Actually, the "8P" sportback (the current design) came out in Europe in 2003, so it was not a new model year in 2006, just a new model for the US market. With a 2006, just make sure the car has had the fuel line fix. In some 2006s, the fuel line, just behind the passenger side glovebox would rub against the metal, causing noise. Audi fixed this with a free repair and there are no other problems with it. There is even a DIY solutions out there, it's apparently not a big deal to fix it. (I think it just involves sticking a piece of foam between the line and the metal) Later 2006s and on do not have this minor problem.
The other differences between a 2006 and 2007 that I can think of: a 2006 allows you to change the amount of power steering assist through VAG-Com, 2007s do not. 2007s and on have a digital speedometer in the driver's information system, 2006 do not. Not sure if it's year specific, but I've seen older A3s come with the single DIN stereo. In my opinion, the double din stereos look better, but I think the quality/functionality are virtually identical.
2006s may also have a sport package, which in 2007 became S-line, though the S-line package includes some things that Sport did not. (I tried searching, but there was an interesting thread on this just a couple of weeks ago)
In the US, 2006 A3's have free service ("Audi Care") through 50K miles, which includes oil/filter changes at 10K intervals, the rather expensive DSG fuel/filter change at 35K, and air and pollen filter replacements when they are recommended by Audi.
The steering boost adjustment is a very neat feature, and the VAG-COM interface that it takes to do that has a bunch of other great capabilities.
My 2006 has the double DIN stereo (associated with it being Bose?), which includes an in-dash CD changer and a cassette player.
The fuel line noise is a prominent rattle that sounds like it is coming from the glovebox area at idle. It is actually the fuel lines running under the right-side floor that are causing the noise, and as TPE_A3 says, it is a very easy DIY fix (with better results then the dealer's fix):
dvdre; The only reason I can think of telling people to avoid a 2006 A3 is if it's Moro Blue and they live in my area. I want to have the only one . And as TPE_A3 stated - it's not a new model year. Also - Audi is not like other manufacturers - they do not rush a car onto the market and then work the bugs out. IE - Toyota Thundra (those made in Texas). Check to see if the car is still covered under the service plan and warranty. If it is - grab it.
Hey omnimofo; I've never seen your A3 during my travels around the county. But, I have seen a red A3 3.2 with a sweet tint job. Have you seen that one around? I'm still looking for a good tint shop around the area. Have you tinted your A3 yet?
Hey omnimofo; I've never seen your A3 during my travels around the county. But, I have seen a red A3 3.2 with a sweet tint job. Have you seen that one around? I'm still looking for a good tint shop around the area. Have you tinted your A3 yet?
Hi L7,
I haven't seen any red A3 so far around Columbia or Rockville area. My commute on weekdays = 3 mile down the street to work and then another 7 miles to the gym so that's probably why no one's been able to spot me =( A tint job is in the budget but I just haven't had the time to go down to get it done yet. I think I'll follow Swaynest's suggestion and goto TNT Tint (http://www.tnttint.net/) in Alexandria. Nothing fansy, it'll just be a 35% all around tint. Howard county cops have a habit of pulling ppl over out of boredom so I'll stay under the legal boundary for now =P
Hi Omnimofo; As far as the local boyz go - after I get the tint job - I'm gonna get one of those "Choose Civility" magnets for the car. From what I've been seeing - those folks seem to get a free pass for some of the crap they pull on the roads around HoCo. Or is that only if it is on a minivan or suburban assault vehicle?
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Any reason to avoid a 2006 A3? - 
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. . . never mind
