Defecting to Audi A3?
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by SpiderX
Good point......what is the upside with mods for this engine?
NEUSPEED came up with the new engine management upgrade that will bring your car up to 252hp and 297ft-lb...only $500!!!
Dyno from NEUSPEED
I think this 2.0T FSI engine will be a heaven for the mod crazy people, because there will be more than 6 car models that share the same engine type that translate to tons of aftermarket parts for it....so moding this car will only make you broke...
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
Neuspeed's ECU tuning is OK, but I'd be looking at APR's products for their upgradeability. Their big turbo kits are always vastly superior to Neuspeed's (and most other Audi tuners) and they offer race gas programming with switch-on-the-fly capability, as well as extras like Immobilizer, Fault Code Erase, and Throttle Body Adaptation.
http://goapr.com/Audi/products/ecu_upgrade_8pa3.html
I would expect their 100 octane programming to pull at least 260hp and 330tq. The 104 programming should be in the neighborhood of 345tq.
Too bad it's FWD.
http://goapr.com/Audi/products/ecu_upgrade_8pa3.html
I would expect their 100 octane programming to pull at least 260hp and 330tq. The 104 programming should be in the neighborhood of 345tq.
Too bad it's FWD.
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
AWD available
Just a heads up: The AWD version of the A3 is currently at dealers. My brother works for Audi of South Burlington, VT and one came in right before Thanksgiving. Pricing is available online through the usual sources.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 0
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 701
Likes: 0
From: Ellicott City, MD
I've owned Audis most of my life...currently own a '04 A6 2.7 S-line, a '97 A6 Avant, and just recently sold my '99 A4.... I love Audis - always have, always will. Are they without problems? No... is any car? No... The A3 is an awesome little car and one i've been pondering myself. I just don't need 3 Audis again (they are not cheap)... so a Mini is in my future. And for note, the Audis i've owned and currently own have never left me stranded and broken down on the side of the road. 
also go to AudiWorld.com (great community of people)..and seek out April over there (A3 forum) - she knows all you will ever want to know about Audi's and more info than any one girl should know.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/29515/0006.jpg">
also go to AudiWorld.com (great community of people)..and seek out April over there (A3 forum) - she knows all you will ever want to know about Audi's and more info than any one girl should know.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/29515/0006.jpg">
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by dnor72
Just a heads up: The AWD version of the A3 is currently at dealers. My brother works for Audi of South Burlington, VT and one came in right before Thanksgiving. Pricing is available online through the usual sources.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 394
Likes: 1
From: KC
Originally Posted by RenaultF1
I was an Audi lover too...until I owned one. Yes, they are one of the best looking cars and their interiors are gorgeous. However, as my brother says, "best looking car on the side of the road".
Personally, if reliability is what you are after, I would stay away from any Audi product based on my experience with my 1999.5 Audi A4 (which was actually supposed to be one of the best years/models for reliability). Perhaps you should talk with my mechanic at the Audi dealership and he could give you the lowdown on the fact that mine isn't the only car that has had many, MANY problems (and major ones at that). Also, I can give you the names of 3 of my friends (their cars...an '04 A4 convertable, '02 Allroad, and '03 TT) and 2 co-workers (an '03 TT and and '02 A4) that would say the same thing.
Oh and if you think the VAG care more about its customers and is more responsive to its customers than MINIUSA, I have two words for you: ignition coils. If you haven't heard about that fiasco, it goes something like this. Basically when they introduced the 1.8 turbo version of the B6 A4 (2002), they had faulty coils. When an ignition coil fails, the car will not run, on a 4 cylinder car there are 4 coils. On the B6 when 1 coil would fail, Audi would replace only that one coil under warranty instead of all 4 at once. Some owners ended up being stranded 4 times. Eventually, Audi issued a recall (wasn't called that...) but it took many months before that happened.
Now, maybe the VAG has started working on their reliability so MAYBE the A3 will be fine...and MAYBE your particular car will be fine. Granted you'll get service and a warranty. However, if you run out of warranty, my advice is to get an extended warranty because if you think the MINI is expensive to fix, you haven't seen anything until you own an Audi.
Oh and my Audi needed a new suspension too which I paid out of pocket...over $2,500 (can't remember the exact amount). However, about 6 months later they issued a recall and I was able to get the money back.
It goes without saying...my vote would be the '06 MCS.
Personally, if reliability is what you are after, I would stay away from any Audi product based on my experience with my 1999.5 Audi A4 (which was actually supposed to be one of the best years/models for reliability). Perhaps you should talk with my mechanic at the Audi dealership and he could give you the lowdown on the fact that mine isn't the only car that has had many, MANY problems (and major ones at that). Also, I can give you the names of 3 of my friends (their cars...an '04 A4 convertable, '02 Allroad, and '03 TT) and 2 co-workers (an '03 TT and and '02 A4) that would say the same thing.
Oh and if you think the VAG care more about its customers and is more responsive to its customers than MINIUSA, I have two words for you: ignition coils. If you haven't heard about that fiasco, it goes something like this. Basically when they introduced the 1.8 turbo version of the B6 A4 (2002), they had faulty coils. When an ignition coil fails, the car will not run, on a 4 cylinder car there are 4 coils. On the B6 when 1 coil would fail, Audi would replace only that one coil under warranty instead of all 4 at once. Some owners ended up being stranded 4 times. Eventually, Audi issued a recall (wasn't called that...) but it took many months before that happened.
Now, maybe the VAG has started working on their reliability so MAYBE the A3 will be fine...and MAYBE your particular car will be fine. Granted you'll get service and a warranty. However, if you run out of warranty, my advice is to get an extended warranty because if you think the MINI is expensive to fix, you haven't seen anything until you own an Audi.
Oh and my Audi needed a new suspension too which I paid out of pocket...over $2,500 (can't remember the exact amount). However, about 6 months later they issued a recall and I was able to get the money back.
It goes without saying...my vote would be the '06 MCS.
).
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by MyPocketRocket
same great car anyway!
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by markbradford
Kind of. I appreciate light weight and definitely do NOT appreciate a $40k+ buy-in to get quattro on a "lowly" A3. It's a nice car but there's no way in hell I'd pay $40k+ for it.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
Generally, I agree with that sentiment. Unfortunately, this seems to be the exception to the rule. I'm heavily involved with our local Audi Club and the general opinion seems to be that the A3 Quattro is way, WAY overpriced.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 0
A4 2.0 MSRP = 27K
A4 3.2 MSRP = 34K
A3 2.0 MSRP = 26K
A3 3.2 MSRP = 33K
VW JETTA GLI MSRP = 24K
AUDI 3.2 is also included s-line body kit. I think it's a great deal!
This is just my openion, I think AUDI put an A3 in the right price point. If you want same thing, but cheaper you can go with Jetta GLI.
A4 3.2 MSRP = 34K
A3 2.0 MSRP = 26K
A3 3.2 MSRP = 33K
VW JETTA GLI MSRP = 24K
AUDI 3.2 is also included s-line body kit. I think it's a great deal!
This is just my openion, I think AUDI put an A3 in the right price point. If you want same thing, but cheaper you can go with Jetta GLI.
Originally Posted by markbradford
Kind of. I appreciate light weight and definitely do NOT appreciate a $40k+ buy-in to get quattro on a "lowly" A3. It's a nice car but there's no way in hell I'd pay $40k+ for it.
(FF) and $35K will all options Quattro. anything more, there are plenty
of other cars to choose from. these sports wagons are more or less
a utility grocery getter for me so do not want to pay in excess of $30K.
it's going to get scratched and dinged up while used daily...and it's
kinda small if you asked me. probably can't really carry too much in it
either.
If I only had $50K to spend on a car, I would get a Maz3 or 5 as my
grocery getter and spend the balance on a MCS/S2000.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by MyPocketRocket
A4 2.0 MSRP = 27K
A3 2.0 MSRP = 26K
A4 3.2 MSRP = 34K
A3 3.2 MSRP = 33K
A3 2.0 MSRP = 26K
A4 3.2 MSRP = 34K
A3 3.2 MSRP = 33K
Would it make sense for the Jetta to cost only $1K less than the Passat, because that's an analogous situation.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 0
Well Actually I better put it like this.
A4 2.0 Avant MSRP = 30K
A4 3.2 MSRP = 34K
A3 2.0 MSRP = 26K
A3 3.2 MSRP = 33K
VW JETTA GLI MSRP = 24K
VW Passat 2.0T =24K
A3 is more like a small version of the A4 avant. If you want a sedan you will not look at A3 and say wait that's 1K cheaper. On the other hand, If you want a wagon then you will consider A3 and A4 avant, that's 3K different.
I was looking at A4 avant as well for a utility grocery getter, but I think A3 is more fun and reasomable. The space is just right for me. If I want something bigger I could go with SUV, but that thing is never on my list of purchase.
Yes, it's a utility grocery getter, but I love all of my cars and I never park close to careless people. I always take care it as best as I could no matter a utility grocery getter or a sport car.
Again, I agree that there are so many choices for that price. I have to admit that I convinced my wife to get the Mazda 3, so I can go with the corvette Z06.
We could get a loaded Mazda3 5-doors for 27K, but we did not buy it.
We did a lot of test drive and A3 is on top of the performace in the same category. Mazda 3 is good power, but the dash bord is too high not so good visibility. Mazda 6 suspension is too soft. We don't feel anything as solid as the A3.
Drive out for the Mazda 3 fully loaded is $29K and my A3 is $31K. Yes, A3 is $3K more, but the quality and performance that we get in return is more that what we was expecting.
Well at the end I did not get the Z06 and my wife did not get the Mazda3, but we end up with 2 AUDIs in our garage. :P
A4 2.0 Avant MSRP = 30K
A4 3.2 MSRP = 34K
A3 2.0 MSRP = 26K
A3 3.2 MSRP = 33K
VW JETTA GLI MSRP = 24K
VW Passat 2.0T =24K
A3 is more like a small version of the A4 avant. If you want a sedan you will not look at A3 and say wait that's 1K cheaper. On the other hand, If you want a wagon then you will consider A3 and A4 avant, that's 3K different.
I was looking at A4 avant as well for a utility grocery getter, but I think A3 is more fun and reasomable. The space is just right for me. If I want something bigger I could go with SUV, but that thing is never on my list of purchase.
Yes, it's a utility grocery getter, but I love all of my cars and I never park close to careless people. I always take care it as best as I could no matter a utility grocery getter or a sport car.
Again, I agree that there are so many choices for that price. I have to admit that I convinced my wife to get the Mazda 3, so I can go with the corvette Z06.
We could get a loaded Mazda3 5-doors for 27K, but we did not buy it. We did a lot of test drive and A3 is on top of the performace in the same category. Mazda 3 is good power, but the dash bord is too high not so good visibility. Mazda 6 suspension is too soft. We don't feel anything as solid as the A3.
Drive out for the Mazda 3 fully loaded is $29K and my A3 is $31K. Yes, A3 is $3K more, but the quality and performance that we get in return is more that what we was expecting.
Well at the end I did not get the Z06 and my wife did not get the Mazda3, but we end up with 2 AUDIs in our garage. :P
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
I love driving Audi's, whenever I travel to Germany I always get an Audi as a rental car. Last Time I had an A3 Diesel and it was awesome, especially on the Autobahn.
However, that being said I would never own one. Cruise over to some of the Audi Forums and read some of the owners reliability issues. You think we Mini owners have had problems. In my experience most VW/Audi's seem to always have electrical issues. How many new Beetles have you seen with one headlight out. I owned one and the headlights were constantly going on me. My wifes old cabrio also had electrical issues with here headlights in which they only went on when they felt like it.
Mini does offer a roadhazard warranty. It covers both the tires and rims. Or at least my dealer did.
However, that being said I would never own one. Cruise over to some of the Audi Forums and read some of the owners reliability issues. You think we Mini owners have had problems. In my experience most VW/Audi's seem to always have electrical issues. How many new Beetles have you seen with one headlight out. I owned one and the headlights were constantly going on me. My wifes old cabrio also had electrical issues with here headlights in which they only went on when they felt like it.
Mini does offer a roadhazard warranty. It covers both the tires and rims. Or at least my dealer did.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by cooperjedi
I love driving Audi's, whenever I travel to Germany I always get an Audi as a rental car. Last Time I had an A3 Diesel and it was awesome, especially on the Autobahn.
However, that being said I would never own one. Cruise over to some of the Audi Forums and read some of the owners reliability issues. You think we Mini owners have had problems. In my experience most VW/Audi's seem to always have electrical issues. How many new Beetles have you seen with one headlight out. I owned one and the headlights were constantly going on me. My wifes old cabrio also had electrical issues with here headlights in which they only went on when they felt like it.
Mini does offer a roadhazard warranty. It covers both the tires and rims. Or at least my dealer did.
However, that being said I would never own one. Cruise over to some of the Audi Forums and read some of the owners reliability issues. You think we Mini owners have had problems. In my experience most VW/Audi's seem to always have electrical issues. How many new Beetles have you seen with one headlight out. I owned one and the headlights were constantly going on me. My wifes old cabrio also had electrical issues with here headlights in which they only went on when they felt like it.
Mini does offer a roadhazard warranty. It covers both the tires and rims. Or at least my dealer did.
I have seen more Honda with the single headlight or even none! I use to have a 97 GTI and I have never had a problem with any electrical. It's just a common problem you could find on any cars.
I think MINI is a perfect car and zero problem in sight...right?
Anyway, that's VW.... If you get AUDI it's the same as BMW. 4 years 50K miles anything wrong you just bring the car in and you will drive out with the loaner free of charge.
Yes, Roadhazard warranty is also offered by any Audi dealers. My wife has that on her car and I think it's great. If she ever get a flat tire they wold come and replace the spare for her 24/7. It's a wast of money if you ask me, but for her convenience I think it's worth.
There are some other warranties like paint protection...blah...blah..... any dinks, dents, scratches...will never be in your sight.
peace!
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Lexington, KY
Originally Posted by MyPocketRocket
Yes, Roadhazard warranty is also offered by any Audi dealers. My wife has that on her car and I think it's great. If she ever get a flat tire they wold come and replace the spare for her 24/7. It's a wast of money if you ask me, but for her convenience I think it's worth.
peace!
peace!
I recently got 2006 A3 for my wife. A3 is a great car! My A3 has DSG and that's awesome technology. I love it.
Of course, I drive MCS. it's 2003 and still shining.
And I think I saw your A3 pic in Audiforums.
Happy motoring!
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Lexington, KY
Originally Posted by ImaVunDerBrah
Another MINI/Audi owner here! But I have an A4, not an A3. 
Both MINI and Audi is great cars and fun to drive. I'm really happy to hear from you. Because I'm not alone....
Happy motoring!
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Lexington, KY
Originally Posted by kenchan
im kinda with Mark too. The A3's cool if they are $30K will all options
(FF) and $35K will all options Quattro. anything more, there are plenty
of other cars to choose from. these sports wagons are more or less
a utility grocery getter for me so do not want to pay in excess of $30K.
it's going to get scratched and dinged up while used daily...and it's
kinda small if you asked me. probably can't really carry too much in it
either.
If I only had $50K to spend on a car, I would get a Maz3 or 5 as my
grocery getter and spend the balance on a MCS/S2000.
(FF) and $35K will all options Quattro. anything more, there are plenty
of other cars to choose from. these sports wagons are more or less
a utility grocery getter for me so do not want to pay in excess of $30K.
it's going to get scratched and dinged up while used daily...and it's
kinda small if you asked me. probably can't really carry too much in it
either.
If I only had $50K to spend on a car, I would get a Maz3 or 5 as my
grocery getter and spend the balance on a MCS/S2000.
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 350
Likes: 2
From: MA
Originally Posted by jblow
I can personally attest to horrid Audi quality having owned a '98.5 A4 2.8. While the car was on the "recommended buy" list from Consumer Reports at the time of purchase, countless problems (including clutch, a/c, various electrical switches, gasket failures, suspension components, cruise, sunroof cartridge, airbag, intake, exhaust, etc, etc) plagued the car from day one, allowing me to amass an extremely thick stack of warranty receipts. Once the warranty expired, the steering rack failed along with the control arms forcing me to choose to end the nightmare. While most of these issues were covered by the Audi warranty, it is worth noting that the $1.5K clutch failure 5k miles after my purchase was not. Fortunately, my dealer was good to provide me with a loaner - otherwise I'd have to endured even greater frustration in being without a car for repairs for up to weeks at a time. In hindsight, I think it's fairly clear that the car was a lemon. That said, finding a service oriented dealer may be a plus. However, I must be a glutton for punishment as I am actually considering an A3 as our next vehicle (no, it would NOT replace the MINI ).
).