A3 TDI anything to look out for
Discussion
i've got the 1.9 TDi (130) sport. had it from new 2003 (last of the old shape) and it has 65k on it now. not missed a beat. very economical ,pulls well enough if need be ( 
). drive it fairly sedately - average for 4 yrs is 52.4 mpg (550-600miles on 50l tank). am 20k into 2nd set of tyres, still on original pads and discs. coming up to 4th service.
only had a few little electrical probs - soft touch boot opener failed, indicator relay packed up (both after 2.5 yrs ) and door open sensor in drivers door now intermittent.
can't comment on the 2.0 170 bhp, but it must fly
drive it and see for yourself. i think they're built very well and are reliable.
ETA - the drive/build quality will be comparable to the golf. the quattro and a/c are the 2 options i wish i had. trying to pull off quickly, esp in wet, you'll need quattro more than i do.
). drive it fairly sedately - average for 4 yrs is 52.4 mpg (550-600miles on 50l tank). am 20k into 2nd set of tyres, still on original pads and discs. coming up to 4th service.only had a few little electrical probs - soft touch boot opener failed, indicator relay packed up (both after 2.5 yrs ) and door open sensor in drivers door now intermittent.
can't comment on the 2.0 170 bhp, but it must fly
drive it and see for yourself. i think they're built very well and are reliable.ETA - the drive/build quality will be comparable to the golf. the quattro and a/c are the 2 options i wish i had. trying to pull off quickly, esp in wet, you'll need quattro more than i do.
Edited by SpydieNut on Thursday 12th July 17:23
Listen for wheel bearings, had a front one go on the wife's 2004 A3 2.0TDI with only 8000 miles, the look of the mechanic and swiftness of the warranty repair imply it wasn't the first... Other than that a solid car - the right wheels do make it though, in my opinion there where some bad ones offered as standard.
I have owned a 1.9 tdi A3 for three years and am shortly getting my second; the 2.0 170 bhp sport in phantom black. The 1.9 tdi has been a great car - gave it a thrashing last night along some country roads - it handles brilliantly still at some pretty high speeds . The 170 should be a marked improvement power wise; my only criticism of the 1.9 was the lack of grunt, this should fix it! Test drove a 1 series with the 178bhp engine - great car for both ride and handling plus a very quiet refined diesel but sorry the A3 has it in the looks dept hence my decision to go for another. I suppose my only concern is whether the A3 can handle that much power - not so much once up to speed but in accelerating out of corners - I do expect it to understeer and possibly torque steer? I will let you know how it goes when I pick it up in a couple of months!
. The 170 should be a marked improvement power wise; my only criticism of the 1.9 was the lack of grunt, this should fix it! Test drove a 1 series with the 178bhp engine - great car for both ride and handling plus a very quiet refined diesel but sorry the A3 has it in the looks dept hence my decision to go for another. I suppose my only concern is whether the A3 can handle that much power - not so much once up to speed but in accelerating out of corners - I do expect it to understeer and possibly torque steer? I will let you know how it goes when I pick it up in a couple of months!TJPM said:
I suppose my only concern is whether the A3 can handle that much power - not so much once up to speed but in accelerating out of corners - I do expect it to understeer and possibly torque steer? I will let you know how it goes when I pick it up in a couple of months!
Shouldn't do - I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!TJPM said:
I have owned a 1.9 tdi A3 for three years and am shortly getting my second; the 2.0 170 bhp sport in phantom black. The 1.9 tdi has been a great car - gave it a thrashing last night along some country roads - it handles brilliantly still at some pretty high speeds . The 170 should be a marked improvement power wise; my only criticism of the 1.9 was the lack of grunt, this should fix it! Test drove a 1 series with the 178bhp engine - great car for both ride and handling plus a very quiet refined diesel but sorry the A3 has it in the looks dept hence my decision to go for another. I suppose my only concern is whether the A3 can handle that much power - not so much once up to speed but in accelerating out of corners - I do expect it to understeer and possibly torque steer? I will let you know how it goes when I pick it up in a couple of months!
. The 170 should be a marked improvement power wise; my only criticism of the 1.9 was the lack of grunt, this should fix it! Test drove a 1 series with the 178bhp engine - great car for both ride and handling plus a very quiet refined diesel but sorry the A3 has it in the looks dept hence my decision to go for another. I suppose my only concern is whether the A3 can handle that much power - not so much once up to speed but in accelerating out of corners - I do expect it to understeer and possibly torque steer? I will let you know how it goes when I pick it up in a couple of months!
hope it's got quattro
Lagerlout said:
Mate has had three major engine problems on his 170 and finally after much hassling had the entire car replaced by Audi UK. Turbo went twice, then it needed a new engine.. Prob. just an isolated incident!!
Certainly we've not had any user complaints about any we've sold.So I would say you've just been very unlucky.
Going back one position on the thread, lack of quattro will not be an issue. If you were driving on snow 6 months of the year maybe, but not in general in britain.
Hope you enjoy it.
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