Audi v BMW v Merc under £12k

leveller2911

CKhalvashi wrote: »

My work involves a lot of transcontinental trips across Europe (me and car
are in Ukraine now, 22h drive, not a hint of backache)

People smuggling?........:rotfl:

CKhalvashi

leveller2911 wrote: »

People smuggling?........:rotfl:

AdrianC

wookie66 wrote: »

Audi A3 5 door Sportback
BMW 318i or 320i coupe
Merc C180 Sports
VW Golf

Four very different cars. Apart from all being "German brands", the only thing they've got in common is some vague "premium image" thing, but then there's the Golf in there as a wild card.

Have you actually test-driven one of each yet? I suspect that'll narrow your list further.

sunshinetours

LOL I have a shortlist - cue answers - buy this instead as I have one and you probably won;t get it in budget but....!

From your shortlist OP I would probably go with golf GTi or second choice a well specced and warranted 320 coupe

The Merc is Ok to drive and the A3 is too small and too boring (IMO)

gilbert_and_sullivan

sunshinetours wrote: »

LOL I have a shortlist - cue answers - buy this instead as I have one and you probably won;t get it in budget but....!

(IMO)

And it takes up almost as much road room as a petrol tanker and the OP (who obviously wants a medium sized 1.8 litre'ish petrol) won't be able to fit it on their drive anyway...

sunshinetours

gilbert_and_sullivan wrote: »

And it takes up almost as much road room as a petrol tanker and the OP (who obviously wants a medium sized 1.8 litre'ish petrol) won't be able to fit it on their drive anyway...

In fairness the XF is an awesome car, but doesn't fit types of car OP has asked about as you say.

If going "off piste" OP wants a BMW and has room I would say go fro a 5 series as much better buy anyway than the 3 IMO
Something like this

Tilt

Perhaps you haven't considered on of these;

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311220075995/sort/default/usedcars/postcode/wv46hg/price-to/8000/page/3/radius/1500/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/model/159/make/alfa_romeo/quicksearch/true?logcode=p

Certainly worth a look. I have the 3.2 JTS Q4 version. Proper driver's car.

albionrovers

+1 for a 5-series. Apologies for straying OP, but they really are bomb-proof IMO. 2nd hand market ain't been thrashed like a typical 3-series neither. Loads of bang for your buck.

Tilt

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201307197901392/sort/default/usedcars/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/make/alfa_romeo/model/159/postcode/wv46hg/maximum-mileage/up_to_60000_miles/price-to/12000/page/3/price-from/7000/radius/1500/engine-size-cars/2l_to_2-5l?logcode=p

This one has all the toys you will ever need and is from a main reputable dealer.