Decisions decisions...

[ashw831]

that says 42k 

I was on about the original s3 I posted which shows 80k. I found that one later, but it doesn't have the spec of the first link.   

[Jimble]

Thinking am going to go for the s3. Just found this one:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201220471798528/sort/default/usedcars/price-to/12000/price-from/9000/model/s3/make/audi/quicksearch/true/radius/1501/page/1/postcode/ll114fe?logcode=p
80k isn't that high mileage really, I don't think... Is it??

Not hugely tbf, although it's a little above average and if it was me i'd be looking lower but thats just me, this one looks good though!

[PenguinGTI]

I wouldn't even consider the BMW 130i for several reasons.

Firstly it's a 3.0 engine compared to a 2.0T. The fuel is going to be worse. On top of that it offers much less scope for quick, inexpensive tuning. I'm not saying you couldn't do things to it, but the 2.0T will respond far better to light working (such as mapping, cooling and breathing mods).

Secondly it's RWD. For me that's a no no.

Thirdly it's ugly. Looks can be subjective I know but for me the original 1 series hatch just doesn't do it.

Fourthly it's a BMW. I've never been keen on their styling (inside or out) and there's also the badge aspect which isn't appealing to me.

Buy and S3 and map it and you'll have a brilliantly competent (and fast) car for all weather conditions.

[R32UK]

I wouldn't even consider the BMW 130i for several reasons.

Firstly it's a 3.0 engine compared to a 2.0T. The fuel is going to be worse. On top of that it offers much less scope for quick, inexpensive tuning. I'm not saying you couldn't do things to it, but the 2.0T will respond far better to light working (such as mapping, cooling and breathing mods).

Secondly it's RWD. For me that's a no no.

Thirdly it's ugly. Looks can be subjective I know but for me the original 1 series hatch just doesn't do it.

Fourthly it's a BMW. I've never been keen on their styling (inside or out) and there's also the badge aspect which isn't appealing to me.

Buy and S3 and map it and you'll have a brilliantly competent (and fast) car for all weather conditions.

the audi mans thinking 

[barrym381]

rwd is a no no?

thats only if you cant drive them right 

[JC]

If I had 12k to spend on a car I wouldn't be looking at golfs or aolfs.

And theres a difference between buying and running a car and you've spent treble that buying 3 cars in the time I've owned the mk4

Cast and a bite 

Tell me about it, I should could have just kept the mk4 

and lost as much as steve has spent 

[ashw831]

Thinking am going to go for the s3. Just found this one:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201220471798528/sort/default/usedcars/price-to/12000/price-from/9000/model/s3/make/audi/quicksearch/true/radius/1501/page/1/postcode/ll114fe?logcode=p
80k isn't that high mileage really, I don't think... Is it??

Not hugely tbf, although it's a little above average and if it was me i'd be looking lower but thats just me, this one looks good though!

The only reason I didnt suggest this one to start with i think is because I was being a bit of a picky git... I anted a flat bottom multifunction steering wheel (in the first one) and this one doesn't have, I think I would ather not have it and have 38000 miles less on the clock if I'm being sensible!!!!

I wouldn't even consider the BMW 130i for several reasons.

Firstly it's a 3.0 engine compared to a 2.0T. The fuel is going to be worse. On top of that it offers much less scope for quick, inexpensive tuning. I'm not saying you couldn't do things to it, but the 2.0T will respond far better to light working (such as mapping, cooling and breathing mods).

Secondly it's RWD. For me that's a no no.

Thirdly it's ugly. Looks can be subjective I know but for me the original 1 series hatch just doesn't do it.

Fourthly it's a BMW. I've never been keen on their styling (inside or out) and there's also the badge aspect which isn't appealing to me.

Buy and S3 and map it and you'll have a brilliantly competent (and fast) car for all weather conditions.

That is what I was in the mind set of too!!

[Jimble]

Would it not be possible to retrofit the steering wheel?

[ashw831]

Yes it can be done but I have spoken to a guy on the Audi-sport forum an he has advised it will probably be about £800 inc fitting to have it done ( I think by himself) it is something to look for in the future I think.
The blue one I winning the race I think now. 

[Mk1Macca]

I have a 2007 120D M Sport and love it. Really comfortable to drive, nice bit of poke when needed and frugal with the fuel as it has the ED system. Oh and £95 a year road tax is pretty good

Granted not a lot of space in the back, but it's only ever me and Mrs Macca in the car, so no issue for me.