Poll for best overall car?

Goodluck2me · 02-12-2008 2:19pm #1

I was just scanning there for a new car and I'm looking for the following things in one.
1. Reliabilty
2. Fun to Drive
3. Not going to cost an Arm & Leg to insure
4. Not ridiculously expensive to service.

Which of these are best

VW Golf, Audi A3, Ford Focus - any other recommendations?

Thanks

Stevie Dakota · 02-12-2008 2:36pm

Ford Focus out of those three by a mile.

Quazzie · 02-12-2008 2:41pm

I hate the Ford Focus. Way too much road noise inside the little tin can of a car. A3 all the way in everything except the cheap to service section

cjt156 · 02-12-2008 2:47pm

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

Ford Focus out of those three by a mile.

+1 Not my favourite but of those 3 by far the best.

Personally I'd have a Bravo (new) or a 147(pre-face-lift) but then the "Italian cars will rust/explode/implode/tear-a-hole-in-the-space-time-continuum" mob will come down on me...

Goodluck2me · 02-12-2008 2:50pm

Q2002 wrote: »

I hate the Ford Focus. Way too much road noise inside the little tin can of a car. A3 all the way in everything except the cheap to service section

What are we talking for a service? At the moment I pay €260.

Mr.David · 02-12-2008 2:52pm

I think you should consider something from the class below. Something along the lines of the Fiat Panda 100HP, Renault Clio 197, Suzuki swift sport etc......:)

Biro · 02-12-2008 2:58pm

cjt156 wrote: »

+1 Not my favourite but of those 3 by far the best.

Personally I'd have a Bravo (new) or a 147(pre-face-lift) but then the "Italian cars will rust/explode/implode/tear-a-hole-in-the-space-time-continuum" mob will come down on me...

I'd more or less agree with this. The Focus would be the pick of that crop, although the Mk 5 Golf is leagues ahead of the Mk 4 (apart from the interior). But add the Bravo for flare and style (something that the others are deprived of) or the Civic for some alternative styling coupled with the best engineered and most reliable car of that bunch. 3dr A3's are nice looking, but very over priced and like nearly all Audi's a bit removed in the driving department.

cashmni1 · 02-12-2008 3:10pm

Biro wrote: »

I'd more or less agree with this. The Focus would be the pick of that crop, although the Mk 5 Golf is leagues ahead of the Mk 4 (apart from the interior). But add the Bravo for flare and style (something that the others are deprived of) or the Civic for some alternative styling coupled with the best engineered and most reliable car of that bunch. 3dr A3's are nice looking, but very over priced and like nearly all Audi's a bit removed in the driving department.

+1
Don't limit yourself to the Ford either. Other cars out there.
Also, you don't have to spend €260 every time you service the car. <well, that is if you don't mind using an independant garage> However, if you want to use the main dealer for a service history, then it's up around that bracket alright. Robbery IMO.

chrism2007 · 02-12-2008 3:18pm

depends on the year. if its after 01 A3 all the way

Goodluck2me · 02-12-2008 3:50pm

What grouds do people like/ dislike the A3 on?

cashmni1 · 02-12-2008 3:54pm

goodluck2me wrote: »

What grouds do people like/ dislike the A3 on?

overpriced, small and a girls Audi.....

T-Maxx · 02-12-2008 4:05pm

In order to give a sensible and objective opinion one should've driven (and not just around the block), insured and serviced all 3 cars.

I don't think too many people have TBH.

Goodluck2me · 02-12-2008 4:23pm

T-Maxx wrote: »

In order to give a sensible and objective opinion one should've driven (and not just around the block), insured and serviced all 3 cars.

I don't think too many people have TBH.

Well at least if they have driven one of them, they can give their experience on that and so on, I'd be happy enough with that.
Thanks though.

L-M · 02-12-2008 4:28pm

Are you buying new OP, because i can give details on the Mk5 and Mk4 Golf, but not the Mk6..,

Cpaw · 02-12-2008 4:45pm

Why to you keep adding thanks? Seems abit slow really OP. Anyway the FORD FOCUS is way ahead of the Golf , and defo the ulgy now out dated A3.

L-M · 02-12-2008 4:51pm

Cpaw wrote: »

Why to you keep adding thanks? Seems abit slow really OP.

I think it's called having mannors, and being grateful for the information. Might want to take a leaf outta their book.

Lex Luthor · 02-12-2008 5:28pm

cjt156 wrote: »

+1 Not my favourite but of those 3 by far the best.

Personally I'd have a Bravo (new) or a 147(pre-face-lift) but then the "Italian cars will rust/explode/implode/tear-a-hole-in-the-space-time-continuum" mob will come down on me...

Now now.....we're not getting into this Alfa/Fiat bashing again

Lex Luthor · 02-12-2008 5:32pm

goodluck2me wrote: »

I was just scanning there for a new car and I'm looking for the following things in one.
1. Reliabilty
2. Fun to Drive
3. Not going to cost an Arm & Leg to insure
4. Not ridiculously expensive to service.

is there such a car that you could say ticks the box in all 4 categories?

What about a Golf GT?

Biro · 03-12-2008 12:11am

Lex Luthor wrote: »

is there such a car that you could say ticks the box in all 4 categories?

What about a Golf GT?

Celica T-Sport would tick all four. Toyota's are a lot cheaper to service from a main dealer than most other brands.

mumhaabu · 03-12-2008 12:58am

I'd stay away from the Focus, they will break you unless you get a genius mechanic as most can't handle them. I'd go for either the VW Golf or A3 with me leaning for the A3 especially a TDI. In other cars I would rate a BMW 3 Series as very good although different from those three.

cjt156 · 03-12-2008 10:53am

mumhaabu wrote: »

I'd stay away from the Focus, they will break you unless you get a genius mechanic as most can't handle them.

That's a new one on me; one of the most common cars in Europe, if not the world, and you need a specialised mechanic? I'd have thought the exact opposite. Its not like its a Lotus or a Maserati FFS!

Mr.David · 03-12-2008 11:06am

mumhaabu wrote: »

I'd stay away from the Focus, they will break you unless you get a genius mechanic as most can't handle them.

hmm.......

Stick to the Duplo mate

Goodluck2me · 03-12-2008 11:40am

Limerick-man wrote: »

I think it's called having mannors, and being grateful for the information. Might want to take a leaf outta their book.

Are you buying new OP, because i can give details on the Mk5 and Mk4 Golf, but not the Mk6..,

I thought it might be a bit ironic to thank both of you, but yes, I see you got why. Thought that's what it was for!?

No I am probably going to get one 3-5 years old, I am not sure what model that is off the top of my head for each of them. Would that change peoples opinions.

How much were the golf to service?

RobAMerc · 03-12-2008 11:49am

I have driven all three and to be honest if your not an out and out enthusiast there is little to tell them apart although to me the Audi feels a bit more special.

If you are a bit more of a keen driver there is no challenge here the Focus is head and shoulders better than the others.

I suggest you read a few reviews from car mags - you'll pick up what the testers think is best and why they have come to that conclusion.

btw - boards.ie is best if you want to start a row between a few people who regurgitate half cocked rubbish they heard in the pub.

Biro · 03-12-2008 12:05pm

RobAMerc wrote: »

I have driven all three and to be honest if your not an out and out enthusiast there is little to tell them apart although to me the Audi feels a bit more special.

If you are a bit more of a keen driver there is no challenge here the Focus is head and shoulders better than the others.

I suggest you read a few reviews from car mags - you'll pick up what the testers think is best and why they have come to that conclusion.

btw - boards.ie is best if you want to start a row between a few people who regurgitate half cocked rubbish they heard in the pub.

Yep, best post here. Driving dynamics, the Ford has it. Apart from that they're fairly similar. I threw in the Civic cause it deserves to be there.

chrism2007 · 03-12-2008 12:20pm

theres different reasons to buy the three.

personally id rather the audi because as said already it just feels special
especially if you going for an 03-04

anything before that you might aswell be driving a golf

you just dont feel special driving a focus or a golf. simple as that

Mr.David · 03-12-2008 12:29pm

Oh come on the A3 is a girls car theres no denying it.

Its all style over substance (my definition of a girls car).

spadder · 03-12-2008 12:32pm

+1 focus, I've been doing the routine servicing myself, easy car to work on.
90,000 miles no major problems

Mr.David · 03-12-2008 1:00pm

OP - it depends on what is most important to you. All three have merits and failings.

The Focus' trump card is its chassis. It is very well setup and is genuinely fun to drive when chosen with the correct engine. However, it is less refined than the Golf/A3 and does feel a step down in terms of quality.

The golf is a great all rounder, and the mk5 is a big step forward in terms of dynamics. Still not as fun to drive as the Focus but its a nicer place to spend time in and holds its value better. It also has a superb range of engines to choose from.

The Audi is similar to the golf but more expensive and worse value IMO.

Seth Brundle · 03-12-2008 1:26pm

offensive posts deleted and users chrism2007 and Mr.David banned for a week

galwaytt · 03-12-2008 2:42pm

goodluck2me wrote: »

I was just scanning there for a new car and I'm looking for the following things in one.
1. Reliabilty
2. Fun to Drive
3. Not going to cost an Arm & Leg to insure
4. Not ridiculously expensive to service.

Which of these are best

VW Golf, Audi A3, Ford Focus - any other recommendations?

Thanks

You've just eliminated the Golf and A3, there yourself in 1./3./4.........

madaboutcars · 03-12-2008 4:25pm

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the A3 just a Golf with a different badge and costs more?

Quazzie · 03-12-2008 4:27pm

You are wrong. The A3 is generally much higher spec'd imo

Biro · 03-12-2008 4:32pm

Q2002 wrote: »

You are wrong. The A3 is generally much higher spec'd imo

Actually the base spec A3 is about as sparse as the base spec Golf. You're paying for the better quality interior mainly and the badge. I'm not sure how in-depth the suspension tweaks go. Most of the engines are the same.
Under the old VRT scheme the A3 170bhp TDi was actually cheaper than the 170bhp TDi Golf, so the A3 isn't necessarily a more expensive Golf.

madaboutcars · 03-12-2008 4:35pm

The Golf has aircon and the Audi doesn't.

Anyway the Golf is about to be replaced by a "new" model.

spav · 03-12-2008 4:37pm

goodluck2me wrote: »

I was just scanning there for a new car and I'm looking for the following things in one.
1. Reliabilty
2. Fun to Drive
3. Not going to cost an Arm & Leg to insure
4. Not ridiculously expensive to service.

Which of these are best

VW Golf, Audi A3, Ford Focus - any other recommendations?

Thanks

Someone else has mentioned it on this thread, but I'd consider the Fiat Panda 100hp. Once you get past the fact that it's a Panda (

), it's a cracking car to drive, smashing to look at and pretty cheap to run. With a bit of haggling you'll be able to get a pre-reg 08 model for about €10k, with the guts of a 4 year warranty.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Fiat/Panda/1.4-16V-/200843190564498/advert

martydunf · 03-12-2008 5:10pm

Don't limit yourself to an audi, golf or focus.

As some one already said how bout a celica?
It has toyota reliability and the most fun you can have in a FWD car! (either that or a 'teg).
instead of goin to the dealer to service your car (mind you itd be a lot cheaper than the audi/vw dealers!) how bout trying your hand at it and see how you get on. Theres plenty of websites out there to explain what has to be done and how to do it.:)

Stevie Dakota · 03-12-2008 8:19pm

This would be my choice*, nearly new pocket rocket, all the toys and landed all in for around €17.5K.

http://www.motorpoint.co.uk/(S(3y4d5r554og4j33kplnz3gme))/Search/VehicleDetails.aspx?vehicle=206466&diesel=yes

* Actually, this was my choice.

Goodluck2me · 04-12-2008 2:07pm

Thanks for all the replies guy/girls.

I'm pretty surprised to hear that the A3/Golf don't have good reliability records, or is that just one of those myths?
Has anyone got some ball parks figures for servicing say 05 models of each car?

Thanks

cjt156 · 04-12-2008 2:45pm

goodluck2me wrote: »

I'm pretty surprised to hear that the A3/Golf don't have good reliability records, or is that just one of those myths?

I think its the other way round. For a long time VAG had a great reputation for reliability which either 1) has been eroded recently or 2) was never deserved to begin with.

I've owned French, Italian, Japanese and German cars and the only one to ever stop dead at the side of the road was my old MkIII Golf. But apart from that, sure their bulletproof...

Poll for best overall car?

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