Newbie A3 Advise

[chrisnic0]

Hi guys, first time poster long time reader.
Im really interested in getting an A3.

Heres the problem, im 23 and have no 0NCB but have been a named driver for 2 years. I really want the 1.8T sport in black.

But i only have roughly £3500 to spend on the car and £750-1000 for insurance.

Do you think i am better of getting a 1.6 and building my NCB? Also how cheap are these cars to run? ive heard the cambelt can go but is there anything else major. What are the life spans of the turbos? does this increase engine wear etc.?

Last question - I saw an S3 in this thread

s4 wheels on a3
(im not allowed to post links yet)

And the wheels on this are prefect and i would definatly be thinking about getting some. I think they are the S4 B6 wheels.
Could someone explain to me what 8x18 means and also would it be worth lowering a standard A3? (Are the S3 lowered as standard?)

Sorry for all the questions
Just really interested and i like getting clued up etc.

Thanks again
Chris

 

[j4g3d]

im 23
If im second driver on my mums insurance its £330 fully comp. If you put insurance in your own name on a 1.8T then it will be about £1000 to £1200. no need to buy a 1.6 for me a 1.6 works out £200 cheaper on insurance in my name so i rather pay the extra £200.

as for a 1.8T ive seen them go for 3500 you wont have trouble there.

 

[KEF A3 20V T]

Hi mate, whats the problem??? lol im 20 0Yr NCB and my insurance is 1277 a year on a t sport! so im sure yours will be less than that!

If ur getting an a3 imo dont get a 1.6. there has been a few ppl getting them and then wishing they got a turbo a month down the line!

You could get a 1998 turbo for that. The cars are very well made, cambelts last 60k or 6 yrs. main thing is regular oil changes n suspension bushes normally need doing at 80k. turbos last a while depends on how there treated! mines on 95K n turbo is sweet as still! Its like anything if you look after n maintain it it last a long time!
Mine is abit thirsty but as long as you remember to take your lead boot off when you get in you can get 30 MPG ish.

the 8x18 thing means 8 inches wide by 18 inches diameter!

Hope this helps
Kef

 

[chrisnic0]

Cheers for your replies, yeah im thinking for going for the T.
Do you by any chance know the main costmetic differences between the S3 and A3?
Kef i like the pic of ur wheels in your name.
Are they the ones i was looking at getting?/how much u get yours for?

Thanks again
Chris

 

[L1 HCS]

Hello & :sign_welcome:

 

[chrisnic0]

Hey Ming blue, have you got an A3?
What you reckon i should get?
Chris

 

[Ess_Three]

Do you by any chance know the main costmetic differences between the S3 and A3?

Apart from the different bodyshell with wider rear arches, wider front wings, different bumpers, longer wheelbase (compared to an A3), bigger brakes, twin exhausts, lower ride height, Recaro interior etc...

The A3 and S3 are very different...A3 and A3 quattro less so.

 

[L1 HCS]

Hey Ming blue, have you got an A3?
What you reckon i should get?
Chris

I've got an A3 1.6 sport.. and I reckon you should get whatever you fancy all about your own tastes blah-de-blah..

and to bump up your ncb.. if you're working and have been driving company cars/borrowing pool cars for a few years then you can write a letter to say so and get your director or area manager to sign it and give it to the insurance co. Reason I know this, cos I did it - thanks to the insurance co who told me

 

[KEF A3 20V T]

my wheels are s3 wheels but i have seen them on old s4 i think! they where on it when i got it but it think you can get replicas for about £500. they are proper audi ones made by ronel! guessin the genuine articles will be v expencive!

kef

 

[buckas]

Heres the problem, im 23 and have no 0NCB but have been a named driver for 2 years.

have you've been on a directline policy? if so, you'll have 2 yrs NCB to use on your own one now

 

[chrisnic0]

I think it was CIS insurance i will check.
I really want the alloys S3 AD has got,
http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/showthread.php?t=33753

Where can i get them from?/how much has he lowered it?
Just wondering what a sensible lowering height would be and how much it would cost?
Does anyone know of any decent audi specialists in the NW area? Chester in particular?
Thanks
Chris

 

[markyp2002]

hi chris

glad youve chosen the audi path.

heres some pointers:

i test drove many many many audis before i bought mine.

mine had 72k on the clock, FASH, 1.8 TSport with a few dibs and dabbles, apex suspension, scorpion stainless cat back exhaust and remapped.

it cost me £6,795 almost 12 months ago now being a 2001 Y plate.

It goes like **** off a shovel and i would definitely recommend one

you can pick up a 98/99 pre facelift model for around 3500 now mate so u shouldnt have a problem there.

as for insurance, im 21 0NCB and 4 years driving with one accident on record, £1192 a year fully comp with Direct Line so give them a try.

Hope this helps!

 

[portsA318T]

Markyp is right there. I picked up my 1.8TSport for £3000. It had 110k on the clock and a full Audi Service History. So far so good no probs. Its probably the best car i've had and thats over the porsche 944 i had (RIP).

As for insurance, that new one on the TV (directline i think) as someone mentioned on a previous post. Has this good deal where any named driver on a policy can accrue their own No Claims Bonus!

If they're looked after well the engines will last a long time.