A3 3.2 Quattro... speculative buy!

[davy9449]

Was looking for something for the missus as she would like a 4WD (particularly with the recent Arctic conditions and hitting a kerb twice last week!!) and have been looking at all sorts, Freelanders, A4 Quattro diesels, then I came across an A3 Quattro 3.2 V6, this one in particular has all the toys I think, and I thought, perhaps I can give her the A6 (we have a 2.5 qtro diesel) and I'll have that. Only think is, what are running costs like. I haven't run a thirsty petrol motor since my 944 some years ago and I sometimes do 300 miles a week, mostly mway but some fun roads too.

Anybody got one who can let me know how much I can expect to spend?

Also, do they sound nice inside the cab - can you hear the V6?

Cheers

[ol]

Same engine etc as the mkV Golf R32 I believe. Can get 30mpg on a longer run, but around 10-15mpg when really pressing on. I've averaged about 23mpg. I do circa 50-60,000 miles a year, and just accepted that I'm going to spend more on fuel but have a car that makes me smile every day.

Exhaust sounds fantastic, don't know if it's the same on the A3, but doing the 'flapper mod' to the exhaust makes it sound louder and burble more. If this isn't enough get a Miltek!

4wd is the haldex system, and in my opinion has been fantastic. If you get the option for DSG go for it - it's really good.

Edited by ol on Monday 11th January 14:32

[catso]

I have an A3 3.2 DSG and would echo the comments re the R32 above, MPG average at 23, don't think I've ever quite got 30 from it though.

[heightswitch]

i have a 2.0 tdi a3 quattro and a 2.0 TDi 2wd A4 avant.

The A3 is noticably more harsh than the A4 with a harsher ride and less insulated from road noise etc.
the A3 quattro diesel in 140hp trim returns about 45mpg on the trip. a 170 diesel A3 quattro may be a better bet longer term bet than the 3.2. you may however just like the idea of a more raspy sporty car.

the A4 has a nicer (proper) quattro driveline than the A3 which is the VW derived haldex system.

The 3.2 is cheaper to buy second hand than the Tdi Quattro for the obvious reason of fuel economy.

There all good though. their isn't such a thing as a bad Audi as cars go. A good 170 chipped a3 in my opinion won't be far behind a 3.2 and will have noticable less visits to the pumps especially considering your commute.

N.

Edited by heightswitch on Monday 11th January 19:17

[Workshy Fop]

I was caught on video saying it was a good car for the missus to drive fast. That was seconds before I spun the 350z I was driving! Ahem. Was on a track though.
Anyway.. it's rock solid in the wet, high winds etc, but it's crap in the snow. The 4wd will get you going but the hair-tigger brakes and big tyres don't help. Winter tyres would sort it, but would sort any car. I too got 23mpg average, the ride is harsh, interior's great. Very solid car. Must be great value now but I don't think I'd have another one. Have a Golf GTI now which I much prefer. It's lighter on its feet, comfier and does another 100 miles per tank.

[davy9449]

Thanks for the feedback guys, definitely given me food for thought. With having the A6 and being a diesel, I fancy a nice throaty petrol, but 23 mpg, Ouch! Thought it might have been higher 20's! Nevertheless, I'll have a look around a bit further afield I think. Would consider a golg, albeit a newer shape Mk XI, but I think I'm Audi set if I'm honest.

Appreciate the feedback chaps,

Cheers,

Dave

[ol]

You can get up to 30mpg if you just tickle it, but as soon as you start to have some fun it drops fairly heavily.

I got an average of 25mpg today, over 150 miles of country roads and a bit of motorway, mostly driving sensibly then having a little blast on the way home.

[therealpigdog]

I'm getting an average of 24 out of my 3.2 TT - mainly used for a 10 mile commute. Managed 30mpg once on a motorway trip but was driving like a granny.

[davy9449]

:-)

I only average about 36-37 in my A6 and that's a derv!!!