What would you choose?

[darkwolf]

So I've come to a cross roads...

I've feel the need for a new car, but the problem comes at the What do I buy Stage.

My key points are quick (not fast, there's a difference), good looking, 1998+, AWD and probably turbo.

So far I have looked seriously at Audi A3s, Volkswagen Golf GTIs, even Alfa Romeo (though these have been struck off as they don't fit most of the things I want). So what else can someone suggest?

Not after anything big, I.E probably a hatch and must be suitable for long distance.

[GTTpower]

Audi A4 1.8T Quattro 1997, pretty cheap too.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Audi/auction-157267045.htm

[rollaholic]

my professional opinion, as a mechanic who works on audis / golfs every day, is dont buy one. at all. A3s / golfs arent as bad as the A4s and passats, but seriously.

of course, you have already made your mind up about that - so, you should be prepared to spend what it costs to maintain it - alot more than most jappas.

also, try and get a NZ new one. whatever happens, dont go for the cheapest option - its probably come from singapore and is more headache than its worth.

[Nuty|Mike]

as the guy above says stay away from vw's/audi's i got mine about 6 months ago and regret it .I sell parts for them and we have a workshop that works on them and we get pretty damn busy.

Stick to toyotas or nissans you wont regret it.

[Urban-Cruiser]

Evo, WRX, S4 Audi.

Remember Euro car parts are expensive because you need to import them most of the time.

I was thinking of buying a Peugeot. Spoke to a lady who owned one. Said she regreted it. All the parts had too be imported. turned me off from buying one. That and the kit I wanted was going to cost $10k to have.

[rollaholic]

peugot = 10x worse than audi / vw.

if you absolutely must have eurotrash, get a bmw.

[Lloyd]

A hatch and good for long distance? Probably not the easiest combination to work with.

As above, I'm not a fan of the Audi/VW stuff as I have to work on it. A lot of parts we have to get do have to come from Singapore, though its usually here in about a week which is better than anything out of Japan. Just with Japanese stuff its usually here already or there is an aftermarket alternative.

And as above again, for the Euro stuff the BMWs seem to be the better of the bunch. While I find most Euro stuff isn't that nice to drive, if you're spending a bit then things do get better. The lower end and smaller the VWs get the worse they are to drive (much like the Mercs really).

Take a few for a spin and see what you reckon. The A3s aren't really a nice car at all, but if you go up to a Passat or the like they get a whole lot better.

What sort of budget?



And Alfa? Hope you got deep pockets
Mmmm..... $6000 repair job due to faulty factory air flow meter
Or the electric roof deciding not to work and the 6 hydraulic rams that control it needing reconditioning at $600 per ram... plus labour... plus repairs to the roof itself... plus GST

[Adamal]

Golf R32? Not turbo, but AWD, and has a hefty displacement for its size.

[rollaholic]

And Alfa? Hope you got deep pockets
Mmmm..... $6000 repair job due to faulty factory air flow meter
Or the electric roof deciding not to work and the 6 hydraulic rams that control it needing reconditioning at $600 per ram... plus labour... plus repairs to the roof itself... plus GST

dont forget $3500 for cambelt + waterpump on a V6

[NZ_AE86]

go Jap, whatever you do!

Audi/VW/Alfa etc etc are all money pits and piles of shit too.

[barryogen]

to fit into your requirements(although not 4/AWD), the VW/Audi Golf/A3 1.8T would cover it... but it's not that much fun... I was looking at them, and ended up buying an Altezza(RS).

[tsoob]

Golf R32? Not turbo, but AWD, and has a hefty displacement for its size.

great car but very pricey... buy an evo man has all the requirements and is gonna be faster

[bbq1988]

Golf GTI

[sergei]

Don't get euros. R32s are overrated and slow, GTIs are slow unreliable shite. Get something japanese.

[sleeektoy]

Toyota Blade Master

3.5L V6 corolla - R32 beater

[barryogen]

Toyota Blade Master
3.5L V6 corolla - R32 beater

NA Auto FWD only... They didn't specify manual, but it's out on the other points. They are quick once you have traction though

[sleeektoy]

ah right - quick read didnt soak up the awd/turbo bit

i guess a Caldina GT-Four N Edition, would be the nicest one that fits the bill then, although a bit big

[MikeMan]

Personally for me in that sort of requirement set I would drop the hatch and go for a GSR EVO or non-STi WRX.

[pjay]

Golf RGTI

[Nuty|Mike]

whats a golf rgti ?