Audi A3, VW Scirocco, BMW 1 Series or other?

[bflare]

I can feel a change coming on from my Seat Leon FR (2007). I have been looking for a while & to be honest nothing really takes my fancy apart from an A3, Scirocco or 1 Series BMW.

My budget is around 8K & I would like something that's done under 100k miles. I do around 40 miles per day on the motorway & a combined weekly millage of around 350 miles so I assume I would be better sticking with a diesel?

What would be your preference between those 3 or any other suggestions? I have considered a Mondeo, Insignia & an Astra GTC but I'm not too sure about these 3. There's only me & my young son so size isn't an issue.

[cobra kid]

Got to be German then?

[95JO]

Get anything relatively reliable that you like the look of, wouldn't worry too much about diesel with that mileage IMO. ~17k isn't insignificant but the difference between petrol/diesel is negligible, especially with the current prices.

Best of both worlds though, get a well specced/low mileage E90 335D

[95JO]

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

[bflare]

cobra kid said:

Got to be German then?

No not really just those 3 happen to be German. Although, I assume German cars are generally more reliable?

[ozzuk]

I have the same budget in mind and first choice was the Scirocco so will be watching this thread. I've done sports cars, and am now a biker, but fancy something small to chuck around and always loved the Scirocco styling.

I only live 3 miles from the office though and it seems really hard to find a decent petrol version.

So far I've considered the Scirocco, clio, megan RS but nothing really grabbing me. The Scirocco aside from being mostly diesel, seems to score badly on reviews compared with the golf, but I just don't like the golf. Civics are another option - but I had the type r a few years ago (great car, could be option for you) and hate repeating cars. My apprentice has an ST so thats out.

[bflare]

ozzuk said:

I have the same budget in mind and first choice was the Scirocco so will be watching this thread. I've done sports cars, and am now a biker, but fancy something small to chuck around and always loved the Scirocco styling.

I only live 3 miles from the office though and it seems really hard to find a decent petrol version.

So far I've considered the Scirocco, clio, megan RS but nothing really grabbing me. The Scirocco aside from being mostly diesel, seems to score badly on reviews compared with the golf, but I just don't like the golf. Civics are another option - but I had the type r a few years ago (great car, could be option for you) and hate repeating cars. My apprentice has an ST so thats out.

I like the styling of the Scirocco but I am genuinely baffled. My first choice was a 120d 1 Series but then I spotted a Scirocco & it got me thinking. I did have a quick look at a Megan but don't Renaults have a lot of issues with electrics? I maybe thinking back a lot of years here though.

Civic Type R could be an option. A bloke at work had one & he rated it, he's got an Astra GTC now which he says is nice. My neighbour has a ST so that's not an option.

[ozzuk]

bflare said:

I like the styling of the Scirocco but I am genuinely baffled. My first choice was a 120d 1 Series but then I spotted a Scirocco & it got me thinking. I did have a quick look at a Megan but don't Renaults have a lot of issues with electrics? I maybe thinking back a lot of years here though.

Civic Type R could be an option. A bloke at work had one & he rated it, he's got an Astra GTC now which he says is nice. My neighbour has a ST so that's not an option.

I loved my type R, even with FWD. The boot is cavernous, I liked the full metal plating underneath (though must be a nightmare to work on) and the dash was like a starship enterprise shuttle. Can't remember why I sold it, possibly for a caymen. I tend to change cars every 8months to a year as I get bored. Great way to burn money I don't have!

[bflare]

ozzuk said:

I loved my type R, even with FWD. The boot is cavernous, I liked the full metal plating underneath (though must be a nightmare to work on) and the dash was like a starship enterprise shuttle. Can't remember why I sold it, possibly for a caymen. I tend to change cars every 8months to a year as I get bored. Great way to burn money I don't have!

I previously never kept a car for more than a year because I couldn't afford much at the time. I then became single so had more money & bought a Leon FR which has lasted me 4 years. It's time for a change now but I just cant decide.

[anonymous-user]

How about having a look at the Mazda 3 MPS or the Alfa Giulietta Cloverleaf

[ZX10R NIN]

bflare said:

No not really just those 3 happen to be German. Although, I assume German cars are generally more reliable?

When it comes to Germans being more reliable all I have to say is don't believe the hype, they're no more reliable than Renaults Fords etc so don't let that sway you it's also engine specific, for example the 120d has some potential serious issues.

How many miles do you do a year as this will help you decide if a diesel or petrol is a better option.

The Megane RS250 is by far the best drivers car & is as reliable a car as a Scirocco for example

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

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

Or the Clio RS200 N/A

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

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

Or if you want a nice swift daily here are a few options:

Giulietta Cloverleaf

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

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

GTC 200 Limited Edition

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

Mazda3 MPS

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

If not having a hot hatch is a big deal then a 335i is a good option but again do your checks:

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

3.2 A5

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

[bflare]

MonkeyMatt said:

How about having a look at the Mazda 3 MPS or the Alfa Giulietta Cloverleaf

I like Alfa's but are they not expensive to repair? Are they reliable?

[bflare]

ZX10R NIN said:

When it comes to Germans being more reliable all I have to say is don't believe the hype, they're no more reliable than Renaults Fords etc so don't let that sway you it's also engine specific, for example the 120d has some potential serious issues.

How many miles do you do a year as this will help you decide if a diesel or petrol is a better option.

The Megane RS250 is by far the best drivers car & is as reliable a car as a Scirocco for example

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

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

Or the Clio RS200 N/A

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

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

Or if you want a nice swift daily here are a few options:

Giulietta Cloverleaf

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

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

GTC 200 Limited Edition

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

Mazda3 MPS

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

If not having a hot hatch is a big deal then a 335i is a good option but again do your checks:

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

3.2 A5

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

I do about 18k a year. About 35 miles a day on the motorway.

[ZX10R NIN]

With your miles I'd say diesel would be best if it comes down to running costs over 18k in which case I'd say take a look at these but I'd go for a bigger engine which will mean you get a swifter car with a smoother engine.

S60 D5 R Design

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

SE Lux

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

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

ES

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

Mercedes C350cdi Sport

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

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

BMW 335d M Sport very good cars (the first one has super low miles which could actually be worse than one that has 60k on the clock)

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

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

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

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

Or there's the less compact but no less swift (especially in S spec) but more comfortable Jaguar XF:

S Premium Luxury

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

S Portfolio

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

Portfolio

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

[cobra kid]

bflare said:

No not really just those 3 happen to be German. Although, I assume German cars are generally more reliable?

My Golf has been the most reliable car I've ever owned, but that is a sample size of one!

[bflare]

cobra kid said:

My Golf has been the most reliable car I've ever owned, but that is a sample size of one!

This is another reason I was thinking German as my Seat Leon which I think is basically an Audi or a Gold has been reliable apart from the DPF which I had removed.