KINGOFCARS

I have narrowed my search down to these two cars. I know they are different, but they are also similar, with the BMW being a couple of grand more. Both cars are very tight while being smooth and comfortable. I guess I am leaning towards the BMW, but I can't get the Audi and it's amazing trans out of my mind. I believe the Audi wins the fun to drive factor. The strange thing is that the Audi dealers I've been talking to feel that the A3 is too high priced and is going to get killed on resale. This is important to me as I get in and out of cars with frequency. I know none of us has a crystal ball but their comments bother me. Coincidentally these dealers have cars available.
Thoughts? Pearls of wisdom?

RyanS3

bmw=better resale. A3=more unique. Regardless, go with your heart, nvr 2nd guess a car purchcase.

RogDog

If I want RWD, I'd get a BMW. But if I want AWD, I'd go with the company with more experience--Audi.

RyanS3

330XI is a great car. awd. fast. many other cars have good awd.

RikiTik

For me Id take the A3 3.2 anyday. More practical, definately better interior, and dare I say faster

radcoup

I change cars often as well... It costs me but I enjoy the variety

I think the BMW will hold it's value better. Though it's possible the A3 catches on and does well. With the possible down trend in size Audi's timing with the US release of the A3 could prove the deciding factor in it's success.I also think the 3 series has gotten too big. The new ones look as big as the former 5 series. Visually that is, I don't know the actual specs.

That said I ordered a A3 3.2 Q. Small footprint, practical and fun to drive. If I decide to try something different a couple years from now it has DSG and would be a great daily driver for my wife. Mmmmmm maybe next a M Z4 or Audi Shooting Brake

RyanS3

the beemer is 255hp. 6.3 0-60 (bmw website). the 3.2 should win though! 5.9.

LavaGrau_A3

I just configured a 330xi as close as I could get to my A3 3.2Q. This is what I came up with:

Base Price: $38,500
Destination Charge: $695

Exterior Features:
Sparkling Graphite Metallic $475
Interior Features:
Gray with Dakota Leather Upholstery and Aluminum Trim
Packages:
Cold Weather Package $850
- Fold Down Rear Seats w/Ski Bag
- Heated Front Seats
Premium Package $2,200
- BMW Assist with Bluetooth Wireless Technology
- Auto-Dim Mirror
- Lumbar Support
Options:
Sport Package $900
STEPTRONIC Automatic Transmission $1,275
On-Board Navigation System w/iDrive $2,000
Accessories:
Phone Docking Cradle $130

Price As Built: $47,025

My A3 MSRP was $40,135. I don't have any idea what kinda deal you can get on a 330 right now, but you can get the 3.2 for invoice + $500 with a little looking around.

I personally think the BMW is more car, but the price gap is way more than "a couple of grand".

LavaGrau

KINGOFCARS

Ok LG...call it several grand. My A3 as configured is 41K. At most I could get 1K off in my market. I could buy the 330 for 44K.

April

Leases can be written for higher miles if you need more than the standard 15K - just expect a lower residual.

As radcoup says, the best way to avoid the big drop in value is buy a 1 or 2 years old car. Takes the sting out of it.

There is no bad choice in any case.