Help a noob choose his new A3/S3

Scruffy

Scruffy

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Hi guys,

I'm currently have a Ford Focus 2.0 Ghia S-reg (for sale if anyone wants it!) and am thinking of getting an audi A3 as my next car. I have around £12,000 to spend and want something 2006+ as it needs to last me a good while!

Questions I have (after a lot of reading about all the different engines/specs etc) are:

1: Diesel or Petrol...which is better, faster and quieter
2: I would really like an s-line style but am i right in having concerns about the ride?
3: If the car i find doesnt have the sat nav and iPod dock fitted, can i do it fairly easily afterwards
4: What size engine should i go for, I'm thinking of the 1.9,2.0 or 3.2
5: What is driving a DSG/s Tronic like as i have never experienced it

Finally is there any thing else I should be looking out for when test driving..any common faults with used audis etc and are there big differeces between sportacks, hatchbacks. Any help, suggestions or tips would be very much appreciated. I'm Leeds based if that is of any importance to anyone!

Below is a couple of models i found

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-u...r=&max_mileage=&distance=10&postcode=ls12+1dp

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-u...r=&max_mileage=&postcode=ls12+1dp&distance=15


Thanks everyone, big choice is now black or lava grey!!!!!!
Hope someone can help

Andy
 
For 12K there are a vast amount of cars you can get. The best bet is to take a day out and go for a few test drives. The two you have listed on your post are both high mileage for the year. Personally I would rather have a car a year older with low mileage as you will have to bear in mind costs eg, impending cam belt change. Hatchback is 3 door and Sportback is 5 door.
 
1. The S3 is fastest but you wont get one for 12k! You need to test various models to see what you prefer
2. I found the ride ok on 18's, again its personal preference.
3. Yes
4. You can't compare the 1.9 and 3.2!! You need to decide wether you want MPG or BHP! They are a world apart.
5. Some love it some hate it.

You need to decide on budgets and running costs to help choose which engine. Personally I would look at the 2.0 TFSI but only test drives can answer your questions.
 
I would personally say either the 2.0turbo petrol or either the diesel 140 bhp or 170 bhp. The petrol provides more power but diesel more miles.they both offer good mpg tho. The s3 won't be in your price range unless you go for an old modal. but either models I said about in s line range will be ok. If you really want power then you can remap them and get about another 40-50 bhp
 
Thanks, really helpful so far...

Would you recommend a quattro rather than the standard drive and do you know what the bhp's are for the various engines? I can't find a spec comparison chart anywhere?
 
If u go on google and type in wise buyers and then go to specifications n then it will come up with allodals of a3. If you have the money for taxing a quattro then do it
 
I just bought mine - a 3.2 DSG S-Line last week. As the comments below mention, you do need to decide what is important to you - for me BHP was more important than MPG! My last tank averaged 22mpg with a mixture of driving around town and country lanes.

I've got a dodgy knee, so needed an auto really, and decided to go VAG so I could get a DSG - I've got to say I've been really impressed so far - you can drive it like a manual or an auto, and for normal driving the auto mode has been spot on - the instant gear changes help. I've never driven a less powerful car with DSG though - I find the DSG is the perfect partner to the torquey V6 engine, but I might feel different on a less powerful engine.

My S-Line has Eibach springs fitted, which although only lower 5mm or so over the standard S-Line, do seem to help with the ride - the car drives great, and is less harsh than my previous A4 S-Line.

With the way car prices have gone recently, the less economical engined cars are becoming the bargains - if you can live with the fuel bill, then I would have to recommend the 3.2 - otherwise the 2.0 TFSI is worth considering, but if driven hard won't be all that much better on fuel!
 
Scruffy said:
Thanks, really helpful so far...

Would you recommend a quattro rather than the standard drive and do you know what the bhp's are for the various engines? I can't find a spec comparison chart anywhere?
Click to expand...

1.6 = 102
1.6 FSI = 115
1.8TFSI = 160
2.0 TFSI = 200
3.2 = 250
S3 = 265

1.9TDI = 105
2.0TDI -140 = 140
2.0TDI -170 = 170 - only available from Oct 2006

More details can be found on the Audi UK website. Although the figures they give will be for the latest versions the overall figures like PS/revs and torque/revs etc have not changed much. The co2 figures are quite a bit lower on the latest engines and the mpg can be around 15% better. If you need to know some details on a particular model come back to me as I have copies of all the A3 prices and spec guides going back to August 2003.
 
Does anyone know the best place to look! I have been trawling through autotrader and eBay as well as visiting local garages but none have any that match what I would like! I think I prefer the black to the grey, but did see a nice S3 in blue for 18k (06 plate, spotless!)
 
audi upgrades
Scruffy said:
Does anyone know the best place to look! I have been trawling through autotrader and eBay as well as visiting local garages but none have any that match what I would like! I think I prefer the black to the grey, but did see a nice S3 in blue for 18k (06 plate, spotless!)
Click to expand...

Audi used cars (on the Audi website) would be worth a look.

Chris
 
Scruffy said:
Hi guys,

I'm currently have a Ford Focus 2.0 Ghia S-reg (for sale if anyone wants it!) and am thinking of getting an audi A3 as my next car. I have around £12,000 to spend and want something 2006+ as it needs to last me a good while!
Click to expand...

My last car was a 2006 170TDI S-Line which I part chopped my Ford Focus 2.0 Ghia in for! Some say the S-Line ride is too firm but I found it fine. I test drove the 170TDI on the same 14 mile route I took for work at the time which was fast B roads with lots of bends. What it made me realise was how soft the Focus suspension was and the amount of body roll it had which I'd been compensating for. The 170TDI was a joy to drive in comparrison, handled much better, faster etc and was a good all round driving experience.

The only partial regret I had was not having specced quattro. Its not a must have but dependant on your driving and conditions. I like to have an occasional spirited drive but the 170TDI with front wheel drive can have it's limitations.

As for engines, based on my experience you would be happy with the 170TDI. That said there's pretty much an A3 for everyones tastes or pocket be it diesel or petrol. The 2.0 TFSI would also be worth considering. Decissions decissions.
 
True, Is this a pre-facelift model do you know? I here a lot about this 06 facelift business but can't tell if this has it
 
The A3 was facelifted in 08.

Have you driven any A3's yet? Dont buy one without a good test drive of various models. I made that mistake and sold my A3 after just 17 days of ownership. It's the worst car I have ever had!
 
Really! What did you hate about it? I am having problems with some dealers just saying they won't let me drive it until a provisional deal has been made! I could understand if I was a poor looking 20 yr old but im a respectable 30yr old man lol!
 
Scruffy said:
I am having problems with some dealers just saying they won't let me drive it until a provisional deal has been made! I could understand if I was a poor looking 20 yr old but im a respectable 30yr old man lol!
Click to expand...

I'd tell them to f### off and buy a car elsewhere.
 
Scruffy said:
Really! What did you hate about it? I am having problems with some dealers just saying they won't let me drive it until a provisional deal has been made! I could understand if I was a poor looking 20 yr old but im a respectable 30yr old man lol!
Click to expand...

I'd shop elsewhere or at least threaten to do so unless you have a no obligation test drive.

Faults with the A3, where to start?! Noisy, un-refined on the motorway, lots of tyre drone, those stuipd bars at the side of the centre console drove me mad, Ipod adapter was a joke - no details on head unit, I didnt think it was very quick or good on fuel, I found the seats very hard and un-supportive. Rear legroom almost nil, I could go on and on to be honest!

Basically it's a world away from the A6 I have now!

All my own fault of course as I never drove one before buying.
 
I've had a couple of A4's before - 2001 S4 Biturbo and 2008 S-Line TDI 140.

The A4 did have noticeably better finish, but I've found the ride and comfort of the A3 very good. The rear legroom is very poor though, so only useful for occasional passengers.

I've certainly found the V6 to be pretty quick - quicker than I expected, and with reasonable economy for the power.
 
Hi andy with £12k you can pick up a good deal.

As people have said you have to pick if you wanted petrol if you went for petrol i'd go for the 2.0t fsi (200bhp) can pick quite a few 2006-2007 with under 25,000miles on the clock. The car quite powerful, pick up speed, handling good and with the s-line bit looks good not as bad as i expected it to be on petrol either, so thats a was a bonus. And its s-tronic which i really enjoy driving. 2.0t fsi is easy the best car i've owned. Remap it and it will be a different car. Remaps gain depending on company are 40-60bhp. Easy car if you want to mod the engine.

If its a diesel either go for 2.0 tdi 140 s-line or 170 both good cars. There good mpg and they both are quite quick. Never owned one and probably never will. prefer petrol...But when i have had one for a few days they are good fuel wise and are not slow. Both 140 and 170 can be remaped and gain quite good think 40-50bhp again also depends on company.

What ever you do go for a s-line rather then a Standard, SE or Sport. Nothing wrong with them but i'd have a s-line due to it looking better leather seats and the little extras. My first a3 was a SE and second a3 was S-line. Ride didnt bother me at all, never felt any thing and didnt think it was hard ride

If i was you just get a few test drives. You will know which one is going to be for you. And also saw a post saying they wouldnt let you test drive, there talking a load of bull sh*t. Either shop elsewhere or at least threaten to. They dont need provisional deal, and dont know how they expect to get one till you get to test drive a car.

With the satnav and ipod dock can b e easily fitted into your car if it doesn't come with it. Go for a car with low miles as possible. Even if its means having to havea car 6 months older or a year.

But just to make it easy for you i'd personally go for 2.0t fsi all the way. If i had to pick again be a 2.0t fsi obviously if i could get insured and extra bit of money be a S3 lol but i dont have extra money and insurance is well over £5k. Get some test drives amd it be a easy pick for you...

Hope this helps

Ashley
 
Ashley, thanks so much! I'm getting the general opinion that those specs are the way forward. Did you see the link i posted a few back for the 3.2 V6 which has only 17k on the clock? Let me know what you think of it. I still can't find any decent deals on your mentioned spec of car for around the 12-13 k limit though
 
I think the 3.2 is a very different car, bear in mind the anticipated car tax rises over the next few years and general running costs. I would say that the 2.0TFSI is the best all round petrol engine, wouldn't be able to comment on diesels.
 
audi upgrades
jmohide said:
I think the 3.2 is a very different car, bear in mind the anticipated car tax rises over the next few years and general running costs. I would say that the 2.0TFSI is the best all round petrol engine, wouldn't be able to comment on diesels.
Click to expand...

I've driven a remapped 2.0 TFSI fairly hard and it guzzled the juice just as much as my 3.2

The 3.2 is a much smoother engine, sounds fantastic, and at the moment seems to be a better buy than the TFSI.

I considered both, and I'm pleased I went with the V6...
 
Yeah just got the message mate, messaged you back.
Are you willing to travel? Because the first 2.0t fsi i drove was in Watford and i live in Cardiff. 3.2 is a nice model, but wouldnt be for me due not being able to do much mods to the engine, besides spending few £££ to get a turbo.

And the tax on the 3.2, best petrol a3 i'd say not because i own one would have to be the 2.0t fsi the power when i got it suprised me. Had a little run with my cousin in his remaped 2.0tdi 140 think his is running 220bhp. Was quite close, my car did pull away a few times. message me your postcode mate, i'll have a look on a few sites for some a3 for you price range £12k-£13.

Ashley

Scruffy said:
Ashley, thanks so much! I'm getting the general opinion that those specs are the way forward. Did you see the link i posted a few back for the 3.2 V6 which has only 17k on the clock? Let me know what you think of it. I still can't find any decent deals on your mentioned spec of car for around the 12-13 k limit though
Click to expand...
 
V6Pete said:
I've driven a remapped 2.0 TFSI fairly hard and it guzzled the juice just as much as my 3.2

The 3.2 is a much smoother engine, sounds fantastic, and at the moment seems to be a better buy than the TFSI.

I considered both, and I'm pleased I went with the V6...
Click to expand...

V6Pete didn't mean in any way that the 3.2 wasn't a good car in any way and as you say at the moment it is great value for money. The problem is our a*se hole governments token way of trying to 'save' the environment is to tax those with big engines beyond belief and they only want to make it worse!

If I could afford to run it, I'd have one!
 
jmohide said:
V6Pete didn't mean in any way that the 3.2 wasn't a good car in any way and as you say at the moment it is great value for money. The problem is our a*se hole governments token way of trying to 'save' the environment is to tax those with big engines beyond belief and they only want to make it worse!

If I could afford to run it, I'd have one!
Click to expand...

If you buy an 04 like I did, then it's still quite reasonable to tax :)

I was just syaing that running costs aren't necessarily all that different - if I drive mine quite "enthusiastically" then I get about 18-20mpg. On a motorway run I can see 30mpg. I only drove a TFSI for a day, but didn't find it noticeably better on fuel than that. The TFSI was remapped so running similar power to my remapped 3.2, but the engine didn't seem to have as much character, or such smooth power delivery.
 
Thanks, what kinda tax are we talking about here, difference between a 2.0 and 3.2? I'm not a hefty driver as i work from home so cost to run will be low. I just want something fun for a bit!
 
If registered before 23rd March 2006, then 3.2 is £215 for 12 months after April 09, £245 for 12 months next year. After 23rd March 2006, then it's £405 and £425 respectively.

For the 2.0 TFSI, it is £210 for 12 months after April 09, and £215 next year, irrespective of year of registration.
 
V6Pete said:
If registered before 23rd March 2006, then 3.2 is £215 for 12 months after April 09, £245 for 12 months next year. After 23rd March 2006, then it's £405 and £425 respectively.

For the 2.0 TFSI, it is £210 for 12 months after April 09, and £215 next year, irrespective of year of registration.
Click to expand...

Ooo good point, forgot about the date of registration rules! Another irony of the tax increases. :angrymod:
 
Well the 3.2 that im loing at (linked earlier in this thread) is a 2005 55 plate and the dealer sys its £215 tax...phew! Gonna smack a black grille on it as a first job as well as clean up any imperfections. Any other suggestions. Please take a look at it and let me know if it seems like a good deal

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk...leRegLetter=55
 
Scruffy said:
Well the 3.2 that im loing at (linked earlier in this thread) is a 2005 55 plate and the dealer sys its £215 tax...phew! Gonna smack a black grille on it as a first job as well as clean up any imperfections. Any other suggestions. Please take a look at it and let me know if it seems like a good deal

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk...leRegLetter=55
Click to expand...

It's lost roughly £1 in depreciation for every mile it's been driven. Seems like a bargain used buy!

It's not a bad price - bearing in mind it's a buyers market right now, you should expect to knock that down to £12K dead. And that is a lot of car for £12K, as only just over 3 years old.
 
Thanks Pete, what shoudl I say to him..'look, the market is bad so I will offer you 12k?' I'm no the most experienced at car buyers lol. Am I also worth part exchanging my Ford focus 2.0 S-reg Ghia (maybe offer him my car and seal the deal at 11k?)
 
Scruffy said:
Thanks Pete, what shoudl I say to him..'look, the market is bad so I will offer you 12k?' I'm no the most experienced at car buyers lol. Am I also worth part exchanging my Ford focus 2.0 S-reg Ghia (maybe offer him my car and seal the deal at 11k?)
Click to expand...

I'm not the most experienced car buyer, but you'll get an idea from talking to him whether he's up for a deal or not. Just go in low and stick to your guns.

Your Focus is work **** all-ish as a part/ex - maybe £1000 realistically, so you'll get a much fairer deal by leaving that out of the equation and selling it private. It just complicates the deal - he's unlikely to really want a 10 year old Focus...
 
Haglings easy!! lol

Just go look at the car and point out every fault on it and say your a perfectionist so you'd need to get it sorted - evry stone chip.

Dont Act desperate - always say I've seen a few on the trader that are cheaper but they're a couple of miles further so thought I'd come to see you first.

Look at the tyres and providing they're not new - say they'll need changing in a few thou...

Look at when it was last serviced and if it wil need one in a few months - point it out and use that as a bargaining tool.

Also, run your finger over the brake disc and if there's a slight lip - say it will need discs soon and if the pads are less than a 1cm or so, say they'll need doing in a few thousand...The lip doesnt really matter in the discs unless its deep and pads are pads - dotn costs that much tbh...

Always say "Im not one to haggle so name your best best price and if im interested, I'll take it and if not, I'll walk as there is a fair few about" then always ask the buyer for the lowest poss price (you dont say one and if he does persuade you to give one, give it around 1k - 500 under what you want to pay.) Whatever price the seller says - always go lower and build up a bit and meet half wayish if he doent accept

Ask them to chuck in tax/warranty/MOT if it needs one etc.

And the biggy - Say its going to depreciate heavily due to the economic crisis and the insurance is going to be a bomb as its isnurance group 18

and

high runing costs and tax and no one else is going to buy it at this current time!!

There's lots of bargaining tools for a big engined carss lol
 
kaz219 said:
There's lots of bargaining tools for a big engined carss lol
Click to expand...

Agreed, but all depends on how realistically it is priced to start with.

£13K for that car with that mileage is a fair price - it's already low because of the points you mention. If the seller is half sharp he'll realise that.
 
I would agree with both the above points but as the media have built up this 'crisis', you can lead them to believe you are doing them a favour by actually giving them some money, even if you are robbing them so to speak! Don't get if you don't ask after all.
 
TBH, i bet he picked that up from auction for around £10k...

He wont want to keep that car long as they are going to depreciate heavily and he will know that... Thats why he has got it cheap and hopefully, that will be a reason for the buyer to get a larger discount.

A bit off topic but R32s are also in a similar price bracket - http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-u...cleYearOfManufacture=2007&vehicleRegLetter=56

Just thought I'd tell you your options before you commit! :D
 
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