Audi A3 or MG Mgf

Woodyrocks

I am not even sure if this is in the right bit of the forum so mods please move if not so I can get some much needed advice :beer:

I am in the market for a car, a used car, my first car and I really want an A3 or a Mgf - the problem is I am a single female and I have seen a couple on the internet that I really like and can afford but I know nothing about cars so not sure what the point of me going to see a car on my own would be.

Can anyone 'clue' me up? What do I need to be saying, asking, seeing, touching - help I am totally clueless and impulsive at the best of times and I do not want to make a costly mistake :eek:

There is a Mgf I found on the internet which is only a couple of miles away from me and it is being sold by a 61yr old lady who bought it from new but is retiring to Somerset in her new campervan - please speak some sense to me before I go over there and hand over my money like a prized dumbnut

isofa

Wouldn't touch the MGF with a bargepole, they are notoriously badly engineered. If you are looking for a drop top sports car, low price, look at older Mazda MX-5s - a much better proposition.

The Audi A3 is a million times better that the MGF - better built, reliable, hold their value better, you can't compare the two at all.

They are very different cars. Perhaps you need to first need to work out what type of car you would like (remember insurance will be higher on some, especially if this is your first car and you are young), have a budget then narrow it down.

There are plenty of reviews on sites such as Parkers (the price guide people), Autotrader and more.

Pay for an independent check by the RAC or AA when buying a car if you don't have a knowledgeable person to take with you. Else, pay more and buy from a dealer with a warranty.

Woodyrocks

Thanks isofa! I am cautious re insurance and luckily lil' bro works for an insurance company so can find out what I am getting myself into in advance.

Live next door to lovely mechanics so will book one of them for a go-see methinks. Great tip thanks! Thanks also for the link.

Have now decided I really really want an Audi TT :swoon: but all my hard savings are tied up (bonds, ISA etc) and my current account cash will only cover an A3 or the like

Started off thinking no more than £4k but now realising that I need more like £8K...

Feel quite bad about all this, meant to be saving for a deposit and can't believe I am thinking of dipping into it.

Hotspur

You will get a better response in the motoring sub forum 3 up from here.

I agree with Isofa and I'd also vote for the A3 over the MG.

Starting point for me would be how much can I afford to pay and then look for a car rather than I want a TT so will use savings to get it. For a first car, unless money isn't a problem for you, something in a relatively low insurance group wouldn't be a bad choice to build up some insurance no claims bonus. Once that has been done then look for that car of your dreams.

If you know nothing about cars, and most people know very little, then always take someone that does with you to view and test the car. Never buy a car without driving it. Also, a look through one of the car mags like What Car that list the pros and cons of models is useful. Parkers Guide/What Car or similar will give a guide on prices to be paid for used cars.

mrcow

Don't know much about cars, but I love my A3! :beer:

It growls like a bear and is the most responsive car I've ever driven.

It gets the thumbs up from me.

stevemcol

I've had an A3 for 6 years. It's the most boring car I've ever owned but....
I love it and still haven't got the slightest inclintion to change it. It's over engineered in every aspect and mega reliable. Spend about £200-£300 a year in servicing, replacments etc. Had a really heavy sideways impact into a high kerb, got it checked out and there was no sign whatsoever of any damage.
Not a 'driver's' car though (but I've grown out of that).

Edit: 1.8SE. There are sportier models.

mrcow

I personally wouldn't call it "boring"

We've got a 1.9 Turbo Diesel Special Edition Sportsback (apparently) if it's any help.

stevemcol

yeah, boring wasn't the best word to chose.
comfortable like a pair of slippers. is there a word that means that?

spud17

For a first car, I assume newish driver, so agree with Hotspur totally.

I can almost guarantee there will be some sort of minor dent during first year, so you don't want expensive repair bill.
Buy a cheapie and get a year or two of insurance under your belt.

Don't forget to factor in servicing etc.

Do you want a car for transport or to impress people?

I've been driving over 30 years and always bought cars for my needs, not to impress.
It's been cheaper that way too.

MORPH3US

OP, how old are you?

Might just be me, but given the situation with petrol prices going through the roof, I would be tempted to get a smaller more efficient car, but it obviously depends on what your needs are....

Woodyrocks

Thanks for all the comments guys. Does anyone know how I can get this moved to the motoring bit or should I start another thread?

Have looked on Parkers and it is such a useful site! I now feel like at least I am not going in blind. Is it true that 30% of cars sold by private sellers have something wrong with them? This is worrying as I imagine that is the route I will be going.

I just find the TT so sexy but I realise that it would probably make much more sense as my second car if I am being rational/practical.

I am 27 morpheous, 27.5 next saturday I am not getting a car to impress anyone but I do want a nice car.