A3 Saloon Any significant Problems Please

[APJ 123]

Good Afternoon All

I have a "thread" about my 2011 A4 with an oil burning problem

I would like an A3 saloon with a budget of £13K to £15K

This is a big sum to pay on a car i know little about could anyone let me know what significant problems i could have with this model.

The cars that i am looking at are from the years 2015 to 2018

I really dont want to buy a car that has inherent problems like i am getting rid of

Many thanks for eveyone advice

 

 

 

[Steve Q]

Which engine and gearbox option are you looking for Adrian? 

Diesels, main problem can be failing for filters or egr valves. Both will cost £1k each to fix. If an Auto gearbox makes sure rear changes are smooth and no hesitation. Make sure the gearbox oil has been changed on time. 

With any car you're looking at check service history and see if there's evidence of cambelt and water pump changes etc. 

S line spec will get you nicer seats and firmer suspension. 

Tech packs can be ideal for Saturday nav etc. Baring in mind to retro fit sat nsv can cost around £500. 

Check YouTube for buyers guides. 

[APJ 123]

Good Evening Steve

I am looking at  petrol car and teh first thing my mechanic will do is change the timing belt / chain.

Thanks for the advice on the You Tube buyers guides and i have watched some of these.

Looking at what is available at the moment i cant decide whether to purchase

• A car for £10k with approx 46K mileage or
• A car for £15k with approx 28k mileage

Any advice please

I cant buy a car with too high a mileage after when my current 2011 vehicle only has 58K on it.

Thanks for your time

 

 

 

[Steve Q]

I'd always recommend buy the best you can afford. 

I'd recommend buying from a dealer and look at taking out an Audi extended warranty if possible/available. Only an Audi one though not a 3rd party one as they're usually not worth the paper they're written on. 

[Magnet]

Hello Adrian,

Just another (general) consideration on mileage. 
Your car has covered c4K miles/a - a low usage, which comes with its own disadvantages. 
Most low mileage cars cover that mileage via. short trips, where the car generally barely gets up to optimum opperating conditions, and where wear is at a maximum, compared to a fully warmed up vehicle travelling long distances under motorway conditions. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[APJ 123]

Good Afternoon All

Further to my posts on the A4 thread and the need for constant oil top up..

I have purchased an A3 from Arnold Clark 2018 with 46K miles on the clock.

It is black 😔.. which product is best for keeping it looking "good"

I used good old turtle wax for my red car and that did the trick

Thanks all

[Steve Q]

Congratulations on your purchase, will look forward to seeing so e pics of it 🙂 when do you get it? 

[APJ 123]

Good Evening All

Thanks for your help 

I am going to pick up my Audi A3 saloon tomorrow .. my 2011 A4 had electric wing mirrors are they electric on an A3 and how do i turn them off / on 

Sorry to be a pain 

Thanks for the impending help

[Magnet]

Hello Adrian,

If in doubt, you will need to ask the salesman to ask his Parts chap to check the build record to see if your particular car was built with power fold mirrors or not. 
Kind regards,

Gareth.