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Poll for best overall car?

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  • 02-12-2008 3:19pm
    #1
    Goodluck2me
    Registered Users Posts: 5,404 ✭✭✭


    I was just scanning there for a new car and I'm looking for the following things in one.
    1. Reliabilty
    2. Fun to Drive
    3. Not going to cost an Arm & Leg to insure
    4. Not ridiculously expensive to service.

    Which of these are best

    VW Golf, Audi A3, Ford Focus - any other recommendations?

    Thanks


«1

Comments

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    #2
    Stevie Dakota
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,817 ✭✭✭Stevie Dakota


    Ford Focus out of those three by a mile.


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    #3
    Quazzie
    Registered Users Posts: 28,968 ✭✭✭✭Quazzie


    I hate the Ford Focus. Way too much road noise inside the little tin can of a car. A3 all the way in everything except the cheap to service section


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    #4
    cjt156
    Registered Users Posts: 2,062 ✭✭✭cjt156


    Stevie Dakota wrote: »
    Ford Focus out of those three by a mile.

    +1 Not my favourite but of those 3 by far the best.

    Personally I'd have a Bravo (new) or a 147(pre-face-lift) but then the "Italian cars will rust/explode/implode/tear-a-hole-in-the-space-time-continuum" mob will come down on me...


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    #5
    Goodluck2me
    Registered Users Posts: 5,404 ✭✭✭Goodluck2me


    Q2002 wrote: »
    I hate the Ford Focus. Way too much road noise inside the little tin can of a car. A3 all the way in everything except the cheap to service section

    What are we talking for a service? At the moment I pay €260.


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    #6
    Mr.David
    Registered Users Posts: 1,703 ✭✭✭Mr.David


    I think you should consider something from the class below. Something along the lines of the Fiat Panda 100HP, Renault Clio 197, Suzuki swift sport etc......:)


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    #7
    Biro
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,091 ✭✭✭Biro


    cjt156 wrote: »
    +1 Not my favourite but of those 3 by far the best.

    Personally I'd have a Bravo (new) or a 147(pre-face-lift) but then the "Italian cars will rust/explode/implode/tear-a-hole-in-the-space-time-continuum" mob will come down on me...

    I'd more or less agree with this. The Focus would be the pick of that crop, although the Mk 5 Golf is leagues ahead of the Mk 4 (apart from the interior). But add the Bravo for flare and style (something that the others are deprived of) or the Civic for some alternative styling coupled with the best engineered and most reliable car of that bunch. 3dr A3's are nice looking, but very over priced and like nearly all Audi's a bit removed in the driving department.


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    #8
    cashmni1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 629 ✭✭✭cashmni1


    Biro wrote: »
    I'd more or less agree with this. The Focus would be the pick of that crop, although the Mk 5 Golf is leagues ahead of the Mk 4 (apart from the interior). But add the Bravo for flare and style (something that the others are deprived of) or the Civic for some alternative styling coupled with the best engineered and most reliable car of that bunch. 3dr A3's are nice looking, but very over priced and like nearly all Audi's a bit removed in the driving department.
    +1
    Don't limit yourself to the Ford either. Other cars out there.
    Also, you don't have to spend €260 every time you service the car. <well, that is if you don't mind using an independant garage> However, if you want to use the main dealer for a service history, then it's up around that bracket alright. Robbery IMO.


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    #9
    chrism2007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 371 ✭✭chrism2007


    depends on the year. if its after 01 A3 all the way


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    #10
    Goodluck2me
    Registered Users Posts: 5,404 ✭✭✭Goodluck2me


    What grouds do people like/ dislike the A3 on?


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    #11
    cashmni1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 629 ✭✭✭cashmni1


    goodluck2me wrote: »
    What grouds do people like/ dislike the A3 on?
    overpriced, small and a girls Audi.....


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    #12
    T-Maxx
    Registered Users Posts: 3,148 ✭✭✭T-Maxx


    In order to give a sensible and objective opinion one should've driven (and not just around the block), insured and serviced all 3 cars.

    I don't think too many people have TBH.


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    #13
    Goodluck2me
    Registered Users Posts: 5,404 ✭✭✭Goodluck2me


    T-Maxx wrote: »
    In order to give a sensible and objective opinion one should've driven (and not just around the block), insured and serviced all 3 cars.

    I don't think too many people have TBH.

    Well at least if they have driven one of them, they can give their experience on that and so on, I'd be happy enough with that.
    Thanks though.


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    #14
    L-M
    Registered Users Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    Are you buying new OP, because i can give details on the Mk5 and Mk4 Golf, but not the Mk6..,


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    #15
    Cpaw
    Closed Accounts Posts: 117 ✭✭Cpaw


    Why to you keep adding thanks? Seems abit slow really OP. Anyway the FORD FOCUS is way ahead of the Golf , and defo the ulgy now out dated A3.


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    #16
    L-M
    Registered Users Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    Cpaw wrote: »
    Why to you keep adding thanks? Seems abit slow really OP.

    I think it's called having mannors, and being grateful for the information. Might want to take a leaf outta their book.


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    #17
    Lex Luthor
    Registered Users Posts: 11,220 ✭✭✭✭Lex Luthor


    cjt156 wrote: »
    +1 Not my favourite but of those 3 by far the best.

    Personally I'd have a Bravo (new) or a 147(pre-face-lift) but then the "Italian cars will rust/explode/implode/tear-a-hole-in-the-space-time-continuum" mob will come down on me...

    Now now.....we're not getting into this Alfa/Fiat bashing again ;)


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    #18
    Lex Luthor
    Registered Users Posts: 11,220 ✭✭✭✭Lex Luthor


    goodluck2me wrote: »
    I was just scanning there for a new car and I'm looking for the following things in one.
    1. Reliabilty
    2. Fun to Drive
    3. Not going to cost an Arm & Leg to insure
    4. Not ridiculously expensive to service.

    is there such a car that you could say ticks the box in all 4 categories?

    What about a Golf GT?


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    #19
    Biro
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,091 ✭✭✭Biro


    Lex Luthor wrote: »
    is there such a car that you could say ticks the box in all 4 categories?

    What about a Golf GT?

    Celica T-Sport would tick all four. Toyota's are a lot cheaper to service from a main dealer than most other brands.


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    #20
    mumhaabu
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,031 ✭✭✭mumhaabu


    I'd stay away from the Focus, they will break you unless you get a genius mechanic as most can't handle them. I'd go for either the VW Golf or A3 with me leaning for the A3 especially a TDI. In other cars I would rate a BMW 3 Series as very good although different from those three.


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    #21
    cjt156
    Registered Users Posts: 2,062 ✭✭✭cjt156


    mumhaabu wrote: »
    I'd stay away from the Focus, they will break you unless you get a genius mechanic as most can't handle them.

    That's a new one on me; one of the most common cars in Europe, if not the world, and you need a specialised mechanic? I'd have thought the exact opposite. Its not like its a Lotus or a Maserati FFS!


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    #22
    Mr.David
    Registered Users Posts: 1,703 ✭✭✭Mr.David


    mumhaabu wrote: »
    I'd stay away from the Focus, they will break you unless you get a genius mechanic as most can't handle them.

    hmm.......:confused:

    Stick to the Duplo mate :D


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    #23
    Goodluck2me
    Registered Users Posts: 5,404 ✭✭✭Goodluck2me


    Limerick-man wrote: »
    I think it's called having mannors, and being grateful for the information. Might want to take a leaf outta their book.




    Are you buying new OP, because i can give details on the Mk5 and Mk4 Golf, but not the Mk6..,

    I thought it might be a bit ironic to thank both of you, but yes, I see you got why. Thought that's what it was for!?

    No I am probably going to get one 3-5 years old, I am not sure what model that is off the top of my head for each of them. Would that change peoples opinions.

    How much were the golf to service?


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    #24
    RobAMerc
    Registered Users Posts: 5,863 ✭✭✭RobAMerc


    I have driven all three and to be honest if your not an out and out enthusiast there is little to tell them apart although to me the Audi feels a bit more special.

    If you are a bit more of a keen driver there is no challenge here the Focus is head and shoulders better than the others.

    I suggest you read a few reviews from car mags - you'll pick up what the testers think is best and why they have come to that conclusion.

    btw - boards.ie is best if you want to start a row between a few people who regurgitate half cocked rubbish they heard in the pub.


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    #25
    Biro
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,091 ✭✭✭Biro


    RobAMerc wrote: »
    I have driven all three and to be honest if your not an out and out enthusiast there is little to tell them apart although to me the Audi feels a bit more special.

    If you are a bit more of a keen driver there is no challenge here the Focus is head and shoulders better than the others.

    I suggest you read a few reviews from car mags - you'll pick up what the testers think is best and why they have come to that conclusion.

    btw - boards.ie is best if you want to start a row between a few people who regurgitate half cocked rubbish they heard in the pub.

    Yep, best post here. Driving dynamics, the Ford has it. Apart from that they're fairly similar. I threw in the Civic cause it deserves to be there.


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    #26
    chrism2007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 371 ✭✭chrism2007


    theres different reasons to buy the three.

    personally id rather the audi because as said already it just feels special
    especially if you going for an 03-04

    anything before that you might aswell be driving a golf

    you just dont feel special driving a focus or a golf. simple as that


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    #27
    Mr.David
    Registered Users Posts: 1,703 ✭✭✭Mr.David


    Oh come on the A3 is a girls car theres no denying it.

    Its all style over substance (my definition of a girls car).


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    #28
    spadder
    Closed Accounts Posts: 985 ✭✭✭spadder


    +1 focus, I've been doing the routine servicing myself, easy car to work on.
    90,000 miles no major problems


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    #29
    Mr.David
    Registered Users Posts: 1,703 ✭✭✭Mr.David


    OP - it depends on what is most important to you. All three have merits and failings.

    The Focus' trump card is its chassis. It is very well setup and is genuinely fun to drive when chosen with the correct engine. However, it is less refined than the Golf/A3 and does feel a step down in terms of quality.

    The golf is a great all rounder, and the mk5 is a big step forward in terms of dynamics. Still not as fun to drive as the Focus but its a nicer place to spend time in and holds its value better. It also has a superb range of engines to choose from.

    The Audi is similar to the golf but more expensive and worse value IMO.


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    #30
    Seth Brundle
    Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 39,848 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle


    offensive posts deleted and users chrism2007 and Mr.David banned for a week


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    #31
    galwaytt
    Registered Users Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    goodluck2me wrote: »
    I was just scanning there for a new car and I'm looking for the following things in one.
    1. Reliabilty
    2. Fun to Drive
    3. Not going to cost an Arm & Leg to insure
    4. Not ridiculously expensive to service.

    Which of these are best

    VW Golf, Audi A3, Ford Focus - any other recommendations?

    Thanks

    You've just eliminated the Golf and A3, there yourself in 1./3./4.........

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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