Missus is looking to get an A3 2.0fsi......

[cfoster]

Looking at getting my girlfriend a car, possibly an Audi A3 2.0 FSi? Want to spend around the 6k - 7k mark, are there any specific things I should be looking for when buying one, and what extras should we be aiming to find? All she specifically wants it leather and Bose. Do they come with heated front seats? (shes obsessed with my S4 ones!!). Also service wise when are the major services, or at what mileage do they start to wear things out (clutches, wishbones etc etc....)

Cheers
Chris

 

[josiah2007]

If you want good extras then really need to buy A3 S-line. Comes with leather interior (some heated), Aluminium Trim, Bose, etc.

But if spending 6 - 7k mark with low mileage then your perhaps looking at the A3 8P1 (2003 - 2005) Small Grill models.

7.5k+ Facelift A3 8P2 (2005 - 2008) Big Grill models are considerably more expensive unless buying a very high mileage one

Quick guide:

Servicing - is indicated in dash display (various intervals)
Timing Belt/Water pump - approx 60,000 miles/5 years
Clutch - anything from 50,000 miles

 

[sub39h]

neither a full leather interior nor BOSE are standard on the S-Line models. the later models get half leather as standard, but that's it. some special editions have full leather, and obviously some cars are specced with it. heated seats are only standard on the S3.

i agree that looking for an 8P1 is probably the way to go. mod wise, the only thing that's technically difficult is putting on the later steering wheels (due to single stage vs. dual stage airbag systems) otherwise almost everything can be retrofitted if you can't find a car with a specific extra you want. my advice would be to spend less money and get a low mileage 8P1 dual grille car and put the newer style S-Line parts on it. it'd almost certainly work out cheaper than if you got a later model S-Line car.

my only question is why the 2.0FSI? it's a bit of an odd choice - if you want good fuel economy go for the 1.6 petrol or 2.0TDI and if you want performance then go for a 2.0T or 3.2quattro?

best of luck with your purchase anyhow!

 

[Ads]

I don't think a 2.0FSI is an odd choice. It has better performance that the 1.6, and has pretty much the same performance as a 2.0TDI but without its reliability problems. It's also not bad with fuel economy. (over 400 miles to the tank is do'able).

 

[Khufu]

I'm not convinced the 1.6 is more economical, you will tend to have to use the engine more due to weight of car & AKAIK they dont have a 6 speed box.

I chose my 2.0 FSi as I was very concerned about the cylinder heads on the early models (the age i'd have been able to afford) and then in the long term, EGR valves, dual mass flywheels, diesel pumps & turbos which seem to be issues on most makes of diesels over a certain mileage, not just the VAG range.

 

[sub39h]

well i was getting 440mi out of my 1.6MPI tiptronic so i'd imagine the 1.6FSI manual would be better on fuel. as far as i was aware the FSI did have 6 gears as well?

 

[sub39h]

i just checked - the 1.6FSI has 6 gears.

 

[Khufu]

*thanks sub39h* in absence of button LOL

 

[sub39h]

Ditto lol

 

[Lee_R]

I don't think a 2.0FSI is an odd choice. It has better performance that the 1.6, and has pretty much the same performance as a 2.0TDI but without its reliability problems. It's also not bad with fuel economy. (over 400 miles to the tank is do'able).

Any ideas what year the 2.0FSi was dropped from the line up?

 

[Ads]

Any ideas what year the 2.0FSi was dropped from the line up?

2006 I think. But I've seen a few (late registered??) 2007 2.0FSi's about.

 

[FranA3]

I'm not convinced the 1.6 is more economical, you will tend to have to use the engine more due to weight of car & AKAIK they dont have a 6 speed box.

I chose my 2.0 FSi as I was very concerned about the cylinder heads on the early models (the age i'd have been able to afford) and then in the long term, EGR valves, dual mass flywheels, diesel pumps & turbos which seem to be issues on most makes of diesels over a certain mileage, not just the VAG range.

my 1.6 has got 6 speed box and yes its very good on fuel i get on average 45+ mpg and on a good run ive seen 58 mpg so i wouldnt say its bad on fuel matey

 

[Lee_R]

2006 I think. But I've seen a few (late registered??) 2007 2.0FSi's about.

Yeah they are quite rare at that age though. I saw a black 2.0FSI Sportback S line on Autotrader on a 56 plate. It seems every other one on the net being a 2.0TDI or a 2.0TFSI it confused me! I rang him to check as i've never seen an S line with that engine.

 

[TomR]

I'm selling my 2.0FSI at the mo, hasn't got the leather or bose, very few did when I was looking for one.
The main reason for me getting mine was that it was the best performing and nicest car with a decent insurance quote.

Get good fuel economy, and can get 400 miles to the tank yes. Its a 54 plate with just turned 73k on the clocks. I'm only the second owner and the first owner had kept EVERY receipt for it, including the original one when It was purchased. So I've kept this going.
Its in pristine condition as It was the most expensive purchase I'd made at the time and worked hard to get it. Its never cost me a fortune, and had Full audi service history up to about 65k, then I went on to have it done at a VAG specialist. + there's no turbo to cost you £££ on fuel and repairs when it goes wrong

This isn't a ploy to sell mine I'm just making the point that there are a few nice gems out there and that the 2.0FSI is a good choice of engine.

It will be going on ebay/auto trader week after next.

 

[Khufu]

my 1.6 has got 6 speed box and yes its very good on fuel i get on average 45+ mpg and on a good run ive seen 58 mpg so i wouldnt say its bad on fuel matey

Thats good news, it was owners o the forum that said it wasnt too good for mpg