Small family car - Volvo V40 or Audi A3?

[Rufus27]

Does anyone have experience of either of these cars? I’m looking to get a 2017/18 model, petrol, and would really appreciate some feedback from owners rather than just the reviews.

Apologies if I’ve posted in the wrong place. Can’t find a motoring section.

They are both pretty decent cars.
Audi’s in general are jazzed up VWs, so you’re really paying a premium for a brand. So in that respect they are worse value for money.

If you’re looking at an A3 I’d actually recommend a Golf; absolute workhorses of cars

Volvo, safest cars on the road!

Had the V40, then the V60 and now the XC60.

Bloody brilliant all three xx

Volvo.

I had an Audi and the way it crumpled when someone hit it at 30 (mine was parked) frightened the life out of me 😬

Volvo, definitely! I have a 2009 C30, Volvo’s little hatchback, no longer made alas! They are very reliable and about the safest cars on the road. If they still manufactured them, I’d buy another brand new one, I love driving it.

My V40 is a fabulously smooth drive. I love it.

If you’re looking at an A3 I’d actually recommend a Golf; absolute workhorses of cars

Below average reliability so best avoided.

I love my v40, thoroughly recommend it.

I would also recommend a golf (diesel if you can justify the (mileage.)

We have an Audi A3 and I really love it. It’s lovely to drive. Ours is a 2l diesel.

I have a 2019 v40 . This is my second V40 lovely car, very safe , great drive so recommend it. I think the A3 has a slightly bigger boot from what I've heard but the V40 boot is fine for my needs.

Following with interest!
I’ve been looking at V40s too, looking to buy my next 2ndhand car, but somebody told me that if the electrics go, only Volvo dealers can fix them, making these types of repairs super expensive.
Anyone had experience of this?

Bump!

@Pogodogo18

Following with interest! I’ve been looking at V40s too, looking to buy my next 2ndhand car, but somebody told me that if the electrics go, only Volvo dealers can fix them, making these types of repairs super expensive. Anyone had experience of this?

@Pogodogo18 Apparently this is the case with most newer, modern cars so it would be an issue with both the A3 and V40. However you can usually find independent mechanics who have code readers who can interpret faults in the electrics at a lower cost than a main dealer.

We've got a volvo v40 "cross country" (is that right)? Pluses - It's quite a nice drive on country roads

Negatives - no space at all - much less than a golf. Also had one of the back doors locking mechanism break so we couldn't open it. Googled it, it's a known fault. Garage wanted to charge fully but I told DH and he managed to negotiate paying only half (for a known fault!)

Also the rearview mirror fell off (it is a fancy one with no rim and guess what, it falls off in cold temperatures) have duck-taped it back on as not paying hundreds as it would no doubt be. Also a known fault!

I would never get one again. DH normally drives a golf and they have been far better. Our main car is a no-status brand and has been far far more reliable.

Which magazine had the Volvo XC90 as a "don't buy" on their front cover a few months ago . All the most reliable cars were far east Asian except Porsche, and other than Porsche, cost versus reliability was generally inversely proportional.