Looking to pick up another car for the family. I REALLY LOVE the build and interior of Audi's and love their 2.0T.

Anyone care to offer their opinion/experience with these models?

 

i test drove a A3 hatch a couple months ago and i really liked the feel of it. I think its a great overall car with enough power and decent handling. The interior build quality is great and has a nice comfortable feeling. It has good space and would make a great daily driver. I see one in my future

 

I'd go for an A3 TDI if I were you

 

I had 07 A3 2.0T DSG with premium and tech packages. It was a good car but it did require many warranty repairs during my ownership (e.g., bad power window motor/rail, fuel line rattle, etc.). Even with its issues, I still enjoyed the car very much though (probably because I was also enjoying getting a different loaner while the car was being serviced at the dealership - of course under warranty).

The 2.0T engine packs some serious punch off the line but it's not as exciting as Honda NA engine in high RPM range. DSG was fun at first, but I never used it in normal driving condition. I know it's supposed to be the best of both worlds but it just didn't feel any more involving than the conventional automatic.

My A3 didn't have the S-Line package so it rolled quite a bit in corner (to give you a comparison, my 2010 PRIUS rolls less). I guess having the panoramic roof option didn't help either (heavy on top). If you are interested in A3, make sure to get the S-Line package.

I got rid of the car earlier this year right before its 50K warranty was about to run out and got myself a PRIUS =)

Hope this helps.

EDIT: forgot to mention that I got great gas mileage with 2.0T/DSG combo. On highways, I would easily average around 30mpg.

 

I sold my S2000 for an A3 2.0t 6mt with sport package. While it's not as fun as the S was, I've totally fallen in love with car... It's solid, sporty, and great on gas. It's got enough room to throw my bike in the back and handles the snow with ease (reason for selling the S). Throw on a Cupra lip and some RS4 reps and it looks pretty decent too (sorry I don't have any recent pics).

Don't get the A4, they are just heavy and boring. The miniwagon is where it's at. I've had the car for 15k miles, and have only done routine maintenance. The car has only had one problem with a coil pack that went bad, but all 4 were replaced FOC under an active TSB from Audi.

I'm running mine with Revo software and an intake and it ran a 14.8@94 5400' DA, which is equivalent to a low 14 / high 13 at sea level. I'm about to go stage 2 with a $300 dollar downpipe, which should net another 20whp.. Turbos are fun.


^not my car, but you get the idea..

 

I never test drive them but i LOVE how they looks.

 

yes audi does have problems and plan on getting a 3rd party warranty after your warranty runs out. it does have minor to major problems and you already know it's expensive to fix audi.

i am actually planning on getting B7 (2005.5 to 2008?) certified (100k warranty) used car for my lady friend sometime within a year.

 

Thanks for starting this thread! I too am thinking of an A3 with my little girl on her way.

I was looking for a four door (of course) and hopefully a hatchback. I don't particularly like the station wagons ... so I thought the A3 would be great. Still kinda iffy about the warranty/breaking down factor though since I am planning to get it used.

What is a good price for the newer models?

 

Methinks an A3 might be a little small for a family.

I recently had an B8 A4 loaner car, very nice overall. The effect of moving the engine back in the chassis is very noticeable, the car turns in much better than the previous generation.

On the downside, there's something about it that seems a tad bit more generic than the previous generation, but that may be because the loaner car I had was pretty stripped out.

I guess that's the other downside, they are expensive, even without options, and they really need their options to maximize the experience.

 

Bought a 2010 2.0T Quattro A3 because I had a little girl on the way as well. She's 5 months old now and the car is a bit tight. We will definitely get a bigger car in the future but i'm keeping the A3. Just got the chipped a few months ago and it's a total blast to drive compared to the stock form.....

Here is how she sits now with H&R Sport/Koni Yellow and R32/S3/S4 front brakes.