Hoping to pick up an A3 tomorrow, were looking at the 1-series, but i know they are a bit small in the back. Looking at a 3 door 2.0tdi sport (a whopping 140bhp!!!). Has anyone any experience of these? what do you think??? basically we need something a little larger than the mini and want either audi/bmw so its a straight toss up between the 1-series or the A3. I prefer the 1, but think you get more for your money and more practicality with the audi....

Any views much appreciated.

regards

Phil

 

I know you've said Audi/BMW - but have you considered the VW Golf?

Essentially the same car as the A3, and certainly has more room in the back than a 1 series.

They also do a 2.0 litre 170 bhp DIEsel.

I had a 140 bhp Mk5 from new for 4 years, the sat nav unit packed in, but was replaced under warranty and there were no other problems at all.

Good build quality too, everything feels solid.

As in the advert "just like a Golf".

 

Picked up 2 new Audi A3's yesterday. I like these cars and they have been very popular on our fleet list - ordered 19 of them last year.

We haven't had any problems with the older ones on the fleet.

 

cheers guys. I hear what you say about the golf, but they 'look' HUGE!! can't figure, just not really a fan to be honest, am sure you get a little more for your money with the golf, but prefer the audi/bmw badge personally....

If this one turns out ok, sure we will go for it. Hopefully he will take the mini in px for a reasonable sum....

 

I had a A3 in 2004 and kpt it for 3yrs. Didnt miss a beat!

Its got a lovely interior, fit and finsh on the exterior is top notch too. It will give you a greater feeling of plushness than a 1ers ive been in.

Not the best car to drive, the 1er would be better at that game.

Like mentioned above its just a golf tarted up but id prefer it any day to the golf.

 

If you are looking for room then see if they have the Sportback version.

 

yeah have seen a few sportbacks, but this one is a 3dr...not perfect, but its a good price and prefer the look of the 3 door anyway....

very rarely would we use the rear doors anyway....

 

My wife has had a 07 for coming up to 3 years as a company car and my mother had an 05 until she replaced it with a 1 series BMW a month or two ago.

Karen has the 170bhp diesel S line version and loves it. Mum had a 140bhp diesel sportback.

Its a quick car for a diesel and handles reasonably well. Usual Audi understeer but Karen's car went round anglesey quite well for a few laps

Downside is the suspension on the S-line is rock hard and more jiggly than my S2000.

Good cars though in my opinion.

 

then I doubt you'd find the 1-series too small in the back

can't say I'd pay the premium for the Audi over the VW

 

I like Audis, I have an A4.
I’ve driven a few A3s of various specs as hire cars during services and they struck me as quite nice motors.
Several of my mates have them and rate them quite highly.

Sure, the A3 might just be a VW with more bling, leather and craftsmanship – but that’s the same sort of difference between an MFI Sofa and a Chesterfield.