Prospective Purchase Queries

[oedipus]

Hi,
new to the forum and, in the expectation of my 150k 2003 Golf MkIV TDI 1.9 finally expiring and my camper van finally selling I am in the market for a new car. With a dog and a 10 year old child I'm pretty well committed to a hatchback and like the look of the A3 Sportback in manual diesel guise (do around 22k per year) but would welcome thoughts on the following

Variant?

Model	Retail	Drivethedeal
105 SE	£21,150	£19,402
105 Sport	£22,375	£20,501
150 SE	£22,500	£20,669
150 Sport	£23,725	£21,713
105 S Line	£24,535	£22,431
184 Sport	£24,995	£22,914
150 S Line	£25,875	£23,643
184 S Line	£27,145	£24,783

The sweet spot for me is between the 184 Sport and the >£700 more expensive 150 S Line. As I intend to keep it for its lifetime resale values are less important than having a car that is satisfying. Would I be right in thinking that once the warranty has expired I could chip the 150 to around the 184 mark without it being an issue come servicing/MOT time? And would others on the forum trade the extra performance for extra features and finish?

Boot size
Has anyone observations on the boot in the A3 Sportback versus that in the Golf? I'm sure at least one person here has been dissatisfied with the A3 boot and though there are more vocal travellers I need to keep happy I don't want to ignore the dog!

Options
This forum is testing my resolve in terms of limiting options and keeping the total price around £26k. I'm basing my limited choices on wanting things to keep me amused/entertained/awake during a long commute and have settled on the following

	Retail	Dtd
B&O	£750	£695
Int Lights	£225	£208
Tech HI	£1,795	£1,665
TOTAL	£2,770	£2,568

My query is concerning the Tech Hi package: I assume that, signal and additional sim permitting, it gives access to a raft more online functionality and versatility and is to be much preferred to the Phone Box. Is it worth the premium over the standard Tech pack? Is it more useful than the Phone Box? Would anyone recommend it or regrets getting/not getting it?

Colour
If I abandoned the Hi Tech package and went with the standard I'd probably spring for Shiraz (otherwise Brilliant Black) if only because I've had enough of it inside me over the years so a bit on the outside wouldn't go amiss. Have yet to see it in the metal - anyone have any thoughts on it in relation to the more usual Daytona/Glacier choices?

Any help much appreciated - this forum has been really informative thus far and look forward to any specific advice regarding the above.

 

[Itguy]

Surely the comfort pack is must in any spec? Auto headlights and wipers, cruise control and parking sensors. Also comes with an acoustic noise reducing windscreen. All for £600? Must help on anyone's commute.

 

[Itguy]

Oh, and S line a must I think. Looks so much better and you get the xenon headlights too.

 

[oedipus]

So it begins, the slow erosion of my discipline to stay out of penury
I suppose I could 'drop down' to the 105 S Line but I think I'd feel it was underpowered. If anyone can persuade me away from the Tech Hi package that might help...

 

[Sandra]

So it begins, the slow erosion of my discipline to stay out of penury
I suppose I could 'drop down' to the 105 S Line but I think I'd feel it was underpowered. If anyone can persuade me away from the Tech Hi package that might help...

Welcome to audi-sport.net. We hope you enjoy the forum. Btw, we love to help others spend there money,,lol. x

 

[Itguy]

Standard tech pack instead of the one with connect will be cheaper. Plus you wouldn't have the ongoing cost of a sim for it.

I'd downgrade from b&o to the audi sound system to get the other options if it were me. I've heard both and the *** is really decent. Interior leds are a must!

 

[oedipus]

Okay, if I drop the Connect aspect of the Tech package and having noticed that the Interior lighting is cheaper on S Line I can add Comfort and only be around £200 up:
Retail Dtd
B&O £750 £695
Int Lights £170 £157
Tech HI £1,495 £1,386
Comfort £605 £561
TOTAL £3,020 £2,799

 

[oedipus]

Am rather taken with what I've read about the B&O and as the dog is deaf he won't complain when I crank it up. Plus I like the addition it brings to the interior lighting - throw in the fact you can hear music through it and what's not to like

 

[M_D_O_London]

Electric folding door mirrors are a good buy for only £150. Include a kerb-view feature on the left mirror and auto-fold can be set when car is locked.

 

[Daveotto]

So it begins, the slow erosion of my discipline to stay out of penury
I suppose I could 'drop down' to the 105 S Line but I think I'd feel it was underpowered. If anyone can persuade me away from the Tech Hi package that might help...

150BHP s-line will out perform your current golf i think.

Buy as my sig spec you wont be disappointed!!!!!!!

 

[oedipus]

So...maybe the mirrors then
Retail Dtd
B&O £750 £695
Int Lights £170 £157
Tech £1,495 £1,386
Comfort £605 £561
mirrors £150 £139
TOTAL £3,170 £2,938

 

[JohnM100]

Oedipus - make sure you get Hold Assist. It's THE best £90 you could spend.

Lots of threads on the functionality already so won't duplicate those.

 

[oedipus]

This isn't going to plan..
Adding the hill hold gets me over the £3k mark for extras
Retail Dtd
B&O £750 £695
Int Lights £170 £157
Tech HI £1,495 £1,386
Comfort £605 £561
mirrors £150 £139
hill hold £90 £83
TOTAL £3,260 £3,021

A further question concerns payment:
I understand that there is a period of time between order and delivery
How long is it likely to be
How much do I pay on order and how much on delivery (I will most likely get a loan so no finance via Audi but I'd rather get the thing going before the Golf dies entailing renting or a cheapy banger and don't know when the camper van will sell)

 

[Joetidman]

This isn't going to plan..
Adding the hill hold gets me over the £3k mark for extras
Retail Dtd
B&O £750 £695
Int Lights £170 £157
Tech HI £1,495 £1,386
Comfort £605 £561
mirrors £150 £139
hill hold £90 £83
TOTAL £3,260 £3,021

A further question concerns payment:
I understand that there is a period of time between order and delivery
How long is it likely to be
How much do I pay on order and how much on delivery (I will most likely get a loan so no finance via Audi but I'd rather get the thing going before the Golf dies entailing renting or a cheapy banger and don't know when the camper van will sell)

Personally I'd always make sure your engine is right first before worrying about spec etc, it just doesn't feel right having an underpowered car, but with B&O speakers. So I'd be sure you've got the right engine for your needs (otherwise you'll always be annoyed as you drive, the engine is the one thing you can't ignore!) first then spec up.

Order and delivery seems to be between 3-6 months dependant on spec, body shape and random luck (sorry still angry about my own wait time). At my Audi garage, deposit was £1000 for every £10K the car costs, so if £32K then £3K deposit, for £22K, £2K deposit etc. Remaining funds pretty much as you tie up buying the car and realistically you can change your method right up to the last minute.

On spec, I agree with the majority here, and your list is pretty good. If you need to save a bit of cash, I'd drop B&O down to Audi sound, as I think it's still pretty good, and keep the remainder. Tech Pack, Comfort, Mirrors especially a must IMO

 

[h5djr]

A further question concerns payment:
I understand that there is a period of time between order and delivery
How long is it likely to be
How much do I pay on order and how much on delivery (I will most likely get a loan so no finance via Audi but I'd rather get the thing going before the Golf dies entailing renting or a cheapy banger and don't know when the camper van will sell)

At the moment I think dealers are quoting 12-16 weeks for delivery if it is a factory order, which most cars will be.
It is normal to pay just a deposit when you place the order usually £500-£1000 and the rest when the car is available to collect.

 

[oedipus]

Personally I'd always make sure your engine is right first before worrying about spec etc, it just doesn't feel right having an underpowered car, but with B&O speakers. So I'd be sure you've got the right engine for your needs (otherwise you'll always be annoyed as you drive, the engine is the one thing you can't ignore!) first then spec up.

Order and delivery seems to be between 3-6 months dependant on spec, body shape and random luck (sorry still angry about my own wait time). At my Audi garage, deposit was £1000 for every £10K the car costs, so if £32K then £3K deposit, for £22K, £2K deposit etc. Remaining funds pretty much as you tie up buying the car and realistically you can change your method right up to the last minute.

On spec, I agree with the majority here, and your list is pretty good. If you need to save a bit of cash, I'd drop B&O down to Audi sound, as I think it's still pretty good, and keep the remainder. Tech Pack, Comfort, Mirrors especially a must IMO

Good point about the engine choice. I do think 150 will do me (Golf is 130 and tired so it will be a step-up). Am rather convinced by the B&O though

 

[Joetidman]

Good point about the engine choice. I do think 150 will do me (Golf is 130 and tired so it will be a step-up). Am rather convinced by the B&O though

Very true, in fact I just upgraded my order with them! So if you can spend the cash I would, but certainly not at the expense of the right engine

 

[oedipus]

When is the best time to get the benefit of model year changes (assuming that they work in the customer's favour in terms of getting more kit thrown in and new colours, different spec options)?

 

[h5djr]

When is the best time to get the benefit of model year changes (assuming that they work in the customer's favour in terms of getting more kit thrown in and new colours, different spec options)?

Audi sent dealers details of the model changes for the next model year (in this case it will be MY2015) in April and the changes happen in cars produced after 1 June 2014. So as soon as the dealer knows the changes you could order a new car on 12-16 weeks delivery, sometime in April/May and get any changes and have it delivered for the registration letter change on 1 September. This is probably what I will do for my next change to A3 number nine.

My dealer always sends me a copy of the changes when he receives his copy so I will post the details when I get them.

 

[JohnM100]

When is the best time to get the benefit of model year changes (assuming that they work in the customer's favour in terms of getting more kit thrown in and new colours, different spec options)?

Not a hard & fast rule but place order end April as Model Year changes have been with a build week 22 (early June in 2013 but end May in 2014).

Greater chance of getting new MY spec and you'll be the only person on the forum who doesn't want their build week brought forward....

 

[Itguy]

Sounds like a nice spec there now.

What is your general driving and commute like? If it involves motorways or travelling any kind of distance behind other cars I would VERY strongly suggest you take a close look at adaptive cruise control. It's a bit more on top of the comfort pack (£300 or £350 I think) but you would love it.

 

[oedipus]

Not used cruise before so would be concerned that reliance on an automatic system would diminish my attentiveness - does that sound ridiculous?

 

[cemerson]

No, you just have to not let it like any other assist system. I agree ACC is brilliant.

Sort your engine choice out first (I have the 150 and am not disappointed), then trim level. For me, sport is the best value, and you can add the xenon light pack to that as I have, which is the only bit of s-line I'm bothered about. Also, the xenon light pack on sport trim includes the interior light pack as well, and has the adaptive function, which the s-line doesn't by default - you have to add both on top.

 

[snakehips]

On a couple of things not mentioned yet:
I support your choice of colour (looks great and much rarer than the usual suspects). I posted a couple of photos 3 weeks ago.
I have the phone box. I still can't find anyone or any documents that can describe exactly what it does! I have proved to myself that it does improve phone signal in areas where in the past I knew I would have no signal at all. I also seem to have a USB charging port in the arm rest which apparently comes with it. Otherwise no idea what else, if anything, it does. It is certainly not an alternative to Connect!

Also, I'd say stick with B&O. It is marvellous and if you drop it against your better judgement you'll always regret it.
The 184 diesel is a beast but I've heard great things about the 150 too. I'd avoid the smallest diesel, may become tedious with all the miles you drive.
The rest of your revised list looks spot on to me.

 

[cemerson]

Phone box is exactly as you say snakehips - improves signal and provides the USB changing port. Connect comes with the same USB charging port, but no signal boosting (unless you connect your phone through RSAP, then it's identical, but that has disadvantages too).

I've not heard B&O yet, but I'm very happy with the Audi Sound System, don't regret my choice one bit.

 

[snakehips]

Phone box is exactly as you say snakehips - improves signal and provides the USB changing port. Connect comes with the same USB charging port, but no signal boosting (unless you connect your phone through RSAP, then it's identical, but that has disadvantages too).

I've not heard B&O yet, but I'm very happy with the Audi Sound System, don't regret my choice one bit.

Thanks for the confirmation that I'm not missing a trick with phone box!
Yes, I know *** is very good (it was in my test drive car), but it is just obvious that oedipus already has his heart set on B&O so from that starting position I wouldn't try to talk him down.

 

[Daz Auto]

"150k 2003 Golf MkIV TDI 1.9

do around 22k per year"

Do you find the MkIV comfortable? My brother has one and it seems very comfortable.

My wife drives my old Mk V TDI 1.9 105bhp. I drive a Mk VI GTD. We both do around 20k a year.

I have to say my GTD was a mistake for the for the miles I do on the bumpy B roads we drive. I love the way it goes, but just not comfortable after driving for over 5 hours on some days.

My wife had a 2.0 TDI Sportback Sport out for a 24hr test drive. It was like my GTD with the adaptive suspension set to sport. Not very comfortable on our roads.

Have you done a test drive? If you do, try the cats eyes test.

We are replacing the old car with a A3 1.6 SE. It should be almost as comfortable as my wife's current Golf. I did suggest the 2.0 150ps engine, which would give similar performance to the GTD. But she was happy with the performance of the 1.6 auto we test drove.

 

[Daz Auto]

Good point about the engine choice. I do think 150 will do me (Golf is 130 and tired so it will be a step-up).

A few people have commented on the GTI forums that the MkIV Golfs were relatively heavy.

You will be moving to a lighter car with more power and torque = much better power to weight ratio. I am seriously considering going from 170ps back to 150ps. The performance is almost the same and I currently have all the power I need.

 

[oedipus]

Golf Mk4 is very comfy - like a sofa

Like the sport + halogens idea which if I went with the 150 would help with the budget

Re phone box - if I don't go for this or connect is it right that I'll need to charge my iPhone 4S via 12v socket?

 

[JohnM100]

Re phone box - if I don't go for this or connect is it right that I'll need to charge my iPhone 4S via 12v socket?

Without Phone Box or Connect you can still charge your iPhone via the AMI cable in the same box under the armrest.

 

[cemerson]

Yes, but then you can't use the AMI for something else while charging

 

[lee_fr200]

So is the phone box pointless then

 

[cemerson]

Like the sport + halogens idea which if I went with the 150 would help with the budget

You mean xenons? Halogens are the base level light. You'd save money and actually get more functionality than the s-line xenons as well.

 

[JohnM100]

Yes, but then you can't use the AMI for something else while charging

Not for a separate device no, but I think the comment above is open to misinterpretation. You can do the following:
Charge phone and use it as a music source
Charge phone & use it as hands free phone
Charge phone and use SD card, CD or whatever for music.

(At least without tech pack). Can't imagine greater limitations if you have the tech pack....

 

[snakehips]

So is the phone box pointless then

Improved phone reception and a USB charging port. Not exactly pointless but admittedly pretty underwhelming.

 

[cemerson]

I think it is for the price when you can get connect for that and have a lot more, plus the original features (if you are willing to use RSAP)

 

[cemerson]

Not for a separate device no, but I think the comment above is open to misinterpretation. You can do the following:
Charge phone and use it as a music source
Charge phone & use it as hands free phone
Charge phone and use SD card, CD or whatever for music.

(At least without tech pack). Can't imagine greater limitations if you have the tech pack....

Yes, I'm talking about changing your phone and connecting an ipod, for example. You couldn't do that. Hands free phone and SD card / CDs aren't part of the AMI anyway.

 

[JohnM100]

Hands free phone and SD card / CDs aren't part of the AMI anyway.

We know the systems and names pretty well as we have our cars and have been playing for months learning them. The OP as a prospective purchaser may not know the nuances and terminology as well as we do, so I was giving as clear as possible an answer.

 

[oedipus]

Not for a separate device no, but I think the comment above is open to misinterpretation. You can do the following:
Charge phone and use it as a music source
Charge phone & use it as hands free phone
Charge phone and use SD card, CD or whatever for music.

(At least without tech pack). Can't imagine greater limitations if you have the tech pack....

Currently I have a head unit that allows me to switch from Bluetooth music from phone to USB powered 500gb drive with music - will tech pack alone give me this functionality?

 

[Itguy]

Yes