Time for a new car, what to get! - Page 1 - Car Buying

jak kez 187

Original Poster

43 posts

96 months

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Tuesday 4th September 2018

Been a long time lurker on here so I've finally decided to get involved!

Currently have a BMW 3 series coupe 320d M sport, lovely car but I have a new job which is only a 5 mile round commute so think I should get a petrol to avoid any future complications with driving such short trips...plus I've had the car for 4 years so think I'm due a change haha. I'm only averaging about 3-4 thousand miles a year so think it's time the diesel goes. Plus I find the steering very heavy after driving my Mom's Jaguar XJ for a bit which is lovely to drive.

Got around 18-22k to spend and I would really like an automatic this time (stop start traffic does my head in!) and a 5 door for a change. Also don't really want anything less than a 1.8L engine.

The main cars I've been looking at are:

Audi S3 Sportback - 2014's - 30-40k on clock
Mercedes Benz A250 - 2016's - 20k on clock
Golf GTI - 2014-2015 - 30k on clock
BMW 135i - not looked too much into these as I'm not sure if I want another BMW given the steering on my current 3 series

Audi is probably my preferred option but I don't know if an S3 is a bit over the top for my needs. The A3's just don't look as nice to me unfortunately and there's very few 1.8 or above engines on the market.

Golf GTI was my favourite until recently - I do prefer the leather interior which is rare on the second hand market and I'm not a fan of the standard alloys so would have to change them

A250 do look very nice and I really like the interior, however I've heard the ride isn't very good (do like the comfort of my 3 series I must admit, nice ride height yet still cushioned)

BMW 1 series also look good and I feel you get a good car for the money, but I don't want the steering to be heavy like my 3 series (could be due to the run flats currently on it too).

Bit that worries me the most about the Audi is running costs - this is another reason I was leaning towards the GTI as it seems to be a fun car but still easy to maintain as a daily driver

Any opinions are appreciated - have saved up enough to buy outright once my 320d has sold, so don't really think a lease is necessary but if there are good deals then I may consider it!

pb8g09

3,214 posts

98 months

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Tuesday 4th September 2018

I had the exact same criteria as yourself a month ago.

I went for an S1 (which has the S3 engine and 4wd) as I was sold on the test drive and whilst it's a very good car, I've not yet fallen in love with it - I've heard similar stories about the S3- the two Audi dealers I've been to have joked that it's a license loser?!

I wouldn't judge the m135i by your current car - go and test one. I tried an M140i but just didn't give me a tingle but engine is super meaty.

Do you really want to go out and have to pay more on top to change the wheels on the GTi after spending that much? Will it nag at you if you don't?

jak kez 187

Original Poster

43 posts

96 months

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Tuesday 4th September 2018

Composite Guru said:

Volvo V40 R Design?

Ok the autos are a 1.6 but from 2016 the manuals have a 2.0l.

I have the R Design Pro with the T3 engine and its really smooth. Car drives and interior quality is similar to BMW / Audi imo.
You can get the T5 version that is 250bhp so probably more your range.

I didn't want to follow the sheep buying german cars and am really happy with my choice.

Edited by Composite Guru on Tuesday 4th September 10:06

Is a nice car and a manufacturer I haven't considered if I'm honest, but I think i prefer the looks of the others mentioned. Thanks for the suggestion though!

jak kez 187

Original Poster

43 posts

96 months

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Tuesday 4th September 2018

pb8g09 said:

I had the exact same criteria as yourself a month ago.

I went for an S1 (which has the S3 engine and 4wd) as I was sold on the test drive and whilst it's a very good car, I've not yet fallen in love with it - I've heard similar stories about the S3- the two Audi dealers I've been to have joked that it's a license loser?!

I wouldn't judge the m135i by your current car - go and test one. I tried an M140i but just didn't give me a tingle but engine is super meaty.

Do you really want to go out and have to pay more on top to change the wheels on the GTi after spending that much? Will it nag at you if you don't?

The S1 would probably be my first choice if it had an automatic gearbox! Really have my heart set on an auto now and no amount of persuasion will shift that unfortunately.

You're probably right about the BMW as well, I really should test drive one. I've sort of fell out of love with BMW recently as well given the absolute debacle i've had with them over the 2 product recalls on my car, they've been nothing short of a joke to deal with if i'm honest and the last time I left the dealers I sort of felt like I never really wanted to go back haha. Is a shame really as I've always loved their cars.

And with the GTI, I really can't be bothered faffing about with the wheels no, but after seeing some of the mark 7.5's with the Brescia alloys I think they look so much better than the standard Austin alloys on the MK7 and I would really want to change them I think.

pb8g09

3,214 posts

98 months

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Tuesday 4th September 2018

I think from your list, it's all about personal preference as they all have their ups and downs depending on your sway will determine which you can compromise and which you can't - sounds like BMW won't win you round though.

The Merc (on your list) is a bit gutless compared to the S3/M135 and it's a lot of money on a car that has already been face-lifted IMO.

What about stretching a little and going for a A45?

ZX10R NIN

30,534 posts

154 months

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Tuesday 4th September 2018

Composite Guru

2,499 posts

232 months

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Tuesday 4th September 2018

jak kez 187 said:

Is a nice car and a manufacturer I haven't considered if I'm honest, but I think i prefer the looks of the others mentioned. Thanks for the suggestion though!

No problem, just thought I would throw something unusual into the mix.

Unfortunately this country is full of people buying the same cars and I just wanted to do something different.
I bought a Lotus because I didn't want to be like everyone else and buy a Porsche.

Its a shame so many people cant see past the badge hype. If you don't have a german car on the drive then you haven't made it in life. frown

pb8g09

3,214 posts

98 months

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Tuesday 4th September 2018

Composite Guru said:

No problem, just thought I would throw something unusual into the mix.

Unfortunately this country is full of people buying the same cars and I just wanted to do something different.
I bought a Lotus because I didn't want to be like everyone else and buy a Porsche.

Its a shame so many people cant see past the badge hype. If you don't have a german car on the drive then you haven't made it in life. frown

+1 from an Audi owner... rolleyes

I want a Lotus so badly but don't have the space on the drive/garage frown

Composite Guru

2,499 posts

232 months

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Tuesday 4th September 2018

pb8g09 said:

Composite Guru said:

No problem, just thought I would throw something unusual into the mix.

Unfortunately this country is full of people buying the same cars and I just wanted to do something different.
I bought a Lotus because I didn't want to be like everyone else and buy a Porsche.

Its a shame so many people cant see past the badge hype. If you don't have a german car on the drive then you haven't made it in life. frown

+1 from an Audi owner... rolleyes

I want a Lotus so badly but don't have the space on the drive/garage frown

Best thing I ever did. Such great driving. None of this refined car stuff going on.

pb8g09

3,214 posts

98 months

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Tuesday 4th September 2018

Composite Guru said:

Best thing I ever did. Such great driving. None of this refined car stuff going on.

Do you run it as a weekend toy or as a daily?

How is it in the wet/winter?

Composite Guru

2,499 posts

232 months

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Tuesday 4th September 2018

pb8g09 said:

Do you run it as a weekend toy or as a daily?

How is it in the wet/winter?

Its a weekend toy only.

If you want more info come over to my Elise page so we don't hijack the thread. biggrin

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

jak kez 187

Original Poster

43 posts

96 months

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Tuesday 4th September 2018

I think the S3 in terms of looks is exactly what I'm after, but I am worried about running costs.
Fuel consumption shouldn't be a huge issue as I'm not doing the miles, but will I be encountering engine/maintenance issues seeming though I'm looking at a tuned engine thats 4 years old with 30-40k miles?

DoubleD

22,154 posts

137 months

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Tuesday 4th September 2018

Try lots of different cars and buy the 1 that you like. Dont worry about trying to be different.

Composite Guru

2,499 posts

232 months

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Wednesday 5th September 2018

DoubleD said:

Try lots of different cars and buy the 1 that you like. Dont worry about trying to be different.

Wise words, don't follow the sheep. Be an individual. biggrin

pavarotti1980

6,326 posts

113 months

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Wednesday 5th September 2018

jak kez 187 said:

I think the S3 in terms of looks is exactly what I'm after, but I am worried about running costs.
Fuel consumption shouldn't be a huge issue as I'm not doing the miles, but will I be encountering engine/maintenance issues seeming though I'm looking at a tuned engine thats 4 years old with 30-40k miles?

If you like the S3 then get the Leon Cupra. Save some cash as well. Bit dull inside as with most VAG cars but a great driver and understated and not a huge number of them on the roads in comparison to S3/GTi etc

DoubleD

22,154 posts

137 months

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Wednesday 5th September 2018

Composite Guru said:

DoubleD said:

Try lots of different cars and buy the 1 that you like. Dont worry about trying to be different.

Wise words, don't follow the sheep. Be an individual. biggrin

The point is that you should buy the car that is right for you. If that means buying a popular car then so be it.

Also you say dont be a sheep, yet you have a hatchback volvo. Not exactly groundbreaking!

Edited by DoubleD on Wednesday 5th September 10:55

Composite Guru

2,499 posts

232 months

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Wednesday 5th September 2018

DoubleD said:

Composite Guru said:

DoubleD said:

Try lots of different cars and buy the 1 that you like. Dont worry about trying to be different.

Wise words, don't follow the sheep. Be an individual. biggrin

The point is that you should buy the car that is right for you. If that means buying a popular car then so be it.

Also you say dont be a sheep, yet you have a hatchback volvo. Not exactly groundbreaking!

Edited by DoubleD on Wednesday 5th September 10:55

No not by any means but most don't buy Volvo's just because of the badge and what people think of you.

I had numerous people at work ask why I bought an old man Volvo and not a BMW/Audi/VW/Merc (Delete as applicable). Its all just very predictable and boring.

Edited by Composite Guru on Wednesday 5th September 11:28

DoubleD

22,154 posts

137 months

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Wednesday 5th September 2018

Composite Guru said:

DoubleD said:

Composite Guru said:

DoubleD said:

Try lots of different cars and buy the 1 that you like. Dont worry about trying to be different.

Wise words, don't follow the sheep. Be an individual. biggrin

The point is that you should buy the car that is right for you. If that means buying a popular car then so be it.

Also you say dont be a sheep, yet you have a hatchback volvo. Not exactly groundbreaking!

Edited by DoubleD on Wednesday 5th September 10:55

No not by any means but most don't buy Volvo's just because of the badge and what people think of you.

I had numerous people at work ask why I bought an old man Volvo and not a BMW/Audi/VW/Merc (Delete as applicable). Its all just very predictable and boring.

Edited by Composite Guru on Wednesday 5th September 11:28

The most important thing is to buy a car that fits your needs best, and dont worry about what others think or say.

pb8g09

3,214 posts

98 months

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Wednesday 5th September 2018

DoubleD said:

The most important thing is to buy a car that fits your needs best, and dont worry about what others think or say.

+1

I bought an Audi - there's only 2 other of the model in Bournemouth and Poole where I live so I don't think that's being a sheep and following a crowd.

It also suits my needs bang on.

jak kez 187

Original Poster

43 posts

96 months

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Thursday 6th September 2018

Well I sold my 3 Series last night so looks like Saturday will be a day of car shopping!

This will only be the 2nd car i've bought (first was a 17th present, bought my BMW 5 years later) so i'm not too experienced with car buying.

Seen a few S3's I like, couple of Golf R's and a nice GTI with santiago alloys and leather seats which Is what I wanted.

Anything in particular I should look out for? The S3/ Golf R's are 14-15 plates with around 30-40k miles and the GTI is a 16 plate with 25k.