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How Are You Dealing With High Priced Gasoline?
and
Report Your Local Gas Prices Here
Just picked up my new A3 two days ago -- Black, DSG, premium package, and XM Sat. Apparently there are not a lot of vehicles currently available that have the premium package but not the opensky. I passed on the opensky option beause I felt it took away too much headroom for rear seat passengers. I would have skipped the XM radio too, but this was a car that the dealer I was working with had incoming (it had just come into port when I started working the deal), and it's easier to cut a decent deal over a specific vehicle as opposed to a special order.
We came in at $1200 below sticker but that took quite a bit of haggling. In my area (Raleigh/Durham, NC) the A3s seem to be moving off the lots pretty fast and most seem to be selling at or just a couple hundred bucks below MSRP.
This is my first Audi and so far I'm loving it! The 2.0T satisfies my need for 'get up and go' when I want it, but gives me decent fuel efficiency when I'm feeling practical. The handling and ride is great and the fit and finish are a step up from my previous car (2001 Subaru Outback).
My only minor complaint is one that others have voiced- the diagonal brace on the center console that's right about where my right knee wants to rest.
The other cars my wife and I considered as we were shopping were:
* 2005 Volvo V50 2.4i
* 2005 Subaru Legacy GT Wagon
The major selling points that pushed us to favor the Audi were:
* Better front seat leg room than either the V50 or the Legacy -- this was the real kicker for me as this is my daily driver. I don't know how manufacturers come up with 'official' measurements of legroom, but the A3 is the only car I've ever owned where I actually prefer NOT to have the drivers seat all the way back. Both the V50 and the Legacy have more legroom according to the official figures but my real word experience says otherwise.
* Better fit and finish than the Subaru; nicer ride and less road noise than the V50
* More power than the V50 (I didn't consider the V50T); Better gas mileage than the Legacy GT
We would have saved a bundle on the V50 we were looking at (about $4800 under sticker), but the legroom, ride and comfort of the A3 is what finally sold me.
Cheers,
Paul
Hmmm, that's odd. I felt that the OpenSky system actually provided MORE head room in the back when compared to another A3 not so equipped. I just assumed that due to the fact that a simple pane of glass separates the top of the rear passengers heads from the elements, that that would intrude on head room less than the standard configuration. I'm going to have to take a tape measure in next time I go for a Look-See, because like you, I'd most likely order the one with the most head room.
Best Regards,
Shipo
How ever I prefer 5 spoke which only come with the standard not premium pkg.
Is it possible to get a premium pkg but still stay with 5 spoke wheel?
Or... if I wanna upgrade directly to 18" wheel can I order and change it before I get the car? (and pay less than if I get the car and change 17" to 18")
the last question: ....will the cloth of Audi easy to clean?? becuase in my 1 year honda accord there is already some wierd smell that I can hardly get rid off >_<
Thank you
fourplay56: i saw both those wheel configurations, although that was early models. It was my understanding the 16 spoke were no cost option. I like the easy clean ability of the 5 spoke myself, but prefer the look of the 16.
one word FE BREEZE! and get vinyl, leather, pleather, naughide next time
DL
I don't think 5-spoke 18s are an order option-- accessory only. Whether you pay MSRP for them will depend on your dealer.
What 170hp TDI are you referring to? The only TDIs that I've seen mentioned for the A3 in Europe are the 1.9tdi and the 2.0tdi which generate 100hp and 105hp respectively.
I was referring to the new "Piezo high-pressure unit-injector system" Passat TDi engine. There are older 2.5, 2.7 and 3.0 TDIs with 170, 180, and 225hp in the VW/Audi line-up. However, while the standard top 2.0TDI has only 140hp, it has been stated that the 170hp version will be available for the new Passat. "This extremely quiet four-valve TDI has an output of 125 kW / 170 hp (4,200 rpm), developing torque of 350 Newton metres (1,800 to 2,500 rpm) and accelerating the Passat Variant in 8.8 seconds to 100 km/h. Its tops speed is 220 km/h. Again, the average consumption is a mere 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres."
Since they are now sharing platforms, this engine can also be fitted into the Golf/Jetta/A3.
I wonder how much his engine will deliver after chip-tuning...
http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2050725.005/page/2/lang/eng/volkswagen/1.html-
http://www.carzone.ie/newcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=Details&vehicle_id=728368920050517&strS- pecs=SSCIRL2002
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/08/07/139643.html
http://www.carexpert.ru/html/tech/vwps-2005s22.htm
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/?id=175
Boston Herald: http://business.bostonherald.com/businessNews/view.bg?articleid=98829
Choice quote: "..the A3 is one of the best cars Motor Mouth has ever driven in its price range.
In fact, with few exceptions, this car is almost perfect..."
and one from the Sacramento Bee:
http://www.sacbee.com/content/business/story/13398817p-14240115c.html
--Paul
The sport package has the 16 spoke bi-colored wheels, and they look really sharp. The prem. package cars are a bit plainer and are not bi-colored.
That is your best chance...
regards,
kyfdx
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The explanation that I got was that there was a bad design in the way that the fan is attached to radiator and the clips that hold the fan in place actually punctured holes in the radiator.
Anyone else experience this or any other issues?
Fun to drive. Disappointed about the radiator.
Did your dealership indicate if this was an issue that applied primarily to the early of the assembly line vehicles (I assume yours is an early one because you got it it many), or is this a general concern?
--Paul
Dealership didn't indicate either way. I know that they had been in touch with Audi Manufacturing and had a case open with them and they had taken a bunch of pics of the radiator and sent along.
That is a drag. Sorry to hear about that.
On wheels: for me personally, I think it would be worth it to pursue the five spokes, even at a cost. I think I'd go after market (and probably lighter than stock) to get a five or seven-spoke rim I like. I can't say the the 16-spokers are ugly, by any stretch, but I find then too busy and too fussy for my tastes.
If you had ended up getting the yakima rack installed on your A3, what size Q-Clips did you use?
I have my roof rack from my previous car just sitting and waiting. I just need to know which Q-Clips to use. Thanks.
A couple more articles of interest to A3 readers:
Side-by-side comparison of the A3 and the Mini Cooper S:
http://www.business2.com/b2/web/articles/0,17863,1097588,00.html
and
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05237/559564.stm
--Paul
A) Going to be sold with Bluetooth as standard equipment as soon as the week 22 and greater builds of cars land upon our shores.
Anybody heard anything to confirm or refute either of the above rumors that I've heard?
Best Regards,
Shipo
By the way, the car I am considering has a bluetooth package mentioned above.
As for the A3, I vote for standard equipment based on the high tag the little bugger has allready.
DL
DL
Well, as far as Audis are concerned, less than $25K MSRP (perhaps $23K street price) surely is entry level. You pay entry level if you choose entry level. Since you are familiar with BMW and Mercedes, you shouldn't really be surprised that when fully loaded, the price goes up. Should the price go up $10K? I don't think so - but then I would most likely be more selective with packages and not add everything they offer. I haven't even made up my mind yet, whether I like open sky.
As far as leasing prices are concerned, this has been discussed quite a bit. There is a strong relation between leasing rates and resale values, and Audi seems to be less concerned with total sales versus quality sales. I also think they underestimated the number of potential buyers who benefit from a lease as a tax write-off (for most, old-fashioned financing is much more attractive at this point).
It all depends on the way you configure your car. Navigation is a $1950 sold order option, and the DSG automatic car is almost $1500 more.
Apples to apples, the A4 is about $4000-5000 more loaded the same way.
You're better off buying the A3 though, as lease rates are not too good right now.
I spoke with Audi Corporate a week ago and they said that, effective immediately, all new A3s ordered with the Convenience Package will have Bluetooth. This is included with the Premium option, but must be added separately to the Sport option.
You may want to confirm this with your dealer and remember that this will likely not apply to existing cars on the lot.
Toxie
Best Regards,
Shipo
Just trying to follow along here... Living vicariously through others...
regards,
kyfdx
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I know it's kind of wierd to be shopping the A3 2.0T 6-Speed and the 330i 6-Speed at the same time but that's exactly what I'm doing.
Best Regards,
Shipo
If I see an A4 go by me without the Quattro designation.... I always think.. "Why?"...
No really good reason for that.... I'd take an Acura TSX, and never think twice about it...
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Call me weird, my final 2. However in the end Audi could not get me a ordered car I desired in less than 4 month instead of 1 for the E90. Plus there was only about 2k difference in the 325i and A3. If im driving high mileage, one would think a rwd, non turbo would last well longer than a fdw, turbo car yes ? The little extra utility would be nice though.
DL
I like it. I fit right in. I don't have a final two, but my list is just is bizarre, including this little beauty...
Really? Hmmm, well I just configured two cars as like as I could and here is what I got:
2006 A3 ------------- MSRP -------- TMV -------- 2006 325i ----------- MSRP -------- TMV
Base Car --------- $24,740 ----- $24,502 ------- Base Car --------- $30,900 ----- $30,280
Lava Gray ------------- $450 --------- $450 ------- Black Sapphire ----- $475 --------- $475
Sport Package --- $1,800 ------ $1,778 ------- Sport Pack --------- $1,600 ------ $1,553
CWP -------------------- $700 --------- $691 ------ CWP ------------------ $1,000 --------- $971
Sound Package ----- $900 --------- $889 ------ Premium Audio --- $1,200 ------ $1,164
Conv. Package ------ $675 --------- $667 ------ Premium Pack ---- $2,900 ------ $2,815
Xenon Lights --------- $500 --------- $494 ------ Xenon Lights ---------- $800 --------- $777
Open Sky ---------- $1,100 ------- $1,086
------------------------------------------------------------- Regional Adjust ----------------------- -$210
Destination ----------- $720 --------- $720 ------ Destination ------------ $695 --------- $695
===========================================================
Total ---------------- $31,585 ---- $31,277 ------ Total ----------------- $39,570 ----- $38,505
Needless to say, I must be wanting different goodies than you want because in my case the TMV difference is $7,228, which in my book is a fair piece of change. ;-)
"If im driving high mileage, one would think a rwd, non turbo would last well longer than a fdw, turbo car yes?"
Hmmm, here I'm not at all sure either way. I've had two FWD turbo-charged cars (fed an exclusive diet of Mobil-1) and three RWD normally aspirated I6 cars over the years and in my own personal experience, both classes distinguished themselves as being more than capable of driving well into the six figure range of miles relatively problem free. Given my personal preference, I'd opt for a turbo-charged RWD car, however, not only is the rumored 335i not out yet, but it wouldn't be economically viable in my current driving environment if it were.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Yes, i went skinny on options. Something like this. CWP, Step, Metallic, Power seat,and 330i 17" wheels,sat prep. In my mind a lower 30k 325i is the best buy due to all the standard features, closer to 40k not so much. It may have been more fair to say the A3 i would have been taking off the lot ( 4 -5month to order) came base model, or loaded to the gills Nav ect... IF i could have got YOUR spec' ed car( LAVA Grey included) around $30,500 let say quite the bargain.
PS : im shocked you prefer the 2.0T over the I6.
DL
Errr, I must not have fully stated my case
Without a doubt I think that the only peer of the I6 engine when it comes to balance and smoothness is what I’ll call an H6 mill (horizontally opposed/boxer engine ala Porsche and many small aircraft engines). Beyond that one example, the V8 is the closest in third place (unlike the above two Sixes, it is not truly balanced). Balance shafted I4s and V6s are a very distant fourth and fifth respectively, with the non-balanced version of the latter two engines bringing up the rear of the field. That of course is only the mechanical part, induction is another story. I am a turbocharging bigot. Period, full stop, the end. IMHO, there is no finer way of dramatically enhancing the efficiency of the induction system (and hence the specific output of the engine) than with an exhaust gas driven turbo-super-charger. Errr, that isn’t actually correct (see Note 1), but for the automotive world that is close enough. So, the question is, “If I’m shopping for a good performing fuel efficient (albeit not perfectly mechanically balanced) car/engine combination, what would I choose?" Well, I’ll choose a balance shafted turbo 4 over a normally aspirated I6. Why? Well, it's will usually be less expensive, nearly as smooth and probably more efficient in most driving environments. A turbocharged (or dual turbocharged) I6 is another matter entirely (and another dollar value as well). Were it that the prices between the two were equal, then I'd opt for the 325i, but they aren't even close with the options that I want.
Note 1: As adding a turbocharger to an engine has a tendency to equalize the pressure between the exhaust manifold and the intake manifold, a specific engine building technique known as “Valve Overlap” (where the exhaust valve opens before the intake valve closes), which increases engine efficiency by aiding cylinder scavenging, is either not usable or considerably less effective. Back before WWII it was discovered that if an engine was built with a low pressure mechanical supercharger installed downstream of the turbocharger, even as much as a 0.5 PSI increase in the intake charge was enough to allow the Valve Overlap technique to work.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Staying on topic as not to get us scolded by our New HOST
DL
--Paul
Sorry to disappoint you, but that won't happen. The Haldex AWD in the A3 has a permanently driven front, with the clutch pack adding some torque to the rear on demand/ when there is a (small) difference in rotation.
What they should do, however, is upgrade to the latest PreX system, that preloads the hydraulics (thus eliminating any lag) and makes it easier to use the proactive features (switching on the rear based on yaw angle, steering wheel position, rpms, throttle, and all the other goodies ESP knows about).
The question is, "What is 'sufficient'?" Many of my family and friends back in the 1980s had blown ChryCo cars, and I'm thinking that I cannot remember a single case where they didn't have at least one replacement turbocharger during the life of the car. On the other hand, both of my cars had somewhere around 100,000 miles on them when I traded up for a newer car, and both cars had the fully functioning factory turbocharger still intact when the trade was made. The difference? The oil. Everybody else that I knew of used standard non-Synthetic oil, mostly from the dealership. I used Mobil 1 exclusively due to its considerably greater ability to deal with higher heat. I guess using the Synthetic paid off.
Funny thing #3, It is my understanding that many Audi dealerships are still putting non-Synthetic oil in blown Audis, and have even heard a rumor to the effect that Audi doesn't even require synthetic oil for its blown motors. Yikes! Assuming I wind up with an A3, you can bet your last dollar that the only oil changes that are going to happen on that car are going to be done by me and that I will be using Mobil 1.
As for driving a blown engine with a dead blower, no problem except dramatically reduced power (like by half or more).
Best Regards,
Shipo
It probably depends a lot of the driving conditions. For awhile i had both a 2.8L BMW and a 2.0T saab. The BMW always got significantly better fuel economy in all conditions. The saab got much worse when you were driving "aggressively" in stop & go, but even on long highway cruises, the bmw always got 1-3 better.
The new audi, with its FSI, though, may be superior in fuel economy to bmw's i6. But it may not. The main advantage of the 2.0T is that it feels more powerful at lower RPM's--a very good thing, to be sure!
dave
Okay, fair enough. Given what I know about the 325i vs. the A3 2.0T, I'd be hard pressed to predict which would get better mileage under any given condition. Then again, given that my unique requirements might require me to buy this time around as opposed to lease, the A3 becomes the defacto winner due to its price advantage over the 325i.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Yeah, I hear you on that one. I've been spoiled by my two problem free BMWs and even my problem free Dodge Grand Caravan (100,000 miles and so far its needed a battery and a door switch beyond normal maintenance).
Not being a fan of two-pedal manual transmissions, the DSG has no allure for me, however, it seems that the vast majority of the A3s that I've seen have been equipped with only two pedals. What is most likely going to ice the deal for me is going to be the style, the engine, the mileage and the utility, and if I get one, I'm just going to hope that I get a good one. ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
Anyway, I'm not worried about potential Audi reliability problems. Hell, I bought a Land Rover (which, incidently, was trouble-free). While I'm sad I got rid of the LR3 (fantastic vehicle), I am not sad about having a huge chunk of my income go to gasoline.
The salesman was telling me it was "simple" to add an auxiliary input for an ipod. Has anyone done this? With no tape player, the only way to play an ipod in the vehicle is through the itrip (over the FM stations) which is difficult in a big city such as LA, with all the interference. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who uses their ipod in the A3.....
I know you're a big fan of Mobil 1 Synthetic. My Prelude gets nothing but synthetic every 4K miles or so. In my Prelude (YMMV), the Mobil 1 broke down and the high compression, high revving H22A engine actually burned a little oil between changes during the 1st 15K miles. Since then I've had the oil changed with nothing but Castrol Syntec and haven't burned a drop since. My car sees regular trips up to the 7500 RPM redline.
I'm not trying to start an Audi vs. BMW war here.
Everyone's experience differs. I'm scared of Audis too. My parents' had an A6 that was terrible, my best friend had an '02 A4 3.0 that was in for service 42 times in 39 months that he leased the car, my Cousin had a '01 S4 that had a driveshaft crack at 60K miles... HOwever I've heard much more positive things about the Turbo 4 motors, I'm just not so sure of the rest of the car :confuse:
The same acan be said for BMWs. Many people have them and have numerous problems (like our own blueguydotcom). My parents have an '04 X5 3.0iA & an '05 530iA that have given them not an ounce of trouble.
travelinman: Just curious, what kind of deprectiation hit did you take on the LR3? Did you trade it in or sell it yourself?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Im getting 25mpg in mixed driving consistently, so they sound very compable. $3.25 for 93 oct :mad: ,where my TDI A3!!
DL
Just curious did you have a oil anlysis done ? Ive heard oil does not typically "break down" but rather becomes polluted hense the dark color. A lot of oil is filtered and reused. If the oil usage was during the break in period do you suppose that could have been the cause ? rather then the Honda having a distain for Mobil 1.
DL
VERBATIM
"Most notably, we will be introducing a brand new model for the A3 with early October production - The A3 3.2. This vehicle comes standard with quattro, DSG transmission, and the S-Line package, and is very well equipped with a number of other standard features. The 3.2 250HP in this new A3 is shared with the TT 3.2.
*Standard features of the A3 3.2 include:
17" Excalibur silver alloy wheels with all-season tires
Front fog lights
S-Line front and rear bumpers and S-Line badges
Sport suspension
sport seats with power driver seat and lumbar
roof spoiler
sound package with Bose premium sound system and 6-disc CD changer
convenience package
alloy air vents and radio buttons; brushed alloy inlays
Three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with S-Line badge/alloy paddles
illuminated vanity mirrors, driver/passenger reading lights, and lighted door open
*Available options on the new 3.2 include:
cold weather package
rear side airbags
open sky system
satellite radio
premium leather
bi-xenon headlights
DVD Navigation
18" 20-spoke wheels with performance tires
Bluetooth phone preparation with voice control
*Bluetooth phone prep with voice control is available for ordering starting with late June production on the 2.0T model in conjunction with either the Premium or Sport package (and with 3.2 at its start of production)
*Bi-xenon lights will replace the Xenon lights option starting with early September production and are available on the 2.0T model in conjunction with the Premium or Sport package (and with the 3.2 at its start of production)
VW/Audi have always required synthetic oils for their gas and Diesel turbo engines. It's just that some people didn't realize, because VAG had their own (501 or 502 or whatnot) specs. Those did not mention synthetic, but the only oils available in the US meeting the specs were synthetic.
They still have to learn that in the long run, it pays to be specific and explicit. Reminds me of their publications that show fuel consumption in liters/100km and mpg. Guess what? Unless the publication is specifically made for the US, the mpgs are in imperial gallons - without stating that! As though mpg was an international unit. Just wrong, and they won't do a thing about it.
I do think, however, that the number of VW/Audi service places that used below-spec (non-synthetic oil) is rather small. At least here in California, I have found them to be quite informed about oil specs most of the time. I did have a couple of incidences with my ~13 year old 2.0 Golf, though: once they accidentally put in 5-30, with the consequence of the oil light coming on within 2 miles*. At another place**, I had to argue for 20 minutes and actually make a call to a second VW service place to convince them that 15-40 to 20-40 was the only way to go on this engine without the oil pressure light coming on...
I don't know what mentality it is that something as simple as an oil spec would not be considered zero tolerance for misinformation/mistakes area at VW/Audi service.
*To say something favorably of this place, I have to mention that when I called the service manager on my cell, he called me back within 2 minutes. He had already figured out that a young tech had used the wrong hose to fill the oil. No damage done, time lost less than 1/2 hour.
**this is downtown Walnut Creek, CA. Good prices on new cars, at times. Never, ever have your car serviced there, though.