I've already posted this over a SCN, but I'll repost here for a wider audience.

My current car is a Fabia vRS, which I'm very pleased with. However, an ongoing back problem means that I find working the clutch hard work in traffic- not that the clutch is heavy.

Anyway, this means that realistically I need an automatic car.

Given my criteria:

1. Preferably VAG group.

2. Diesel

3. Relatively short (I have a short driveway and the Leon will just fit- an Octy is too long, I think)

4. Max budget 12k, preferably less

It seems the Leon DSG is a good match, with Golf another. I think the A3 is too expensive, really.

Any comments or suggestions?

The Roomster?

The Roomster?

Doesn't have an auto/DSG option for the diesel.

If your determined to stick with VAG then I believe you have listed your 3 main choices there if you can't move up a size due to drveway issues....

If your not doing a huge mileage then maybe a Golf GTi DSG? The petrol turbos ones are coming down in price lately, you may have to spend a little more but it really is a cracking drive.

If your not doing a huge mileage then maybe a Golf GTi DSG? The petrol turbos ones are coming down in price lately, you may have to spend a little more but it really is a cracking drive.

I'd agree if mileage isn't going to be big... if it is and a deisel is the only option then the 2.0 TDI (140 or 170nhp) GT DSG would be worth considering.

However, an ongoing back problem means that I find working the clutch hard work in traffic- not that the clutch is heavy.

I would have thought ride comfort might come into the equation with a back problem, in which case the Golf might be better as it rides more softly than the Seats.

I would have thought ride comfort might come into the equation with a back problem, in which case the Golf might be better as it rides more softly than the Seats.

No, oddly enough. It's a problem that makes my left leg go all numb after a lot of clutch work, so the bumps and crashes aren't an issue.

Thanks everyone so far. I think Golf/Leon is the way to go. MPG is an issue, so the petrols might be out of the frame.

TBH the golf gti is surprisingly economical. You'll get 40mpg on a long run if you're cruising.

Fabia Sport 1.9 tdi Mrs Stig and I love hers Recomend that you get it with the upgraded brakes and ESP.

Fabia Sport 1.9 tdi Mrs Stig and I love hers Recomend that you get it with the upgraded brakes and ESP.

Does that come in an auto/dsg?

Does that come in an auto/dsg?

Nope...

In all honesty, with the spec and size of car required plus the requirments of a diesel auto I personally think you'd be hard pushed to beat a Mk V Golf GT 2.0TDI

TBH the golf gti is surprisingly economical. You'll get 40mpg on a long run if you're cruising.

Thing is though you'll need to fill it with V Power or something similar, its a cost that is often forgotten about

TBH the golf gti is surprisingly economical. You'll get 40mpg on a long run if you're cruising.

Trouble is, cruising in the Fabia I can see 55-60 mpg. My average commute sees 47-ish, as it's urban, then motorway at [cough] mph, so I'd imagine a petrol Golf doing 30-35 mpg in those conditions.

TBH the golf gti is surprisingly economical. You'll get 40mpg on a long run if you're cruising.

I've only seen the right side of 30mpg once on mine over a whole trip. Average tank mpg is around mid twenties and that's not hammering the car either :eek:

No idea how good Motorpoint are but they have a few of these dotted around their branches:

Auto Trader UK - SEAT LEON 2.0 16V TDI Stylance Sport DSG

Look alright for the price, one of the best colours for the Leon too, apart from Luna Grey of course!

Or one of these:

Auto Trader UK - MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS C220 CDI SE 3dr Auto Diesel Sport Coupe

Or these:

Auto Trader UK - BMW 1 SERIES 120d SE 5dr Automatic

A3's aren't too expensive:

Auto Trader UK - Audi A3 2.0 200bhp SPORT TDI DSG - HYBRID TURBO - LEATHER

Golf with full leather and the all important rear bumper colour coded

Autotrader - Volkswagen Golf MK5 Hatchback 5-Dr 1968 cc 2.0 TDI GT DSG

I think I would have the Audi out of that selection.

Edited 26 September, 200817 yr by DaveI

Or one of these:

Auto Trader UK - MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS C220 CDI SE 3dr Auto Diesel Sport Coupe

I think the C class is too long. :(

I imagine the SCN folk would know more about this, but it looks like the new Seat Ibiza has DSG as an option.

(See here for instance.)

Dunno if it's available with diesel though?

I imagine the SCN folk would know more about this, but it looks like the new Seat Ibiza has DSG as an option.

(See here for instance.)

Dunno if it's available with diesel though?

I'd be down the showroom now, but no DSG or diesel yet :(

What I have done is test-driven a Leon 140TDI DSG Sport. Very impressed.

I have asked about the Leon on SCN- I've been a member there for years.

Wheelbase Garage Ltd : Audi A3 2.0 Sport TDI DSG ?

Steve