Audi A3

shipo

Junk? No. Inferior to Mobil 1 0W-40 and Castrol Syntec 0W-30? Absolutely.

Why? The Syntec 5W-40 is just a Group III hydrocracked crude oil and not a true synthetic (and as such it only meets the minimal VW 502.00 oil spec), meanwhile 0W-40 and 0W-30 oils are a full Group IV PAO based synthetic (that also meet the far more stringent VW 503.01 oil spec).

I hope this helps.

Best Regards,
Shipo

sonyvaio

I just bought a 2007 Audi A3 with premimum package. From the manual of A3, it seems that there are two storage compartments in both front seats. But I only found one in the passenger seat of my A3, while no one in the driver seat. I am not sure if it is because my car has premimum package which includes power driver seat. Can anyone confirm with it? How many storage compartments in the front seats are in your A3? Thanks a lot!

donthegreek

I have an 06 with Premium package. There's only one storage compartment in mine, under the passenger seat.This question has come up before in here, with the only answers i've seen , being one compartment under the passenger seat.
don

ngs

I have been driving the 2007 a3 for 13 months now,
and No there is no compartment under the driver's seat.
I have the premium package too.

jf123

I am trying to decide between the S Line or Premium Package on the A3 and was wondering the consensus on whether or not the upgraded suspension offered with the S Line package was worth the additional price over the Premium Package. If there is little difference with the suspension upgrade, I was thinking of going the route of the Premium Package and using the money saved toward the Open Sky option. Any feedback will greatly be appreciated.

txbosoxfan

I test drove both and went for the S Line. The seats in the S Line are firmer and more supportive. The handling/suspension on the S Line were tighter, but not significantly so. I also liked the look of the S Line grille better.

andres3

I test drove both before deciding on the Sport package. I'd suggest you do the same; test drive both and decide.

Although I'd say the differences between the regular suspension setup, and the sport setup were not DRASTIC or HUGE, I would say it was significant and noticeable.

If your looking for a sports car, go for the sports suspension. If you are looking for a luxury car, go for the Premium package.

jskho

I am considering a used 07 A3. Seller said it has technology pkg. I thought technology package requires either premium pkg or S-line pkg. Is that correct? Thanks.

jbertani

Can anyone tell me what 'check engine' codes P2015 and P2008 mean for a 2006 A3?

About five days ago I filled up and noticed soon afterwards that the engine check light was on. I tightened the gas cap but no change. I unscrewed the gas cap and then put it back on. Still no change. I took it to Autozone and they were able to tell me the codes but not what they meant. I called Audi service and they said the car was too new to be in the system and that I would have to bring it in. Unfortunately, that's over an hour away. They did say, however, that it's ok as long as the light isn't flashing.

Any ideas? Thanks.

-John

andys120

Could you have overfilled and flooded the Vapor Recovery canister, this will cause the CEL to come on.

A 2006 model's codes not in the system? BS- I'd try another dealer or AoA.

audia3lvr

I agree, for the price difference the Spot package is a much better deal. I test drove both and the difference was very slight. I used to own 95 GTI VR6, but the A3 is soo much better.

By the way there is a new audi forum that is totaly dedicated to the A3. You should check it out. It is http://AudiA3Forum.com

flemo123

Has anyone experienced an issue with the wipers on their A3? The wipers on mine (Premium package only) randomly go from continuous to intermittent, and sometimes high speed continuous to normal speed continuous without me touching the switch.

I mentioned this the dealer at the service and the response was that the rain sensor was just doing what its supposed to do!!! For one thing I'm pretty damn sure my model doesn't have a rain sensor and even if it did it should only activate with the wipers set to the intermittent setting. Of course the problem randomly comes and goes so it's tough to recreate in front of the dealer. Any ideas on what part is failing in the system? If there was a rain sensor where is it located on the windshield? I'd like to point to that spot and say "look no rain sensor!"

shipo

While Audi has mixed up the optional packages since the A3s introduction over here, many of the A3 are in fact equipped with rain sensing wipers, and in fact I believe that for a while at least, all "Premium Package" A3s had the rain sensor. As for the location of said sensor, most cars have it integrated into the base of the mirror where it is bonded to the windshield. I suspect yours is no different.

Best Regards,
Shipo

donthegreek

I have the same thing, its normal. I think your dealer is correct.

flemo123

Not according to the manual. If the rain sensor option is installed it is only supposed to work with the wipers in intermittent mode, and have no effect with the wipers in continuous. I will check to see if there is a sensor however.

The thing is, sensor or not, incorrect manual, something isn't working right. This problem even occurs in the pouring rain, when at times i have to keep switching around the wiper setting to get it back working continuously.

cdnpinhead

I've recently added the A3 to my list. I did the Edmunds thing & reviewed everything posted regarding it over the past couple of years.

There was lots a year or so ago and almost nothing lately. One of the threads had to do with the awful leasing terms; there were several others that also weren't entirely positive. Is there anyone on Edmunds regularly who thinks the A3 has any merit?

My previous "must-haves" included RWD, but I'm becoming more flexible, given that BMW now includes run-flat tires & no dipstick & that European diesels won't be here anytime soon (at least in the lighter vehicles).

Given that, I decided that an Acura Tsx might be acceptable. It became clear that the A3 was a very similar vehicle, and I very much enjoyed the A3 I rented in Germany six years ago (diesel, BTW).

I'll be off in a moment to see if there's an A3 vs. Tsx board. I doubt it, but who knows?

shipo

I've been following the A3 with interest since it first came out, and find it a wonderful option given the idiosyncrasies (RFTs and no dipstick) of the new BMWs.

Best Regards,
Shipo

dyen

Last year I was deciding between the A3, Mini Cooper S and the TSX. The TSX is a great car and I think a great value with a luxurious interior. Even so, I found that its power came only at about 6000 rpm when you feel a surge. I ended up buying an A3 2.0T, which really delivers even at low RPMs. No regrets. The joy of driving this car hasn't diminished. Love the engine, love the DSG transmission (a longtime manual transmission afficionado, I made the switch), handles great.

dyen

Folks, I don't know if this will help anyone else, but I was experiencing incredible tire noise from the Pirelli P6s that came on my '06 2.0T Premium package. It was so loud, you could barely have a conversation at highway speeds. This has been the ONE complaint that I've had about the car, which I first brought to my dealership's attention at 5,000 miles.

At 21,000 miles it was time to replace them. I just installed all season Continental ProContacts and I am relieved to say that the noise is GONE.

cdnpinhead

Thanks for the helpful input.

Is the A3 available with a "real" manual transmission, or is the DSG a requirement?

I haven't made it down to the Audi store (they treated me like crap eight years ago when I was last shopping), so I haven't done the detailed study of the brochure. I may pick up an A4 book while I'm at it.

shipo

The A3 has two transmission offerings, a three-pedal 6-Speed and a 6-Speed DSG.

Best Regards,
Shipo

donthegreek

I have the same year car, and had the same tire issue, my P6's were shot at 20,000 miles, and yes they were very noisy. Replaced em with a high rated Bridgstone, the dealer said would last me for 40,000 miles, and they are much quieter, though now i have 21,000 on these..with lots of tread left on em, but they are starting to cup a little bit on the outside....the first set did the same thing.
My local tire guy is frustrated...he can't seem to line em (the rear end, not the front end)up setting wise where he thinks it shoud be.

jwb18t

Wondering what your thoughts are regarding winter driving with the A3. I would have snow tires mounted for the winter like I do on my 2 current vehicles(2007 Honda Ody and 1998 Honda CRV). My last VW/Audi vehicle was a 2003 VW Passat GLS Wagon and it handled very well. Any insight is appreciated.

andys120

Wondering what your thoughts are regarding winter driving with the A3.

You seem to realize that winter tires are a good idea regardless of which (or how many) wheels are driven so you are starting ahead of the game. I have no experience with the A3 but I did drive an A4 AvantQ thru a number of NH winters. My advice is keep your head when the weather turns bad and do your best to maintain visibility and to be seen (turn on those lights). Use gradual inputs for steering and brakes and all the usual winter driving techniques that you would use with any vehicle.

donthegreek

I've only driven mine through 1 winter, the original P6's were terrible winter tires.Had no problems, using "andys120" advice above I live in north central Pa, so our winters can be mild or harsh....latley they've been mild.Winter tires obviously is a good idea, which i haven't been using. I can walk to work if needed, so i don't get too excited about it.

andres3

Common problem with the P6 tires on the premium packaged A3's. Everyone seems to hate those tires unilaterally.

YET ANOTHER reason to opt for the sport package to avoid the dreadful P6 tires.

sunilb

cdnpinhead... any update on your quest? I test drove one of these when they first came out and didn't care for it too much, but I'm going to go for another test drive this weekend (wife wants me to get rid of my manual transmission car, and DSG sounds like a worthy replacement... plus, we've always wanted a wagon/hatch).

cdnpinhead

No news, so far.

I'm really (really) reluctant to go FWD & haven't even been to the (really crappy, BTW) Audi dealer (count all the way to one, by the way, in the entire Phoenix metropolitan area) to pick up brochures for the A3 & A4. . .yet.

But I will. I may, after consideration, have to hold my nose and end up driving an A3/4 or (worse yet) an Acura Tsx, once I allow FWD into my decision matrix. I will be driving a different car a year from now. I've been driving the one I've got for 7.5 years.

I can't get exactly what I want, and I'm reluctant to "settle." Bring me a 3-series diesel with a manual. I could even work with an A3 or A4 with a diesel. Or, (credit to C. Shutz) I could flap my arms and fly to the moon.

Stay tuned.

kurtamaxxxguy

Sadly, I face the same situation in Portland - only one mediocre Audi dealer for roughly 150 miles (2nd nearest one to me in Oregon is in Bend). That, and Audi's refusal to let USA customers have Quattro with the 2.0, killed whatever interest I had in purchasing the A3.

I wish VW and Audi USA would wake up, combine dealers, and make it easier to get support for these cars.

andres3

If you buy it, they will come. Get your fellow Oregonians to buy more Audi's and the dealerships will pop up; guaranteed.

sunilb

I hear ya... I read about a 123d hatch on edmunds a while ago and that just had me salivating: small, fuel efficient and good handling!
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=121452

Too bad they aren't bring that here. A 3-series diesel wagon or diesel A4 Avant quattro would be fine too (as long we are dreaming, right?).

dino001

But it is a bit chicken and egg problem with those smaller brands. People don't buy them because they feel they don't get enough support. Becasue there is not enough interest, the dealer network is too small. And the circle is closed.

mrroboto89

I am 18 and although i might sound like an extremely new driver to some, i am a skilled one and my mom is offering to buy me a new car.

yesterday my mom and i took a visit to the audi dealer (she is also looking at a new car) and i noticed the A3 2.0T. i think it is a nice looking, fast, well equipped car.

my other main choice is a VW GLI.
i also wouldn't mind driving a nissan 350z or a honda s2000 either, just for fun though.

my choice rests on driving feel, comfort, extras, and performance of the manual transmission.

any ideas?
Philip

kyfdx

If you like the A3, why not consider the GTI, as well? It (along with the GLI) has the same drivetrain..

I think the A3 is a good choice.. But, if you are looking at VWs, they have some good dealer cash incentives on the leftover '07 models.

regards,
kyfdx
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ivan_99

I recently drove a Jetta Fahrenheit GLI. It was a unique orange/yellow color. It was one of the best handling FWD cars I've ever driven. I'm not sure what suspension changes it has over the 'regular' GLI or what type of rubber they had on it, but there were 3 people in the car and we were going up (and back down) a real twisty road. It pulled real hard going up and held the road real well going down...there was never any torque steer (even when using the launch control) or understeer...and we were going much to fast for public roads

The same day I also drove an 03 BMW 325 (non sport package) and the Jetta was FAR better in handling and acceleration. Probably not a fair comparison...the sportiest Jetta versus the 'old' 325 non-sport...just I wasn't expecting it.

Worth a test drive anyway.

BTW...the DSG has me converted...no manual for me when a DSG is available.

shipo

...the first had a 6-Speed with three pedals under the dash and the second had a 6-Speed with two pedals and two paddles (wifey has been having left hip probems and is considering an automatic).

To be sure the DSG is the best Automatic transmission I've ever driven, however, IMHO, it seriously detracted from the otherwise wonderful driving experience that can be had from that well thought out car.

Funny thing, there's a possibility that our garage is going to be housing two A3s in the near future, the only question is, how many pedals and how many paddles. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

ivan_99

"...IMHO, it seriously detracted from the otherwise wonderful driving experience"

How so? Please elaborate...

shipo

I found it kind of busy and distracting when the tranny was switching up and down while I was staying with the flow of traffic. I suppose I could have put it into some sort of a Manual Mode and used either the +/- shifter or the paddles (which aren't oriented anywhere near the spot where I keep my hands on the wheel, and as such are kind of irrelevant), but hey, it's an automatic transmission for crying-out-loud.

I much prefer to be able to not only tell the car when to shif but how hard or soft and how fast or how slow to affect said shift. That cannot be done with a DSG. Suffice to say, if Wifey opts for the DSG version (I'm kind of betting she won't once she's driven them back-to-back), I won't be driving her car very often. :P

Best Regards,
Shipo

shipo

I continue to be surprised that none of the specs available anywhere in the Internet or in print show the rear seat room for the A3. I keep wondering if that is because it is actually more spacious than the A4.

Today (errr, yesterday now) while I was strolling through the dealership I got into an A3 and set the driver's seat perfectly for my frame, and then climbed into the left side rear seat. Ingress and egress were quite easy and while seated I easily had over two inches between my knees and shins and the front-seat seatback. I repeated the experiment in the A4 and came up with the exact same results as I did two years ago, namely that the rear seat legroom in the A4 is an easy two inches shorter than in the A3. Not only was I forced to press my right leg in behind the front seat while entering the A4, once I was seated there was barely a quarter of an inch between my knees and the front seat.

Hmmm, apparently the next generation A4 is supposed to be a tad longer than the current model. Maybe once the A4 can boast more room than the A3, Audi will start publishing rear seat space for the latter. :P

Best Regards,
Shipo

andres3

Interesting your already in the market for a new Audi A3! I can see why, as I and others, including CR ranked it as one of the most very satisfying owner experiences with any vehicle.

One thing... if you don't like to put your hands where they are "supposed" to be on the steering wheel (where the paddles work just great in their current placement), then just use the up/down DSG shifter handle where your "stick shift" is always located (it's similar to constantly shifting between 1 and 2 manually, only w/o the 3rd pedal).

Second thing... I believe the DSG has "learned programming" to learn your style of driving and conform to it, whether that be hard or soft, although it obviously can't know what your current mood is and whether that changes often. However, I believe the DSG is generally aggressive (medium hard but smooth) and ultra fast with it's shifts in D mode, but in S mode it goes into madman lightning fast mode (seems to me; maybe subjective).

On another note, I think you and others had tested the GTI to compare it to the A3 when they both first came out in 2005/06, and noticed that the GTI had a higher riding height and was much softer with greater lean, roll, and all those other bad things. The suspension from VW just wasn't as sophisticated in tuning as the Audi. Did you know that VW has lowered the ride height of the 2008 GTI's by 10 mm? That might bring it into feeling more like the A3, but I haven't driven one yet; have you?

shipo

"Interesting your already in the market for a new Audi A3! I can see why, as I and others, including CR ranked it as one of the most very satisfying owner experiences with any vehicle."

Already? Uhhh, my current car has 154,000 miles on it. While it has been the model of reliability, it is getting a little long in the tooth.

"One thing... if you don't like to put your hands where they are "supposed" to be on the steering wheel (where the paddles work just great in their current placement), then just use the up/down DSG shifter handle where your "stick shift" is always located (it's similar to constantly shifting between 1 and 2 manually, only w/o the 3rd pedal)."

Ain't nothing similar about it; with an extended "H" pattern shifter, I can "feel" what gear I'm in and I can "feel" what the tranny is doing, not so with a DSG.

"Second thing... I believe the DSG has "learned programming" to learn your style of driving and conform to it, whether that be hard or soft, although it obviously can't know what your current mood is and whether that changes often. However, I believe the DSG is generally aggressive (medium hard but smooth) and ultra fast with it's shifts in D mode, but in S mode it goes into madman lightning fast mode (seems to me; maybe subjective)."

Adaptive software not withstanding, the transmission simply cannot know how I want my shifts executed from one moment to the next, and until there is a neural pathway between my brain and the tranny, there's no way for it to be able to adjust on the fly like that. The fact is, the DSG is a very good automatic, but it is a very poor substitute for a manual gearbox.

"On another note, I think you and others had tested the GTI to compare it to the A3 when they both first came out in 2005/06, and noticed that the GTI had a higher riding height and was much softer with greater lean, roll, and all those other bad things. The suspension from VW just wasn't as sophisticated in tuning as the Audi. Did you know that VW has lowered the ride height of the 2008 GTI's by 10 mm? That might bring it into feeling more like the A3, but I haven't driven one yet; have you?"

Hmmm, you must have me confused with someone else; the last GTI that I was in was something like 1984. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

andres3

My Audi A3 Sport Package with DSG has now been owned by me for just under 2 years. I have accumulated lots of mileage in these 23 months, and have reached past 33K miles already.

I have to say, this car appears to be performing excellently, and flawlessly. The car seems bulletproof. I haven't discovered any problems, and have had no hassles or reliablility concerns. I haven't got my "warranties" monies worth, unless of course you consider getting a trouble-free car a "bonus." I haven't had to use the warranty since dealing with issues that occurred at delivery. This has been by far, the most flawless and reliable new car I have ever owned, and I've owned both Dodge and Honda.

The Dodge was a POS lemon :lemon: all the way through and through; every part of it. The Honda was great and had stellar durability, but had it's share of warranty issues (none mechanical other than tranny).

I'm still happy and loving the A3 I got. I'm still consistently getting 25 MPG in mixed driving with my lead foot and need to go 80+ when I can on the freeway. The only think I regret is settling for the light gray interior; I had wanted a beige interior.

I think Audi should include those fancy adaptive Xenon lights as standard from now on to boost sales, and bring back free Audi Care Maintenance.

Also, I think Audi should go ahead and bring on the S3 similar to the TTS's specs I hope.

activex111

Hi All,
i was looking for a new car, something with style and good mileage. After looking at lot of cars i came across A3. this seems to be a perfect fit. The average consumer reviews are very good. I saw a 2006 A3 today with sports package for a decent price. Then i came across this forum (http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f0ee004 ) about the transmission issues with DSG on A3. The experiences posted there will deter almost anyone from buying this car. Now i am really confused, if the tranny problem is as severe and common as posted by so many A3 drivers. Since i see a lot of A3 owners posting here, i really would like to see some feedback from you guys. Has anyone experienced the problems with DSG going haywire while downshifting, or problems with clutch going out?
Thanks

dyen

I've had my 2006 A3 2L Turbo with premium package for 22 months and 23,000 miles. I am extremely happy with the car's performance and reliability. Not one mechanical or electrical problem, not one rattle or squeak. It remains exciting to drive with great acceleration and handling, and the DSG has been trouble free and lots of fun. It was so impressive on the test drive, I switched after 20 years of driving a manual transmission.

The only issue that I have had was the tires: Pirelli P6 225/45R17: good traction, short wear life, very loud. It wasn't till I was ready to replace them that I determined they are rated for mud and snow, so open lugs are noisy. Car is as quiet as can be now that I have Continental ProContacts. You probably won't have these Pirelli's on the Sport Package.

Good luck with your decision.

huntzinger

Hi all,

Been awhile since I've really been active on Edmunds. Wife is thinking about an A3 and if I heard correctly, isn't Audi now offering a European delivery program (finally)?

In either case, was wondering if anyone knows when 2009 production is going to start...looks like 2008 was into the USA by roughly August, so I was wondering if we could do a May/June order for July/August pickup of an '09.

-hh

mountainmists

I took at test drive in the A3 yesterday. What a little car. :surprise: Well, not so little, since I am now driving a MINI. The husband has an M3 BMW and a BMW touring wagon , so I looked at the 328i Sport Wagon, all pretty expensive, even the used ones.
I failed to measure the inside size of the back (of the A3) when the rear seats are down. Does anyone have one and know the size? I have driven E-type Jags, Porsche and Z3 BMW in the past, have gotten older, but still want the performance the A3 seems to have. Have never had an Audi. I will read the opinions here, looks like a great place to become more knowledgable on the pros and cons of this machine.

huntzinger

I don't have one (yet?), but I do plan on hitting a dealership soon for a deep review, plus I did take a look in the back of one at the NYC Auto Show 2 days ago...the A3 is on my wife's short list to be her 3rd Audi.

Eyeballing the car, I was pleasantly surprised by how deep the trunk was (seats up); it looked to be almost as deep as my wife's 2000 A4.

I do understand your question, as I've been frustrated over the years with "Tech Specs" on hatchbacks that don't understand the concept of reporting both the Seats Up and Seats Down volumes.

Its specs say "19.5 cu. ft.", but they also have the A4 is listed at 13.4 and the A4 Avant at 27.8.

My guess is that these volumes could all be realistic (and "Seats Up") if you load all the way up to the ceiling. Not all that practical, granted.

I had had a Saab 900 years ago and its ratings were 24 and 48. My current ride of a Mercedes C-Coupe offers a similar rough doubling of volume when the seats are dropped, although its smaller overall, so its around 14 to 25ish. I would expect that the A3 is going to be pretty similar to my C-Coupe and be probably be around 13 with seats up (and nothing blocking the rear visibility), and in the 25 neighborhood when it is 'stuff it to the gills' time.

BTW, I know firsthand that an 8x10 chinese carpet can be squeezed into a C-Coupe (hatch closed) *with* a cooperative Spouse riding in the back seat behind the driver ;-)

-hh

dyen

I can't tell you the exact dimensions, but I've found the back of my A3 to be quite ample and useful. The trunk lip is low for easy access, and there are nice nets, hooks and tie downs for packages and storage. It does have convenient 60-40 split rear seats, however, the rear seats don't fold completely flat. I've even transported 8 foot lengths of lumber through the armrest pass through, but honestly, I got this car specifically to accommodate my 60 lb. dog. With the hatch cover removed, she fits in nicely and has room to move around. Friends say she looks like she's in a "gun turret"!

The A3's rear is a bit smaller than my old Jetta wagon, but not appreciably enough that I've ever noticed.

I'm extremely pleased with my '06 A3 - it's a great blend of performance, luxury and practicality. Not one problem, not one squeak in 24k miles.

(BTW, my final choices were the Mini Cooper S and the A3 - both great cars. Love the Mini, but the A3's been more practical.)

mountainmists

Have gone the route of practical, vans, wagons (years ago). As the driveway has always been full of cars, even the years that people haulers were needed, I would have a little 2 seater something. At this time in life I am trying to combine practical with fun. The A3 just might fill the bill on this. Getting attached to cars is something I do and my little red MINI will be somewhat hard to part with. BUT the ride of the AUDI was fun. My little dog has a seat of her own in the MINI, but did not take to the convertible, too much wind! So I think your dog must be a scream in her turret. Noting you mentioned the Jetta, I have been reading about the new Jetta SportWagen. But no specs on it. I looked at the inside appointments in the VW , while nice, it did not quite have the feel and look (but good for the difference in price probably). After test driving the A3 we had our heads turned. :surprise: Thank you for information, will be checking it out in person, makes no sense to me why it can not be easy to list this along with all the other things. Makes me wonder if they are not too proud of the size, so avoid printing it!

senel

Hello all. I just picked up a new 2008 a3. The literature on the car states that it is wired for sirius satelliet radio but the dealer says I would have to pay $500 to have it added as an option. This is hard to understand. I had sirius put into my old car for a lot less and that car wasn't "wired for sirius". Is there a less expensive way to get sirius?