My Current Car - also help with what next?

[jaacck]

Morning,

Awake super early and couldn't get back to sleep and had my next car choice on my mind and would be grateful for any insight.

First off my current car - Audi A3 1.8T. Bought it about a year and a half a go and has been faultless, only car I've ever had a warranty on throughout ownership and nothing has gone wrong! Bought it as Needed a petrol motor as I live in a city and do short journeys most of the time so thought it be good middle ground with a bit of power and a bit of economy.





Now onto my next purchase, have two cars in mind and any opinions on what to go for next would be helpful.

Cars I have in mind are :-

Audi S3 8P - Same model as mine but obviously with more power and will get one with a better spec. Not sure if would be too similar to my current car to justify spending twice the money for it? Anybody made that leap?



BMW 135i Coupe - Had an E46 in the past so might be keen to get back into a bmw - I like the looks but a lot of people seem not so fond of it. Power would definitely be on point but has anybody driven this compared to a s3?



Can probably tell I am looking for a smaller car ( have to park in a city ) but german and fairly powerful. Also open to any other suggestions people may have. Budget is around 13k I would guess but can be more or less to get the right car as want something long term.

Cheers

Jack

[dozydavenport]

Firstly,
Nice a3! I know they're not the quickest of cars but that's actually the car I'm looking for next! I've never driven them but my opinion is that maybe you will have to look at basically the same interior for however long you keep the car! May feel a bit boring?
I also like the Bmw but have you maybe considered a Z4M? I'm not sure on your factors but surely if you are paying the running costs for an M135i they shouldn't be much different? I don't know! It also depends on practicality! Just have a look at some curveballs first before you decide!

[esuuv]

Of the two i'd go BMW - i used to have a 2l petrol A3 and while it was reasonably quick it was just so dull, the steering just doesn't give any feel - i drove the S3 when it was launched, it was the same - just faster. Nice places to sit though - but you already have that interior so no need to spend all that extra money.

BMW is leagues ahead in the steering feel regard - plus its a 6 and the Audi is a 4 - thats a stack more PH points!!

How about a JCW Mini - its what i bought to replace my dull A3, handles like a go cart - leave it anywhere.

[jaacck]

Afternoon,

Have considered minis in the past, also considered TT's but I as I'm an estate agent if I drive a mini also might be a bit much!

Anybody had an e46 m3 as a daily run around that would recommend it or too impractical for daily use and being parked on the road?

[Deerfoot]

Out of the two you've suggested I'd take the BMW, the engine is sublime.

How about a nice 130i ?

[hondafreek]

BMW for sure. The Audi is too similar to what you have. The coupe 1 series is nice, the hatchback is ugly.

[Martin_Hx]

hondafreek said:

BMW for sure. The Audi is too similar to what you have. The coupe 1 series is nice, the hatchback is ugly.

What he said, the A3 just looks a little bland for an S3.