The Audi A3 does have a rust issue. At the bottom exterior of every door you will find a plastic strip that is screwed on to the door. Over the years of ownership and day-to-day usage, it is possible that the screws cause a rust spot to break out and eventually seep upwards towards the visible area of your car's door. I have a 2006 Audi A3 Sportback that is:
1) meticulously maintained,
- washed reasonably often at every 2 - 3 weeks,
- parked indoors 90% of the time,
- oil sprayed every 12 - 18 months,
2) 100% accident- and/or bodywork- free
3) 100% original paint from Audi factory in Germany
and despite all that, all 4 of my doors are showing rust spots at said spot. I have gone to my local Audi dealer, Audi Midtown in Toronto, Canada, and the Service Department Manager Tony has worked with me to file a claim to replace all 4 doors under the Audi 12-year Rust Perforation Warranty. The reason for the claim is since this was:
1) an issue that will 100% lead to perforation of my prized-possession's doors within the next 6 years
2) repainting, according to Tony, will only be masking the rust which will come back
I cannot get myself to let go of my beautiful car yet. I had a 2000 Toyota Camry that had bodywork done due to a previous accident, and the areas which had bodywork were a rusty mess after a couple of years, whereas the non-touched areas were extremely clean. This led me to conclude that as long as I drive safe and be kind to my car, that it will reward me by looking good for at least 12 years. Hence my choice to purchase a car that may have been a bit more expensive to buy and maintain than a Toyota or a Honda, but was an absolute joy to look at, drive in, and ride in - characteristics that a not a Toyota nor Honda could ever exhibit.
Alas, now I might have to prematurely replace this car because if Audi Canada, for some reason, decides that I don't deserve the warranty coverage, then I would have to either:
1) let the car rot and basically put an expected death date on my car
2) repaint the car doors every year, which is extremely expensive and non-sensible considering Audis, when maintained as well as I have, should not visibly rust for at least 12 years. It has only been 6 years so parting with my car due to rust, that was not supposed to arrive until 12 years, is tragic.
3) replace the car doors now or later, which will probably cost around 5 - 6 thousand Canadian dollars. Still very expensive and non-sensible considering Audis as mentioned above when maintained as well as I have, should not visibly rust for at least 12 years.
Tony mentioned that it will take around 2 weeks for Audi Canada to respond with an acceptance of the claim, or rejection. Wish me luck. I will let you guys know what happens in 2 weeks.
