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A3 V's BMW 1 series

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09-05-2005 9:37am

#1

edmund_f

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Which is better?, why?
thanks

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#2 09-05-2005 9:52am
prospect

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Alfa 147

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#3 09-05-2005 10:14am
Big Nelly

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GF bought an 1.6 A3 and its a lovely car......get the one with all the extra's if possible(sun roof and so on)....think they are called Attraction.......nice car anyway and lovely to drive!! was spinning around in it yesterday!!!

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#4 09-05-2005 10:21am
jay567

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Always liked the A3, but after a few months of seeing the bmw, have to say its my new fav car in that class. Very stylish.
reason, none. just like it alot.

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#5 09-05-2005 10:23am
prospect

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Didn't the 1 series come paddy last in the european car of the year test?

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#6 09-05-2005 10:47am
edmund_f

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is the 1 the only one in its class with rear wheel drive?. Assuming that a 5 series is better than an A6, a 3 series better than an A4, thus the 1 series would be better (and more expensive) than an A3?
Ignoring styling, and for example, just comparing the diesels, ignoring all the other cars in the same group, just for example, if there was a brand new 1 series and a brand new A3, both the same spec and diesel which one would you drive away in?, why

Thanks

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#7 09-05-2005 12:09pm
aodh_rua

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I've just bought a new A3 to replace my 02 one. I did consider a 1 series, and I took one for a test drive but I didn't like it. The cabin is cramped - the B pillar is very close to the driver's shoulder and I'd say anyone over 6ft would have trouble. The boot is also really small. I can't say I liked the drive either - although the car I drove was fresh into the dealers and so was super stiff.

On the positive - if you are willing to pay, you get some nice toys and the interior is well styled even though it is cramped.

The A3 is cheaper assuming you're going for the 3 door, seems roomier inside and I think it has nice styling.

One last thing - the BMW dealer was awful. He was all 'you want to drive a B-M-W!' and 'what's stopping you from buying this car to-day'. Complete tosser - almost a caricature of what you'd expect.

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#8 09-05-2005 12:17pm
full forward

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THe A3 is about to get the same nose as the sportback so hold out for that if you can. I personally think the A3 looks nicer than the 1 series. Im buying an A4 diesel myself.

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#9 09-05-2005 12:19pm
magpie

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They're both VW Golfs for people who don't think Golfs are expensive enough.

A fool and his money are easily parted.

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#10 09-05-2005 12:59pm
PaddyFagan

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I'd agree with aodh rua, re the internal space of the 1 series.

If your heart is set on one, my wife had a good experience with the guys at Frank Keane BMW on the Naas road (she bought a Mini there).

I'm in the process of changing my car, and considered both of these before deciding that I wanted a little more grunt for my money and ordered a Skoda Octavia vRS

Paddy

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#11 09-05-2005 1:40pm
prospect

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PaddyFagan wrote:

Skoda Octavia vRS

NICE, fair play.....

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#12 09-05-2005 2:09pm
edmund_f

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good point about the Skoda's, must take a trip to my local dealer...

thanks

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#13 09-05-2005 2:44pm
RicardoSmith

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If its between an A3 and the BMW1 I'd go with the A3. While the BMW1 is probably a better drive, personally I just think its ugly, and really the space in it is poor. I love the look of the A3's myself, inside and out.

I don't think I'd go for either myself though. I'd prefer a good 2nd hand 3 series BMW coupe or 4 dr to either. Better drive, more space, and to my eyes better looking. The Skoda Octavia vRS is nice, but its not rear wheel drive. Which is something that either floats your boat or doesn't. Its also a performance car, is that what you are looking for?

edmund_f wrote:

good point about the Skoda's, must take a trip to my local dealer...thanks

So your not just looking at the A3 and 1 then?

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#14 09-05-2005 4:17pm
joeL

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aodh_rua, did you pick up your new A3 yet? Collected mine about a fortnight ago now - loving it so far, a great motor...

Here's a pic of mine, for those interested in an A3:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/joeA3/be6aeb11.jpg

Also, I checked out the 1 series too at the time. I thought the interior was dreadful. Granted, it was probably the entry level version I sat in, but the plastics seemed cheap, even compared to my old Focus! And I'm not the tallest in the world, and I found it snug to say the least!

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#15 09-05-2005 4:28pm
aodh_rua

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Not yet Joe - but I think it's the same as yours a black Ambition.

It's due to leave the plant this week and hopefully it'll get to me by the end of the month. Galway dealers must have the inside track!

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#16 09-05-2005 4:38pm
joeL

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It'll be worth the wait...!
Careful with the black paint though - it scratches if you look at it cross-ways! I've noticed a few little marks on mine already...

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#17 09-05-2005 7:19pm
PaddyFagan

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RicardoSmith wrote:

... The Skoda Octavia vRS is nice, but its not rear wheel drive. Which is something that either floats your boat or doesn't. Its also a performance car, is that what you are looking for? ...

I can't answer for anyone else, but I fell for the Octavia - it probably helps that I'm pushing 30, with 7 years claim free driving and my insurance company didn't go nuts at the prospect

I'm also changing cars because we have a new baby and my Megane Coupe wasn't up to the space requirements... So given I have to get rid of a car I like, honest!, I decided to buy one I'd enjoy driving....

Paddy

PS <Cheap plug> Anyone want to buy an 03 Megane Coupe (old style), reduced to €14,750 - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=234555

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#18 10-05-2005 7:50pm
eljono

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1 series is one of the most repulsive new cars out there. I really don't understand it when people say that they think it looks nice. Is the badge that blinding or do some people honestly, hand on heart think it's nice?

Sorry, rant over. A3 is nicer!

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#19 10-05-2005 10:38pm
RicardoSmith

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PaddyFagan wrote:

I can't answer for anyone else, but I fell for the Octavia - it probably helps that I'm pushing 30, with 7 years claim free driving and my insurance company didn't go nuts at the prospect

I'm also changing cars because we have a new baby and my Megane Coupe wasn't up to the space requirements... So given I have to get rid of a car I like, honest!, I decided to buy one I'd enjoy driving....

Paddy

PS <Cheap plug> Anyone want to buy an 03 Megane Coupe (old style), reduced to €14,750 - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=234555

What kinda quote did you get on the RS?

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#20 11-05-2005 7:37am
PaddyFagan

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RicardoSmith wrote:

What kinda quote did you get on the RS?

About 400 over my existing policy for a full year (bringing it up to 1200 - but www.tesco.ie is quoting me about 800 for a full year, my renewal is up in October so I looks like I'll be moving my insurance then)

Paddy

PS That's full comp, open drive and full no claims protection.

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