What car shall I buy?

[Godzilla]

In need of some help here!!

In my budget I can get either a MK4 Golf GTI 1.8 Turbo, Audi A3 1.8T, Golf MK4 diesel 110bhp......I like the Audi A3 but what are part prices like and also what is the 1.8T engine like on fuel if driven with care and any known issues with these engines?  I think the diesels are meant to be excellent regarding economy and have a good mid range torque?

[JC]

needs a lot more info before advice can be given

What will it be used for ?

Mileage etc ?

[dom]

Golf & Audi are essentially the same car so it's down to styling preferences really. The 1.8T is easily tunable, economy varies with the type of driving you do, on the motorway at 70 I'll see 35-37mpg, around town or driving 'enthusiastically' I'll see 25-26mpg.

As far as problems go, coil packs are an issue but most should have been replaced under the recall and water pumps have been known to fail due to weak internals.

If your going for a diesel make sure it's a PD engine

[Godzilla]

Thanks for fast replies guys.

Driving wise.....Well it will be getting used to pick my daughter up from school, take me to the gym, take my dog to the woods.....I would say a round figure of 40-45 miles per day.

My daughter is in her teens now and is complaining about me picking her up in my old 306 diesel as she said it embarrasses her!  A 5 door would be good but can live with 3 doors. Also my dog is medium sized so need a hatchback.

Interesting that the A3 is the same as a MK4, never knew that. I wonder though as soon as the name 'Audi' is mentioned at any motor centers the price will go up, although maybe the A3 could use MK4 parts like brake discs, pads etc?

Oh I must stress this......Whatever car I do get must be cheaper to run than my Golf MK3 VR6, that just killed my bank balance, fuel economy was terrible.

[FlashRedThree]

I'd get a tdi 110, or 130.

[The Mighty Elvi]

Dog to the woods? An estate, sorry Avant , needed surely?

 

[barrym381]

you can get the a3 1.8t quattro for your trips to the woods even if its snowing

[Gavv8]

An A4 avant would be my choice.

[archie837]

I've got a 110 - I was hung up on getting a PD engine and a bit bummed out with a 110. Then drove it and haven't regretted it. Good MPG, quicker than most things and I see about 53 mpg on the work run which is a 20 mile journey of fast A roads and inner town driving.

Only downside is there isn't as much stuff out there for them - no hose kits etc.

[tweed]

I would get the a3 over the mk4

To me the Audi has more class.

If I wanted to tune the 1.8t and have fun I would get a mk4.

No that's a lie. I would put the 1.8t in my mk3 and never own a mk4