40 tdi quattro

[sportback A3]

Hi all
im considering buying a new 40 tdi quattro. any ownership info would be appreciated. im probs going to get the BE styling, but no options. (cost i suppose)
will i love or regret it

does anyone know the latest build week and roughly how long they are taking to be delivered, i realise a dealership might say, but ive found them to be reserved with the truth in the past.

 

[AlS3BE]

Are you not better waiting for the new a3 which is coming very soon.

 

[Maco]

Are you not better waiting for the new a3 which is coming very soon.

According to my dealer the new A3 isn’t coming until late next year so I’m presuming September 2020? Supposedly he’s seen one over in Germany at an Audi event & he said it looked very similar to a seat Leon

 

[sportback A3]

TBH ive given the coming model some thought, a couple of reasons which have swayed my decision, as mentioned, possible back end of 2020 launch, and obviously id be looking at mid 2021 to take delivery. And i realise designs are changing to shapr line in panels, lights, i prefer the soft rounded look. just my opinion.

if an order as been accepted by Audi,is this followed soon after with a build week date etc. Sorry to ask what may seem common questions, but itll be my first new Audi..

 

[AlS3BE]

Unless there’s some huge discounts on offer then I would be looking at maybe something like a4/5/6/7.
The a3 currently is an 8-9 year old model with older style tech. The a3 has probably gone beyond what should have been end of line. If it wasn’t dieselgate and wltp I reckon new a3 would have been out middle of last year.
A4 onwards have been updated and similarly all the Q models.
There were huge discounts on the other models a few months back. Similar money to a a3 Quattro might get you a decent spec a4 Quattro.
if your heart is set in a3 then tech pack and b&o I would say is bare minimal spec. Make it easier for resale later on.
Just my thoughts.

 

[Matt Titanium]

A3 40 Tdi quattro BE is mega money and will depreciate heavily once the new model comes out. Unless you are doing mega miles consider an S3, lower depreciation could mean it works out cheaper.

 

[Maco]

Some good advice there, I’ve just bought an 18 plate A3 s line so it’s already took the hit on depreciation. GFV is just under 11k after my 4 year term. If your set on an A3 why not look at a 18/19/69 plate that’s already lost some value. You could then also look at something with a good spec.

 

[MSi]

Are you not better waiting for the new a3 which is coming very soon.

with fake exhaust tips?

 

[MSi]

Hi all
im considering buying a new 40 tdi quattro. any ownership info would be appreciated. im probs going to get the BE styling, but no options. (cost i suppose)
will i love or regret it

does anyone know the latest build week and roughly how long they are taking to be delivered, i realise a dealership might say, but ive found them to be reserved with the truth in the past.

I have A3 2015 tdi quattro and it is very nice fast .. 184bhp which is 40 ..

 

[MSi]

A3 40 Tdi quattro BE is mega money and will depreciate heavily once the new model comes out. Unless you are doing mega miles consider an S3, lower depreciation could mean it works out cheaper.

if u fill tank on S3 you get like 270 miles .. on a3 40 tdi over 370 miles

 

[Matt Titanium]

if u fill tank on S3 you get like 270 miles .. on a3 40 tdi over 370 miles

300 yes, usually 340-360 with mixed driving and enjoyment, but I've never got as low as 270.
I considered buying a FL 184 but Audi didn't release it for some months. They discontinued Scuba and replaced it with a cacky green and stopped making the 184 with a manual gearbox. S-Tronic + diesel is not a driving experience I enjoy. You'll be lucky to get 15mpg more from a 184 than an S3 and having driven both, nowhere near as much grunt.
As said, unless you do mega miles or keep it forever, the heavier depreciation on the 184 will far outweigh the extra fuel an S3 uses and be nowhere near as much fun to drive.
Just my opinion and experience, it's your money and choice.

 

[MSi]

300 yes, usually 340-360 with mixed driving and enjoyment, but I've never got as low as 270.
I considered buying a FL 184 but Audi didn't release it for some months. They discontinued Scuba and replaced it with a cacky green and stopped making the 184 with a manual gearbox. S-Tronic + diesel is not a driving experience I enjoy. You'll be lucky to get 15mpg more from a 184 than an S3 and having driven both, nowhere near as much grunt.
As said, unless you do mega miles or keep it forever, the heavier depreciation on the 184 will far outweigh the extra fuel an S3 uses and be nowhere near as much fun to drive.
Just my opinion and experience, it's your money and choice.

I disagree .. yeh diesel is for motorways but in city if u have efficiency you will make a lot more miles in city with 184 tdi than s3 ... automatic is perfect half of life trouble gone... constantly changing gear in uk traffic? no thnx ..
when I top up full tank it last me 2 weeks if I don't drive fast.. I watched many S3 youtube vids and many who has s3 only last 180 miles on full tank. that's why u buying s3 for fast drive or set off ... but for OP don't think so.. at least he could consider A3 tfsi 30 or 35
if u want fund drive u gonna spend much much more fuel with s3 .. I didn't try an s3 yet.. but this mine tdi is not bad it is similar to s3 but slower.. but launch control will be faster on tdi ..

 

[Matt Titanium]

I disagree .. yeh diesel is for motorways but in city if u have efficiency you will make a lot more miles in city with 184 tdi than s3 ... automatic is perfect half of life trouble gone... constantly changing gear in uk traffic? no thnx ..
when I top up full tank it last me 2 weeks if I don't drive fast.. I watched many S3 youtube vids and many who has s3 only last 180 miles on full tank. that's why u buying s3 for fast drive or set off ... but for OP don't think so.. at least he could consider A3 tfsi 30 or 35
if u want fund drive u gonna spend much much more fuel with s3 .. I didn't try an s3 yet.. but this mine tdi is not bad it is similar to s3 but slower.. but launch control will be faster on tdi ..

So you prefer apples to oranges even though you never tasted an orange.
Yes, I'd probably have been quite happy with a 184 diesel if I hadn't driven an S3. The 184 feels fast until you actually put your foot down, then when you want power - there's nothing left. If you want economy and don't drive fast as you say why not save yourself a shedload of money and buy a 1.6 diesel - 65 mpg easy.
I also don't like the diesel STronic oh-f**k moments when you want to get out of a junction and it takes what seems like an age to set off. No thnx but it takes all sorts.
For the extortionate price new and hefty depreciation compared to an S3 I don't see much of a case for buying a "not bad" 184/Stronic/quattro just to save £5-600 a year for 10,000 miles on fuel.

 

[will_0407]

Somewhat agree with @Matt Titanium comments about stronic 'oh s***' moment- that was my impression when I test drove an s-tronic. It feels slightly less than an instant response, only slight but enough to not feel comfortable (imo).

I had my manual 184 remapped a couple of weeks ago (non-quattro) and it drives so much better than stock. Alot more comfortable going through the gears, and has plenty of torque so pulls really well. I never really tested the power pre-map, but it definitely can shift now through 3rd and 4th. Obviously not going to beat an S3 but it's not sluggish. One of the biggest differences I've noticed is in 1st which seemed to drop off in power very quickly after taking off, now it feels like you can get going a lot more easily.

 

[MSi]

Somewhat agree with @Matt Titanium comments about stronic 'oh s***' moment- that was my impression when I test drove an s-tronic. It feels slightly less than an instant response, only slight but enough to not feel comfortable (imo).

I had my manual 184 remapped a couple of weeks ago (non-quattro) and it drives so much better than stock. Alot more comfortable going through the gears, and has plenty of torque so pulls really well. I never really tested the power pre-map, but it definitely can shift now through 3rd and 4th. Obviously not going to beat an S3 but it's not sluggish. One of the biggest differences I've noticed is in 1st which seemed to drop off in power very quickly after taking off, now it feels like you can get going a lot more easily.

was it tdi remap? or tfsi how much u paid?
well of course it gonna bebetter as when u doin remap they need to remofe DPF and EGR delete back box delete clean straight exhaust pipe .. othervise remap is pointless

 

[will_0407]

was it tdi remap? or tfsi how much u paid?
well of course it gonna bebetter as when u doin remap they need to remofe DPF and EGR delete back box delete clean straight exhaust pipe .. othervise remap is pointless

Stage 1 remap so no physical modification to parts.

 

[MSi]

Stage 1 remap so no physical modification to parts.

Yeah but for what? TDI or TFSI?

 

[will_0407]

Yeah but for WHAT? TDI or TFSI?!?!

TDI

 

[MSi]

TDI

Consider doing the things that I said above. Especially on tdi? That's absolutely very bad for your car..
And they took your money 300-400 and it not improved your car only tiny bit and it will now only make more blocking to dpf filter and your turbo will go knackered sooner..!
I asked my mechanik if he could remove DPF and he said yes but the car has to be remapped too to have a logic meaning of removing.. And same with remap once done other things need to be carried out..

 

[will_0407]

Jesus man why you doing pointless stage without doing the things what I said above? ESPECIALLY on tdi? That's absolutely very bad for your car..
And they took your money 300-400 and it not improved your car only tiny bit and it will now only make more blocking to dpf filter and your turbo will go knackered sooner..!
I asked my mechanik if he could remove DPF and he said yes but the car has to be remapped too to have a logic meaning of removing.. And same with remap once done other things need to be carried out..

OK

 

[Maco]

MSI your attitude is terrible. Just saying.

 

[cemerson]

if u fill tank on S3 you get like 270 miles .. on a3 40 tdi over 370 miles

370?? I get close to 500 from mine, and I'm not trying hard...

 

[cemerson]

300 yes, usually 340-360 with mixed driving and enjoyment, but I've never got as low as 270.
I considered buying a FL 184 but Audi didn't release it for some months. They discontinued Scuba and replaced it with a cacky green and stopped making the 184 with a manual gearbox. S-Tronic + diesel is not a driving experience I enjoy. You'll be lucky to get 15mpg more from a 184 than an S3 and having driven both, nowhere near as much grunt.
As said, unless you do mega miles or keep it forever, the heavier depreciation on the 184 will far outweigh the extra fuel an S3 uses and be nowhere near as much fun to drive.
Just my opinion and experience, it's your money and choice.

I have the FL 184 in Cosmos Blue, which is what they replaced Scuba with. Very happy with mine, and I've driven both too!

 

[Matt Titanium]

I have the FL 184 in Cosmos Blue, which is what they replaced Scuba with. Very happy with mine, and I've driven both too!

Looking at that spec I'm not surprised you're happy. Retail price must have been up in RS3 territory.

 

[Ormesome]

I have the same engine (i think) in my Q2. It's a beast. Flies along and the S-Tronic really suits it. I don't have any answers to your original question but i can add that i get around 30mpg in town and 55ish on a run now she is broken in. I have Quattro too. I get around 800kms to the tank with mixed driving conditions.

 

[wab172uk]

I disagree .. yeh diesel is for motorways but in city if u have efficiency you will make a lot more miles in city with 184 tdi than s3 ... automatic is perfect half of life trouble gone... constantly changing gear in uk traffic? no thnx ..
when I top up full tank it last me 2 weeks if I don't drive fast.. I watched many S3 youtube vids and many who has s3 only last 180 miles on full tank. that's why u buying s3 for fast drive or set off ... but for OP don't think so.. at least he could consider A3 tfsi 30 or 35
if u want fund drive u gonna spend much much more fuel with s3 .. I didn't try an s3 yet.. but this mine tdi is not bad it is similar to s3 but slower.. but launch control will be faster on tdi ..

Sorry, but that is absolute ******. To only get 180 miles out of an S3, you would need to absolutely cane it everywhere. And who does that with every tankful?

If you do over 12,000 miles a year, consider a TDI. Less than 12,000 buy petrol. Plus consider how long your journeys are. Short trips in a TDI is pointless, as it's on longer trips the TDI comes into it's own.

And if you can get a heavy discount on an S3, it will hold it's value better than any other A3 in the range, apart from the RS3.

 

[Goner]

Sorry, but that is absolute ******. To only get 180 miles out of an S3, you would need to absolutely cane it everywhere. And who does that with every tankful?

If you do over 12,000 miles a year, consider a TDI. Less than 12,000 buy petrol. Plus consider how long your journeys are. Short trips in a TDI is pointless, as it's on longer trips the TDI comes into it's own.

And if you can get a heavy discount on an S3, it will hold it's value better than any other A3 in the range, apart from the RS3.

100% bang on.. kids deluded.

 

[cemerson]

Looking at that spec I'm not surprised you're happy. Retail price must have been up in RS3 territory.

I meant specifically happy with the performance of it, but yeah - i use my car a lot, and i spec it to be used. Not interested in paying RS3 prices just for more performance, I'm not one of those that needs it really. I have enough to safely overtake when I need to, good enough for me.

Edit: Looking at RS3 retail prices though - ha, I'm still a way off that territory!

 

[AlS3BE]

I meant specifically happy with the performance of it, but yeah - i use my car a lot, and i spec it to be used. Not interested in paying RS3 prices just for more performance, I'm not one of those that needs it really. I have enough to safely overtake when I need to, good enough for me.

Edit: Looking at RS3 retail prices though - ha, I'm still a way off that territory!

I think if you look at pcp prices a tdi Quattro can cost more per month than a s3. As the s3 and rs3 holds their value so pcp monthlies can work out cheaper. My neighbour pays more for his tdi than me on the s3 of similar spec.

 

[Ormesome]

Funny how most of you think that everyone wants an S3!!

 

[AlS3BE]

Funny how most of you think that everyone wants an S3!!

think the point is depending on mileage you could end up paying less for a s3 and petrol per month than a tdi with diesel. Diesels are only good for long steady distance and heavy cars.

 

[Matt Titanium]

think the point is depending on mileage you could end up paying less for a s3 and petrol per month than a tdi with diesel. Diesels are only good for long steady distance and heavy cars.

My original point, but someone suggested I was mad for buying a car that returns 32 mpg when I could buy a diesel that does 47 mpg instead

I assume people buy a 184 because they want more performance. That's why I was originally looking at that option.
There may be reasons why people don't want an S3, (quiet ride, soft suspension, need to tow, fear of crime, 30,000 miles a year, company only buy diesels, etc.) and that's their choice. I drove diesels for 20 years, loved the economy and torque at the time. I don't fly about everywhere but the way modern petrols deliver power is far more pleasurable than the diesels (IMHO).

I originally thought the S3 was too expensive. But with quattro + STronic a 184 was getting very pricey. Servicing and insurance costs were similar so I bought an S3 because overall ownership costs (including depreciation) would be similar or slightly less. And I got far better performance, my lovely manual gearbox and a gorgeous blue colour without paying extra.

All I was suggesting was that the choice is there to be considered and I don't think its as mad or stupid as some people seem to think.

 

[Goner]

I think if you look at pcp prices a tdi Quattro can cost more per month than a s3. As the s3 and rs3 holds their value so pcp monthlies can work out cheaper. My neighbour pays more for his tdi than me on the s3 of similar spec.

That might be true but some people want the monthly running costs of a diesel car, there’s absolutely no way an S3 could return the same MPG a TDI could.

I suppose it’s all about crunching the numbers.

 

[Goner]

Funny how most of you think that everyone wants an S3!!

The S3 clique on here is laughable at times.

I could get an S3, do I want one? No but I may change my mind, you never know.

The S-Tronic, 1.0 TFSI A3 Saloon black edition suits me just fine, the fact I’ve spec’d it with over 5K worth of extras means it would knock the socks off some of these PCP poverty spec S3s.

It’s not all about speed and Quattro at times.

 

[Damo S]

They are not wrong though. The S3 can be very economical and is easy to drive (much like a diesel) because of the mid range grunt it has, and without pumping out a bucket load of carcinogens. However, where it falls down is that there are an awful lot of expensive bits to go wrong. The cost of running it longer term will be considerably more than the 184 diesel. You could also argue that the S3 can attract some unwanted attention which isnt for everyone either.

 

[Goner]

They are not wrong though. The S3 can be very economical and is easy to drive (much like a diesel) because of the mid range grunt it has, and without pumping out a bucket load of carcinogens. However, where it falls down is that there are an awful lot of expensive bits to go wrong. The cost of running it longer term will be considerably more than the 184 diesel. You could also argue that the S3 can attract some unwanted attention which isnt for everyone either.

I get what you’re saying, what sort of MPG would you get on a daily commute, mix of back roads, city driving + a motorway run the finish it off.

Basically the above is my commute if I’m travelling to the office.

Back roads 12 mile (constant run) city 3 mile (stop start) and motorway 10 mile (stop start).

 

[Matt Titanium]

They are not wrong though. The S3 can be very economical and is easy to drive (much like a diesel) because of the mid range grunt it has, and without pumping out a bucket load of carcinogens. However, where it falls down is that there are an awful lot of expensive bits to go wrong. The cost of running it longer term will be considerably more than the 184 diesel. You could also argue that the S3 can attract some unwanted attention which isnt for everyone either.

What expensive bits are there to go wrong on an S3 that aren't fitted to a FL 184?
Are soundactors expensive?

The S-Tronic, 1.0 TFSI A3 Saloon black edition suits me just fine, the fact I’ve spec’d it with over 5K worth of extras means it would knock the socks off some of these PCP poverty spec S3s. It’s not all about speed and Quattro at times.

We all spec the car we want and if modest performance, never having to touch the brake or accelerator, playing with toys, seeing the speed limit on a telly screen then having the car park itself at the end of the journey is someone's desire then Audi will fulfil. I'm not knocking anyone for making that choice.

That might be true but some people want the monthly running costs of a diesel car, there’s absolutely no way an S3 could return the same MPG a TDI could.

Still can't see the argument for choosing a 184 for its performance then losing an extra £100 a month in depreciation to save £60 a month in fuel.

I get what you’re saying, what sort of MPG would you get on a daily commute, mix of back roads, city driving + a motorway run the finish it off.
Basically the above is my commute if I’m travelling to the office.
Back roads 12 mile (constant run) city 3 mile (stop start) and motorway 10 mile (stop start).

Around 28 mpg with a load of stop start, 32-36 without.

 

[AlS3BE]

They are not wrong though. The S3 can be very economical and is easy to drive (much like a diesel) because of the mid range grunt it has, and without pumping out a bucket load of carcinogens. However, where it falls down is that there are an awful lot of expensive bits to go wrong. The cost of running it longer term will be considerably more than the 184 diesel. You could also argue that the S3 can attract some unwanted attention which isnt for everyone either.

for me Quattro is a must. After owning a couple it’s one of those cars that get me anywhere in any conditions especially with winter tyres. Last year with beast from the east in my a6 I could go anywhere any day like check in on my elderly folks and get supplies for them.
I like fast cars and if they did an a3 with the 3.0 v6(272 ps)diesel I had in the a6 I would have got it.
I would say both the s3 and my old a6 has plenty to go wrong. Diesels have dpf issues, egr issue, dmf/clutch and adblue issues and pain of topping it up every 6-7k.
S3 from what I’ve read on here can have Haldex, diff, coolant issues, cams etc. Between them just as expensive to fix if you have no warranty no matter if you go diesel or petrol. Diesel is roughly 4-5p more expensive as well which needs to be taking account of.
If you do mega miles then the diesels are great. If you do 4-5k petrol is the way to go. I wouldn’t have got the s3 if I was still doing 30-40k a year.
Need to remember it’s not about wanting a s3. If you are a serial car changer every 3 years then it can work out cheaper getting a s3 over other engines/models as depreciation is a lot lower and overall cost of ownership is lower including fuel.
S3 for me ticked all the boxes. Quick, reasonably economical when needed and Quattro. I agree it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. I probably would have been just as happy with the tdi Quattro but after looking at both and cost the s3 marginally won. s3 is slightly better spec out the box so didn’t need as many options. BE on a3 comes with A-SS and S3 comes with b&o. S3 has full leather etc.
It also put a better grin on my face when I put my foot down with the dsg farts.
But everyone’s needs are different. It’s just easier to compare to the s3 not saying everyone should get one

 

[Goner]

Still can't see the argument for choosing a 184 for its performance then losing an extra £100 a month in depreciation to save £60 a month in fuel.

Around 28 mpg with a load of stop start, 32-36 without.

I don’t think you can really predict depreciation as something is only worth what someone is willing to pay.

Depending on how the car is financed, leased or paid for will determine whether a buyer is bothered about depreciation, most people don’t care about depreciation as they chop it in after the term is finished and start again don’t they?

The MPG you quote isn’t as bad as what I was expecting you to say to be fair.

 

[Goner]

It also put a better grin on my face when I put my foot down with the dsg farts.

This I do agree!

This is the only thing I would change about mine.. because it’s got as much power as a hair dryer there are no DSG farts haha.