New car advice

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Enigma_

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Allo Guys

Firstly, if there is already something that answers the below, I probably didn't see it.

Hoping someone can help me here. I'm looking for some advice on a car purchase. I have a toss up between purchasing a new vehicle, or purchasing a more powerful second hand vehicle.

Here is my situation:

I'm gatvol of my current car, it's driving me nuts with all the rattling, knocking sounds, and general issues one shouldn't really need to be facing with a relatively new car (was bought new, 1.5yrs ago).

I'm aiming to study full-time in 2016, so I need something decent that will last me at least three years without having to fork out large amounts of cash to fix it.

What I'm looking at:

I've been looking at the new Polo 1.2TSI Highline DSG. While it's a fantastic car with all the trimmings/bells and whistles that I need, I'm curious to see what else may be a good buy at that price. I am looking for something that might be a little more powerful (more than 81KW). But that DSG gearbox is awesome!

What I don't want:

  • Anything with more than 30,000KM's on the clock as it needs to last
  • Car without a maintenance plan/warranty
  • Ford - Heard bad things about interior build quality, is this true?
  • Don't want anything older than 2 years.

Is it worth buying a new vehicle? or should I rather save the cash and get something second-hand?

Any advice for a relatively inexperienced car buyer? :P
 
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I bought a 1 year old with 16000km, 1.8 TSI with 7 speed DSG, for that price. 118 kW, MASSIVE boot and lots of luxuries. Just saying...
 
I would buy a Fiesta ST, no questions asked. But Ford isn't part of what you want. But yeah, that would have been my choice. My fiance has a 2007 fiesta 1.4. That car has gone to the kruger and travelled on many a dirt road there. There are no rattles in that car, not even one. I absolutely love the build quality of them Fords. Especially the Fiestas.
 
Quantum Theory said:
I bought a 1 year old with 16000km, 1.8 TSI with 7 speed DSG, for that price. 118 kW, MASSIVE boot and lots of luxuries. Just saying...
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Sounds like quite a deal, must be a VW or Audi? Which one did you get?

Type RSA said:
I would buy a Fiesta ST, no questions asked. But Ford isn't part of what you want. But yeah, that would have been my choice. My fiance has a 2007 fiesta 1.4. That car has gone to the kruger and travelled on many a dirt road there. There are no rattles in that car, not even one. I absolutely love the build quality of them Fords. Especially the Fiestas.
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Thanks, I'll check it out, quite well priced. But as they say, 'goed koop is deur koop' engines are great, but interior quality is the concern. I want to avoid the rattles and hard plasticky feel as much as possible.
 
Enigma_ said:
Sounds like quite a deal, must be a VW or Audi? Which one did you get?
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Demo Passat, from VW... Also comes standard with a maintenance plane and not a service plan, unlike all the vehicles below it. This was a few months ago.
 
Enigma_ said:
Thanks, I'll check it out, quite well priced. But as they say, 'goed koop is deur koop' engines are great, but interior quality is the concern. I want to avoid the rattles and hard plasticky feel as much as possible.
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I think you should go and drive one, you will be pleasantly surprised.
 
Relly have a good look at the Fiesta ST. I have had mine since June last year, 45 000 kms on the clock and no rattles. It's also VERY economical. I get easily 650kms on a tank (45L).
 
What you need is something German, but not boring. I suggest the new Astra.
If you have a dislike for rattles then do not buy and VW/Audi.
 
If you're a big fan of VW , You can get a 2013 - 2014 VW Golf instead of a Polo with mileage under 1600km or less or a new Golf one if you spend more time shopping around.

Your other options are the New Mazda3 or second hand BMW 1 Series or Audi A1. It's a pity Ford is not on your list otherwise I would recommend Ford Fiesta ST.
The new Mazda3 or Ford Fiesta ST would be a better choice than VW Polo.
 
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if the OP don't mind me jumping in as I am in a similar position - my trusty old BMW is starting to cost money now after 12yrs of flawless sheer driving pleasure :(

was thinking of a new Volvo s40

2nd range rover evoque

or 2nd hand 330d / 530d

not to sure about 2nd hand diesels though?

want power and automatic this time

any thoughts?
 
Jaguar XF... 3.0D

If you're considering a sedan.. diesel, power and automatic... :D


(Yes, I'm a Jaguar whore now I know, but they're so gorgeous)
 
Rouxenator said:
I am surprised you can get good ones for less than R250k! Fully agree with you about Jags, they are eye candy - and it does not end there.
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Thats precisely why I'm such a Jag whore now...2nd hand they're GREAT value for money...
 
Where do you find a Jaguar XF not older than 2 years with a mileage under 3000km for under R250k?
 
Thanks. Busy digging through some reviews on the Fiesta ST, it looks pretty awesome, although I'm not sure a 2 door is practical, then again, it's not a train smash.

Ye, don't think a Jag is quite in my price range :P

I'm looking for something newish, preferably an automatic (tiptronic) and preferably above 80KW. These cars are probably what I'm looking at:

-New Polo 81KW DSG
-Audi A1 S-tronic (probably would need to be second hand)
-Polo GTI
-Fiesta ST

Most of these I'd be looking at a demo model, as it knocks some price off. Main concern with getting used (and I'm probably wrong) is that you don't know where the car has been, or how it's been handled, resale value may be less as it's older, and warranty might not cover the 3 years from now.
 
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Enigma_ said:
Shot for the info all. Busy digging through some reviews on the Fiesta ST, it looks pretty awesome, although I'm not sure a 2 door is practical, then again, it's not a train smash.

Ye, don't think a Jag is quite in my price range :P

I'm looking for something newish, preferably an automatic (tiptronic) and preferably above 80KW. These cars are probably what I'm looking at:

-New Polo 81KW DSG
-Audi A1 S-tronic (probably would need to be second hand)
-Polo GTI
-Fiesta ST

Most of these I'd be looking at a demo model, as it knocks some price off. Main concern with getting used (and I'm probably wrong) is that you don't know where the car has been, or how it's been handled, resale value may be less as it's older, and warranty might not cover the 3 years from now.
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I would avoid the A1, as the Polo offers a better package for the price
Polo GTI (the 1.4 twin charged variant) is a great little car, but some models have issues, and having both a turbo and supercharger on can leave it vulnerable to abuse
Fiesta ST is also a solid option

The current polo is a great car to be honest. 81 kw isn't super fast, but I manage more than comfortably with 90kw in a bigger car (A3 sedan) due to how well the gearbox does the task.

A 2nd hand passat does offer great value for money, but is a bit of a big car. I'll be upgrading to one in a few years myself, would be the upcoming B8 model though and not the current one.
 
Why not a fiesta ecoboost titanium?

4 doors, great gadgets, 92kw and so much fun to drive. I love mine
 
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