Worth the money?

[wanton]

Hi All,
I have been reading up on here and started a few threads in anticipation about the car I have already put a deposit on. Im sort of OK with the price I am paying but would appreciate some input if you think its a fair price or not. The only reason I haven't got the car now is because whilst the garage were doing their "pre delivery inspection" the car cut out. After they checked it out the Mechatronic unit was diagnosed as the problem. The garage (an independent Audi dealer) have ordered the part but its on back order for the last two weeks. Audi will not give any lead times on the unit either. I know this is an expensive job (Audi quoting near enough £3000 fitted) so bear this in mind when you are giving any opinions please The reason why I am sort of worried I am paying too much is I have seen lots of cars which are newer and with lower mileage at the same price of £12000 or even less. The car I have put a deposit on is however near enough fully loaded. The list is below.

A3 Sportback on a 56 plate with 63,000 miles

S-Line.

Black cherry pearlescent paint.

S-Tronic auto gearbox.

Open sky panoramic glass sunroof.

Polished roof rails.

Xenon headlights with DRL.

Fog lights.

Electrically folding and adjustable heated wing mirrors.

Upgrade to 18" two piece 20 spoke alloy wheels.

Rear Parking sensors.

Auto light and rain pack.

Cruise control.

Interior lighting pack.

Rear sun screen on parcel shelf.

Electric front seats.

Heated front seats.

Electric lumber support.

Front Arm rest.

Multi function Steering Wheel upgrade.

Bose stereo upgrade.

DVD Sat-Nav.

Ipod adapter in glovebox.

Bluetooth. Any comments would be appreciated.. Cheers!!

 

[immo]

Black cherry? Holy moly ^_^

Good mileage, fully loaded as you said... any pics?

 

[wanton]

Black cherry? Holy moly ^_^

Good mileage, fully loaded as you said... any pics?

Good or bad in your opinion? I like it as it normally looks black the "cherry" only comes out in very bright sunlight. Was a £1585 option at the time.

 

[wanton]

Black cherry? Holy moly ^_^

Good mileage, fully loaded as you said... any pics?

 

[NHN]

Looks like a Fontain advert to me.

Mechatronics can take a while to arrive tbh given how much they cost & not often changed out.

As long as they warranty it specifically covering the mech unit/gearbox aswell & check the small print, then you'll be ok.

 

[immo]

Good or bad in your opinion? I like it as it normally looks black the "cherry" only comes out in very bright sunlight. Was a £1585 option at the time.

Yeah real cool.

Personally I wouldn't say it was overpriced because finding an A3 for sale with all the optional extras in the book really rare, in my experience...and that colour even more so.

As you say though, you can get newer for less money, just compromising the luxuries.

 

[wanton]

Looks like a Fontain advert to me.

Mechatronics can take a while to arrive tbh given how much they cost & not often changed out.

As long as they warranty it specifically covering the mech unit/gearbox aswell & check the small print, then you'll be ok.

Well spotted!! I was hoping from some input from you . Yep you are right its from Fontain. It comes with a 3 month warrantee but I don't know how good it is. I haven't asked re the warrantee on the Mechatronic unit, I am presuming it will be one year but will check. I am also presuming that it should be good for another 60k anyway? So do you think is worth £12k?

 

[immo]

Well spotted!! I was hoping from some input from you . Yep you are right its from Fontain. It comes with a 3 month warrantee but I don't know how good it is. I haven't asked re the warrantee on the Mechatronic unit, I am presuming it will be one year but will check. I am also presuming that it should be good for another 60k anyway? So do you think is worth £12k?

3 months is pants RAC will give you 6 months warranty on that mileage.

 

[wanton]

Yeah real cool.

Personally I wouldn't say it was overpriced because finding an A3 for sale with all the optional extras in the book really rare, in my experience...and that colour even more so.

As you say though, you can get newer for less money, just compromising the luxuries.

Thanks for your comments! Yeah I always try to get a car that's fully loaded. A lot easier to sell down the line. If I didn't have the extras I would only get them retrofitted anyway lol..

 

[NHN]

Warranty, if the parts supplied/fitted by audi, is 2 years usually, check this specifically & get it in writing, if they don't warranty it as per audi, then walk as they would go back to audi if it came back in anyway, as audi need to test a component themselves before condemning for a claim.

 

[wanton]

3 months is pants RAC will give you 6 months warranty on that mileage.

Yeah not the best, I believe that's the minimum by law a dealer has to give. TBH I will more than likely invest in a warrantee when the 3 months is up anyway. Looking at about £500 for a year for a decent one.

 

[wanton]

Warranty, if the parts supplied/fitted by audi, is 2 years usually, check this specifically & get it in writing, if they don't warranty it as per audi, then walk as they would go back to audi if it came back in anyway, as audi need to test a component themselves before condemning for a claim.

OK thanks for the advise. Audi say the part is 2 years. Their work is guaranteed for a year. Will speak to the dealer tomorrow to confirm.

 

[wanton]

Warranty, if the parts supplied/fitted by audi, is 2 years usually, check this specifically & get it in writing, if they don't warranty it as per audi, then walk as they would go back to audi if it came back in anyway, as audi need to test a component themselves before condemning for a claim.

Sill waiting for you to tell me if you think is worth the money NHN lol? Value your opinion!

 

[caraudiaye3]

I paid £5950 a few months back for my 2006 A3 DSG 2.0 tdi Sline with 70k on clock. My spec is almost yours minus a couple bits and bobs.


...


Then my mechatronics unit went....!

 

[wuta3]

Cherry black, yummy.

Personally, I think £12k is overpriced even with that spec.

 

[wanton]

I paid £5950 a few months back for my 2006 A3 DSG 2.0 tdi Sline with 70k on clock. My spec is almost yours minus a couple bits and bobs.


...


Then my mechatronics unit went....!

Ouch! How much did it cost to repair? Even with the mechatronic unit gone yours sounds like a bargain compared to mine...

 

[caraudiaye3]

Still waiting, hoping to pick up tomorrow. It's in an Indy gearbox specialist. Anticipate anywhere up to a grand...maybe...

£12k does seem far too much. With the exception of my mechatronics unit it's minty mc mint mint.

 

[Ads]

£12k for a 56 plate sounds expensive to me.

My old A3, although with less of a spec, on an 06 plate but less mileage went for almost £6000 less than that from an independent dealer.

Have you checked out the book value of it?

And unless I missed it, what engine is the car?

 

[Jaacck]

Yours is a lot more kitted out than mine with extras. I got mine which was registered in jan 08 for 6000 with 75k miles on. Seems a lot more for 10k miles. For 12k seen 2009 with less mileage

 

[A3Kent]

Go get a cheaper/newer one from Audi with 12 months warranty and then add the bits you want afterwards. Peace of mind and all that!

 

[Jaacck]

+1 to above

 

[Ash187]

£12k is way over priced for a 06 plate. it should be under £10K

 

[37]

I paid £5950 a few months back for my 2006 A3 DSG 2.0 tdi Sline with 70k on clock. My spec is almost yours minus a couple bits and bobs.

My old A3, although with less of a spec, on an 06 plate but less mileage went for almost £6000 less than that from an independent dealer.

Yours is a lot more kitted out than mine with extras. I got mine which was registered in jan 08 for 6000 with 75k miles on. Seems a lot more for 10k miles. For 12k seen 2009 with less mileage

WTF!! I didn't want to read all this :/

I paid 6800 for 2007 Reg 1.6 Petrol with 62K on clock and its lowline model too - albeit with FASH and cambelt done by them too.

 

[danb986]

For comparison, I just bought a spotless 2010 S-Line Black Edition with 70,000 miles for £13,750, so £12,000 for a 2006 pre-facelift seems a lot.

 

[Mikemc]

I paid 7k for my 55 2.0tdo DSG with leather and interior light pack and all door lights.

 

[wanton]

Apologies. Should have said the car I am getting is a 2.0tdi 170. Parkers value the car at £9.5k obviously does not incoude the extras.

 

[wanton]

Go get a cheaper/newer one from Audi with 12 months warranty and then add the bits you want afterwards. Peace of mind and all that!

Yeah been thinking alot about doing this. However even if the car does not have satnav I would have to pay at least £700 to have one retrofitted. Bose retrofitted or something similar would be £500 minimum. Auto lights and wipers ect would cost about £700 including the new windscreen. My point is that if I was to buy a new car with less milage then started adding the extras it didnt have I would end up still paying a premium lol.

 

[percymon]

You are paying handsomely for the extras, but then you could find a lesser spec car for £3k less and then have a big repair bill

At 6.5 years ld I'd expect the car trade to be 25% of its new value at best, then add on £2-3k for retail pricing, service, prep, warranty and margin depending on the dealer. So if it was £36k new then maybe its worth £12k now if its a minter - there won't be too many buyers willing to pay such a premium for all the extras mind.

 

[wanton]

You are paying handsomely for the extras, but then you could find a lesser spec car for £3k less and then have a big repair bill

At 6.5 years ld I'd expect the car trade to be 25% of its new value at best, then add on £2-3k for retail pricing, service, prep, warranty and margin depending on the dealer. So if it was £36k new then maybe its worth £12k now if its a minter - there won't be too many buyers willing to pay such a premium for all the extras mind.

Exactly what I was thinking percymon re paying a premium for the extras and a rough pricing for the car both new and now. Even though when I put the deposit down the Mechatronic unit was believed to be working fine it now needs a new one. The same could easily happen if I was to go buy another and after the warrantee ran out so I am sort of now factoring in to the price that they are fitting a new unit. I have been a bit OTT and managed to work out the exact cost. Brand new with the extras I know about it weighed in at £32325. The car looks mint apart from a few swirl marks on the paint but nothing major. I would be the third owner of the car. To cover my bases it is also going to have a full AA inspection as well once the new Mechatronic is fitted. I know sort of what to look for when buying a second hand car but I rather leave it to the "professionals" when spending this much money...

 

[wanton]

For comparison, I just bought a spotless 2010 S-Line Black Edition with 70,000 miles for £13,750, so £12,000 for a 2006 pre-facelift seems a lot.

Thanks for the info Dan. What you paid seems in my mind to be a good price. As I have had to think so hard about the price of this car I am leaning towards telling the dealer that I have changed my mind. The only thing that stops me from doing this is knowing I just wont be able to find a car with the same spec again and having to pay X amount to retro fit the bits after..

 

[Jaacck]

I always see the spec of the car I.e nav etc as a gift to the next owner and shouldn't reflect this hugely on the cars value for resale. My car had one owner and has been serviced twice a year since new and didn't tip me over 6000 and is newer. Obviously up to you but I would prefer to go with something newer and less mileage for less money.

Jack

 

[A3HAZ]

Thanks for the info Dan. What you paid seems in my mind to be a good price. As I have had to think so hard about the price of this car I am leaning towards telling the dealer that I have changed my mind. The only thing that stops me from doing this is knowing I just wont be able to find a car with the same spec again and having to pay X amount to retro fit the bits after..

Say you buy a newer car with similar miles less money (that maybe doesn't have all the extras) then add on some of the extras that you might want you may argue that your total amount will still total 12K, but you would end up with a newer car with less miles with the extras for the same price? I understand where you are coming from RE the metchatronic unit though

 

[wanton]

Say you buy a newer car with similar miles less money (that maybe doesn't have all the extras) then add on some of the extras that you might want you may argue that your total amount will still total 12K, but you would end up with a newer car with less miles with the extras for the same price? I understand where you are coming from RE the metchatronic unit though

Yeah I see where you are coming from mate but still unsure what to do..

 

[Ads]

I think the bottom line is.... most people wouldn't pay £12k for 6-7 year old A3 with 63,000 miles on the clock, regardless of spec.

Also, I'm not sure how long you plan to keep it but you're going to take a big hit on the resale/part ex.

Is £12,000 that actual price you're paying or is it what the car is on the forecourt for?

 

[wanton]

I think the bottom line is.... most people wouldn't pay £12k for 6-7 year old A3 with 63,000 miles on the clock, regardless of spec.

Also, I'm not sure how long you plan to keep it but you're going to take a big hit on the resale/part ex.

Is £12,000 that actual price you're paying or is it what the car is on the forecourt for?

I think you have hit the nail on the head. Most people would not buy the car for the price even with the extras from what I have seen re replies on this thread. I am paying £12k for it. They originally wouldn't budge on the price but added cruise control in to the deal, the only thing it didn't have. Because of having to wait a further two weeks for the car (because of the Mechatronic unit) they have now agreed to now do a minor service, metal pedals fitted (I supply parts) and of course the new Mechatronic unit. I intend to keep it 3-5 years then hopefully trade it in for a RS3. Well hopefully lol..

Parkers and HPI are quoting the cars value at £9.5k for average condition from a dealer. I would say the car is near mint bar some swirls on the paint work. So from what I can see I am paying basically paying £2.5k for a much better than average car with ALL the options, new Mechatronic unit and a three month warrantee.


Damm.... Still confused....

 

[Ads]

I think you have hit the nail on the head. Most people would not buy the car for the price even with the extras from what I have seen re replies on this thread. I am paying £12k for it. They originally wouldn't budge on the price but added cruise control in to the deal, the only thing it didn't have. Because of having to wait a further two weeks for the car (because of the Mechatronic unit) they have now agreed to now do a minor service, metal pedals fitted (I supply parts) and of course the new Mechatronic unit. I intend to keep it 3-5 years then hopefully trade it in for a RS3. Well hopefully lol..

Parkers and HPI are quoting the cars value at £9.5k for average condition from a dealer. I would say the car is near mint bar some swirls on the paint work. So from what I can see I am paying basically paying £2.5k for a much better than average car with ALL the options, new Mechatronic unit and a three month warrantee.


Damm.... Still confused....

I wouldn't see any of those things as a bonus or sweetener....
The addition of cruise is only worth about £130 to you.. Putting it through a service (if due) is standard across all dealers, and so is warranty.. And the mechatronic unit they'd have to do anyway otherwise you or another buyer could go back to them/do them for selling you a car that isn't fit for purpose, especially as they now know about it.

That "dealer" price they are quoting... is it is franchised/main dealer or independent dealer?? Main dealers will always be higher.

I'd take those valuations with a pinch of salt anyway, especially when buying, as the current market values (i.e. the price of cars that are actually for sale now) dictate more than a book.

Are you going to arrange an inspection of the vehicle? Yes it might be loaded with specs and have a new mechatronic unit, but at 6-7 years old there are plenty of other things to go wrong or be due to wear out.... i.e. suspension parts.

Have you looked at what else is due in the coming months/year.... dsg oil change, cambelt, next MAJOR service???

 

[percymon]

I think you have hit the nail on the head. Most people would not buy the car for the price even with the extras from what I have seen re replies on this thread. I am paying £12k for it. They originally wouldn't budge on the price but added cruise control in to the deal, the only thing it didn't have. Because of having to wait a further two weeks for the car (because of the Mechatronic unit) they have now agreed to now do a minor service, metal pedals fitted (I supply parts) and of course the new Mechatronic unit. I intend to keep it 3-5 years then hopefully trade it in for a RS3. Well hopefully lol..

Parkers and HPI are quoting the cars value at £9.5k for average condition from a dealer. I would say the car is near mint bar some swirls on the paint work. So from what I can see I am paying basically paying £2.5k for a much better than average car with ALL the options, new Mechatronic unit and a three month warrantee.


Damm.... Still confused....

Tough decision, but if you were to resell after 6 months for some reason, you'd probably get 7k trade in.

Similarly if heaven forbid the car was stolen or written off the insurance won;t pay you out to the tune of £12k as they will see the market value much nearer £10k currently.

 

[wanton]

I wouldn't see any of those things as a bonus or sweetener....
The addition of cruise is only worth about £130 to you.. Putting it through a service (if due) is standard across all dealers, and so is warranty.. And the mechatronic unit they'd have to do anyway otherwise you or another buyer could go back to them/do them for selling you a car that isn't fit for purpose, especially as they now know about it.

That "dealer" price they are quoting... is it is franchised/main dealer or independent dealer?? Main dealers will always be higher.

I'd take those valuations with a pinch of salt anyway, especially when buying, as the current market values (i.e. the price of cars that are actually for sale now) dictate more than a book.

Are you going to arrange an inspection of the vehicle? Yes it might be loaded with specs and have a new mechatronic unit, but at 6-7 years old there are plenty of other things to go wrong or be due to wear out.... i.e. suspension parts.

Have you looked at what else is due in the coming months/year.... dsg oil change, cambelt, next MAJOR service???

Believe the quote is main dealer price. They have already said they will change the gearbox oil when fitting the Mechatronic unit. At least in theory it will never be an issue for the time I will have the car for since its new. No service due for a year when I would do a major one anyway. Cambelt changed. Already paid for an AA inspection which wont be done until the mecha is fitted.

 

[wanton]

Tough decision, but if you were to resell after 6 months for some reason, you'd probably get 7k trade in.

Similarly if heaven forbid the car was stolen or written off the insurance won;t pay you out to the tune of £12k as they will see the market value much nearer £10k currently.

Yeah realise I would definitely have to keep the car for some time to get the best value. I won't be selling it for at least three years. Already looked at gap imsurance to cover any potential losses. Its actually very cheap from what I remember.

 

[Jaacck]

Used AUDI S3, WITH FULL AUDI WARRANTY, SAT NAV, SUNR... for sale - PistonHeads (Ref 1271570)

what I'd spend the 12k on