Golf GTI or Audi S3

[ugene425]

I am looking to buy a second hand work car for myself, a five door hatch seems the best choice for me. Annual mileage would be between 10-12k I imagine, for my new job.

I am looking to spend between £10-15k on a second hand car. I don't need to lease a brand new car and pay several hundred £ per month, to be left with no car at the end of the lease term and be hit with the depreciation. I am thinking of putting down £3-5k as cash deposit, and take a cheap £10k loan from Natwest or Sainsbury as the interest rates are so low

Allow me to get to the point, I am looking at returning to buying a golf GTI or Audi S3. I am not sure if I can afford a mk 7 gti, with -70k miles on the clock. Can anyone provide me with feedback for mk 6, mk 7 and the s3?

Essentials are leather seats, nav, front/rear parking sensors, fsh. Ideally xenons. I love my cars and do a huge amount of research before buying. As we all know, cars are generally the worst things to spend money on, given they just depreciate year after year.

Thank you and looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts.

[anonymous-user]

Personally I'd get the best MK7 GTI you can buy (perhaps needing to compromise on the leather seats). With your budget you'll be looking at an 8P S3, which is a seriously dated car nowadays.

[culpz]

What about a Leon Cupra? More kit and power than the Golf and should be a bit more fun than the Audi. I may be biased but they are a good alternative to the others.

[stevekoz]

Definitely go for the best Golf you can afford.

The Audi S3 is numb. Yes it can be very quick, but in terms of engagement. The Golf beats it hands down.

I get the appeal of the Audi for some, straight line speed, quattro etc. But the recipe doesn't come together to create something inspiring.

The Golf is far more engaging to drive and offers much the same recipe just as a whole its a better mix.

The Leon as already mentioned is that bit different and i would say sits in the middle between the two. Not quite as engaging as the golf but it has the Audi beat on most fronts.

So to summarise, for that badge and for straight line speed, the Audi is the sensible choice, good build quality but as a hot hatch the driving side is uninspiring and numb.

The Golf is not as premium as the Audi but still a nice place to be. It has a more playful and engaging chassis and thus as a package is better.

The Leon takes bits from both and whilst isn't as fun as the Golf its better than the Audi.

My money would go on the Golf every time in that battle.

I however, would look elsewhere than the German Marques and get something a bit different and better overall albeit not being as practical (boot space).

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012026...

As an outside the box choice. But just more engaging by far to drive.

[Jamescrs]

Probably go for the Golf GTI out of those two options as I feel at your budget an S3 is going to be rough or an old model, I would think the top end of your budget should put you in a nice Mk7 GTI? I think Leon is also a very good shout at this price range, I do think the Leon looks a more interesting proposition, I find Golf's a little bit bland personally

[culpz]

stevekoz said:

The Leon as already mentioned is that bit different and i would say sits in the middle between the two. Not quite as engaging as the golf but it has the Audi beat on most fronts.

The Leon takes bits from both and whilst isn't as fun as the Golf its better than the Audi.

I however, would look elsewhere than the German Marques and get something a bit different and better overall albeit not being as practical (boot space).

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012026...

As an outside the box choice. But just more engaging by far to drive.

Interesting views on the Golf vs Leon. I'd personally disagree with you there and I think the Seat is more fun and engaging than the Golf. I haven't driven a GTI, but the Scirocco i had, had the same engine from the MK7 GTI, albeit with less power and not on the MQB chassis. The Cupra is a fair bit better in both aspects.

I do agree that car's like the mentioned Megane below are in a different league though compared to these VAG/German offerings.

[stevekoz]

culpz said:

Interesting views on the Golf vs Leon. I'd personally disagree with you there and I think the Seat is more fun and engaging than the Golf. I haven't driven a GTI, but the Scirocco i had, had the same engine from the MK7 GTI, albeit with less power and not on the MQB chassis. The Cupra is a fair bit better in both aspects.

I do agree that car's like the mentioned Megane below are in a different league though compared to these VAG/German offerings.

I hear that, to be honest, the Scirocco just didn't do it as well as the golf and again its a case of much the same recipe and the mix not working. Not surprising you felt that way, the Scirocco i drove was the same. It just felt dull and boring. You'd have thought it would be alot more dynamic given its look/purpose but it really wasn't.

I on the other hand have not driven the newer cupra, the older ones yes and the same shape in the FR and TSI and to be honest, it was a great car. I really liked it. I can imagine the Cupra is that bit more on top again. Which is no bad thing. I still perhaps wouldn't say it was as keen as the GTi chassis wise, but horses for courses isn't it. Just difference of opinion.

I would say thinking about it and not sure why i didn't mention it before.

You can get a Golf R for your money

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011035...

Which is just a great all rounder if the OP is set on a Golf. AWD just makes it all that more usable and that DSG box is great in the R. Its hard to keep up with it even like for like power wise. I would not say its the be all and end all of dynamism, but i'd certainly go for an R over the GTi, unless its the TCR or Clubsport. But your budget doesn't allow for that sadly.

[culpz]

stevekoz said:

culpz said:

Interesting views on the Golf vs Leon. I'd personally disagree with you there and I think the Seat is more fun and engaging than the Golf. I haven't driven a GTI, but the Scirocco i had, had the same engine from the MK7 GTI, albeit with less power and not on the MQB chassis. The Cupra is a fair bit better in both aspects.

I do agree that car's like the mentioned Megane below are in a different league though compared to these VAG/German offerings.

I hear that, to be honest, the Scirocco just didn't do it as well as the golf and again its a case of much the same recipe and the mix not working. Not surprising you felt that way, the Scirocco i drove was the same. It just felt dull and boring. You'd have thought it would be alot more dynamic given its look/purpose but it really wasn't.

I on the other hand have not driven the newer cupra, the older ones yes and the same shape in the FR and TSI and to be honest, it was a great car. I really liked it. I can imagine the Cupra is that bit more on top again. Which is no bad thing. I still perhaps wouldn't say it was as keen as the GTi chassis wise, but horses for courses isn't it. Just difference of opinion.

I would say thinking about it and not sure why i didn't mention it before.

You can get a Golf R for your money

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011035...

Which is just a great all rounder if the OP is set on a Golf. AWD just makes it all that more usable and that DSG box is great in the R. Its hard to keep up with it even like for like power wise. I would not say its the be all and end all of dynamism, but i'd certainly go for an R over the GTi, unless its the TCR or Clubsport. But your budget doesn't allow for that sadly.

Yeah, the Scirocco did end up feeling very dated. I'll agree that it also didn't seem to handle or drive particularly amazing, despite being lower and wider than the Golf. They look good though and a facelift Scirocco R is probably the one to go for. Truth be told, a MK7 GTI would be my pick over one.

The newer Cupra's are much more improved than the older ones. You get the DCC and the electronic diff as standard, with the same power as the Golf R, so it's essentially just a FWD Golf R, which makes it more fun and engaging. Really can't fault mine, other than the wheel hop with the traction in sport/off!

[ZX10R NIN]

If it has to be a VAG car then the Cupra edges it as the most engaging option:

Cupra 280

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101037...

290

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012177...

300

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009244...

If it doesn't have to be VAG then take a look at the PS 308 GTI:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011055...

[CG2020UK]

I have a 2013 Mk7 Golf GTI with 64,000 miles on it I got 2 years ago for £13,500. Your budget should get you a nice performance pack one with even DSG, nav and heated seats.

I love it, it is fantastic and it really grows on you. Feels lighter and more agile than both the Cupra and S3. Well spec’d even basic with climate control, electric handbrake and automated cruise control.

I test drove the Cupra 280 the same time as picking the GTI and my best friend owns one. The GTI is not as impressive on paper but if you drive them both back to back the GTI will come out ahead it just ‘feels’ better due to silly small things adding up like nicer gear shift, pedal feel and interior. Cupra is faster and looks better from outside personally. I would note as well he is getting hit really hard on depreciation on his Cupra vs my GTI.

I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I personally feel the S3 would be the tier above the the GTI, same as the R, though a nice S3 is £20K in my head vs £14K for a GTI.

You might be able to slip into a basic manual Golf R. It’s still got a nice spec as well same as the GTI.

A 308GTI would be a good alternative choice I’d imagine it is very similar to the GTI but more agile and fun, it’s the only one I haven’t driven.
Love a Megane R.S.
If on good main roads a M135i maybe?
Also Astra GTC VXR are pretty good price, powerful and have an lsd.

I don’t think there is really a bad choice they are all brilliant just pick which one you like the most or matches your personality best. Your budget is interesting as you get a great spread to choose.

Can’t recommend the GTI enough I love mine.

[ZX10R NIN]

Great call on the VXR they're a great underrated car & definitely worth a test drive.

[jwilco]

Agree on the Vauxhall Astra. If you can look passed the slightly Gary looks, they are really pretty good.

[si_xsi]

Or a mk 6 Golf R https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2010-Volkswagen-Golf-2-...

But if looking for newer mk 7 GTI would be my pick too.

[b19rak]

I have a lovely 16’ GTi PP DSG for sale, high miles but priced accordingly. Nearly every extra as well.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101057...