Mk5 Golf Tdi v Audi A3 Tdi

[Heathwood]

Hi folks,

I'm at the point in my life where I need a 5 door diesel hatch (baby on the way, potentially large annual mileage and the Mrs doesn't like large cars).

So, having done a bit (ok, quite a lot) of research, I'm looking at Golf's and A3's with the old(ish) 1.9 tdi 105ps engine (no DPF, pretty bombproof).

I can get a four year old Golf, probably match spec, for £7-8k, while an A3 at similar age and spec seems to add a couple of grand to that. The Mrs prefers the Audi (no she's not a badge snob) and I must admit I can't disagree. Thing is, unless I'm much mistaken, they're pretty much the same car, so is the Audi worth the extra money.

Specifically, I'd be interested to hear thoughts and experience regarding any significant differences in build quality and refinement.

Thanks for any help.

[Codswallop]

The Audi is probably not worth the extra money over the Golf unless you like to prod and lick the soft touch dashboard plastics. And to be honest, I doubt the Golf would be worth the premium over a Skoda Octavia or Seat Leon made from more or less identical components

[crosseyedlion]

Yaaaawwwwwwnnn.

Much of a muchness surely? I'd buy on condition and whichever one I like being in the most - for a given budget.

[Riley Blue]

For £8K-ish you could get a three year old Seat Exeo TDI. Based on the B6 A4, it's not a big car but would give you more 'baby room'.

[Heathwood]

crosseyedlion said:

Yaaaawwwwwwnnn.

Yeah I know. I've never had to buy a car I needed rather than wanted before. Usually I love nosing around for a new car but today I couldn't have been more bored if we were out choosing a new washing machine.

[RikZR]

Same car isn't it? i would probably go for the Golf if it were me.

[66comanche]

It's a bland enough car, but can't you at least get one with a modicum of power? At least the 140 if not 170 Bhp version, don't overly torture yourself man!

[crosseyedlion]

Riley Blue said:

For £8K-ish you could get a three year old Seat Exeo TDI. Based on the B6 A4, it's not a big car but would give you more 'baby room'.

^^^ this would be much more interesting. Bit different

[johnnyBv8]

Although the A3 is more, it'll be still worth proportionally more when you sell it again, so the difference is really only the depreciation on £2k (provided you have the £2k up front!). I'd say get the A3 - there doesn't have to be an objective reason for it, other than that's what she wants....

[elvismiggell]

Heathwood said:

Yeah I know. I've never had to buy a car I needed rather than wanted before. Usually I love nosing around for a new car but today I couldn't have been more bored if we were out choosing a new washing machine.

Don't let the missus hear this, you're supposed to be excited about ALL aspects of the baby!

Personally I'd go for the Golf, just prefer them.

[okie592]

no one will want your old a3 when you come to sell it on, it doesnt have LEDs;)

what is exactly wrong with the ford focus if your just looking for a family lugging car, and its a better drive than a golf / A3, your get a newer model which will more than likely have more kit

also focuses dont have a massive injector recall that Vw are sweeping under the rug

[HeatonNorris]

You're getting into Mk6 Golf money there - so I'd want a Mk6 1.6TDI in decent trim. (Match or SE)

[Schuey M]

Have you considered a civic type s? Of the two listed I'd take the audi.

[Heathwood]

elvismiggell said:

Don't let the missus hear this, you're supposed to be excited about ALL aspects of the baby!

It's ok, the Mrs loves cars too, so she was as bored as me.

[okie592]

Heathwood said:

It's ok, the Mrs loves cars too, so she was as bored as me.

why not fk the MPG and get a mk2 focus st for the same money?

[greggy50]

Why not the Seat Leon FR TDI better drive than either more powerful and cheaper as well...
Couple of Examples
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

Edited by greggy50 on Saturday 30th June 21:35

[Heathwood]

okie592 said:

why not fk the MPG and get a mk2 focus st for the same money?

We've already got a BMW 130i which we're keeping. We need something considerably more economical to balance things out.

[Heathwood]

greggy50 said:

Why not the Seat Leon FR TDI better drive than either more powerful and cheaper as well...
Couple of Examples
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

Edited by greggy50 on Saturday 30th June 21:35

Thanks Greg, Leon's are certainly worth considering. Not keen on the interior but worth a look.

[valverguy]

Fabia VRS

Done