Scirocco, A3 or 2 Series?

[weigl]

Hey all,

Newish here, looking for advice/guidance - want to upgrade from my 2013 Seat Leon.

The brief is; cool hatch/coupe; petrol; engine no bigger than 1.6 (and not too powerful, I'm 23 so insurance is still extortionate); up to 3 years old; sporty; good level of spec & tech. Max 16-18k, will be buying cash so attractive PCPs are not a factor.

So far I've arrived at: BMW 218i M Sport (expensive but ticks all the boxes); Audi A3 1.4 TSI S-Line (again expensive, impressive interior); VW Scirocco 1.4 TSI Tech GT (not as well equipped or prestige, seems better value for money).

Would love to hear from anyone with experience of owning/driving the above, or any alternative suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

[dannyDC2]

You'd get an E90 M3 for that.

[FlatToTheMat]

All nice enough cars. In my opinion the Scirocco is long in the tooth now, plus it's tiny in the boot.

Rented a new A3 for a couple of weeks. Quiet and refined. Good grip but no real reedback. It would fit in with daily life very nice I'm sure but a bit meh. Respected it more than loved it.

2 series would be my choice. Looks more expensive than the others. Better natural driving dynamics if that's your thing. I'd be quite excited by the prospect as one as a daily I reckon. Not driven one mind but owned many a BMW.

Anyway, it's your money so get what ever you fall in love with. No right or wrong answer.

[iphonedyou]

FlatToTheMat said:

All nice enough cars. In my opinion the Scirocco is long in the tooth now, plus it's tiny in the boot.

Tiny? Have you looked at a Scirocco's boot? 312 litres plays the Golf's 380 litres, so by your rationale the Golf has a 'very small' boot.

[Ninja59]

Having driven a 218i M Sport, not massively specced up fairly basic if anything, and more to the point a manual.

I loved it! Not the quickest thing by any stretch, but the 3 pot noise and turbo definitely left an impression on me. The only "complaint" I would have is ever so slightly overly long gearing (I can understand why for MPG, but it just felt out of sync a little sometimes, plus the CDV annoyed me).

The thing that I walked away from it liking the most was the very chuckable and keen front end into the corners (being so light and such a little engine clearly helped massively).

[cuprabob]

I've owned a Scirocco for over 6 years and the only issue I've found with the boot is the high lip which can be annoying.

[VW_Sam_]

Nice choices..!

Being a VW geek, the Scirocco would be a choice I'd definitely seriously consider. They look super smart, perform well.. however having had a friend who owned one, they are quite fuel thirsty. Just a quick one - have you thought about a Golf? I have one myself and can't fault it - plus with your budget you could easily afford a couple-year old GTI, GT.. even a GTD! Or just a vanilla Golf.. worth looking into - I'd choose a Golf over a Scirocco, BMW and Audi any day!

The Audi's are easy on the eye both internally and externally too, and again they are nice-to-drive cars, with a good reputation. I could say the same about BMW.. again, awesome cars, nice to drive.. and at the age of 23 you'll definitely be turning a few heads with any of the cars you choose..!

[joeshaw123]

dannyDC2 said:

You'd get an E90 M3 for that.

weigl said:

...engine no bigger than 1.6 (and not too powerful, I'm 23 so insurance is still extortionate); up to 3 years old

Bit oversized, overpowered and over aged than what he's after! Although I've just bought an e92 M3 though, and can't recommend one enough. I love it!

And surely if you've amassed £16-18k cash by 23, tax/insurance cost isn't too big a worry?

[FlatToTheMat]

iphonedyou said:

FlatToTheMat said:

All nice enough cars. In my opinion the Scirocco is long in the tooth now, plus it's tiny in the boot.

Tiny? Have you looked at a Scirocco's boot? 312 litres plays the Golf's 380 litres, so by your rationale the Golf has a 'very small' boot.

Maybe it was the shape but it stopped us buying one, that and the very small back seats.

We bought a GTD instead, which was very competent but utterly dull. I think it's just Vags that leave me cold. My wife loved it though

Edited by FlatToTheMat on Wednesday 1st November 14:40

[cuprabob]

FlatToTheMat said:

Maybe it was the shape but it stopped us buying one, that and the very small back seats.

We bought a GTD instead, which was very competent but utterly dull. I think it's just Vags that leave me cold. My wife loved it though

Edited by FlatToTheMat on Wednesday 1st November 14:40

So what your saying is that your wife likes dull things?

[VW_Sam_]

GTD.. I don't think they're dull at all.. they're awesome cars! Currently saving/looking for a MK7 GTD!

[cuprabob]

KTF said:

Isnt this down to personal preference?

In olden days you would have just bought the one you preferred, no fuss.

Modern living dictates that you need to get the opinion of the internet as well as letting everyone know you are buying a new car

Like magazine Road Tests of old, if they agree with your decision that's great, if not they are idiots and don't know what they are talking about

[dannyDC2]

joeshaw123 said:

dannyDC2 said:

You'd get an E90 M3 for that.

weigl said:

...engine no bigger than 1.6 (and not too powerful, I'm 23 so insurance is still extortionate); up to 3 years old

Bit oversized, overpowered and over aged than what he's after! Although I've just bought an e92 M3 though, and can't recommend one enough. I love it!

And surely if you've amassed £16-18k cash by 23, tax/insurance cost isn't too big a worry?

This wouldn't be PH without a silly response.

(though I think spending that amount of cash on a eurobox is the silly option!)

This is lovely, and right in budget!

[tigger1]

cuprabob said:

FlatToTheMat said:

We bought a GTD instead, which was very competent but utterly dull. I think it's just Vags that leave me cold. My wife loved it though

So what your saying is that your wife likes dull things?

No, his wife loves Vag's.

(sorry)

OP - Don't spend 18k on something like a scirocco. Stick 8k into your house deposit fund, and spunk 10k on an older tidy 3 series or similar. Your time will come - the days of being able to walk in and buy a golf R for cash (and insure it for <£500!) will soon be yours! Make sure you're not crippled with debt by that point.

What about a volvo S40? Different, and insurance won't be ruinous.

But them I'm mid-30s with a house, family, and a vrs estate, so I would vote for sensible!

[Mo28]

Being 21 and just getting rid of my MK7 GTD I would not recommend it mainly cause of insurance. However the standard specification was really good.

I personally would recommend a E90 3 series coupe in M sport trim. You could get one for around £10k.

[ZX10R NIN]

Personally I'd find out how much extra it would cost to get insured on a 1.6 hot hatch compared to the 218i M Sport you're looking at, then spend that much less on the initial purchase of one of the cars below:

Polo GTI 1.8

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Alfa Mito Quadrifoglio 1.4

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Alfa Giulietta TBI 1.8

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If the insurance is to high on the above then take a look at the Sportiva model it's a 1.4:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

208 GTI

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Clio RS220 Trophy

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Fiesta ST-3 the badge may not do it for you but these are great cars:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Kia Pro C'eed GT now these don't have the badge but they're great insurance wise come loaded with kit & you'll still have 4 years worth of Warranty left to play with plus they're a decent drive, I'd happily have one of these over the Polo GTI.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

All the above are well equipped good cars & better steers than the cars you've suggested but from your post you seem to be badge conscious in which case they may not work for you.

Here's the thing though the money you'll pay for your 218i you could get an older 2011 but as well equipped 325/330i coupe & in all honesty these will depreciate less, yes you're in an older car but a better one & if it really bothers you then get a private plate.

BMW 218i M Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

325i M Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

330i M Sport +

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If looking for an A3 then go to the S3, with 3-4k to go towards the extra cost of insurance.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

It's up to you & what you want from your car but you're on PH so I'm guessing you like cars & if you're looking to spend the thick end of 17+k on a car then get one that puts a smile on your face & leave everyone else to worry as to whether it has the right badge/reg.

[culpz]

A sporty coupe should have a decent engine. I really liked my Scirocco 1.4 TSI but the engine completely let it down. It really needed the 2.0 TSI to make it a really interesting car, worthy of the styling. Same goes with the 2 Series aswell. That's just my personal view though.

So, if you must got for a bland engine, pick a bland car to match the power-train. If it must be any of those, go for the A3. I'd personally save your cash for a property deposit and get something much cheaper. There are some really good cars out there for not alot of cash!

[chrismoose91]

370Z? Only pay £809 a year through a specialist and I'm 26...

[T1547]

What don't you like about the Leon?

Given you said you were looking at 3 yr old VAGs (well 2 of your options are) what does the new car have to give over the current 2013 VAG car?

[Dolf Stoppard]

135i Coupe. Still looks good next to the new model.

Probably not the best one to link to but gives you an idea what is available.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...