Hi guys--
I've spent a lotta time hanging out on the 8L forum given I've been the proud owner of an 1999 1.8TS for some years now but I'm thinking that 2010 is time for an upgrade (I'd also like to improve the MPG I'm getting now I'm covering more miles...)
I'm looking at a facelift A3 8P TDI Sport and have got a budget around £10k.
The thing is, I know quite a lot about the 8L but very little about the 8P or TDI in general and I hope you guys don't mind all the questions....
* What flavours did the TDI sport come in - is it just 140 and 170bhp? Whats the consensus on which's best in terms of performance/economy. I noticed that a lot are 2.0TDI rather than the trusty old 1.9TDI. I'm expecting a bit of a performance reduction from my (getting on a bit) 150bhp 1.8TS.
* Ideally I'd want a hatch rather than a sportback but these seem a lot fewer and far between, am I right in thinking this?
* If I do end up having to go for a sportback, how are these to live with compared with the hatch? There's only two of us but I guess the extra room can't hurt if it doesn't cost the convenience of the hatch.
* I'd prefer a straight manual to the DSG (Less to go wrong?) - what's the DSG like practically speaking if I can't find one without?
* One of the first mods I'd like to do is install RNS-E. I reckon I'm competent enough to do the plug and play replacement if it's got a double-DIN head unit (straight swap) but not to start replacing the cage. My question is was it just 2007 and onward that had double-DIN stereo's or did any models (which) had them pre-2007?
* Any other common faults I should be looking out for? I guess at my budget I'll be looking at one that's covered some miles but as long as it's had a FSH/Cam belt I should be alright.
Again, thanks for bearing with me and I hope to be joining with you 8P guys soon!
thank you,
Dan
I've spent a lotta time hanging out on the 8L forum given I've been the proud owner of an 1999 1.8TS for some years now but I'm thinking that 2010 is time for an upgrade (I'd also like to improve the MPG I'm getting now I'm covering more miles...)
I'm looking at a facelift A3 8P TDI Sport and have got a budget around £10k.
The thing is, I know quite a lot about the 8L but very little about the 8P or TDI in general and I hope you guys don't mind all the questions....
* What flavours did the TDI sport come in - is it just 140 and 170bhp? Whats the consensus on which's best in terms of performance/economy. I noticed that a lot are 2.0TDI rather than the trusty old 1.9TDI. I'm expecting a bit of a performance reduction from my (getting on a bit) 150bhp 1.8TS.
* Ideally I'd want a hatch rather than a sportback but these seem a lot fewer and far between, am I right in thinking this?
* If I do end up having to go for a sportback, how are these to live with compared with the hatch? There's only two of us but I guess the extra room can't hurt if it doesn't cost the convenience of the hatch.
* I'd prefer a straight manual to the DSG (Less to go wrong?) - what's the DSG like practically speaking if I can't find one without?
* One of the first mods I'd like to do is install RNS-E. I reckon I'm competent enough to do the plug and play replacement if it's got a double-DIN head unit (straight swap) but not to start replacing the cage. My question is was it just 2007 and onward that had double-DIN stereo's or did any models (which) had them pre-2007?
* Any other common faults I should be looking out for? I guess at my budget I'll be looking at one that's covered some miles but as long as it's had a FSH/Cam belt I should be alright.
Again, thanks for bearing with me and I hope to be joining with you 8P guys soon!
thank you,
Dan