Audi S3/Ford Focus RS/Mercedes CLA45 - Sports/Luxury Cars around $40,000 Used

[Deactivated] on 03/05/2019 - 13:33

Hey all

I'm wondering if anyone by chance has test driven these cars?
I'm planning to test drive in the upcoming weeks.

I'm looking for an Audi S3 Sedan, my preference however I've found they haven't devalued much in 18-24 months. I saw 2015 models for $38,000 18 months ago and people still have 2014 models listed for $40,000(Even tho there is a number of higher spec 2016 models for $42,000+)
I realise dealers drive prices high, I noticed a high KM for $30,000 and the gentleman said he'd take $27,000. The following week a dealer had it listed for $36,000.

I am interested in some Ford Focus RS's, there is a few highly modded for sale sub $40,000. I'm unsure if I want another manual car, I use to own a Nissan 370Z in manual.

Mercedes CLA45s are a tad higher, I think they stand out a little more but I still prefer the Audi.

I did look into BMW M235s, most are in the $40,000s which surprises me when a BMW M4 is $70,0000 these days. Just insane how much top spec models devalue in the same time frame.

I looked at Honda Civic Type Rs, once again manual and maybe look a little over the top.

I prefer a Sedan, which is why I'm not looking at Volks Golf Rs, Mercedes A45s etc

Any other car recommendations to look at, or stay away from?

Thank you

Automotive Car

Comments

  • whooah1979 on 03/05/2019 - 14:15
    -5

    Any other car recommendations to look at

    Kia, Hyundai, Honda, Toyota and Mazda in no particular order.

    or stay away from?

    Anything that isn't on the list above.

  • jzdhgkd on 03/05/2019 - 14:17
    +1

    I'm surprised the S3 is even in the same price range as the CLA45!

    I've got a 2018 (ie facelifted) S3 myself so it's not exactly the same as the ones you're looking at but the overall package I feel is great! Plenty of power and grip for the streets. I find the tyres a bit noisy at higher speeds but I guess it's only an entry level Euro car so can't expect much.

    The main thing I don't like much about the car is I find the seats uncomfortable to sit in for long periods of time. Leather is too hard or something.

    Since you're coming from a manual (as did I) another annoyance you might notice is with the transmission. Even if you put it in manual mode it will automatically shift up at redline and downshift as you're slowing. It's also a bit rough within the 0-20km/h range. There's a bit of a lurch as it tries to pick the right gear or something. A regular test drive will demonstrate this pretty easily and you can decide if it's a big issue.

    If you're buying an earlier model beware that some of the 2014 S3s had turbo issues so you might want to look at 2015+ models.

    Have fun!

    • [Deactivated] on 03/05/2019 - 15:44

      Thank you, very helpful.

  • Therage on 03/05/2019 - 14:24
    +1

    Depends what you are after, while they may be in a similar price range the S3 doesn't really compare performance wise to say the CLA45. Comparable Audi to the CLA would be the RS3 but unsure what they go for second hand now.

    Out of the cars you mentioned I would be CLA45 - S3 - 235i - Focus RS.

    • [Deactivated] on 03/05/2019 - 15:45

      S3 0-100 5.0
      CLA45 0-100 4.6
      Based on 2014-15 models.

      S3 are easily tuned for $1,000 and will hit 0-100 in 4.0

      RS3 Sedan still $70,000+

      CLA45 as low as $45,000

  • Bid Sniper on 03/05/2019 - 14:38

    Not Ford Focus but can get a Mustang 5.0 for that budget.

    WRX premium CVT or Kia Stinger. I like the CVT compared to an conventional auto

    • [Deactivated] on 03/05/2019 - 15:46

      V8 would use too much fuel, Kia too large for me I feel.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/05/2019 - 14:40
    +2

    Focus RS?

    Even after the traggic engine design flaws caused widespread recalls and still unresolved? You've got to be kidding.

    RS3 before the engine revision is a rubbish car. Slightly faster than the S3 (stock vs stock) only in a straight line but the weight distribution is close to the old RS4 - front heavy to the point it prompted an engine design overhaul shortly after release and within the same body shape cycle. This should be telling of just how bad the car was. The revised RS3 is fantastic but still too new and expensive.

    The S3 is great but the VW Mk7R is lighter in the right places, has a touch screen (no stupid knob thing), cheaper… Only downside to the S3 - lacking luxury badge.

    A45 - nice car if you're not planning to mod. The S3 and Mk7R has more potential. Put some lightweight rims, bigger brakes and stage 2 on a mk7R and speed wise, it is toe to toe with the A45 (with a stage 2). Drawback of modding is resale value.

    Civic R - I'm sure it's a nice drive and looks are subjective. Just not subjective enough for me.

    • [Deactivated] on 03/05/2019 - 15:52

      Haha, I actually own a Focus S for everyday use. I've had gearbox issues, so I'm not that interested in another FORD. However they're a good buy, prices have dropped on the RS models.

      RS3 0-100 in 4.2? Most tested are running 3.9.
      RS3 vs S3 - Totally different cars.

      I'm looking at GOLF Rs 2017, most low 40s are all manual. Engine is 206kw, isn't any faster than a 2014 S3.

      Yeah, Ive seen Stage 3s for low 40s S3. I'd honestly only do a Stage 1, that's fast enough.

      Lots of hot hatches, but there isn't much against the S3 Sedan.

      Thanks for the info.

      • [Deactivated] on 03/05/2019 - 15:57

        I understand. Some people have a very strong preference for a sedan. I'm one of those.

        The Focus RS is a completely different problem to the Focus S but I wouldn't touch anything Ford other than a Ranger or F150.

  • pegaxs on 03/05/2019 - 16:14

    Kia Stinger… should be getting down around that price.

    Ford Mustang GT if you can afford the accessory tattoo and vanity number plate… (and put up with 2 doors)

    • [Deactivated] on 03/05/2019 - 16:23

      Actually a Kia Stinger GT for 41k 2017!

      • pegaxs on 03/05/2019 - 16:51

        Definitely work a look in. Know a few people who own them and they love them. Hard to go wrong with that Kia build quality, reliability and that warranty…

  • XCelR8 on 03/05/2019 - 20:43

    Currently own a manual 370z and a Focus RS and can say I smile everytime I get in the Focus. It's a different car!!
    It does have something's missing like lane assist etc radar cruise that I would like but so worth it for a fun car. Fuel usage is rather big though coz it's so fun haha!

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