Convince Me Not to Buy an Audi A3

LOrpheon on 13/11/2017 - 11:02
Last edited 13/11/2017 - 11:45 by 1 other user

Looking to buy an Audi A3 Quattro 2016 second-hand, I've no doubts about the actual vehicle yet am unsure about Audi and the whole luxury car scene as a whole.

Seeking any Audi horror stories or generally negative experience dealing with Audi dealers/servicers/cars themselves in or around Victoria that may have resulted in ex-Audi owners going elsewhere.

I was already told by the dealer that the Audi Care Plan (free serving upto 45,000km or first three years) was non-transferable between different owners, despite the official Audi T&Cs explicitly stating that the Plan was tied to the vehicle VIN and not the owner.

Talk me out of getting an Audi!

Automotive

Comments

  • eagleanthony on 14/11/2017 - 18:32

    Buy a Toyota. Preferably 3-5 year old one.

    Save your money and spend it on something that you’ll enjoy. The “New” car feeling is shorter than the advertisements would have you believe.

    Don’t look at servicing as your only expense. The big ones are depreciation and opportunity cost of not investing in a TRUE high yielding investment. Petroleum is cheap at $1200 a year for average person.

    Google:- “clown car money moustache”

  • sillyguy on 14/11/2017 - 18:50
    +2

    Get a Subie, true AWD. Impreza or XV or WRX

    • Skramit on 15/11/2017 - 13:27

      As long as you wear a baseball cap, and lean one arm out the window when driving.

      • BartholemewH on 15/11/2017 - 21:19
        -1

        Keep a bottle of upper engine cleaner handy or your valve train will shit itself. Why people chose an overly complicated boxer over an inline 4 boggles the mind.

        • sillyguy on 15/11/2017 - 22:35

          Dunno, because

          Subie sounds cool?

          Molly Taylor?

          Symmetrical AWD?

          Ichiban Import?

  • opt on 14/11/2017 - 21:06
    +1

    yet am unsure about Audi and the whole luxury car scene as a whole.

    I think you have got few terms mixed up. Audi is a premium brand, but A3 is certainly NOT a luxury car, at least not in terms of comfort, features, elegance or space. IMO a top of the range car from a non-premium car manufacturer (e.g: Skoda Superb, Honda Accord) is more luxurious and has more features than an entry-level/budget model from a premium car manufacturer (e.g: Audi A3, Mercedes a class, BMW 1/2 series).

    • dufflover on 15/11/2017 - 07:57
      +1

      Exactly my thoughts. My mate has an A3; not much of a car guy but seems nicely built, nice engine and she takes Premiiuuuuuuuuuum dude … but a luxury car it is NOT.
      Not even close to feeling or looking like one.
      Maybe unless you get like a fully creature-comforted spec'd TT.

      My other mate's fully spec'd up Subie feels more luxurious. And when I used to travel for work I occasionally booked those "taxi" chauffeur services - now those were and felt like luxury cars with leather seats, power adjusted everything, nice dash/unit/console, etc. (Ofcourse I don't get to drive it though heh).
      But yeah you gotta buy higher than entry level for it to be worth it if that's what you're going for; these were like Audi A6, Q5 (or was it 7), BMW, Lexus, Chrysler, etc.

      • Kapinny on 15/11/2017 - 12:08

        +1 for snake reference

  • No ONE on 14/11/2017 - 21:45

    Buy it as it is a high-yield investment. There, Done.

  • Shiny Mew on 14/11/2017 - 21:52
    -1

    You have too much money. Donate it and buy a used Civic instead.

  • Bnjam3 on 14/11/2017 - 22:21

    My sister bought Audi A4 brand new in 2006 and couple months after the warranty expired the engine suddenly seized and they quoted her over $15000 to replace/rebuild. The car was serviced by the local dealer and Audi refused to contribute to the cost. She sold it AS IS for around $3000. She bought a Lexus ES and she never had an issue with it since then(Except normal maintenance;eg; brakes, battery, wipers, alternator.).

  • jva on 15/11/2017 - 02:29
    +1

    Buy a Lexus instead. Audi and BMW are junk when talking about quality and durability.

    If you have too much money to burn, Audi is a great option.

    • foolsgold on 16/11/2017 - 11:47

      I wonder, do you guys who always suggest buy a Lexus actually driven these cars back to back?

      I have, and if you buy a Mercedes, or a BMW for it's refinement, engineering, design, or just about anything other than trying to impress your friends, your not going to walk away disappointed with a Lexus.

  • M Angelo on 15/11/2017 - 03:28
    +1

    Buy the new Honda Civic. I got one and the turbo plus V-tech combo will leave the A3 behind in shame.

    • insular on 15/11/2017 - 12:18

      they're moving away from v-tech now aren't they? i think we got it 1 year later than everyone else?

      hyundai elantra is actually a cheaper comparable option. and if you need auto, it's better in the elantra.

      manual short shift is better in the civic apparently (and i would prefer it).

      • M Angelo on 16/11/2017 - 17:55
        +1

        Nope. It got both turbo and V-tech. At 1500rpm turbo kick in and around 7000 rpm the vtech kicks in. Its an amazing feeling with that combo. I always looking forward to drive it everyday.

    • sn809 on 16/11/2017 - 01:34

      Did you get the Type R?

      • M Angelo on 16/11/2017 - 17:56
        +1

        Nope. Civic RS with the turbo.

  • Tech and cars on 15/11/2017 - 09:21

    I’ve just caught up on the thread. An a3 Quattro is not worth it - unless you’re getting it for $30k.

    I like the 1.4t versions that currently exist - can be had second hand for $30k ish in year 2016 model. In terms of reliability - this motor has been really good with the new 7 speed dial clutches. Previous comments would be in reference to some of the twin charged or 2.0t turbo models, also with the older multi-tronic cvt gearbox.

    Quattro version weighs 200 kg more and uses more fuel. The awd is not permanent (like evo and sti’s) - and so it drives almost identically in the dry weather. If anything the non-Quattro version feels faster and more nimble!

    In addition to buying the ambition model - Make sure you’re getting the s line package - it looks much nicer and you get the interior upgrades with it such as the alcantara seats. Make sure it has the style package for the white headlights. And the nav package too is also not standard. New this car would have been close to $58k with all of these options!

    My point I’m also trying to make is - by the time you spend all of this money on the Quattro a3 - you’re in s3 money. So have a look at them too!

    Good luck and have fun :))

    • rave75 on 15/11/2017 - 10:42
      +1

      alcantara seats are a pain to clean

    • opt on 15/11/2017 - 16:52

      you get the interior upgrades with it such as the alcantara seats

      Alcantara an upgrade? Despite what car makers want you to believe, it’s a cheap material that wears poorly. Cloth seats are far better.

    • foolsgold on 16/11/2017 - 11:47

      this is probably the only comment you should really take note of!

  • DiscoJango on 15/11/2017 - 09:27
    -2

    Guys im thinking of buying a majority share of microsoft. Please advise me why i shouldnt.

    Im also planning on buying a fleet of ferraris too

  • jtc13 on 15/11/2017 - 10:37
    +5

    I was speaking to someone who used to work at BMW the other day and they said it is very tough for the luxury brands now because all the cheapies have caught up and offer all the same features for much less with better warranties. The message was why would you bother to pay so much more any more just for a brand.

  • Squidmcsproggen on 15/11/2017 - 11:23
    +2

    you can buy one now, they same sex vote was a yes

  • Cheapo23 on 15/11/2017 - 12:20
    +2

    If your looking at any VW group cariwould recommend you ensure you have an appropriate warranty.

    The issues with the DSG gearbox are well documented and are expensive to repair/replace. I have had to replaced myself and had to sell my car below Redbook value two years later.

    Also with regards to getting a “real” Audi ie S or R models make sure you researched the defects. Have personal experience with an Audi S4 I can tell you the gearbox can fail after 40,000kms and not all parts are u der warranty and this again can be vetoed if you’ve changed anything in the car includes rims.

    Do your tease arch and make sure you can cover the repair costs before buying an Audi.

    My two cents

  • hell0 on 15/11/2017 - 13:05

    The cost of an Audi is more on the expensive parts and servicing. Even prestige owners have been screwed so your piddly 45k won't buy you much Audi car or respect from Audi. In fact, they hate you much like Westboro Baptist Church.

  • Skramit on 15/11/2017 - 13:28

    Skoda RS now comes with 5 year warranty……. with more kit and power for the same price brand new.

    • BartholemewH on 16/11/2017 - 14:12

      Just don't look at the split headlights for too long or you'll talk yourself out of it.

      • Skramit on 16/11/2017 - 14:34
        +1

        I actually like them now. Took a few looks but they grew on me.

  • Well Wasted on 15/11/2017 - 14:09

    your not in europe anymore.. but we don't make cars here anymore.

  • Yttrium on 15/11/2017 - 14:24
    +1

    Think of yourself, 10 years in the future.

    Would you like to give that person a struggling old car , or a financial investment that has ~doubled in value?

    Buy items that go up in value. Don't buy items that go down in value.

    • Carmen Sandiego on 15/11/2017 - 14:47

      Honestly, by that logic, they shouldn't be buying a car.

      • Yttrium on 15/11/2017 - 19:37
        +1

        it can sometimes be tough to get by with no car

      • Shiny Mew on 16/11/2017 - 14:03

        Every car I've dreamed of buying over the past ten years has actually gone up in value: ER32, ER34, NSX, RX-7 and NA MX-5.

    • Orpheon on 16/11/2017 - 14:30
      +2

      I need me one of those moving houses.

  • rover on 15/11/2017 - 14:31

    If you are a bad driver then do NOT get one! They score very poorly on pedestrian safety.

  • ncmx5 on 15/11/2017 - 16:36
    +2

    I have a MY16 Audi S3. Love it. DSG is responsive, car just punches through the gears and great power response. car is very grippy. Done 30k kms. No issues with anything. Service has been great - i've got corporate servicing.

    Buy what you like - and enjoy it as an experience rather than just a product. It's just like eating at an expensive restaurant - food is just food - but you go out for the experience/event itself. Same goes with driving and owning a car - its the experience of owning - being proud of your achievements, enjoying the driving experience etc.

    Hope that helps.

  • Joxer on 15/11/2017 - 17:21
    +1

    I was looking for a cheap turbo car for a fun daily with less issues.

    Hilariously a 2000 audi A4 Turbo/A6 sedan can be had for about $1,500…whereas I just sold my 1997 WRX STI for $10,000…the resale value alone tells you what a burden these cars are to repair/maintain.

    Unless you're going for an RS3/S3 or something like that then you might be better served with a Golf if you want the same drivetrain and similar build.

  • [Deactivated] on 15/11/2017 - 17:40

    6.8 seconds and a great car, Golf underpinnings is a good thing with a bit of brand cachet and better inclusions on top - honestly it would probably be cheaper than a like for like GTI with fabric seats.

    Just get it mate. Also check the A250 as a comparison.

    BTW - this not a good place to ask about premium cars …. It's all Camrys and tall poppy syndrome round here. As much as Whirlpool sucks at least they can have an intelligent discussion about cars.

    • BartholemewH on 16/11/2017 - 18:56

      I was going to poke fun at the 6.8 seconds to 100, but I deleted it. Lets just say, the A3 isn't an enthusiasts car… Where's the fizz?

      • [Deactivated] on 16/11/2017 - 22:11

        A45 Blat pop pop pop

  • Baa on 15/11/2017 - 17:53

    I had a 2007 Golf GTI and for 6 or 7 years was perfect (aside from guzzling oil and terrible fuel efficiency), at about the 7/8 year mark things starting wrong and became a money sink. I tried to keep the dream alive but kept thinking 'what next' so eventually sold it while I could still get some return on it.

    Even with how things ended I still miss the car and all the fun times.

    I will eventually change back to something more exciting that my current Mazda 3 zzzfest, but likely when I am an old man and am not racking up the km's like I do now.

  • jaimex2 on 15/11/2017 - 19:01

    Wait a year and get a Tesla Model 3.

  • neostarsx on 15/11/2017 - 19:38

    I brought 2009 Audi Q5. Shit transmission, two fault door locks, dead breather valve and timing chain. Nice car but horrible reliability.

  • rinco on 15/11/2017 - 19:59

    If you live close to your work then you don't spend much time in your car. So why spend loads of money on it? Oh because you're poor and live far away. Then maybe you need that status item to compensate. PS: I respect you less for it.

  • chk on 15/11/2017 - 20:09
    +1

    I say just let him/her buy it and learn from him/herself. OP you've already listed a few reasons not to buy one yourself, I dont know how anyone here could talk you out of it.

  • jpee on 15/11/2017 - 20:18

    Don't buy an Aldi, My brother owns a RS4 and the cost of parts are just out of control.

    • Marcsie on 16/11/2017 - 11:55
      +1

      Aldi ? Wow, I didn’t know that Aldi makes car as well ? lol

    • Orpheon on 16/11/2017 - 14:34
      +4

      Going point.

      I also don't want to have to bring my own airbags.

  • djmm on 15/11/2017 - 20:27

    WTF is this? Real men ride horses. Black ones.

    • Orpheon on 16/11/2017 - 14:35

      ~ Jinba-ittai

  • acersaurus on 15/11/2017 - 20:44
    +1

    Buy a Kia cerato instead, 20k. Donate the difference in value to a Syrian refugee charity. You will feel good about it.

  • [Deactivated] on 15/11/2017 - 21:14

    Don't buy an Audi A3, as when your life falls apart it's not big enough to sleep in.

    • Orpheon on 16/11/2017 - 14:36
      +1

      Kombi van here I come.

  • Chewiebacca on 15/11/2017 - 22:26
    +1

    In the process of selling my 2015 Audi S1 atm, simply because I'd rather put the money elsewhere. For me, the novelty wore off very quickly, I have an urge to spend more and get an RS3 and onwards, but the reality is I would rather invest the money.

    I'd say go for it for the experience, but there are no practical benefits (worse warranty, not as reliable, servicing costs more) and honestly with an A3 you wont really be turning heads either, I'd rather put the money towards a used, older, Golf R.

  • Atazoth616 on 15/11/2017 - 23:49

    The car that I drive is an Audi A3. Because of this they are lame.

    That was easy.

  • hedonistic on 15/11/2017 - 23:49

    You'll be joining the exclusive d ickhead Audi drivers club, the membership is your decency.

    There. Buy a BMW/Merc instead, lesser of evils.

    Honestly though, Audis are pretty meh. They're just VW's in fancy clothes. I wouldn't buy an Audi unless it's one of the substantial or unique models (TT, R8, A8, Q7)

  • Dogfight on 15/11/2017 - 23:54

    your money, your choice, whatever you get doesn't affect anyone else and nobody cares.
    just get whatever YOU want, you're the one driving it.

  • pyccotypucto on 16/11/2017 - 08:22

    Audis are expensive VW with a different badge. (SEAT/Skoda/VW/Audi)

    Save up on ozbargain over the years and buy GLC - from personal experience. (I can fault it though, it does not have Apple CarPlay and/or Android Drive, WTH?)

  • cheatGPT on 16/11/2017 - 08:59
    -1

    Buy an A4.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/11/2017 - 12:05
    +2

    Here's my personal opinion….absolutely 100% do not buy one. Everyone seems to believe that since it's an Audi it's worth more than it should be. For what's meant to be a luxury car they are so very basic and uninspiring on the inside (A3) unsure about other models.

    There's so many nicer cars with leather interiors, better features, sleeker looks etc etc. You're buying bottom of the range, whereas for the same price you could be buying mid/top range of a different brand vehicle. Mechanically never had any problems, it's just the inside and some lack of features that annoy me personally.

    Just my opinion. Best of luck.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/11/2017 - 13:35

    Don't buy an Audi because they're part of VAG group.

    1. Poor reliability
    2. High servicing costs
    3. Questionable corporate ethics (diesel gate)
  • illidan on 16/11/2017 - 13:44
    +1

    I know it's not an Audi but I can share my experience on my BMW

    I bought the 2010 BMW 120i Convertible (so not a "true" bmw) about 2&1/2 years ago on 11000kms and have driven to 80000kms so far.

    Few pointers:
    I don't go to BMW for servicing so costs me $267 each servicing at Autowerks (I love those guys. Only services BMW & Mini Coopers though).
    It doesn't require as frequent servicing as a japanese car. And gets rid of engine oil automatically, so you need to fill it up time to time, which is very easy and assuring.
    I was recently told to change my brake (rotos/pads) - my first time. Then again I drive mostly on M1 and brake after cruise - not on the spot.
    Replacing any parts can be costly (like my third brake light that broke - $300++)
    They give you less bang for buck on bells and whistles….(I don't have BT music streaming only telephony!)
    Any option you get when buying is pretty much what you'll be driving. Retrofitting anything is formidably expensive.
    If you are good with buying parts from online and have mechanic friends (I don't), you can save heaps. The RRPs in Oz market is awesomely bad!
    D mode on my car is shit. DS mode on the other hand gives me quite a thrill, nothing like my previous Ford Fairmont Ghia V6 though.
    Everytime I get that roof off and cruise on freeway to anywhere it puts a smile on my face. I guess after everything, that's what counts.

    do NOT forget to do a PPI before purchasing a pre-owned german. will cost you around $400 but can save you $$$$ later.

    Just my two cents!

    • BartholemewH on 16/11/2017 - 14:24

      *Fairmont Ghia I6, not V6.

      • illidan on 16/11/2017 - 22:11

        You're correct. Missed with the typing flow… :)

    • mini2 on 17/11/2017 - 08:24
      +1

      Get rid of engine oil automatically…..wait, it burns oil or has it simply became sludge as a result of the long service interval?

      • illidan on 21/11/2017 - 11:53

        It burns oil.

    • OzzyOzbourne on 17/11/2017 - 14:42
      +1

      Huh… It's assuring that it loses engine oil?!

      • illidan on 21/11/2017 - 11:54

        From Internet:
        "BMW vehicles have long intervals between oil changes (10,000 miles). BMW engines (excluding the BMW M) may consume up to one quart of engine oil per 750 miles under certain driving conditions."

        What I meant by re-assuring was in a twisted way, the engine is always filled with new batch of oil after a certain period. Even if you are delaying your servicing for whatever reason.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/11/2017 - 13:55

    A3 is a paper size that's very big and unpractical, car may relate dunno.

    If you're that desperate to convince yourself not to buy it that you're posting here asking us to convince you, you probably shouldn't even be considering it lol

    • Orpheon on 16/11/2017 - 14:41

      If I cut an Audi A3 in half do I get two A4s?

      In all seriousness, when you're head over heels for a car getting some realistic feedback on some of the potential issues behind brand, quality, servicing costs, depreciation and experience can be sobering.

  • Apue on 16/11/2017 - 14:53

    OP should know what answers you would get in Ozbargain.
    From ozbargain's feedback, VAG and Audi should have already bankrupted and vanished from the market although VAG has become the world largest auto company in 2017.

  • Make it so on 16/11/2017 - 16:13

    For the same price you could probably buy a very nice Subaru Impreza or Liberty, brand new. Those are made in Japan, and they have AWD as standard. If you buy it during a promotional period, you get 3+2 years warranty. Free trade agreement with Japan makes these cars good value.
    I am not convinced a used Audi is much better in any regard. I'm from Europe, and the "prestige reputation" which some European brands have overseas baffles me.

  • djmm on 16/11/2017 - 17:37

    I thought vag was a naughty word…

    • MishyMoo on 16/11/2017 - 18:32

      Not if you're a girl 👧

    • OzzyOzbourne on 17/11/2017 - 14:45

      You're thinking Volkswagen Audi Junk

  • djmm on 16/11/2017 - 17:47

    OP tell us how much the Audi S3 you plan to buy and we can tell you much better alternative for car.

  • brenwildman on 16/11/2017 - 18:03

    A friend bought a year old one for around $30k-ish. It almost made the trip back from Syd to Mel before springing a radiator leak.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 16/11/2017 - 18:20

    A4 is better

  • MishyMoo on 16/11/2017 - 18:36
    +1

    Spare parts on Eu cars are bloated due to the 'prestigious' nature of the car (and the attitude that you're made of money if you own one in Au). Maybe a difficult part would have to be imported, and Audi becomes a driveway ornament for a few weeks.

    Did that work?

    (I used to own a Citroën, and had those issues. Beautiful car though, so I understand if you must have it… sometimes owning it is the only thing that will scratch that itch).
    Good luck with your decision.
    Let us know the outcome 😊

    • Orpheon on 17/11/2017 - 20:27
      +1

      Maybe it did work, there's definitely a part of me that is financially reckless - I'd like to think that's not the part making the final decision!

      Thank you for your 2 cents, will update on the outcome.

  • itsdougie on 16/11/2017 - 22:33
    +1

    My mother has a $60k Audi A4 and i wished she bought a corolla for $20k instead.
    In 10 years time the Audi A4 will be worth $5k and the corolla will still be worth $10k
    The interior of a current model A4 is like a Golf, dated.

  • mini2 on 17/11/2017 - 08:23

    If you want one, go get one because YOLO.

  • Cluster on 17/11/2017 - 14:27

    It's quite a common thing to read on automotive forums 'Sell the Audi/VW/BMW/etc before the warranty runs out'. The problem with that is everyone else reads those comments too, and knows to beware of German cars being sold in or just outside of the warranty period. You're also going to experience horrendous depreciation, and if anything serious goes wrong with the car you'll get snide comments that you didn't buy a "real" Audi/VW/BMW/etc.

    I sold my Mercedes A160 6 months out of warranty as the car was a lemon. I could see the expensive writing on the wall. Never again.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 17/11/2017 - 14:40

    Spare parts

    Renault Australia add another zero to UK prices, which are already inflated above EU prices.

    I expect Audi Australia do the same.

  • soupkitchen on 17/11/2017 - 16:42

    Definitely get a Hyundai i30 or Toyota Camry. Whoops I may have just convinced you to get the Audi after all.

  • shortshorts on 17/11/2017 - 18:34

    Do not buy an audi! I repeat do NOT buy an Audi. I recently sold my Audi and am so glad I did so. Just after the warranty had expired it had continual and multiple problems. In no particular order, S-tronic transmission failure ($8000), Magnetic ride shock absorbers leaking ($4000), Fuel pump broken ($1000), Drivers seat window motor broken ($400)… the list goes on and on. For almost all the problems, the authorised dealers (Penfold Audi) were very unhelpful.

    DO NOT BUY AN AUDI! You'll thank me later!

  • Plug on 17/11/2017 - 19:48

    Audi used slave jewish labour. There's a reason, if you really want one.

    • Orpheon on 17/11/2017 - 20:24

      Hugo Boss as well if I recall correctly.

      Surreal to think that they're still in business.

  • elf888 on 21/11/2017 - 15:05

    I'd got a 2012 A4 TDI as new, beside few problem (water pump and electrical) during the 4 years ownership,it goes great and definitely love it! I will recommend it over the A3 for both inside and outside!
    Just 1 year after the Warranty, few dashboard lights light up occasionally, I trade it quickly before paying extra.
    Recommended only if you happy
    1. to pay for high service cost over 1.2k each at the sydney audi centre for 1st, 2nd year and the 3rd year was over 3.3k (inclduing break change)
    2. changed Tyre for $250 each (not at Audi)
    3. find your own service centre.
    4. the trade in price is only 1/3 of what i paid at 2012……

  • Hackney on 18/09/2020 - 10:54

    How “friendly” are you with your local bank manager?

  • TransportPosters on 21/09/2020 - 09:27

    So OP, what did you end up buying?

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