[Heppubansan]

I havent had a chance to properly drive any of these yet, but wanted some opinions from people who actually owned these cars, not a journalist!

I loved driving the old focus, but the interior was so goddam ugly and uncomfortable. The new one is much better and is supposed to steer and handle the best out this trio. Ive heard the steering on the Audi is very vauge, but the golf is slightly better.

From an ownership PofV; the insurance on the audi is cheaper than the golf if its a 2.0 engine but more if its a 1.6?? Obviously the audi has the best resale value, but the Focus seems very cheap. Does the A3 sportback drive better than the 3door? AAAhhh!!!! its so confusing, any advice would be appriciated.

 

[daflyingfinn]

i'd forget about the focus, it looks UGLY big time!

 

[Chris]

The ST doesn't... it's a cracking looking car if you ask me!

 

[W36 EJO]

Doesnt the word 'Ford' put you off a bit? Dunno if I could stand seeing it on my steering wheel!

 

[Mark V]

Personally - I would not consider a Ford!

 

[Heppubansan]

Ok forget the ford. What about A3 vs Golf?

 

[hmi1750]

Get a mazda3 if you want value for money and a solid well built car with great aftersales (though dealers are a bit hard to find)

Get Audi for class and best interior finish, though its relatively dull to drive and expensive.

Get a VW for crap aftersales but a lovely car, if a little overpriced.

Get the focus if you want to lose huge amounts in depreciation.

 

[Mark V]

Hate to say this but I would go for an A3 2,0 TDi over the Golf as it just looks so right to my eyes. Not that horrible 'Sportback' thing though.

 

[dmonk]

Gotta agree with you, A3 definately the best looking ( apart from the goatee'd sportback ). Inside much classier than the golf IMO

 

[SuperMario.Dave]

the Focus is a great drive though,although as a new buy with your own money it would be an insane purchase.I wouldn't discount it until you have driven it and i would agree the A3 has a better feel interior than the Golf,but the Golf has better handling and steering,imho

 

[Heppubansan]

Oh really that is very interesting, what you say about the Golf's steering/handling vs the A3. I heard the A3 has very light and vague steering. I will deffinately go and test drive them, but I appriciate your input. I cant get over that the insurance on a 2.0 a3 is cheaper than on a 2.0 golf! wierd.

 

[kenl]

Quote: posted by Heppubansan on 14/04/2005 17:02:26

Obviously the audi has the best resale value, .......

Does the A3 sportback drive better than the 3door? AAAhhh!!!! its so confusing, any advice would be appriciated.

Why would the Audi have better re-sale than the golf? According to What Car they have similar retained values of ~60%.

I originally looked at the A3 but was horrified at the lack of equipment and the price compared with the Golf. that was with 1.6FSI anyway.

Don't see why the Sportback could be better to drive than the 3 door. If anything 3 door should be better as it is lighter. Much better looking as well, don't like the sportback at all or it's stupid name!

 

[Ricardo]

Go and test all the cars. Certainly the new Focus chassis is nice. My company barge Volvo S40 has this and its V. chuckable [] Dunno if I can see the value and extra cost in the Golf or A3 at the moment.

 

[Heppubansan]

Haha i dont have a car designer's dynamic, sporty lifestyle anyway, so no need for that piece of glorified-marketing. I just figured the Audi being an Audi would have better resale than a dime a dozen VW?? But I suppose there is always going to be a healthy demand for golfs.

 

[Heppubansan]

Oh I was referring to the sportback not your volvo, which im sure is v nice

 

[Ricardo]

Quote: posted by Heppubansan on 14/04/2005 21:42:57

Oh I was referring to the sportback not your volvo, which im sure is v nice

No worries mate - its still not as nice as the Elise [][] Happy hunting..

 

[Foxy]

Your call but f*rds aint what they used to be.......(25-30 years ago)

Remember the car's gonna cost you the capital outlay less the resale.....will the f*rd be good value?

 

[Irish]

First things first you gotta decide what class of car you want because the Focus is in the UK and the A3 is in Australia....ie. a world apart !!

I've had a Focus, a GTI and an A3 now so I think I'm very much entitled to say what I did above !!

Apart from the GTI I would go with the A3 over any other MKV.

 

[SuperMario.Dave]

Quote: posted by Heppubansan on 14/04/2005 21:16:52

Oh really that is very interesting, what you say about the Golf's steering/handling vs the A3. I heard the A3 has very light and vague steering. I will deffinately go and test drive them, but I appriciate your input. I cant get over that the insurance on a 2.0 a3 is cheaper than on a 2.0 golf! wierd.

all the Audis i have driven have suffered from this,certainly if you value steering feel then an Audi isn't for you,imo.But as already said,its best to test all the cars,the Audi is a classy car for sure,but the Golf is the best all rounder.Depends what you want from a car

 

[Irish]

Supermario you need to get yourself in an RS model!