What to buy? A3/rocco/rs250

[J90ack]

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?

[J90ack]

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 post

[J90ack]

ZX10R NIN said:

I'd be going for the Megane RS250 or the ST225 personally.

Anyone owned an RS250/can vouch for reliability? Common problems?

[J90ack]

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?

[J90ack]

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.

Interesting, thanks. What mileage is cambelt done at on these generally? Might have to get some test drives in and start comparing...

[J90ack]

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?

[J90ack]

vtecyo said:

GreatGranny said:

Personally it would be the Scirocco.

Or maybe a 125i/130i/135i depending if you can find a decent one.

A Scirocco or TT was always top of the list to replace the megane with but after reading so many horror stories with that 2.0 TFSI engine I could be bothered with the worry.

What issues are you referring to? Have they fixed the issues in later cars? I've had a look around and most the info I've seen rates the 2.0tsi way above the 1.4, the only common issue I've come across are re the timing chain tensioner which seems to have been fixed in 59/10 onwards model's?

[J90ack]

culpz said:

vtecyo said:

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

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02szmmr

The 2.0 TSI unit is a pretty solid engine, on the whole. Some earlier iterations can use a bit of oil but nothing stupidly excessive. The chain-driven ones required an updated cam-chain, as they were prone to snapping, but this was rectified with the later models. Newer versions are now belt-driven anyway, I believe.

After all, the exact same engine is still being used today, albeit with very slight changes to it. It was the twin-charged 1.4 TSI which was the nightmare engine and the one to avoid.

Thanks. Think I'm swaying towards a 2.0 scirocco, will keep an eye out for one that looks in good nick, hopefully nearby.

Any tips for what to look out for/service schedule around the 60-80k mileage mark?

[J90ack]

jam_up said:

I would strongly recommend getting one with the new tensioner already installed. The first revision came around October 2010, with 2 following in 2012. Simply not worth risking with an older one as you’re risking a £2500+ layout for the engine if the chain snaps.

OK cheers - still a safe bet pre 60 reg if tensioner work done, or just generally avoid?