Buyers Guide / Advice

[chipfork]

Hi, I've been actively looking at Audi A3's, I've a budget of £7k and was looking for some advice on what to check when viewing a car, other than the obvious?

I'm looking at both Quattro cars - within that budget it's mainly 2006 cars. I did start looking at 2.0 TDi cars but seem to have talked myself into the 2.0 TFSi as economy isn't a primary concern with my expected mileage. Dare I mention that once upon a time I had a MK1 Audi TT and modded it a little so know a little about the VAG brand.

I've only looked at 2 cars so far, a 2006 S-Line TDI which was tidy enough and drove solidly. I've looked at a low mileage 2.0 TFSi which I'm yet to test drive, looks nice enough, the previous owner has put a Pioneer double-DIN unit in which adds and it's in Avus Silver, the same as my TT, just seems a bit rich on price. I've another to view on Monday which is better priced, a good colour and seems to have some of the extras that appeal.

Is there anything to especially look out for when viewing an A3 of this age? I've checked the service histories to makes sure the timing built and haldex have been services on schedule.

Also what options are most desirable? Most I've seen are S-Line models so have a reasonable spec. Xenons would be an ideal, I'm less fussed about heated seats, sat nav. What other options were there?

Thanks!

 

[Trevor]

Hi Iain...welcome to the Forum!

Did you manage to acquire an Audi yet, noticed you were looking at one on Saturday?

Regards   Trevor

[chipfork]

Hi Trevor,

It was meant to be Saturday but the car was unavailable whilst the wheels were being refurbed. In the end I viewed another car, a higher mileage 2009 TFSi S-Tronic Quattro which I ended up buying. I guess the age and spec sold it to me, it has a large list of options which I'm slowly getting to grips with. The "auto" box is new to me but happy with it already, I've only ever had manual cars in the past.

First impressions, very quick car, glad I have cruise control to help reign me in. It has the light and rain sensor pack and xenon plus headlights so I'm wondering if I just leave the light switch set to auto? The Sat Nav is reasonably intuitive, it has the phone prep too so I've paired my phone and that seems to work although my phonebook isn't synced or so the voice activation says but then I can scroll through the list of contacts using the steering wheel control. Having a Windows phone probably doesn't help. Wondering if there are software updates for the Nav system to support newer phones and bluetooth profiles? Will carry on searching the forums and googling.

Thanks,

Iain

[Trevor]

Glad you've gone for what sounds like a great car...would love to see some photos of it 

I wouldn't personally leave the lights on auto as being Xenon they will come on every time you go through any dimly lit area for even a short period (e.g. country lane with overhanging trees)...happens to me on my journey home in daylight and lights come on when I'm approaching a junction which looks like I'm flashing someone out.

[chipfork]

I'll get some pics up shortly.

I might have to experiment with the auto option, I don't have a manual as yet so a lot of options at the moment are trial and error.

[chipfork]

Not had a chance to take any pics in its new home so here's one from the original dealer ad.