A3 - worth the money?

[davemk]

I know, probably won't get impartial advice here but, ultimately, you guys and gals have bought one and run one so you're arguably the best people to ask. I'm seriously considering a new A3 2.0TDI 140 Sport and wondered whether you thought your A3, whatever the spec, was worth the money.

All opinions are appreciated. (I can't wait to here Bowfer's )


Thanks.

 

[Amchlolor]

Letting other people (colleagues/friends/family) do the talking, they were always shocked to find out what my A3 cost.
I'm not being controversial in stating that the general perception is that it's a 'Golf in a fancy frock'.
Which is why people were evidently shocked at the close to £24k cost.
By way of comparison, the same people never fail to be impressed when I tell them my D3 was £28k.
If I let them guess, they always guess a good bit more.

Ultimately though, the buyer is the only one who can really decide it it's 'worth' it.
I mean, people think I'm daft spending £70+ on earphones for my ipod, given that it's a lot of money for what amounts to two pieces of plastic, but I think they're worth every penny.

I think some of the base models are good value.
My colleague's special edition sportback is quite nice for Focus money.
Then again, I think anyone spending close to £30k on an S3 is mental.
But if they're happy, good luck.

 

[Deleted member 22276]

I think anyone spending close to £30k on an S3 is mental.

Why?

 

[TrickyLad]

i think at the lower end of the range then the competition is cheaper but not so great, so i would go for the A3 (as i did) over a Golf.

but the higher you get up the range i think the cost means you can be looking at some other really good cars from other manufacturers.

I certainly wouldnt pay £30k for an S3, but i would pay £15k for an A3 Sportback.


Thankfully i have made my choice and i am happy with it. in 4 years when maybe i can think of spending £30k on a car i will go for a 5 series or maybe an E-class merc.

 

[PNH80]

In all seriousness i do think the A3 overall is worth the money but you have to pick your options carefully. I think you have to look at questions like 'worth the money?' in context. Cars are consumer items following design fashions like anything else so lets not kid ourselves, those 4 rings are a designer label and as we all know... designer labels justify inflated prices due to exclusivity and desireability.
My A3 2.0TFSI quattro S-line (was around £27K new), in my honest opinion is a great all-rounder and offers a mix of sporting pedigree, , performance, class, understatement, driving pleasure, build quality, prestige, practicality, general design quality, relatively good economy and strong residual value in a package which no other car really matches for me. Obviously there will be people with differing opinions but for me the car just works and i consider it one of the best and most well balanced models in the Audi range. I find the A4 incredibly dull and uninspiring in any guise other than RS4, still not totally convinced by the A5's styling and the A6 is just enormous nowadays. I could go on! (for the record my next car could well be a BMW coupe)

So yeah i don't regret what i paid for my A3. I could have gone for a golf GTI or R32 and saved some money but they do look and feel like a cheaper car and i just didn't want that hot hatch image. I still get the performance with the A3, just in a nicely tailored suit, not a tracksuit.
I can't comment for S3 owners although i do feel once you start banging the extras on an S3 the price maybe gets a little steep for the 8P platform.

No doubt this will be a 'lively' thread!

Paul.

 

[Amchlolor]

Why?

Is it important?
If you like it, what does it matter?
If you must know, I can barely think of a car I'd like to own less.
It's too small, for starters.
I also don't like the image that goes with hot-hatches.
Too "max power" for my liking.
But hey, it's only my opinion, so who gives a fig?

You evidently think it's worth the money.
I don't.
Simple as.

 

[davemk]

Letting other people (colleagues/friends/family) do the talking, they were always shocked to find out what my A3 cost.
I'm not being controversial in stating that the general perception is that it's a 'Golf in a fancy frock'.
Which is why people were evidently shocked at the close to £24k cost.
By way of comparison, the same people never fail to be impressed when I tell them my D3 was £28k.

Thanks for the input so far guys.

Bowfer, I agree with you. I priced an A3 exactly how I wanted and it came out at £24k. (a) I can't afford that, and (b) I can't justify paying that for an A3, to be honest. My mate was the same and in the end bought a C220CDI for not a great deal more, like you with the D3.

I've priced a "compromise" A3, which I'd be happy with, with a broker. It's coming in at around £20k, which I'd find much more comfortable.

 

[Deleted member 22276]

Is it important?
If you like it, what does it matter?
If you must know, I can barely think of a car I'd like to own less.
It's too small, for starters.
I also don't like the image that goes with hot-hatches.
Too "max power" for my liking.
But hey, it's only my opinion, so who gives a fig?

You evidently think it's worth the money.
I don't.
Simple as.

Fair enough.

Compared to a scooby/evo it's pretty good value though.

 

[PNH80]

I'm not being controversial in stating that the general perception is that it's a 'Golf in a fancy frock'.
Which is why people were evidently shocked at the close to £24k cost.

I agree with everything you said in your post other than this. I've never agreed with this comparison. Alright, both are based on the same platform but thats where it ends. The Golf is Built in South America, the Audi is built in Ingolstadt, Germany. The Audi interior and general feel and build is in a different league for me.
You can go even further and say an A3 is a Seat Leon in a party frock but the cars couldn't be more different.

I can see why people make the comparison but when you look more deeply into it....There's not much of one to be made.

 

[phantom]

I paid 26k for mine used and that is a LOT of money for me , but it's the car i wanted.

I don't think the S3 is "max power " at all , if anything it's too understated and looks too much like a S-Line.

It's the over all package though isn't it, sporty performance , very good build , luxury interior , 4WD, classy , and the badge/resale value will help keep it's value better than other " hot hatches "

p

 

[davemk]

No doubt this will be a 'lively' thread!

Paul.

Haha, Yes, I thought it would be!

 

[PaulAr]

Is it important?
If you like it, what does it matter?
If you must know, I can barely think of a car I'd like to own less.
It's too small, for starters.
I also don't like the image that goes with hot-hatches.
Too "max power" for my liking.
But hey, it's only my opinion, so who gives a fig?

You evidently think it's worth the money.
I don't.
Simple as.

If hot hatches are too `max power`, too small etc why the interest in this part of the Forum?

I respect your view and opinion, but similarly Im not a fan of say, A8s, nice car but to big and pimpish for me. Hence I never visit that part of the forum, and therefore dont feel the need to go there and tell them that its `too small` and "could barely think of a car Id like top own less."

Fair play to A8/S8 owners though, and good luck to them, live and let live I say, and dont feel the need to **** on anyone elses picnic.

Cheers
Paul

 

[Deleted member 22276]

I paid 26k for mine used and that is a LOT of money for me , but it's the car i wanted.

I don't think the S3 is "max power " at all , if anything it's too understated and looks too much like a S-Line.

It's the over all package though isn't it, sporty performance , very good build , luxury interior , 4WD, classy , and the badge/resale value will help keep it's value better than other " hot hatches "

p

Thats why I bought mine, I did briefly concider a scooby/evo but the image and quality of the interior wasn't for me. The price and servicing intervals were ridiculous too.

I think this is the last hatch I'll ever own though, really want a proper sports car like a 996 turbo or Nobel M400 before the goverment TAX cars off the road!

 

[PNH80]

I don't think the S3 is "max power " at all , if anything it's too understated and looks too much like a S-Line.

In it's standard state yes, in the right colour the S3 is a classy performance car and a step apart from most rivals. Unfortunately, as more reasonably priced examples are leaking into the market it's starting to attract the 'Max Power' element who would have previously settled for an Evo, Scooby etc. Of course, this is no reflection on the car but it is one of the reason i eventually opted for an S-line. It's nice to go about my business without being raced at every set of lights or having a corsa GSI up my **** every 5 minutes!

 

[Deleted member 22276]

live and let live I say, and dont feel the need to **** on anyone elses picnic.

Bowfer does feel that need, just don't rise to the bait.

 

[Deleted member 22276]

In it's standard state yes, in the right colour the S3 is a classy performance car and a step apart from most rivals. Unfortunately, as more reasonably priced examples are leaking into the market it's starting to attract the 'Max Power' element who would have previously settled for an Evo, Scooby etc. Of course, this is no reflection on the car but it is one of the reason i eventually opted for an S-line. It's nice to go about my business without being raced at every set of lights or having a corsa GSI up my **** every 5 minutes!

I've never had a boy racer try it on with me (unless I provoked it!). Stangely I had a few when I had the old A3 2.0FSI.

 

[Spin140]

I voted worth the money but I guess I would as I've owned 3.

The interior quality and general feelgood factor offered by what is essentially a 'practical' hatch ticks all the boxes for me. I would have slight reservations buying another due to the new model being within 2 years but having said that the S3 sportback makes a promising proposition as a fast/Fun Dad wagon - I'm hoping Audi do something more interesting with the wheels though as I would expect a little more bling for £28K.

The brand is expensive but it has a certain brand image that obviously works with many peolpe aspiring to own one.

Buy ex-demo or part used and this helps with the high list prices.

 

[Amchlolor]

If hot hatches are too `max power`, too small etc why the interest in this part of the Forum?

This didn't used to be an S3 forum, but it has sort of turned into one.
I've said before that I felt an S3 specific forum would be appropriate.
I wouldn't visit it, because I have little/no interest in them, just as I have no interest in an A8, using the analogy mentioned above.

 

[Amchlolor]

Bowfer does feel that need, just don't rise to the bait.

See, this is what happens.
I give my opinion, that the S3 is too dear, but I point out that if they are happy with their purchase, fine.
S3 owner then takes the hump at the slightest criticism of their car and demands to know why I think it's too dear.
Then I get accused of "******* on their parade".
Dear oh dear...

 

[davemk]

I don't know, I go away for 5 minutes and it's a Bowfer bash!

 

[phantom]

In it's standard state yes, in the right colour the S3 is a classy performance car and a step apart from most rivals. Unfortunately, as more reasonably priced examples are leaking into the market it's starting to attract the 'Max Power' element who would have previously settled for an Evo, Scooby etc. Of course, this is no reflection on the car but it is one of the reason i eventually opted for an S-line. It's nice to go about my business without being raced at every set of lights or having a corsa GSI up my **** every 5 minutes!

Thats rubbish , that can be said about any car , the cheaper they get the more people buy them .

Just because yours doesn't have the S3 badge doesn't mean in time the " Max Power element " won't be buying the 2.0l quattro as well...

p

 

[Amchlolor]

I don't know, I go away for 5 minutes and it's a Bowfer bash!

I can handle it.
I wouldn't want any S3 owners losing their Burberry caps over it..

JOKING, for god's sake......

 

[Deleted member 22276]

I can handle it.
I wouldn't want any S3 owners losing their Burberry caps over it..

JOKING, for god's sake......

lol

 

[PaulAr]

This didn't used to be an S3 forum, but it has sort of turned into one.
I've said before that I felt an S3 specific forum would be appropriate.
I wouldn't visit it, because I have little/no interest in them, just as I have no interest in an A8, using the analogy mentioned above.

This is a..New A3/S3/Sportback (8P Chassis)
forum is it not?

Generally for enthusiasts who are like minded and own/looking to own that model.
Ok, its biased but thats the whole point, AUDI nerds together.

I enjoy debating different views, and you are absolutely entitled to your opinion, whether its welcome or indeed interesting is another thing.

Cheers
Paul

 

[QuickNick]

Bowfer does feel that need, just don't rise to the bait.

He is entitled to his opinion, as are we all.

I am more than happy with my S3. It is extremely quick and good to drive when I want it to, yet is practical enough should I require it to lug around 'family' stuff. You don't see many on the road so has an 'exclusive' factor, which you pay a premium for. It is a hot hatch I suppose, but not 'Max Power' Bowfer, I'd have to disagree with you there.

I would say that your BMW would probably draw more attention than my S3 if they were parked together to any 'petrol (or diesel) head' due to the exclusivity, but I wouldn't consider a coupe (not practical enough for me), and even if I did it wouldn't be a BMW, let alone a diesel.

Is my car worth the 30K I spent on it? You could quite easily spec a Golf GTI to 30k, so overall, yes, definately worth it (in my opinion!)

 

[marriedblonde]

This is a..New A3/S3/Sportback (8P Chassis)
forum is it not?

Generally for enthusiasts who are like minded and own/looking to own that model.
Ok, its biased but thats the whole point, AUDI nerds together.

I enjoy debating different views, and you are absolutely entitled to your opinion, whether its welcome or indeed interesting is another thing.

Cheers
Paul

Touche

 

[marriedblonde]

but I wouldn't consider a coupe (not practical enough for me),

Nor would Bowfer it's a saloon

and even if I did it wouldn't be a BMW, let alone a diesel.

And the BM haters are out already....

 

[marriedblonde]

I voted no to the value for money, but then again I dont think most of the premium brand cars offer good value for money.

J.

 

[Deleted member 22276]

He is entitled to his opinion, as are we all.

True, and I do like a lot of Bowfers posts but you gotta admit, he loves **** stiring!

 

[davemk]

Touche

This is a..New A3/S3/Sportback (8P Chassis)
forum is it not?

Generally for enthusiasts who are like minded and own/looking to own that model.
Ok, its biased but thats the whole point, AUDI nerds together.

I enjoy debating different views, and you are absolutely entitled to your opinion, whether its welcome or indeed interesting is another thing.

Cheers
Paul

To be fair to Bowfer, I wanted ALL opinions, not just positive ones from you Nerds (your words, not mine )

 

[Deleted member 22276]

I voted no to the value for money, but then again I dont think most of the premium brand cars offer good value for money.

J.

Agreed, I can't think of a new car that is good value when you consider what you can pick up 2nd hand.

 

[marriedblonde]

True, and I do like a lot of Bowfers posts but you gotta admit, he loves **** stiring!

**** stirring or giving a different view? Personally I welcome all comments, give a much better balance I think.

J.

 

[davemk]

Yes, I suppose no new car is good value. But saying that, if you look at Broker prices, they're not far off the Audi forecourt prices for second hand cars.

 

[Staz]

The A3, and all VAG cars are very highly engineered. You may compare an A3 to a focus or Astra for example but it's in a different league. There are so many things that have been designed into VAG cars that 'lesser' brands have not. One example being when a bulb blows not only will the car tell you but it'll also kill the power to that bulb for safety. There a loads of things like that on our cars, most we don't even know about.

Is it worth the difference in price from a Golf or Leon? Yeah damn right! Ok they're built on the same chassis with the same engines but I think the A3 is the best looking car of all of them.

It's the best looking hatchback you can buy. Gorgeous stubby nose. Perfect windscreen rake. Shapely bum. Aggressive looking from the front and sporty from the rear. There are not many hatchbacks that look good from every angle but the A3 does.

The interior is miles ahead of the Golf and Leon. I didn't realise this until I drove my mates R32 last year but I thought it looked cheap. I have read a few articles on other cars where when they talk about the interior they say "It's no Audi" or "their designers should take a look at an Audi one day".

So you have a good looking, very well engineered, very well built car with the best interior you can get in the class so you expect to pay extra for that. They may not be the fastest or best handling cars but 99% of the time you're doing less than 100 mph in a straight line so they don't need to be the best. What matters is how you feel when you're in it, and I feel great.

 

[Deleted member 22276]

**** stirring or giving a different view? Personally I welcome all comments, give a much better balance I think.

J.

As do I, I think it's more the delivery of his negative comments rather than his opinion that causes such a reaction.

 

[Amchlolor]

I will define my use of the 'max power' comment.
IMO, it is cars that are modified from standard in a certain way.
The two I hate to see the most are non-standard exhausts and/or tints.
I don't think I'm being unfair in saying that a fair proportion of S3's will end up being modified in either, or both, of these manners.
So I apologise if the, admittedly lazy, use of 'max power' offends.

 

[PNH80]

Thats rubbish , that can be said about any car , the cheaper they get the more people buy them .

Just because yours doesn't have the S3 badge doesn't mean in time the " Max Power element " won't be buying the 2.0l quattro as well...

p

Come on lets not be naive, S3's, Golf GTI's and R32's are all infinitely more desireable to boy racers than an S-Line which looks more like an exec hatch rather than a hot hatch. So no it can't be said about ANY car, we're talking about cars purposely bought by people who aim to drive everywhere at 90 mph and for that reason the S3 is more likely to be the target for that audience.
I'm not knocking the car at all, far from it. Just making a social observation.

 

[QuickNick]

Nor would Bowfer it's a saloon

I stand corrected - I wouldn't buy a coupe OR saloon - hatchbacks / estates all the way for me. Apologies if I offended you Bowfer

And the BM haters are out already....

And I don't hate BMW's either - had a 130i MSport briefly which I really enjoyed. Being a biker also, the only cars I hate a Volvos.....with a passion, especially if they have flourescent markings!

 

[Amchlolor]

It's the best looking hatchback you can buy. Gorgeous stubby nose. Perfect windscreen rake. Shapely bum. Aggressive looking from the front and sporty from the rear. There are not many hatchbacks that look good from every angle but the A3 is.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, though.
You think the A3 is gorgeous, I've always thought it's styling to be dull, safe and uninspiring.
I personally think there are better looking 5 door hatches out there.
On looks alone, the new Fiat Bravo and Alfa 147 beat it hands down, IMO.
I stress again, on looks alone.
Before the inevitable "who would have a Fiat/Alfa" nonsense starts.

 

[davemk]

The A3, and all VAG cars are very highly engineered. You may compare an A3 to a focus or Astra for example but it's in a different league. There are so many things that have been designed into VAG cars that 'lesser' brands have not. One example being when a bulb blows not only will the car tell you but it'll also kill the power to that bulb for safety. There a loads of things like that on our cars, most we don't even know about.

Is it worth the difference in price from a Golf or Leon? Yeah damn right! Ok they're built on the same chassis with the same engines but I think the A3 is the best looking car of all of them.

It's the best looking hatchback you can buy. Gorgeous stubby nose. Perfect windscreen rake. Shapely bum. Aggressive looking from the front and sporty from the rear. There are not many hatchbacks that look good from every angle but the A3 is.

The interior is miles ahead of the Golf and Leon. I didn't realise this until I drove my mates R32 last year but I thought it looked cheap. I have read a few articles on other cars where when they talk about the interior they say "It's no Audi" or "their designers should take a look at an Audi one day".

So you have a good looking, very well engineered, very well built car with the best interior you can get in the class so you expect to pay extra for that. They may not be the fastest or best handling cars but 99% of the time you're doing less than 100 mph in a straight line so they don't need to be the best. What matters is how you feel when you're in it, and I feel great.

Thanks for that. Not sure that I agree entirely on the A3 being better looking externally than a Leon or Golf. You're right about the interiors though - the A3 is far superior, in my opinion, of course. It's the interior more than the exterior that's pushing me in the direction of Audi. The Mk5 Golf has a very cheap centre console and for the money they command, that's poor.