Convince Me Not to Buy an Audi A3

LOrpheon on 13/11/2017 - 11:02
Last edited 13/11/2017 - 11:45 by 1 other user

Looking to buy an Audi A3 Quattro 2016 second-hand, I've no doubts about the actual vehicle yet am unsure about Audi and the whole luxury car scene as a whole.

Seeking any Audi horror stories or generally negative experience dealing with Audi dealers/servicers/cars themselves in or around Victoria that may have resulted in ex-Audi owners going elsewhere.

I was already told by the dealer that the Audi Care Plan (free serving upto 45,000km or first three years) was non-transferable between different owners, despite the official Audi T&Cs explicitly stating that the Plan was tied to the vehicle VIN and not the owner.

Talk me out of getting an Audi!

Automotive

Comments

  • GetOffMyUnicorn on 13/11/2017 - 11:07
    +124

    Don't buy an Audi, there, all done.

    • jsb on 13/11/2017 - 13:14
      +6

      @GetOffMyUnicorn. He said talk, not chat. Now, get off your unicorn and call him

      • Orpheon on 13/11/2017 - 13:28
        +20

        No wait, he's got a point.

      • D6C1 on 15/11/2017 - 08:41
        +3

        Which part of the unicorn is he/she on?

        • GetOffMyUnicorn on 15/11/2017 - 18:20

          I see what you did there;)

        • Kangal on 17/11/2017 - 18:21

          @GetOffMyUnicorn:

          So he's "getting off"… from your stallion ; )

          And in other news, gross.

  • Halo375 on 13/11/2017 - 11:09
    +12

    If you like the car and have the money to waste then go for it - you're at least not buying brand new, but understand it will likely cost you double if (when) something goes wrong with it. Sometimes we all have to make a mistake to learn something.

  • Diji1 on 13/11/2017 - 11:17
    +9

    People will think you're a banker.

    • JIMB0 on 13/11/2017 - 11:19
      +157

      With a capital W.

    • [Deactivated] on 13/11/2017 - 11:23
      +17

      Not in an A3 they wont. They'll think they're driving a Golf. Which they are.

    • tighterarse on 13/11/2017 - 11:24
      +32

      … a banker with a high-yield investment.

      • h4zey on 14/11/2017 - 11:56
        +51

        here we go again…

        • giventofly on 16/11/2017 - 11:26

          For anyone wondering… I still remember this thread. Is that the most down voted comment ever?

          https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/273269

        • h4zey on 16/11/2017 - 12:04
          +8

          I can't believe I earn popular comment badge with this comment..
          i don't know what to say, I want to thank my dog who is no longer with me, my boss who let me post this comment using work computer and fellow ozbargains who has taken their time to vote up this comment. I wouldn't be here without you guys :)

        • pennypincher98 on 24/11/2017 - 07:51

          @rorymeister: Bit late but oh well. I think this beats it in terms of down votes.
          https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/323064

    • Apue on 14/11/2017 - 13:33
      -1

      What will people think if I drive a new Porshe?

      • Charity on 14/11/2017 - 16:06
        +5

        Porshe?… They will be cringing and think you are an acne-riddled 16 year old fantasizing about getting their licence

        Porsche is a higher yielding investment

      • Yummy on 14/11/2017 - 17:19

        Must be woman driver.

      • GetOffMyUnicorn on 14/11/2017 - 19:03
        +4

        @Charity

        They would ask to 'C' it.

        • [Deactivated] on 17/11/2017 - 07:06
          +2

          Every time I drive past one, I notice there is always a C in a Porsche.

      • fwdcelica on 21/11/2017 - 08:08

        small man tool?

  • TheBilly on 13/11/2017 - 11:26
    +66

    If you're going to buy an Audi - Buy a proper Audi. Like an RS3, RS4, S4, S5, RS5. I don't know how much an A3 Quattro is, but why buy something up market to be just plain Jane. There are many "plain" options that are better, without the financial hurt (Japanese and Korean Cars). If you want to get shafted get shafted properly on an RS or S line.

    • Orpheon on 13/11/2017 - 12:27
      +6

      This is good, real good. MN

      Definitely not a banker, yet my colleagues are wondering why I'm chuckling.

    • inittobinit on 14/11/2017 - 11:42
      +43

      I have to agree.

      Without even knowing what exact price they are or even compared to the competition, all i know is that having driven my girlfriend's 2011 A3 for a year is that its just an average car that doesn't scream out any kind of specialties.

      For mine i just feel luxury car manufacturers do what they do best with their top of the line offerings and simply offer your (relatively) poverty spec'd alternatives like your A3, 318, C180 etc to the people who are deep in automotive marketing and social status limbo, but shallow in money and sense.

      These low end cars share nothing more than a badge with their ACTUAL luxury model siblings.

      You need to really ask yourself why you're looking at an audi in the first place.

      You're far from alone, but i'd hazard a guess that its partly (or mostly) because you want that sense of gratification and social status derived from driving a luxury branded car, but the sobering reality is you're no different from the i30, corolla and Mazda 3 drivers on the road apart from the larger than necessary hole in your wallet.

    • benbarren on 15/11/2017 - 09:26
      +2

      agreed or at least buy a M2 Pure or a Focus RS or Stinger GT/S….

      • fwdcelica on 21/11/2017 - 08:10

        don't buy a FORD

    • AngusD on 15/11/2017 - 09:28
      +3

      ^^^^^
      This guy gets it.

      If you're just after a sensible sort of hatch, a Japanese one will be cheaper to buy and cheaper to own, and probably more reliable.

      The only way I'd be considering a Euro car would be if I could afford one of the proper luxury / performance models. If you're looking at the bottom of the range you might as well go with the Japanese ones.

    • gezza90 on 15/11/2017 - 12:46
      +1

      Agreed with this guy here.
      You can get an 07 manual rs4 for around $40-50k. Twice as much fun and less depreciation. Manual European performance cars are becoming a rare and dying breed so it's likely to appreciate or hold it's value.

    • gezza90 on 05/02/2018 - 14:19

      Edit: just noticed I already posted.

      disregard post.

  • Chubbsmcfatflabs on 13/11/2017 - 11:38
    +34

    buy a Skoda, its cheaper and has a lot of common parts from both Audi and VW. Just a different badge.

    • Ridiculous Panda on 13/11/2017 - 12:48
      +14

      Well, most people who buy luxury cars mainly do it for the badge!

      • D6C1 on 15/11/2017 - 08:44
        +13

        Buy a badge from eBay and screw it on the car

        • OzBrogains on 16/11/2017 - 00:28
          +10

          Don't forget Cashrewards

        • Kangal on 17/11/2017 - 18:23
          +1

          You win this thread !!

        • Minimum chips on 21/11/2017 - 01:55

          Doesn't even have to be real. My brother used to drive a 1996 Jaguar Corolla.

      • reon on 15/11/2017 - 20:59
        -2

        This is totally wrong.
        For example panel and deadener quality by bmw is crazily better than toyota or nissan.

    • AlexD on 13/11/2017 - 13:28
      +13

      This. An Octavia vRS is pretty similar money, with a better warranty and more kit!

      • StealOrNoDeal on 14/11/2017 - 12:40
        +6

        I couldn't agree more. I purchased a secondhand 1.8 A3 over an ex demo RS as it was $10k less. 6 months later I sold the A3 and bought a secondhand RS wagon, great car couldn't recommend it highly enough so much space, especially for a family/dog owner. Can't fault the A3's interior though, really nice place to be. Also had a Golf R and GTi, RS very similar interior.

        • malich on 14/11/2017 - 17:10
          +1

          Another happy RS owner here. It's a lovely car for the money. You can pick up my16 demos for 15k off rrp.

        • educalifa on 14/11/2017 - 20:34
          +2

          Yup, Octavia RS Wagon here! Still the best bang for buck until VW finally releases the Golf R Grid.

          And if you're lucky enough to find one for their MSRP

        • StealOrNoDeal on 15/11/2017 - 10:22
          +1

          Hoping to pick up a Golf R Grid Wagon in a few years. Shame no manual option though.

        • educalifa on 15/11/2017 - 22:49

          @StealOrNoDeal:

          I thought it was just the Wolfsburg Edition that was DSG only… then again, my RS is DSG and I love it! And this is coming from someone who always hated autos.

        • StealOrNoDeal on 16/11/2017 - 10:09

          You can get the Grid hatch with manual and the standard version I think, just the wagons that are all auto. I had DSG in my R it was good but I'll always be a manual guy

    • boccos on 14/11/2017 - 07:32
      +4

      A recent survey on owner satisfaction shows Scoda ahead by far in comparison to other European makes. Around 90% compared to around 40%.

      • JIMB0 on 14/11/2017 - 11:21
        +11

        I was told that Skoda are better at building Volkswagens than Volkswagen themselves.

    • BartholemewH on 15/11/2017 - 20:41

      I have the MY17 Superb 206TSI. Their larger cars are great also. I could have gotten something like the Audi A4 Allroad but I don't care about the badge.

  • godofpizza on 13/11/2017 - 11:41
    +3

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEyqPISdEFc

    replace gary with you name

  • pantsparty on 13/11/2017 - 11:43
    +25

    No way I would pay $40k or $50k for a 1 year old Euro hatchback. Servicing and maintenance will cost a fortune. I would rather buy a brand new top of the line Mazda 3 - sunroof, leather interior, Bose stereo, new car warranty, much more reasonable servicing costs and made in Japan. Plus it will cost you $5k or $10k less up front. Saying that if you are rich and can afford to piss some money away on cars and want to look rich in a European car than go for it!

    • elektron on 13/11/2017 - 13:47
      +4

      You lost me at Bose stereo…

      • pantsparty on 13/11/2017 - 14:43
        +1

        I agree Bose isn't always known for fantastic quality audio but the stereo will still be miles better than any unbranded stereo you get in most cars.

        • elektron on 13/11/2017 - 17:36
          +4

          the stereo will still be miles better than any unbranded stereo you get in most cars.

          My experience has been different. The 'premium' Bose audio on a $70k Mazda (limited edition RX8) sounded like crap. The stock standard Pioneer on some much cheaper cars sounded more natural and less muddy, despite having less power.

        • smoothymcmellow on 14/11/2017 - 13:48
          +4

          @elektron:

          I have the current top of the line mazda 3, sound system is great, awesome drive, feels euro premium. My only gripe is the road noise on freeways

        • Buyme on 15/11/2017 - 20:46

          @smoothymcmellow: mazda still havent sorted that out hey?

          I’m looking at off loading our MPS for that same reason. Amazing car, love it to death, very few cars have that amount of fun at $20k or so, but freeway driving is a bit of a killer

        • wozz on 16/11/2017 - 08:20

          @Buyme:

          Yeah similar issue on the CX5 (not sure if it's worse being an SUV in general).. have a 2015 model which supposedly is slightly better than previous update.. And the newest update again has more sound deadening, haven't been in one.

          As soon as tyres wear down i'm going to ask around for a quieter set - apparently they can make quite a big difference.

        • fwdcelica on 21/11/2017 - 08:14

          @wozz: go Michelin

        • wozz on 21/11/2017 - 11:01

          @fwdcelica:
          Any specific models you've tried out?
          Looking at primacy SUV which a few people have said is quiet on one website, though can't find much else out!
          Apparently the primacy st was developed for this region specifically to be quiet, though not avail in 19"

        • fwdcelica on 22/11/2017 - 09:09

          @wozz: Not sure what's on offer for SUVs but for passenger cars you can't beat the Pilot Sport 4.
          They aren't overly expensive.
          Depends whetheryou want more road oriented tyres or off-road.
          Off road tyres will be noisier when driven on roads then road tyres

          Check the JAX website. You need to know your tyre size.

          https://www.jaxtyres.com.au/tyres/vehicles/mazda/cx-5/by/bra…

      • berry580 on 14/11/2017 - 17:56

        Lol.

    • sovereign01 on 15/11/2017 - 10:31

      Not arguing, on paper a well specced Mazda 3 looks better, but you haven't (and can't really) quantified what better materials, more solid build, smarter interior design etc mean.

  • Pooky1 on 13/11/2017 - 12:10
    +11

    I bought an Audi A3 10 years ago and it had major problems with it just after the warranty ran out. Luckily we knew someone at Audi that helped us get it fixed but after that the services have been very expensive and its at an age that everything is falling apart (seat, dash, electric windows, seat belts etc.) Audi service centre was very unhelpful at fixing most things quoting over $1000 for each problem and the back of both seats fell off they told me to replace the whole seat wtf? After getting it serviced exclusively with them for 9 years they offered us $3000 to trade it in for a new car. I wouldnt recommend an Audi based on my experience even though I love driving the car it is too overpriced to run :( We have since moved to a private company to service it and the experience has been better although still expensive.

    • berry580 on 14/11/2017 - 18:03

      If you bought an Aldi AND serviced with them exclusively for 9 years. It means you have the money to burn (good for you), they don't have any obligation to give you a good trade in price.

      Premium cars come in at a premium price. Welcome to capitalism.

      • wongsun on 15/11/2017 - 16:42
        +8

        Aldi is a supermarket. No prizes for guessing where you do your groceries.

        • berry580 on 15/11/2017 - 22:21
          +2

          lol, Got corrected by a Wongsun. You deserve a +1. haha

          I shop everywhere that gives good value. Aldi is one of them, Audi typically isn't.

  • wog_ta on 13/11/2017 - 12:41
    +3

    If you buy an A3 your going to have people constantly asking you why you didn't buy an A4 or at least an S/ RS and that anything below is not a 'real' Audi. Same thing with BMW if you buy anything below a 3 series or Mercedes with anything below a C class.

    • Danthemanz on 15/11/2017 - 13:30
      +2

      This is kind of true but for a reason.
      The A3 is a Golf. Why not just actually get a Golf R?

    • wozz on 16/11/2017 - 08:22
      +2

      yeah. People will constantly walk up to you in car parks and say "Hi, my name is Bob. Just wondering why you didn't buy an A4? Anyway, have a good day. Cheers, Bob"

  • airzone on 13/11/2017 - 12:54
    +7

    Just look at the parent company - VAG.. The company that did the dodgy emissions testing hacks, the company that wanted to skip out on the DSG warranty drama in Australia..

    • Orpheon on 13/11/2017 - 13:30

      Good point, forgot about the emissions debacle.

      • kanter on 14/11/2017 - 08:35
        +12

        Every manufacturer has done it or still does it, VW are the only ones to have got caught

        • elektron on 14/11/2017 - 11:43
          +1

          Source?

        • elektron on 14/11/2017 - 18:23
          +2

          @boomramada: What about the elephants in the room - GM and Toyota? Opel is a tiny part of GM and weren't doing anything illegal in their jurisdiction, unlike VW.

          So much for "every manufacturer"…

        • boomramada on 14/11/2017 - 18:41

          @elektron:

          Well they haven't got caught yet or I would say, they wouldn't now. Mitsubishi is a big elephant too, they got caught in Japan.

          And this article says, "basically All Diesel Cars Emit Way More Than Legal Limit"
          http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/car-technology/news/a26…

        • elektron on 14/11/2017 - 19:33
          +1

          @boomramada:

          Well they haven't got caught yet

          Really? Right after the VW scandal the scrutiny was massive, so anyone who could have been caught, would have been…especially so with GM and Toyota, who make up the Big Three, together with VW.

          Toyota, for one, has invested heavily in hybrids as the 21st century alternative to diesel, and sounds like it was the right bet.

          And Mitsubishi is small fish compared to the Big Three - just compare the volumes.

        • kanter on 15/11/2017 - 07:34
          +1

          @elektron:
          An engineer I know who develops engines for a manufacturer. Most of them use Bosch ECUs which have proven to be able to recognise the UTAC test cycles and adapt if need be

        • kanter on 15/11/2017 - 07:40

          @boomramada:
          Yep, and worse than the CO2 emissions, modern diesel emit finer particles because of the filters and gas recycling systems, which are a lot worse for us, humans, as they aren’t blocked by our natural filters and go deep in our lungs.

          Coming from Europe where people have realized diesel isn’t that great after 2 decades of buying them, I laugh when people here say « it’s better, it’s premium, everyone drive them in Europe »

        • elektron on 15/11/2017 - 11:23

          @kanter: Yes, diesel is generally shit, see my comment above about the hybrid technology having been proven as superior.

    • JIMB0 on 13/11/2017 - 15:05

      People have short memory's.

    • Apue on 14/11/2017 - 13:35

      Porsche, Lamborghini, Bugatti are under VAG roof. Are their services crap, too?

      • airzone on 14/11/2017 - 16:41
        +1

        Corporate values are driven from the top. You'll probably find that the veneer is thicker, but it's still just veneer.

  • slknv on 13/11/2017 - 13:13
    +12

    Bought an A4 avant quattro s-line a few years back. Easily the worst car I've owned in 20 years. Oil consumption absolutely ridiculous, window regulators all broke, glovebox broke, dash display broke, coil packs went. At least it wasn't a multitronic/dsg (since they all break too). Absolute piece of cr@p - sold it 7 months after I bought and swore never ever to buy another VAG product. I've gone back to Mercedes and old japanese sports cars and been happy ever since.

    If for some insane reason you want an audi, buy it new and sell it before the warranty runs out - and don't be surprised if you get 50% depreciation in 3 years; since no-one wants to buy an audi out of warranty.

    • xuqi on 14/11/2017 - 14:48
      +11

      Friend of mine bought a new A8. His wife went shopping with it taking their 6 month old with her (warm sunny day, Adelaide). As she got out of the car at the shopping center to take the baby out, doors locked!

      She had the keys but the car refused to unlock. She called RAA which attended very quickly as she explain the situation to them, but the mechanic told her they have no way of opening the doors.

      Baby comes before car so she asked him to do whatever he could to open the car so she could take the baby out. He chose the smallest rear triangular window and broke it to gain access to the car.

      RAA wrote a letter stating what had happened and action taken to gain access to car.

      He took the car back to the Audi dealer which quoted him ~$3000 to fix the window, refusing point-black to consider any issues with their car. In the end he had the window replaced for whatever they quoted and sold it a month later.

      He purchased a Merc S400 shortly thereafter.

      • porsche26c on 14/11/2017 - 16:51
        +10

        cool story

      • insular on 15/11/2017 - 01:03
        +4

        you mean it was a cold dark night in adelaide, said baby was a few gold coins in the centre console and the audi was parked at elizabef shopping centre.

        RAA was your mate with a glass breaker and before you know it you were purchasing some quality baby blue meth from heisenberg

      • foolsgold on 15/11/2017 - 09:03
        +1

        not doubting the story, or maybe I am, but most Audi's even the crummy little A1s are deadlocked when theyre locked. Ie, if you smash a window to open a door, the handle will be locked internally. most euro cars are like this as well, bmws mercs etc. for at least the last ten years.

      • sn809 on 16/11/2017 - 01:18

        http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1328433

        There you go, same problem on a Holden.

      • Cluster on 17/11/2017 - 14:25

        A work colleague has a Porsche Cayenne and his wife was locked inside the car. None of the usual ways of opening the doors or windows worked. Had to get the car opened by the emergency boot release. This is all fine for adults, but what if a child was trapped in the car? Must be a VAG thing.

        • Minimum chips on 21/11/2017 - 01:59
          +1

          A VAG thing? I don't think the car knows the gender of the person it's trapping.

          (This is terrible, vote this down.)

    • sovereign01 on 15/11/2017 - 10:35

      I find it hard to believe In 7 months you did 4 window regs, monitored oil consumption, coil pack(s??) and everything else.
      I've known people who've owned Audi's for 10 years and had maybe 1 or 2 of those things happen. Almost feels like you just cherry picked every single vaguely common Audi fault and claimed they all happened to you in a stupidly short period of time.

      • slknv on 15/11/2017 - 13:28
        +2

        You want receipts for everything that went wrong with my car? Maybe I was unlucky, but my A4 was an absolute lemon. I'm sure Audi might be able to churn out a couple of cars without problems, just like a bunch of monkeys can eventually recreate shakespeare given enough time.

        • zeomega on 15/11/2017 - 22:23

          how old was your Audi with how many KMs when you bought it?

        • wozz on 16/11/2017 - 08:25

          Might be off topic, though do you know where I can purchase one of said monkeys?

    • Clemfandango on 16/11/2017 - 10:35
      +1

      Depreciation on an Audi is amongst the best of all brands. Seems around 50% depreciation is common for most brands.

      https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/how-to-choose-the-ri…

  • stargalaxy on 13/11/2017 - 13:20
    +3

    Why buy an Audi when your neighbours just bought a JEEP.

    • [Deactivated] on 13/11/2017 - 13:26

      I GOT A JEEEEEEEEEEP

      • TheBilly on 13/11/2017 - 14:29
        +8

        WHAAATTT…..A CHEAPP??

      • iDroid on 14/11/2017 - 11:22
        +14

        Ouch, my condolences.

      • Buyme on 15/11/2017 - 20:49

        Don’t listen to the haters… people seem to have a tough time forgetting what happened with Jeep from pre 2014.

  • HighAndDry on 13/11/2017 - 13:36
    +17

    Buy a Japanese brand for reliability. But Lexus for "luxury brand". 99% of the parts are interchangeable with Camry's IIRC, so save on servicing, parts, etc, in addition to legendary Japanese reliability (Takata air bags aside…).

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