Need to purchase a sub 7k car
Discussion
Hi everyone, I am new on here and need some advice. I have to get rid of my BMW 1 series x-drive 63 plate. I am looking for a replacement that is reliable, fun and spacious.
I was looking at an Audi A3 2.0 tsfi s-line until I read the various horror stories about unreliability and oil consumption issues that can lead to engine rebuilds. The next on my list was a Vauxhall Insignia VXR. This then brought to light potential rear diff issues, along with timing chains and gear box problems.
Is there a vehicle out there not riddled with issues that will not sting me?
I wish to avoid Diesel as my journeys are short and I have been stung by DPF problems in the past.
I like Golf, Seat Leon, BMW, Subaru but really am open as long as it looks good and is quite quick...
Any suggestions?
Thanks for your time in advance.
K
I was looking at an Audi A3 2.0 tsfi s-line until I read the various horror stories about unreliability and oil consumption issues that can lead to engine rebuilds. The next on my list was a Vauxhall Insignia VXR. This then brought to light potential rear diff issues, along with timing chains and gear box problems.
Is there a vehicle out there not riddled with issues that will not sting me?
I wish to avoid Diesel as my journeys are short and I have been stung by DPF problems in the past.
I like Golf, Seat Leon, BMW, Subaru but really am open as long as it looks good and is quite quick...
Any suggestions?
Thanks for your time in advance.
K
If you’re looking at hot hatches then maybe the FN2 Civic type r? Easily available below your budget and should be reliable.
In all honesty any car can have expensive issues so probably best to just go with what you fancy and not worry too much. Maybe spend a bit less and keep some cash in reserve for problems.
In all honesty any car can have expensive issues so probably best to just go with what you fancy and not worry too much. Maybe spend a bit less and keep some cash in reserve for problems.
ChrisH72 said:
If you’re looking at hot hatches then maybe the FN2 Civic type r? Easily available below your budget and should be reliable.
In all honesty any car can have expensive issues so probably best to just go with what you fancy and not worry too much. Maybe spend a bit less and keep some cash in reserve for problems.
Yes - this is what I would love to do. Just been stung a few times and was trying to avoid it happening againIn all honesty any car can have expensive issues so probably best to just go with what you fancy and not worry too much. Maybe spend a bit less and keep some cash in reserve for problems.
questions is how often do you need the space and could you work round it?
if you really like the 1 series could you get round the occasional need for space with a roofbox / bike rack / trailer.
I know the 1er isnt particularly big but in reality most of the cars in its class are fairly similar, the Octavia is the exception but at £7k you're on the old model if you want some performance. I've got a 2014 civic and aside from performance it would tick your boxes, just a shame there's nothing between the 1.8 140bhp petrol and the type-R.
Biggest gripe i found from moving from a new company car was not having all the latest toys like i-drive, DAB etc and that was a few years back now. I found it harder to step back a generation in technology than i really should have.
if you really like the 1 series could you get round the occasional need for space with a roofbox / bike rack / trailer.
I know the 1er isnt particularly big but in reality most of the cars in its class are fairly similar, the Octavia is the exception but at £7k you're on the old model if you want some performance. I've got a 2014 civic and aside from performance it would tick your boxes, just a shame there's nothing between the 1.8 140bhp petrol and the type-R.
Biggest gripe i found from moving from a new company car was not having all the latest toys like i-drive, DAB etc and that was a few years back now. I found it harder to step back a generation in technology than i really should have.
andburg said:
questions is how often do you need the space and could you work round it?
if you really like the 1 series could you get round the occasional need for space with a roofbox / bike rack / trailer.
I know the 1er isnt particularly big but in reality most of the cars in its class are fairly similar, the Octavia is the exception but at £7k you're on the old model if you want some performance. I've got a 2014 civic and aside from performance it would tick your boxes, just a shame there's nothing between the 1.8 140bhp petrol and the type-R.
Biggest gripe i found from moving from a new company car was not having all the latest toys like i-drive, DAB etc and that was a few years back now. I found it harder to step back a generation in technology than i really should have.
I really do like my 1 series and is an issues for stepping back in time. Everything i read is contradictory. I love the look of the A3 s-line and ;some reviews rave about it. Some say it is awful. I am looking at the 2.0 tsfi. This seems to be the one that floats my boat and is larger that the 1 series. I have a set of Thule roof bars. What is your opinion on the A3?if you really like the 1 series could you get round the occasional need for space with a roofbox / bike rack / trailer.
I know the 1er isnt particularly big but in reality most of the cars in its class are fairly similar, the Octavia is the exception but at £7k you're on the old model if you want some performance. I've got a 2014 civic and aside from performance it would tick your boxes, just a shame there's nothing between the 1.8 140bhp petrol and the type-R.
Biggest gripe i found from moving from a new company car was not having all the latest toys like i-drive, DAB etc and that was a few years back now. I found it harder to step back a generation in technology than i really should have.
Assuming 2012+ models I have Not driven the model you’d be looking at but been passenger. The bmw I drive system is better than the Audi one, but the pop up screen is cool.
Got my 1 series brand new in 2013 coming from the previous generation a3, wasn’t a single area the a3 wasn’t improved upon.
I’d certainly be looking at going for the 2012 a3 or 2013 1 series rather than the older cars. Obviously to get a bigger engine and more performance it’s gonna push up the price.
In terms of space, specs say 20l more storage space than the 1 series. What is 20l? It’s not a lot!
Got my 1 series brand new in 2013 coming from the previous generation a3, wasn’t a single area the a3 wasn’t improved upon.
I’d certainly be looking at going for the 2012 a3 or 2013 1 series rather than the older cars. Obviously to get a bigger engine and more performance it’s gonna push up the price.
In terms of space, specs say 20l more storage space than the 1 series. What is 20l? It’s not a lot!
krismcdermaid1979 said:
Hi everyone, I am new on here and need some advice. I have to get rid of my BMW 1 series x-drive 63 plate. I am looking for a replacement that is reliable, fun and spacious.
I was looking at an Audi A3 2.0 tsfi s-line until I read the various horror stories about unreliability and oil consumption issues that can lead to engine rebuilds. The next on my list was a Vauxhall Insignia VXR. This then brought to light potential rear diff issues, along with timing chains and gear box problems.
Is there a vehicle out there not riddled with issues that will not sting me?
I wish to avoid Diesel as my journeys are short and I have been stung by DPF problems in the past.
I like Golf, Seat Leon, BMW, Subaru but really am open as long as it looks good and is quite quick...
Any suggestions?
Thanks for your time in advance.
K
The Insignia VXR is a good buy if you get a 2010 onwards model the timing chain issues were sorted, the rear Diff is normally down to the Haldex not being serviced so if you don't see receipts haggle & negotiate accordingly, so I wouldn't discount one yet.I was looking at an Audi A3 2.0 tsfi s-line until I read the various horror stories about unreliability and oil consumption issues that can lead to engine rebuilds. The next on my list was a Vauxhall Insignia VXR. This then brought to light potential rear diff issues, along with timing chains and gear box problems.
Is there a vehicle out there not riddled with issues that will not sting me?
I wish to avoid Diesel as my journeys are short and I have been stung by DPF problems in the past.
I like Golf, Seat Leon, BMW, Subaru but really am open as long as it looks good and is quite quick...
Any suggestions?
Thanks for your time in advance.
K
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Insignia-vxr-estate/293...
Next to the Insignia the Mondeo is down on power but it is the best FWD in it class & it has the space you're looking for:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Mazda3 MPS
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Saab 9-3 Aero 2.0T
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
2.8T same drivetrain as the Insignia but less power & dare I say not as nice an interior.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
VAG wise you can get a very good Leon/Octavia for the price of a good A3:
Octavia VRS this is probably the pick of the VAG's if you want a bit more space
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Leon Cupra
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
A3 Sportback S Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
R32
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
GTI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
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