I'm just starting to look around for a replacement for my RSX-S and Audi A3's have caught my attention. Does anyone have experience or knowledge of these they can share? My number one fear with these is reliability. I've avoided VW products (with the exception of an '89 GTI) due to their reputation for quality issues and I know the chassis and engine in the A3 is also in the GTI. This makes me feel uneasy but maybe I'm wrong for feeling that way. I don't see much chatter about them but they seem to check some of the right boxes. Any thoughts?
A little background...I generally stick with Japanese cars but am open to alternatives. Also on the radar at this point are Volvo S40's and C30's, Honda Accord Coupe, Mazda 3's and E46 BMW's. I'll likely be buying something with 120-170k kms (75-105k miles). Two doors are fine but my 7 and 91/2 year old have to fit in the back for the next few years along with their hockey equipment. It'll be a two wheel drive with a stick. This will be a daily driver that is fun but does not have to be a track car. If you have other suggestions I'm all ears.
Thanks!
I would go for the C30 myself.
Yummy!
With the list you've mentioned, the Mazda and the C30 would speak to me the most. I have a Mazda5 (on the same platform as the 3), and it's been pretty good, but I have a feeling rust will be a problem.
Have you considered a Saabaru?
The C30 is a lot more torque from the engine and with a couple of additions from the MS3, You can make it handle pretty good. Just changing the rear swaybar to the MS3 1st gen bar and adding the factory sport springs really transformed the car. I found the interior really nice but it was my wives car and she wanted a convertible so we sold it.
I enjoyed the car none the less and you can fit real people in the backseat.
My cousin has an 2006 A3. While it's been fairly reliable. It has the FSI motor that needs the cam followers replaced every so many miles. The newer cars have the updated engine, so the cam follower issue is a thing of the past, but it's an Audi, so expect minor electrical gremlins from time to time.
The C30 is definitely high on my list though I think it may be eliminated when I try the hockey bag test. The cargo area seems to be crazy small. I like the car though. I haven't tried an S40 and while it definitely doesn't seem like it would be as fun as the C30 it may be a decent alternative.
Any more thoughts on reliability of the Audi? Would it really be as prone to expensive repairs as I keep telling myself it would be?
In reply to Riley_88:
Just remember that the A3 is a Golf GTI. The price points for parts are virtually identical with maybe a little up charge on Audi parts. Unless you aren't going to do the work yourself, then yeah the Audi dealer is going to bite you in the ass.
Mrs. Motomoron replaced her '01 B5 A4 Q 2.8 30V manual w/ a '12 8P A3 2.0 TFSI manual slicktop.
It's a nice car. Exceptional build quality, good handling and brakes, surprising amount of power. It came with service pre-paid through 46k miles - it's at about 32k now. I'm concerned about oil consumption, and how fast the service writer was to flatly state "we checked the car and there's no problem. Also, it's a different engine than the ones that had the problem and since the VIN doesn't come up as being in that group we couldn't do anything if it was"
So hopefully it doesn't turn into a big cluster. FWIW, Audi's acceptable oil use is .5 liter per 100km. If one can get the dealer to do an oil consumption test, the first fix is a software update and some revised seals. When it fails again they'll R&R the engine and replace the pistons and rings and some bearings.
So you end up with a car w/ a motor built by a dealership tech. Awesome.
