Ok....so I went over to my Acura/Audi dealer this weekend like I do almost every weekend to see if he's got any manual TSX's on the lot because I'm thinking of trading in my 02 RSX-S. Well...there it was a bright red Audi A3 Sportback is what they are calling it. 2.0 litre,200 hp.....turbo engine......What a nice little car and the paint job was definitely superior to the TSX's on the lot. You could tell it was thick! Granted ...it takes some expensive options to get it equipped like the TSX but this car was sweet. Even had 17's with 225/45 tires.
Whats everyones opinion on Audi's. Are the reliable...better than VW? This car has been sold in Europe for about 10 years now so I'm thinking all of the glitches are worked out. It really was nice. Fill me in on your opinion of Audi cars.



Grazie,

 

I didn't think pricing was out yet? At least it isn't up here.

Should be about the price of a TSX no, considering A4's are more.

Anyway, I saw 2 on the hwy 2 weeks ago and loved them. Great styling and tranny. It will be quicker than the TSX for sure and if chipped your looking at a 240+ HP monster.

My only concerns, its size, not sure its big enough. Reliability, its a VW afterall.

But I've definently added it to my list of possible TSX replacements along with the IS250, TL and Accord Hybrid.

 

Great car, test drove the 2.0T and it's a great engine, I really liked it the FSI direct injection packs a great punch and the turbo is beutifully equipped, but the price is , way tooooooo expensive!!!!!!

 

How much?

 

My friend had a 99 VW Jetta (I believe its where the A4 is derived from), he had nothing but problems. I don't think I want to get any VW products after my friend's experience. My

 

Starting at $25,460 USD.

http://www.audiusa.com/model_home/0,...ystyle=a3sedan

 

Just priced one out with Sport package and the 6MT for $26,500 and a DSG eqippped car for $31,885 without nav which adds 2k more. Not that far off TSX pricing.

 

An Audi is a VW, and as such, is constantly entitled to reliabilty problems.

Don't get me wrong, any VW driver will tell you the driving experience is great, but also they will tell you that the cars are high maintenance and have many annoying (but usually minor) defects.

I don't know about the new 2.0 FSI, but the 1.8T had occasionally some problems with the turbo, and the cost for that repair was

 

An A3 and a Subaru Legacy GT wagon, comparably equipped (DSG for A3, AT for GT, leather in both) cost approximately the same ($30k ish).

The Subie has:
1. AWD
2. 50 more HP
3. More reliable and cheaper to maintain
4. Much more room

If the A3 actually had Quattro and leather for $26k-$28k or so, it would be a great car for the money. However, $30k+ for FWD, DSG, and leather is a sham. Audi will have trouble selling these, and we'll see special financing/lease offers in no time.

I have to admit the A3 looks good. That may be its only saving grace.

 

The new 2.0t is not as moddable as the old 1.8ts. From my understanding you can't just chip them to add more boost or control the diverter valve. That being said they are still going to be pretty quick.

Personally I thinkt he previous gen a4 looked better but maybe this design will grow on me.

I'm not looking to buy anytime soon but I think I might be up for some car test driving this weekend. audi 2.0t, hybrid accord. What else?

 

Wow...just priced an A3 and it prices up real quick with options. I can't believe how expensive it got with just the leather seating surfaces and xenon headlights...

 

PS. I still think i'm done buying new cars for a while... to good of deals to be had buying(or leasing) 1-2 year old cars that are certified preowned.

 

Audis are great cars.
If the A3 was out when i was looking for a car, i would have gotten it. But im a big audi fan. I drove a 2001 A4 1.8turbo (the first generation)
with my audi, i went through,
2 bad cam seals.
1 control arm bushings wearing out.
1 Steering rack damage.
But keep in mind my car was modded. the cam seal and steering rack could have been cause of the modding, but the control arm happened right after i got the car. but after getting it fixed, never came back.
Those were the things people came across the most.
On the newer Gens, i know they've went through some problems too, like coil pack failures, but i know they got that fixed. thats the only problem i know about.
Ive been waiting for the A3 for a long time. If i could, i would buy it.

 

Dang.......I just love that car the A3 and after hearing about all of the TSX problems(rattles) I thought I'd look at another premium name. But in the back of my mind there is always that reliability issue that I've come to love about Hondas. Help!

 

from what i've seen that dealer is horrible.

 

The "open-air" panoramic sunroof is awesome. I personally like the overall look of Audi A3. For some reason, looking at the pictures I get an impression that A3 is not that much smaller compared to A4. Is that true?

Also, on the front grille on all the new Audis, it took me awhile to get used to it, I used to hate it, now I am beginning to like it...

 

Same here...that grill is huge but who cares...:-). I just like the concept of a small wagon that kicks ass.

 

Looks almost the same size as the R32...Too small...

 

I have to disagree with you there. Audi is FAR beyond VW nowadays. My wife has an Audi TT roadster and the build quality is far superior to anything else in the price range. I have driven every Audi on the lineup with the exception of the RS6. We have not had any problems - older Audi's yes - they were awful. I'm talking like 2003/04+. In my opinion, there's no way the quality of a $20K Jetta approaches a $30K A4. Just because they share similar engines does not mean they are the same cars - far from it. Even the car mags now pick Audi as having the best interiors in each respective class.

That being said, they still aren't perfect compared to brands like Toyota and Lexus, but I would trust an Audi over *most* other marques.

 

i think the common attitude towards a new audi is its a good car till the warranty runs out then get rid of it.

 

So since R32 has the same body as VW Golf, so does it mean that Audi A3 is just a glorified and refined VW Golf?

 

The same way a "TSX is a glorified and refined Accord".

 

r32 is 4th gen golf, new a3 is a 5th gen golf. the biggest difference in size between 4th and 5th gen golfs is a couple of inches in legroom in the back. the front seats are comfortable in the 5th gen golf, but the rear is smaller than a tsx. jps

 

A Lexus is a Toyota, an Acura is a Honda, a Audi is a VW, and Benz is a Chysler You can't seperate one from the other, there is no way, they come from the same parts. From your logic, just because Benz's have nice interiors, they should be reliable cars... this is of course totally incorrect. Top to bottom, if you have problems in any car, then I'd say every car will have it.

 

Iron.......I have to agree with you on the Audi's. This car although small was impeccable in it's fit and finish. The paint job was awesome. It looked so deep. Like the old adage goes...........You get what you pay for.......plain and simple. And yes......Audi is right at BMW's heels in every aspect.

 

I understand the finish quality is beyond any doubt of very high quality in an Audi interior. Not arguing that.

When I say an Audi is a VW, is that since both brands are part of the same group, beyond the interior finish ( ), both entities are subject to the same work philosophy, ethics, and even share the same or very close genes. As such, if a VW is unreliable wrt some particular issues, you can expect those same issues to happen with Audi.

And saying that VW/Audi problems are a thing of the past since 2003/04, that is just

I was going to buy myself an S4, but the reliability issues kept me with Honda.

 

It is a beautiful car, but I wouldn't trust a new model Audi.

Iron_Eagle, your n=1. I'm glad you're having a good experience with your Audi, but the overall relability numbers don't look good.

Personally, I hope Audi's reliability improves and stays up, because I love their lineup. But I wouldn't buy most of their models now

 

plus, audi get full free maintenance, including wear and tear parts as long as warranty is good.

 

I think that Audi are great cars but too pricey for what you get. If for the price asked (A3) you would get Quattro then I might consider it but otherwise, all dressed up it comes up in a completely different price range (for me anyway vs the TSX). VW is suppose to import 4 Doors GTIs in 2006-7 witch would be a better value for the "exact" same car.

The new DSG tranny by the way changes gears faster the tranny in the Ferrari, it was taken from the LeMan cars. Further more, as stated earlier, the new 2.0T FSI engine will be a blast to drive especially because of the 200lb/ft of torque. Don't forget that the GTI was named car of the year in G-B.

Regarding reliability, I owned a 2001 Jetta and besides the coil pack witch was replaced under a recall before anything happened, I only had a problem with the O2 sensor. I say that when you purchase a german automobile, you are bound to have some issues with it like it or not. For my part I would have purchased another Jetta had the new generation showed up with a less "Corolla-ish" look and a smaller arse. The 1.8T by the way was named many years as one of the 10 best engines in the industry and was proven to be very reliable, it's just that the stuff around it isn't...

I still would buy VW, but not this year.

J-F

 

Just Keep Your Rsx Type S!!!!!!!!!! It's a GREAT CAR! Built In Japan!! And Should Run Forever!

 

thats a pretty good deal

 

There's no doubt that Audi has some of the sweetest body and interior design themes going at the moment, one can quibble about the grille, and there are some lines that are not entirely pure. But in general, Audi has come to mean a car that is distinctively, understatedly styled on the exterior and beatifully appointed on the interior and, for consistency of design theme, they may well set the top of the standard in the automotive industry, given the Banglization of BMW's and the anonymous character of most MB's these days (exceptions in both lineups, to be sure, but neither manufacturer can claim a consistent lineup that is comprehensively stylish. Audi can). I am sure the A3 is designed to chase a younger audience, one that is less "traditional" than those who would get an A4, and it's becoming an entry level Audi certainly signifies a desire to capture the potential marketsector and "convert" them to Audi purchases forever (like most manufacturers).

In my opinion, I think the TSX and TL are both incredibly stylish body types that may set a new tone for Acura, and may benchmark a different role for Acuras in the marketplace. RL I'm less sure of, I think the body, while sweet, is less assured than either the TL or the TSX.

All that said, Audi is still a VW, and while they are struggling to mop up the insanities of their service and reliability records, I doubt that they are there yet. I am a former VW owner, (a $27,500 GLX with a sports package and 17" wheels, about as pricey as you can get within the old Jetta lineup) and the car was plagued with electric problems that the dealer could not accommodate and my local gas station jockey couldn't figure out........

I am sure that the A3 is targeted at the "TSX Market" - younger, sporty, but with four doors and the ability, just maybe, to hold a kiddie seat in the back. BUt I am sure that the pricing will result in the usual discovery that, when optioned to an equivalent level of fitout, the A3, as noted elsewhere on this post, will be more than a few scheckels above the TSX. I think the TSX is a very crisp value for money expended, I think the Audi is very fully valued, and I would not get one for fear of admiring its lovely lines way too often at the dealorship service yard.

 

I agree with everyone that is saying that an Audi is still a VW.

I've heard too many horror stories from other people to ever consider a VW. I had a friend with a Jetta who had her car in the shop non-stop. One of my co-workers just recently got a Touregg. The car is pratically brand new and he's having so many problems with it that he's trying to get VW to buy it back under the lemon law. His Fiance picked the car, so that's the only reason he didn't go with Honda/Acura. He said he'll never buy a VW ever again.

 

ah... the jetta and a4 are worlds apart and should never be compared together.

if anything the A4 and Passat are a very similar (not new A4 and upcoming Passat). they shared the same platform, same engine, looked similar, etc.

 

 

I loved my VW Jetta, there were a few minor problems, but nothing to keep me from buying another one. Audi's are definitely a step up. I have to think the A3 would be even rarer on the road than a TSX. That's pretty cool.

And yes, the Audi interiors are unmatched. Ours is nice, but the Audi's is a little bit better.

 

CR's review of used cars indicates that both VW and Audi are making headway in dealing with electrical issues. Worth noting that they do not give any Audi or VW a "recommended" check for used-car purchase. One can look at the ratings and conclude that the Audi is - marginally - less prone to service problems than its poor sister. Worth comparing that in the Acura/Honda lineup, virtually two-thirds are assumed to be "good buys" as used cars..

While I would not look to CR for their exquisite prose in relation to driving experiences, I think their reliability and durability surveys are pretty apt.

 

CR's user survey of "customer satisfaction" yielded this result:

SMALL CARS
Toyota Prius .............................94%
Scion xB .................................. 87
Honda Civic Hybrid ...................81
Mazda3 ....................................80
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FAMILY SEDANS
Toyota Avalon ......................... 84
Honda Accord ......................... 82
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPSCALE/LUXURY SEDANS
Lexus LS430 ............................92
Acura TL ..................................87
Acura TSX ...............................83
Jaguar XJ Series ......................81
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPORT/SPORTY CARS
Honda S2000 ...........................89
Chevrolet Corvette ...................88
Mini Cooper ..............................85
BMW Z4 ...................................83
Porsche Boxster ......................82
BMW M3 ...................................82
Subaru Impreza WRX ...............81
Mazda MX-5 Miata ....................80
COUPES/CONVERTIBLES
Lexus SC430 ...........................85%
Mercedes-Benz SL ..................81
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MINIVANS
Toyota Sienna ..........................86
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SMALL SUVs
Honda Element .........................83
Subaru Forester .......................81
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIDSIZED SUVs
Lexus RX330 ...........................85
Honda Pilot ...............................83
Toyota Highlander ....................81
Lexus GX470 ...........................81
Toyota 4Runner .......................80
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LARGE SUVs
Toyota Land Cruiser ................84
Lexus LX470 ...........................82
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PICKUP TRUCKS
Toyota Tundra .........................83
Nissan Titan .............................82

CR owns the bias that this is in response to their survey tools, but it is interesting that there are only a couple of Bimmers and a Merc or two.

As for reliability; their chart is challenging to copy, but the TSX and TL are notably higher in reliability scores in the "luxury car" class than the Audi A4

 

I think I'm going to get one within the next month...I test drove the DSG and the stick and they're both amazingly fun to drive. As far as size, it is not small, it's less than a foot shorter than the Audi A4 Avant. As far as price...FULLY loaded it's $35,000. That includes auto transmission, premium package (leather, power seats, different wheels) sunroof, Bose, navigation, rear side airbags, xenon headlights. But nicely equipped it's $31k. and the DSG is incredible, it's actually faster than the manual tranny because it's always in 2 gears at once so it shifts in about .2 seconds, plus the paddle shifts are real fun to drive especially in traffic you don't need to clutch. Oh and reliability, well it isn't quite up to a Honda, but you know Audi is with the same ownership as Porsche and Bentley, so it's not a shittily made car at all. Plus all routine maintenace is covered under warranty (brake pads, oil changes, windshield wipers), Honda/Acura doesn't do that.

 

Wish they did!