Where to start on my A3 1.8 t sport...?

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AndyUK

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Hi lads, just bought a 1998 audi A3 1.8 t sport.

I know nothing about the cars - just that i like the look of them and the price was right.

What are the first 3 things you would do with this car in your experience (as far as i know the car is standard [except lexus lights :crying: and a gear knob])?

And how can i tell if mine has the updated locks etc (which i am told happened in the 98 models)?

And finally....anything i need to watch out for - in the way of electrical or mechanical failures with this model.


Cheers in advance
 
Ok cheers.

Whats the benefits/ costs of a remap. Does it effect insurance premium? (can they tell?)
 
The remap basically gets the best from the engine, higher bhp and better torque, they range from about £300 to £500. Sposed to tell your insurance company but :shutup2:
 
One you start modifying the car, the insurance premium goes up. So you might as well declare all your modifications and go with a specialist insurer, then you might find its cheaper anyway.
Better that than risk invalidating your insurance and not getting a payout in the event of a crash.

My insurance through directline without mods was £1283, with it was £1590 and by changing to Brentacre its now £838 and I can do any mod i like up to 210Bhp for that price.

And yes they can tell, if an Audi tech gets in your car to fix it for insurance, he will know.
 
My insurance through More Than for this car is only £330 fully comp, im 25 and have 4 years ncb - not bad eh?

Ive also heard something about the headunit beeping constantly if you remove it as a security thing - is this true as its prob the first thing ill do to it.
 
Change the oil. Change the cambelt as soon as possible. The 98 models had the crappiest of the crap water impellors, that become brittle and fall apart after some time.

When this breaks your temp will soar to 130, and you'll need a tow home. You can do it yourself, if you've done anything with a car before. Just ask about, you'll get advice no prob.

Then wheels, some 18's sit nicely in the arches, and they don't look out of place i.e. the car doesn't look like it desperately needs lowering.

Then a remap, after the mods you put on it. The early cars had a smaller turbo than the later ones, so will only push about 200bhp, so fitting a later one (K03s) is an option, but if you want a custom remap to take account of your driving style, do all your mods before mapping.

Enjoy having the Audi! Love mine to bits!!!! Goes better in 1 piece though!!
 
Cheers for that.

This one has 93000 miles but full audi service history every 10k up to 88000, so you think some of these things will have been fixed already?
 
Looks like you've got the old style door handles and locks there mate. They're squarer, basically. You will no doubt have an analogue clock on dash instead of a digital one too.
 
yes it does have the analogue clock - whats the dissadvantages of this model (if any)?
 
AndyUK said:
yes it does have the analogue clock - whats the dissadvantages of this model (if any)?
Click to expand...
As mentioned above, weak water pump. I think the seats are better in the facelifted ones too but that's a matter of opinion. And the AGU engines are harder to remap (not all tuners can do it - don't think it can be done via the OBD port) and have the earlier K03 turbo. Later models had the K03s which is supposed to respond better to remapping. No performance difference in stock trim though.

On the bright side the AGU engines are arguably stronger than the newer ones, and use less oil.

Other than that pre- and post-facelift cars suffer from the same types of problems. Check your rear washer works properly and doesn't follow the wiper. And check your rear shocks by bouncing the back of the car up and down.

[edit]Also, check when the brake fluid was last changed (there's a special section in the service record) and get it done if it hasn't been done lately. It's supposed to be done every 2 years.[/edit]
 
Cheers for that.

Does anyone else think the turbo kicks in too early?
Mine seems to start at about 2000 rpm, is this about right? as it makes 'normal' driving more difficult and less smooth.

But perfect for a quick getaway :)
 
Looks good dude, nice clean car - jealous though cos' yours seems to have got the clear indicators and mine still has the awful amber ones! :icon_thumright:

I'm in the same quandry over what to do to my A3 so liking the advice guys - keep it up :anbet:
 
i think maybe b4 you start planning crazy stuff, it would maybe be advisable to check basics! is car up to date with service +oil change, brake fluid changer in last 2 years, has cam belt + tensioners bin changed, what are all the bushes like. this will ensure when you get your remaps, bigger wheel etc etc your car is in its best health to cope with the extra va va voom imo
 
First few things i did to my 1999 A3 Sport was.

* 18" Audi RS4 wheels
* Rev 2 rear lights
* Clear indicators (yours have been done)
* Civic Type R Arial
* Sony CD/MP3 (Red display)

Fitting Angel Eyes (i know everyone hates em!) & a new grille tomorrow and enquiring how much it will be to colour code the bumpers.

Should look pretty good :)
 
smitch said:
Are those wind deflectors?!?!?!?!?!:faint:
Click to expand...

Yes im afriad they are wind deflectors!!:wtf:

Ive had a look at pulling them off but look like they will leave a white stain on the black rubber window seal, so just leaving them on for now until i can find a way of getting around that.

They make much more wind noise at the drivers window - dont know why someone would put them on in the first place.
 
Also...

Ive looked all over this forum but cant find out how i actually remove the standard head unit from the centre console! So either everyone already knows and im just missing something obvious, or its a secret.:salute:
 
AndyUK said:
Also...

Ive looked all over this forum but cant find out how i actually remove the standard head unit from the centre console! So either everyone already knows and im just missing something obvious, or its a secret.:salute:
Click to expand...
There are two little horizontal slots near the bottom of the stereo fascia (on mine at least). You'll need some Audi stereo removal tools - about £1.50 off eBay.

HTH
 
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