Used A3 Vs Touran Vs Focus

smallzoo2

Hi. I have £2500 to spend on a nice cheap motor. It will be a mix of normal and motorway no more than 8k.miles a year.

We really like the A3 (especially tdi models), Ford focus and for extra room in case we wanted an 2nd car for the dogs the VW Touran. 

I've been on all their FB forums and what a suprise they all say their cars are best but they all say I could pick a decent one up for £2500

What do other people think in terms of reliability, maintenance etc

Cheers

Grumpy_chap

smallzoo2 said:

Hi. I have £2500 to spend on a nice cheap motor. It will be a mix of normal and motorway no more than 8k.miles a year.

We really like the A3 (especially tdi models), Ford focus and for extra room in case we wanted an 2nd car for the dogs the VW Touran. 

I've been on all their FB forums and what a suprise they all say their cars are best but they all say I could pick a decent one up for £2500

What do other people think in terms of reliability, maintenance etc

Cheers

All three are perfectly good cars.
You may wish to consider whether a diesel is suited to your low annual mileage.
At this price point, the key is to find a good example and choose on condition over and above choosing the model.  Make sure to test the car fully before purchase.

FWIW, I've had two cars with the Ford Zetec petrol engine - one Mondeo and one Focus - and both were extremely reliable and ran to high mileages before I sold on (200k and 150k respectively) and both were running for a good while after.  In fact, my Nephew still has my old Focus, abused it a lot and says "it just keeps on running".

Car_54

Bear in mind that the A3 is basically a VW Golf (or Skoda and Seat variants), but with a higher price tag. 

At your price range, any added value when you come to sell will be negligible.

ontheroad1970

Car_54 said:

Bear in mind that the A3 is basically a VW Golf (or Skoda and Seat variants), but with a higher price tag. 

At your price range, any added value when you come to sell will be negligible.

Also at that price range the Audi is likely to be more of a dog than an equivalent lower status identical chassis

smallzoo2

Thx...naturally the Audi FB groups disagree lol.. they say the A3 is a better car to be sat in ?

baser999

Not sure I’d agree the opinions expressed about being able to buy decent models with that budget? Think you’re going to be looking older and/or higher mileage for £2500.

No idea where you’ll be driving but you may also need to consider ULEZ and similar charges 

Barkin

smallzoo2 said:

Thx...naturally the Audi FB groups disagree lol.. they say the A3 is a better car to be sat in ?

Confirmation bias aside, it probably is - better quality interior plastics, seats, toys etc. 
But that stuff aside, the point being made is that you'll get more for your money (better condition, lower mileage etc) with one of the 'lesser' badges that are essentially the same car. 

smallzoo2

Thanks... What about the Touran and the focus ?

Barkin

Dunno. I drive a 20 year old Saab 

Herzlos

At 8k/year I'd be looking for a petrol one which should be a bit cheaper.

For the same price, you're likely to find a Focus that's younger, lower miles and in better condition, since the others attract a price premium.

If you need the space, get the Touran, if not then the Focus.

Clive_Woody

Petrol Skoda Octavia or even a Fabia if size is negotiable. Not much different to the A3 and you'll probably get a better condition car for your money. Diesel probably not the best choice.

Test drive a few models to see what feels right for you.