxes can be a bit stiff in lower gears when cold but are fine when warmed off so don't be put off if you experience this if you test drive one.
Mo28 said:
Astra GTC's look pretty smart considering its a Vauxhall, might be worth taking a look at one of those.
Agree that the styling is fairly good - did take a look at those and my only thought was do I really want to spend 8k on an astra?! Tbf could save some money and pick one up for less. Any engine preference on these? BenLowden said:
J90ack said:
Anyone owned an RS250/can vouch for reliability? Common problems?
All of my Renaultsport's have been the most reliable cars I've ever owned. I've got an RS250 at the moment and I'd easily be taking one over the other cars in your shortlist. They're pretty bullet proof (touch wood) and very tuneable. Only issue I've come across with mine is front swivel joints which are known for failing, but can be changed for as little as £130 a side.Cambelt/dephaser service is pricey and will set you back £600/700 so check to see when that has been done, but there's a good handful around in your price range. Gearboxes can be a bit stiff in lower gears when cold but are fine when warmed off so don't be put off if you experience this if you test drive one.
J90ack said:
Interesting, thanks. What mileage is cambelt done at on these generally? Might have to get some test drives in and start comparing...
Every 6 years or 75K. This will give you a guide: http://www.k-tecracing.com/service_grid.asp?appid=...BenLowden said:
All of my Renaultsport's have been the most reliable cars I've ever owned. I've got an RS250 at the moment and [/b]I'd easily be taking one over the other cars in your shortlist[/b]. They're pretty bullet proof (touch wood) and very tuneable. Only issue I've come across with mine is front swivel joints which are known for failing, but can be changed for as little as £130 a side.
Cambelt/dephaser service is pricey and will set you back £600/700 so check to see when that has been done, but there's a good handful around in your price range. Gearboxes can be a bit stiff in lower gears when cold but are fine when warmed off so don't be put off if you experience this if you test drive one.
I'd agree with you entirely, but only depending on the use. The OP described not necessarily wanting the fastest car on the road but something with a bit of go when required/needed. The issue with the Megane is that you won't really appreciate it's full breadth of ability, unless you find yourself on some great b roads and driving it at 8/10ths fairly often. This is where something like a 2.0 TSI Scirocco can be a very good option.Cambelt/dephaser service is pricey and will set you back £600/700 so check to see when that has been done, but there's a good handful around in your price range. Gearboxes can be a bit stiff in lower gears when cold but are fine when warmed off so don't be put off if you experience this if you test drive one.
The Megane is easily the most focused and the most fun, but compromises itself for daily duties and comfort.
culpz said:
I'd agree with you entirely, but only depending on the use. The OP described not necessarily wanting the fastest car on the road but something with a bit of go when required/needed. The issue with the Megane is that you won't really appreciate it's full breadth of ability, unless you find yourself on some great b roads and driving it at 8/10ths fairly often. This is where something like a 2.0 TSI Scirocco can be a very good option.
The Megane is easily the most focused and the most fun, but compromises itself for daily duties and comfort.
Which is for me where the ST225 steps in as it'a smidge off the Megane but still has enough about it to make daily duties enjoyable especially with the 5 pot.The Megane is easily the most focused and the most fun, but compromises itself for daily duties and comfort.
In all honesty, practicality isn't a huge need for me - no kids etc - just needs to get me through my 40 mile a day commute down the M4.
Can appreciate hitting it at 8/10ths down B roads is more fun and best for getting the most out the rs250, but are you saying as a daily, the scirocco/ST are better options?
Can appreciate hitting it at 8/10ths down B roads is more fun and best for getting the most out the rs250, but are you saying as a daily, the scirocco/ST are better options?
Chrismawa said:
The OP is looking for a 2012 model so it will be a CR 140 with DPF the same as mine. As long as driven correctly and the DPF is allowed to regen fully the DPF isnt an issue. I have an app that manages the regen cycle ensuring it always finishes.
It will still fail eventually. They really sap performance too. I thought my remapped CR140 was fast until I swapped to the 2.0 TFSI then I realized it was just torquey and antiquated around town. For the price of a 2010 a3 BE you can get a 3.0 tdi A5 which are vastly superior! Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 15th April 09:56
Just in case you think I speak from nonexperience, I have owned two PD140's and one CR140 as well as 3 TFSI's. All mk2 A3's.
J90ack said:
Anyone owned an RS250/can vouch for reliability? Common problems?
I had a 265 with the cup chassis and Recaro seats, on the 19s. It was bloody harsh as a daily driver (including city driving though). Springs snap, and you’ll need a new thermostat after a very small amount of miles. Otherwise pretty bulletproof. Mine was mapped to 325bhp and went like stink, didn’t have any problems in the year I had it other than the thermostat starting to go when I sold it. It stuck open so ran a bit cold. Oh and a ball joint went which was a lovely bill.
The gearbox is also fairly agricultural.
I don’t miss mine at all tbh. I lent the Mrs my knackered old EP3 and took that back when I sold the megane in September. Still using it and haven’t really wished I was in the Renault either. I am looking for something new up to the 10k mark but to be honest I put oil in the Honda and thrash it to death and just forget about getting something else.
ETA: for a 40 mile motorway commute the megane would be fairly wasted. Look at a Golf GTI / similar.
Edited by vtecyo on Tuesday 16th April 00:52
Edited by vtecyo on Tuesday 16th April 00:53
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