I've been shopping small cars for about a month, and quickly zeroed in on the 06 A3 as best in class with out a doubt.

At this point in the year, the remaining stock is getting pretty thin, so the logical question is " how will the '07 A3's compair?

Does anyone know the best source of information as to when the 07's will hit the US, and how will they be appointed. I anticipate some changes in the option packages, and still hold out hope that the 2.0T will come equiped with quatro...at least as an option.

I have owned an Acura MDX with Navi for 4 years and even though it still freezes-up from time-to-time, and makes poor decisions on routes frequently, I still like it. Can anyone provide some info on the Audi Navi in the A3 so I can decide if it's worth the 2-3K?

After reading on the subject for about 30 minutes, I'm still confused about the ipod integration for the A3. Can someone help with respect to: what you need from Audi, what you need from Apple?, what you need from a third party vendor? How is the sound quality and is it worth it over simply using an FM transciever.

Looking forward to joining the ranks of Audi owners!

RB

 

Best info I have is that you can no longer order an 06, and that 07 ordering commences next month. First deliveries will be end of July or first August. The 50k mile free scheduled service policy goes away, but I've heard nothing about any other changes in packages, etc.

 

I read that the 2.0T will also get an ECU reflash good for 210hp. If you can find an A3 that you like in dealer stock, I suggest buying now to get the 50k free service. The ipod integration works well but you can't have both the satellite link and ipod on the same radio on the 2006 model, but I don't know if they are changing that in 2007. T2T has an aftermarket cable from a VW GTI and a mount from another company. It looks very good on the dash and he said the sound is very good. I have satellite radio so am forced to use the tape deck for my ipod and it's not too bad, much better than an FM broadcast. I'm not sure about the Q on 2007 A3 2.0T. It might be a late production thing if it happens at all.

Happy hunting. I absolutely love the car with FWD, but Quattro would be nice. Definitely need to chip it then.

Chef

 

The A3 3.2 is basically unchanged. The big change in the A3 2.0 is that the Sport Package is gone and you now have an S-Line 2.0 and Base 2.0 with one package (Premium) and a bunch of stand alone options that are available for either model. I assume either is available with DSG or manual. This may be a little better than the maddening options of 2006, but there is still room for improvement, IMHO. Personally, I think the way this car is packaged reflects how little money Audi is making on this car.

S Line Package: leather seats, Multi Function Steering wheel (with alloy paddles for DSG), Front grille and rear molding with S-Line badges, Alumium interior door sills with S-Line logo, S-line front and rear bumpers, Sport seats, Roof Spoiler, Trip computer, Front fog lights, Illumination package (new for 2007), Radio buttons and A/C vents in alloy, Brushed Aluminum trim, 17" 16 spoke bi color wheels

Premium Package: Same as 2006 but without the Rain/ light sensor and Auto dimming mirrors. Illumination Package is added to the Premium package.

Stand alone options:
-Bluetooth
-Audio Package: Bose, Sirius Radion, in dash 6 CD changer
-Technology Package: Light/ Rain Sensor, Auto dimming interior mirror with Compass (new for 2007), Bluetooth, Bi-xenon with Adaptive feature.
-Audi Navigation Plus & Audio Package
-Cold Weather Package
-Open Sky system
-Rear Airbags

A3 3.2 Quattro
Same as 2006 except:
-Technology Package: Bi-xenon lights with adaptive, Bluetooth (not available as a stand alone option)

Colors
New color for 2007: Ibis White (no charge) replaces Artic White
Misano Red: only with S-Line Package (Brilliant Red is STILL available)
Sprint Blue: SOLD ORDERS ONLY
Moro Blue, Venitian Violet and Murano Green are gone from the Order guide.

Don't know about pricing. Bottom line: there aren't enough changes to wait on a 2007 if you can get a good deal on a 2006. The 4 year free maintenance is gone for 2007, but you can still purchase it for 2007s.

 

Sounds like you have the scoop on 07's. Do you know if the S line suspension is upgraded like the current Sport package? Will the S-line front and rear valances resenble the add on dealer pieces? I'm also on the fence about buying a car the dealer has, vs ordering one and waiting till August.

 

I can only assume that the 2007 S-line will have the same suspension and valances as came with the sport package. The biggest problem with the A3 2.0 is getting a car with the options you want. You'll save money buying off the lot, but you probably won't get a car exactly the way you want it. You'll spend more money ordering, but you can get exactly what you want. Pick your poison

 

thanks for info, CCD. Interesting to see how configs have changed.

I'm still on fence, waiting for reliability info from CU and JDPOWER before trying jump into A3. But hopefully this forum will provide answers.

 

I guess that I can't understand why an "order" car (cheaper for the dealer - no investment or floor plan for the car) would be more expensive that a car on the lot. Maybe the dealers way of dissuading you from buying a car.

Jim

 

Kurt,

I can tell you from experience with several german cars, and years of driving Ingolstadters, that your Audi will most likley be in the shop for little things (ie: mine has been in for a squeeky door handel, a missing screw in the front clip, a fault code with the electronics, a rattling fuel line, a blown fuse, a faulty key assembly, etc). The good news is that audi backs their product, and nothing major goes wrong with them. Plus, if you bitch about the inconvienece, they will hook you up. Audi extended my warranty by a year without raising an eyebrow.

 

As far as navigation goes, I feel like that was the best investment of my purchase. It's not just the navi though, the entire interface is simply cleaner and much better than the concert II. Of course, I use the SD cards regularly, as well as the bluetooth (because of the SD's, I haven't even touched my cd changer). And you lose the tape deck, if you were planning to possibly use that with your ipod. I haven't had a problem with the navigation system yet, all courses set would have been the same as I would have chosen, had I had a map in front of me. Saved my *** a few times too. Definitely recommended.