Golf Mk5 R32, A3 8P - too old? City car instead?

[The Cardinal]

I currently run a 2013 VW T5-based camper and a 2018 Lexus CT, the latter of which is only doing 4k miles a year and I'm looking to sell. The brief for a replacement is to be used when the van isn't... i.e. mainly around town, with some occasional long business trips. Money isn't an issue, but value is.

I'd started thinking of something like a VW Up in the sub-£7k bracket, but one thing led to another and I'm now considering an A3 8P 2.0T or Mk5 Golf R32 (!). In the past, I've had two A3 8P 2.0T, an 8P S3, Mk5 Golf GTi, Mk5 R32 and a Mk7 Golf.

The last of these was a 12-year-old A3 2.0T a year ago, which gave me deep satisfaction because it looked good for a modest outlay... but also smelt of old people and cost a lot in the relatively short time I had it.

So, naturally, I'm looking at doing it all over again! I should add that the performance would hardly be used, but it's always nice to waft around in a comfortable car that makes a nice noise.

My question is: would you go for something newer, more simple (like a 2014/15 Up), or something older and more characterful - in the £4-7k bracket?

[martin mrt]

We have a 2006 R32 with 120k on it and it’s used everyday, other than running costs it’s been fantastic

I know I’d prefer this to a Vw up for example

[Belle427]

Depends how much time you spend sat in traffic, the R32 would be a waste of time if you do mostly town driving.

[ZX10R NIN]

If you like the R32 then take a look at the 3.2 A3:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Jag_NE]

If money isn’t an issue what’s the point in changing? That Lexus is perfect for very low, city use. An Up is inferior in every way unless you have major parking issues and an old R32 won’t be any fun around town but burn loads of fuel.

[Agila b 6yr 6k]

Jag_NE said:

If money isn’t an issue what’s the point in changing? That Lexus is perfect for very low, city use. An Up is inferior in every way unless you have major parking issues and an old R32 won’t be any fun around town but burn loads of fuel.

"Money isn't an issue, but value is"

Having too much money tied up in the lexus isn't value if it's not being used.

I'd go with the older car as it's done it's deprecating (value) and you will enjoy the better car more having more fun = better value again.

[Jag_NE]

Agila b 6yr 6k said:

Jag_NE said:

If money isn’t an issue what’s the point in changing? That Lexus is perfect for very low, city use. An Up is inferior in every way unless you have major parking issues and an old R32 won’t be any fun around town but burn loads of fuel.

"Money isn't an issue, but value is"

Having too much money tied up in the lexus isn't value if it's not being used.

I'd go with the older car as it's done it's deprecating (value) and you will enjoy the better car more having more fun = better value again.

The Lexus is being used....to hell with it why not buy a Honda 125 for 500 quid and get 120mpg. I get your point but I don’t see the value in driving round town in someone else’s old cast off (that will cost loads more in fuel and maintenance R32) when he has something that’s pretty perfect for the task at hand in that 2018 Lexus. If money was no issue I honestly don’t see the point. Buy an air cooled 911 or a Ducati for the fun.

[The Cardinal]

Yes, I suppose the Lexus is fit for purpose and the ongoing cost isn't really an issue. I put a large downpayment into a low rate PCP on the car, which means it's costing a modest £160 per month for another 2 years (and that it has a bit of equity against trade values at the moment).

It's just that it feels a bit OTT for a car that's mainly used during school holidays (wife and I cycle to work). I've been re-assessing priorities in light of some misfortunes amongst family and friends, leading me to drop hours at work this year and plan some more holidays with my wife and kids.

Maybe I should interpret things as life is too short for boring cars instead?

The thing is, as soon as I start looking at cheaper cars the petrolhead in me takes over. Today's idle musings include an Audi S1!

[mikey P 500]

I have a T5 camper too, which required the sale of my Porsche to buy and was missing having a fast car. I had a similar requirement and budget to buy a car to run along side the van, ended up with a Subaru WRX, as least it offers a turn of pace compared to the van, does low miles so running costs not an issue and will hold its value, when I want to change to something else.