Help with new purchase?

[TQS]

I'm just browsing various Audi A3 3.2 Quattro, looking for specifically DSG models and have found what looks like an automatic but i can't see the paddles on the zoomed in picture - it may be that the are positioned behind the steering wheel but the angle of the photo means that they are obscured.

Is it possible to have an auto without paddles??!

 

[sub39h]

all DSGs came with paddles as standard. the earier tiptronic 1.6 and 2.0FSI models didn't necessarily have paddles. they were an optional extra. i don't think they're hard to retrofit anyways

 

[TQS]

OK so i have a choice at the moment (amongst other cars) between two 55 plates 3.2 quattros - one from an Audi dealer, one private... the dealer is asking for £3.5k (prob negotiated to £3k) more than the private sale but i may be able to get him to throw in a 2 year Audi warranty - it also has 20k fewer miles but is essentially a similar car although slightly lesser spec.... obviously the private sale has no warranty and has sketchy service history although it will be dealer serviced prior to sale...

Help! Any thoughts?

 

[TQS]

Also - would it be possible to get an Audi warranty on the privately bought car if it's last service was at Audi?
I know from my history with Porsche, they will allow you to take out a warranty if they give it a thorough check and seal of approval...?

 

[sub39h]

Go for the warrantied car. The only things you can't easily retrofit are auto lights and wipers, and a double DIN centre console. You may not be bothered about the first one but the 2nd one is pretty important I think.

Anyways, that 2 year warranty if you get it will be worth £1k or more, so do you think the other £2k can be accounted for by the newness of the car? Also push for more than £500 discount. I assure you the dealer isn't going to sell a 3.2 easily so bargain hard. and don't get a 3.2 without a full Audi or specialist VAG service history.

 

[TQS]

I may wait it out - the dealer car doesn't have bose or full leather either both of which are important for fur resale value. I've been given the hard sell but the fact is there is a cheaper one available (the only other dsg sportback) in the Audi network

 

[sub39h]

What's your price range? BOSE isn't important for resale, and neither's half leather. If resale was important to you anyway you wouldn't be getting a 3.2. The engine is going to be a much much larger figure when you're talking about resale.

Don't consider getting a car with a sketchy service history. All that'll happen is you'll spend te money you save on vital mechanical components

 

[sub39h]

also there's loads of DSG 3.2 sportbacks sat at main dealers. Just go on autotrader

 

[-Ju-]

Expect to pay top dollar for a dealer sourced one, but you do need peace of mind with the 3.2 and an Audi warranty is invaluable. However you should be able to negotiate a decent discount from the dealer as 3.2's are viewed as overkill by many wanting a small family car.
If buying private, make sure the chains are ok as some are showing major signs of wear over 40-50k miles and can cost over £3k to sort.
Also make sure the car has the latest software loaded on (don't just take Audi's word for it) as it makes a huge difference to the driveability of the car by cutting out the hestitation that effects the cars as they get older.
Don't let these issues put you off though as the 3.2 A3 is a fantastic car and especially goes well with the DSG!

 

[-Ju-]

The only things you can't easily retrofit are auto lights and wipers, and a double DIN centre console. You may not be bothered about the first one but the 2nd one is pretty important I think.

Double Din is quite easy to do tbh, did it on my first A3. Requires fairly extensive stripping down, but there are guides on the net and certainly wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

 

[TQS]

So what's with the double DIN console and why is it essential?

As far as i can see there are very few sportbacks available in the audi network.. i'll be spending up to £13.5k for the right car at the right price - i'm not looking for anything older than 2005 and preferably around 25k miles or below.

Do Audi warranty 2005 cars that have been bought privately and bought out of warranty?

Is an Audi bought car really worth over 35% more than a privately bought car?

 

[paddy]

Firstly an Audi warranty is essential ! At £150 an hour a bill for diagnosing and fixing a timing chain can be more than the car is worth. It cost £10k to do mine in the end. A double din socket is not essential unless you want to fit a symphony or RNSE radio/sat nav.
I have half leather because its better than full. less sliding about, warmer from start in winter and looks better. Leather creases and dents/stretches very quickly where you sit. Everyone has different ideas on what is important. I like the extended lighting pack and Cruise is a must as is DSG. I don’t need auto wipers ! mine has a little switch to switch them on when I want them J…I also tend to put the lights on myself when it gets dark !!..Personally I would buy what YOU want and not what you think the next owner might want if you get my drift but whatever you do buy from Audi and extend the warranty if you can.

When I was having trouble with mine ( most of this year) the service manager at Audi said. Never keep an Audi out of warranty, buy new, extend the warranty for 2 years and then run it for 4.5 years and sell. You would have to be mad to run a Audi out of your own pocket after 5 years !!...........I tend to agree. Incidentally when I recounted this in a BMW showroom recently the salesman said this goes for BMW as well…what kind of message is that sending out about these cars……lol

 

[TQS]

Fair points you've made there, thanks - i'm assuming you can't get a car back in to the audi warranty scheme after it's been out.

Of all the extras, the onbly one i'm not too fussed about is the satnav - same with the full leather, i agree with you on that one.

I do like the bose, xenons, parking sensors and also the rain and light packs - i'd also like cruise control and an arm-rest and i don't like red!!!

unfortunatel that is limiting my choice from audi as they only have 2 5 doors available an they are both the same, more basic spec

i spose i'll just have to wait it out...