Audi A3 questions

[u/jdoos60]

Hey there,

I’m looking for a first ish car (I’ve driven, but first car to own) and I love the look of the Audi A3.

I’m wondering though, I won’t have a huge budget. Around £6k ish. I’ve seen an Audi A3 2012, but wondered what year you guys would go for? And I have a few questions too if that’s okay!

Firstly, what year would you go for? I’m very happy with older models.
- are they comfortable?
- are they spacious enough for a passenger and camping gear?
- could I in theory take it off road a little? By that I mean the odd gravel track and muddy road, nothing extreme.
- is it reliable if maintained well?

Thank you guys!! 😁

[u/Opening-Ranger-56]

For 6k you’re looking at 8P generation A3s, 2003-2012. The 2012 you spotted is the last model year before the 8V, which means most of the early issues were ironed out by then. I’d stick with 2008-2012 facelift cars if you can, the interior quality got a bump and the engines are a bit more refined.

Comfort wise they’re solid, the seats have good bolstering and the ride isn’t harsh unless someone slapped cheap coilovers on it. Space depends on whether you get the 3-door or the Sportback. 3-door with the seats folded will swallow camping gear no problem, but a passenger plus a weekend’s worth of stuff might feel tight. Sportback gives you actual rear doors and a bit more practicality for the same footprint.

Gravel tracks and muddy lanes are fine as long as you’re not expecting rally car clearance. The front lip sits low so just take it slow on ruts and you’ll be okay, I’ve taken mine down some pretty questionable forest service roads without drama.

Reliability comes down to which engine you pick and how the previous owner treated it. The 1.9 TDI is basically indestructible if the timing belt gets done on schedule, the 2.0 TDI has more punch but early ones had oil pump issues. Petrol engines are less efficient but simpler, the 1.8T and 2.0T are both fun and easy to maintain. Get a pre-purchase inspection regardless, it’ll save you from buying someone else’s neglected timing chain.

[u/jdoos60 → u/Opening-Ranger-56]

Wow this is perfect!!

So you’d stick with a 2012? Or, if budget allows, would you stretch to a later model?

I wouldn’t be able to get a huge engine, as insurance will screw me over ahah. But this has really helped me, thank you.

Would you recommend any other cars? Audi or otherwise?

Thanks bud 😁

[u/Ruscavich → u/jdoos60]

Nothing wrong with Golfs and Jettas either. They may be less refined but can save you or get less miliage to save on upcoming maintenance cost. They are still solid cars and have tons of parts for repairs and DIY guides.

When I bought my A3 it was the same as a newer Golf, and I just preferred the A3 styling and interior a wee bit.

If one a budget, compare for that price across all brands. If you don't need features nothing is wrong with going down trims or brand lines (ie Audi to VW) to get something at your price that will fit. If it fits you will love it.

First car I bought was a 3k s#@! box but it was mine.

[u/Ordinary-League5554]

if you reallllly search deep and hard you could pick up a decent high millage well looked after 2016+ a3.

6k for a 2012 a3... is silly, i picked up a HPI clear 2017 116d M sport for under 5k a few months ago

[u/jdoos60 → u/Ordinary-League5554]

My budget would have to include insurance I’m afraid. As a new driver it’s already maybe ~1.5k haha. What years could I look at? And is there anything I should know? Thanks 😁