I'm down to the wire on deciding if I should go with the A3 3.2, and I was finally able to take an extended test drive in an '07 Bimmer 328xi wagon for comparison.

Handled great, steering feel at low speed was better than the A3. Interior was well appointed and almost as nice as Audi's. But severely underpowered, especially for the price. It's 230 hp at 6300rpm and only 200lb/ft torque. I figured it would compare favorably to a stock A3 2.0. But both trims of A3 are just much more fun. BMW's X-drive really eats up a lot of power, and I don't think I could go from an AWD Subaru to a RWD just to get decent pickup.

I just hope after reading through this forum that I pick up a 3.2 for ~$37,000 and don't end up with CEL coming on every 500 miles. And of course, per my last thread, I'm still on the fence about having Open Sky in the summertime.

 

I've got a friend with the 328xi and it's nice, but definitely underpowered. He likes my care much better.

 

Get the 3.2. It's a great car. I've had it for 2 months now (approximately 2000 miles) and everything is great. The car has tremendous torque whenever you need it and I really like the DSG. 328 is dull. 335i coupe would be a comparable option but somewhat pricier. Cheers,

Ahmet

 

I also recommend the 3.2. I've had mine about a month now, just over 1000 miles, so I'm just starting to see what it is capable of... amazing car.

 

Since I had just driven the 328, I went to a slightly out-of-the-way Audi dealership and test drove the 3.2 again. 328 is out for sure. However, not sure about the prices I'm getting. The can locate one with 17" wheels, satellite radio, cold weather, tech and open sky that is the right color, but they are asking $1500 above invoice. The should be able to do better than that, shouldn't they?

The most local dealership couldn't even offer me a 2006 that that price so far.

 

Go for the A-3!. I have had mine since August and have 10K miles on it. Been in the shop for oil changes and that is it. LOVE the DSG shifter and the power.

 

Mine was priced out at $500 over invoice and special ordered. So yes, they should be able to do better than $1500 over invoice.

 

Thanks for the info! I'm not in a hurry to buy, so I can use that in my favor. Demand for the A3 is greater in my area, I think (we're beginning to see a few of them around here) and inventory is sparse for the 3.2. Also, I checked the true market value on Edmunds and found my price to be $600 below what others are paying in my region.

But still, yeah, I think they can go lower.

I'm also getting the 17" wheels but I intend to make them put something good on them instead of those p6s.

 

It doesn't help that there are only two dealerships within reasonable distance, and one of them is notorious for staying at MSRP.

 

Oh man, I begged the dealer for something different than the P6 tires when I ordered. Since the car is not yet here, I'm hoping for Conti's or Dunlop's or anything other than those crappy P6. The Conti's on my TT were real good. I even told them I'd pay the difference, if any.

BTW there is only one Audi dealer in my area, but this will be my third Audi from them, so that might have helped. The next closest dealer is about 2 hours away.

I took the Edmunds invoice price and added $500 and they agreed immediately. I did use the "What, I have to pay for free maintenance now?" schtick [sm=icon_rock.gif]

Good luck whichever way you go.