Hey all, we are planning to get 4 seater convertible car for weekend cruise etc.
Which car is better? In term of reliability, easier to maintenance and longevity Audi s3 or BMW 428 convertible 2015. Both has the same kms but BMW is cheaper to get.
Are they both have timing belt to concern about? Need expert opinion from Audi/BMW owners from this forum…thanks heaps.
We all know European car is very expensive to look after, but not many Japanese/Korean car produce convertible car with 4 seats.
This. Testdrive and make informed decision. I own a ragtop but not one of these, on the surface I would lean the BMW but that is my preference, in reality I would gloss over both for something else.
Further to this, BMW and Audi parts (even after market ones) are inherently more expensive.
Audi parts in most cases are just rebadged VW ones with a massive mark up
European cars are always more expensive for servicing.
and from my experience from many years working in the mechanical trade European cars have long term issues with reliability
I find the reason why European cars are more expensive for general servicing is that when your local garage sees them pull in, they start calculating how much more they can charge you for the same basic service they do to every other car. The attitude that "oh, you can afford an Audi so you can afford for me to charge you more" is a BS attitude. Having a number of cars, I see this happen all the time. Frustrates the hell out of me.
Or how much does the dealer charge and we can charge slightly less.
Its actually not the case, I until 2 weeks ago worked in one of those "local garages"
The parts are legit more expensive, brake rotors, pads etc for euro models are more expensive
oil filters are usually cartridge type: More expensive
Air Filters: More Expensive
Just inherently more expensive to service as the part prices just are more costly.
its not a euro tax as some claim, the parts are the biggest cost when it comes to servicing.
@jimbobaus: Go on holidays to Europe and buy a whole suit case of service parts back. Got a pair of wipers for $5 that online stores here wanted $15 each.
I remember Mercedes Australia wanted $300 for a part that was possible to buy for $50 new from dealer service department in Europe.
@netjock: Wipers are actually probably one of the only parts on a euro car that are reasonably priced,
Saying that, Euro Wipers are usually an entire arm (hence the name "euro style") which are a bit pricer than the simple blade
Saying that, Euro Wipers are usually an entire arm (hence the name "euro style") which are a bit pricer than the simple blade
Some truth there. In WWII German equipment was so well engineered that when it broke down it took ages to repair because it was so complicated.
Get a 2000 Jeep Wrangler for 5K.
Make sure you buy shares in sunscreen and hat companies.
Shrinking market, probally better resale with S3.
There is Mustang if you find your cousin attractive.
EXCUSE ME!!
Jim Bob, how hot is she?
SHE?
Keep your daily driver.
Buy a fun classic convertible weekender. Buy something unique and you'll likely find it increases in value.
LOL not many good appreciating asset pickers when it comes to car purchasers.
Plenty of fun sporty classics. Buy in good condition, keep it in good condition. Fun and Profit.
It is a long wait if you buy new. Which is what OP is proposing.
@Typical16-bitEnjoyer: Sorry my bad. But still won't buy a 2015 BMW or Audi. Out of warranty. Problems will start coming.
E30 convertible would be nice.
To be honest neither of these brands are known for their reliability or cheapness to maintain. These cars look nice but will cost you $$$ to maintain if you plan to keep for the medium to long term.
Are they really that bad reliability wise? I know they aren’t cheap to maintain.
Yes, reliability is bad. Better than Alfa Romeos, Range Rovers and Jags.
I like both cars but definitely would prefer the Audi.
I like seeing other people pour money down the drain. Get the Audi.
Pouring money down the drain doesn't seem such a bad option when the alternative is drving a Corolla
Could drive a Holden. They are making a partial payment for the your depreciation up front I heard on 1st March.
Reliability is a bit luck-of-the-draw when you buy second hand. S3 is the sports version of the A3 and costs significantly more so whoever bought it originally probably made good use of the extra power (ie, check for any dual-clutch transmission issues that are very expensive to fix outside of warranty).
If I'm not mistaken, the S3 runs an upgraded EA888 engine. They had timing component issues in models built before 2013 and they fixed it in later models. The main issue with the engine now seems to be the carbon buildup in the injectors (but I'm not sure if that's a huge expensive fix or not).
Audi has a much nicer interior if you get one with the virtual cockpit. The BMW interior is outdated in comparison.
how about a Lexus RC?
Not the right badge mate! Maybe we should suggest to buy both keyrings (Audi and BMW) works out to be a lot cheaper in the long run!
Get the one that you like best
You're asking the wrong group of people. You need to check out the owner forums of each respective car and see what you can find about reliability and common service items for cars in that age range.
I would suggest buying two Mazda MX-5s. Probably about the same money, with significantly higher reliability and twice the fun.
Retains value quite well on their low k 2015/16 batch.
Personally BMW over Audi. Gearbox is one less thing to worry about.
Aside from the known issue, everything else will depend on your luck.
Personally and immediate friends have had better luck with BMW than Audi.
Beside, if you go Audi, might as well VW… not sure if their Golf still come topless.
Do yourself a favour and get a Mustang.
Neither are 'easier to maintenance'. BMW and Audi both charge fat markups on their servicing because they can.
When you test drove both, which did you like more? That's more important than some strangers opinions on the forums.
You shouldn't be going euro badge if you're after longevity and reliability. Neither BMW nor Audi have exceptional reputations for that. It's a bit of pot luck IMO.
If you were a true OzBargainer: Get a 2015 Camry, mod it with a an angle grinder by removing the roof, and duct-taping a tarpaulin over the top instead. WAY better solution.