I've beenleaning heavily towards a BMW 330 or 335 (used) but have been keeping my eye on the A3s as well.

Alocal used A3 3.2 S-Line has recently come up for sale. It has 14k miles, nav system, black on black,and I'm not sure what else. I'm in Europe at the moment and am waiting to call on the car and what other options it has when I get back to the states later this week.

Anyone know what this car is worth? I pulled Edmunds and KBB private party values and they appear to be around $32k.

Also, did the xenons and open sky come standard on the 3.2s? Anything I should be weary of with this car?

 

Nothing you should be weary of...at least to my knowledge. But no, Xenons and Open Sky aren't standard. It may have Xenons as a standalone option if 2006 or if it's a 2007 with the tech package. As for Open Sky, I've found the 3.2 on a lot without it is pretty rare.

Just be aware that it might include sub-par stock tires and you won't be able to do any significant performance mods. The engine itself is dated and heavy, but it's rock solid reliable and doesn't drink oil like the 2.0 tends to.

 

Thanks for the info. I want the 3.2 for the AWD and I'm not much of a modifier. Even if I bought a 2.0T, I'd likely leave it alone, althought I suppose it's possible down the road I'd update chip it. Regardless, the AWD is important for me.

I found a 335i for about $8k more. It's a tough call. I'd much prefer the 335i but the price is a little steep for me at this point.

 

I had a good deal going for a 328xi but it was still steeper than the A3 and by comparison WAY underpowered.A 335 might have presented a tougher decision. But in my experience the only thing the Bimmer had going for it was a slightly better low-speed steering feel. I needed the AWD too, so absolutely no regrets with my purchase.

 

You might consider looking for a left over 2007 A3 3.2. I snagged this one off eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ME:B:BOC:MOT:1

My wife has a 328xi with nav and it is very difficult to use, and no one has the DSG except Audi. I think the brake pedal is too close to the accelerator and too high off the floor, but other than that, it is the easiest car to drive since my old BMW 330i.