Buying an A3 TDi Quattro

[andy2]

Right, made up my mind, going to get an A3 1.9tdi Quattro (8L) and not an S3.

When I looked into S3 running costs then they were too steep - particularly as this will be a second car to put lots of work mileage on (and I already have a 220hp Fiat Coupe Turbo to look after - which will be garaged for the winter once I get the A3). Just can't justify the cost of a second fast car and however much I like the S3's there's no way I can bring myself to sell the Coupe right now, particularly given its fabulous condition, growing rarity and the expense of a recent new cambelt.

Going to look a Tdi Quattro on Saturday. Anyone owned one of these and could give some pointers on what to look out for?

Andy

 

[AudiLeon]

I could be wrong, but from reading the Haldex can be quite expensive to service and replace parts for. If its just a winter run about. Why not just get a non quattro tdi? This way you'll have less costs, cheaper car to buy, better mpg, less weight and more usable power.

 

[doublem_1]

I recently bought one and I absotuly love it. Not sure I can help much though as Im not an expert. It helps having a full service history. And try make sure the cambelt has been changed when needed. Also ask to see if the haldex oil has been changed during ownership.

 

[DaveA3]

maybe he wants the quattro incase of snow as its a winter car

 

[Sean_S3]

If your planning on getting it remapped the quattro will be a good move , those tdi engines kick out some serious torque and without quattro traction would be a nightmare. It would still give good economy too. I believe the haldex system needs an oil change every 20,000 miles , and a filter change at 40,000 miles.

Cheers
Sean.

 

[finesse]

by the fwd tdi, the quattro will hurt your mpg

if you dont care about mpg, then buy an S3

 

[andy2]

Quattro still good on mpg - 45+mpg compared to the S3's 30mpg. Insurance and tax is a lot less too. Would love an S3 but in reality it wouldn't be great as an economical mile muncher. That's why I've decided on the Tdi Quattro. Also considered a B5 A6 Avant too but it's too big really for what I need, and the Quattro only does 35mpg.

Quattro is a must since I'm planning trips to the highlands of Scotland this winter and as part of my job I occasionally have to conduct site surveys in the middle of random fields.

 

[indiemike]

Wish I bought a A3 Quattro now after selling the S3 and buying a LCR Diesel

Seen some good ones on pistonheads, will you have any plans for it in way of mods

 

[indiemike]

Saying that does anyone fancy a swap.... My 05 Leon Fr Tdi for a A3 1.8T Quattro??