Audi A3 Questions & Answers

Did you check coolant level near car engine.
https://haynes.com/en-gb/car-manuals/audi/a3/2003-2008/on-demand/20-petrol/checking-coolant-level

They're lovely cars, Audi's are! But I'd be wary of it! There was a recall on this model in 2015 because the fuel pump delivery system was failing. I'm of the mind set that if I spend a decent amount of money on something (like you will on an Audi) you should expect nothing short of exceptional reliability! I'm a quality engineer and I don't trust VW group's approach to managing their suppliers to a point where they can ensure a good product. Anything and everything mechanical/technical will eventually fail but the problems that I encountered with my Audi don't seem to happen as frequently (or in some cases ever) on other manufacturers vehicles. Servicing cost me $680 give or take a bit (labour costs) per service but the amount of new parts and repairs of things that would break or fail meant it was off the road for months at a time and I never had an invoice for less than $3000. I got rid of my Audi a few months ago now but the only way I'd buy an Audi again is brand new (not dealer demonstrator or Audi approved etc) and I'd be looking very seriously at moving it along as it came out of warranty or neared 100K kms... I'm quite critical of German cars after a couple of horrible experiences and I don't want to sound negative but I'll be sticking to a trusty Toyota for while! They're cheaper parts are plentiful and easy to come by and I have the confidence of driving it further without it having a meltdown on the side of the road because the temperature is to hot for it!

Seriously, if you maintain the car well, regular servicing and not abuse it, I don't see why it won't last a million miles. I have had a Mitsubishi 2.0L in the past that was purchased used and by 60,000 miles required engine rebuild. The previous owner probably didn't maintain it well enough

Couldn't say, you'd have to check other research. Mine is relatively new 2013 and I have had no troubles at all with the car.

No, mine is perfectly fine and doesn't do this. Yours has a major problem. If bought off a dealer I'd have an inspection and have them identify the problem then take back under warranty.

Was the car serviced regularly including gearbox? Sounds like the previous owner may have skipped some maintenance there, either gearbox oil (this was an expensive service even in japanese cars that some japanese car owners also skipped), or slipping clutch (it is a manual gearbox after all, just with a robotic clutch)... If you bought from dealer then you should take it back or get it fixed under the used car warranty (at least some cost could be recouped). Too bad if private sale, that could be the reason the previous owner sold the car.... Didnt it do those stuff when you test drive it prior the purchase?

Hi guys,

Don't know how this forum reply works. I can't answer you individually. I'll assume you both get the same reply.

Anne-Marie, thanks for response. No, I bought it privately. Ha, my fault for not getting an inspection.

Ryan, Car serviced by Audi every 10K instead of 15K. No mention of gearbox oil needing changing. Receipts claim they check it. I will have it replaced anyway & see what happens. I didn't notice it at test drive & didn't notice for a few wks/mths afterwards. Seems worse when its hot.

One other poster said he got Audi to pay half $3K total of $6K to repair & it started up again after 3 mths. He quickly sold it.

Thanks Guys

I'm on Corporate Program so my first 3 years servicing are free. So I can't be sure what they'll charge. A quick search on Audi forum might be a good start.

However I previously owned a Golf GTI which is made by the same group, and the scheduled service can range from $300-ish (1st 12 month) and up to about $600-700 for the 2nd and 3rd year. Given that it's only once a year, the cost are pretty much the same, if not cheaper than maintaining my partner's V6 engine Toyota that required servicing every 6 months.

Hi Gary,

I have the 2012 Audi A3 1.6L diesel and was also on the corporate program. The corporate program only covers 3 years of servicing or 45,000km whichever comes first. I drive a lot to get to and from work and have reached over 100K in less than three years.

I was provided the estimate servicing costs below from Audi Mornington (VIC), however from my experience they often charge a fair bit over the quoted price. For example for the 90K service I was quoted closer to $2000 as the timing belt is scheduled to be changed.
60,000km $1160.00
75,000km $680.00
90,000km $1770.00
105,000km $680.00

Regarding your question on what is not covered by warranty besides for tires and brakes (which cost roughly $1300 to replace front and back brakes as the pads and rotors have to be replaced on the Audi), additional costs I have encountered was $300 to replace front windscreen wipers as the whole blade has to be changed as they do not have replaceable rubbers.

If you drive a lot like me, the cost of servicing the vehicle adds up quite quickly. However if you can apply for the corporate program and only drive 15,000km a year then it is alright.

Let me know if you would like any further info.

An FYI, the A3 has a timing chain not a belt, doesn't need to be changed. Check with Audi Corporate, they use mostly chains, not belts like the Japanese. So if a dealer charges to change a belt, you've been suckered in.

Probably through an Audi dealer, Kurt. Can't find any online.
Nick

Hi Greg, the engine on this is a 1.4 and I've been very impressed with it. On a normal hill it's not an issue at all. What I have found on overtaking on hills is you do experience a bit of turbo-lag of about 1-2 seconds, but after that it accelerates quickly.

Just on the weekend driving on a country hwy I had to overtake uphill in the overtaking lane. The car had no trouble as I already had the revs up so there was no lag at all.

From my perspective it is a great engine with a very good balance of power and fuel economy (got 850km from the tank given the long trip. I avg 730km a tank city driving)

Hope this helps,
R.

Hi Andrea,

I've checked it again and they don't fold flat. There is a about a 5-10cm lip where the seats fold down and stays on a bit of an angle rather than totally flat as I've had on previous cars.

Cheers,
R.