AUDI A3 - Help and Opinions

Mellor

I'm considering getting an A3.
I've had a quick look at prices and due to budget i've decided that my range is '01-'02.
Now, I am aware that this is the older type, and the the FSI engine wasn't available.
I am wondering if people who have had these might know a) what the pre-FSI models were like and b) what to watch out for.

I originally considered UK import, am I likely to save much by going that route?
Or will I pay the same for a better car?

Any help gladly taken

bazz26

Mellor wrote: »

I'm considering getting an A3.
I've had a quick look at prices and due to budget i've decided that my range is '01-'02.
Now, I am aware that this is the older type, and the the FSI engine wasn't available.
I am wondering if people who have had these might know a) what the pre-FSI models were like and b) what to watch out for.

I originally considered UK import, am I likely to save much by going that route?
Or will I pay the same for a better car?

Any help gladly taken

You may not save a whole lot on the price of a UK model these days but you will however get a higher spec model from the UK, Irish models are poor value for money as they are usually bought in the most basic spec available.

Also the 1.6 litre 8 valve petrol engine is ancient and poor, 1.8 litre 20 valve or 1.9 TDi units are way better.

Neilw

bazz26 wrote: »

You may not save a whole lot on the price of a UK model these days but you will however get a higher spec model from the UK, Irish models are poor value for money as they are usually bought in the most basic spec available.

Also the 1.6 litre 8 valve petrol engine is ancient and poor, 1.8 litre 20 valve or 1.9 TDi units are way better.

If you want petrol got for the 1.8t or as said above a 1.9tdi.

mcwhirter

Mellor wrote: »

I'm considering getting an A3.
I've had a quick look at prices and due to budget i've decided that my range is '01-'02.
Now, I am aware that this is the older type, and the the FSI engine wasn't available.
I am wondering if people who have had these might know a) what the pre-FSI models were like and b) what to watch out for.

I originally considered UK import, am I likely to save much by going that route?
Or will I pay the same for a better car?

Any help gladly taken

The 1.8T has had sludge problems, ensure it has had its oil changed and with good quality oil.

Neilw

mcwhirter wrote: »

The 1.8T has had sludge problems, ensure it has had its oil changed and with good quality oil.

I don't think the problem is as widespread as people make out, I now a lot of people with 1.8t engined cars that have never had any problems, saying that the cars are well looked after.

As stated above, if good quality synthetic oil is used and the car is serviced on time there should be no problems with sludge.
I change the oil in mine every 6k miles just in case.

bazz26

1.8 litre 20 valve VAG unit had known ignition coil problems at the time too. Should have been replaced under warranty.

Neilw

bazz26 wrote: »

1.8 litre 20 valve VAG unit had known ignition coil problems at the time too. Should have been replaced under warranty.

That doesn't mean they wont go again I carry a spare coil pack in the boot, it's just a matter of time!

agent_smith

For the same money you could prob get a new golf/a3 chasis based seat leon or skoda octavia which would be a lot newer. Is this an alternative for you?

Seperate

Neilw wrote: »

I don't think the problem is as widespread as people make out, I now a lot of people with 1.8t engined cars that have never had any problems, saying that the cars are well looked after.

As stated above, if good quality synthetic oil is used and the car is serviced on time there should be no problems with sludge.
I change the oil in mine every 6k miles just in case.

Ditto.

Once regulary serviced they will be reliable.

I've had a 1.8T A3 for the last year, and the only downfall has been the electrics. Common enough in 8L A3's. Lights thinking they're gone, brake lights working intermittently, window switches etc. All easily fixed, but annoying all the same.

If i was buying the A3 again i'd spend the extra couple of quid and go for the quattro 180bhp.

djhaxman

Seperate wrote: »

Ditto.

Once regulary serviced they will be reliable.

I've had a 1.8T A3 for the last year, and the only downfall has been the electrics. Common enough in 8L A3's. Lights thinking they're gone, brake lights working intermittently, window switches etc. All easily fixed, but annoying all the same.

If i was buying the A3 again i'd spend the extra couple of quid and go for the quattro 180bhp.

Common enough across the Audi range, I had the same electrical faults in my old A4.

Mellor

bazz26 wrote: »

You may not save a whole lot on the price of a UK model these days but you will however get a higher spec model from the UK, Irish models are poor value for money as they are usually bought in the most basic spec available.

Also the 1.6 litre 8 valve petrol engine is ancient and poor, 1.8 litre 20 valve or 1.9 TDi units are way better.

Ideally, i'd like the 1.8T . The reason I limited myself to the 1.6 was mainly down to tax and insurance. I'm still quite young, and you know how insurance companies can be.
I have accepted that its not going to be an amazing car. Only my second, so there is plenty of time to save up for a much better model

agent_smith wrote: »

For the same money you could prob get a new golf/a3 chasis based seat leon or skoda octavia which would be a lot newer. Is this an alternative for you?

To be honest, I don't like either the Leon or Octavia.
I don't mind the golf, but there are alot of them about. If that makes sense

Mellor

Does this look dodgy to anybody?
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Audi/A3/1.8-T/1131622/

The price seams a little low, but people often need quick sales.
But the comments about VRT is needed ar €1900 puts be off. The car has irish plates, so VRT is already paid, right.

L-M

Mellor wrote: »

Does this look dodgy to anybody?
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Audi/A3/1.8-T/1131622/

The price seams a little low, but people often need quick sales.
But the comments about VRT is needed ar €1900 puts be off. The car has irish plates, so VRT is already paid, right.

Could be that it's been forsale for awhile, and in the mean time had to VRT it, and took new pics but forgot to change his comments. Long shot but seems to be the only reasonable explanation. Or else he's tryin to scam an extra few bob.

VH

Also the 1.6 litre 8 valve petrol engine is ancient and poor,

I can vouch for this - and its kind of thirsty for its size

Seperate

I've driven the 1.6 and 1.8 before i got my 1.8T and thought they were desperately under-powered. The A3 is a heavy car and you can feel it with those engines.

My 1.8T gets 26-28MPG pottering about localy, 33-36MPG on long journeys.

Although its the same engine as the MK4 GTI, it costs less to insure. Strange, but true.

rabbitinlights

Compared to the new FSI engines, that old 8v 1.6 is prehistoric. Avoid it.

VH

Mellor wrote: »

Does this look dodgy to anybody?
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Audi/A3/1.8-T/1131622/

The price seams a little low, but people often need quick sales.
But the comments about VRT is needed ar €1900 puts be off. The car has irish plates, so VRT is already paid, right.

go for it

Mellor

Decisions decisions, im bleedin' useless at this

rabbitinlights

Have you talked to the owner? Is he looking for the cost of the VRT over the price listed?

L-M

rabbitinlights wrote: »

Have you talked to the owner? Is he looking for the cost of the VRT over the price listed?

+1

Find out first if he has the vrt paid etc. then we can have a better insight into what ur buying. But being honest, it does look a nice car for the money. Do a check on it as well.

Edit: Just thinking, when he did the Nct, wouldn't he have gotten two years, therefore since it had a nct till september 09, meaning it's been on irish plates since sept 07?