Our '08 Audi A4 Avant...
05-23-2006, 09:21 PM
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Originally Posted by M TYPE X
How many of you guys take your Acuras/Audis/BMWs/Infinitis/Lexuses to the dealer for routine service vs some kind of independent shop or DIY?
05-23-2006, 09:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Kighter
Yes Sly Raskal my wife and I bought the A3 before the baby. My wife came out of a 94 Accord - no way was I gonna let my family be in that thing all the time. We shopped for wagons and small utes. In order of preference before we bought:
A3 - one of my suggestions that my wife ended up loving (obviously)
325xi - more car than the A3, but 15k more and we couldn't find one anywhere with the right equipment. If there was one on the lot somewhere we'd probably have bought it.
X3 - nice but long in the tooth. Bad mileage.
A4 Avant - too big and blah for my wife. For a little more money the 3 series beat it.
A6 Allroad (there were some leftovers on the lot for cheap when we shopped). Crazy nice but just more of a commitment than my wife wanted to make.
We also looked: Saab & Subaru wagons, Acura MDX (damn RDX was a little too late to be a choice) and briefly considered sedans from Acura (TL, TSX) and Lexus (IS). In the end, the A3 with the DSG is by far the best combination of fun, safety, utility. It's an auto for her and an awesome fun manual for me. It's small enough to toss around, but easy enough to load up with baby junk and go to see the folks.
And I agree with Michael Wan's suggestion - I'm changing oil every 5k - not 10. The first free change is at 5 with the ones following at 15, 25, etc. I'm going to pay for and do extra changes at 10, 20, etc for peace of mind.
Check out www.AudiWorld.com. It's a good board like this one for Audi folks. That's where I read about the maintenance stuff first.
A3 - one of my suggestions that my wife ended up loving (obviously)
325xi - more car than the A3, but 15k more and we couldn't find one anywhere with the right equipment. If there was one on the lot somewhere we'd probably have bought it.
X3 - nice but long in the tooth. Bad mileage.
A4 Avant - too big and blah for my wife. For a little more money the 3 series beat it.
A6 Allroad (there were some leftovers on the lot for cheap when we shopped). Crazy nice but just more of a commitment than my wife wanted to make.
We also looked: Saab & Subaru wagons, Acura MDX (damn RDX was a little too late to be a choice) and briefly considered sedans from Acura (TL, TSX) and Lexus (IS). In the end, the A3 with the DSG is by far the best combination of fun, safety, utility. It's an auto for her and an awesome fun manual for me. It's small enough to toss around, but easy enough to load up with baby junk and go to see the folks.
And I agree with Michael Wan's suggestion - I'm changing oil every 5k - not 10. The first free change is at 5 with the ones following at 15, 25, etc. I'm going to pay for and do extra changes at 10, 20, etc for peace of mind.
Check out www.AudiWorld.com. It's a good board like this one for Audi folks. That's where I read about the maintenance stuff first.
If I do get the A3, I would definetly do the 5k Interval for oil changes as well. I already decided that yesterday after reading some of the other posts.
I've been checking out some of the audi forums. I'll add that one to my list as well.
I've considered a TSX or TL, but for the price I'd rather get the A3 as well. I also thought about the RDX, but I don't want an auto, and the 325 is too small compared to the A3, and is a lot more expensive. And as for the A4, it's a great car, with a hell of a lot more room. But the extra $12K kills it for me.
I'll keep you guys posted as to what we decide to get in the end. It'll be a while though because we are planning it out. I'll probably end up getting the car later this year. I have some other things to take care of financially. So probably august to october is when I'd get my car whichever one it may be. But the extra planning now helps and saves some agony later.
05-24-2006, 11:58 AM
#43
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After doing some more research the last couple days I've found out that that 2006 Audi vehicles (A3 and A4) are no longer in production. Whatever out there is all you can get unless you wait for the 2007 models.
Spoke with the wife last night and we're definetly gonna wait towards the end of this year to get a car. As of now we'll probably trade my car in (as much I want to keep mine esp with how rare it's combo is). We're leaning towards the 2007 A3. But when it come down to it, that's when we'll decide for sure.
One difference with the 2007 A3 that is rumored is that they are doing away with the sport package and adding the SLine package. I think the Sline includes sport suspension, but also includes the different bumper which is exactly what I wanted anyways. So that's a plus.
Now the trick is to wait till later this year. I'm already excited.
Spoke with the wife last night and we're definetly gonna wait towards the end of this year to get a car. As of now we'll probably trade my car in (as much I want to keep mine esp with how rare it's combo is). We're leaning towards the 2007 A3. But when it come down to it, that's when we'll decide for sure.
One difference with the 2007 A3 that is rumored is that they are doing away with the sport package and adding the SLine package. I think the Sline includes sport suspension, but also includes the different bumper which is exactly what I wanted anyways. So that's a plus.
Now the trick is to wait till later this year. I'm already excited.
05-24-2006, 12:06 PM
#44
Pit Stop?
You have the best CL ever made, white/ebony, navi and six speed!
Why would you EVER want to sell it?
I'd kill for your car!
I do like the A3, but I'd personally wait for the S3 if they ever bring it to America
Why would you EVER want to sell it?
I'd kill for your car!
I do like the A3, but I'd personally wait for the S3 if they ever bring it to America
05-24-2006, 12:15 PM
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You'd dump the CL and keep the sentra 
05-24-2006, 01:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Minch00
You have the best CL ever made, white/ebony, navi and six speed!
Why would you EVER want to sell it?
I'd kill for your car!
I do like the A3, but I'd personally wait for the S3 if they ever bring it to America
Why would you EVER want to sell it?
I'd kill for your car!
I do like the A3, but I'd personally wait for the S3 if they ever bring it to America
Originally Posted by The Sarlacc
You'd dump the CL and keep the sentra
The main reason for getting the car now is so that later we're hoping to have fewer expenses because I'd have to trade my car in anyways especially if we're gonns start a family. and if we are going to ever want to buy a home it'd be handy to have that car already paid off. UGH too many factors! sometimes it just drives me crazy thinkin about it all. All i know is it's gonna be a very tough decision when the time comes.
Nothing's definite yet, we'll see later this year.
As for the S3, it would be an awesome car to own, but so far the all the pics show it as a 2 door hatch which defeats the purpose of why we'd buy the a3 sportback (4 door hatch). But the s3 would be a fun car to drive, but so damn pricey for such a small thing.
Last edited by Sly Raskal; 05-24-2006 at 01:03 PM.
05-24-2006, 03:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Sly Raskal
In addition, we have to keep the sentra because my wife needs a car that's automatic. she doesn't can't drive a manual yet.
Dude if you trade in your CL on a 6speed A3 and keep the Sentra for use as an automatic...
That's the best thing about the DSG in the A3!! It's 2 trannies in one.
My wife always drove and enjoyed manuals, but absolutely put her foot down about an auto in her new car. Well that's why the A3 was so perfect - it's both!
And you can keep your car. Whoot.
Oh and the 3 series Tourer is a lot bigger then the A3 - roughly the same as the A4 Avant in size. But is damn pricey.
Keep us posted on what you do. If you want/need any advice or info when you get closer - just holler.
05-24-2006, 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
Maintanence is basic with any car. You dont NEED to take your car to the dealer for that stuff after 4 years. Any place you TRUST can do an oil changes or change any fluids on it. Just follow your owners manual.
Only major think you should do that is pricey is change the timing belt at around 60-70k miles. That will be around $700 i think.
Of course im not too familiar with the 2.0t and its long term reliablity but i know my 1.8t isnt too bad. Just blows coilpacks somtimes which is just a $20 part and takes 5min to replace. I only had to replace one but there are guys who replaced 3-5 of them. Theres is a thread on the 2.0t blowing them as well in the B7 A4 forum. Other than that my car has been soild for 34k miles now.
Only major think you should do that is pricey is change the timing belt at around 60-70k miles. That will be around $700 i think.
Of course im not too familiar with the 2.0t and its long term reliablity but i know my 1.8t isnt too bad. Just blows coilpacks somtimes which is just a $20 part and takes 5min to replace. I only had to replace one but there are guys who replaced 3-5 of them. Theres is a thread on the 2.0t blowing them as well in the B7 A4 forum. Other than that my car has been soild for 34k miles now.
05-24-2006, 08:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Water-S
timing belts on Audis only last 60-70k? damn that sucks. I got 2 Hondas and I asked a service adviser when he'd change the one on my 00 odyseey(which we just did) he said "about 125k" it was 500-600 with labor and everything. plus they replaced water pump, and all fluids, check most everything and changed oil and some other small stuff.
05-29-2006, 04:39 PM
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I went by Rusnak last week to pick up a 2007 options list for my buddy since he's gonna be getting an A4, and while I was there I thought I'd pick up the 2007 A3 list since 2006 models are no longer in production.
05-29-2006, 05:27 PM
#52
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Have you considered a GTI? It's a pretty sweet ride and the 4-door is right around the corner. I'm diggin mine and I had a TSX before that. It's a blast to drive much like the A3 I assume, being they're related. Just a thought as I was gaga over the A3 when it came out. I just couldn't justify the huge price jump when I built one to my specs. I also prefer the look of the GTI over the Audi. 
05-29-2006, 05:34 PM
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Originally Posted by swami
Have you considered a GTI? It's a pretty sweet ride and the 4-door is right around the corner. I'm diggin mine and I had a TSX before that. It's a blast to drive much like the A3 I assume, being they're related. Just a thought as I was gaga over the A3 when it came out. I just couldn't justify the huge price jump when I built one to my specs. I also prefer the look of the GTI over the Audi.
05-29-2006, 05:45 PM
#54
Burning Brakes
The 4-door is due in July as an 07 model. If you like the looks of the Audi go for it. I can't help on the reliability end as I've only had my GTI for a month. The 2.0 turbo is a sweet ass engine though, if you opt for that powerplant. 
05-29-2006, 06:25 PM
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Originally Posted by swami
The 4-door is due in July as an 07 model. If you like the looks of the Audi go for it. I can't help on the reliability end as I've only had my GTI for a month. The 2.0 turbo is a sweet ass engine though, if you opt for that powerplant.
I just got a special car loan offer in the mail last friday as wel that expires the first week of september. perfect timing.
05-29-2006, 08:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Sly Raskal
as much as people rave about the DSG on the 3.2, i'm leaning more towards the 2.0T matted with the 6spd. but I still have about 4 months to decide.
.
.
No No No, dude, you misunderstood me.
I haven't driven or set foot in a 3.2. They weren't even out when I test drove.
I drove a 2.0T with a 6spd and with DSG.
Sadly, the 6spd experience sucked...and the DSG blew me away. And the 2.0T is a phenomenal engine.
05-29-2006, 08:46 PM
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Originally Posted by The Sarlacc
No No No, dude, you misunderstood me.
I haven't driven or set foot in a 3.2. They weren't even out when I test drove.
I drove a 2.0T with a 6spd and with DSG.
Sadly, the 6spd experience sucked...and the DSG blew me away. And the 2.0T is a phenomenal engine.
I haven't driven or set foot in a 3.2. They weren't even out when I test drove.
I drove a 2.0T with a 6spd and with DSG.
Sadly, the 6spd experience sucked...and the DSG blew me away. And the 2.0T is a phenomenal engine.
ahhhh ok. Well in any case, I haven't test driven any A3 yet. But when it comes time to. As much as I say I want the 6spd, I will definietly test drive both before purchasing. I'd hate to regret my decision later.
and the 2.0T is a great engine. Since this will be a family car down the line, I don't know, if any, modding will be done. but it'd be nice to be able to do some. and with the 3.2 nothing can be done as of yet.
05-29-2006, 08:49 PM
#58
Burning Brakes
The two most important features I had to have in my GTI, were the DSG and the 18" wheels. If you haven't driven the DSG in the 2.0, you haven't had any fun yet. 
05-29-2006, 10:04 PM
#61
Burning Brakes
Mine finally feels broken in at 1300 miles, the things runs really good. I can't believe the car only has 200hp. It makes the TSX feel pretty weak in comparison. The DSG is the reason I wanted an A3 in the first place, I just couldn't see paying 30k for it. Get off your ass and go drive these cars. If I had to wait four months to get one, I'd be test drivin the shit outta them.
05-29-2006, 10:19 PM
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Originally Posted by swami
Mine finally feels broken in at 1300 miles, the things runs really good. I can't believe the car only has 200hp. It makes the TSX feel pretty weak in comparison. The DSG is the reason I wanted an A3 in the first place, I just couldn't see paying 30k for it. Get off your ass and go drive these cars. If I had to wait four months to get one, I'd be test drivin the shit outta them.
05-29-2006, 11:18 PM
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Originally Posted by swami
Yeah 164 to 207 is a huge jump, it feels like a 6-cylinder compared to the TSX.
Of course I wouldn't do that to a car I'd be driving on a daily basis.http://www.neuspeed.com/data/dyno/64.02.22.pdf
05-29-2006, 11:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
^ why not.
granted you wouldn't be driving it hard all the time. but just the fact that it's running at a higher than normal hp and torque level scares me a tiny bit. I guess I'm just scared because 1) i've never owned an audi and 2) after hearing some people complain about audi's clutches, overheating issues and the like.
convince me of the opposite
05-29-2006, 11:57 PM
#67
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Almost 90% of audi owners on the forums have chip/software.
Its not somthing new and is pretty minor in terms of modding an Audi. It can handle it, even the clutch. Only time they say to upgrade the clutch is when you swap out the turbo, but even then people been fine on them with the K04 since its not that much bigger turbo than the stock K03. When you go bigger like the GTRS turbo is when you need to upgrade the clutch. Your stock one wont handle that.
I have 34k miles with no issues and i even more mods than just software. Clutch grabs fine and i dont baby my car.
1.8t B6 A4 thread http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...miles+software
One guy has been chipped for 85k miles without issues. Few others with +50k with no issues as well.
ONE drawback is if your dealer wants to be a dick, he can void your warranty. You just need to find a mod friendly dealer then you golden.
Its not somthing new and is pretty minor in terms of modding an Audi. It can handle it, even the clutch. Only time they say to upgrade the clutch is when you swap out the turbo, but even then people been fine on them with the K04 since its not that much bigger turbo than the stock K03. When you go bigger like the GTRS turbo is when you need to upgrade the clutch. Your stock one wont handle that.
I have 34k miles with no issues and i even more mods than just software. Clutch grabs fine and i dont baby my car.
1.8t B6 A4 thread http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...miles+software
One guy has been chipped for 85k miles without issues. Few others with +50k with no issues as well.
ONE drawback is if your dealer wants to be a dick, he can void your warranty. You just need to find a mod friendly dealer then you golden.
05-29-2006, 11:59 PM
#68
Burning Brakes
I'm more than happy with mine stock, and it's a lease, but I'm pretty sure it's gonna get a reflash and maybe a little drop. Everything I'm reading say's this engine has tons of potential. It seems like VW purposely tuned it on the conservative side. They left alot on the table if your still hungry.
05-30-2006, 12:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
Oh and neuspeed software isnt that great from what i hear.
Look at
Revo
Giac
APR
Look at
Revo
Giac
APR
06-03-2006, 01:51 PM
#73
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Anil, it's a VW. 'Nuff said. Lovely car, but...big-Geisha-sized MEH on the upkeep.
<--- knows two people who owns VW cars (one is Golf, other is A4) and hear their whining enough to know.
<--- knows two people who owns VW cars (one is Golf, other is A4) and hear their whining enough to know.
06-03-2006, 01:52 PM
#74
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That being said, the A3 is a looker...I just would never buy one. 
06-03-2006, 02:06 PM
#75
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Alternative: Saab 9-2X...? 
06-03-2006, 02:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Yumchah
Anil, it's a VW. 'Nuff said. Lovely car, but...big-Geisha-sized MEH on the upkeep.
<--- knows two people who owns VW cars (one is Golf, other is A4) and hear their whining enough to know.
<--- knows two people who owns VW cars (one is Golf, other is A4) and hear their whining enough to know.
The upkeep on them is a concern of mine, hence the reason why I started this thread.
But after doing some costs estimates and hearing what members on this board and other boards have said, the maintanence woes are overrated I feel.
But I still have 4 or 5 months left before I may place the order anyway. I wanted to give myself plenty of time to decide.
Last edited by Sly Raskal; 06-03-2006 at 02:18 PM.
06-03-2006, 02:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Yumchah
Alternative: Saab 9-2X...?
A3 Interior > Saab 9-2X interior
06-03-2006, 02:47 PM
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Get off your ass and go test drive damnit. I'm waiting to hear your opinions 
06-03-2006, 02:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Sly Raskal
The front of the 9-2x is sweet, I dont like the rear and interior is so-so compared to the A3. Although I haven't seen the 9-2x in person, the A3 is a sweet car when you see it up close.
A3 Interior > Saab 9-2X interior
A3 Interior > Saab 9-2X interior
06-03-2006, 02:56 PM
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there newer subie wrx wagon > saaburu 9-2x
a3 > wrx wagon for luxury and style....and im a big wrx fan.
Only advantage the wagon has is a 5spd with AWD.
a3 > wrx wagon for luxury and style....and im a big wrx fan.
Only advantage the wagon has is a 5spd with AWD.