Potential new A3 purchase..your views & what to look out for?

[MarkTM]

Have my Jag up for sale and quite a bit of interest so it may go this weekend.

Am looking at a Diesel A3 and am seeing some this weekend, so is there anything to be mindful of?

I already have an A6 C6 3.0 q but wanted something:

1) smaller & more economical
2) tunable (so had to be a diesel)
3) with as many tricks as poss
4) in a decent colour
5) that my kids (9 & 10) won't be embarrassed by on school run :Blush2:

Am looking at this one on Friday, so any feedback on the firm would be good!

Audi*A3*TDi 170 S Line Sportback S Tronic (Every conceivable option!) for Sale - Fontain Motors » Iver » Buckinghamshire (http://www.fontain.co.uk/audi-a3-tdi-170-s-line-sportback-s-tronic-every-conceivable-option-2779351)

[neuroguy]

A common problem with A3's appears to be the steering rack. Just bought a 2004 A3 Sport and one week later the electro-steering warning light came on, indicating the rack needs replacing. Was quoted £2220! from Audi. Fortunately, it's under warranty. Would sugggest ensuring you get some kind of dealer warranty with it to insure against issues/surprises like this. Also, definitely a good idea to take an expert with you, or take the car to someone to have it assessed.

[UVB]

Not bought from them myself but they have a very solid rep from what I hear and I believe the main man is a regular on another forum and very well respected there.

That car popped up on my radar as I was trying to suss out the value of our A3 the other day (which also has a ludicrously high spec).

[mike77t5]

£11950 for a 2006 a3, your joking right?

[Guest 2]

£11950 for a 2006 a3, your joking right?

I paid near enough that for my 2009 Sport from an Audi dealer!

Generally very good car, I bought/use mine for work although I privately own it.

I do 600 miles per week 52 weeks a year so I need something reliable.

I bought mine in December 2011 with 27k, now in April 2013 it's just ticked over 65k so 38k done since then.

Only fault was a faulty DPF sensor which was covered under warranty.

MPG I'm getting 60-65mpg near enough everyday and getting 550-690 miles per tank.

Thats a 1.9 TDIe - £30 year to tax due to a longer 5th gear and low Co2.

Remember you can retrofit most things such as bluetooth, nav, footwell lighting etc too easily enough.

I've fitted

RNSE MK2
Audi BT
Footwell Lights
Cruise Control
RNSE Antenna Upgrade

Parts are easily got, easy to install but VCDS is a must.

My first year with my A3 (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?140351-My-first-year-with-my-A3&highlight=)

[MarkTM]

£11950 for a 2006 a3, your joking right?

Not my intention to pay the sticker price :biglaugh:

[5fifty5]

A common problem with A3's appears to be the steering rack. Just bought a 2004 A3 Sport and one week later the electro-steering warning light came on, indicating the rack needs replacing. Was quoted £2220! from Audi. Fortunately, it's under warranty.

Apologies for going off topic as well as my ignorance, but what do you mean by Warranty? Yours is 2004 and I thought it wasn't that long for warranty? Was it Approved used or did you purchase something separately?

[neuroguy]

The warranty was from the dealer. It was pretty short but still covered all parts and labour for any mechanical issue. I'm very thankful that it happened now and not after the waranty expires. Would definitely recommend having it checked by a professional before buying. They may charge but its insurance against getting something with invisable faults that will cost you.