Would you buy an A3?

Hello A3 Owners,

Would you still buy an A3 if you were in the market to buy a car today (and why)? Does the 05-06 A3 have any prominent defects? I look forward to your feedback.

Thanks!


Shannon

i would buy the A3 if the 2.0T came with quattro

Not really sure what you're asking... would I buy a second A3? Or would I rebuy my A3?

Would you rebuy your A3?

rebuy an A3?

i love A3's, buy it! rebuy it! i see nothing wrong with the A3 except that the 2.0T doesn't come in quattro. =( why are you "rebuying" an A3?

too bad it's not rear wheel drive.

Yes, Nothing is as luxuorious and fun as the A3.

But if I were to buy/rebuy I'd get

NAV
XEONS
Sun Package
and MT since I already tried the DSG

I would buy it again and not change a thing. I would like to have Quattro with the 2.0T as well, but otherwise I'm completely happy.

Yes, would not think twice. Brilliant cars and tons of fun to drive

My remarks pertain only to the 3.2.

You can't argue with the fact that the A3 is an accomplished, good car. Fit/finish/ergonomics are top-notch, the chassis is solid, handling is good, and Quattro is a blessing in bad weather.

Here's where the case for the A3 falls apart: value. The 3.2 is overpriced, overweight, and underpowered. Without its unique look, and absent the trick (DSG) tranny, there's nothing not much automotively distinctive about it. The meager gains in performance absolutely don't justify the difference in cost between the 2.0 and 3.2. Think about the other cars you could get for the price of a fully decked-out 3.2: a new, loaded 325 Bimmer (you could almost get a new 330i for what I paid for my 3.2); a new Subaru WRX STI; a used E46 M3; a used Audi S4; a used Boxster; a new 350Z; a new Honda S2000, or a new Infiniti G35 (sedan or coupe).

The divide gets greater when you take into account that all of the cars I've referenced are available with manual transmissions, a definite plus in my book. Also, if you want to squeeze more power out of the A3 3.2, good luck, because you'll need it. Software fixes haven't amounted to squat in OBD-II equipped normally aspirated cars, and forced induction costs are too expensive to pass the laugh test. Don't expect too much out of aftermarket air intakes or exhausts either. And let's not forget about the crappy OE P6's that are standard issue in the snow-belt.

So, to answer the question I would have to say "no," not if a had it to do over.

PS--the A3 2.0 is a far better value. Get a chip, a rear sway bar, and three pedals and you won't be disappointed.

You know, I'm really trying hard to like this car. I've owned it for about six weeks now, and its been in the shop at least one day during each of them. Granted, nothing major has gone wrong...yet...but I'm thoroughly disgusted with the whole "Audi experience" thus far. Honestly, if anyone is seriously considering one of these cars look into Audi's reliability ratings. If this doesn't sway you, I'll sell you mine for $2500 less than its worth. I also have a used A3 in my driveway right now that the dealer had to pull off the lot, due to their being no rentals avalible for me while mine was serviced. They're asking 26K for it...haha.

quote:

ORIGINAL: poweruser

You know, I'm really trying hard to like this car. I've owned it for about six weeks now, and its been in the shop at least one day during each of them. Granted, nothing major has gone wrong...yet...but I'm thoroughly disgusted with the whole "Audi experience" thus far. Honestly, if anyone is seriously considering one of these cars look into Audi's reliability ratings. If this doesn't sway you, I'll sell you mine for $2500 less than its worth. I also have a used A3 in my driveway right now that the dealer had to pull off the lot, due to their being no rentals avalible for me while mine was serviced. They're asking 26K for it...haha.

I'm sorry that your car has caused you so much grief. My last TDI was like that when everyone else said they had no problems with theirs. It's frustrating when you get the Monday morning or Friday afternoon car. I've had no problems with mine, but I think that I deserve it after my last experience. I hope they get everything worked out and the ride is smooth for a long time. I absolutely love my car and maybe you would too if it didn't have any issues.

Cheers!

Chef

hi, im interested in buying my first audi and im intrseted in the A3. unfortunatly i cant afford a new one so was wondering if there was any thing i should be looking out for on a second hand model about six years old thats done about 60,000 miles. thanks

Would you buy an A3 yes if all I needed was a smaller car with the same punch as the A4 but I need the avant and the A3 cant offer that or at least it cant offer the versatility with capacity

I guess the straight answer is a resounding "NO."

could you detail what problems you have had with your car?

quote:

ORIGINAL: poweruser

I guess the straight answer is a resounding "NO."

quote:

ORIGINAL: poweruser

You know, I'm really trying hard to like this car. I've owned it for about six weeks now, and its been in the shop at least one day during each of them. Granted, nothing major has gone wrong...yet...but I'm thoroughly disgusted with the whole "Audi experience" thus far. Honestly, if anyone is seriously considering one of these cars look into Audi's reliability ratings. If this doesn't sway you, I'll sell you mine for $2500 less than its worth. I also have a used A3 in my driveway right now that the dealer had to pull off the lot, due to their being no rentals avalible for me while mine was serviced. They're asking 26K for it...haha.

Man, I hate hearing stories like this. You really have to wonder which car you will get when you drive it off the lot - the trouble free one or the total pain in the ass. I hope you get yours sorted out soon.

yea
same here
i'm no better than you
i'm really sick of my a3
maybe it's mainly cause mine was the first batch and they still had bugs too?
but no matter what
i'm still in love with german cars
and i know german cars cause trouble
but then the feeling is just so much better than on a japanese car
but if i had the cash
i would definitely sell my a3 and get a 33Oi

Could you detail what problems you have had with your A3?

quote:

ORIGINAL: cur

yea
same here
i'm no better than you
i'm really sick of my a3
maybe it's mainly cause mine was the first batch and they still had bugs too?
but no matter what
i'm still in love with german cars
and i know german cars cause trouble
but then the feeling is just so much better than on a japanese car
but if i had the cash
i would definitely sell my a3 and get a 33Oi

quote:

ORIGINAL: jackmott

Could you detail what problems you have had with your A3?

quote:

ORIGINAL: cur

yea
same here
i'm no better than you
i'm really sick of my a3
maybe it's mainly cause mine was the first batch and they still had bugs too?
but no matter what
i'm still in love with german cars
and i know german cars cause trouble
but then the feeling is just so much better than on a japanese car
but if i had the cash
i would definitely sell my a3 and get a 33Oi

No problems with mine and it was manufactured in the summer of 2005. Sometimes you get the problem car. It sucks when that happens and it makes you sour on the whole thing. Cur is the only one I've heard have any sort of significant problems with the A3. If you're unsure then wait a year or two until there is more data on reliability.

quote:

ORIGINAL: jackmott

Could you detail what problems you have had with your A3?

quote:

ORIGINAL: cur

yea
same here
i'm no better than you
i'm really sick of my a3
maybe it's mainly cause mine was the first batch and they still had bugs too?
but no matter what
i'm still in love with german cars
and i know german cars cause trouble
but then the feeling is just so much better than on a japanese car
but if i had the cash
i would definitely sell my a3 and get a 33Oi

i pretty much went through all the trouble poweruser has
my glovebox area was rattling like hell during idle and it took them 3 weeks of my car in audi to realize it was the stupid injector fuel
and then other problems i've had are something rolling in the rear door, then they realized something got loose inside
and then others are the engine light coming on and not getting rid and it took them probably another 3 week of my car in audi to find out it was umm i kinda forgot what it was now lol
and now my fuel tank is screwed
everytime i get more gas the pump keep on messing up
and it's not the pump's fault
it's my car
like every 3O cents it'll tell me it's full
how ridiculous
oh but they do give you a 06' a4 CVT non-quattro to drive
hell man i hate those CVT
most horrific transmission ever made

quote:

ORIGINAL: cur

quote:

ORIGINAL: jackmott

Could you detail what problems you have had with your A3?

quote:

ORIGINAL: cur

yea
same here
i'm no better than you
i'm really sick of my a3
maybe it's mainly cause mine was the first batch and they still had bugs too?
but no matter what
i'm still in love with german cars
and i know german cars cause trouble
but then the feeling is just so much better than on a japanese car
but if i had the cash
i would definitely sell my a3 and get a 33Oi

i pretty much went through all the trouble poweruser has
my glovebox area was rattling like hell during idle and it took them 3 weeks of my car in audi to realize it was the stupid injector fuel
and then other problems i've had are something rolling in the rear door, then they realized something got loose inside
and then others are the engine light coming on and not getting rid and it took them probably another 3 week of my car in audi to find out it was umm i kinda forgot what it was now lol
and now my fuel tank is screwed
everytime i get more gas the pump keep on messing up
and it's not the pump's fault
it's my car
like every 3O cents it'll tell me it's full
how ridiculous
oh but they do give you a 06' a4 CVT non-quattro to drive
hell man i hate those CVT
most horrific transmission ever made

jack, probably figured it out but u need to pull the pump out a few inches from the tank. not really the cars fault, certain pumps do this to certain cars (pressure, backflow?? some safety crap that keeps pumps from overflowin).

I dont own an A3 yet but test drove one twice. Almost gotta a ticket goin 65 in a 35...just checkin out the acceleration, few seconds later...really only felt like 3 seconds..i pass an oncomin cop and he flips a U. Got Damn Lucky. Probably not a good sign i should get one but u know i will.

Main Reasons:

I need the cargo space, back seats down is about enough.

I want luxury and speed.

FUN TO DRIVE - other options might be a WRX(no luxury), Jeep SRT/Blazer SS ....fast yes, but cant be as fun to drive. FX45 was my choice till i drove the A3. FX45 has crappy rear/side vision. piss poor use of interior space/styling...such a shame. A3 was roomier than i expected and the rear/side visiblity was pretty good.

To quattro or not? thats where i'm stuck. quattro's hard to find & like others say, is it worth the price diff? that natural V-6 just makes me feel better goin up mountains or somethin...but i wanna lean towards the bigger engine. considering availability and the feedback here ill probably get the 2.0.

So, aside from defects i've probably "rebought" this car about 4-5 times ^^

I have 2006 A3 Sports package and I just got it out of the shop. The lower gears were popping out. It was hard for the car to go into gear. When it did go into gear it would jerk really hard. I got it out this afternoon and the jerking is not as hard but there's still slight jerking when i'm in 2nd or 1st gear. I'm bringing it back for round 2. They reprogrammed the CPU the first time and I'm not sure what they'll do this next time.

I love this car but if i could do it again i think it'd wait until next year to buy it.

I have had an Audi 90 V6, a 2001 A6 4.2, a modified 2004 A41.8T and now have a pretty well modified A3 2.0T. It is my favorite Audi yet! I also have a highly modifed 1991 BMW 325 convertible (Ithought it was my true love) and a chipped ML500 truck. I drive the A3 and have been leaving my BMW in the garage a lot this summer. My A3 is my every day work car and I love it! Most fun I have had with a front drive ever. Springs, struts, a big bar in the back, some good tires and wheels, chip it and throw on an exhaust and you have one FUN / FAST machine! At 43 years old I have been chalenged by everything on I 95 throughout Connecticut. "They" all seem to know what my little grey 4 door hatchback sleeper can do. I need bigger breaks!

i think the new A3's are nice, however i am still wondering why there is no Q for the 2.0T? for me personally i dont like the hatch type thing with the A3. but to each their own. For the Thread starter, if you want quattro and resonable space then go for an A4 2.0T. you must like something about the A3 otherwise you wouldnt have ordered it, but u see, tp have second thoughts...