Hello peeps. I last cane you when I was moving over form a BMW and you gave me some stellar advice to avoid the 2.0ltr petrol MKI  and go for the 1.9 TDI manual. I took that advice and picked one up with 88,000 in 2010. Now, 8 years later and with 252,000 on the clock, it's still going strong!

However, I do like the look of the MKIII and want to start looking for a replacement. 

 

Any models/trims I should definitely stay away from? I do like the idea of an automatic now, but is it just down to personal choice on the trims, or is there anything i should avoid or definitely must have?

 

Can't afford brand new, so it will have to be 2nd hand. Still not convinced with a PCP with the mileage I do.

 

Many thanks guys.

4 hours ago, syanide said:

Hello peeps. I last cane you when I was moving over form a BMW and you gave me some stellar advice to avoid the 2.0ltr petrol MKI  and go for the 1.9 TDI manual. I took that advice and picked one up with 88,000 in 2010. Now, 8 years later and with 252,000 on the clock, it's still going strong!

However, I do like the look of the MKIII and want to start looking for a replacement. 

 

Any models/trims I should definitely stay away from? I do like the idea of an automatic now, but is it just down to personal choice on the trims, or is there anything i should avoid or definitely must have?

 

Can't afford brand new, so it will have to be 2nd hand. Still not convinced with a PCP with the mileage I do.

 

Many thanks guys.

You will find a noticeable difference in comfort and refinement going from a MkI to a MKIII.  I think all models are fine apart from the 125bhp 1.4 petrol which would be very underpowered.  The 150tdi is probably still the best all rounder and is very refined compared to the old 1.9tdi.  All the petrol engines seem to be great (judging from comments by owners on here) but obviously more thirsty.  Anything mid-spec (SE) upwards has most of the key spec you'll need.  The DSG gearboxes are all good now and any issues with those boxes have been well sorted now since the MKII.  The larger wheels (especially 19") might give a firm ride so just watch for that.  The higher spec models (SE L up) will get you lots of nice spec but make sure everything works as there is a lot of tech on the MkIII.  Also those models come with bi-xenon lights and LED daytime lights which really make a difference to the aesthetics and of course make driving at night safer.

 

Good luck with your search!

Yep, depends on your budget and what you can afford. I guess with mileage u do as op mentioned the 150 tdi would prob best suit your needs with the dsg box. So will then come down to what trim level you want. 

1 hour ago, Adrian55555 said:

Yep, depends on your budget and what you can afford. I guess with mileage u do as op mentioned the 150 tdi would prob best suit your needs with the dsg box. So will then come down to what trim level you want. 

Thanks guys. I thought I'd got my head round the trims....but then just came across a SE Technology!! Looks like an SE with a Sat Nav?

 

I've only ever spent a couple of grand on cars in the past, but I know for a mark 3, I'm going to have to dig a lot deeper. 

 

The MK1 was so much simpler with the 3 trims!!

Yeah but you will notice a huge difference from the mk1!  Ive had mine nearly 3 months and absolutely love it!  Have you had a look at any in a showroom? 

Not yet. I drove an auto about a year ago on hire for a few days. Loved it. Just got to make the numbers work, but it's no.1 on my list. Didn't want to open the showroom monster yet, until I've don't my homework and know a bit more about the car, before they try and baffle me. 

Ah right so u have seen and driven one!  Yeah any info u want to know guys here will im sure help! 

Really helpful, thank you. As I said, I've never bought from a dealer and as im not looking for brand new, is dealer the best place to buy one from? And, is the choice between 'buying' and a 'PCP' a cashflow decision? I'd do a fair few miles each year and have ingrained in me the 'ownership' gene, but happy to consider the merits or otherwise of monthly. 

 

Many thanks

Kam

From a main dealer you get get 12 months warranty on all used cars of they are out of manufacturers warranty, if it has a few months left of manufacturers warranty it gets topped up with the extended warranty so u get the full 12 months.  So there is more peace of mind.  

 

All used cars also get a full multi point inspection check before it can be sold. Any items that need doing eg if brakes are really low, tyres below 3m etc these generally get done (but still check as not all dealers are the same)  a service will be done as well if its due before sale.  (again check this and make sure they do it at THEIR cost if it hasnt been done)

 

If you do a lot of miles pcp may not be the route to go, the more miles u do the higher the monthly cost generally. And if u go over theres is a penalty usually "x" pence per mile. 

 

Hth

absolutely excellent, thanks. I'm now down to 2 '65' plate models. Both got 29k miles on the clock, one is an SE Executive at £15k and the other is L&K at £18k!!

 

Question is is L&K worth the extra £3k?

L&k u get a hell of a lot more over se exec... 

 

All assist systems, heated screen, dcc, etc etc.  It depends if u want all that as to whether its worth it really. But for me id have l&k definately

2 minutes ago, Adrian55555 said:

L&k u get a hell of a lot more over se exec... 

 

All assist systems, heated screen, dcc, etc etc.  It depends if u want all that as to whether its worth it really. But for me id have l&k definately

 

But IIRC don't you do only 2k a year? Cost per mile must be horrendous.

On a 65 plate L&K sure for the TV alone

No i do around 7-8k a year. 

1 minute ago, Bud said:

On a 65 plate L&K sure for the TV alone

Why on a 65 plate? It's on all MK3 l&k models isn't it?

No they removed it on later models, cant remember which MY it was. 

Wow. Glad I asked!!! Making it harder to choose - eek!!! 

 

What does the CR or SCR mean in the title/description of the cars?

TV not on MY17 I think I just missed out.

 

CR - Common Rail

SCR - Selective Catalyst Reduction

Sweet.....

 

Good news ....just in the process of securing the L&K 65 plate. Exciting.....

 

Now to see what I can do with my 52 plate MK1 with 252,400 on the clock. Surely plenty of spares on it for a happy home?