New Car

[big_mo]

I need pointing in the right direction.
Im changing my car form the A3 8L to the 8P
Im looking for a A3 20tdi sport
What should i look out for

 

[Ads]

I need pointing in the right direction.
Im changing my car form the A3 8L to the 8P
Im looking for a A3 20tdi sport
What should i look out for

....a 2.0TFSi.

 

[PilotAudi]

I need pointing in the right direction.
Im changing my car form the A3 8L to the 8P
Im looking for a A3 20tdi sport
What should i look out for

Now that's not very helpful Aythree...

What is your budget mo? If you can run to it an SLine is probably a better proposition.

 

[Ads]

Now that's not very helpful Aythree...

Pot.... Kettle.


Being even more helpful: Coming from a 8L 1.8T I would say the natural upgrade would be an 8P 2.0T.

Something to consider.

 

[Ash B]

If your looking at the earlier 2.0tdi im sure there a thread on here about the heads cracking.
Sorry not much help dont really know too much about diesels lol sure the rest of the guys with the tdi's will be able to help you out. You getting a manual or DSG?

....a 2.0TFSi.

 

[PilotAudi]

Pot.... Kettle.


Being even more helpful: Coming from a 8L 1.8T I would say the natural upgrade would be an 8P 2.0T.

Something to consider.

Petrol or Diesel... MO asked about Diesel BTW... Quattro is worth looking for.. far better than FWD IMHO..

 

[Ads]

Petrol or Diesel... MO asked about Diesel BTW...

I repeat............. SOMETHING TO CONSIDER.

And the same (although less relentless) as you suggesting Quattro when a poster specifically says he wants a FWD.

 

[Ash B]

lmao come on you to...
Stealing this guys thread away haha

 

[Ads]

lmao come on you to...
Stealing this guys thread away haha

Ok ok!!










(2.0T FWD DSG)

 

[Ash B]

Ok ok!!








(2.0T FWD DSG)

lol i think you to should start your own thread so you both can carry this on. I find it highly amusing

 

[PilotAudi]

I need pointing in the right direction.
Im changing my car form the A3 8L to the 8P
Im looking for a A3 20tdi sport
What should i look out for

You didn't mention FWD did you Mo....... Maybe Aythree is seeing things after a good lunch??? ;-0

Nowt wrong with FWD if you are but Quattro is better in my opinion... take a test drive in both and find out yourself.

 

[Ads]

You didn't mention FWD did you Mo....... Maybe Aythree is seeing things after a good lunch???

"a poster" = not necessarily THIS poster.

Help for your "brain" ----> http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/new-a3-s3-sportback-8p-chassis/110371-new-a3-owner-2-0-tdi-170bhp.html


Should you require any further information please hesitate to contact me.

 

[sub39h]

you two make me laugh...

anyhow, to the matter at hand - i own a 2.0T and i do agree with aythreee that surely the 2.0T is the natural progression from the 1.8T, but as it's a 2.0TDI you're after you should look out for the following:

early cars had problems with cylinder heads cracking. if you seach on here there's a thread that tells you where to look for the part number. cylinder heads ending in "A" had the most problems, "B" had a few problems and "C" had no reported problems. if you're going for a car newer than 2007ish you should be fine.

there have been some reports of turbo failure as well, due to weak internals, but i gather this is more of a problem when remapped.

if you're on a budget then Sport is fine, but i'd recommend an S-Line.

FWD vs. quattro is a separate debate, but i think it's down to personal preference in the 2.0TDIs. PilotAudi overstates the virtues of quattro i feel, and having driven a 2.0TDI 170 i feel FWD is perfectly adequate. if you're tuning it tho, then quattro all the way.

the final question is DSG or no DSG - for me it's a no brainer. DSG is phenomenal and i'd never go back to a manual but you can't have quattro and DSG together in the diesels

generic A3 things to look out for if buying 2nd hand are to push all the buttons and make sure everything works as it should. i've owned 2 A3 8Ps now and have had problems with everything from the parking sensors to the remote locking, so have a good nose around.

most things can be retrofitted, but the most complicated to do so are auto lights/wipers (requires a new windshield) and if you're wanting to retrofit nav try look for a car with double DIN head unit. swapping the cage is possible but annoying and you'd need a new climate control unit as well.

the only thing left to ask is if you're buying new have you considered a Golf GTD? it's cheaper and (in my opinion) a much better car

 

[antmax7]

my thoughts on the matter if your buying a A3 of any kind quattro is the only reason for buying an Audi
if not buy a golf or a Leon and save some pennies

 

[eddyd]

my thoughts on the matter if your buying a A3 of any kind quattro is the only reason for buying an Audi
if not buy a golf or a Leon and save some pennies

Golf GTD List Price £24,395
A3 S-Line List Price £23,250
(Source-Drive the Deal.com)
Discount is also greater on A3 and 18" alloys come standard as does half leather. It's the only reason I bought one!

Only other problem I know of with the diesels is the particulate filters (DPF) giving trouble on the 170 PD engine especially when only used for short journeys. Newer CR engines don't seem to have any problems though.

 

[FranA3]

you two need your heads banging together lmfao , if your budget can stretch to an s-line then defo do that they have a much better spec than the lower spec sport but if its a sport you only can afford then theres's nothing wrong with that ive got a sport lol , ive heard about the heads cracking in a few threads as ash said on earlyer models , gearbox mountings are very soft so check them (mine are shot atm) otherwise any excessive smoke from the exhaust / turbo etc.. and the usual stuff when buying a car

 

[sub39h]

if your buying a A3 of any kind quattro is the only reason for buying an Audi

... i know where this thread is going already.

one could quite easily say "why not get a PROPER Audi with PROPER TORSEN QUATTRO then?"

to the OP - test drive and make your mind up for yourself. there will be many that extoll the virtues of quattro on the lower powered engines but i personally feel it's unnecessary unless, as i say, you're tuning it or live in a particularly wet/snowy place. (on the S3 and 3.2 i'd say they HAVE to have quattro but the lower engines is neither here nor there.)

(for those wishing to engage on a quattro vs. FWD debate i have nothing further to add to the matter - let the OP drive them and decide for himself.)

Golf GTD List Price £24,395
A3 S-Line List Price £23,250
(Source-Drive the Deal.com)
Discount is also greater on A3 and 18" alloys come standard as does half leather. It's the only reason I bought one!

Only other problem I know of with the diesels is the particulate filters (DPF) giving trouble on the 170 PD engine especially when only used for short journeys. Newer CR engines don't seem to have any problems though.

yes, but RNS-510 > RNS-E, i personally think the GTD is better looking than an A3 S-Line and it's not soon to be the old shape

there's arguments both ways but on balance for a new or nearly new purchase it's hard for me to justify the 8P due to it's age

 

[FranA3]

... i know where this thread is going already.

one could quite easily say "why not get a PROPER Audi with PROPER TORSEN QUATTRO then?"

to the OP - test drive and make your mind up for yourself. there will be many that extoll the virtues of quattro on the lower powered engines but i personally feel it's unnecessary unless, as i say, you're tuning it or live in a particularly wet/snowy place. (on the S3 and 3.2 i'd say they HAVE to have quattro but the lower engines is neither here nor there.)

(for those wishing to engage on a quattro vs. FWD debate i have nothing further to add to the matter - let the OP drive them and decide for himself.)

i second that sub there was plenty of banter on another thread about quattro 2wd

 

[eddyd]

I do agree with this, quattro is nice but not necessary and adds quite alot of weight.

I also agree that the GTD is a nicer and more modern car, I just couldn't justify the extra cost especially when you start to spec 18" alloys and xenons. I assume the new shape is the reason for the price difference, which makes sense.
I have the TDI BE quattro by the way, which was quite good value in my opinion for the amount of kit included.

 

[sub39h]

I have the TDI BE quattro by the way, which was quite good value in my opinion for the amount of kit included.

you're probably right, some ppl have been getting cracking deals on them. for me tho when they change the model i know i'd wish i had the relatively newer Golf.

it's a problem. i need help

 

[FranA3]

what is it with vag group cars and everything being options lol even on r8's everything is an option lol

 

[PilotAudi]

. PilotAudi overstates the virtues of quattro i feel, and having driven a 2.0TDI 170 i feel FWD is perfectly adequate. the only thing left to ask is if you're buying new have you considered a Golf GTD? it's cheaper and (in my opinion) a much better car

Sub... I have been quiet today as a bit busy... some comments... FWD is as you say 'adequate'... but it appears you have never actually owned one. As mentioned in another post we have had 3 8Ps 1 FWD, 1 2.0TFSi Quattro (200) and a 170 2.0Tdi Quattro... we have also had 5 other quattros (including proper ones) so I think you would agree we have a certain amount of hands on experience and love for them. Quattro makes an 'perfectly adequate' A3 rather better and if you can afford it or want to IN MY OPINION it is the best... I may be accused of 'overstating' the virtues of Quattro but please try it or ask those of us with experience what we think.

PA.

PS HAs anyone decided Quattro is crap I really must buy FWD next???? ;-0

PPS.. Agree with the posts about Golf and Leon by the way!

 

[sub39h]

you've chosen to change my quote - it was neither a personal slight nor intended to single you out in any way.

if you have nothing relevant to add to the thread, then for the OP's sake i suggest not posting, and i shall do the same. i've suggested to him to drive them both and make his mind up for himself and i stick by that recommendation.

i did test drive quite a few cars when settling on my 2.0T FWD. whether they were quattro or not is not important, because i said i have nothing to add to my previous statements. end of this discussion.

 

[PilotAudi]

Sorry you feel like that Sub. In true 'media' style I have taken parts of your post that were related and commented. I don't think I misquoted you.

I felt wrongly accused of overstating the virtues of Quattro and wanted to set things straight too..

O&O

 

[audicruiser]

my thoughts on the matter if your buying a A3 of any kind quattro is the only reason for buying an Audi
if not buy a golf or a Leon and save some pennies

When my parents were buying their new A3 we found the Golf more expensive when specced to the same level so don't find that arguement true. Plus they OP already has an Audi so I can see his logic in wanting another one!

The Quattro / FWD debate bores me.... So does DSG / manual. It all personal preferences.....

 

[Ads]

I felt wrongly accused of overstating the virtues of Quattro and wanted to set things straight too..

O&O

You certainly weren't wrongly accused.

The fact that you call EVERY other Audi that isn't Quattro 'crap' or not a 'real audi' then I'm afraid, yes, you are overstating the virtues of Quattro.

Nobody is saying that FWD is better than Quattro, just that Quattro isn't necessary for everyone. You on the other hand are all over any opportunity, like a big hairy dog, to bang on about Quattro and how wonderfully great it is (regardless of need), and that anything else is just a pile of steaming cow *****.

And as for....

PS HAs anyone decided Quattro is crap I really must buy FWD next????

Probably not. But I bet there are loads of people who have owned a Quattro and when buying their next Audi have opted for FWD on the basis that they don't really need Quattro.


So in a nutshell - Quattro... It's good if needed, but kinda pointless when not.

 

[PilotAudi]

This debate is getting too emotive.. I have stated personal views which some agree with some don't. Quattro is not 'needed' 99% of the time , I just do not like FWD cars. I think Quattro is way better than FWD on 2.0Tdi 170 and TFsi 200 and of course standard on S3 (which in itself says something.)

For those that don't agree with my views, fine, let's agree to disagree and move on before I do....

 

[Ads]

let's agree to disagree and move on before I do....

Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

 

[big_mo]

Thanks guys the 2.0T not what im looking for because im doing 40 miles a day to work an back. Just brought a new house and just want some thing different so thats why i am turning to the dark side
Is there much different in the sport and the s-line? Apart from the Quattro system?
Looking for a manual NOT DSG. Looking for a car in the 10k bracket
Got to say im not a big fan of the Golf mk5 GTD dont think they look that great almost boring looking.

 

[PilotAudi]

Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Always good to be challenging!!!

 

[Ash B]

Thanks guys the 2.0T not what im looking for because im doing 40 miles a day to work an back. Just brought a new house and just want some thing different so thats why i am turning to the dark side
Is there much different in the sport and the s-line? Apart from the Quattro system?
Looking for a manual NOT DSG. Looking for a car in the 10k bracket
Got to say im not a big fan of the Golf mk5 GTD dont think they look that great almost boring looking.

Lol the darkside? I thought the darkside was when you moved to BMW or Ford lol?!
S-line is lower, 18" as standard, leather seats, better bumpers if an 8P2(06reg+), spoiler overall just looks better.
But nothing wrong with a sport, if you got £10k probably get a 140bhp 2.0tdi s-line may have higher miles than normal.

 

[sub39h]

Thanks guys the 2.0T not what im looking for because im doing 40 miles a day to work an back. Just brought a new house and just want some thing different so thats why i am turning to the dark side
Is there much different in the sport and the s-line? Apart from the Quattro system?
Looking for a manual NOT DSG. Looking for a car in the 10k bracket
Got to say im not a big fan of the Golf mk5 GTD dont think they look that great almost boring looking.

there is nothing at all wrong with a Sport. i owned one, and i really liked it - but the S-Line just looks SO much better imho. just so we're clear, S-Lines aren't quattro as standard. your post made it sound as if they were.

your price bracket puts things in better perspective. i would NOT recommend a Mk5 Golf over an 8P, but i would recommend a Mk6 over an 8P. that's academic tho, because it'd be out of your price range.

best of luck. keep us posted.