Need help choosing my first car. A3 or A3Q? or BMW

[toni99191]

I recently started driving and really enjoying it and i also test drove a A3 2.0T a while back and i fell in love with how easy i could drive and maneuver it around, it also had some nice power for a first timer like myself and felt very comfortable in it compared to other cars i have driven so far.

My budget is roughly $10,000 at the moment and i am in a bit of a situation because i don't know if its worth pushing it a few more thousand to purchase a A3 2.0T Quattro. I am mainly looking for something to last me at least a few years without emptying my pockets maintaining it before i save up for a beast.

I have been researching a lot about these models and the engine differences ect... The quattro seems more reliable as they are more updated CCZ engines while the others are AXX/CDA ect.. but also apparently much more expensive if Qs break down unexpectedly. The A3s i am looking at are the following.

2007 A3 2.0T - 100,000km - $9000 - Private Seller - This one has the most attractive review, claims to always kept serviced twice a year and used premium 98 fuel and 5W-40 oil not missing once. Also mentioned just finished Major service, Replaced timing belt, the whole coolant system and water pump.

2010 A3 1.8T - 85,000km - $10,000 - Dealer Used + 12 Months Basic Warranty/12 Months Road Side Assistance. - Engine Code - CDA - Decent Deal but poorer engine overall.

2009 A3 2.0TQuattro(S-Line) - 135,000km - $12,000 - Private Seller - Pushing my budget but if Quattro is really worth it please let me know?

The Quattro i believe has CCZA Engine than the 2.0T-AXX and 1.8T-CDA I believe these are under type (EA888) and (EA113) correct me if i am wrong. I have only been researching for a few weeks but i am passionate so i am learning.

I also have these two BMWs on the side just incase i enjoy the feel/drive of them better because I noticed with older cars i have to use more pressure on the gas/break and this felt like a more authentic driving experience and when going a certain speed actually felt like it and i could keep a maintained speed easily.

I also was told these versions of BMW are very reliable and when taken care of can last very long time and you feel more connected to the road than newer cars these days.

2004 BMW 330Ci E46 - 160,000km - $9500 - Dealer Used - 12 Month Warranty Available - Sport model - Decent Condition

2003 BMW 330Ci E46 - 120,000km - $10,000 - Private Seller - Quite Good Condition, Claims(all service history available).

What do you guys think, I am looking to buy a car very soon within the next two weeks i hope so i can drive and practice in my own car. What would you do in my situation and what should i look out for.

Any assistance is highly appreciated. I am also located in Australia which is why the prices are what they are for me if they seem expensive, this is just how it is over here. I can also post the links if that may help further.

Thanks

 

[SootySport]

Not so sure you need a Quattro in Australia, the 4wd is of more use in bad weather as in Europe, surely a 2wd car is plenty good enough plus you’ll save a lot down the line. Drive bothe the BMW and Audi to get these if them and help you decide.

 

[ayfreetee]

BMW interior is tacky and doesn’t wear very well, Audi is known for good interior trim, after all, that’s the bit you see and touch all the time.

 

[toni99191]

Not so sure you need a Quattro in Australia, the 4wd is of more use in bad weather as in Europe, surely a 2wd car is plenty good enough plus you’ll save a lot down the line. Drive bothe the BMW and Audi to get these if them and help you decide.

BMW interior is tacky and doesn’t wear very well, Audi is known for good interior trim, after all, that’s the bit you see and touch all the time.

Thanks for the responses, i don't care much for interior. More important is engines not to breakdown on me and cost a fortune to fix. I heard those BMW models if they have been taken care of they should last a lifetime or at least enough until i can afford a brand new car.

I understand Quattro is more for different weather conditions i was just attracted to it because from others reviews who have driven both, it seemed like a better driving experience overall and more fun to drive, better engine and performance but if its not worth it and i won't notice much difference then i guess i'll go with the normal one.

I was also thinking ahead a bit that after a while i might want to tune it a bit and thought quattro would be much better for that and handle power and speed better.

 

[ayfreetee]

Quattro will definitely be able to put the power down, rather than just spinning the tyres, bimmer engines aren’t that reliable, just like most cars, depends how they’ve been treated and maintained.

 

[toni99191]

Quattro will definitely be able to put the power down, rather than just spinning the tyres, bimmer engines aren’t that reliable, just like most cars, depends how they’ve been treated and maintained.

Thanks, do you know much about Engine types and codes? The (EA113) 1.8T CDAA are said to be newer and more reliable than the 2.0T AXX.
And then they are said to be better than the (EA888) on the Quattro which has Engine Code CCZA i believe.

Others say the Quattro engine is better, newer and more reliable, i am bit confused.
Quattro and the other 2.0T are 2009 and 2008 and the 1.8T are 2010 - 2011 if that helps.

 

[bobbytomorow]

As a former BMW guy and someone who just got my first Audi, a 2006 A3 with 135,000km I would say if you are looking for engine reliability the E46 inline 6 is pretty much bulletproof while the 2.0t FSI in the A3 is quite finicky with more common problems then i was initially aware of. When looking at the A3 with 2.0t FSI engine make sure to check the cam follower which is a super common fault and if its worn through it can lead to very expensive repairs (new intake cam, new fuel pump at the very least and probably more= $2500k+), just google "cam follower fsi" to read about it. Theres also a problem with the valves in the 2.0t FSI engines getting really dirty over time due to the direct injection not cleaning cleaning them properly (this is also easily searchable with google) and require manually cleaning them every 40,000km or even more often by removing the intake manifold and and scraping the valves with picks and using fluids to clean them (a 5 hour process).

I would not recommend a 2.0t FSI engine equipped car to a first time buyer unless you are ready and willing to get your hands dirty or ready and willing to pay for maintenance and repairs.

Don't get me wrong the A3 is a nice car and it's fun to drive but by no means is the 2.0t FSI a reliable engine. Those E46's on the other hand while being a tad older will serve you well engine wise.

 

[ch1z64]

If you stick to the correct maintance off a Fsi or even a Tfsi engine believe me they are perfectly fine cars just check out the forum posts about them .
A good Walnut clean off the engine is a good thing to get done as person above mentioned and it is not that costly if your doing it every 4 / 5 years . So bottom line is if you maintain the car correctly and drive it sensible the Fsi n Tfsi engine is fine

 

[toni99191]

Thanks guys. I went with a 2011 A3 1.8Tfsi 80ks has been serviced by Audi since it was made and very well taken care of. I love it!

 

[Rideen]

Glad you went for the Audi. There is no competition between 2003-2004 BMW and 2007+ Audis in my opinion. E46 looks so outdated and the interior looks like it comes from a Lada.

 

[ayfreetee]

Ditto to that, nothing nicer inside for the money than an Audi, much more hard wearing, with superb quality materials and a damn sight more modern than the e46, good choice buddy, enjoy!

 

[Sitnas]

Enjoy mate! I've just bought myself a 2007 A3 1.8T fsi. Coming from a 1.25 ford fiesta, it's a massive change. One thing that has shocked me is how much gas it guzzles! Bought it 5 days ago and I've spent £100 on fuel so far! If driven economically, it'll average 25/35mpg but as soon as you put your foot down, you'll notice the fuel gauge going down faster than the speedo goes up! Fantastic car though mate, enjoy!