Polo GTi Replacement

[brad]

My pick is the Octavia RS

mega practical & with the new model out there should be some deals on existing stock.

I drove my 118tsi Octavia Hatch yesterday for the first time since a major operation last Friday. It's 5 years old & has 130,000km with Bluefin for 80,000km and fresh Eibach springs & Koni Yellows. I just kept thinking "what a great car this is" and all I was doing was driving like an old man (but without causing accidents - LOL)

[Diesel_vert]

My pick is the Octavia RS

At $40,290, he'll either have increase his budget, settle for a used one or negotiate the deal of the century.

[brad]

At $40,290, he'll either have increase his budget, settle for a used one or negotiate the deal of the century.

There's a fair bit of wiggle room in Skoda prices, esp if you are happy to buy 2012 plated demos/exec vehicles. There are two vRS Octavia DSG (wagon & hatch) on carsales at the moment with <2000km for <$34k drive away. That's pretty solid buying considering I paid $30k drive away for my 118tsi m6 in June 2008.

If you want something with <100km on the odo then $38k is the start of negotiations downwards.

One of the guys in the Skoda section got a 90tsi for significantly <$20k IIRC. Right place / right time.

[Diesel_vert]

There's a fair bit of wiggle room in Skoda prices, esp if you are happy to buy 2012 plated demos/exec vehicles. There are two vRS Octavia DSG (wagon & hatch) on carsales at the moment with <2000km for <$34k drive away. That's pretty solid buying considering I paid $30k drive away for my 118tsi m6 in June 2008.

If you want something with <100km on the odo then $38k is the start of negotiations downwards.

One of the guys in the Skoda section got a 90tsi for significantly <$20k IIRC. Right place / right time.

Yep, a demonstrator or near new car is almost always better value, but some people just refuse to buy them.

I don't know how strict he is with the "brand new" requirement though - if he is willing to compromise, he could land some real bargains.

Having said that, he said his budget was "the same/similar price bracket" as a VW Polo GTI (which essentially means under $30k), so even at $38k downwards, the RS variants may be a stretch too far (if it has to be brand new).

[brad]

Fabia vRS
$24k DA hatch
$26k DA wagon

That's a starting price.

Octy still better value

[VWindahouse]

I've limited it to cars with dual clutch gearboxes only, otherwise the list gets too long (or you need more qualifiers).


Alfa Romeo
Giulietta $31,350

Audi
A1 $32,250

Ford
Fiesta $18,990
Focus $22,590
Mondeo $35,490

Hyundai
Veloster $25,990

Mercedes-Benz
A180 $35,600

Renault
Clio (not due until 2014?)
Megane $27,490

Skoda
Fabia $21,290
Octavia $27,290
Roomster $24,790
Yeti $28,590

Volkswagen
Beetle $32,490
Golf $23,990
Jetta $28,990
Tiguan $35,990


Obviously, not all variants are fitted with dual clutch gearboxes - I leave that up to you to find out.

The Alfa's had good reviews and looks the biz!

[Diesel_vert]

Fabia vRS
$24k DA hatch
$26k DA wagon

That's a starting price.

Octy still better value

I was more referring to the Octavia vRS variants. Plus, I forgot about the Fabia's vRS variants.

But since one of his requirements was to get "something different", I can't help but wonder if the Fabia vRS, apart from the body, does offer something genuinely different (but I suppose that's for him to judge).

[Gambit]

So essentially $35k is the absolute limit in terms of budget, and near new demonstrators aint out of the equation, as long as it has less than 2 or 3k km's

Wont be shortlisting the skoda fabia vRS only because it shares the same drivetrain as the polo, i'd much rather get another Polo GTI. I might have to test drive an Octavia vRS.

[fastlane]

Anth, what is your current shortlist?

also +1 on octavia if it comes into price range! Or Golf7 103TSI?

[brad]

They are like a Golf GTI -10%

[Gambit]

TBH another Polo GTI and the new Renault Clio IV.

[fastlane]

Well I'd personally go new Clio! Polo is great, but it isn't any different to your one - unless you get a pano roof, other extras!

[pologti18t]

Well I'd personally go new Clio! Polo is great, but it isn't any different to your one - unless you get a pano roof, other extras!

CLio RS isn't here until early 2014 from last reports.

[gavs]

Polo GTi Replacement

I have another suggestion Anthony.... Something I am now seriously considering as well, it got 2nd in BFYB and except for acceleration it wins over the GTI in all motoring journos eyes. BUT, you will need to change gears yourself...

http://www.opel-australia.com.au/vehicles/opc/opc-models/corsa-opc.html

[brad]

I have another suggestion Anthony.... Something I am now seriously considering as well, it got 2nd in BFYB and except for acceleration it wins over the GTI in all motoring journos eyes. BUT, you will need to change gears yourself...

OPC Models: the products of the Opel Performance Center - Opel Australia

2 doors Gavs. I'd already suggested it.

Here's a thought...

Holden Cruze SRi