Would you avoid a 145k 3.2 car?

[Kieronboz]

Hi there everyone, I am in the market for a new car and I have a few limiting factors, mainly money, im 21 and at university, so the most ive managed to scamper together so far is £3000, I could get more but im working with 3 at the minute, seeing whats out there etc.

I recently discovered after avoiding them because i never thought i could get an Audi, but alot of the 2003/4 models are within my budget, just. I've always driven petrol's, so i cant make my mind up between a 2.0 FSI or TDI, or in this case a 3.2 quattro.

The one in question is below;

2004 Audi A3 3.2 DSG AUTO V6 QUATTRO SPORT | eBay

Generally it looks like a nice car, but what do you all think? Maybe some of you have seen the ad too. Are these cars often ragged, do they die at 150k? I don't really know Audis all to well so im asking you guys. Thanks for any help!

 

[A3Kent]

The running costs of a 3.2 (fuel, insurance, tax etc) will be big remember, so if you've only got 3K then probably one to stay away from.

If I were you i'd be looking at a 1.9 diesel.

 

[Kieronboz]

Hi A3Kent thanks for your reply,

I had considered those things, Insurance is not too bad, its similar to what i'm paying at the moment, and i currently drive a 1987 MR2, and i've had an old mini, so i'm well accustomed to poor fuel economy, lol.

Sensibly speaking i know i should stay away, but I still have an urge

 

[SAiLO]

How about getting 2.0TDI and getting it remapped?

 

[NHN]

Welcome to the site.

You say in your 1st line, limiting factors are money, so why buy a really thirsty motor fella, the fuel savings alone would help you buy a better tdi, think sensibly atm if I was you mate, then you can spend money on nice mods engine/body/technology wise.

If you buy a vag car, then if you need any oem technology mods, give us a shout as we supply/fit.

 

[S3Alex]

Hi A3Kent thanks for your reply,

I had considered those things, Insurance is not too bad, its similar to what i'm paying at the moment, and i currently drive a 1987 MR2, and i've had an old mini, so i'm well accustomed to poor fuel economy, lol.

Sensibly speaking i know i should stay away, but I still have an urge

It's an urge that may come back to bite you!

They're pretty solid cars,but be sure that all of the maintainence issues like cam chains etc have been done.

I looked at a few 1.8TTs recently for one of my kids,and ended up buying a Mini instead,for many reasons,not least of which was insurance,but if you're OK with that....

 

[Kieronboz]

How about getting 2.0TDI and getting it remapped?

I have heavily considered this and outside of toying the idea of the 3.2, this seems better lol, thanks. My only concern, will a remapped TDI be noticeably better than a 2.0 FSI? I can look at statistics all day, but will it. haha.

Welcome to the site.

You say in your 1st line, limiting factors are money, so why buy a really thirsty motor fella, the fuel savings alone would help you buy a better tdi, think sensibly atm if I was you mate, then you can spend money on nice mods engine/body/technology wise.

If you buy a vag car, then if you need any oem technology mods, give us a shout as we supply/fit.

Thanks for the welcome I guess it was rather hypocritical of me, sometimes you just want so much, so i think i will wait till I get my graduate job and im not still stacking shelves! Ill look into the other options more, however A3 all the way! Thanks for your help

It's an urge that may come back to bite you!

They're pretty solid cars,but be sure that all of the maintenance issues like cam chains etc have been done.

I looked at a few 1.8TTs recently for one of my kids,and ended up buying a Mini instead,for many reasons,not least of which was insurance,but if you're OK with that....

Yeah maintenance was my main concern, thanks for the wise words haha, i think ill save the quattro for my toy when I can afford it! 2.0 It is! insurance was about 6-700 too, which is great!

Thanks everyone

 

[Chillout]

I have heavily considered this and outside of toying the idea of the 3.2, this seems better lol, thanks. My only concern, will a remapped TDI be noticeably better than a 2.0 FSI? I can look at statistics all day, but will it. haha.



Thanks for the welcome I guess it was rather hypocritical of me, sometimes you just want so much, so i think i will wait till I get my graduate job and im not still stacking shelves! Ill look into the other options more, however A3 all the way! Thanks for your help



Yeah maintenance was my main concern, thanks for the wise words haha, i think ill save the quattro for my toy when I can afford it! 2.0 It is! insurance was about 6-700 too, which is great!

Thanks everyone

I have a 37 k 3.2 it costs a fortune to run ,maintain and fix the only good thing is the noise

 

[Kieronboz]

I have a 37 k 3.2 it costs a fortune to run ,maintain and fix the only good thing is the noise

You make a convincing argument lol. I think ill go the 2.0 route Just need to find one now. I need dual climate control!

 

[SAiLO]

I have heavily considered this and outside of toying the idea of the 3.2, this seems better lol, thanks. My only concern, will a remapped TDI be noticeably better than a 2.0 FSI? I can look at statistics all day, but will it. haha.

You will definitely notice the huge amounts of torque compared to naturally aspirated 2.0FSI engine. Never driven one but guessing that a remapped 2.0TDi would probably win.
Fuel economy will put a smile on your face too.

 

[Kieronboz]

You will definitely notice the huge amounts of torque compared to naturally aspirated 2.0FSI engine. Never driven one but guessing that a remapped 2.0TDi would probably win.
Fuel economy will put a smile on your face too.

Yeah sounds good, it probably would! I would welcome it openly haha. Looking at some now, should I be concerned about mileage? go less than 150k? 120k? Does it matter, lol, I know a diesel will go forever, just looking for input!

 

[Chillout]

I have owned loads of cars golfs,r32's , boras my last car was a 140 bhp tdi high line with plenty of poke then I traded down to a 3.2 v6 and I would say its the worst motoring decision I have ever made go for diesel it's the best all round and the v6 is limited to engine mods unless you put a turbo or a supercharger in it for 10 grand.

 

[Kieronboz]

I have owned loads of cars golfs,r32's , boras my last car was a 140 bhp tdi high line with plenty of poke then I traded down to a 3.2 v6 and I would say its the worst motoring decision I have ever made go for diesel it's the best all round and the v6 is limited to engine mods unless you put a turbo or a supercharger in it for 10 grand.

Oh god. I feel for you haha. This post alone has made my decision lol. Ill go for the TDI. Panic over guys. haha

 

[J8TT X]

If your looking for a diesel with high mileage you will need to make sure it has a good service history and cambelt had been changed.

Problems with earlier models are the turbo and head gasket.
lots of info on what to look out for and what engines are affected on this forum.

Apart from that diesels are a good buy on your budget.

 

[leeds2592]

You will definitely notice the huge amounts of torque compared to naturally aspirated 2.0FSI engine. Never driven one but guessing that a remapped 2.0TDi would probably win.
Fuel economy will put a smile on your face too.

I have a 2.0FSI and I love mine as I've come from a 1.2 Clio but it's not the best.

OP, I'd definitely go with a 2.0TDI if money's tight. Cheaper tax, better fuel economy, lots of torque when remapped etc.

 

[Kieronboz]

If your looking for a diesel with high mileage you will need to make sure it has a good service history and cambelt had been changed.

Problems with earlier models are the turbo and head gasket.
lots of info on what to look out for and what engines are affected on this forum.

Apart from that diesels are a good buy on your budget.

Thanks for the help, to be honest, I think I may wait for another wage so that I can increase my budget into the 3-4 mark, it seems the quality of the cars drastically increases in there, and I can get a sub 100k mileage one.

I have a 2.0FSI and I love mine as I've come from a 1.2 Clio but it's not the best.

OP, I'd definitely go with a 2.0TDI if money's tight. Cheaper tax, better fuel economy, lots of torque when remapped etc.

Thanks, it does seem like the TDI would be the better choice, im just scared as ive always been a petrol guy! Haha

 

[Kieronboz]

2003 03 AUDI A3 2.0 TDI SPORT DIESEL 3 DOOR HATCHBACK *MAY PX* | eBay

Something like the above seems a good deal, within my current budget, but the mileage is scary to look at. Of course im better off waiting a few weeks for my budget to get bigger, but do I need too.

 

[A3Kent]

Scared of what? Putting petrol into your diesel tank?!?!

 

[A3Kent]

2003 03 AUDI A3 2.0 TDI SPORT DIESEL 3 DOOR HATCHBACK *MAY PX* | eBay

Something like the above seems a good deal, within my current budget, but the mileage is scary to look at. Of course im better off waiting a few weeks for my budget to get bigger, but do I need too.

Better off waiting a month or 2 to get your budget up mate. Really you want to be getting a lowest possible mileage diesel with a good service history and ensuring the cambelt/water pump has been done recently.

 

[Kieronboz]

Scared of what? Putting petrol into your diesel tank?!?!

Among other things this seems a good place to start lol.

Better off waiting a month or 2 to get your budget up mate. Really you want to be getting a lowest possible mileage diesel with a good service history and ensuring the cambelt/water pump has been done recently.

Yeah your obviously right, Ill work my *** off for the summer, my MOT expires on 23rd of September, Ill see if i can wait that long. (car wont pass so need new car (A3))

 

[immo]

I've always been petrol as well...and tbh I can't wait to go back! But that's just me...

 

[Kieronboz]

I've always been petrol as well...and tbh I can't wait to go back! But that's just me...

Oh really, how come?

 

[immo]

Just preference, I like on the button power not turbo lag

 

[stetheo]

I've always been petrol as well...and tbh I can't wait to go back! But that's just me...

I agree, don't get me wrong a remap on a diesel completely changes the way the car drives. But still...imo I am looking forward to going back to petrol.

 

[JJ.Foulds]

i got a really decent 2.0T petrol for just over 4k, and i love it. im on a super tight budget as also a student, i waited about 2 month for it to come on market and snapped it up first day.

so my advice would be watch the market, so autotrader and ebay twice a day, get a nice feeling for price, watch the price of the cars goes down as they dont sell, use this to your advantage when buying, and wait for the right one.
I spent over like 200 quid on diesel going to view cars, which sucks, but to get the right one and not a bag of **** its worth it.

In fact, funny story. Went to view one, i said to the guy, is there anywhere you can put your foot down for me(he was driving) and he said il do it here, and he racked up the speed to 90mph in a 30 zone with a cold engine. lets say i left that car standing on the road and went home.

lol
JJ.

 

[Kieronboz]

i got a really decent 2.0T petrol for just over 4k, and i love it. im on a super tight budget as also a student, i waited about 2 month for it to come on market and snapped it up first day.

so my advice would be watch the market, so autotrader and ebay twice a day, get a nice feeling for price, watch the price of the cars goes down as they dont sell, use this to your advantage when buying, and wait for the right one.
I spent over like 200 quid on diesel going to view cars, which sucks, but to get the right one and not a bag of **** its worth it.

In fact, funny story. Went to view one, i said to the guy, is there anywhere you can put your foot down for me(he was driving) and he said il do it here, and he racked up the speed to 90mph in a 30 zone with a cold engine. lets say i left that car standing on the road and went home.

lol
JJ.

This is basically what I have been doing, multiple times a day on ebay and autotrader, haha. But yeah I think ill keep saving try to increase my budget a little bit. Thanks!

 

[autolatry]

Dont listen to them Buy the 3.2.

 

[Kieronboz]

Dont listen to them Buy the 3.2.

You must be the wild carefree feeling inside of me! Whats your reasoning haha.

 

[Wallm0nkey]

I'm the opposite I'm on my first petrol car in years I had a 1.9tdi Bora 150bhp for a few years before my current car. I couldn't really fault it plenty of poke and great on fuel I liked how torquey it was. It's worth test driving a few see if the style of driving suits you lots of low down power. Echo what's been said a well cared for car is more important then miles they do last if looked after!

 

[wuta3]

Dont get a 3.2 - no sense in it. Get a 2.0tfsi

 

[Kieronboz]

I'm the opposite I'm on my first petrol car in years I had a 1.9tdi Bora 150bhp for a few years before my current car. I couldn't really fault it plenty of poke and great on fuel I liked how torquey it was. It's worth test driving a few see if the style of driving suits you lots of low down power. Echo what's been said a well cared for car is more important then miles they do last if looked after!

Yeah ive heard this, to be honest im not a racer I do trips around town, go on a 16 mile drive a few times a week and probably spend most of my time at 60 max, so maybe the diesel will suit nicely.

Dont get a 3.2 - no sense in it. Get a 2.0tfsi

Didnt think I could afford a tfsi!

 

[Turbo jay]

Didnt think I could afford a tfsi!

. Cheeky offer
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?index=0&sbk=1&nav=SEARCH&itemId=151028633376

 

[Kieronboz]

. Cheeky offer
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?index=0&sbk=1&nav=SEARCH&itemId=151028633376

It would be a very cheeky offer lol.

 

[Turbo jay]

It would be a very cheeky offer lol.

yea but if you don't ask you don't get.

 

[ENZO]

+1 for the TFSI, loving mine

 

[JJ.Foulds]

Yeah ive heard this, to be honest im not a racer I do trips around town, go on a 16 mile drive a few times a week and probably spend most of my time at 60 max, so maybe the diesel will suit nicely.



Didnt think I could afford a tfsi!

Yeah i was aiming for the 3.2, but all signs told me to wait and get a TFSI as, MPG is better (not that it matters), also i needed a 5 door as 3 door is sucky.
Also TFSI will remap up to 255 ish stock, so same power in long run.

And this being my first turbo car, THE SOUND OF THE LITTLE K03 SPINNING UP IS AMAZING. Cant wait to get an open intake for it to be louder.

Your all gonna burn me for this but i drove around without the stock airfilter on by accident (forgot i took it off one morning) and it sounded incredible aha and was sooSOO loud.

JJ.

 

[Ben S3 8P3]

It is that price for a reason. I dread to think of that car's history

 

[Kieronboz]

Yeah i was aiming for the 3.2, but all signs told me to wait and get a TFSI as, MPG is better (not that it matters), also i needed a 5 door as 3 door is sucky.
Also TFSI will remap up to 255 ish stock, so same power in long run.

And this being my first turbo car, THE SOUND OF THE LITTLE K03 SPINNING UP IS AMAZING. Cant wait to get an open intake for it to be louder.

Your all gonna burn me for this but i drove around without the stock airfilter on by accident (forgot i took it off one morning) and it sounded incredible aha and was sooSOO loud.

JJ.

Lol, well now I want a TDI or a TFSI! haha it does seem like a happy medium, and atleast fuel will be better than my current car.

It is that price for a reason. I dread to think of that car's history

This is my real concern, there's just no way to know when somethings gonna give.

 

[JJ.Foulds]

Yeah i was on this forum watching every post for about 3 months before i bought mine, and im very glad i chose what i did, its a poor mans S3, but im happy with that , and insurance was about 200 cheaper than the 3.2. make sure you give the forum insurance guys a ring as one of them did me a great price and were soo helpful.

JJ.

 

[Luke2.0tdi2010]

2003 03 AUDI A3 2.0 TDI SPORT DIESEL 3 DOOR HATCHBACK *MAY PX* | eBay

Something like the above seems a good deal, within my current budget, but the mileage is scary to look at. Of course im better off waiting a few weeks for my budget to get bigger, but do I need too.

I've owned 3 Audis, one petrol and two diesels, personally I prefer the diesels for a number of reasons but imo the above car seems pretty good, ok the mileage is quite high but as previously stated by J8TTX as long as it's been looked after i.e cambelt and regular servicing it should be fine, I bought mine on 80,000mi it's now on 120,000 and still runs absolutely beautifully, I love the car! My mate has a 2005 2.0tdi with 240,000 miles on it and still going strong. Ideally it would be obviously be better to have lower mileage but the lower the mileage the higher the price!