ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Yep but that's poxy 1.8 4pot with the boost wound up.

(no offense intended )

LUCKO

iTrader: (3)

poxy

nik52wrx

I bought a demo model many moons ago, NU52 DGY if I recall.
Owned for 3ish years and never had a problem with it other than a blown fuse. Reasonably quick and sounded quite nice too. As it was a demo it had a few extras such as heated seats and bigger wheels.

Last time I looked they were going for silly money, although I dare say mileages might be on the high side by now....

Nik

tony de wonderful

Thought you had got rid of it?

thenewgalaxy

Fine for us, we can fit a pushchair and two large bags in the boot without folding the seats.

Granted it isn't as big as it could be due to the 4wd system.

Willowsdad

iTrader: (2)

Just got rid of an A3 3.2 which is basically a mkV in an Audi shell. Too small for 2 kids, and with a pushchair in the boot was full. Easy to drive and nippy, but the WR1 is leagues ahead. I actually reckon the 1 is better on fuel if you stay off of boost. I used to get about 18mpg around town. The performance really doesn't justify that mpg. Build quality was second to none though, and stood up well for 2 1/2 years. Modifying for any kind of power is rediculously expensive. Can be had for less than 5k now though.

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Nope; can't find a suitable replacement.

Big engined AWD hatchbacks with manual gearboxes are a bit of a niche.

I'm getting to the point of saying sod it keeping the cash and buying a Fiesta ST instead...or importing a used Spec-C

thenewgalaxy

I nearly bought one instead of my R32 until I read about the dreaded chain stretch issue that affects the mkI 3.2 VR6 engines (fitted into the 3.2 A3 and MkIV R32).

You're talking telephone number sized bills to repair that if it goes wrong.

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

It affected early MKV R32s too; mine had had to have new timing chains and tensioners; I could hear it rattle if I loaded the engine below 1500rpm....under warranty though - thank god. I also had a new dual mass fitted too for good measure as well to fix a noise when changing gear (I had to pay for the new clutch though ).

tony de wonderful

I regret getting rid of mine a lot! Wish I still had that car.

I might see if I can pick up a late Mk5 one later next year.

Problem with the ST is it is FWD. I don't mind it the Clio Ph1 because it is a cheap thrasher, but for a pricier motor I expect a bit more; I'd feel short changed.

Willowsdad

iTrader: (2)

Yep, 3.5k + on average. I think they're an engine out job. On the later ones they changed the chain to stop it stretching, but I was lucky and had no sign of chain stretch at 79k when I sold it. Just annoyed me that the slightest glitch would throw up a light on the dash, and it was off to the garage to see what was wrong. Most of the time it was nothing. It only actually cost me an O2 sensor, and a new thermostat in all the time I had it.

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Considering I was willing fork out full price on a brand new 135m x-drive if it existed in the UK, I refuse pay the that kind of money for the RWD compromise. A used Fezza ST is more than half the price, the logic being I am compromising but paying a lot less money for one. Oh and the fact I have a huge plumbers bill looming means the budget has been squeezed

It's a gearbox out job at the very least as the chain is on that side of the engine hence why I had the dual mass and clutch replaced too. I've got a copy invoice from the dealers for best part of £1500 in parts

Also the variable valve timing acts up ( uneven/hunting idle usually during warm up or after a hard blast ) if non-longlife oil is used or if the oil isn't changed often enough and starts to break down. We have a woman customer with a TT 3.2 with this problem because it's a DSG never gives the engine any use - so its sludged up with creamy goo/condensation from short journey + low rpm use. She ignored my advice to switch from the longlife service plan to 12monthly - her loss in the long run because it will only get worse.

tony de wonderful

I don't see RWD as a problem to be honest, certainly it isn't as compromised as FWD. RWD means better traction at launch and opportunity for a bit of fun vs FWD gheyness.