Feeling the itch to change, but what to do?

[danm2k]

Hi guys,

Great forum, first time I've posted but been reading for some time.

Anyway. I've been inspired to post as I've got a bit of a dilemma. Back in 2010 I had enough cash and my old A3 to buy a brand new A3 (3dr black edn derv - yes, derv, sorry) which I did. After three years with it, the ownership experience has been a bit disappointing relative to my old 99 1.8TS which was a hoot and only cost me £5k five years before that and barely gave me any trouble.

Now it's coming up to MOT time and being out of warranty, I have the itch to change though I don't have a lot of cash to do so right now, so I'm trying to figure out how much I can get out of my car, and what deal I can get on something to replace it, to give me another three years of trouble free driving. The itch to move is that I'd like to go back to a petrol, I'd like something more modern in terms of in car cabin/tech, and the black edition on white maybe looks a little more pimp than I like..

My Audi only has 13.5k miles on it and its mint for all intents and purposes, which is a good thing, and I'm considering something along the lines of a Seat, the new A class, or 1-er. Though I'm open to suggestions as long as its not a Nissan juke or that other ugly thing they make.

I'm new to the idea of PCP or HP but open to it, assuming the right deal can be done that means that the a3 gets me reasonable instalments or whatever..

TIA

[talksthetalk]

Is your A3 a 140 or 170? You'll have about 14-15k to deposit on something else I think, according to Parkers. How much per month do you have to spend?

[SnipsSt]

I went from an A3 (3.2 quattro, which was dull, dull, dull) to a MINI Cooper. People might think that was a downgrade, but the MINI was one of the best cars I've owned, and I ended up keeping it for 4.5 years. Great fun to drive and get the best out of it at sensible speed.

I've just chopped it in for something different again, and gone for a 120i, now I'm really enjoying the change again.

[V88Dicky]

You bought a brand new A3 diesel to do less than 14k miles in THREE years?

If I was only doing 4500 miles per year, the last thing on my mind would be a diesel tbh.

On the other hand, you should get a decent price for it

[danm2k]

talksthetalk said:

Is your A3 a 140 or 170? You'll have about 14-15k to deposit on something else I think, according to Parkers. How much per month do you have to spend?

It's a 140

I've not got that far along yet, just trying to figure out what deals are available right now as I'd quite like to avoid getting stiffed by a bad monthly deal

[danm2k]

V88Dicky said:

You bought a brand new A3 diesel to do less than 14k miles in THREE years?

If I was only doing 4500 miles per year, the last thing on my mind would be a diesel tbh.

On the other hand, you should get a decent price for it

Ha, I know. A few changes at work meant that a bunch of my clients were closer to home, with the occasional slog down the M1. So,yeah, buying a diesel was a great move - *facepalm*

[danm2k]

talksthetalk said:

Is your A3 a 140 or 170? You'll have about 14-15k to deposit on something else I think, according to Parkers. How much per month do you have to spend?

That's not bad then, I've lost 3.5k on it over time of ownership

[talksthetalk]

and an old a3?

[danm2k]

SnipsSt said:

I went from an A3 (3.2 quattro, which was dull, dull, dull) to a MINI Cooper. People might think that was a downgrade, but the MINI was one of the best cars I've owned, and I ended up keeping it for 4.5 years. Great fun to drive and get the best out of it at sensible speed.

I've just chopped it in for something different again, and gone for a 120i, now I'm really enjoying the change again.

A load of folk love their minis and I've not driven one since they were first launched.

Not sure it'd satisfy my need for up to date cabin / tech though as its a run out model now like my A3 is/was.

[danm2k]

talksthetalk said:

and an old a3?

Oh yeah. That had 180k on it and wasn't worth too much by the time I chopped it in though, can't forget 'er though

Edited by danm2k on Saturday 2nd March 22:56

[danm2k]

talksthetalk said:

and an old a3?

Oh yeah. That had 180k on it and wasn't worth too much by the time I chopped it in though, can't forget 'er though

Edited by danm2k on Wednesday 6th March 19:23

[talksthetalk]

There's a (dual)clutch of hot superminis being released at the moment, Fiesta ST, RS Clio.