Purchasing A3 Questions
 

I am looking to purchase an 2006-08 A3 but I have heard that they have some head and turbo issues... any truth to this? I was also wondering if there are any other issues I should know about? I have been a car guy all my life and this will be my first step into high end manufacturers... so a little guidance would be appreciated.

I have read through many threads, including the sticky above, but I haven't really found the answers to my question above. Thanks in advance....

Don't know that I'd call A3 problems "head and turbo issues." That sounds more ominous than what I've experienced. Here's a good list of common issues with 2006-2008 A3's:

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

One that is not mentioned is that these engines tend to use oil, 1500-5000 mi/qt. They need good oil, changed often. I use Mobil 1 0W-40, which is VW 502 approved, changed at 6000 mile intervals, based on oil analysis results.

The newer TFSI engines that were introduced in the A3 late in 2008 don't have that oil use problem. They also have a timing chain (FSI engines have a belt that must be changed at 75-105K). The TFSI also seems to have improved the PCV system, which is probably directly related to the oil use.

Fourtitude includes Technical Forums devoted to each engine type, as well as an A3-specific forum.

http://forums.fourtitude.com/forumdi...nical-(VW-Audi)

One cool thing about VW-Audi is the use of a VAG-COM interface from Ross-Tech, which allows diagnosis of issues, adjustment of many parameters in the car, and measurement of performance, etc. I've used my VAG-COM to :

Adjust steering boost (only possible on 2006 A3's)
Enable heated mirrors
Disable auto door locks
Windows & sunroof close/open from key fob
Enable headlights, then fog lights as DRL's
Perform boost and torque measurements
Changed seat belt warning light timer
Adjust gas mileage calculation
Reset DSG Basic Settings
Change service interval to 6100 miles

Fourtitude has a forum for VAG-COM that is very well supported by knowledgable people at Ross-Tech

head and turbo issues in A3 ? That's news to me..but they do have rare gearbox issues..

Thank you for the great links I have learned a lot. I had no idea it was going to be so difficult to find one. I looked at a 07 and the motor was really loud... Is that typical?