What is New Car Buying?

At What Car? our aim is to make car buying as straightforward as possible, so our New Car Buying service puts you in touch with approved franchised dealers. While they will set prices according to demand, stock availability and regional variations, our Target Price is set by daily mystery shopping to guide you on what we believe is the most you should pay. This is set by a team of mystery shoppers who are constantly checking what discounts are available, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of haggling.

Simply click the ‘Get best price’ button by the car you’re interested in, and we’ll alert dealers in your area so they can send you their latest offers. It’s all done through our website, so they can’t see your personal details until you decide you’re ready to buy. Find out more

How do I compare offers?

You can request quotes on as many different cars as you like, and your personalised ‘My deals’ page makes it easy to compare them all in one place. To message dealers, just click the ‘Deals’ icon, which can be found in the top right hand corner of the navigation bar on

Can I get personalised finance quotes and part exchange offers?

In addition to our Target Price, we provide a Target PCP monthly finance price. Where possible, this is based upon 48 months, a 15% deposit and a 8,000-mile annual mileage limit, so you can directly compare different models. However, every offer you receive also allows you to request a personalised finance offer or part exchange value, at the click of a button.

When is the best time to buy a new car?

New number plates are introduced every March and September, which is usually when car sales peak, so savvy shoppers should avoid these times. It’s also better to buy in the second half of the month or quarter, when dealerships may be worried about hitting a specific sales target. Find out more

What is Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)?

This form of finance is the most popular way of buying a new car. Unlike hire purchase agreements, which divide the total amount borrowed into equal payments, PCP deals involve smaller monthly bills, followed by a larger final payment if you want to keep the car. However, most people never pay this; instead they hand the car back and start a new PCP deal. Find out more

Audi A3 Saloon 35 TFSI S line 4dr S Tronic [Comfort+Sound] Review

Category: Executive car

Section: Version review

Fuel type:

petrol

Gearbox:

semi-auto

Doors:

4 doors

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~~RRP £32,465~~What Car? Target Price£31,361

Save at least £1,104

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Review

The model

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The Audi A3 Saloon is tidy in the bends, comfortable and well equipped, making it a very competitive option against its closest rivals, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes A-Class Saloon. However, the A4 is worth the extra if you can afford it, because it’s quieter and has a classier and more practical interior. Likewise, the BMW 3 Series betters the A3 in those areas, and it's also more enjoyable to drive.

The trim

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S line trim brings sportier looks; larger wheels (18in), more heavily bolstered front seats and aluminium interior inlays. You also get stiffer sports suspension as standard, although you can revert to the regular suspension for no extra charge if you value a smooth ride.

The engine

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This 1.5-litre 148bhp 35 TFSI petrol is our pick of the range. It’s cheaper than the 35 TDI but still gutsy throughout the rev range, pulling handsomely from around 200rpm and spinning freely all the way to the engine's red line. It'll hit the magic 0-60mph time in around 8.0sec (with a manual gearbox) and can average over 40mpg in the real world – both better figures than the BMW 218i Gran Coupe.

Buying with What Car?

Get the best deal

At What Car?, we believe that no one should overpay for their new car, which is why we created our free New Car Buying service. This links you with trusted local dealers who base their offers on prices haggled by our mystery shoppers.

Key information

Doors4

Seats5

0-62 MPH8.4 seconds

Fuel TypePetrol

GearboxSEMI-AUTO

MPGOfficial overall fuel economy figure

48.7

Boot CapacityHow much space is there?

425

litres

EmissionsOfficial emissions rating

131

g/km

Equipment

Specification

Get the best price

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The model

The trim

The engine

Buying with What Car?

Key information

Available colours

48.7

425

litres

131

g/km

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