Purely my fault... I didnt need a new car, but wanted one, especially after my job sent me on a business trip and I drove a 2007 Camry for a week. I wouldnt buy a Camry, but compared to my '96 Olds Achieva (which still runs good), it was very nice. So I went to some dealers, drove an A3 and an A4 (also drove a WRX wagon, its fast, but they are so ugly), and ultimately put a deposit on an A3. I dont like the idea of having too much debt, and I'm still paying off college loans, so I was looking for an A3 with nothing more than Open Sky...and thats what I got, 2.0T, 6M, Black on Black (cloth) and open sky. Now my problem is I really wish I got at least the premium package. In hind sight, with how much I ended up spending, I dont think another $1,650 would have made that much of a difference. I know it would'nt make the car go any faster...but I have a new Audi!!! with no leather, no fog lamps, no multi-fucntion steering wheel, no etc. The only positive is I really like the standard rims better than any of the other packages. But every day I get in the car and have to look at the empty rectangle where the Driver Information Display should be and it hurts a little. Don't get me wrong, I still love the car...drove 900+ miles in the first week. I'm just having some regrets about how "frugal" I was.

Can anyone lie to me and tell me that the premium package was'nt worth it ??

 

Skwid;
The power driver's seat and extra bells n'whistles that come with the premium package add extra weight to the car which could rob you of speed and fuel economy. You did need it....

 

Two things you could do.

1) Get it mapped. That'll put a grin back on your face.
2) Have a browse around for OEM accessories. www.vagparts.com springs to mind or www.audi-accessories.co.uk and have a word with Neil about shipping to the Satates. I'm sure there are loads of others on your side of the Atlantic.

 

I bought a base model (Open Sky was the ONLY option) and I don't regret it at all!!! I can calculate my own MPG. I know when my tank is about empty by looking at the fuel guage. I still have power windows/locks. I didn't WANT leather because a 100lb dog is sometimes a passenger in the car. I still get a temp display and a clock.....Sure there were some things that would have been nice to have (fogs, HID's), but I would have had to get packages full of stuff that I didn't want just to get the few things that I did. Not worth it to me.And when I change out the stereo head unit, I don't have to worry about losing steering wheel control functionality.When I started looking at Audi's, I was actually looking at $40k A4 avants, and just ended up liking this base model A3 sooooo much more. As far as I am concerned....I have no regrets at all.

 

Hi L7, there was a recent test with a VW GTI (cousin of A3) with what would happen with 0-60 MPH benchmarks with four passengers and the results were negligible. If you had the weight of quattro, that would effect your performance by maybe .1 or .2 secs. I have the premium package and notice no problem with acceleration or fuel economy (I gotten 33-34 MPG at constant 70 mph). The drivers seat isn't that heavy.

 

Just think of all the money you saved with stuff that not being there to break! I think sometimes we are all spoiled with too many gadgets. So consider yourself one of the rare types that appreciates the A3 for what it is.
[sm=gears.gif]

 

They saying for BMW goes... dont buy one without sports package.

I applied the same for the A3 and no regrets at all although I kinda wish I got an s2000

 

Hi skwid-

"...You did the absolute right thing by selecting an Audi A3 with minimal options..." You asked and I delivered!

~ Blue Jays ~

 

We all learn from our mistakes. When i purchase a car i always try to cut a litlle here and there, not that i have to i makegood money its just human nature i guess. I'm kicking myself in the ***** everyday not getting a navigation (gps) feature. There is always next time dont hold back get all the features.[8D]

 

I have bought a LOT of new cars and I've learned one thing that I stand by and that is to get the car exactly like I want it. Don't compromise a $1k here or there because you can "live" without that option you want, but you'll always regret it. Therefore, I do a LOT of research on the car before I purchase and figure out exactly what I want, find one, then negotiate as well as possible. Live and learn.

Cheers!