2012 Audi A3 vs 2016 Renault clio 88kw

[jdepp]

I need some assistance making a purchase decision. I have been looking for a used vehicle with a budget of max R200000. I initially found a 2016 renault clio turbo with 26000km and test drove it. Nice car with comfortable drive and tech extras are a great deal. But I also found a Audi A3 2012 with 90000km and just out of interest when to check it out. Now in full disclosure I am really keen on getting a fast car but it has to be an auto so the wife can drive it, so the renault clio, vw polo gti and similar are my search filters.

The Audi is going for R180000 and I can get the dealer to cut the price as the tires are bad and I see similar vehicles going for between R159k-R180K. The car is awesome, great color & drives well with plucky performance as well. However the mechatronics was replaced a year ago and the Audi plan is expired. My question is this and specifically for those who enjoy driving nice vehicles fast, also bearing in mind that I will never be able to afford a car like this new:

The renault of course makes sense; 4 year warrant left and decent 9 sec performance 0-100km but is there anyone who would consider the Audi (7 sec 0-100) and why? I realize I am looking for validation to purchase the Audi but great to get other ppls perspective as well.

 

[Quicks]

I have heard from a few friend that bought Renaults before. That to try and resale it, is difficult and getting part for it.

 

[jdepp]

I have heard from a few friend that bought Renaults before. That to try and resale it, is difficult and getting part for it.

Heard that too, and amazed at the number of used 2016-2017 models out there. What would be really cool is RS 200 EDC but nothing less than R280K for that.

 

[Sumen]

According to reviews the Clio's Auto Transmission is not good, very sluggish when taking off from standstill

 

[Gtx Gaming]

Does the audi have a s-tronic box? You will be crying once the box fail, it is not cheap!

 

[Muttley]

I would go with the Renault - it just seems like the prudent thing to do.
Chasing that 0-100 KM time and thrill is going to cost you in the long terms.

The Audi is really nice (previously had one), mileage is higher and will no doubt cost you far more to service.

A car with a warranty/service plan in your case makes more sense to me.

 

[Craig_]

I need some assistance making a purchase decision. I have been looking for a used vehicle with a budget of max R200000. I initially found a 2016 renault clio turbo with 26000km and test drove it. Nice car with comfortable drive and tech extras are a great deal. But I also found a Audi A3 2012 with 90000km and just out of interest when to check it out. Now in full disclosure I am really keen on getting a fast car but it has to be an auto so the wife can drive it, so the renault clio, vw polo gti and similar are my search filters.

The Audi is going for R180000 and I can get the dealer to cut the price as the tires are bad and I see similar vehicles going for between R159k-R180K. The car is awesome, great color & drives well with plucky performance as well. However the mechatronics was replaced a year ago and the Audi plan is expired. My question is this and specifically for those who enjoy driving nice vehicles fast, also bearing in mind that I will never be able to afford a car like this new:

The renault of course makes sense; 4 year warrant left and decent 9 sec performance 0-100km but is there anyone who would consider the Audi (7 sec 0-100) and why? I realize I am looking for validation to purchase the Audi but great to get other ppls perspective as well.

Jew the Audi down a bit and ask the dealer to add aftermarket (maybe even OEM) warranty and service plan.

 

[jdepp]

According to reviews the Clio's Auto Transmission is not good, very sluggish when taking off from standstill

yes takes a couple seconds to kick in

 

[Sumen]

Go look at the cars in December, the dealer's need to meet sales target so maybe you can find a car for R210000 - R220000 and negotiate with them to give it to you for R200000

 

[jdepp]

Yes no definitely makes sense to consider long term costs. Have to just accept the fact that at 42, especially in SA, will not be able to afford a premium german hothatch/fast sedan. Unless I am lucky to be one of those 60 year old men driving sporty bmws/mercedes. Thanks for being honest. It's depressing, in that in the US one can own a mustang for under $30000 and experience some real driving pleasure.

 

[jdepp]

Does the audi have a s-tronic box? You will be crying once the box fail, it is not cheap!

is it guaranteed to fail? thought these were sorted out after 2010

 

[Gtx Gaming]

is it guaranteed to fail? thought these were sorted out after 2010

Newer ones are better, but issues can still happen.

Can't remember the guy's nick now, he had issues with his audi s-tronic gearbox and it only had 70k on the clock.

Just make sure when test drive that the gearbox is 100% smooth when shifting.

 

[jdepp]

Go look at the cars in December, the dealer's need to meet sales target so maybe you can find a car for R210000 - R220000 and negotiate with them to give it to you for R200000

I guess so, as long as these are new and fit the preferences. I mean I could purchase a new kia picanto or hyundai i10 for under R200k but who wants to drive one of those everyday.

 

[Gtx Gaming]

Yes no definitely makes sense to consider long term costs. Have to just accept the fact that at 42, especially in SA, will not be able to afford a premium german hothatch/fast sedan. Unless I am lucky to be one of those 60 year old men driving sporty bmws/mercedes. Thanks for being honest. It's depressing, in that in the US one can own a mustang for under $30000 and experience some real driving pleasure.

I might be biased, but go and try bmw 320d f30(2012+) should do the job. Make sure it had auto box, most of them do anyway. 320I is normally cheaper, but the fuel price is sky high and I don't trust engine as much as the diesel.

I took a risk and bought a high mileage one a few months back, so far it has been good to me.

 

[jdepp]

thanks everyone for you input. Guess will keep shopping around for now and see if I can get the dealer to drop the price quite a bit.

 

[ands45]

I would say go for the Audi, they are amazing cars. Just knock the price down a bit and add a aftermarket warranty. Make sure to get a double up warranty to ensure max coverage. Some of the cheaper ones have very low limits. I paid about 9500 for 2year warranty on mine.

 

[EasyUp Web Hosting]

This is just my opinion and I know it's above your budget, but look at the Mazda 2 auto @ Eagle Mazda. They have a special on, which sees the Warranty and Service plan go to 5years/unlimited KMs. This is the one I would get. I have had all sorts of cars and am tired now of struggling with repairs and the high associated costs... Maybe I am just getting old.