My wife is on the hunt for a new car. The options are a 118d/120d or a 2.0TDI A3 (140/170bhp). She's even been looking at the 2.2cdti Civic's. It's going to be second hand with a budget of about £12k and there isn't anything else that she wants.

I've heard some horror stories about 1 Series' in terms of DSC problems and huge repair bills. Not heard any similar horror stories about A3's though.

What's the general view - are Audi's or BMW's better?

 

Got all those vehicles on my fleet list. TBH I've not had any problems with any of them other than an ongoing air con problem with one Civic (out of 15).

I struggle with the Civic due to the split rear screen and just not being able to get the steering wheel / seat at the right height so I can see the whole display in front of me. I'm only 5'2 so this might be the problem but I do have other complaints, particularly from the female staff about this.

If it was my choice I would go for the A3 but that is because I prefer the styling over the BMW.

 

DSC problems only tend to be problems if you're bothered that it's disabled. It was disabled for a month or so on my M3 but it wasn't an issue.

I've just ordered a new 120d so I am slightly biased.

2 general points: electronics are a weak point on a lot of modern cars, mostly because the dealers use mechanics. And mechanics are not electricians. So it's probably more important to buy either an Audi or a BMW based on the quality of the accessible dealerships.

and the second point, Both are pretty reliable. You only tend to hear the horror stories. Not the good stories.

I'd be tempted to listen to Bundle's advice, and other people that have dealt with car fleets.

 

Audi have better interiors....

Never had a good experience at either an Audi or a BMW dealer, so much of a muchness!

 

I've had both good and bad experiences at BMW dealers

Can't say I've ever heard a good thing about an Audi dealer though.

 

Have just had an excellent experience with an Audi dealer, though not sure they enjoyed my price haggling!

 

Interesting and revealing turn of phrase. The inference is that in desperation a badge not perceived as having Germanic prestige is having to be considered & that that it is a social calamity.

I seem to recal that at it's launch Top Gear took the mickey out of BMW for producing a dogs dinner of an ugly van like car, knowing that whatever has the BMW badge on it will sell. Worse, by producing a budget entry level car it made the brand available to all and sundry, thus at a stroke destroying an semblance that BMW was a superior and an aspirational purchase.

Having chosen an A3 as my new company car my initial impressions is of a well built car, superior materials, poorly equipped for the price but at least looking somewhat more elegant than BMW's offering.

 

[QUOTE=B B,Jun 7 2010, 08:26 PM] Interesting and revealing turn of phrase. The inference is that in desperation a badge not perceived as having Germanic prestige is having to be considered & that that it is a social calamity.

I seem to recal that at it's launch Top Gear took the mickey out of BMW for producing a dogs dinner of an ugly van like car, knowing that whatever has the BMW badge on it will sell.

 

I'm a badge snob. WGAF.

But I also like RWD cars.

And I only looked at the scirroco, I didn't look at the golf or the A3.

 

I remember how quick the Scirocco was munching through the pack at a Nurburgring GP track evening.
I guess MB was out there with it but not sure if he noticed it.

Was very impressed even though this week 5th gear only found it third against the the Renault and a.n.other.

The 1er has done very well, and its not due to the desirability of a badge.
It really is technically a very good little car, and thats why they sell.

But unfortunately snobbery also works in reverse.
I am guilty of falling into that trap and swore I would never become a 'BMW cock'.
However, that was very blinkered perception.
I'm in no hurry to move back to Honda (or Audi) is all I can say.