Hello all, I'm glad to join what looks like a great forum.

I just drove off the lot last night with a new 2008 A3 3.2 and have a couple newbie questions.

1) The symbol on the dashboard that indicates how many miles until the next fill up (the one with the gas station next to it) says 150. The tank is basically full, so does this seem right?

2) Regarding A3 in general, do you find the steering a little light at low speeds? I test drove a couple times, but the steering seems a little light. High speeds it's great. This could simple be the fact that I used to drive a truck and am an overly sensitive new owner!

Overwise, car is fantastic!

 

1. The symbol you are seeing is "how many miles untilempty." When I fill my tank up, it usually tops at about 350. So if yours says 150 you should have about half a tank. Look at your gas guage and this will tell you. If the gas guage says full, and it still says 150 after you drive it for a day, that does not seem right. Drive it for a week, and check that symbol after fill ups. It should go up and peak right after a fill up, and when you have about half a tank should be in the 150 range. This number also fluctuates with how you drive.

2. I drove a 4x4 pick up truck right before I got my A4. The steering did seem light at first becuase I was so used to driving a truck. Once you get used to it, it should be spot on. Drive the car for a week, and then check how the steering feels. The car will also feel like a bullet after driving a truck! This was a huge contrast for me!

 

Congrats on the new car! Welcome to the brotherhood~

1) That doesnt seem right at all. But I would guess that after your next fill up it will post a more realistic number.

2) This was one of the first things I noticed when I first test drove the car. Coming from a 5th gen honda prelude (read super stiff steering wheel) it took a bit getting used to. It even felt light even going at high speeds. But I got used to it. If I'm not mistaken, ppl with 06 A3's were able to stiffen up the steering through the VAGCOM. Unfortunately 07's and beyond arent able to...

 

1) I believe the 'miles to empty' is indicative of how you are CURRENTLY driving. If you were on a test drive, more than likely you were doing some pretty spirited driving (confirmed by stating):

 

The car's been on the lot - moving 50 feet at a time, idling, unloading from the transporter,maybe a few test drives or drives back to service or detail. Probably averaged10 mpg till you bought it, and that's what the computer is using to project miles to empty.Wait till you've driven through a tank.

 

Cool, sounds like I probably don't have anything to worry about. Thanks for all the quick answers!

 

Congratulations on your purchase. I am also a newbie having had a 2008 A3 for about 3 weeks. I just read the owners manual about the Cruising Range calculation (page 32) and it states

"The cruising range is calculated on the fuel consumption for the last 18 miles."