Which car?

[ollyver27]

Just another 'which car' thread, I'm sure you've all seen it a thousand times, but I need some help...


I'm looking to get a new car, I have a budget of around £7,000 (£5,000 loan, then sell my car (around £1,500, and have some money saved).

I want my new car to look nice...I suppose that's the main thing...I don't actually care loads about performance, although it is a bonus (I owned a Clio 182 for a bit, which was rather fun!). I have actually made a table with what options I have already thought of (sad I know). Here are the models to give you some idea of what I'm after: Audi A3 – 2.0 TDI, Audi A3 – 1.6 Sport, Audi A3 – 2.0 FSI, BMW – Z4 – 2.0 (although insurance may rule this out), Mazda RX8 (although running costs may rule this out), Astra CDTi or SXi, or a Golf (not researched it yet).

As you can see, I'm swaying towards the Audi A3. Good build quality, reliable (correct me if I am wrong), and I think they look good (without looking too flash), and probably quite practical (compared to the likes of a Z4). And I've considered a golf but not really looked into it a great deal. I suppose I just don't think they look as nice as the Audi A3s. And I don't want to just buy another car for the sake of it, I really want to like it, if that makes sense.

I also have a more general question....is it ok to buy a high mileage car? You can obviously get a nicer car, but cars 80,000+, are they really ok to buy?!

On that note, I could possibly stretch my budget for something like a Mercedes CLC. They look really nice in black or white.

I'd be looking to get a loan. Is car finance the best way to go, or just a general high street loan?

A lot of questions I know, but thanks for your help in advance

[chriscoates]

Audi A3?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3229650.htm

Or this, if the running costs scare you.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3319115.htm

[R300will]

z4's have a rock hard ride avoid them, tt or s2000 would be a better option however if insurance is an issue then perhaps leave these for a couple of years. the only thing i would say about the A3's and audi in general is that unless you have the top range model they all look pretty much the same so indivuality is affected if that is important to you.

[ollyver27]

Thanks for the replies.

Re: 3 Series. I have been looking at these. I know people rate them highly, and the ones you have posted look really smart. I shall have to consider them more (I wouldn't consider the 330 however, my friend sister's boyfriend has one and the mpg is ridiculous).

Yeah maybe you are right about the A3s. I just thought for the mpg (TDi models), the insurance, etc, they would be a nice choice.

Audi TT...I have considered them. Not quite made my mind up about the looks yet though...

[R300will]

ollyver27 said:

Thanks for the replies.

Re: 3 Series. I have been looking at these. I know people rate them highly, and the ones you have posted look really smart. I shall have to consider them more (I wouldn't consider the 330 however, my friend sister's boyfriend has one and the mpg is ridiculous).

Yeah maybe you are right about the A3s. I just thought for the mpg (TDi models), the insurance, etc, they would be a nice choice.

Audi TT...I have considered them. Not quite made my mind up about the looks yet though...

The looks are great IMO although i do own one and the four wheel drive and the power if you get the 225 gives you confidence in any weather and the speed necessary to see off more expensive newer cars. Mine has been remapped to 270bhp and was level pegging with a golf R a couple of weeks back, only lost out when i had to change gear as mine is manual and his was DSG. So by all means seriously consider them if you are wanting a sports car. Otherwise the 3 series is a wise choice also.

edit: also on a commute to uni ant back (160 miles round trip) i get 37mpg if i am nice with it and even if i am not it still runs around 32-33 which isn't bad for a 10 year old car.

[ollyver27]

Thanks, yeah I'll have to seriously consider the TT.

What does everyone think about the golfs? Just seen this on auto: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Looks really nice. Although others I feel just look really plain. I think the alloys make a big difference on them.

Any other suggestions for sporty looking cars in price range?

Any opinions on whether I should just wait to buy something I really want, like the CLC?

[R300will]

ollyver27 said:

Thanks, yeah I'll have to seriously consider the TT.

What does everyone think about the golfs? Just seen this on auto: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Looks really nice. Although others I feel just look really plain. I think the alloys make a big difference on them.

Any other suggestions for sporty looking cars in price range?

Any opinions on whether I should just wait to buy something I really want, like the CLC?

depends on how long you would have to wait to afford the car you really want if you get a car now. If you think you could get a CLC in a couple of years or less then wait it out, otherwise you might as well get a quicker stop gap. I am actually looking at a quicker stop gap for my car to go to uni as i normally use the suzuki swift which isn't great on motorways and the OH has dibs on the audi plus i want to keep the milage down on that.