Hi Guys

I am new in this forum, currently I don’t own an Audi, but I am serious thinking to purchase a second hand last generation A3, I have 2 options either getting the 1998~1999
3 doors 1.8T 4 speed automatic110Kw (roughly about USD$10,000 in NZ) or the face lifted model 2001~2002 5 doors 1.8T 5 speed triptronic 130Kw (is quite a bit dearer at USD $15,000)
The manual version of A3 Turbo is a bit hard to find here down here in New Zealand, so I have to go for automatic, I am just wondering if the automatic version can be modified to perform similarly to 1.8T manual? i.e. chipping the ECU, better exhaust, air filter etc.
And out of the 2 models preface lift and the face lifted model, because they have the same engine can they both reach the same potential after modification?
So I could probably safe some money with just purchasing the older model and spend the money on modding it.


Any input will be very much appreciated.

And any buying A3 tips would be handy as well, like what to watch out for.


Thanks
Ed