Impressions after first 1000 miles
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 28
Impressions after first 1000 miles
Hello everyone,
First off, this forum has provided me with lots of useful information since I bought my A3. Thanks to everyone for the informative posts.
I have an 07 Black S-line with DSG, Opensky, and premium sound. My last car was an 04 G35 6 speed sedan. A great car but too much of a hassle to drive in Atlanta traffic, and a little thirsty. I just passed 1000 miles and wanted to share some of my first impressions:
[ul][*]This is the first automatic transmission car I've owned (have had owned 9 manuals since I got my license 20 years ago). The DSG was the selling point for me. I actually went to the dealer to look at an A4 CVT, but after driving the DSG, I was hooked. It is the perfect compromise between a manual and automatic. The performance is phenominal, and I couldn't be happier with it.[*]I've been concerned about oil consumption issues that I've read about, but at 1000 miles my oil level is at the top of the markings on the dipstick. Probably too soon to jump to any conclusions, though.[*]Stereo has muddy bass - seems worse on FM than satellite or CD. That said, it is far better than the Bose system I had in the G35[*]Handles like a slot car - much more tossable than the G35, but not as comfortable ride on the highway. No regrets though - well worth the compromise.[*]I'm a little disappointed with the driver's seat. I have back problems and would like more lumbar support. I'm surprised that a car in this price range does not offer a manual lumbar adjustment.[*]This is my first black car. I do a lot of highway driving, so I had a clear bra installed shortly after I took delivery. It was expensive - $700 professionally installed for full frontal coverage, a pillars, door cups, and rear bumper. However it does not alter the appearance of the car and I'm enjoying piece of mind that it will absorb 90+% of road rash for the next 3-4 years at least.[/ul]Overall I'm very happy and hope to put on at least 150k miles before selling it.
First off, this forum has provided me with lots of useful information since I bought my A3. Thanks to everyone for the informative posts.
I have an 07 Black S-line with DSG, Opensky, and premium sound. My last car was an 04 G35 6 speed sedan. A great car but too much of a hassle to drive in Atlanta traffic, and a little thirsty. I just passed 1000 miles and wanted to share some of my first impressions:
[ul][*]This is the first automatic transmission car I've owned (have had owned 9 manuals since I got my license 20 years ago). The DSG was the selling point for me. I actually went to the dealer to look at an A4 CVT, but after driving the DSG, I was hooked. It is the perfect compromise between a manual and automatic. The performance is phenominal, and I couldn't be happier with it.[*]I've been concerned about oil consumption issues that I've read about, but at 1000 miles my oil level is at the top of the markings on the dipstick. Probably too soon to jump to any conclusions, though.[*]Stereo has muddy bass - seems worse on FM than satellite or CD. That said, it is far better than the Bose system I had in the G35[*]Handles like a slot car - much more tossable than the G35, but not as comfortable ride on the highway. No regrets though - well worth the compromise.[*]I'm a little disappointed with the driver's seat. I have back problems and would like more lumbar support. I'm surprised that a car in this price range does not offer a manual lumbar adjustment.[*]This is my first black car. I do a lot of highway driving, so I had a clear bra installed shortly after I took delivery. It was expensive - $700 professionally installed for full frontal coverage, a pillars, door cups, and rear bumper. However it does not alter the appearance of the car and I'm enjoying piece of mind that it will absorb 90+% of road rash for the next 3-4 years at least.[/ul]Overall I'm very happy and hope to put on at least 150k miles before selling it.
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 67
From:
RE: Impressions after first 1000 miles
I, too, have just hit the 1000 mile mark as of today.
I purchased a 07 A3 Sline, lava grey, Opensky, w/ 6CD changer.
-The transmission is amazing and fun.
-Drives smooth, accelerates on cue, and handles well.
-This thing is absolutely gorgeous
-The seats are firm and comfortable (despite the lack of power seats on the Sline)
-Opensky is actually really nice. It was an option I didn't want, but that I'm glad to have now.
My main complaints
-The center arm rest is an annoyance to position, but this is very minor.
-The sound system is underwhelming. I'm considering getting an XM receiver to throw onto it and the DICE unit for my iPod, but the system in general is weak. I agree on the muddy bass comment.
Additional note
-The car gets dirty extraordinarily fast here in the Bay Area since I don't have a garage (like any other car), and I want to keep it so clean but also hesitate at the thought of spending $300 on cleaning supplies, wax, polish, etc. I'm overwhelmed at the amount of advice on what to buy and how to care for the paint. I just want a nice and simple process from someone to tell me exactly which products to order online or buy from a store for a decent price for some decent protection and cleaning. I've read the detailing forum on AW and there is just too much going on there. It's hard to decide on what's best for me.
I purchased a 07 A3 Sline, lava grey, Opensky, w/ 6CD changer.
-The transmission is amazing and fun.
-Drives smooth, accelerates on cue, and handles well.
-This thing is absolutely gorgeous
-The seats are firm and comfortable (despite the lack of power seats on the Sline)
-Opensky is actually really nice. It was an option I didn't want, but that I'm glad to have now.
My main complaints
-The center arm rest is an annoyance to position, but this is very minor.
-The sound system is underwhelming. I'm considering getting an XM receiver to throw onto it and the DICE unit for my iPod, but the system in general is weak. I agree on the muddy bass comment.
Additional note
-The car gets dirty extraordinarily fast here in the Bay Area since I don't have a garage (like any other car), and I want to keep it so clean but also hesitate at the thought of spending $300 on cleaning supplies, wax, polish, etc. I'm overwhelmed at the amount of advice on what to buy and how to care for the paint. I just want a nice and simple process from someone to tell me exactly which products to order online or buy from a store for a decent price for some decent protection and cleaning. I've read the detailing forum on AW and there is just too much going on there. It's hard to decide on what's best for me.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,713
From: Cibolo, TX
RE: Impressions after first 1000 miles
Congrats and welcome!
All you really need to do is keep the car clean with a decent coat of wax. Occasionally, it is good to go a little deeper, but you could pay a professional to do that if you wanted. We have a great detailer in that section of this forum with pretty sound and simple advice too. You could spend all day everyday buffing and detailing your car, but who has time for that?
Cheers!
All you really need to do is keep the car clean with a decent coat of wax. Occasionally, it is good to go a little deeper, but you could pay a professional to do that if you wanted. We have a great detailer in that section of this forum with pretty sound and simple advice too. You could spend all day everyday buffing and detailing your car, but who has time for that?
Cheers!
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 250
From:
RE: Impressions after first 1000 miles
Once the car is clean, put it beneath a top-quality Covercraft or similar automobile cover. The high-tech fabrics they use are custom sewn on an Audi A3 outline, so it is a taut and streamlined fit. They are waterproof, dustproof, UV lightproof, and can be locked to the car with a vinyl-covered steel cable. They go on and off in about thirty seconds and are lightweight enough that they can be rolled and stored in the trunk when you drive away. I use mine both inside and outside the garage and consider it a great investment of my money.
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 67
From:
RE: Impressions after first 1000 miles
Thanks Chef and Blue Jays. I'll spend some more time reading the detailing forum here, seems to be lots of good advice but also lots of opinions on what works the best. I'll look for the wax with the least complaints 
Blue Jays, do you have a preferred brand / make for the cover? I looked at Covercraft and there are a few different types. I don't want to get something that wont protect me from rain but also don't want to break my bank doing it. Thanks for the advice
Blue Jays, do you have a preferred brand / make for the cover? I looked at Covercraft and there are a few different types. I don't want to get something that wont protect me from rain but also don't want to break my bank doing it. Thanks for the advice
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 67
From:
RE: Impressions after first 1000 miles
Okay, I bought a bunch of cleaning stuff today after a tragedy struck my beloved A3.
Last night I got home from work at about 11:45PM (we have a deadline to meet on Monday). I was tired, parked my car in the driveway and didn't even notice the surroundings.
Anyhow, I wake up this morning and come outside to see my car completely covered in dirt. I was in shock. Near my car, in my neighbor's driveway I see a pile of a few hundred pounds of mixture used with water to create stucco for houses. The ******* worked this morning mixing that stuff 10 feet away from my car! No one was home for me to bitch at, so I left a nice note for my neighbor. I quickly hosed down the dirt with a pressure and then did a basic wipe with a sheepskin wasch glove and some basic car wash soap. It's clean and thankfully didn't scratch anywhere. I am still very upset.
I ended up going to a few places and picking up a bunch of cleaning supplises listed in the detailing forum (down to the clay bar and wheel brush). I also ordered a Covercraft Block-It® 380 cover for the car.
Talk about unprofessional subcontractors. The least they could have done is came over and warned me they would be working so that I could move my car.
Last night I got home from work at about 11:45PM (we have a deadline to meet on Monday). I was tired, parked my car in the driveway and didn't even notice the surroundings.
Anyhow, I wake up this morning and come outside to see my car completely covered in dirt. I was in shock. Near my car, in my neighbor's driveway I see a pile of a few hundred pounds of mixture used with water to create stucco for houses. The ******* worked this morning mixing that stuff 10 feet away from my car! No one was home for me to bitch at, so I left a nice note for my neighbor. I quickly hosed down the dirt with a pressure and then did a basic wipe with a sheepskin wasch glove and some basic car wash soap. It's clean and thankfully didn't scratch anywhere. I am still very upset.
I ended up going to a few places and picking up a bunch of cleaning supplises listed in the detailing forum (down to the clay bar and wheel brush). I also ordered a Covercraft Block-It® 380 cover for the car.
Talk about unprofessional subcontractors. The least they could have done is came over and warned me they would be working so that I could move my car.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,713
From: Cibolo, TX
RE: Impressions after first 1000 miles
That sucks! But, a very good save, and the car cover will help a lot. Just watch out for the toxic bird droppings. They will burn through your clear coat unless your get it wiped off right away.
Cheers!
Cheers!
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 577
From:
RE: Impressions after first 1000 miles
Yea that muddy bass comes from that subwanker in the back trunk area, i'll be upgrading the stereo, and speakerson mine sooner then later.
The oil consumption issue came at about 10k for me that's when i got my first and last i hope oil alarm. Best advice is to check your dipstick everytime you fill up your gas tank.
If its low just add a quart of synthetic oil of your choice (owners manual)
Check out the newbie section chef started you'll find alot of things that we all have experienced already, and you guys haven't just yet.
The lumbar support is a valid complaint, i to have the lower back problems. The way i fixed that was to go to your auto parts store and pick up a lumbar support pillow that matches the interior color of the car buy one with the rubber belt across it so it will stay put.
Good luck to both of you.
The oil consumption issue came at about 10k for me that's when i got my first and last i hope oil alarm. Best advice is to check your dipstick everytime you fill up your gas tank.
If its low just add a quart of synthetic oil of your choice (owners manual)
Check out the newbie section chef started you'll find alot of things that we all have experienced already, and you guys haven't just yet.
The lumbar support is a valid complaint, i to have the lower back problems. The way i fixed that was to go to your auto parts store and pick up a lumbar support pillow that matches the interior color of the car buy one with the rubber belt across it so it will stay put.
Good luck to both of you.