Got a good deal on a low km Audi A3 2006.. unfortunately I couldn't get what I really wanted in terms of packages it doesn't have all the extras but the kms being so low I figured the rest I can work on at my own pace.

My question is if it's worth buying a 3rd party extended warranty since the purchase is through a mazda dealer who got the car on a trade in and I contacted an audi dealer who said that it can't be added through them since it was not purchased through them.

Also if I should go with one they offered two options a basic (engine, transmission, transfer case, drive axle) and a premium that covered all that plus steering, brakes, electrical, air conditioner, fuel system.

What kind of maintenance will I be looking at on average with these cars. I have looked all over and it's really hit and miss with people if they have needed anything or not. The car hit 64,000 kms so it's not bad just wondering. They are also trying to sell me the rust protection but I am going to pass on that since I will be keeping it really clean.

Thanks everyone.

 

Anyone out there give me any insight if it's worth having this extended warranty or not?

 

I purchased my 2006 A3 from an Audi dealer as Certifed Pre-Owned (CPO), with warranty that extended to 6 years/100,000 miles (whichever occurs first). That CPO warranty has saved me about $6000 so far, and I've got it until July.

Repairs under CPO (after 50K miles):
Replaced DSG Mechatronics controller (~$3500)
Replaced high pressure fuel pump, intake cam and cam follower (~$1500)
Replaced Diverter Valve (~$1000)

I'm still wondering if the Air Conditioning compressor will fail during the warranty.

BTW, here's an old but excellent description of potential problem areas on early A3's

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?3366758

Hope that helps answer your question. Of course, you should do plenty of research regarding the likelihood that the extended warranty offer will actually cover such possibilities.

 

thanks dfrost.. i ended up negotiating a warranty today for the next 60,000km for a decent price since i don't drive that far that often 60,000 should last me at least 3 years and then I will see what I want to do .

 

$1000 for a diverter valve? Wow... Thats the business I need to be in.

 

Hey sidetrack question for the OP.

You're from Toronto and so am I. I'm planning on buying an 06 Audi A3 within a week or two. Where did you buy from? Have they treated you well?

What was the price you paid for it?
Maybe I could get an idea if the one I'm going to buy is overpriced.

The one I'm considering is manual tranny, ~75000km. They're asking $17,500 for it. It will be a 2.0T

I've read alot about clutch problems, and I'm going to make sure that their 2 year warranty will cover this. Infact, I'm concerned enough about this that I might try to get an extended warranty too.

 

Hey Kuro,

I actually got it from a trade in someone did up in Orangeville for a mazda because they needed more car for family. So it was from a Mazda dealer who was really good about the whole deal.

Everything has been great in the car so far except the fact the engine light was on for over a week and then just went off and then on for a day now it's been off again for a little bit. It's also tough to get started in the morning so they are looking into it with Audi and I'm just waiting to hear back .

I purchased a 3 year extended warranty bumper to bumper as well just incase.

The one I got was automatic although I wanted manual but I was running out of time before I handed my old car in from lease so you take what you can get. Its also not decked out inside but for 64,000km on it I paid 17k and they put heated seats into it for me no charge and they also had to take my nissan back for me and they paid my last month of the lease as well.

From everyone I talked to including my mechanic if you can get a good deal on a warranty then just do it for peace of mind. I got a great deal on it for 3 year 60,000km.

Best of luck man. The car is smooth and fun as hell to drive.

 

I just bought my 2006 A3 2.0T Manual. It has 75xxx kms on it, and I just took the 2 year CPO warranty. I can add extended warranty later

I just bought it for $16,100. It had a history on the car proof saying that it needed body repairs for a hail storm that happened 2 years ago. And it was true, on the date of the repair, it had stated the incident happened exactly on March 9, 2009. If you were in toronto, you might have remembered that hail storm. I threw an offer of $16,000 and was totally willing to walk away but they ended up settling for $16,100. Lol. Their asking price as of this morning was $17,200... and a week ago it was $17,500.