[SID 6581]

Hi all,

Looking to replace my stuttering and spluttering R plate Peugeot 406 with a 5 door family hatchback runabout (only do 6-7k year).

Originally had a Mondeo, Focus or Astra of around 2001-2002 in mind for between £2,000 to £2,500. However whilst looking have been tempted by some Audi A3s of the same age or slightly older (V, W, X plates) for around the same price or upto £3k for 51/52 plates, but most have at least 100k on the clock.

My thinking involves the probably misguided notion that an Audi is a better built car than a Mondeo or Astra of the same age and will still run fine at that age/mileage? Or am I kidding myself?!?

Any thoughts or advice greatly appreciated

[mushk1n]

I had an A4 with 120k on the clock, my friend had a similar aged Astra with 60k on the clock and his car was always having problems and mine very rarely, although mine made up for it in service charges!

Audi's are generally built better and last longer due to the better build quality, the only difference is the cost for maintenance and repair, if your lucky and everything is done prior to you buying the car (cam belt changes normally at 80k miles etc..) then you won't have any large cost for maintenance. On the other hand you could be unlucky and require something doing that costs more in an audi than it does in the cheaper cars.

[FZR400RRSP]

I had a 100k mile A4 loaned to me for a few days a few weeks back.
I have to say the interior didn't show the mileage, it was impressively rattle free.
The rest of the car, the clutch and suspension especially, felt very tired.
But that's me coming from a new car.
Someone coming from a used car maybe wouldn't notice the tiredness.

[SID 6581]

Thanks both. Looking at ones with FSH and recent cambelt change (with proof!) only now

It seems a bit of a lottery when I know next to nothing about cars Will ask my mate who used to be a mechanic to travel with me, trouble is most I'm looking at are between 3-5 hours away! Or could use the AA inspection, but £133 for the basic one

[Woody26]

On a car like that 100k is nothing. I have a mk4 golf which had 77k on it when I bought it (all motorway miles). I've had the same wear and tear that any other car would have, its now on 125k. What engine does it have?

[SID 6581]

Originally Posted by Woody26

On a car like that 100k is nothing. I have a mk4 golf which had 77k on it when I bought it (all motorway miles). I've had the same wear and tear that any other car would have, its now on 125k. What engine does it have?

1.8 ltr petrols typically, some are 1.6 ltr petrols.

Since yesterday however I've spoken to a mate who's owned a few German cars and he recommends a 3 series BMW over a A3 as they are a bit short on legspace.

Can get a high mileage (130k) 2001 316i 1.9 ltr SE but with Full BMW service for £3k so may go down that route now