Volvo c30 vs Audi A3 - Volvo s40 vs Audi A4

motorfan

Hi everyone.

Im looking at changing, and these 4 cars stand out to me. I would love to stay with a petrol, as I only do no more than 350-400kms per week on average, but I know that will be very hard here with the choice of cars.
I'd be keeping it for a good few years so I would also like to keep it no older than about 2009-2010, for insurance :rolleyes:

Im looking for something that will be a comfy everyday cruiser with a bit of a premium feel like leather interior, a bit of power and that wont develop annoying rattles after only 90k kms like my current car.

Anybody got any input on these cars, and what would be the best engine choice to go for with them?

What is considered high mileage on these cars?

Any alternatives come to mind? (I was looking at a nice petrol Accord, but it was sold soon after)

Thanks guys!

Atlantic Dawn

You will struggle to find either model in petrol in 2009/2010.

bazz26

The Volvo C30 is very small on the inside and is a 4 seater only with a tiny boot. More likely to find a higher spec C30 with leather than an A3 though. The S40 is based on the Ford Focus so wouldn't offer the same space as the slightly bigger A4. Again S40s tend to be higher spec than most A4s available here.

BTW even premium branded cars can develope annoying rattles over time.

colm_mcm

What's your budget?

motorfan

Budget would be about 12k, could maybe stretch to 14k.

colm_mcm

Lexus CT200h?

motorfan

They are nice cars Colm, never thought of those. Anything to look out for with them?

motorfan

bazz26 wrote: »

The Volvo C30 is very small on the inside and is a 4 seater only with a tiny boot. More likely to find a higher spec C30 with leather than an A3 though. The S40 is based on the Ford Focus so wouldn't offer the same space as the slightly bigger A4. Again S40s tend to be higher spec than most A4s available here.

BTW even premium branded cars can develope annoying rattles over time.

Yeah the c30 seems very small from pictures in the back, but I dont think it would be a huge issue for me. I think I would prefer the volvos over the audi, but im not sure which of the two are more likely to give trouble.
Are parts and servicing items more expensive in Audi?

motorfan

Adding another one into the mix, the IS220.

bazz26

Volvo parts can be expensive especially if you need to source them from Volvo dealers. The C30/S40 are based on the Mk2 Ford Focus but they don't share everything and some parts are not interchangeable. The A3 is basically a Golf underneath and tends to share more with the Golf than a C30/S40 would with a Focus. I had a S40 and while it was a lovely comfortable car, it wasn't the cheapest car to own. The A3/A4 due to sharing parts with other VAG cars would probably cost less to own once you stay clear of main dealers.

As for the Lexus IS220, I'd stay well away from them, that Toyota diesel engine is well known for head gasket problems and the gearbox is frustrating in them.

colm_mcm

The is220d would be a bad choice.

As for the CT, They're essentially a Prius, so all good.

motorfan

Thanks for the info guys! I would never have thought the IS220's would be a troublesome car, between an a4 and s40 I would have bet the Lexus would have been the most reliable. Pity,... the 220's look nice.

In regards to the CT200, I have no experience with owning a hybrid, are they prone to more faults due to the electric motor? And do they require more specialist servicing due to the hybrid engine?
Are they nimble enough also? For some reason I think a hybrid would be rather sluggish, but that could be big oil brainwashing!

friarpat

I drive a 2011 CT200h. Very relaxed, enough get up and go for me. Two years now and only problem faulty heater blower. Lexus parts horrendous but there's a very cheap get around.
Would buy another in the morning. Routine servicing, oil and water, nothing special from electrics.

bazz26

Over two years since this thread was started dude. I'm sure the OP is well sorted by now.