Drove an A3 today, whats something similar but cheaper?

[apathy_next2]

Car was awesome. I'm sure you guys have been in better, but me growing up in toyotas and fords it was a big difference.
Whats something that's similar to that or even an A4, I assume they both have the same motor.

I'm sure it will be hard to get a complete package (power AND technology), but if I were to forgo some of the technology is there something cheaper that performs just as well or maybe even better in a sedan or even hatchback body?

 

[PricklyPete]

VW GTI. It is essentially the exact same car (Audi and VW are the same company like Toyota/Lexus). In fact, the GTI was updated in 2010+ with upgrades to the chassis that I feel make the car superior in ride/handling over the current A3. Engines, transmission, etc. are the same. You should definitely go check it out. The GTI starts at 24K.

 

[punjabiplaya]

gti = same thing without the available quattro

 

[fbrdphreak]

Did this sound like a loaded question to anyone else?

 

[punjabiplaya]

Did this sound like a loaded question to anyone else?

could just be someone who knows nothing about cars

 

[Arkaign]

You owe it to yourself to check out a MazdaSpeed3 if you like that kind of thing (compact hatch FWD with decent power). It's considerably faster, grippier, and although not as nice inside still pretty solid and well laid out.

 

[T2urtle]

so you pick on of the lowest costing luxury model, and want something cheaper? Bare bones its $27k and a nicer package its $30k. 30-35k is what i expect to pay for a decent new car now. entry level eco boxes would be 18-24k

Thats not too far from any loaded mid-size in my book. I see them used in the $15k ranges, of course no warranty. As with most cars 3 years = 1/2 the cost of new. Well you could get a CPO A3, they normally run 2-4k more then non-CPO but warranty should be like up to 100k. Me personally I can do it, most these Turbo cars beg to be chipped and at the very least intake and exhaust. Doing those 3 mods will make the car pretty much into another animal with a 35-50whp gain.

like mentioned, if you just like the engine then GTI is the way to go. You can find other close things in the mid 20k range. speed3, WRX, Genesis coupe 2.0T, more are on the list but those are the big ones.

 

[dbk]

what about the lexus hatch?

 

[MaxFusion16]

GTI for sure, there are faster cars for the same money, but none as refined as the GTI.

 

[Vette73]

What do you want? A small 2 door, 4door, hatch/truck, etc...?
Also what was good about the A3 you REALLY want.

There are plenty of cars that can be had cheaper and more reliable then a Audi/VW.

 

[Arkaign]

What do you want? A small 2 door, 4door, hatch/truck, etc...?
Also what was good about the A3 you REALLY want.

There are plenty of cars that can be had cheaper and more reliable then a Audi/VW.

That's true. I do think that for the leasing crowd an Audi is certainly fine though, provided you get one that matches well (mileage/payments/etc). I personally don't like leasing but I guess it makes sense for some.

The Audi has a really nice interior. That's about it really. It's a pretty sluggish vehicle for the price, but for a lot of people that's not an issue really either.

 

[JCH13]

GTI for sure, there are faster cars for the same money, but none as refined as the GTI.

"Refined" being a somewhat subjective term. I personally found the MS3 to be a bit more comfortable than the GTI when I was testing them out.

It was also very satisfying to take my buddy (who owned a modded GTI) out for a spin in my MS3 and watch his jaw hit the floor at its performance. But that's just my cup of tea.

 

[JulesMaximus]

what about the lexus hatch?

Performance=nil but it gets great mileage.

 

[MiataNC]

I'm sure it will be hard to get a complete package (power AND technology), but if I were to forgo some of the technology is there something cheaper that performs just as well or maybe even better in a sedan or even hatchback body?

What do you mean by "technology"?

If you are referring to the DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox), then you need to stick with Audi/VW, or take your chances on the new Ford Focus. There are not many cars sold with dual-clutch "automatics" (which is in reality a computer controlled manual), and Audi/VW makes the best at a non-supercar price point.

The best "bang for the buck" in my opinion for performance @$25K is the Mazda MazdaSpeed3, the Subaru WRX, or the Ford Mustang V6. All three will give you 260-300 HP and a manual gearbox to play around with.

 

[ElFenix]

focus ST when it comes out

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Subaru WRX hatch
Mitsubishi Evolution hatch or just a Lancer hatch
GTI
Ford Focus hatch

 

[Kntx]

A used A3 ?

 

[apathy_next2]

What do you want? A small 2 door, 4door, hatch/truck, etc...?
Also what was good about the A3 you REALLY want.

There are plenty of cars that can be had cheaper and more reliable then a Audi/VW.

Sorry for creating some of the confusion. Yes Punjabi, I am not that versed on cars, I did not have any intention to start a controversy.

Anyway, it doesn't have to be a hatch at all(or audi or any specific brand), i'd actually prefer a 4-door sadan over it.
What I really loved about the A3 was the pick up, power, speed, acceleration. That was which blew me away, again like I said I haven't been in very powerful cars before so this was a totally different and fun experience for me. I am sure that it can be emulated by cheaper means. Something cheaper than Audi/VW would be most ideal!

 

[JCH13]

Sorry for creating some of the confusion. Yes Punjabi, I am not that versed on cars, I did not have any intention to start a controversy.

Anyway, it doesn't have to be a hatch at all(or audi or any specific brand), i'd actually prefer a 4-door sadan over it.
What I really loved about the A3 was the pick up, power, speed, acceleration. That was which blew me away, again like I said I haven't been in very powerful cars before so this was a totally different and fun experience for me. I am sure that it can be emulated by cheaper means. Something cheaper than Audi/VW would be most ideal!

Mazda Mazdaspeed3 or Subaru WRX. Go test drive. Now. Leave work. :awe:

 

[Arkaign]

Mazda Mazdaspeed3 or Subaru WRX. Go test drive. Now. Leave work. :awe:

Definitely. If OP was impressed by A3 power, he's gonna feel like a total boss in a Speed3 or WRX.

 

[MiataNC]

Definitely. If OP was impressed by A3 power, he's gonna feel like a total boss in a Speed3 or WRX.

Both are great cars, but don't forget the Mustang V6.

@300hp + Rear Wheel Drive + Manual + Turn off Traction/Stability Control = Shit Eating Grins.

 

[punjabiplaya]

Mazda Mazdaspeed3 or Subaru WRX. Go test drive. Now. Leave work. :awe:

Definitely. If OP was impressed by A3 power, he's gonna feel like a total boss in a Speed3 or WRX.

Both are great cars, but don't forget the Mustang V6.

@300hp + Rear Wheel Drive + Manual + Turn off Traction/Stability Control = Shit Eating Grins.

+1 to all of that. The Mustang will just depend on if you need 4 doors or not. But it'd be realllllllllllllllllllllllllllllly hard for me to buy a Mustang and not get a 5.0.

 

[Arkaign]

Both are great cars, but don't forget the Mustang V6.

@300hp + Rear Wheel Drive + Manual + Turn off Traction/Stability Control = Shit Eating Grins.

I personally love the Mustang v6 and think it's a superb value (.96g grip, holy fock!), but would have to think someone originally shopping an Audi A3 might turn their nose up at it.

 

[punjabiplaya]

I personally love the Mustang v6 and think it's a superb value (.96g grip, holy fock!), but would have to think someone originally shopping an Audi A3 might turn their nose up at it.

That's a lot of the reason I love the Evos, Sti, WRX, speed3, 5.0, whatever. You get to embarrass the poor yuppy in his car. Add on a ridiculously loud exhaust, full bolt ons, and a good tune = very happy me.

 

[mmntech]

Don't forget about the Ford Focus ST coming out next year. If you really like the A3 though, I vote used.