Seat or Audi

[Glosphil]

I intend to change my car early in 2016. I currently own a March 2012 Skoda Octavia vRS CR DSG. As my mileage has dropped from over 13K/year to nearer 8-9K I am almost certainly changing back to a petrol car.

I have narrowed down my choice to two cars:

New Leon FR 1.8TSI DSG (5 door or perhaps ST)

12-15month old A3 Sport 1.8TFSI DSG Sportsback


Seat and Audi seem to give the same engine slightly different identification names - 1.8TSI v 1.8TFSI !

Any comments on which would be the best buy, and why?

As the car will have DSG I plan to extend the warranty to 5 years. I assume the warranty will cover more if it is taken out when purchasing a new car (Seat) rather than added to a part way through warranty (Audi).

I have yet to have a decent length test drive in either car but a brief 'it in & 'climb over' of each car leads me to believe that the front seats of the Audi are superior.

 

[hilly81]

Reading this: http://www.eurosquad.in/threads/tsi-vs-tfsi-vs-fsi.18/ they appear to be slightly different engines.

 

[Glosphil]

Despite what is said in the link you posted I don't believe that the 1.8 engines fitted to the Seat Leon and Audi A3 are different and that one has 2 turbos!

However, Seat quote 180ps (5100-6200rpm) and 250Nm (1250-5000)
and Audi quote 180ps (4500-6200rpm) and 280Nm (1350-4500)

 

[lm_92]

I intend to change my car early in 2016. I currently own a March 2012 Skoda Octavia vRS CR DSG. As my mileage has dropped from over 13K/year to nearer 8-9K I am almost certainly changing back to a petrol car.

I have narrowed down my choice to two cars:

New Leon FR 1.8TSI DSG (5 door or perhaps ST)

12-15month old A3 Sport 1.8TFSI DSG Sportsback


Seat and Audi seem to give the same engine slightly different identification names - 1.8TSI v 1.8TFSI !

Any comments on which would be the best buy, and why?

As the car will have DSG I plan to extend the warranty to 5 years. I assume the warranty will cover more if it is taken out when purchasing a new car (Seat) rather than added to a part way through warranty (Audi).

I have yet to have a decent length test drive in either car but a brief 'it in & 'climb over' of each car leads me to believe that the front seats of the Audi are superior.

Is the future selling price an issue for you? Aside from fuel, insurance, tax etc, the true cost of running the car is its depreciation. A used Audi will depreciate much more slowly than a brand new Leon. The A3 will have superior perceived build quality in its cabin, whereas the Leon will likely come with more tech/kit. It depends what you see as a priority really - both great cars though!

 

[Stagsfell]

As far as I know the engines are the same but VW Group (as we now know!) seem to keep changing figures eg I have 2 Leon brochures which both quote slightly different torque@rpm figures and my handbook is slightly different again.

I did a similar exercise on the cars a year or so ago but comparing new with new, in the specs youre looking at, driving both in DSG/S-tronic form several times, before deciding on the Leon ( though I opted for manual in the end).

Not a lot in it - from memory the A3 was marginally quieter and the Leon slightly sharper to drive. I don't get on with the electric parking brake so a point in favour of the Leon for me, but the biggest issue was price. At the time, the cost to spec an A3 Sport to the level of a Leon FR (with free Tech Pack) would have got me into a Cupra.

Although the gap is not as great as previous models, I thought the A3 still just felt "nicer" - depends how important this is to you.

On depreciation, hard to predict until the "emissions scandal" is resolved, but (particularly as you are talking "nearly new") would suspect the A3 might be better in this regard. Some years ago I had the previous model Sportback for 5 years from new and got half what I paid for it at trade in (and with a good discount on the new car) but I doubt the Leon will do as well.

Back on engines, like you I had driven diesel for many years and do find I miss the torque. I see the 1.8 in the latest Polo GTI/Ibiza Cupra has a significant torque increase - the Leon/A3 could have done with it.

 

[Glosphil]

As far as I know the engines are the same but VW Group (as we now know!) seem to keep changing figures eg I have 2 Leon brochures which both quote slightly different torque@rpm figures and my handbook is slightly different again.

I did a similar exercise on the cars a year or so ago but comparing new with new, in the specs youre looking at, driving both in DSG/S-tronic form several times, before deciding on the Leon, though I opted for manual in the end.

Not a lot in it - from memory the A3 was marginally quieter and the Leon slightly sharper to drive. I don't get on with the electric parking brake so a point in favour of the Leon for me, but the biggest issue was price. At the time, the cost to spec an A3 Sport to the level of a Leon FR (with free Tech Pack) would have got me into a Cupra.

Although the gap is not as great as previous models, I thought the A3 stlil just felt "nicer" - depends how important this is to you.


On depreciation, hard to predict until the "emissions scandal" is resolved, but (particularly as you are talking "nearly new") would suspect the A3 might be better in this regard. Some years ago I had the previous model Sportback for 5 years from new and got half what I paid for it at trade in (and with a good discount on the new car) but I doubt the Leon will do as well.

Back on engines, like you I had driven diesel for many years and do find I miss the torque. I see the 1.8 in the latest Polo GTI/Ibiza Cupra has a significant torque increase - the Leon/A3 could have done with it.

Depreciation is a good point. Since coming out of company cars I have always bought cars 12-15 months old to avoid the initial big depreciation drop in value. Certainly a 12-15 month old A3 will be worth more after 4-5 years than a new Leon although purchase price will be very similar.

I do prefer the A3 to the Leon, although an extended test drive may change my mind! However, being able to choose my exact spec. and having a decent extended warranty are in a new Leon's favour over a used A3. The biggest problem with the A3 is the relatively small size of the boot, even in Sportsback 5-door form. With the Leon this can be overcome by buying the ST version (and that is still smaller than my current Octavia).

I believe that the A3 is to receive the uprated 1.8 engine soon so perhaps it will also be fitted to the Leon?

 

[Stagsfell]

Depreciation is a good point. Since coming out of company cars I have always bought cars 12-15 months old to avoid the initial big depreciation drop in value. Certainly a 12-15 month old A3 will be worth more after 4-5 years than a new Leon although purchase price will be very similar.

I do prefer the A3 to the Leon, although an extended test drive may change my mind! However, being able to choose my exact spec. and having a decent extended warranty are in a new Leon's favour over a used A3. The biggest problem with the A3 is the relatively small size of the boot, even in Sportsback 5-door form. With the Leon this can be overcome by buying the ST version (and that is still smaller than my current Octavia).

I believe that the A3 is to receive the uprated 1.8 engine soon so perhaps it will also be fitted to the Leon?

Yes, I've also seen that, also mention of ACT being fitted - too late for me this time though!

BTW, if boot size is important, why not go for another vRS but petrol - or did you fancy a change? (Funnily enough we were really keen on the Octavia but it was too big for us - wouldn't fit where we need to park whereas we can JUST squeeze in an A3 or Leon!.)

 

[Glosphil]

Yes, I've also seen that, also mention of ACT being fitted - too late for me this time though!

BTW, if boot size is important, why not go for another vRS but petrol - or did you fancy a change? (Funnily enough we were really keen on the Octavia but it was too big for us - wouldn't fit where we need to park whereas we can JUST squeeze in an A3 or Leon!.)

The Octavia vRS has just got too big and has suffered a (to me unjustified) price hike. Ride is also poor. With advancing age that is getting more important to me.

The 180ps of the 1.8 is enough for me; I don't need the 220ps of the Octavia vRS. Too be honest I probably don't NEED (but want) the 180ps of the 1.8 either!

 

[Stagsfell]

The Octavia vRS has just got too big and has suffered a (to me unjustified) price hike. Ride is also poor. With advancing age that is getting more important to me.

The 180ps of the 1.8 is enough for me; I don't need the 220ps of the Octavia vRS. Too be honest I probably don't NEED (but want) the 180ps of the 1.8 either!

My age/osteoarthritis is also rapidly advancing so that's an interesting comment on the Octavia! Can say that we have had no comfort issues with the Leon FR and the car is mostly driven on pretty poor roads up the Yorkshire dales! (I stuck with 17" wheels so can't comment on larger sizes.)

(NB I have no issue with the outright power on the 1.8, when wound up over 4,000rpm it goes very well, but that bit more torque low down would be a great help when overtaking on said dales roads!)

 

[lm_92]

Depreciation is a good point. Since coming out of company cars I have always bought cars 12-15 months old to avoid the initial big depreciation drop in value. Certainly a 12-15 month old A3 will be worth more after 4-5 years than a new Leon although purchase price will be very similar.

I do prefer the A3 to the Leon, although an extended test drive may change my mind! However, being able to choose my exact spec. and having a decent extended warranty are in a new Leon's favour over a used A3. The biggest problem with the A3 is the relatively small size of the boot, even in Sportsback 5-door form. With the Leon this can be overcome by buying the ST version (and that is still smaller than my current Octavia).

I believe that the A3 is to receive the uprated 1.8 engine soon so perhaps it will also be fitted to the Leon?

I think when buying a new car, the heart eventually rules the head. To me, it sounds like you prefer the A3, and with the lower depreciation costs you can justify it with your head too. Buy whichever you really want, you only live once!

 

[robin cur]

On look alone Leon wins hands down, maintenance costs will be a lot higher on the Audi.

 

[kiddo]

I hope you're not expecting an unbiased opinion from a seat forum on whether to chose audi or seat? Seat hands down everytime unless you want to turn into an arrogant half wit with no Road manners or regard for fellow road users.

 

[robin cur]

I have a VW Jetta and Mercedes still like the look of the Leon over the Audi A3 and my Jetta (but who wouldn't)

 

[niggle]

The 1.8TS(F)i engine was developed by Audi. Same engine in both cars.

If you have a big wad of cash burning a hole in your pocket and you like nice carpet then buy the Audi.

If you couldn't give a monkeys about nice carpet then buy the SEAT and give me the cash that you have saved.

 

[StevenM]

On look alone Leon wins hands down, maintenance costs will be a lot higher on the Audi.

Based on?

My Leon is on the long life service schedule and the first three services at Seat dealerships were circa £250 each, which is slightly dearer than my old BMW 123d was for three long life services. The cost is comparable to what my dad has paid on his current XF Jag and his previous A6s. I'd be surprised if an A3 servicing costs are significantly more than the Leon.

Excluding prestige cars, these days most dealerships charge circa £150-£180 for an oil & filter change which we all know is taking the piss but is the way it is if you want the book stamped.


Sent from my piece of shite iPhone - according to Muz.

 

[Glosphil]

The 1.8TS(F)i engine was developed by Audi. Same engine in both cars.

If you have a big wad of cash burning a hole in your pocket and you like nice carpet then buy the Audi.

If you couldn't give a monkeys about nice carpet then buy the SEAT and give me the cash that you have saved.

Yes, I will soon have a wad of cash burning a hole in my pocket - just sold a house in which I have a half share, but I am careful with money - a Geordie father and Yorkshire father-in-law ensured that.

As I said in my original post I intend to choose between a new Leon FR or a 12-15 month old A3 Sportsback Sport so price is just about the same.

It is not just the carpets that are higher quality inside the A3 versus the Leon. The depreciation on the A3 will also be a lot less.

Perhaps I should also investigate a PCP, but as my father was always saying, "If you can't pay cash then you can't afford it".

 

[Glosphil]

On look alone Leon wins hands down, maintenance costs will be a lot higher on the Audi.

I also prefer the look of the Leon over the A3, but external style has never been high on my priorities when buying a car - hell, I owned a 2005 Civic 5-door for 7 years!

My company 2002 A4 1.8T Sport cost less to service than the Vauxhall Vectras and Renault Lagunas run by other employees.

 

[Glosphil]

I hope you're not expecting an unbiased opinion from a seat forum on whether to chose audi or seat? Seat hands down everytime unless you want to turn into an arrogant half wit with no Road manners or regard for fellow road users.

Thanks for the light-hearted contribution. Never found the car I drive effects my driving style or attitude to other road users.

 

[phil750]

Yes, I will soon have a wad of cash burning a hole in my pocket - just sold a house in which I have a half share, but I am careful with money - a Geordie father and Yorkshire father-in-law ensured that.

As I said in my original post I intend to choose between a new Leon FR or a 12-15 month old A3 Sportsback Sport so price is just about the same.

It is not just the carpets that are higher quality inside the A3 versus the Leon. The depreciation on the A3 will also be a lot less.

Perhaps I should also investigate a PCP, but as my father was always saying, "If you can't pay cash then you can't afford it".

If your worried about depreciation why don't you go with a nearly new Leon? 6 months old or something like that?
Sounds like your not to fussed about buying a nearly new car, so save some money overall and get a really nice car!

Not sure about audi but i brought nearly new seat and got 3 years free servicing, so that is a cost you could save ontop, was pcp though but got a pretty good rate of 4.9%.
Just haggle see what you can get out of them.

 

[Glosphil]

If your worried about depreciation why don't you go with a nearly new Leon? 6 months old or something like that?
Sounds like your not to fussed about buying a nearly new car, so save some money overall and get a really nice car!

Not sure about audi but i brought nearly new seat and got 3 years free servicing, so that is a cost you could save ontop, was pcp though but got a pretty good rate of 4.9%.
Just haggle see what you can get out of them.

From my original post:
"As the car will have DSG I plan to extend the warranty to 5 years. I assume the warranty will cover more if it is taken out when purchasing a new car (Seat) rather than added to a part way through warranty (Audi)."

As I haven't had a new car (excluding company cars) since 1989 it would be nice to be able to choose the complete specification of my next car by buying new rather than having to accept some-one else's choice by buying used.