Will my new petrol Audi A3 be worth less than a diesel one?
I've just bought a new Audi A3 Saloon 1.4 (petrol) as I do very low annual mileage and mainly urban driving. Will I still take a hit at trade-in time in the next three years or so, due to petrol engine rather than diesel?
John Slevin (Limerick)Aug 2014 Filed under: resale value
Expert answer
Hi John,
To be honest, it's a little hard to tell. The A3 Saloon hasn't been out long enough for us to get a solid handle on its resale values but we can work from a couple of basic assumptions:
1. Yes, diesel is currently more highly valued than petrol.
2. That won't always be the case - now that the mad post-2008 scramble for diesel has subsided buyers are starting to get wise to the value of petrol power again, helped by improved engine tech.
3. An Audi, any Audi, will likely have stronger residual values than most other marques so you're already ahead of the game.
So I guess the answer is yes, your depreciation will be a little sharper on petrol than on diesel but I suspect it won't be by very much. Fret not and just enjoy owning one of our favourite current cars.
Is this Audi A3 Sportback too cheap?
Is €19,500 too inexpensive for 2012 Audi A3 automatic Sportback with 95,000km on it?
Paul Cafferkey (Westport)Jun 2014 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
That seems slightly low alright, but it depends on where you're buying it from. If it's a private sale, then it's probably on the money. If it's from a dealer, then it's about €2k underpriced and you might need to be a bit cautious. Ask if you can get an AA inspection of the car done (also a good idea if it's a private sale). If the vendor baulks or tries to come up with some excuse, then walk away.
What's the Lexus CT 200h like?
What do you think of the 2012 Lexus CT 200h? What about resale value?
Thanks
Ann Joyce (Galway)May 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ann,
I'm afraid the CT 200h's residual values aren't that great. The general buying public is still a bit suspicious of hybrids (the popularity of the Prius notwithstanding) and the CT's poor day-to-day fuel consumption marks it down relative to the likes of the rival BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.
It's also quite cramped inside, with tiny rear seats and an almost useless boot. If you're looking for a classy small hatch, better stick with the Audi A3 or save yourself even more and get a nicely specified Volkswagen Golf.
Should I go for 1.6- or 1.9-litre TDI Audi A3?
Hi,
I'm looking to buy an Audi A3 diesel, changing from a 2003 petrol Toyota Corolla. I would like to go up perhaps five to six years. There seems to be a lot more 1.9 TDI engines around than 1.6, which was what I had thought I would go for. Would you be able to tell me if there is much difference in mpg between them? I would do a good bit of driving per week and I want something that's more fuel efficient.
Jacinta Woods (Ennis)Apr 2014 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Jacinta,
Essentially the old 1.9 TDI Pump Düse engine is just a bit less sophisticated than the newer, cleaner 1.6 TDI common rail engine. That said it's still pretty economical and while you could potentially get 60mpg from the 1.6 you should pretty easily get low-fifties-mpg from the 1.9.
Petrol or diesel Audi A3?
Should I go for an Audi A3 petrol (2011, 1.2 engine, 67,982km) or an A3 1.6 diesel (2011, 82,077km)? Which is the better buy and why?
Marion Dunne (Duleek.co.meath.ireland)Apr 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Marion,
Depends on what you need it for really. If you're doing low mileage or just duffing around town most of the time, then the 1.2 petrol is sweet, more refined and probably a bit cheaper to buy. If on the other hand you do big miles or spend lots of time on the motorway, then the diesel is the one to have with genuine 60mpg potential.
Is the 1.2 TSI Audi A3 a good car?
Are Audi A3s (1.2 petrol, 2011) good cars to invest in?
Marion Dunne (Dulleek. Co. Meath. Ireland)Apr 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Marion,
Yes, pretty excellent really. The A3 is nice to drive, exceptionally well built and holds its value well. That 1.2 TSI petrol engine is also excellent, as long as you're not doing mega-mileage. Just be careful that you buy one with a full service history and don't forget that you can buy a Golf, Octavia or Leon that is mechanically identical for less money.
How economical is the Volkswagen Jetta?
What economy will I get from a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta deseil?
Eddie Kennedy (Dublin)Expert answer
Hi Eddie,
With up to €5,000 what will we replace our two cars with?
Hi, me and my girlfriend have a car each; mine is a 2003 Mazda6 and hers is a 2000 Audi A3. We no longer need both cars and were thinking of changing. What car would you recommend? We have a six-month old baby and only want to spend about €4-5k on a car.
Thanks
David O Sullivan (Wexford)Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
I'd suggest flogging both cars and getting yourself into a newer Audi A3. They're comfy, sweet to drive, reliable and easy to sell on again eventually. Hard to go wrong with it, really. Lots to choose from so be fussy and make sure yours has a full service history and reasonably low mileage.
Do you agree the new Mazda3 is a good replacement for my BMW?
I am changing car; I have a BMW 318 at present but the new one is quite pricey! I have test driven the BMW 1 Series, an Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf Highline and a Mazda3. Whilst they are all fine cars I found the Mazda very good value and an excellent drive. Can you comnent?
Brendan from Dublin
Brendan Foley (Dublin)Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
Good choices, all of those, if you're looking for a more affordable 3 Series alternative. The new-shape Mazda3 (the one that's only just been launched) seem to be especially excellent, and with Mazda's reliability you won't be spending too much on repairs or maintenance down the line. The Golf is always a safe bet too, although if you're used to the saloon shape it may be worth having a look at the little-seen Jetta - an underrated gem, that car. Or, alternatively, you could try the Audi A3 Saloon, which I reckon is the best compact sports saloon around at the moment.
See how you get on and let us know which one you go for.
Toyota RAV4 or Volkswagen Tiguan?
I am looking to change my three-door Audi A3 for a four-door car. I'm looking at Volkswagen Tiguan or Toyota RAV4 (2008/9). I have a dog so need the extra room. Any comments?
Thanks
Patsi Kennedy (Wexford)Nov 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Patsi,
Go for the Tiguan. It's a really sweet car and much more refined and pleasant to drive than that generation of RAV4. One thing to watch; the boot on the Tiguan is a little on the small side, so bring your dog along for a test drive to make sure that he/she is comfy in the back.
Let us know how you get on