New Member Looking into Audis
 

So I finally graduated college and got a job where I can afford to not only pay off my student debt but also pick up a new lil toy foy myself (my gift from me, to me, for being such a good boy the past 5.5 years). So my buddy has an '03 A4 and got me into Audis again (my Pops owned a Fox when I was a kid).

So given my price range and what I can do insurance wise I'm looking at three cars right now:

07 A3
07 GTI
00-03/04 TT

I know pretty all over the place, but I'm wondering what sort of problems if any people here have had with their A3s and whether or not torque steer becomes a factor after modding the car and putting some more juice in her.

Any feedback or information or websites anyone can give me to point me in the right direction are greatly appreciated.

RE: New Member Looking into Audis
 

Buy the A3. That's all you need to know. The rest you'll happily figure out on your own the more you drive it.

Cheers!

RE: New Member Looking into Audis
 

The A3 2.0T has very few problems. The interior looks like a hybrid between a TT and a A4. One of the best interiors around!
The VW GTI is cheaper, interior differences, and rear end is quite different. IMHO the A3 is classier overall and fun to drive.

RE: New Member Looking into Audis
 

And some of us "older coots" were starting to believe that U.MD was no longer producing productive, reasonable andintelligent members of society.
First - congrats on the degree. And second, if you want a lil toy for yourself: get twowheels. Can't beat the fun factor with that.Next -I cannot remember the post we had a little while back aboutimage and the differences between the A3 and some other comparably priced 'road racers'. But, first off, see what the corporate culture looks like inyour place of employment.Do a little bit more time there - see what kind of cars are there - get yourself established.
This may sound a littlepathetic to some - but, see what the car mentality isover there. For example: do the directorlevels and aboveincluding your bossdrive 6 year oldHonda Accords and Toyota Camrys. Or is the parking lot full of Buicks and GM products? If that'snot the case - then by all means go with the A3. The GTI will save you some money - but, let's face it, what are you trying to say."DC professional with some refined taste." or "College gradthat enjoys marathon sessions of Madden with former quad buddies on weekends."(Not intending to dis GTI owners of course).
As for the TT - only if you have another car.Here's athought. Between an A3 and a TT- whichone willa 42 inch plasma flat screen fit into?

RE: New Member Looking into Audis
 

I have to fully agree and disagree with L7. Fcuk what other people in the Corporate world around you are doing! Go with what you want and live your life the way you want. I've been in a lot of different Corporate scenerios and your car will not change things one bit. However, don't go pumping 1000 watts of thundering bass to old 2livecrew songs, because that will get noticed. The A3 says that you have a refinement, taste, and good sense about you, but that you are still fun. Never a bad thing.

Cheers!

RE: New Member Looking into Audis
 

Investigate corporate culture...why? [sm=icon_rofl.gif]
I'd only be concerned about inadquate parking spaces, or possibility of car dings at where you work.
You worked hard for your degree....live a bit....I hope you find what you want in a car!

RE: New Member Looking into Audis
 

Okay - Please let me clarify. Since I may not have properly transferred my thoughts to print with my post yesterday.
UMTerp - take a look around the parking lot and check out what those above you are driving. If your boss is driving some older type car or those above him are to and have no knowledge about Audi's or German cars altogether - it could cause issues later. They may start to feel that you don't really need that extra percent for your incentive increase or that larger performance bonus cut from the pie.
People may not openly admit it - but, I've seen it happen.

RE: New Member Looking into Audis
 

the audi.

RE: New Member Looking into Audis
 

audi A3.

RE: New Member Looking into Audis
 

I've found the A3 to be a near perfect "under the radar" car for urban environments. Nobody knows what it is and95% of people in the real world don't view Audi as particularlyhigh-end or conspicuous. BMW, Mercedes, Lexus,Jaguar - these companies have gone to great lengths to make sure that ownership of their products is a statement of arrival or success, but Audi is the company that currently has little sizzle but much steak.
The A3 is the ideal stealthy car for realcar enthusiasts - nobody knows what a blast it is to drive, and ordinary people don't care about stuff like DSG or FSI. Rice Rocketeers rarely try to race me (though I get an occasional glance).
My daughter drove a BMW 3 cabriolet till recently because she liked it - but it attracted predatory boys, vandals, and a lot of envy and resentment. She now drives an A3 - nobody pays the least attention. It might as well be an Altima.
L7 is right - if everybody there drives old beaters, you might raise a few eyebrows in a new ride; but I don't think its being an Audi is gonna matter much. Some places are like that- my brother in law is an egghead astronomer; he wants an A3, but is afraid of his peers opinions. If you don't drive a Prius or a 12 year old rustbucket Fiesta, people tend to look at you as a money grubbing Republican warmonger who believes global warming is a left wing conspiracy.