2012-2013 Audi A3 or BMW 1 series ~13k?

shanksadams

I recently got my driving license and looking for a budget premium hatchback (Automatic), that the wife with an L license could easily drive. Insurance quotes (Chill.ie) for the both of us have been around €2200-2300 (I am a N driver), for bmw 1.6L 1 series cars. The maximum i could spend including insurance, tax and all other costs is about 15k, so i figured something around 13k with a 6 month warrranty would be ideal.

We are planning to have kids in a year or so and wondering if a A3 is a better choice, considering the space in the backseat, Like the 1 series as its more fun to drive. I am buying a car for the first time in Ireland, I know a Golf is a better and more practical choice but want to own an Audi or a BMW for a couple of years (merc doesn't really have anything in that price range). I would really appreciate any tips or insights, Thanks !

PS : Some of the cars, i have come across so far.

• https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a3-1-4-tfsi-s-line-sportback-reversing-camer/29740619
• https://carsireland.ie/2964742
• https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-1-series-116-sport-1-6-petrol-automatic-col/29471519

berocca2016

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058225799/2012-2013-audi-a3-or-bmw-1-series-13k

Both of these cars seem to be Japanese imports, this could possibly incur an additional loading as they were initially registered outside of the state so it would be worth double checking your insurance quote.

Also worth noting is that in Ireland cars over ten years old incur a NCT every year and can be harder to insure.

As cars, I would go for the A3 as parts would be generally be cheaper hence easier to service and maintain.

User1998

The spec on that second 1 series is awful

shanksadams

Thanks for the info @berocca2016 , very helpful ! Any car dealers you would recommend in Dublin for similar cars? @User1998 - Got it, what are some of the things i should be looking for? Thanks

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118416401#Comment_118416401

Compare it to the red one with privacy glass, nicer wheels, nicer interior, multi function steering wheel, larger centre screen, etc

colm_mcm

That’s an old model A3 which is a 19 year old design at this stage.

bazz26

€13k for 10 year old small "premium" branded cars really shows you how nuts the used car market is here at present.

bazz26

Another one I'd add to the list would be a Lexus CT200h, same hybrid running gear as the Toyota Prius.

This one is a year younger for similar money, though the interior colour probably won't be everyone's choice and boot is small:

https://www.carsireland.ie/2926685

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118416933#Comment_118416933

Petrol automatics have always had a high premium. The price of them hasn’t really increased like other cars due to the fact that there is a healthy supply of them coming from Japan

shanksadams

Thanks for all useful info, Should i consider dealers outside Dublin that do nationwide delivery? hesitant considering warranty etc. the prices seem slightly better

• https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/132-audi-a3-1-4-tsi-highline-automatic/30026914

Buddy Bubs

Jesus all through my 20s and early 30s I bought 10 year old 3 and 5 series, I never paid over 5 grand for one. Paid 10 grand for a 7 year old beautiful 2003 530i in 2010.

Granted they were thirsty and tax was high as they were pre 08 6 cylinder petrols but when you see 1 series and a3s at 9 and 10 years old asking the kind of money they are, it's just bonkers at the minute. However, I see prices holding firm for the short to medium term so might get a decent whack back on them too.

bazz26

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118417699#Comment_118417699

Would you get a sizeable chunk of that big money back in say 2 years though, they will then be 12 years old? Are people really going to pay top dollar for a 12 year old car? I think once your average car goes over 10 years old then values start to slide quicker towards bangernomics money. Yearly NCT, insurance increases and the uncertainty of what the Government might do around taxes start to play on many peoples minds when it comes to what they are willing to pay for them.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118417589#Comment_118417589

I wouldn't consider buying a used car without first viewing or test driving it. It's not like buying a pair of pants that you can just return if they don't fit.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118417589#Comment_118417589

A friend of mine bought a Polo from these lads and had a good experience. They have a nice A3 in stock, looks higher spec and lower mileage than most others

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/29687563

berocca2016

https://www.simi.ie/en

Try stick to a SIMI dealer. Would you go for a Volvo ? Would be safer than the A3.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/volvo-v40-1-6-5dr/29947527

colm_mcm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118417003#Comment_118417003

Boot is comically small though, so if the OP adds some kids to the equation it’s back to the drawing board.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118418773#Comment_118418773

Being a member of SIMI means nothing

bazz26

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118418935#Comment_118418935

True but even with an A3 or 1 Series the OP will be back to the drawing board not much further down the road regarding boot space.

shanksadams

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118418773#Comment_118418773

Volvo makes good cars, i will add this to the list, Thank you

shanksadams

Thanks for all the tips @bazz26, @User1998, very informative !