I just purchased a solid A3 Premium Plus Hatchback. I think! Audi certified, with 2 months left on the original warranty, then another 2/50k. 35k miles on the car.

Question 1.
One thing that is bothering me is there is no direct connect for my iPhone. I care about this more for music than calls. (There is bluetooth, but only for receiving calls, I believe.)

So no MMI port in the glove box, only a mini jack under the armrest. Feels like a let down, to be limited to poor quality from the mini jack, but mainly to not be able to adjust volume and skip/fwd tracks from the dash or wheel, and also charge the device.

What are my options? Sounds like MMI can only be installed at the factory. Or no?

Would an aftermarket radio allow for iPhone connection AND steering wheel and integration? And look good in the dash?

Question 2.
My last car was a 2005 Volvo V50. Sports suspension, too stiff. Love the A3 compared to that. But...the last 3 days I've been test driving mostly 2010-2013 4-door GTIs. I'm tall, and have better headroom in the GTI than the A3. I can make it work in the A3, but the seat is lower and feels more of a laid perspective vs. the GTI.

And overall responsiveness feels much more direct in the GTI. Something about the drive position for me feels more alert and comfortable. Love the GTI steering wheel as well, even though I'm not a racer.

I know this is all subjective to taste, but has anyone come from a similar perspective?

Question 3.
I'm a bit concerned about the service fees over time. Specifically years 5 and 6. Seems quite high using Edmunds true cost tool, now that I see the numbers

I have 2 days to back out of the deal.

Any thoughts?

 

Oh, the radio is labeled Audi Concert.

 

Hi Michele,

In regards to Question1:
It doesn't matter if you get the MMI or concert radio. Both allow iPhone/Android integration only to receive/make calls (if setup). You have 2 options to overcome this obstacle:
a) Buy an aftermarket radio which allows for auxiliary and bluetooth connectivity for any phone. I bought an Alpine radio that comes with everything. If you go to Crutchfield (also good place for speakers) they have great kits that also allow steering wheel control for Audi.
b) purchase an adapter that connects to the existing radio that fools the radio into thinking your bluetooth connection is AUX input.

Question 2:
The GTI is more of a sportier car and therefore does feel more responsive. I've not test driven one yet but just the looks and the idea of the car give away what you are experiencing. For a somewhat comparison you should probably looks into the S-line. I cannot comment on the head/leg room comparison but the A3 is pretty darn small even for me an I'm only 5'10". My seat has to be all the way down for it to be comfortable.

Question 3:
Any German car will cost you money after the initial first 5 years. This is when stuff needs to be replaced and starts breaking (also when warranty ends). However the A3 is pretty inexpensive compared to some of the bigger siblings (like A4 and up). Either look for an indy shop specialist in VW/Audi or learn how to repair most of the stuff yourself and save tons on labor.

 

Thanks, Sheldon.

My friend has the same car, same year, S line as well, and she has a port in the glove box that hooks up to her phone. Must have been a special package bought at purchase.

Yes, I'm 6', and more headroom on the VW as well.

 

You are correct that in the glovebox (if purchased with that option) you can find an adapter to connect your iPhone to. Mine that that as well - but I removed it replaced it with a standard USB connector when I upgraded the radio. From the looks of it - it won't be a bluetooth connection though, just a wired plug for your Apple device.
After buying the Alpine I'm more than pleased with the features and quality I've received versus the stock radio unit from Audi. I still have the radio and the iPhone adapter but I'm not sure if I will ever need them again.

 

Thanks. I really want a wired connection, and the ability to change volume, skip tracks, etc., from the dash, and maybe from the wheel controls as well. (I don't have the port!)

What model is your Alpine? I'd like a fit that looks stock, meaning flush with the dash.

 

This is the unit I purchased:
Alpine CDE-HD148BT CD receiver at Crutchfield.com

That was 2 years ago so there might be a better version out or some upgraded radio. However I liked the fact that I can change the display color to match my dashboard as well as all the features it came with. If you purchase their kit you get a bracket that makes sure it converts that double-din to a single (if you have that same problem). Personally I have no problems with the looks of the unit or how it fits into the center console.
I can connect my phone via bluetooth, it syncs up every time I start the car. I can place and receive phone calls, as well as use by steering wheel controls to navigate.
The only thing it won't do it, is show the radio/phone information in my dashboard where the stock unit would show what song is playing