Reasons not to choose an Audi Q3

[Benjamyn999]

I have had my Q3 from new and hated almost every minute. Some things I should have known or spotted at the purchase stage so "bigger fool me". But there is no need for you to follow.

1. It is neither one thing nor another. It's too small for four to travel in comfort, too big to drive alone in town.
2. The wind noise reminds me of my MGB of the 1970s.
3. The auto box is fine as gears change up, but lurches horribly on downward changes. I do it more smoothly with the paddles.
4. Every cubby hole is the wrong size. The drinks holder is too big for a standard Costa type cup,
5. The iPhone connector cable is too short so the phone dangles.
6. The sat nav, media etc screen controls are designed for use when the car is stationary by someone with the dexterity of a diamond polisher. I am as likely to get Radio Mongolia as pick a destination postcode.
7. The auto lights come on only when it is exceptionally dark. Mostly have to switch on manually which isn't a problem. But I shouldn't have to.
8. Boot shelf keeps falling off. The shelf is a two piece affair designed by a three year old. One part sits in place by gravity whilst the other is attached to the boot lid with flimsy clips. It is therefore often not attached at all.
9. Fuel filler flap does not sit flush with the bodywork. Not just on mine but most. And the dealer can't fix this.
10. The dealer. See 9 above. Also can't fix fault with electric windows. Rarely answers phone. Claims they are doing me a favour by letting them service the vehicle. Always finds things to do not covered on warranty. Claims not authorised to fix the emissions problem (yes, it's one of the E189 engines). Dealer accuses me of tampering with it.

I think I could spin this to a top twenty. But I won't, 'cos I'm a nice guy really.

[benjijames28]

Sounds like a overall bad experience. These dealers are not interested in problems, only profits.

As for the car itself, I've lost all faith in the VW group, having recently bought my first Audi, only an A3 but it was a big thing for me, I can safely say I won't be going there again, in fact if i could get a decent price on my motor I would be chopping it now. Sadly not an option, I paid top money from it from a dealer, turned out it was no where near as good as initial impressions indicated, I've since spent about a grand on it, and no doubt it will need more.

In your case, if you bought it and didn't lease it then i would suggest you fight the dealer tooth and nail, go to Audi UK, go to trading standards, BBC watchdog... Anything, even if it's just to make yourself feel better.

Oh and don't buy a VW again. I don't think I will. The reputation they have is misleading

Edited by benjijames28 on Friday 28th October 08:10

[djc206]

Sounds fking awful. I will say you can adjust the sensitivity of the auto lights on my Audi I think

[FunkyNige]

I test drove one for a day as a possible replacement for my girlfriend's A1 (she thinks they look nice) when my A3 was at the dealers.
Size seemed fine for what it is - was small enough to be easy to park, but there was no way you would want 4 adults in there, same is in the regular A3. Boot is tiny.
I agree with the interior - it's the 'lots of tiny buttons' from the A1 which I really don't like, if it had the minimalist A3 interior it would've been a lot nicer.
I liked the driving position but all the other negatives means she won't be getting one, and it's off the list for my next car too...