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

  • tsunamisurfer on 13/11/2017 - 13:38
    +3

    I have a Q5, only a few years old and low kms.

    Overall the product experience has been ‘OK’, the car drives fine, but we’ve had several issues and just after the warranty period ran out too.

    Audi Perth were great in getting Audi to cover some of the costs given our patronage with them and the fact that the car is not old and low kms, but the maintenance of the car is very very expensive and not worth it.

    I will have brake pads and brake disc machining in a few months and that is going to cost thousands where a normal car would cost hundreds.

    It’s a nice car to drive, but very expensive to maintain and worse when things go wrong. Part of me feels Audi are not suited for Australian climates.

    • Orpheon on 13/11/2017 - 15:03

      Brake pads+discs being replaced already? Do you also need to get new rotors housed for the pads+discs?

    • Lukeae93 on 14/11/2017 - 16:24
      +1

      Thousands of dollars for brakes seems crazy to me! I bought 2 front Bosch rotors for my mk2 fg falcon for $85, and $50 for bendix pads. They were very simple to install with basic tools and following the repair manual

    • paaj on 14/11/2017 - 17:15

      Confirming pads and disk will cost approx $2,000 (I had mine naively replaced at Audi Perth for an A6 couple years back).

      • tsunamisurfer on 14/11/2017 - 17:28

        Where would a non-naive gentleman get pads changed and disks serviced for a more reasonable price in Perth?

        • JimB on 15/11/2017 - 16:12

          https://runautoparts.com.au/braking/brake-kit/front-brake-ki…

          &

          https://runautoparts.com.au/braking/brake-kit/rear-brake-kit…

          Any half decent mechanic can install it.

          Supply the parts yourself to save some money, most of the time mechanic use the cheapest and nastiest brakes pads and discs, supplying your own means you know what you're getting.

          'Pagid have a huge range for aftermarket braking products and is an OE supplier to Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz & Porsche'

          Also get a brake flush at the same time.

        • tsunamisurfer on 15/11/2017 - 16:13

          @JB1:

          An acquaintence of mine is from UK.

          He gets his family to buy Audi parts from the UK for his A3 and sent to Aus.

          HE says that saves a lot.

          Never tried or looked into it myself though.

        • JimB on 15/11/2017 - 16:19

          @tsunamisurfer:

          Yup car parts in the UK are cheap.

          I sometimes order parts for my VW and Volvo direct from the online retailer, but only small light parts, i.e. spark plugs, timing belt kits, etc.

          You'll pay a fortune to ship heavy brake discs.

          I mostly buy most parts for my cars in Australia.

      • Seni0r El Cheapo on 16/11/2017 - 15:35

        wtf! seriously?

    • rave75 on 06/03/2023 - 15:27

      I did mine at Audi VW specialist down in Anzac Parade, Sydney. Cost me $500ish.

  • wolfazrael123 on 13/11/2017 - 13:42

    this world will be ruined if you buy q3, so please save this world and don't buy q3

  • singlemalt72 on 13/11/2017 - 13:55
    +1

    It's in the introduction to the terms - tell the dealer to eat a bag of dicks
    http://www.audi.com.au/content/dam/ngw/au/misc_5/asp_custome…

  • Findo on 13/11/2017 - 13:56

    Get a Mercedes or BMW instead

    • elektron on 13/11/2017 - 17:18
      +8

      Mercedes - yes, BMW - no

      • Smol Cat on 16/11/2017 - 12:36
        +2

        Please someone explain to a non-cars savvy person why BMW is getting a bad rep? Overpriced garbage?

    • NancyCat on 14/11/2017 - 14:27
      +1

      Mercedes - no, BMW - yes

  • elektron on 13/11/2017 - 14:00
    +1

    Have you considered a 1-year old Japanese luxury car as an alternative in this price range? Here's one example. It's the next class up, much more reliable, cheaper to service and with longer warranty. Less fuel efficiency is the downside.

  • dcuksuop on 13/11/2017 - 15:34
    +11

    My wife's last car was an Audi A3, 2010, TFSI. We got rid of it after 2.5 years, before the 3 year warranty was up.
    It has an automatic dual clutch transmission. Had to replace the clutch, TWICE, within the first 2 years. Can feel vibrations when transmission is shifting. The second time they replaced it, they didn't connect the alternator or something properly, so the battery went flat after a few days.
    They had to tow it and fix it, but the damage to the battery has already been done, so soon after had starting issues and had to replace the battery.
    All this was covered under warranty. But was very annoying and inconvenient.

    There was a recall issued after we sold it, related to the engine suddenly losing power. A few months after selling, the guy that bought it from us informed us he was driving down the M5 doing 80, and the engine just stopped.

    Also, it ate engine oil, had to top it up every few months, Audi actually did it (although one time went to a different dealership and they were gonna charge until I made a fuss).

    • Orpheon on 14/11/2017 - 02:03

      Thank you for the detailed feedback.

    • Vieira4 on 15/11/2017 - 14:26
      +2

      This is the dry clutch DSG. The A3 Quattro will have the 6 speed wet clutch DSG which is much more reliable.

    • rave75 on 06/03/2023 - 15:32

      VW/Audi dry clutch is notoriusly bad. I think somebody did die because her car stopped suddenly in the highway which lead to VW acknowledging the issue, they then use a fully synthetic transmission oil which they said will fix the issue. My clutch failed after 2 years/40,000km though.

      The thing is, with dual clutch, there are something things which will make the clutch wear faster, such as releasing brake to go forward during slow traffic is bad for the clutch. Wet clutch is more reliable than dry clutch.

      Mercedes > BMW > Audi. There is a reason why in Europe, they use Mercedes as taxis. They are more reliable. But I reckon get Lexus instead.

  • crentist on 13/11/2017 - 15:52
    +1

    audis are just overpriced VWs

  • [Deactivated] on 13/11/2017 - 17:48
    +1

    LOL i laugh at people who buy A3's, for the same money you could have a much more enjoyable VW Golf GTi or even R.
    but be stupid and buy an A3

    • Orpheon on 13/11/2017 - 18:24

      Fair enough.

      $40-$50k for a hatchback seems like overkill though.

      • [Deactivated] on 13/11/2017 - 19:09
        +2

        buy a Passat or Tiguan
        or even an older A4 sedan

  • esq on 13/11/2017 - 18:46
    +6

    Entry-level euro cars are never worth it because the servicing cost is the same as the higher end models, whilst you get very little of the luxury trim and kit. Not to mention when you go up a hill you think to yourself welp this is no different from a Corolla.

    Having said that, German AWD (both 4matic and the VAG haldex/quattro/4motion) feels quite different to FR or FF which most people are used to. I think it's much more enjoyable to drive and thus worth a fair bit more money, but everyone's feelings are varied on this.

    In the end it's not a terrible car, it's just overpriced. Perhaps something higher spec but around 3-4 years old? That way you can still flex, and it'll have better comfort and performance.

    • Apue on 16/11/2017 - 14:45

      Do you think Servicing cost is the major cost to own an Audi A3?
      The depreciation, financing and the insurance is FAR bigger than the servicing cost.
      If someone is worrying about the servicing cost mostly, she/he should consider a 3 years old Corolla instead.

      • esq on 16/11/2017 - 17:46

        In short, no I do not if it is still in warranty. That was just my first sentence in a mild rant about German cars in general. Post-warranty, where depreciation is less of a concern, then yeah sure it is more of a concern than insurance. Financing costs is something else entirely and can be irrelevant, but generally is based upon price, not make.

  • PVA on 13/11/2017 - 19:00
    -1

    I think they are ugly.

  • Iamnotcheap on 13/11/2017 - 19:06
    +3

    I’d go with what a few others have said…

    The A3 is just a Golf with different panels. I would rather go for a GTI or an R. Based on a quick search you would get one for the price and they would have a lot more functionality on board, and overall they look the part.

    Very odd nothing was transferable - ring Audi directly to find out. The dealer may take you for a spin to try get something else out of you. Certain dealers are just horrid to deal with, and often not always informed about the outgoings.

    I am previous owner of A3, S3 and now have an RS3. In between that I had a Golf R. I loved the Golf over the Audi’s except for the latest addition for obvious reasons. DON’T buy the A3.

    • foolsgold on 15/11/2017 - 09:08

      curious, whats your verdict between Golf R vs S3? Are they the same car?

      • Iamnotcheap on 15/11/2017 - 16:25

        Yeah same car. The equivalent S3 at the time of owning the R, was only slight tuned motor. Everything other than cosmetics where shared in the same / and after premium the additional $15k can go a long way in tuning passed the S3. This was a mk6 R. Mk7 R’s are much of the same now, even in kws, without the price tag.

  • Kapinny on 13/11/2017 - 19:20
    +4

    just don't do it man

    look towards japan and korea

    I

    • Lukeae93 on 14/11/2017 - 16:47
      +2

      Can't beat that Kia 7 year warranty

      • cortex on 14/11/2017 - 18:52

        Seriously? That's insane. What's the catch?

        • insular on 15/11/2017 - 01:07
          +9

          it's a KIA

          • rave75 on 06/03/2023 - 15:34

            @insular: Which has class action pending at the moment.

      • pennypincher98 on 15/11/2017 - 07:44
        -7

        Holden have 7 years warranty now as well…

        Kia is like the reject shop of cars, and Holden is like the Kmart.
        Still, one step above I guess.

        • bgalway on 15/11/2017 - 10:07
          +7

          I would prefer a kia than a holden.

        • pennypincher98 on 15/11/2017 - 11:43
          -2

          @bgalway: Haha each to their own I guess. Personally I would prefer neither :)

  • [Deactivated] on 13/11/2017 - 20:54
    +3

    One of my cars is a Mk7 golf comfortline. I needed to buy a second car and test drove the A3 - mainly because I occasionally drive one of my relos’ optioned up 2016 Q7 which blows me away - but the A3 felt a lot less Q7 than it did my bog standard golf so I gave it a miss.

    The only statement you’re making by buying an A3 is that you like luxury cars but you can’t afford anything fancier than the entry level…

  • blawler05 on 14/11/2017 - 07:55
    +25

    I had an Audi. Bought it new. From day 1 it burnt oil. 1 litre every 800km. Audi knewof this problem. They dida stage 1 oil consumption fix. Theen stage 2 which was an engune rebuild.

    1 month after the warranty period ended the engine blew up. Valve collet broke. Audi insisted it was unrelated to all the previous engine issues. Quoted me $28,500 for the replacement engine.

    I went to dept of fair trading. And direct to audi head office in Germany. After months Audi Australia gave me a good will warranty repair. I had to pay for Labour. Only because i always seeviced with them. And pressure from fair trading and the German office.

    Do not ever buy an Audi

  • jhmtaylor on 14/11/2017 - 08:14

    Unreliable, costly parts, poor support from factory, awful resale value. Besides that, nice car.

  • TransportPosters on 14/11/2017 - 08:48
    +12

    Turn signals don't seem to work in Audi cars.

    • JIMB0 on 14/11/2017 - 11:25
      +5

      Whenever I'm doing a job which I is completely pointless I just think of the person who fits indicators at the Audi factory.

  • Vagon on 14/11/2017 - 09:40
    +17

    Heres 5 reasons:

    1. Audi: European car, means european parts prices. Its owned by Volkswagen who clearly dont mind lying about their car specs. You've already encountered dodgy care plan schenanigans.
    2. A3 Quattro This car is inefficient at 6.6L/100km. Its boot size maxes at 300 which is less than a hatchback.
    3. 2016 Uf you're buying second hand you should wait for approx three years when the rate at which the cars price depreciates flattens out somewhat.
    4. Luxury Unless you have achieved financial independence, you cannot afford luxuries. If you can afford luxuries then why are you going a lower tier like an A3?
    5. Material good A car is a material good, in 3 years your car would have tanked in value and will have all the same scratches dents and issues that a cheaper car would have. Whats the opportunity cost of that $40K? You can buy some amazing experiences for you and your loved ones that will last way longer than the happiness that will fade quickly from this purchase.

    Buy a used 2014 i30 or Mazda 3, or better yet ride a bike or public transport and rent/uber/taxi/go-get etc when you need a car.

    • Orpheon on 14/11/2017 - 15:59

      That is quite the breakdown.

      Luckily I'm currently riding a motorcycle, nothing will beat this on efficiency so I'm preparing for one hit after another with the cars.

  • Birchy on 14/11/2017 - 10:36
    +4

    Buy it and we will send bikies. ( I have waited over a year to get in a bikie comment)

  • PlasticSpaceman on 14/11/2017 - 10:39
    -1
    • You don't seem to have mentioned the price the dealer has quoted you for the car. If it's really cheap then maybe it might be worth it. Going price seems to be around the mid $40k mark plus on road costs.
    • According to here (http://www.audi.com.au/au/web/en/owners/service/audi_genuine…) "Audi customers will also retain the option of transferring the plan upon sale and likely benefitting from a more appealing resale price.". So if the transfer is optional, then the dealer may be able to choose not to transfer it - but that rings a big warning bell to me. Why would the dealer choose not to transfer the warranty…… mmmmm….. I would avoid purely because of that.

    I'm sure an A3 Q would be fun to drive, but yes you have to keep in mind that the purchase price is only part of the overall cost of owning a car. Maintenance on these things can be very high, and depreciation is not good either.

    Personally if you want a fun car it's hard to beat a Toyata 86/Subaru BRZ….. and you could probably get a new one with fixed price servicing for the same price as that 2016 Audi….

  • boomramada on 14/11/2017 - 10:39
    +3

    OP, in ozbargain, asking for car advice other than Toyota is pointless, try a automotive specialized forum.
    Then again, maybe it part of your trick to convince you not to buy a Audi by asking it here, smart! :)

    • Orpheon on 14/11/2017 - 11:52

      You're onto me!

    • joshykins on 14/11/2017 - 12:53

      everyone is a mazda 3 fanboi here in my experience lol

      • boomramada on 14/11/2017 - 13:31

        haha in some reason, in this thread, yes :)

      • neostarsx on 15/11/2017 - 19:45

        For good reason. Mazda 3 are excellent cars. I have one as a 2nd car to zip to shoppings etc and it good package car.

  • PAOK11 on 14/11/2017 - 10:55
    +2

    Please don't buy an Audi. Everyone I know who has bought one has had problems with it. Junk

  • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2017 - 11:01
    +2

    A3 quattro is just a Golf Highline with AWD.

    It's a low power sealed road everyday vehicle. The AWD serves negligible purpose (unless you're wreckless, then the AWD will compensate a little) but increases fuel consumption.

    The Golf comes with a touch screen infotainment. The A3 comes with a knob thing that pisses off more people than I care to say.

    • iDroid on 14/11/2017 - 11:24
      +1

      The A3 comes with a knob thing that pisses off more people than I care to say.

      Hey, that's not a nice way to talk about them!

      • rave75 on 14/11/2017 - 11:33

        It certainly is! Had merc and that knob thing annoyed me too. I have passat now, and so far I have put 25k on it and no problem. Finger crossed. I Had to top up oil every 8000km, I guess that is quite okay. With DSG gearbox and all dual clutch, you need to drive it like you drive manual. Creeping at red light is a big no for example, it will lead to a premature wear on the clutch. That being said, I wouldn't get dual clutch for a long term usage, torque converter will be my choice for long term.

        • iDroid on 14/11/2017 - 11:47
          +1

          Sorry, it was supposed to be a joke - perhaps the knob purchased the A3….

          I'm terrible at dad jokes. I should be punished. Feel free to slap me.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2017 - 11:47

          I believe all Passats have a wet clutch, so it shouldn't be too bad. Having said that, one should NEVER creep at the red light - it looks silly.

          The oil top up problem exists on some of the smaller displacement engines, especially the TFSI models. I've had one and I complained until the refitted the oil sump and injectors. 8,000km isn't bad though. I normally drain the oil on replace with fresh oil every 7,500km anyway (track driving superstitions).

        • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2017 - 11:49
          +1

          @iDroid:
          That may turn you on all sorts of ways.

        • rave75 on 14/11/2017 - 11:56

          @tshow:

          Well mine is dry clutch, as I said, finger crossed.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2017 - 12:01

          @rave75:
          Generally, they're okay. It is the creeping at low speeds because it alternates between first and second, or first and neutral. This essentially introduces multi fold number of gear changes unnecessarily.

          You probably know this. More for the benefit of those who glanced.

          As soon as you notice gearbox problems, even in the slightest, arrange to have VW look at it and formally record your concern. This helps tremendously if the fault worsens after your warranty has elapsed. I'll keep a physical copy of my complaint as well. Do not keep this nor logbooks in your car. Logbooks are being stolen as a right of passage for delinquent thugs.

        • rave75 on 14/11/2017 - 12:30

          @tshow: During heavy traffic, I'd use manual mode and stay on gear 1. So I should be aware of thing like juddering when take off, anything else?

        • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2017 - 13:30

          @rave75:
          Pretty much it. You'll be a proud owner of a dry clutch that does >250,000km :D

        • rave75 on 14/11/2017 - 16:48

          @tshow:

          I am not taking my chances after 3 years…

  • peterw1 on 14/11/2017 - 11:24
    +3

    I don't know who your employer is but if you buy an audi, add audi to the list. The coin you earn will be given to audi with minimal time in your bank account. Unfortunately VAG products while cutting edge are not durable or reliable in oz and I believe that extends to porsche. How often do you see old audis on the road, there is a reason for this. Unless you have deep pockets forget the short term gain for the long term pain.

    • idonotknowwhy on 14/11/2017 - 11:50
      -1

      My Audi is coming up for 20 years old and has never given me any problems.

      • rave75 on 14/11/2017 - 11:58

        My parents' E32 7 series had 700,000km before it died. Older cars are built to last longer I suppose.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2017 - 12:08
          +2

          Should sell that car back to BMW for them to analyze what went right there. I have never known BMW drive shafts to last longer than a decade except in the M cars.

        • rave75 on 14/11/2017 - 12:22

          @tshow:

          it depends on the driver as much as on the car itself. My dad knows a thing or two about cars, so he maintained it really well.

  • nephilim on 14/11/2017 - 11:57
    -1

    If you want luxury, maybe look at 2-3 year Alfa Giulietta turbo version, normally around 20k

  • JimB on 14/11/2017 - 11:58

    Golf R or GTI for similar money.

    The only A3 I like are the S3 and RS3. Both in sedan.

    I think the A3 hatches have always looks worst than its VW Golf cousin.

  • mitt on 14/11/2017 - 12:19

    Its an a4, but close enough.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMV2NYEGK4Y

  • rave75 on 14/11/2017 - 12:25
    +1

    Used A4 2016 goes quite cheap these days, not even $40k, with only one or two options of course. A4 quatro is even $50k now.

    • Apue on 14/11/2017 - 13:39

      yeah, I suppose a demo A4 can be bought near 40k.

      • jno on 15/11/2017 - 16:35

        For that price I'd vote a slightly older but totally better s3 2015 range

  • Freitag on 14/11/2017 - 13:02

    My mom's got one, maybe 2014-2015, I can't fit a standard sized stroller in the boot. Also, she's got the DSG version and there is a bad shudder when you slow almost to a stop then accelerate… the mechanic tried resetting the software but it's still shuddering.
    So the car isn't practical and is showing serious mechanical issues.

    • ATangk on 14/11/2017 - 14:20

      That shudder is a design characteristic of DSG transmissions. It shifts fast but harsh, and is definitely not the best gearbox to use in stop start traffic. I’m sticking with the 7G tronic until I upgrade to the 9G, though they’re not perfect either.

      • rave75 on 14/11/2017 - 16:44

        the 7G on my w206 C judders between gear 1-3, MB said the same thing, it is the "characteristic". C class facelift is due soon I think, I am waiting to get 9G too

        • ATangk on 14/11/2017 - 17:12

          It does but not even close to how much the DSG does it.

        • rave75 on 15/11/2017 - 10:41

          @ATangk:

          I am at 25k km now and has not experienced any shudder. Yet maybe. I have to say I am not a fan of this DSG "lag", took time to get used to it

        • ATangk on 15/11/2017 - 13:52

          @rave75:
          Are you 25k km on a DSG or the w205 you have?

        • rave75 on 16/11/2017 - 10:38

          @ATangk:

          25k km on DSG. W205 is 28k. W205 has been jerky since the beginning and MB pretty much said it is the "characteristic", nothing they can do.

  • Zondor on 14/11/2017 - 13:03
    -2

    An Audi is not much of a High-Yield investment.

  • ruddiger7 on 14/11/2017 - 13:34

    My dad had an A4 model a few years back. Known problem on them was the engine starts to die after only 6 years. Needless to say when the signs showed up he traded it in. Wouldn't get one again.

  • lonix on 14/11/2017 - 14:45
    +1

    go ahead, buy the Audi, if you want to look like a (profanity)

    • Orpheon on 14/11/2017 - 15:57

      This is very convincing..

  • h4zey on 14/11/2017 - 16:01

    convince us to convince you not to buy an audi a3

    • Orpheon on 14/11/2017 - 16:02

      Do it.

      • h4zey on 14/11/2017 - 16:15

        not very convincing

  • movieman on 14/11/2017 - 16:42

    OP,
    When you go to sell, be prepared to lose a lot in depreciation.

    We sold one a few years ago, and then had to discount it much further just to finally sell it.

    We're talking over 50% depreciation over 3 years, with the car in excellent condition.

    On a plus, at least you don't lose the first years depreciation.

    Great way to lose money = buying an Audi.

  • porsche26c on 14/11/2017 - 16:47

    i havent read any of the comments, but they usually go like, dont buy anything new, blah blah im tight blah blah save money.
    ive driven audis all my life from a1 to r8 (im on a1 at the moment and the very expensive ones on the weekend), the new a3 is def best in size and luxury in its class. adding quattro it means add the fun. they just go and the grip is amazing.
    if you have the money and not too fused in loosing on depreciation, enjoy it.
    also you can fit alot in the car.

    good luck.

  • imahapyboy on 14/11/2017 - 17:04

    Q7 much better than a3

  • nicholasfrawley on 14/11/2017 - 17:12

    I am the Audi fanboy of OzBargain. Back in 2012, my Dad bought a 2008 Audi A3 with 78,000 for $20000 and has only had a few minor fixes (AC and back panel of seat come to mind) Has been a great car and don't let these Suzuki Swift driving cheapskates convince you otherwise.

  • drprox on 14/11/2017 - 18:09
    +2

    As I always say, an Audi is just an expensive VW which in turn is an expensive Skoda.

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