RE: Would you buy an A3?
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.
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