2005-2010 A3 Sportback Purchase Advise - Which engine

[XMT]

HI All,

Looking to change the family car (currently a crap pug 308). I used to have an A3 sportback back in 2006 and thought it was a great car.

Looking to get a used one but I am really confused which engine to go for - Ideally i would like one of the derv engines but if they if the have common issues that can go kaboom then i can just get a small petrol.

Do around 15k a year and motorway miles is half of that.

I have seen the 1.9 tdi is generally reliable and the 1.6 engine. Can anyone shed light on the others available. seems to be a whole host of engines available: 2.0 tdi, 1.6 tdi, 1.4 TFSI etc. my head hurts.

[anonymous-user]

I had the 2.0Tfsi, was an excellent car to be honest, never had any problems

[va1o]

Best petrol is the 2.0 TFSI and best diesel is the 2.0 TDI CR. Wouldn't bother with the 1.6 petrol or 1.9 TDI as they are both quite old and underpowered. The smaller TFSI units (1.2 and 1.4) drive nicely and are economical but seem prone to timing chain issues.

[benjijames28]

I have a 1.8 TFSI for sale, I would say I've had a few issues but they have all been regular maintenance items, I moaned about paying for them tho.

Pm me if you want to know anything about these cars, I've become a bit of an expert over the past 6 months.

[XMT]

Thanks for the reply guys.
The main thing I am looking for from the car is economy and reliability.
I have a 335i for fun.

This is mainly for my wife and I to use as a family car with our two young kids.

I'd be happy with the 2.0 tdi but I heard it has issues with the oil pump which literally makes the engine eat its insides out lol

[benjijames28]

XMT said:

Thanks for the reply guys.
The main thing I am looking for from the car is economy and reliability.
I have a 335i for fun.

This is mainly for my wife and I to use as a family car with our two young kids.

I'd be happy with the 2.0 tdi but I heard it has issues with the oil pump which literally makes the engine eat its insides out lol

All these engines have some weaknesses. Your petrol ones are all likely to return over 30mpg.

What you should buy really depends on the length of your trips. I would like Diesel but most of my journeys are under ten miles long.

If i was running a TDI then I think I would have nothing but issues.