You might not have noticed, but the MQB-based Audi A3 has become a little long in the tooth.
Launched in 2013 and refreshed in 2016, it’s just starting on the downhill slope towards the end of its life, with a new one due next year.
But although it may be getting on a bit, the A3 is no less of a car. The smart, beautifully built interior remains, as does Audi’s slick MMI infotainment system and, on later models, the option to have a Virtual Cockpit. As with all MQB models, the A3 is a cracking thing to drive, too, with crisp handling and a comfortable ride, and it’s spacious.
What’s more, it looks like its age is now causing slightly higher first-year depreciation, with the result that nearly new A3s are starting to look very tempting indeed.
Take the one pictured below. It’s a 2018 car in desirable Sport trim with just 1600 miles on the clock – in short, all but a brand-new car. Under the bonnet sits a 1.0-litre TFSI turbo petrol engine, which, while hardly a ball of fire, is pokey enough and should offer diesel-like fuel economy without the potential for nasty congestion charges that might be coming down the line.
Yet the Audi franchise selling the car is asking just £18,362 for it – a hefty saving over the £23,000-odd a brand-new example would cost you. What’s more, you don’t have to wait for it as you would with a new car. You can walk in off the street and drive it away. Not bad for a car that, despite its age, remains one of the smartest and most desirable premium hatchbacks out there.
Find a used Audi A3 on PistonHeads
BMW 645Ci £5995
That styling is still controversial, but the second-generation 6 Series’ looks certainly appear to have mellowed with time. Or is it familiarity? Either way, you can’t fault a proper BMW grand tourer with a thumping 328bhp V8 petrol engine – especially at less than six grand.
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Punchy VTEC performance?
Well not exactly, the VTEC on those Civics is for economy and operates between 1500-3500rpm. As for the A3, they have definitely been dropping in value and are significantly cheaper than an equivalent A Class. Just avoid the 1.0TFSI and upgrade to the 1.4 or 1.5TFSI for worthwhile extra power.
Tough times for the trade
Presumably the Audi A3 has been pre-registered as a result of the need to sell models not homologated to the new WLTP rules? Either way, it represents a 20% discount today's new price - and must make it even harder for the Audi dealer to sell a new one sitting alongside. So, it's odds on that another A3 will be sold heavily discounted or pre-registered thus beginning a vicious cycle which the German brands were once immune to.
The 30-year old 205GTi looks a cracker, but pictures always flatter - so it would be interesting to know what's lurking beneath?
Discounts
You can get whacking great discounts on most Audi models - We drove our new £31k out of the dealer for £25k - a similar 19% off. Use sites like Broadspeed/Drive the Deal etc as a starting point for negotiations.
TT
Should have mentioned the model..
BMW best of the best
With the exception of the RS all these cars seem to have a fair VFM element attached. BMW stands out though
xxxx wrote:
Such highly tuned laser guided focus on what really matters...you should write for Autocar...wait...you already do...boring, uninformative drivel, that we could very well live without. TwIT