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iainjo

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Hi, I've been actively looking at Audi A3's, I've a budget of £7k and was looking for some advice on what to check when viewing a car, other than the obvious?

I'm looking at Quattro cars - within that budget it's mainly 2006 (8P) cars. I did start looking at 2.0 TDi cars but seem to have talked myself into the 2.0 TFSi as economy isn't a primary concern with my expected mileage. Dare I mention that once upon a time I had a MK1 Audi TT and modded it a little so know a little about the VAG brand.

I've only looked at 2 cars so far, a 2006 S-Line TDI which was tidy enough and drove solidly. I've looked at a low mileage 2.0 TFSi which I'm yet to test drive, looks nice enough, the previous owner has put a Pioneer double-DIN unit in which adds and it's in Avus Silver, the same as my TT, just seems a bit rich on price. I've another to view on Monday which is better priced, a good colour and seems to have some of the extras that appeal.

Is there anything to especially look out for when viewing an A3 of this age? I've checked the service histories to make sure the timing built and haldex have been serviced on schedule.

Also what options are most desirable? Most I've seen are S-Line models so have a reasonable spec. Xenons would be an ideal, I'm less fussed about heated seats, sat nav. What other options were there?

Thanks!
 
Scott_Crossley said:
Mine is up for sale......
Click to expand...

Scott, a beautiful looking car and an impressive spec too. Certainly prompts some thought as I've been looking at 3 door TDI's and TFSi's for around the same money but they're 2006 models don't even touch the extras you have on your car.
 
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Petrol is best and buy an Sline or you'll be endlessly asking how to retrofit the Sline goodies if you buy the lower spec model.
Most cars with leather come with heated seats but not all, it's luverly in cold winters. SLine suspension is quite a firm ride, lots of people on here hate it and change the 4 springs.
If you had the TT before then you'll be familiar with the Haldex system and they have moved on somewhat, check for prop vibration which feels like unbalanced front wheels. Check the Haldex coupling actually work, a good number off the control boxes are prone to water leaks but there is an aftermarket repairer for these.
DSG/Stronic is a wonderful gearbox but check for oil and filter servicing and smoothness of operation.
Panoramic/Open sky roof is good option, I've had them on my last 3 Audis, wouldn't be without it now.

When looking for mine I managed to find a 2.0TFSI with all the above and low mileage, was the only one for sale in the country in my price range but was a long way from home. If you have the time to travel anywhere then you will find your perfect A3, just be patient.
 
Cheers, some good tips. I've been focused on a TFSi with S-Line spec and seems they aren't all that plentiful. I had heated seats in the TT and never felt the need to use them, must be the Scottish blood ;-) I had the alcantera/leather seats which is a personal preference so hoping I can find one with those.
I have 2 cars in mind, afraid I can't post links being a newbie but if anyone fancies a look on Autotrader to offer an opinion then please feel free. There's a 2006 light metallic blue TFSi Quattro, 91k miles for £5495. I like the colour, it has alcantera, recent service and the wheels have just been refurbed. Trade car with RAC warranty.
The other is a 2008 red TFSi S-Tronic Quattro, 80k miles for £6,500. Red normally wouldn't normally be my first choice but this looks great with the contrasting black wheels. It has lots of extras, newer model and looks like an enthusuasts car. It's a private sale. It really does appeal but it's a long time since I've bought a car privately, I was focusing on trade simply because of some comeback and warranty. What are people's thoughts on the pitfalls of private buying - HPI check of course, RAC inspection? Anything else?

Thanks
 
The blue one?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201606084730795

The red one?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201607095703945

I bought mine in May this year, been faultless so far, I've swapped the thermostat and that's it, very good in fuel I find too and go well enough. Out of your options I'd probably go with the blue one, preference of the shape and standard car appeal to me, price wise I'm not too sure whether they're strong or not.

For a little reference, I paid £3800 for this in May, FSH and MOT, really wants for nothing which is a strange feeling with a new car for me :)

Image


I find the s-line suspension too firm tbh but it sits just right for me so no plans to change yet.
 
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Those are the two. I like the look of the blue one, the spec isn't bad and it's trade with warranty so some reassurance. The red one has got me think though, I really like the modifications, less mileage, newer model and many extras. Can't remember the last time I bought a car privately though. The money seems about right when compared with else is out there.

Nice car btw and a very good deal, out of curiosity was yours a private ot trade buy?
 
iainjo said:
Those are the two. I like the look of the blue one, the spec isn't bad and it's trade with warranty so some reassurance. The red one has got me think though, I really like the modifications, less mileage, newer model and many extras. Can't remember the last time I bought a car privately though. The money seems about right when compared with else is out there.

Nice car btw and a very good deal, out of curiosity was yours a private ot trade buy?
Click to expand...

I missed my mileage out by mistake, 110k with full leather too, it was a trade buy but had no warranty on it. I specifically chose manual without Quattro to reduce repair costs if anything went wrong. I've a mate who had 57 plate tdi Quattro and had no end of issues with the Quattro side of things, really put me off although he may well of had a pup.

With respect to the warranty I bought a 12k discovery a year ago and the warranty isn't worth the paper it's wrote on - generic 3rd party stuff that bicker about wear and tear and component failure. My 2p's worth is to work a good discount off the screen price and purchase your own warranty from a recommended company.
 
Wow, that's a great deal, many of the cars I've looked at have similar mileage but bigger ticket prices. My aim has been for manual with Quattro, with the TT it was a godsend in the wet and wintery weather although that's hard to picture at the moment. I've never driven a DSG/S-Tronic so interested to see how I get on with that on a test drive.

I've looked at a couple of bundled warranty brochures and they aren't much kop even if they claim to be a "gold" plan - one had no cover at all for the 4WD drivetrain. The blue A3 has an RAC warranty so I would hope that is a little more comprehensive and less riddled with caveats, we shall see.

As for discounts, already tried haggling with 2 dealers and seems to be very little room for movement in the price possibly because there are so few Quattro TFSi cars about.
 
I like the look of the blue one best, very conservative. The red one is a bit of a Marmite car, all black and red and no badges. It has had lowered suspension fitted, so find plenty of bumps on the test drive to see if it has been set up properly. It will be down to your preference on which one is best.
 
It must be the remains of the mid-life crisis but I quite like the red/black combo without the badges. I hadn't picked up on the suspension, certainly looks lower than the standard S-Line. Given Sheffield is riddled with speed bumps it may not be the best. I think my head has talked me out of it, partly because of the modding, partly it's in the middle of nowhere, but mainly because a private sale seems a little daunting.

I've one other contender, a red TFSi Quattro S-Tronic - 2009 - £6,495 (Trade) - 117,000 miles - Audi Nav Plus and plenty of other extras.
Seems a good price for a lot of car, 25k more miles than the 2006 blue car which isn't huge.

117k mile in a TFSi, much to worry about? Any engine or mechanical worries at that sort of mileage?
 
That's a much better car mate, I'm not sure how the mileage would affect the mechanicals but I've always bought higher mileage cars as they I've always found they've needed no more maintenance then lower mileage and just seem to keep going.

At least that second red one is standard so less messing with modified parts and the problems they always seem to bring with them.

Are you set on a 3 door?

I prefer higher mileage cars due to the value they represent if you do few miles, I only use mine for work, maybe 5k a year so I can easily fetch mine back in line with others when the time comes for me to sell, reducing the loss of value on my time with the car.
 
Personally I prefer the look of the 3-door plus I don't need the practicality of 5 doors. It's stupid simple things but I'm not a huge fan of red cars, it's just the age and spec that appeal.

I planned to share the car with my partner who only does short trips, her 2004 Honda only has 50k on it so I'd probably use that if clocking up the miles. Shame there's not many more about, so looks like the 06 blue or 09 red.
 
If you haven't already look at an 06 plate then an 08 plate onwards (not sure on body titles ) if it were me I think I'd have to go newer and learn to like the outside, I miss the modern dash and steering wheel controls on my 06 and I'd love the rnse. Obviously these can be retro fitted but you have to ask yourself is it worth the hassle when you can get it out the box on a later car? Tough choice and one I'm glad I only thought of after I bought my car.
 
If you get a 2.0 Diesel make sure you get the 170bhp one not the 140 one :)
 
Done 123k miles in a 58 plate (facelift) 2.0TFSI S line- if you could, I'd go for a facelift if going for petrol. Newer TSI engine and a few (in my opinion) improvements internally. Had a few things go wrong but nothing too significant thus far. Great engine, especially when remapped.
 
Thanks everyone for the advice, I took the plunge today and bought the 2009 TFSi Quattro in Misano red. Had a good run it back from Birmingham and wow does it go, I think I'll be grateful of the cruise control option. Surprised how quickly I adapted to the DSG box and the S-Line suspension is fine, actually more forgiving of the pot hole city of Sheffield than my girlfriend's Civic and the old 4WD I used to have.

Now I just need to work out everything works as it was missing the manual but I'll no doubt find that information online and in the FAQs.
 
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Drop an e-mail to Audi customer services - surely they'll have something on pdf they can share with you.
 
You can buy a Wallet, manual and service book from the Stealers. Ask them nicely and they'll pull up the service history on file and even fill in the book retrospectively.
 
I'm popping into the dealers today to see about the service book and how much they'd want for an owners manual. I've struggled to find a PDF link for the 8P.

The car has quite a few options and I've managed to sort of get to grips with most. A couple of silly questions, I've had a search and I'm still a little confused.

The car has the Xenon Plus Headlights and the Light and Rain Sensor pack. Is it best to leave the lights set to Auto or will the sensor pack control that anyway?

It has the Audi Nav Plus with mobile phone prep. I've managed to pair my phone via bluetooth but it's not sync'd the phone book, it's a Windows Phone so probably has limited support? There is a phone prep in the armrest, is there any benefit in trying to find a cradle for my phone although all I can find for this prep is a Qi charging cradle that would work with my phone, it still wouldn't give me the aerial connectivity. Any advice on the best use of this?

I've checked the software version of the Nav, is this a little behind, any benefits in upgrading and if so what's the easiest and cheapest method?

SW: 0650
HW: H77
Map: 8P0919884_BK_EU1

Thanks
 
Wife and I leave the lights, the wipers & dimming mirror on Auto all the time, that's why you have 'Auto settings, seems silly not to. They all seem to work as they should. They can be adjusted for sensitivity via VCDS if you feel the need to tweak them, so for instance you may want the headlights to come on when ambient light is a little less.

For your phone and sat nav Q's, stick a post into the ICE forum on Audisport. net. you have more knowledgable people on there.
 
At present I'm without a manual, I've ordered one so I'm playing with the options until then.

I've now set them to 'Auto' so will see how well that works. I believe I have DRL, there's a strip at the top of the lamp which does light when the car is running, but only when the lights are set to auto. On the switch however I have a dial for adjusting the instrument lighting but not the DRL one that I've seen in pictures.

I also have the coming/leaving home switch, something else to try.

Thanks, I'll try the ICE forum for the sat nav questions. I need to dig out my VCDS cable and software I used for my TT if not too far out of date. There's a few things I can check on there for the phonebook from what I've seen mentioned in some forums.
 
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