Buying an Audi A3 Sportback Quattro, which one?

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JOAKES24

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First off I would just like to say hello as this is my first post.

I am looking into buying an Audi A3 Sportback of some kind but would really appreciate advice on which model to buy. I have a budget of prob £13.5k (which no doubt end up being ignored), and will be buying in April. I know its a bit off but just trying to set things straight now so I know what to look for.

I currently have a Corolla T-Sport and like a bit of power behind a car and a bit of speed, however I am not completly adverse to losing a little power. So I was wondering if anyone would answer a few questions I have about each model.

1) Audi A3 Sportback 3.2 V6 Quattro S Line - I like the idea of having a V6 engine but noticed the power output is quite low. Is there any tweaks you can do in the future? What is the upkeep like, i.e. brakes, timing chain etc? I've heard some horror stories about the upkeep.

2) Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI (170ps) Quattro S Line - What is the diesel engine in this like, does it pull well?

3) Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 FSI Quattro S Line - what is the difference between this engine and the one in the S3? Is it simply ECU remapping? Could this be done at a later time?


Finally, is the DSG gearbox worth it? I have heard bad things about several of the failing due to the computer in them and leaving expensive repair bills making me edge towards the stick-shift. I do like the idea of it.....but just wondered what the experts say here.

Finally which should I go for?

I know these are a lot of questions but would really appreciate any feedback. Thanks
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First welcome to the forum, your definitely in the right place for buying advice.
I have the 170 diesel engine and it pulls extremely well and can keep up with any standard 2.0T A3 IMO however something to bear in mind is that if your really want a Quattro DSG/S-Tronic you would have to have the petrol engines as Audi unfortunately so not make a 170/140 Quattro S-tronic...i really have no idea why.

I have the 170 S-line S-Tronic so no quattro and i would never go back to manual again, having the paddles behind the wheel and seemless gear changes plus improved economy is just a no brainer to me so i thoroughly recommend a test drive to see it u like it. With your budget you should b able to buy one under warranty, one more thing is to make sure that the DSG fluid has been changed as its due at 40k and im guessin this is the sort of mileage you'll be looking at, quite costly to get changed at an Audi dealer!
 
Fantastic advice. Did not notice you couldnt buy a diesel with DSG....tbh I am not to bothered about buying petrol. I do this thing which I recommend. You pick a practical car.....really practical. Then you find a way of making it fun/unpractical lol. Hence the 3.2 v6 suggestion. There is nothing better than driving a wolf in sheeps clothing I feel.
 
Yes i know what you mean, the de-badged rear tailgate is the best extra i have i swear..people foolishly assume you have the 1.6 or 1.9tdi...it never gets old. You can always remap the 2.0t petrol to way beyond the power of 3.2 altho the 3.2 would sound much nicer. Ive been tempted to remap my 170 but i cant justify the need yet, decisions decisions ay....
 
to 10blazin.....not happy with you...cant buy until April and you've upset me as your car looks the mutz nutz but like I say cant buy anything until april
 
Well the baby is due in march , And ive had a few phone up about the car but no views as yet its a hard time of year to sell a , But you never know i may still have it in april , Hope not lol but you never know
 
Which do you prefer in terms of driving Petrol or Diesel cars ???. Do you do much mileage a year, have you got insurances quotes on them yet??. i would be asking these questions first. I would then try and get a test drive in all of the models mentioned and that might help you make up your mind. It's all down to personal preference at the end of the day.

"Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 FSI Quattro S Line - what is the difference between this engine and the one in the S3? Is it simply ECU remapping? Could this be done at a later time? ".

I take it your talking about the 2.0 TFSI quattro s-line (200bhp) & not 2.0 FSI (150bhp) ??. It's more then just a remap to get it up to the S3 standard (265bhp). You would probably get the 2.0tfsi engine up to 240bhp after a stage 1 remap. Good luck with your choice anyway.
 
I prefer petrol, thought about diesel simply for range. I do probably about 10k miles a year. As for insurance I am not too bothered currently I am group 14 and do expect an increase on the policy I am paying by a good bit unless I go for the diesel. And yes I do mean the 200BHP 2.0l Petrol.
 
JOAKES24 said:
I prefer petrol, thought about diesel simply for range. I do probably about 10k miles a year. As for insurance I am not too bothered currently I am group 14 and do expect an increase on the policy I am paying by a good bit unless I go for the diesel. And yes I do mean the 200BHP 2.0l Petrol.
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The 170 diesel is group 12, another benefit :thumbsup:
 
As the post above says it depends on the miles you're doing really. As good as diesels are, they will never be as much fun to drive as a petrol car, although the surge of torque is good, it doesn't last long enough ;)

Not sure why you think the 3.2 is underpowered, it will keep up with most things on the road today (including an S3) but can be a very relaxing car to drive when you want it to be.

Tuning a TFSI is an option and one I would have looked at had I not driven a 3.2. Having had tuned turbo petrols and diesels I have to admit the old saying is true; There ain't no replacement for displacement.

Regards

Rob
 
Ive got the perfect idea...whack £13k as a deposit on a brand spanking S3 Sportback! My S3 is the BEST CAR IVE EVER OWNED and ive had 9 cars in the past 2 years (apart from the wing mirrors got stolen today):sob:
But then saying that, my last car was an 06 A3 2.0T FSI Special Edition Quattro blah blah and was faultless......can't beat s3 power though bud!
 
I've never heard that saying before "There ain't no replacement for displacement"......brilliant. I do think that there is some power behind the 3.2 V6, its just that I am driving a Corolla T-Sport which is 1.8 with 190BHP as standard. I know its due to lift, and valve timing....but I just thought you would be talking more power and and torque with the 3.2...more than the S3 2l Turbo.

DJpass123......the 13k deposit idea......I am trying to stay well clear of this idea.It could happen...but I am trying to keep my sense about me instead of me acting like my normal impulsive 5 year old child running loose :)
 
At 250bhp its only 13 behind an S3, and although heavier front end wise I think you'd struggle to notice the difference in a straight line. The V6 will provide lag free power whilst the S3 will provide much more scope when it comes to increasing power.

The best thing about the V6 is its power delivery. Its effortless, even from 1000rpm, and pulls all the way to 7k. My usual gear changes on my manual 3.2 involved starting in 2nd gear then changing straight to 6th. My new 3.2 DSG, when left in auto and in traffic will always change up before 2k and never struggles for power, of course that changes the minute you put your foot down. If I were you I'd just test drive the cars and see what you think.

One word of warning though, if you are considering a 3.2, try to get one thats registered before March 2006, that way you'll avoid the hike in car tax.

Regards

Rob
 
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I would definately go for a test drive in the 3.2, there is far more to the car than the headline performance figures and you will realise your comment about being underpowered is unfounded.
It was also until the later 8P3 changes came in, the only A3 with Quattro and DSG available on the same car. I was never a fan of automatics until I drove the dsg but now wouldn't have one without it!. There are a lot of people who hate the box, but mated to the 3.2 it feels like they were designed to be together.
I'm on my second 3.2 now, with a 12 month break in between where I had a BMW 330cd auto. That was a nice car, but I soon got bored of the diesel engine power delivery and hated the lazy auto box. Many of my mates thought it was strange to go back to another A3 especially with it being another 3.2 on the same reg plate, but to me it was a no brainer!

Best thing you can do is go out in the different models and make up your own mind, but beware it will make April seem a long way off!
 
Thanks for all the replies already guys.

I've read the figures online, but just wondered also if anyone could give rough fuel figures for the 3.2 V6? Does the DSG really return better?

I am used to around 25mpg average.
 
It all depends on the type of driving you do. On a motorway the most you can expect is 35mpg, around town it'll be more like mid to late teens. My overall mpg is around 21/22mpg. It used to bother me, but after averaging 29mpg in my old 330cd, to me it's a price worth paying.
If you are concerned about the fuel costs in relation to the amount of miles you do then I would say it's probably not the car for you.
 
No I was really interested i the claims of figures saying the DSG is more economical.
 
I do a 6 mile run to work and most trips under 20 miles and i get about 26 mpg from a 3.2. about 30 on the motorway if you stay below 90mph, 35 if you stick to 75mph.

to be honest if you drive them all and then try a 3.2 DSG you will find it way above the others and if 250bhp is not enough for you well forget an A3.
 
The 2.0T is the best compromise IMO if you cant stretch to the S3. The 170 isnt as quick although it does feel fun due to large torque it develops low down the rev range. The 3.2 is dead duck IMO, no one wants a 3.2 engine in an A3 now the S3 is about which is why they havent sold many since the S3s launch, its certainly not a bad car but it will be hard to find a buyer for it when you come to get rid of it especially if fuel prices are still on the up.

The 2.0T engine is a similar design to the S3s but the S3 engine has a strengthened block, stronger internals, different injectors and turbo.
 
God i've got a lot to think about.

I think it will be down to test driving. Just so curious as to which might be best...and what the DSG is like.

What sort of toys should i look for in a used model? Cruise Control etc? Also any tell tale signs of misuse to look out for.
 
Dandle said:
The 3.2 is dead duck IMO, no one wants a 3.2 engine in an A3 now
Click to expand...

Hmmm never heard the 3.2 refered to as a dead duck and my 3.2 is certainly not a dead duck.

If you have a well spec'd 3.2 dsg you'll never have a problem selling it as there is always someone who appreciates the sound and power delivery it gives.

Drive them all you will then fall in love with the one that floats your boat and buy it, but make sure as others have said you drive them all otherwise you will always wonder.

When choosing mine I drove 2.0tfsi, Golf GTI DSG and manual and R32 DSG and the A3 3.2 DSG. You notice a difference in sound power delivery, the 3.2 give good power and as 3.2 Ju says the 3.2+DSG is sublime together.

Get a 2006 3.2 reg before April and you are laughing. I've had mine for 2 months now and still smile every time I turn her on and can see me holding on to the car for some time.

Good luck looking take your time and get the right one.....
 
I have the 2.0TQ Sportback, which I guess for a while was the closest thing to an S3 Sportback available. I have the manual, but would say that the engine is ideal for the auto. I also have a Bluefin remap, giving around 240bhp - and that's more than enough to keep me entertained.

After a high-revving car that was really quite peaky (Clio 197 - with similar power delivery to the Corolla I'd guess), the 2.0T is a very welcome engine now that I drive more with family on board. You can make swift progress without scaring passengers in the way you would with a high power N/A lump.

IMO, it's got the best of the diesel's torque with power akin to the 3.2 right through the rev range. With the Quattro drivetrain, you'll also always be able to use the power and be ahead of a TDi 170 off the mark. If you can live with around 25mpg around town and 35mpg on a long run, it's the pick of the bunch IMO. :)
 
TAC said:
Hmmm never heard the 3.2 refered to as a dead duck and my 3.2 is certainly not a dead duck.

If you have a well spec'd 3.2 dsg you'll never have a problem selling it as there is always someone who appreciates the sound and power delivery it gives.

Drive them all you will then fall in love with the one that floats your boat and buy it, but make sure as others have said you drive them all otherwise you will always wonder.

When choosing mine I drove 2.0tfsi, Golf GTI DSG and manual and R32 DSG and the A3 3.2 DSG. You notice a difference in sound power delivery, the 3.2 give good power and as 3.2 Ju says the 3.2+DSG is sublime together.

Get a 2006 3.2 reg before April and you are laughing. I've had mine for 2 months now and still smile every time I turn her on and can see me holding on to the car for some time.

Good luck looking take your time and get the right one.....
Click to expand...

I'm with you on that, not a dead duck, and as V6's are not "fashionable" anymore - people prefer dull but economical these days - they are fantastic value. They won't sell for huge money, but as long as you weren't a poor sod who paid £30K+ for a new one, then you won't be paying huge money either.
 
I am defo going to test-drive them.

Partly I have my heart set on a 3.2 v6, but I was trying to get advice. Also I am abit of a geek when it comes to technology and love the idea of the DSG gearbox. Remember seeing Jezza drive one Top Gear and saying it was like having a butler ready with the other clutch lol.

What is the deal with the car being before 2006 for tax reasons? Cheers
 
JOAKES24 said:
I am defo going to test-drive them.

Partly I have my heart set on a 3.2 v6, but I was trying to get advice. Also I am abit of a geek when it comes to technology and love the idea of the DSG gearbox. Remember seeing Jezza drive one Top Gear and saying it was like having a butler ready with the other clutch lol.

What is the deal with the car being before 2006 for tax reasons? Cheers
Click to expand...

An A3 with a V6, DSG and Quattro isn't a light sporty hatch, but it's a very comfortable, efficient way to get from A to B.

If you're ok with a bit of a fuel bill, then it's not likely to disappoint. I get 22mpg with mostly short runs, maybe 30mpg on a long run if I take it steady. Anything better than 30mpg requires a lot of self control...

The DSG is a great box, and particularly good with a torquey V6. I've got a bad knee from a sporting injury, so prefer auto's anyway, but it's a clever bit of kit - in manual mode you have full control and instant changes. If you can't be bothered, leave in auto and it's pretty good at being in the right gear.

Cars registered before 23 March 2006 are capped at £215 a year. As the 3.2 pumps out a fair bit of CO2, for later cars, tax will be £405 a year.
 
Thanks pete for the tax question.

On the DSG gearbox, the internet is a great tool, but at the same time a nuisance. I have read a couple of horror stories of DSG failings and 3k repair bills. I initially seen the DSG and thought.....must have! But this is niggling me at the back!

Do all DSGs come with flappy paddles?
 
JOAKES24 said:
Thanks pete for the tax question.

On the DSG gearbox, the internet is a great tool, but at the same time a nuisance. I have read a couple of horror stories of DSG failings and 3k repair bills. I initially seen the DSG and thought.....must have! But this is niggling me at the back!

Do all DSGs come with flappy paddles?
Click to expand...

It's a tricky one. My car is on its third DSG box (both replacements before I bought it) which is enough to give potential DSG purchasers a nightmare.

A replacement box would indeed be £3K, but a lot of the time, it's just the Mechatronic unit failing, which is £1K ish to replace. I think as people tend to post about problems rather than their reliability, this can make DSG a scary proposition, but speaking to specialists and dealers, complete failure isn't all that common.

One positive with the DSG is not having to replace a clutch, so that's one repair bill it does cut out.

Some of the lower spec models (SE?) with DSG are paddle-less (with optional paddles), but it's standard on Sport, S-Line, etc. models.
 
I have had my 3.2 for nearly two months now... I tested all the others you mention but nothing felt so... planted, as well as effortlessly shoving me back into my seat... with a huge grin!

I have had a few decent diesels... the last one being a 530, which was fun... but only returned 30mpg.

I am doing lots of motorway miles, NOT hanging about, 80-90, and having lots of "playtime" moments off motorway. It has averaged 28mpg and the best I have seen on a 250 mile day is 34mpg! I am MORE than happy with this car... it really IS the best car I have ever owned.
As someone said earlier, a real "Q" car... no spoilers, no gaudy stickers just STUNNING handling... it is so much better and capable than me!

Test them all, but for me the DSG 3.2 was just the best combo.

(oh, 250bhp and a 0-60 of less than a good yawn is hardly underpowered!)
 
Now look.
I have just done 400 miles today in my 3.2 DSG and its the only A3 to have. At 100mph in 5th on the M11 it just takes off if you boot it. I got from Cromer Norfolk to Dorking Surrey in 3 hours dead and finished at 31 mpg for the trip......and nearly killed a Focus RS going past north weild.......Nuff said.... anything else is a compromise.
 
audi upgrades
paddy said:
Now look.
I have just done 400 miles today in my 3.2 DSG and its the only A3 to have. At 100mph in 5th on the M11 it just takes off if you boot it. I got from Cromer Norfolk to Dorking Surrey in 3 hours dead and finished at 31 mpg for the trip......and nearly killed a Focus RS going past north weild.......Nuff said.... anything else is a compromise.
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paddy I noticed you must have had a typo above....:thumbsup:You meant 100kph.....which is about 60 mph as the speed limit is 70mph on our motorways ;)

A lot of websites such as parkers give some info out but can be very difficuly to understand fully. What type of gadgets/toys do you get as standard on an S-line? Flat tye monitor? Trip Computer etc.....Like i said before I am a geek....and love buttons! I practically get turned on by a keyboard as theres so many buttons!

Thanks to all you guys for a lot of great advice.
 
The thing with Audi's is most things are extra but a lot of things can be retrofitted. You will get the trip computer/DIS and the black headlining on an S-Line.
It's best to look out for things that are difficult to do i.e. Bose, auto lights/wipers, roof rails but things like RNSE, Bluetooth, Cruise control etc. can be done fairly easily. Saying that though there will be some well specced up cars out there and priced at similar money to base models so it's best to be prepared to travel.

I'm like you, a gadget freak! For comparison I bought mine in August and paid £13k for an 05 3.2 DSG S-Line with just under 50k miles and it has the following spec.

Full factory Votex kit
Aluminium roof rails
Xenon plus
RNSE
Bose
Bluetooth
6 Disc changer
Full leather with heated and electric front seats with lumber
Through load
Centre Armrest
MFSW
Cruise
Acoustic parking system
Auto lights/wipers
Interior light pack
Coming home lights
Auto dimming interior and door mirrors
Tyre pressure monitor
 
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I suppose retro fitting is a good option for certain things. Sort of means you can buy bits every now and then after
 
Does anyone know what age the started adding magnetic suspension....I honestly think 3.2 v6, DSG, some interior toys and magnetic suspension would probably see me cream myself lol
 
3.2 Ju said:
The thing with Audi's is most things are extra but a lot of things can be retrofitted. You will get the trip computer/DIS and the black headlining on an S-Line.
It's best to look out for things that are difficult to do i.e. Bose, auto lights/wipers, roof rails but things like RNSE, Bluetooth, Cruise control etc. can be done fairly easily. Saying that though there will be some well specced up cars out there and priced at similar money to base models so it's best to be prepared to travel.

I'm like you, a gadget freak! For comparison I bought mine in August and paid £13k for an 05 3.2 DSG S-Line with just under 50k miles and it has the following spec.

Full factory Votex kit
Aluminium roof rails
Xenon plus
RNSE
Bose
Bluetooth
6 Disc changer
Full leather with heated and electric front seats with lumber
Through load
Centre Armrest
MFSW
Cruise
Acoustic parking system
Auto lights/wipers
Interior light pack
Coming home lights
Auto dimming interior and door mirrors
Tyre pressure monitor
Click to expand...

Did you buy yours from Audi Approved dealer? Was thinking of going down this route to get a years warranty.
 
No, I got mine from a Mercedes main dealer but that's another story!
 
After reading the Magnetic Suspension thread...what type of suspension is it that comes on the 3.2 V6 as standard?

Cheers
 
JOAKES24 said:
After reading the Magnetic Suspension thread...what type of suspension is it that comes on the 3.2 V6 as standard?

Cheers
Click to expand...

Depends wha model the 3.2 is, sports will have sport suspension, s-lines will have the harder lower s line suspension. nothing special in either case. The 3.2 was discontinued before magnetic ride and thats only available on S3's anyway I think!
 
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