What car? A3/120d/GTI/VXR

What car? A3/120d/GTI/VXR

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sebhaque

Original Poster:

6,408 posts

182 months

Saturday 1st January 2011
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Sorry for another what car topic (a what car forum might be well received by the folks who don't want to see these topics!), but I've been racking my brains all day trying to work out what to get.

My choices are of the following:
Audi A3
BMW 118d
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Vauxhall Astra VXR

I've got my eyes on specific cars for sale nearby, but it's probably worth explaining the background behind the choices. This is going to be my second car, my daily driver as such. I have a Vauxhall VX220 Turbo for weekends (which is staying), a Vauxhall Frontera (which I'll p/x or sell for the new car), and a Vauxhall Corsa (which used to be my daily drive, but my Mum needs a new car so I'm giving that to her and using it as an excuse to get myself something decent). I'm not a Vauxhall fanboy - they were just coincidentally the best cars for my needs!

Financially, I'm looking mainly at running costs; the cheaper they are, the better it is. I'm of the age where insurance is a real ballsache (more later) so the less I spend there, the better it is. As this will be my daily drive, and I'll cover 18,000 miles a year in it (motorway miles mainly, odd town trips too), mpg is an elevated concern to me. The cars all cost about the same to purchase (a grand between the cheapest and most expensive) so that's not of real concern.

The sticking point is whether to go for a sensible car, or to go with something that's fun. My VX provides enough smiles when I'm driving it, so I'm not missing out on that - but something in the back of my mind says I should go for something that's interesting. Conversely, that same voice tells me straight afterwards that financially it's a stupid idea (considering I'm planning on buying a house this year) and I'd be better off with something that'll save me money so I can afford to pay my mortgage/bills and run two cars while still having a comfortable life.

I spent a good few hours today compiling a data sheet of the cars I'm looking at (sad, I know), but I've come to this so far:

AUDI A3 3.2
Age: 2005/05
Mileage: 46779 miles
Insurance: £3738.11 f/c
Tech specs: 6.2s/155mph/246bhp
MPG: 28

BMW 118d
Age: 2007/07
Mileage: 49750 miles
Insurance: £1370.45 f/c
Tech specs: 8.6s/130mph/140bhp
MPG: 62

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI
Age: 2006/55
Mileage: 37000 miles
Insurance: £2440.40 f/c
Tech specs: 7.0s/146mph/197bhp
MPG: 35

VAUXHALL ASTRA VXR
Age: 2007/57
Mileage: 33712 miles
Insurance: £2360.60 f/c
Tech specs: 6.2s/152mph/236bhp
MPG: 30

I'm thinking the A3 is a no-go because it's the most expensive to buy, as well as being stupid money to insure and the worst on fuel. The BMW is by far the cheapest to insure and run, and the GTI and VXR are very similar in running costs (but the VXR is quicker). As you can see my insurance quotes are stupidly high (thanks, circumstances), but I don't want to be spending a lot of time in something I won't enjoy driving. I used to own a TT 3.2 and as a daily drive it wasn't bad (mine was a lemon though), I've driven a 116d and loved it, borrowed a Mk4 GTI for a while and really liked that, haven't driven a VXR although I'm hoping I can try and get a test drive in one as I'm genuinely interested.

I think my essay's gone on long enough - any thoughts? TIA for replies - I might doze off early so my replies might be in the morning. smile

sebhaque

Original Poster:

6,408 posts

182 months

Sunday 2nd January 2011
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Steameh said:
Test drove an Astra VXR about 4 months ago when I was looking to buy a new car.

Didn't get on with it at all, the power delivery is absolutely garbage. The interior is ok, but I didnt like how dark and cramped it felt inside either.

Never did get round to test driving a Mk V GTi, but my previous golf was pretty competent.

Have you any other considerations, such as focus ST?
What's the delivery like? I used to own an Impreza STi, where all the power came in a nice big lump at 3500rpm, so I'm not averse to driving a car with massive turbo lag. I had a company Insignia for a bit and I found that really cramped inside, if that's anything to go by I'll be crossing the VXR off my list. I'll have to have a look at one in person though before I make my mind up.

As for the Focus ST - I'm not really a fan, I can't figure out why as I like the new RS, but the previous-gen ST never floated my boat.

eltawater said:
Taking into account the high mileage you will be doing, have you considered a Seat Leon TDI or the equivalent Skoda Octavia?

  • flees before being lynched for suggesting a diseasal*
I was tempted by a vRS, not really something I'm looking for though. Brilliant car, no denying it, but again it's not of my personal preference. The same with the Seat, I'm afraid I've only ever seen chavs in them. Again, nice cars, but personally they're not my cup of tea. I'm not overly fussy with cars but it's a shame that the first couple suggested were the ones I didn't like!

Thanks anyway though chaps. I'll hunt around anyway to see if perhaps my dislike/disinterest is misfounded.

sebhaque

Original Poster:

6,408 posts

182 months

Sunday 2nd January 2011
quotequote all
Sorry about the lack of response from me - went out today to have a look at a couple of cars. First dealer was shut rolleyes - but I went to Cooper Thames Ditton and laid eyes on a very tidy 120d. One once-over, test drive, and cup of tea later, I came home with the papers for this in my pocket:



Linky

07 reg, 18000 miles, SE trim with a few extras (heated seats, cruise, armrest etc). Paid £13000 for the priviledge with road tax thrown in. Now I'm off to find someone who wants a Frontera! biggrin

Thanks for the help chaps. I decided in the end that the head wins over the heart so I got something sensible that I'll enjoy driving for the next few years. beer