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imitchellg5 · Jun 9, 2007, 09:02 PM

Me and my friend have been looking at cars, specifically the Audi A3. We really really love the A3, but I'm wondering about reliablity. I'm sure it's not the best, but I would like to hear what some owners, if there are any here, know about it. It is such a nice driving and fun car.

IceEnclosure · Jun 9, 2007, 10:41 PM

You won't get much feedback here I'd imagine. Not the most popular car. Really though, I'd think any A4 owner's feedback would be just about right on.

A3 with the 3.2 or one of the turbos and AWD is one of my dream pocket vehicles. They get pricey with AWD and a good motor tho. For the $25K or so entry into an A3, you get FWD and a small motor. Still an awesome car with any drivetrain though I'd say.

cenutrio · Jun 10, 2007, 05:42 AM

I din't know A3s were available in the States, never saw one... It is a nice car, I have some friends who own the 2.5 TDI and couldn't be more pleased. They are reliable (A4 3.0 TDI state wagon owner).

willed · Jun 10, 2007, 08:11 AM

They are basically a VW Golf (possibly even previous gen chassis?) with a nicer badge and a much higher pricetag... just so you know!

imitchellg5 · 11:43 AM

We drove the 2.0T S-Line. It was about $30k but it had some options that I personally would leave out. They are really hot selling here in Colorado, they only had two A3s compared to about 10 of the other Audis. The 2.0T has great power up here in the mountains though, I wouldn't even consider the 3.2 for here.

kikkoman · 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by willed

They are basically a VW Golf (possibly even previous gen chassis?) with a nicer badge and a much higher pricetag... just so you know!

More like the GTI but yeah same platform. I asked the same question a few months ago. The A3 2.0T is my ideal car. It drives and looks beautifully. The 2.0 engine is a great performer and still gets decent gas mileage. DSG is pretty awesome too. Unfortunately, if you do some research you will find Audi/Volkswagon reliability is pretty awful, near the bottom. Getting them fixed is also expensive, so an extended warranty is a must. A gorgeous vehicle but if you want to one one be prepared to shell out $$$. Used is probably your best bet if you want to save some money since they depreciate so quickly.

http://forums.macnn.com/89/macnn-lou...-really-awful/

imitchellg5 · Jun 10, 2007, 11:43 AM

It seems like in that thread there is mixed reliability... both good and bad. The Audi dealer here has free scheduled maintenance for the first 4 years which is nice I guess.

kikkoman · Jun 10, 2007, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by imitchellg5

The Audi dealer here has free scheduled maintenance for the first 4 years which is nice I guess.

Better double check that. That WAS one advantage buying Audi over VW but Audi ended their complimentary maintenance program for 2007 models. Unless your buying an '06 A3 or that is something the dealer is doing on their own, which I doubt, you have to pay for routine maintenance.

Audi ends maintenance - Autoblog

imitchellg5 · Jun 10, 2007, 01:20 PM

It is something that the dealer is doing. All of the "premium" Phil Long dealers do it here (Volvo, VW, Audi, Porsche, etc.)

OreoCookie · Jun 10, 2007, 01:59 PM

The Audi A3 Sportback is IMHO the nicest-looking car in its class. Expensive, but very nice-looking.

imitchellg5 · Jun 10, 2007, 07:52 PM

I agree Oreo. I think it's probably one of the best driving as well. The only thing that isn't up to par for that price is the interior I think. Some pieces seemed like they were made out of cheap hard plastic.