Audi Guys - A3 info request

[James]

Well, the lady and I are in the market for a car to replace the Jetta and after narrowing down our options I think we've decided on an A3. As some of you know, my jetta has been pissing me off lately (little mechanical issues mostly, but the headaches just arent worth it) so this is likely to happen in the next few weeks.

First - Id like some audi resources...audiworld forums are so hard to read that i dont even bother and vortex audi forums are..well..the vortex.

I really want quattro, but i dont want the 3.2 OR dsg...not an option for this MY, but does anyone know if its coming for the 2.0t?

I really want the S-Line package, but that only comes with the 3.2 DSG quattro version...from what Ive read, you can get S-line on a 2.0t now, anyone know?

Sport seats: Is it worth the upgrade? 9 times out of 10 it is, but if anyone has pictures or soemthing Id love to see them.

Audi Maintenance stuff: I read this is discontinued for '07 but you can pay an additional $500 to get the 3 year basic maintenance paid for...is this right? Liquid, you'd probably be the guy to answer this Im guessing

and, finally, Thoughts?
Seeing as I want a 2.0t, quattro, and S-Line it almost seems I should go with an a4 or a4 avant (when compared to the 3.2 dsg sline A3, the price difference much) but im not ready for a wagon yet and Id like to have a hatch for the dog..

at this point, im looking at a grey a3 2.0t w/ sport package, open sky sunroof and the bi-xenons...hawt



I'm test driving the quattro 3.2 w/ DSG and a 2.0t 6spd this weekend, so I'll post up what comes out of that on Sunday

[R_Ethug]

Re: Audi Guys - A3 info request

nice james.. the new A4s are nice but slow as ass even with the 2.0t if you were looking at that..

dunno if the 2.0ts are getting quattro or not.. seems like it should since its the same chassis as the new R32/36/whatevs but who knows

when you go to glenmore get matt mcleod.. he's a cool salesguy..

[Khyron]

Re: Audi Guys - A3 info request

How come the new GTI got veto'ed? Getting good reviews in all areas including reliability (as far as being european anyway).

Khyron

[James]

Re: Audi Guys - A3 info request

well, id go for a new GTI personally (5 door) but like I said, its for me and the lady, and after the troubles with the jetta she is hesitant to get another dub

its basically the same thing for less dough, but that open sky sunroof dealy is so cool

[RSS]

Re: Audi Guys - A3 info request

Go back to Audiworld on the canadian Forum and page afretes he works at a dealership in ontario but he could help you out with all your info.

I dont believe the 2.0 is coming with quattro anytime soon.

You may want to start looking at buying from the US and shipping it up and save yourself a couple grand escpecially in alberta.

[James]

Re: Audi Guys - A3 info request

You may want to start looking at buying from the US and shipping it up and save yourself a couple grand escpecially in alberta.

interesting...any info on this? I guess with the dollar being at ~90cents US its possible


edit: wow...built one on audi.com

29,460.00 USD = 32,543.78 CAD

on audi canada, same config = 39,200 CAD

[RSS]

Re: Audi Guys - A3 info request

One other thing I forgot to mention is if you dont like the little mechanical issues with your VW. You will love the more expensive mechanical issues that come with an Audi.

[liquid]

Re: Audi Guys - A3 info request

interesting...any info on this? I guess with the dollar being at ~90cents US its possible

I've had mine for almost 2 weeks and love it. Mine is fairly basic: Lava Grey, 6sp with Black Leather Interior, and the only options being the sports package (which includes the sports seats and the open sky system). I didn't buy mine brand new, so it's not exactly how I wanted it, but close enough.

Overall I'm very impressed with the build quality, and the sound system. Obviously the engine is well known, but the suspension is fairly tight as well.

If you have any specific questions, let me know.

[James]

Re: Audi Guys - A3 info request

ya, well at least the audi will have ful warranty, and will be leased....my jetta has no warranty and is owned...and in all honesty, its not the same thing

I'll be test driving a gti as well this weekend, for 6k less I'm hoping I can convince the gf a 5 door gti is the way to go, either way, id be happy with the a3

[RSS]

Re: Audi Guys - A3 info request

They changed the warranty for Audi over the last year it doesnt cover a bunch of stuff anymore you may want to look into it.

I have heard a couple guys go with the GTI over the A3 its the same car but the GTI seems to handle better and cost a couple thou less.

A guy in Calgary sold his S4 and went with a GTI as its replacement instead of the A3.

[Tuna]

Re: Audi Guys - A3 info request

ya, well at least the audi will have ful warranty, and will be leased....my jetta has no warranty and is owned...and in all honesty, its not the same thing

I'll be test driving a gti as well this weekend, for 6k less I'm hoping I can convince the gf a 5 door gti is the way to go, either way, id be happy with the a3

What killed it for me was the lease rate with audi 5.8%, VW's was 3.91 and if you had a currently registered vw you got a 1% reduction on that. So it may only seem like a few thousand less for a gti, wait till you actually get them to break it into payments. You will be shocked and horrified. The lease rates may have changed from a couple months ago so don't use the exact numbers. what is stupid though is the A4 had a 4.2% rate. The problem with the a4 is optioning. If you want a steering wheel you have to add sport package but not have the convienience package, if you want seats you have to add xenon headlights but take out the stereo, spark plugs?? forget about it unless you add the 3.2 with quattro, it's not that bad but you get the idea.

I like the A3 and like I said several times, that's the car we had picked out but at the end of the day the pricing was very uncompetetive.

Also, after having the volvo for a while and going for a few spirited runs in a Saab i'm starting to see there's really a lot more than VAG out there for not much more money or even less. And honestly, in the power department they are getting killed by the competition, especially in the lower lines (A3, A4) add quattro and you have a fat pig.

Sorry, I really like the A3 I guess i'm just a little less brain washed than I used to be.

[The_Stig]

Re: Audi Guys - A3 info request

MY dad just bought a A4 quatro 2.0T fully loaded and nav pack, sport pack and the whole sha bang. He loves it, iv driven it a few times and its a real beauty for sure!

[Boy Racer]

Re: Audi Guys - A3 info request

Almost a carbon copy of my experience... At one point I had my heart set on A4 + full ABT kit, I just couldnt configure the Audi I wanted for a decent price. I got exactly what I wanted on the Saab with .5% lease rate, reasonable trade in, super flexible dealer (loved the fact that I brought it to them with some H&R suspension, all wanted to know what wheels were going on it), good amount off MSRP, decent potential for the engine (250HP at only 9psi ), good suspension and chassis (albeit let down in stock trim by truly awful continental 'touring' tires). yeah yeah I know, its a GM but then so is a VX220.

What killed it for me was the lease rate with audi 5.8%, VW's was 3.91 and if you had a currently registered vw you got a 1% reduction on that. So it may only seem like a few thousand less for a gti, wait till you actually get them to break it into payments. You will be shocked and horrified. The lease rates may have changed from a couple months ago so don't use the exact numbers. what is stupid though is the A4 had a 4.2% rate. The problem with the a4 is optioning. If you want a steering wheel you have to add sport package but not have the convienience package, if you want seats you have to add xenon headlights but take out the stereo, spark plugs?? forget about it unless you add the 3.2 with quattro, it's not that bad but you get the idea.

I like the A3 and like I said several times, that's the car we had picked out but at the end of the day the pricing was very uncompetetive.

Also, after having the volvo for a while and going for a few spirited runs in a Saab i'm starting to see there's really a lot more than VAG out there for not much more money or even less. And honestly, in the power department they are getting killed by the competition, especially in the lower lines (A3, A4) add quattro and you have a fat pig.

Sorry, I really like the A3 I guess i'm just a little less brain washed than I used to be.

[Volinder D]

Re: Audi Guys - A3 info request

I keep hearing all this talk about lease rates. While lease rates are important it isn't by anymeans the most important number. The residual value is. I have like a 6.8% lease rate on my car, however my residual value is wayyyy higher than most cars (62% on a 3 year lease) My car that is approx. $55 k was a cheaper lease than an $50 000 american car with a lower lease rate even. Don't believe me, just phone around and see for yourself.

[James]

Re: Audi Guys - A3 info request

huh, didnt realize their rates were that far off...BMW rates are cheaper! lol.

Well, I'll let the test drives speak for themselves but 2.9% rate from vw makes that a LOT more tempting

edit : Ya Vol, I realize that, but it does make a significant difference in your monthly..Ideally the residual is as high as possible because theres no chance in hell of me buynig a car off lease, BMW does really well keeping the residuals high, and even better if you go with the low KM option (not possible for me unfortunatly)