blip

Have found a 53-plate new shape A3 2.0 TDi Sport at a price that puts it in same ballpark as 04 Golf GT TDi 140ps. The Audi has done 15k and has heated seats option, the Golf has done 20k but has no options.

I have driven the Golf and was fairly impressed with ride/handling, have not driven the A3 yet (although have sat in it and was v impressed with interior) but have read magazine reviews that don't seem to rate the A3 in the ride/handling department even though mechanically it is almost identical to Golf?? Is there really much difference?

My only other consideration is running costs. Everything should be similar between the two (insurance, MPG, tax, etc), but unsure how much more the Audi will be to service.

And I guess residuals will be fairly similar.

Anyone shed any light on my dilemma please

Diablo

If it was my money, I'd go for the Audi.

Much nicer (and I'd wager ultimately better built) interior, less common, (more class?) less miles and a much better dealer network.

Service costs can be found out with a couple of quick phone calls.

Better long term residuals as well.

I drove them both recently (although didn't go for either) and the Audi was the nicer place to be.

richs2891

I would lean toward the Audi more as as you state its the newer shape, better residuals, far less common than a MK4 Golf TDI.
Drive them back to back - if possible and see what yuou like best
Richard

MattW

He's talking about a MkV Golf.

The wife has the Golf GT, lovely car. Are they both 3 door?

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

In that situation, I'd go for the Audi!

blip

The Audi is 3 door, the Golf is 5 door. And yes I was talking about the MkV Golf

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

In that case, I would only choose the Golf if I had or was expecting kids.

MattW

Well it would be the 5 door for me

Simon S3

I think a Golf will cost a little more to insure than the Audi. Strange but true.

I chose an A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI over a Golf 2.0 TDI 5 door, to be honest I`d probably get a Golf next time. The Audi is OK, I neither like nor dislike it, it`s just there.

Jamescsti

Audi everytime, unless you need the 5 doors of course

SideShowBob

Id go with the Audi, in fact, I did, 2.0TDi Sport, really nice car, the handling is good, though its not a Clio 182 or anything, its more refined and safe handling as opposed to involving.

I have the S-Line pack, with 18's, so ride can be a little stiff over very uneven roads, but overall offers good blend of comfort and handling.

Interior is better than the Golf, and it holds its money better, particullaly the diesels (seem to be getting more popular).

It looks and feels better than the Golf inside and out, and the dealer network seem pretty decent.

DonnieDarko

i have driven both.

went for a 55 wagon instead

the interior of the audi is better than the scoob (which i like anyway) and felt good to drive, i'd definitely like one for commuting, but can only afford the one car.

golf's interior is worse than the scoob, i think its a bit cheap, and generally didn't feel anywhere near as good to drive.

if it was me choosing between the two... i'd wait around til i could find an Audi Sportback

blip

Thanks for the feedback Was there much difference in ride/handling/grip between the Golf and the Audi?

I'm going from an 03 WRX PPP wagon so I realise that none of them are going to get my pulse racing