Looking for an A3 Sline/s3 but concerned about DPF

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gangsta1

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Hi All,

I am new to this forum and to researching a3's in general so looking for some experience advice.
Basically I am in the market for a 2006+ a3 sline or s3 (currently driving Golf VW GTI MK4).
I was going to get a MK6 Golf but I just love the look of the Audi a3!
Here is my dilemma - I do not do much driving at all - all local 5 to 10 minute trips and maybe once a month down the motorway.
I was looking at an A3 sline 1.7TDI but was put off by people complaining about the DPF filter needing cleaning/fixing/removal especially considering I do not drive that much and do short start and stop trips.
I really really want an sline but this issue has put me off big time and I dont want to go for a 1.4TDI without the DPF as I dont fancy remapping it and I also ideally would not want to remove the DPF because of possible MOT/Insurance/resell issues.

So, is the DPF issue really that big a deal considering my circumstances and what alternatives are there (maybe buying the Golf GTI MK6 may be my only option!).

Cheers!
 
If you're only driving the miles stated, I'd question whether a Diesel is really needed?
 
Why not go for the 2.0TDI 140 as only the 170 has the DPF?

If you are not doing many miles you may be better off with a petrol over diesel anyhow :)
 
Thanks guys. The thing is I want the 170 power over the 140. The reason I am saying diesel is because all of the sline's that I have looked at are TDI - Ideally I could get the sline in petrol so may need to jump up to the s3 or settle (if you can call it that) for the VW Golf MK6 Gti.
 
Yes3 said:
Why not go for the 2.0TDI 140 as only the 170 has the DPF?

If you are not doing many miles you may be better off with a petrol over diesel anyhow :)
Click to expand...

I thought both the 140 and 170 both had DPF's nowadays? Maybe if you go back to 2006-08? it doesn't?
 
I think 2008 onwards do but I dont mind buying before then...Concerned that haaving a diesel and doing short journeys often will cause problems with the DPF.
 
If you are only doing those short journey then stay away from a diesel with DPF.
 
A3Kent said:
If you are only doing those short journey then stay away from a diesel with DPF.
Click to expand...

Anyone else agree with this? It seems to be the general opinion. I dont want the warning light coming on telling me I need to go for a drive to clear it. Again, I only do very short trips starting and stopping often. Some people say it wont be an issue but then they dont drive a diesel! Is the 1.4TDI really that less powerful than the 1.7TDI? I guess I should test drive it.

Getting a pre DPF fitted (2008) 1.4TDI seems like the only solution to get an sline. What about FSI?
 
You mentioned an S3 in your original post, is one of those not an option? With the miles you're doing, it really sounds like you wouldn't get the benefits from driving a diesel.
 
I am considering the s3 but would prefer the sline price. I am not worried about not getting the benefits of diesel I am more concerned about getting the problems of diesel as I dont drive often or far and have read a lot about this causing DPF problems.
 
audi upgrades
A3Kent said:
If you are only doing those short journey then stay away from a diesel with DPF.
Click to expand...

Rubbish... We have a 170 TDi DSG bought new in April 2010, only done 13k miles and never had any issues with the DPF.
 
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OK, I have done a lot of research on this matter and even audi themselves told me that the A3 Sline 2.0 170 with DPF filter will not be suitable for the sort of short distance driving that I do and that there is a chance it will clog up! That's off the list then!

Now I am deciding between a3 Sline 2.0 140 or VW Golf MK6 GTi - any opinions? I know this is an Audi forum so even opinions on the 140 would be appreciated.

So glad I did not buy that 10grand 170 sline yesterday!
 
Diesel + town driving = stress for you and for the diesel. Bear in mind the PD diesels are not that refined, full of potencial issuse and wont give you any fun at all. S3 is always something special even when you sat in traffic the S3 premium feeling itself will put smile on your face:].
 
audicruiser said:
Rubbish... We have a 170 TDi DSG bought new in April 2010, only done 13k miles and never had any issues with the DPF.
Click to expand...

Yeah, you may not have problems now but you've only done 13K so further on down the line you are likely to have. I'm only going by what the majority of people say on here.
 
Thanks again guys - any feedback on the Audi A3 Sline 2.0TDI 140 without the DPF? Is it still a car I should avoid with my very short journeys possibly leading to problems? Like I said I am not fussed about petrol or diesel its just the majorities of sline's I have found are diesel hence why I am looking at the 140.
 
audicruiser said:
Rubbish... We have a 170 TDi DSG bought new in April 2010, only done 13k miles and never had any issues with the DPF.
Click to expand...

Its not rubbish.....its fact. If your car is only doing short journeys then there is more chance of PDF problems occurring. Certain parameters have to be made in order for your car to go into generation mode whether it be passive or active and these parameters will never be met if the car is used only on short journeys . See below for data.

Frequently Asked Questions | Honest John
 
gangsta1 said:
Thanks again guys - any feedback on the Audi A3 Sline 2.0TDI 140 without the DPF? Is it still a car I should avoid with my very short journeys possibly leading to problems? Like I said I am not fussed about petrol or diesel its just the majorities of sline's I have found are diesel hence why I am looking at the 140.
Click to expand...

Turbo's go on those models... Really this is the worst place to come for advice as all models have problems and they even more highlighted here as that's really all we discuss is the issues with the cars.

You say about a Mk6 Golf GTi, what wrong with the A3 2.0T model?
 
Personally I think its a good thing having all the info and gen from other users. Gives an insight into possible running problems so you can make your own mind up whether or not a new purchase is viable or not. Every car has its problems regardless of make/model/price etc etc so a little bit of knowledge beforehand is good IMO.
 
Brodster said:
Its not rubbish.....its fact. If your car is only doing short journeys then there is more chance of PDF problems occurring. Certain parameters have to be made in order for your car to go into generation mode whether it be passive or active and these parameters will never be met if the car is used only on short journeys . See below for data.

Frequently Asked Questions | Honest John
Click to expand...

Ok maybe I was bit harsh with the "rubbish" statement, but it annoys me a bit that people right off cars due a some people having issues with the DPF. Our car does do short trips but I guess on thinking about it it does have a good run two or three times a month so I guess it regens and these times. DPF's are here to stay, it's the reason why the cars are in the lower tax bands.

To be fair to the OP short journeys on any engine aren't ideal but I guess some are more resilient than others.
 
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I have a 170 DPF mate, i'm not righting it off at all. I love it!:sm4:
 
audicruiser said:
Turbo's go on those models... Really this is the worst place to come for advice as all models have problems and they even more highlighted here as that's really all we discuss is the issues with the cars.

You say about a Mk6 Golf GTi, what wrong with the A3 2.0T model?
Click to expand...

Is that the FSI? I guess I was put off that as they are harder to find and wasnt sure what it meant. What MPG are they doing?
 
When I had my 2007 2.0 TFSI I was doing about 30-35mpg on average if my memory serves me correct. Tax for the year is over £200 apposed to just over £100 for the 2.0TDI. Quite a juicy motor but then you aren't doing big miles.
 
Any opinions on 2.0 TDI 140 for short trips? As the DPF is not on the pre 2008 models will this be a safe bet or will I sitll run into problems? I love the A3 looks but I can pick up a VW GOLF GTI MK6 and dont have to worry about the diesel issue. Yes, the 2.0 FSI a3 is an option but would probably be a good few grand more than the GTI's I am looking at. I will prob just end up getting fed up and buying an s3 but I am happy I came here beforehand to get some good advice - great help in this forum!
 
Are you talking about the 2.0 TFSI (Turbo) or 2.0 FSI? The economy is most probably a bit different as would be insurance and possibly road tax. The Turbo generates 200BHP, not sure on the non turbo variant without looking.
 
@OP -
Fella, in the nicest possible way, listen to what people here are saying. A diesel won't be a cost-effective solution if all you do is short commuting-style journeys - go petrol! I've bought an S3 but to be honest a nice, well looked after 2.0 TFSI (that's petrol turbo to you and I!), maybe even Black Edition, will be just as nice if you can't stretch to it. I don't know your budget but you should get a comparable one of these for similar to a Golf GTi. And still get in the snob club with us lot! Haha!!
 
batch said:
@OP -
Fella, in the nicest possible way, listen to what people here are saying. A diesel won't be a cost-effective solution if all you do is short commuting-style journeys - go petrol! I've bought an S3 but to be honest a nice, well looked after 2.0 TFSI (that's petrol turbo to you and I!), maybe even Black Edition, will be just as nice if you can't stretch to it. I don't know your budget but you should get a comparable one of these for similar to a Golf GTi. And still get in the snob club with us lot! Haha!!
Click to expand...

Haha! For me when it comes to hatchbacks it has to be a3 or Golf!

Thanks again for everyones feedback, went out and about to a few dealers today and they ALL said the same thing regarding diesel and short journeys - asking for problems, not worthit, stick to petrol. Therefore I have my eyes peeled for a TFSI/s3.
 
The Diesel engines will always be more economical than the petrol regardless of journey type, be that stop start or long distance. The 140 is slightly more economical than the 170. Later 140's have DPF also.


If you are not overly concerned about fuel bills, then go for the TFSI/2.oT petrol. Smooth and lots of power.


If you want a diesel you can either buy a 140 and have little to worry about, or buy thr 170 and take it for a blast every couple of weeks. A third option is to have the DPF removed on the 170 which will further increase power and economy and you will have no reliability worries.


Rick
 
Rick @ Unicorn Motor Dev. said:
The Diesel engines will always be more economical than the petrol regardless of journey type, be that stop start or long distance. The 140 is slightly more economical than the 170. Later 140's have DPF also.


If you are not overly concerned about fuel bills, then go for the TFSI/2.oT petrol. Smooth and lots of power.


If you want a diesel you can either buy a 140 and have little to worry about, or buy thr 170 and take it for a blast every couple of weeks. A third option is to have the DPF removed on the 170 which will further increase power and economy and you will have no reliability worries.


Rick
Click to expand...

What about the 1.8 T FSI? Is that much less powerful/smooth than the 2.0 T FSI?
There is 1.4, 1.8, 2.0 and 3.2 TFSI correct?
 
Stretch to an S3 if you can although I find mine a bit thirsty, 23mpg around the doors, 28 on a run `making progress`, 30 if you take it easy. Worth it when you consider the package you get.

Otherwise I would be tempted with the MK6.

cheers
Paul
 
I have recently bought a 2006 S Line Sportback 140 with no DPF because of DPF problems on short journeys. It still works out cheaper to run as the RFL is a lot cheaper and you still get 43 -48mpg on short journeys. If you want to remap later it makes things easier in the long run. The benefit of buying a pre DPF car is they are cheaper because they are older so you might as well look for the best kept version with lots of extra goodies as I did. For me the condition of the car is more important than the year.
 
Soot1 said:
I have recently bought a 2006 S Line Sportback 140 with no DPF because of DPF problems on short journeys. It still works out cheaper to run as the RFL is a lot cheaper and you still get 43 -48mpg on short journeys. If you want to remap later it makes things easier in the long run. The benefit of buying a pre DPF car is they are cheaper because they are older so you might as well look for the best kept version with lots of extra goodies as I did. For me the condition of the car is more important than the year.
Click to expand...

What sort of journeys do you do? I was under the impression that even a non DPF sline a3 would still run into potential problems if only used for a few miles per day, if that.
 
I've got a 140 bkd and I only do very short distant journeys (not my intention when I bought the car). I've done 40k miles in it doing shorter journeys over the last 20k. The car now had 80k on clock. The only engine part I've replaced is the throttle flap thing. These engines are quite resilient when looked after (serviced etc).
I would recommend a petrol for short journeys but if it is 100% a diesel you want then the 140 (non dpf) is reliable so long as you don't buy a dud
 
having a look through the thread and have a question

i have the 3.2 v6 and do very short trips 2 miles each way mon to fri for comuting to work but the weekend i hit the motorway, am i at risk of a simalar dpf thing???
 
discostu49 said:
having a look through the thread and have a question

i have the 3.2 v6 and do very short trips 2 miles each way mon to fri for comuting to work but the weekend i hit the motorway, am i at risk of a simalar dpf thing???
Click to expand...

dpf stands for diesel particulate filter. You drive a petrol.
You can still get issues with carbon buildup though if the engine isn't warmed up regularly. I've heard there are issues with the intake flaps on the 3.2's. Short journeys could accelerate its wear
 
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