Audi A3

uncle-mofo

Hi, I'm looking at buying a second hand Audi A3 1.6L. It's an 05 with about 40k miles on it. We took it for a test drive and it seems to be a really nice car, I'm just wondering if there's any common problems with the A3 that we should be looking out for?

biko

Good: Remains the classiest car on the PQ35 floorpan. Rival to Honda Civic, Merc A Class and BMW 1-Series.
Bad: High quality, high spec Golf. Only the S3 moves it into a different league.

Apparently around 4% of new RHD A3s initially suffered wiper failures and replacement parts were in short supply.

What to Watch Out For
Radiator leaks a common problem after 18 months. Can lead to head gasket failure and failure of head itself. If buying used, check expansion tank.

Black metallic paint doesn't seem to be very robust and at 18 months can show a few scuffs and was marked very quickly by bird droppings (cleaned off almost straight away but still left ghost marks.

Fresh spate of ignition coil failures on 2005 build 2.0 FSIs.

Dual mass flywheel and clutch problems possible after around 40k miles. If still under 3 year warranty Audi will replace FOC, as is a known problem. Failure of alloy transmission casing also not unknown.

On 2.0TDCI diesels, timing belts can fail at between 60k and 70k due to tensionert failure, so wise to ignore Audi's 112k mile belt change and change belt, tensioner and all pulleys at 4 years or 60k miles whichever comes first.

Fairly high incidence of exploding manual transmissions due to pinion shaft coming adrift and puncturing transmission casing. Same fault also occurs on the Golf V.

Failure of Zexel or Valeo a/c compressors is common, usually a year or two out of warranty and dealers can quote £1,304 for new compressor, condensor and expansion valve. Sometimes goodwill of about £300 offered. But cheaper to buy a new Sanden compressor for £287 and have it fitted by an independent a/c specialist for about £150. Internet forums, particularly in USA are full of postings concerning failures of Zexel and Valeo compressors, seems a case of "when not if".

Updated 21-9-2009: ESP warning light can indicate Fault Code "Boost Pressure Sensor G201". This is embedded inside Teves Mk 60 ABS systems and requires replacement of ABS control unit/pump. Seems to be age-related, occurring mainly in 3 - 5 year old cars. Does not necessarily lead to an MoT failure. If car has been VAG maintained, VAG will meet 100% of replacement cost. If not VAG will still help towards £1,500 cost of replacement. Bosch ABS systems do not have the problem.
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=545

EPM

I have that engine and gear box in my car. Cost me a grand just before Christmas to get my gearbox put right. And it wasn't abuse that caused it either. The gearbox centre said VAG boxes are their bread and butter. I'd get it checked out by a mechanic

colm_mcm

my mate has an 05 one that calved a (manual) gearbox after 36,000 miles,

EPM

colm_mcm wrote: »

my mate has an 05 one that calved a (manual) gearbox after 36,000 miles,

And VAG still deny there is a problem:rolleyes: