A few days ago I started a thread asking for input on the Audi A3 2.0T. I appreciated the input and it was all positive.

After talking with my wife, my timetable for making a car purchase has been set back somewhat. Sort of thought it might go like that. Anyway, yesterday I got to take a test drive even though I'm not buying right now. Well, I think I'm in love. I haven't owned a German car in at least 35 years and I guess I had forgotten how good they can be. I realize that the A3 is an entry level Audi, but what an improvement (driving experience wise) over what I have been driving the last 35 years. This thing was like using a scalpel instead of a butter knife. Everything was razor sharp. I was loving it.

To be fair though, I've probably saved a lot of money on maintenance over the last 35 years by not driving German cars. But the time has come to cut loose a little. Hopefully before this time next year I'll have an A3 as my second vehicle .

Thanks again for everyone's input the other day.

My wife had one. Great car totally happy with it. Maybe do what we did and lease first? This way you stay under warranty ( not that we had any issues) and get your experience without the headaches down the road of maintenance of a car with high repair costs

I'm leery of the 2.0T (turbo) engine.

My neighbor's friend is an Audi technician, and he says he makes his living repairing the 2.0T.

You know - that make that in a manual now.

quote:

Originally posted by fpuhan:
I'm leery of the 2.0T (turbo) engine.

My neighbor's friend is an Audi technician, and he says he makes his living repairing the 2.0T.

That's also because they've produced a shit ton of them. The 2.0T is a better and stronger engine than the 1.8T was, but they have it in a lot of their vehicles so its a matter of averages.

I wish Audi would import their Avant wagons, or even the A3 Sportback without the hybrid setup.
BTW if you're looking at the 2.0, do not repeat not read a recent review of the RS3.

quote:

Originally posted by sjtill:
I wish Audi would import their Avant wagons, or even the A3 Sportback without the hybrid setup.
BTW if you're looking at the 2.0, do not repeat not read a recent review of the RS3.

Mean turbo 5... I'm very impressed that Audi takes the chance to put an engine with a little soul and character even in a low production car.

I agree, it'd be just that much sweeter if it were a small wagon.

Those old I5 rally cars tearing through the woods make me tingle.

quote:

Originally posted by sjtill:
I wish Audi would import their Avant wagons, or even the A3 Sportback without the hybrid setup.
BTW if you're looking at the 2.0, do not repeat not read a recent review of the RS3.

I had a 2001 A4 Avant that I miss very much! It was outfitted with Koni Coilovers, paired with the Quattro system that thing was nasty in the curves!

I have the 2018 A4 with the 2.0T. Happy all around. The A4 now is way nicer than even a 2015/16 a6.

quote:

Originally posted by sjtill:
BTW if you're looking at the 2.0, do not repeat not read a recent review of the RS3.

Too late. I've already seen the Car and Driver "10 Best Cars of 2018" and Road & Track's cover story on the RS3. I would love one but they're out of my league. I would love to hear that five cylinder turbo though. But believe me, I'll be happy to land an A3 within the next year.