Audi A3 1.8T Quattro - Opinions

Magown3

Hi,

I'm thinking of buying one of these. They're 180bhp and so are a bit of a sleeper hot hatch as they look like a standard A3. Quattro should grip the road quite well also.

I'm looking for something a bit sporty that won't kill me on tax and that can get relatively decent mpg. Any other suggestions?

I know the 1.8T has problems with coils but how is the engine apart from this. What mpg are you getting from YOUR 1.8T?

I'm not gonna spend too much and I'm looking at something approx 8-10 years old.

Heroditas

I had an A4 1.8T and got about 32mpg out of it in a mix of city and motorway driving.

gpjordanf1

Magown3 wrote: »

Hi,

I'm thinking of buying one of these. They're 180bhp and so are a bit of a sleeper hot hatch as they look like a standard A3. Quattro should grip the road quite well also.

I'm looking for something a bit sporty that won't kill me on tax and that can get relatively decent mpg. Any other suggestions?

I know the 1.8T has problems with coils but how is the engine apart from this. What mpg are you getting from YOUR 1.8T?

I'm not gonna spend too much and I'm looking at something approx 8-10 years old.

I have that in a Passat 1.8T Tiptronic.

I've replaced 2 coil packs in 6 years, so not a huge problem.

It will do up to 38MPG if you really really take it easy ( not above 55MPH )

Normal Driving no more than 30 - 31 MPG

Town driving / Start -stop driving 22 - 25 MPG

Foot to the floor as Low as 18 MPG

But overall a solid engine, will be keeping mine for another 18 Months anyway, I think?

I suspect with your quattro it may be even heavier on petrol than my Tiptronic?

Best of Luck!

Michael 09

I have a TT with the 1.8T and have not had one ounce of trouble with it. Great handling too...

I say buy it

One of the few cars I wouldn't buy unless it had a full service history, those engines need bang on time oil changes.

Michael 09

RoverJames wrote: »

One of the few cars I wouldn't buy unless it had a full service history, those engines need bang on time oil changes.

I'd also agree with this, mine has been serviced very regularly...

Good point Mr James

Magown3

gpjordanf1 wrote: »

I have that in a Passat 1.8T Tiptronic.

I've replaced 2 coil packs in 6 years, so not a huge problem.

Out of interest, how much are the coil packs to replace when they have to be done?

Also, even with the extra weight of the quattro, would the A3 not be lighter than a Passat and therefore, a smidge better on the fuel???

And, what do you guys think of this. The bidding hasn't started yet but it could be a bargain if picked up for 2k(ish). It's a good spec (Bose stereo, leather interior, electric seats)

Magown3

Magown3 wrote: »

Out of interest, how much are the coil packs to replace when they have to be done?

Also, even with the extra weight of the quattro, would the A3 not be lighter than a Passat and therefore, a smidge better on the fuel???

And, what do you guys think of this. The bidding hasn't started yet but it could be a bargain if picked up for 2k(ish). It's a good spec (Bose stereo, leather interior, electric seats)

OUCH!! I've just checked the VRT on it and it's a whopping €1515!!!! Kinda puts a dampner on that

Magown3

Magown3 wrote: »

And, what do you guys think of this. The bidding hasn't started yet but it could be a bargain if picked up for 2k(ish). It's a good spec (Bose stereo, leather interior, electric seats)

5 door

mickdw

I had a 180 TT quattro year 2000. Ran it from 06 to 08. It was pretty much faultless. It had about 75% history when buying it. I changed oil every 8k miles with good quality oil & a genuine filter & never had any engine trouble. They are known for having problems when oil is not kept as good as it should be so a good history of oil changes is important.
The oil is the rear diff also requires changing at 40k miles. I ordered the oil canister for this from the local audi dealer & they knew nothing of the type of oil required & had NEVER had it in stock. When they eventually got it in for me, the service manager was nearby & said they never change that & was it because I had a leak that I needed the oil. This is scary because it was a 40k mile service item in my service book & im sure most quattro audis. 30 mpg from my TT at best

Magown3

RoverJames wrote: »

5 door

I'd rather go for a better spec car that happened to be in 5 door than a poorer spec in 3 door.

In fact, 5 door suits better with passengers and luggage etc. And the A3 doesn't have much of a difference between the 3 and 5 door looks-wise

omega man

Magown3 wrote: »

Hi,

I'm thinking of buying one of these. They're 180bhp and so are a bit of a sleeper hot hatch as they look like a standard A3. Quattro should grip the road quite well also.

I'm looking for something a bit sporty that won't kill me on tax and that can get relatively decent mpg. Any other suggestions?

I know the 1.8T has problems with coils but how is the engine apart from this. What mpg are you getting from YOUR 1.8T?

I'm not gonna spend too much and I'm looking at something approx 8-10 years old.

I didnt think audi did that engine in the A3? Was it not only the 150 version? I know the likes of the GTI (red i), Leon Cupra/FR , Octavia vRS and the TT used the 180 version at the time.

bazz26

I thought the original A3 1.8T was 150bhp and the S3 was 180bhp?

OP did you check out the Octavia vRS, the original vRS has the 180bhp version of that engine but they are going pretty cheap here now. VRT on either of these cars is crazy under the new Co2 system.

omega man

bazz26 wrote: »

I thought the original A3 1.8T was 150bhp and the S3 was 180bhp?

OP did you check out the Octavia vRS, the original vRS has the 180bhp version of that engine but they are going pretty cheap here now. VRT on either of these cars is crazy under the new Co2 system.

S3 was the 1.8T 225bhp variant as in the Cupra R and TT. Pretty sure the A3 1.8T is only 150bhp. Also +1 on the vRS mk1 but think the Leon Cupra/FR mk1 is better again.

NewApproach

OP just get an S3. Running costs won't be that much more, apart from possible insurance.

Residual values will be much better.

Atomic Pineapple

omega man wrote: »

S3 was the 1.8T 225bhp variant as in the Cupra R and TT. Pretty sure the A3 1.8T is only 150bhp. Also +1 on the vRS mk1 but think the Leon Cupra/FR mk1 is better again.

I thought the S3 came in 180bhp and 210 bhp versions?

Magown3

I've done my research lads. There was a 150bhp FWD version 1.8T, and there's a Quattro 1.8T 180bhp. Check here for variants.

An S3 had crossed my mind but are more expensive to purchase in the first place. Insurance would probably be higher also. I just did a quick search and they're roughly double the price (on donedeal) of the 1.8T quattro.

omega man

draffodx wrote: »

I thought the S3 came in 180bhp and 210 bhp versions?

You could be right there. I thought it was the same engine as the Leon Cupra R mk1 225 version. I know the cupra R was 210 on launch so perhaps the S3 was too.

omega man

Magown3 wrote: »

I've done my research lads. There was a 150bhp FWD version 1.8T, and there's a Quattro 1.8T 180bhp. Check here for variants.

An S3 had crossed my mind but are more expensive to purchase in the first place. Insurance would probably be higher also. I just did a quick search and they're roughly double the price (on donedeal) of the 1.8T quattro.

Right you were about the 180 version. Parkers list here:

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/summary.aspx?model=44

gpjordanf1

Magown3 wrote: »

Out of interest, how much are the coil packs to replace when they have to be done?

Was in around €120 - €150 incl labour from memory.

Mine has a 10k mile service indicator, so I've never needed to do it any sooner, without any trouble.

It has plenty of warning indicators for low oil, brake pads, water etc so dont worry it's nearly impossible to damage them. Most of those indicators activate once something reaches half life. Can be a little annoying but you will thank them at some point.

r3nu4l

Yeah I'll get slated for this but anyway...why not consider the 2.0 TDI (170 bhp) Sport Quattro?

I drive one and you'll pay less tax on it for a start due to lower emissions (assuming Ireland is the same as the UK in that respect???) and you're not losing that much in performance tbh.

tossy

r3nu4l wrote: »

Yeah I'll get slated for this but anyway...why not consider the 2.0 TDI (170 bhp) Sport Quattro?

I drive one and you'll pay less tax on it for a start due to lower emissions (assuming Ireland is the same as the UK in that respect???) and you're not losing that much in performance tbh.

No comparison between a 1.8T 180bhp petrol engine and a 170bhp diesel.

OP if insurance permits just buy an S3.

Gumbo

draffodx wrote: »

I thought the S3 came in 180bhp and 210 bhp versions?

the S3 from 99 to 01 was 210bhp.
its the same engine as the 225 TT but detuned so it wouldnt compete against the TT bu Audi. in 2001 audi put the full fat 225 engine into the S3.

when remapped the 210 and the 225 engine are upped to the same figure as they have the same limits etc etc
ie. if you remap a 210bhp S3 and a 225bhp S3 they will both have an afterwards figure of in and around 250-260bhp give or take depending on engine condition and history etc.

r3nu4l wrote: »

Yeah I'll get slated for this but anyway...why not consider the 2.0 TDI (170 bhp) Sport Quattro?

I drive one and you'll pay less tax on it for a start due to lower emissions (assuming Ireland is the same as the UK in that respect???) and you're not losing that much in performance tbh.

OP is looking for a bit of a performance car, not a mile cruncher. also the OP would have to buy an 08 TDi in order to get the cheaper motor tax, otherwise the A3 1.8T is cheaper to tax.

OP, buy an S3, heres some pics of mine to get you in the mood

mondeo

kceire wrote: »

the S3 from 99 to 01 was 210bhp.
its the same engine as the 225 TT but detuned so it wouldnt compete against the TT bu Audi. in 2001 audi put the full fat 225 engine into the S3.

when remapped the 210 and the 225 engine are upped to the same figure as they have the same limits etc etc



OP is looking for a bit of a performance car, not a mile cruncher. also the OP would have to buy an 08 TDi in order to get the cheaper motor tax, otherwise the A3 1.8T is cheaper to tax.

OP, buy an S3, heres some pics of mine to get you in the mood

Looks lovely

guano_jim

you wont go wrong with the 2.0 quattro tdi sport. its *all* about the torque. plus u get 55mpg no problem

sean1141

the 170 tdi didnt come in that shape a3!

Gumbo

guano_jim wrote: »

you wont go wrong with the 2.0 quattro tdi sport. its *all* about the torque. plus u get 55mpg no problem

is the thread titled Audi A3 TDi Opinions????????????????

if the op wanted a diesel, he would of asked :mad:

Mr Benevolent

OP, do a lot of research about the VAG 1.8T. It's troublesome if it's been in any way abused. Oil changes are really needed more often than the manufacturer's specs as it has crankcase ventilation issues which result in the oil sludging up and destroying the turbo. If you do buy one I'd suggest replacing all the crankcase ventilation hoses etc - there's loads about it online - and just as importantly, drop the sump and clean it thoroughly. Oh, and change the oil and filter while you're at it!

Gumbo

Confab wrote: »

it has crankcase ventilation issues which result in the oil sludging up and destroying the turbo. If you do buy one I'd suggest replacing all the crankcase ventilation hoses etc

ive neber heard much about these problems, must look into it more!
more commonly known on the 150bhp E46 320d but never heard about them in the 1.8T, does the problem occur in the S3?

tossy

guano_jim wrote: »

you wont go wrong with the 2.0 quattro tdi sport. its *all* about the torque. plus u get 55mpg no problem

If you are in the livestock business its all about the torque alright

Seriously though the OP is asking opinions on a 1.8T petrol reasonably hot hatch not a diesel mile muncher.

r3nu4l

OP if you really are looking for a hot hatch then this car is to be avoided...it's not a hot hatch...

tossy wrote: »

No comparison between a 1.8T 180bhp petrol engine and a 170bhp diesel.

OP if insurance permits just buy an S3.

kceire wrote: »

OP is looking for a bit of a performance car, not a mile cruncher. also the OP would have to buy an 08 TDi in order to get the cheaper motor tax, otherwise the A3 1.8T is cheaper to tax.

Thanks for the info on the tax See below for my response to the 'performance' car bit.

tossy wrote: »

If you are in the livestock business its all about the torque alright

Seriously though the OP is asking opinions on a 1.8T petrol reasonably hot hatch not a diesel mile muncher.

No comparison??

1.8T
1.8 T quattro Sport 3d (6) 7.3 s 140 mph 177 bhp

2.0TDI
2.0 TDI quattro Sport 3d 7.8 s 138 mph 168 bhp

Seems pretty comparable to me.
Wow, saving 0.5 seconds on the very important 0-60... :rolleyes: What a hot-hatch!! :rolleyes:

sean1141 wrote: »

the 170 tdi didnt come in that shape a3!

Ah didn't realise he was going that old Thanks

kceire wrote: »

is the thread titled Audi A3 TDi Opinions????????????????

if the op wanted a diesel, he would of asked :mad:

Maybe he's just ignorant of the diesel performance like a lot of people here seem to be? See above. Neither car is a hot-hatch tbh.

tossy

r3nu4l wrote: »

No comparison??

1.8T
1.8 T quattro Sport 3d (6) 7.3 s 140 mph 177 bhp

2.0TDI
2.0 TDI quattro Sport 3d 7.8 s 138 mph 168 bhp

Maybe he's just ignorant of the diesel performance like a lot of people here seem to be? See above. Neither car is a hot-hatch tbh.

Typical Diesel fan boy reply 0-60 times mean nothing in the real world,give me a free reving petrol engine over a TDI with a power band as wide as a mouses micky any time

Neilw

Confab wrote: »

OP, do a lot of research about the VAG 1.8T. It's troublesome if it's been in any way abused. Oil changes are really needed more often than the manufacturer's specs as it has crankcase ventilation issues which result in the oil sludging up and destroying the turbo. If you do buy one I'd suggest replacing all the crankcase ventilation hoses etc - there's loads about it online - and just as importantly, drop the sump and clean it thoroughly. Oh, and change the oil and filter while you're at it!

It's usually the oil pickup pipe in the sump that gets blocked, this can lead to oil starvation. More of a problem in the longitudinally mounted engines such as A4's and so on. These have a smaller sump and lower oil capacity.

Pic of a clogged pickup, this is from an engine I have away being rebuilt.


Oil change with good oil every 6k miles will stop this, my other 1.8t has nearly 70k miles on it and zero oil sludge in the engine. I've put 50k on it and changed the oil every 6k.

Oh and whtever 1.8t you buy, get it remapped

JJJJNR

kceire wrote: »

is the thread titled Audi A3 TDi Opinions????????????????

if the op wanted a diesel, he would of asked :mad:

Ohhh touchy!!

Magown3

Thanks for all the replies guys.

I've learned a few things from this:

1. Full service history is a must with regular oil changes (Thanks to Neilw for the very helpful post.)

2. I'm somehow ignorant of diesel performance because I won't fork out 20k+ on a little A3!!! :rolleyes: Seriously, If I was spending that sort of money, I'd be going for something a lot bigger and nicer than an A3. Oh, and my last car was a diesel A4 so Guess I ain't so ignorant afterall :pac:

3. The S3 will probably be a better option. They're easier to come by in Ireland but they're also quite expensive against the 1.8T Quattro. I'll keep my eye out for both to be honest. Whichever comes up first at the right price and spec I'll go for.


Thanks again. I'll reply back when I make the plunge.

Gumbo

Magown3 wrote: »

3. The S3 will probably be a better option. They're easier to come by in Ireland but they're also quite expensive against the 1.8T Quattro. I'll keep my eye out for both to be honest. Whichever comes up first at the right price and spec I'll go for.


Thanks again. I'll reply back when I make the plunge.

tbh, i think you'll find theres alot less S3's for sale in this country, and there not worth importing because of the VRT price.

please keep us informed on what you decide on!

r3nu4l

tossy wrote: »

Typical Diesel fan boy reply 0-60 times mean nothing in the real world,give me a free reving petrol engine over a TDI with a power band as wide as a mouses micky any time

None of which negates the fact that the 1.8T is NOT a 'performance car' or a 'hot-hatch' as some of the typical petrol fanboys here have claimed It's not even a 'reasonably hot hatch' as you yourself claimed it was

Glad to see that the OP has had the sense to realise to avoid this one like the plague if he wants a hot-hatch, my job here is done.

Gumbo

r3nu4l wrote: »

None of which negates the fact that the 1.8T is NOT a 'performance car' or a 'hot-hatch' as some of the typical petrol fanboys here have claimed It's not even a 'reasonably hot hatch' as you yourself claimed it was

Glad to see that the OP has had the sense to realise to avoid this one like the plague if he wants a hot-hatch, my job here is done.

god forbid when 180bhp in a hatch back car is not considered a reasonably hot hatch

r3nu4l

Magown3 wrote: »

Oh, and my last car was a diesel A4 so Guess I ain't so ignorant afterall :pac:

What engine? A 1.9 TDI A4 gives piss-poor performance tbh.

kceire wrote:

god forbid when 180bhp in a hatch back car is not considered a reasonably hot hatch

Also, seriously 180 bhp? Hot? In a car as heavy as an A3 with quattro mechanics? Hot? Seriously? Not hot imo but I guess this wouldn't be a discussion board if we all agreed with one another


Golf GTI 197 bhp - Hot
Golf GTI 226 bhp - Hot
Focus ST 225 bhp - Hot
VW Polo GTI 178 bhp is Hot because it's such a small, light car, no quattro to weigh it down further either.

Then there's the Clio172 (172-182 bhp), again, much smaller and lighter so Hot.

A myriad of others are Hot hatches imo but not the 1.8T but I guess we're all different in our assessments and you're as entitled to your opinion as I am.

Atomic Pineapple

Which version of the Golf GTI has 226bhp?

r3nu4l

draffodx wrote: »

Which version of the Golf GTI has 226bhp?

Google is your friend, unless you're in China I suppose
See here

Atomic Pineapple

r3nu4l wrote: »

Google is your friend, unless you're in China I suppose
See here

Stuck in work, cant be googling for 226 bhp Golfs , thanks will have a look later.

Squall19

r3nu4l wrote: »

What engine? A 1.9 TDI A4 gives piss-poor performance tbh.


Also, seriously 180 bhp? Hot? In a car as heavy as an A3 with quattro mechanics? Hot? Seriously? Not hot imo but I guess this wouldn't be a discussion board if we all agreed with one another


Golf GTI 197 bhp - Hot
Golf GTI 226 bhp - Hot
Focus ST 225 bhp - Hot
VW Polo GTI 178 bhp is Hot because it's such a small, light car, no quattro to weigh it down further either.

Then there's the Clio172 (172-182 bhp), again, much smaller and lighter so Hot.

A myriad of others are Hot hatches imo but not the 1.8T but I guess we're all different in our assessments and you're as entitled to your opinion as I am.

haha:D

Of course its a hot hatch, it doesnt weigh that much more than Golf gti, Focus etc.Simple remap and it will be well over 200bhp and with AWD to put the power down it will terrify alot of the real hot hatches like the amazing Gti's, Type R's, Clio's etc.

How is that not a hot hatch?

r3nu4l

Squall19 wrote: »

haha:D

Of course its a hot hatch, it doesnt weigh that much more than Golf gti, Focus etc.Simple remap and it will be well over 200bhp and with AWD to put the power down it will terrify alot of the real hot hatches like the amazing Gti's, Type R's, Clio's etc.

How is that not a hot hatch?

I wasn't talking about a remap, I was talking about it as it is...
Of course, with a remap, it'll be a different machine altogether, THEN we enter yummy hot-hatchedness

omega man

draffodx wrote: »

Which version of the Golf GTI has 226bhp?

Wasnt that just a special edition (30 years) ? The mk6 GTI has 210 i think. Personally i would consider an A3 1.8T with 180bhp and 4wd to be a hot hatch for sure.

tossy

r3nu4l

Magown3

r3nu4l wrote: »

What engine? A 1.9 TDI A4 gives piss-poor performance tbh.

Golf GTI 197 bhp - Hot

I reckon you're talkin thru your ass there mate!

How can the Golf GTI with a whole 17BHP more and 23kg's extra weight be considered hot and Audi not even considered to be close??

Golf GTI:
0-60 mph 7.0 s
Power Output 197 bhp
Top Speed 146 mph

Audi A3 1.8T:
0-60 mph 7.3 s
Power Output 177 bhp
Top Speed 140 mph


WOW, a MASSIVE 0.3 seconds difference 0-60 and 6mph difference in top speed.... A world of difference if you ask me............... NOT




And I got the A4 TDi coz it gave good mpg, not to race people from the lights all the time!

r3nu4l

Magown3 wrote: »

I reckon you're talkin thru your ass there mate!

How can the Golf GTI with a whole 17BHP more and 23kg's extra weight be considered hot and Audi not even considered to be close??

Golf GTI:
0-60 mph 7.0 s
Power Output 197 bhp
Top Speed 146 mph

Audi A3 1.8T:
0-60 mph 7.3 s
Power Output 177 bhp
Top Speed 140 mph


WOW, a MASSIVE 0.3 seconds difference 0-60 and 6mph difference in top speed.... A world of difference if you ask me............... NOT

I thought we had established that the 0-60 was a useless figure? Because by the 0-60 logic my TDI is a hot-hatch...and it's not, trust me It has power, it has poke, it'll plough (tractor pun there ) many cars off the road but it's no hot-hatch.

Anyhow, it's all subjective and I agree that the S3 would definitely be the better buy, by far, that's all I've been trying to point out and drive home here

Magown3

I just spotted this one on Donedeal. Nicely priced but god, my eyes hurt!!!


http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1432175

Magown3

Just an update on this. I brought this home from the UK last week. It's a diesel quattro which is a bit of a compromise. I drove a TT 1.8T quattro and I have to say, I was disappointed with the power in the engine so I decided to go sensible and go for a TDi instead. I like it so far.