Reviewer Photos & Videos
RyanMelbourne
- 7 reviews
- 8 likes
Excellent quality, Practical and a class above
Had the car for two years and never gave any mechanical issue. The 1.8t engine is quite zippy around town and still delivers excellent fuel economy. It takes 95RON but will run on 91 if you're out of town and can't find any 98/95
Signed up for corporate program and I have free servicing in the first three years.
The car is enjoyable to drive, quiet and comfortable. It has been fitted with B&O Optional audi, Navigation, comfort heated seats and convenience engine start/stop button. The panoramic sunroof is huge and fun to use in good days. T...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Daniel HGreater Melbourne (Outer), VIC
- 3 reviews
- 2 likes
Great car but expensive to service
I have a 2012 Audi A3 1.6 TDI and agree with what everyone said above. It has great fuel economy (up to 1200km/tank) and drives really well. I drive roughly 800km per week and am nearing my 90K service already. This major service has been quoted $2000 by Audi.
I was quoted the prices below for servicing and noticed often it is a bit more.
60,000km - $1160.00
75,000km - $680.00
90,000km - $1770.00
105,000km - $680.00
To change the windscreen wipers it cost over $300 as they have to change the whole blade.
...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
MrConsumerACT, 2906
- 17 reviews
- 15 likes
Great Performance from the 1.8 TFSI engine
I purchased my A3 early in 2008, it was a late 2007 model, which was the first year the 1.8TFSI engine hit Australia. To date I have travelled 71,000 Km's. Firstly the engine, the 1.8 TFSI is a fuel stratified turbo engine and is quite impressive in all respects. It has loads of mid range torque, almost diesel like, It comes on around 2000 RPM and keeps on building. But from the stand still its not that spritely and there is a bit of lag until the turbo spins up. I have the 6 speed manual box which I have to say is not the greatest. Its quite n...Read more
otchy and the clutch feel doesn't inspire confidence. Clutch engages near the end of the pedal travel and it really is a bit annoying. In order to get a clean take off quite a bit of clutch slip is required so I'm concerned about longevity. Brakes work very well but they are getting a little worn now, but I have to say I do drive the car quite hard so the brakes have a hard life. Cornering is OK but there is quite a bit of roll and oversteer. I think the steering geometry needs improving. Suspension is a bit hard but seems to be a good compromise between comfort and a sporty feel. I have had only one issue with the car and thats the water pump, seems to be a very common problem with this and the 2 litre TFSI,. There is a minor leak from the weep hole around the shaft bearing, maybe its a seal, I'm not sure but every 2 months or so I need to add about 200 mils of coolant. The fix is to replace the water pump assembly but that costs around $2,000, so I just add 200 Mils of coolant every 2 months and so far its been stable, with no overheating issues or an increase in coolant consumption. So I figure $30 worth of coolant every year is better than $2,000. I'm convinced this is a design fault but it appears Audi wont recognise that. Interior build quality and workmanship is excellent, this is one of the few small German cars that are actually built in Germany and it shows. I travel rough, gravel roads and have hit many a pot-hole, so far not a single rattle and nothing has fallen off. Fuel consumption is about 8.5 litres around town and 6 on the highway. Its a quiet car but not very quiet, the engine uses high pressure fuel injection and so it has a bit of a rattle to it at times, bit like a diesel. On the highway its smooth, powerful and comfortable. Seats are supportive and comfortable,. Has a nice standard radio/CD player, but no ipod connectivity or bluetooth in this model, which was a bit surprising. The best thing about this car is the engine, there is no hill that gives it a hard time, it just rips up the steepest of hills and is really fun to drive in the mountains. Servicing is about $1200 for a major and $420 for a minor. The latest version of the TFSI engine is smoother, quieter and slightly more fuel efficient and there is a system to reduce build-up behind the valves which is an issue I believe with my version.. As the fuel is not injected behind the valves there is no way to clean the valves, supposed to be a problem with many owners TFSI powered Audi's but so far my engine is going fine. Steel timing belt is another noteworthy feature of this engine. Lusty engine, great build quality, comfort Manual gearbox, water pump leak issues, corneringSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Audi A3 compares to other Cars
Know better, choose better.
AudiphileBrisbane
An entertaining drive.
Bought 1.8 in Aug 2010. Great to drive. Very zippy. Enough room for a couple of grandkids. Speedy roof actin enables traffic light roof lowering/raising. Had to be towed to dealer when transmission control unit failed. Apparently a not uncommon problem. Was fixed under warranty with a few day's delay waiting for part.
Compact, very responsive, very fast folding roof.
Failure of transmission control unit.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
arismumAU
- 3 reviews
Not bad but not great...
This was the first Audi I have had and I won't be buying another one. I have been very spoilt with mainly BMWs and Mercedes but wanted a little car that looked cute but wasn't expensive. The car is very zippy which is great and is very easy to drive. The interior is very cheap when compared to my experience with BMW and Mercedes. Wires are poking out of the bottom and up the sides of the window which i have to tuck back in each morning and my arm rest top starting lifting about 4 weeks after purchase. At this point 9 months old I am considering...Read more
trading and buying a Mercedes again. This is not great for a brand new car and has turned me off Audi forever. zippy, looks cute, inexpensive when compared to others in the market Cheap, plasticky interior, awkward drink holder under arm restSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Rohan01MELBOURNE
- 21 reviews
Excellent car. Best I've had which is nice
I've now had this car for almost 2 years and it's been great. The 1.4ltr turbo engine is very economical (I get about 720km's to the tank in city driving) but has great pull when you need it. The only exception is passing or when you're at higher speeds as you do get a bit of turbo lag (what would you expect from a 1.4!), but once you do it always has something to give. The DSG transmission is also excellent with very smooth changes through the 7 gears. Every so often you do get the low speed take off shudder which has been reported in many VW/...Read more
Audi DSG's but I've experienced it maybe once every few months. Comfort level and equipment is great with everything working as you would expect from an Audi. As my first one and moving from a peugeot 306 which I loved. I would have no hesitation in buying another Audi (if/when I can afford one!). Servicing costs are what you would expect. About $600-1000 once a year. Very reliable, engine and transmission is very efficient with great performance. Very occasionally there is a shudder when taking off from the S-tronic transmissionSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Alex_MorrisonMelbourne
- 3 reviews
2.0T is the nicest car ive ever driven. Requires attention to maintenance but is worth it
Bought a second hand A3 with 40 kms in immaculate condition. The overall package is exceptional for the price.
Engine: Power is excellent for a relatively small engine. It can be driven conservatively or hard/fast, the turbo provides a very smooth power band making everyday driving easy. Hard driving does induce a bit of oil /fuel consumption (this is known in the 2.0T engines) I always ensure I have my oil topped up and changed regularly. I have had to replace the PCV and recirculation valves for the turbo.($400. Got this done by an indepen...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
PJHAU
Audi A3 TDI
Pros: Engine, gearbox, handling, leather seats, Audi Concert Stero, ride quality, dynamics, room, quality, Fuel consumption, Brakes, Climate control.
Cons: Hard to keep clean (espically wheels), Cost of parts and thats it!
I love my Audi A3. It is the best car I have ever owned. A wiper clip broke when it was being washed and I had to get a new wiper which cost $50 because its a euro style wiper. I get 4.5L per 100kms and 1200km out of one tank. It is quicker than Alfa's, BMW's and my neighbors Mercedes E-Class. It is a real classy car that...Read more
ozzes quality and refinment. I get looks where ever I go. The stero won a sound off against many other steros. 12 speakers and a Subwoofer. I love the seats in leather, very comfy, It handles like a dream and has great dynamics. I Love it!!!!! I recomend it to anyone who is looking for a new car!Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
patrick_bateman
- 6 reviews
Good
Finish and function is the small car benchmark. Having said that it doesn't represent great value, and the price of options are eye watering. Air conditioning is marginal for Australian conditions, and the compressors fail .... not a matter of if, but when. The range of safety features are excellent, but 4 star Euro NCAP is only average these days, but it is a high 4 star score. Running costs are high, and beare the 90,000km, 4 year cam belt changes
Represents the high water mark for standard of finish. Great brakes, gearchange, Classy engines,...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Audi A3 compares to other Cars
Know better, choose better.
Excellent
The cons I have written are small things that are easy to live with. Overall this is a fantastic car and is fair value for a prestige car. Early model 6 spd DSG transmissions had some issues, but the new 7 spd seems fault free.
Bought the 1.8TFSI in Jan 2010. Very refined car. Engine performance is astonishing for a 1.8. Build quality is excellent. Looks are great but that's individual taste. Handling superb as well.
Egg gas smell at time, have to raise the arm rest to use the cup holder which is annoying, and road noise at speed on a highway seems higher than most Jap cars. Also the doors are so tight. Brake pad dust on front wheel rims too.
1 comment
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Excellent
Bought a 2005 2.0fsi last month and love it! Enough space for a family of 4 (inc. roomy boot), feels safe/solid/silent/secure and holds the road well too... which is why (on my own) i can drive hard on the street or in the mountains with no trouble at all (it FLIES!). All in all a great all rounder. Maybe expensive, but hey! it's an AUDI!!!
I really recomend this car!
Looks great (RED!!!), & drives great!!!
nothing really... seems thirsty, but it's my 1st 2 litre so can't compaire...
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Questions & Answers
Jye K.asked
I find it odd that people can give such high recommendations. Remember how much you are paying these cars should last like any other 400,000k’s without any issues even more so due to price point. Yet all fall apart from Audi vw group at the 120,000 k Mark your wallet becomes empty ! Give an update once you hit this many k’s lolololol
Yes experience no euro cars last. Plastic falls apart, outside from our weather, lights get the foggy plastic look. Many many electrical faults. Huge expenses like breaks every 30,000k/ at $1800 just a joke. Japanese / Korean cars all the way !
No answers
Muzzr P.asked
Does a 1997 Audi have a timing belt or chain I'm so confused.
Cheers
No answers
Peanutsasked
How quieter is the Audi A3 1.4TFSI acoustic roof compred to the non-acoustic roof. Is it almost negligible? How much hicker is the acoustic roof?
No answers
ieatwords.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ieatwords.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.
ukkelo
According to European press, it is the 7-speed gearbox for A3 which has been proven unreliable and not the 6-speed one. On the contrary, the S3 with its 380 Nm torque shares the same 6-speed box as m... Read more
y new 4-wheel drive family version with mere 280 Nm, I mean until a new chip, while the 7-speed, used in milder A3’s is rated only for 250 Nm. I am particularly keen on this issue as I plan to upgrade. Maybe down under here we have different specs.