A3 1.8T Buying Guide?

Started by CurryInAHurry, March 16, 2008, 10:51:06 PM

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CurryInAHurry

Hi everyone,

I'm looking at buying an Audi A3 1.8T (preface-lift), was wondering if any of you good folkes know about common problems with them?  Having no previous experience in Audi's, I don't really know what to look for when buying one.

Also, I was wondering if they are expensive to maintain? And would it be possible to carry out oil changes without taking it to the dealer?

Any input would be much appreciated!

Regards, Andrew

Aidan

Hey Andrew,

First of all, welcome to VASK. Now let it be known that I too have no experience in Audi's, and for that matter not even VW's, I'm new to the scene just like you, but while I have been on this site, I have picked up alot, so I'm sure you will too. Now, while you are looking at the 1.8t S3, why don't you have a look at the Mk4 GTi Golf, its cheaper too, I don't think it has quite as much poke as the S3 though, but I could be wrong there too. There are a lot of people on here who would quite happily change there own oil, and a whole heap of other bits and pieces, take a supercharger for example, you just need to know what you're doing. But if your anything like me and can't be bothered with the self servicing option, than yes, owning anything Euro is going to sting you come service time. Good luck finding what you want.

Aidan.
Das Auto(s): 2007 MKV GTI Manual and a random Beemer

GLIDN

Aidan, firstly i think he was looking at getting a A3 1.8t not an S3. Thanks for the advice

As for my advice, the a3 1.8T is overpriced IMHO in manual.

You could buy a mk4 Golf GTI and chip and do a few other little things for the price you are going to pay for the A3.
Audi A4 DTM - K04 NZ New | All bolt-ons | Carbon Clean done
2012 MK6R Golf |Stage 3+ | Stage 4 DSG | Tuned & Built by HSP Tuning

Fizz

i agree with Hennie the A3 is over priced 4 being a GTI in different clothes.

Aidan

Quote from: dubbed on March 17, 2008, 10:14:55 AM
Aidan, firstly i think he was looking at getting a A3 1.8t not an S3. Thanks for the advice

Oh yeah, whoops. I'm pretty sure I meant to say A3, seeing that I said to look at a Mk4 GTI instead.
Das Auto(s): 2007 MKV GTI Manual and a random Beemer

slowmo

Current: 2004 MK4 R32 3-door NZ New DBP

Past: 2010 MK6 GTI / 2013 Nissan Leaf LOL / 2007 B7 RS4 / 2006 MK5 R32 / 2005 MK5 GTI / 1998 MK4 GTI / 1997 B5 A4 MTM

Period_Correct_

Quote from: slowmo on March 17, 2008, 12:24:52 PM
what's your budget?

with a name like curryinahurry, i think he's looking for a good deal!  :o
1971 Porsche 911T | 1990 Audi Quattro Turbo | 2003 Audi RS6 Avant | 2009 Renault Megane R26

RS ZWEI

Quote from: dubbed on March 17, 2008, 10:14:55 AM
Aidan, firstly i think he was looking at getting a A3 1.8t not an S3. Thanks for the advice

As for my advice, the a3 1.8T is overpriced IMHO in manual.

You could buy a mk4 Golf GTI and chip and do a few other little things for the price you are going to pay for the A3.

I agree with the above.

Basically curryinahurry, a A3 is the same car as a Golf Mk4.
Buyers guides would in all reality be the same.
1980 VW Golf GTI Track Car
1995 Audi RS2
2003 Mini Cooper S (Written off - rear ended)
2005 Mini Cooper S
2006 Skoda Octavia vRS Combi
2009 Renault Megane 230 R26 (Written off - rear ended)
2013 Renault Megane RS265 Redbull RB8

spooln

The forum put up a lot of good tips on buying a Mk4 Gti a while ago. A lot of this will be the same so check it out. Agree that Mk4 Gti is a better value option Vs Audi A3 turbo (pretty rare in manual though). http://www.vask.org.nz/index.php/topic,8273.0.html
77 CS1 Fiat Spider. 78 Mk1 Scirocco. 83 Mk1 GTI. 12 Abarth 595C Competizione. 18 Golf R. 20 Kodiaq vRS

djrisk

Yeah but the Audi badge is that little bit cooler than the VW badge im afraid people ::) 8)
Him - Amarok highline
Her - S3 8P

CurryInAHurry

#10
Hi, thanks for all the response guys! Much appreicated :)

Yes, I'm looking for a 1.8T (not s3).  My budget would be anything under 10k.

So what exactly is the difference between a Mk IV Gti and a A3 1.8T?  (Apart from price) From what I've gathered, they're suppose to have the same engine and chassis.  I have to admit, those 4 rings are more appealing to me :)

I've got a few more questions now, firstly what Km's are considered high for these cars? Coming from an old bmw, I'm expecting similar reliability, where 200+ kms is fine.

Also, are 3 doors or 5 doors more expensive?

Regards, Andrew

GLIDN

first of all you can forget getting a A3 turbo manual for anything under 13K - 15K and it will have around 150 - 170kms on it for start.

secondly for that money you will just be able to find a manual golf GTI with anything from 110 - 150k on it.

You are more likely to find a 5 door 1.8T in manual on a later car forget anything under around $16K you will be looking at a 3door.

there is another plus for the golf at least you will get 4 doors.
Audi A4 DTM - K04 NZ New | All bolt-ons | Carbon Clean done
2012 MK6R Golf |Stage 3+ | Stage 4 DSG | Tuned & Built by HSP Tuning

slowmo

Current: 2004 MK4 R32 3-door NZ New DBP

Past: 2010 MK6 GTI / 2013 Nissan Leaf LOL / 2007 B7 RS4 / 2006 MK5 R32 / 2005 MK5 GTI / 1998 MK4 GTI / 1997 B5 A4 MTM

Aidan

How about this:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Audi/auction-143735792.htm?key=1036702

1998 A3 1.8t MTM, $11,800 though, so it maybe a little over your budget. Then again so are most A3's. On the plus side it is a manual
Das Auto(s): 2007 MKV GTI Manual and a random Beemer

rambo_005

The Mk4 Golf GTI has a nicer interior... nice snug Recaro seats too. A better package overall compared to the A3... you are just buying the badge.

Aidan

Quote from: rambo_005 on March 17, 2008, 09:38:45 PM
The Mk4 Golf GTI has a nicer interior... nice snug Recaro seats too. A better package overall compared to the A3... you are just buying the badge.

Very True, but hey mine is a biased opinion. Just found this one, looks a good one, although it is a jappa:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Volkswagen/auction-145707563.htm?key=1051828
Das Auto(s): 2007 MKV GTI Manual and a random Beemer

slowmo

i'm starting to like the MK4 shape more and more
Current: 2004 MK4 R32 3-door NZ New DBP

Past: 2010 MK6 GTI / 2013 Nissan Leaf LOL / 2007 B7 RS4 / 2006 MK5 R32 / 2005 MK5 GTI / 1998 MK4 GTI / 1997 B5 A4 MTM

GTI's

Quote from: Aidan on March 17, 2008, 09:43:29 PM
Very True, but hey mine is a biased opinion. Just found this one, looks a good one, although it is a jappa:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Volkswagen/auction-145707563.htm?key=1051828

aparently yhat blue mk4 is non turbo???

Aidan

Quote from: GTI's on March 18, 2008, 09:01:34 AM
aparently yhat blue mk4 is non turbo???

Definitely doesn't say anything about being turbo, did they even make them non turbo?
Das Auto(s): 2007 MKV GTI Manual and a random Beemer

GLIDN

Good find Aidan,

finally someone is selling there A3 for what it really is.
Audi A4 DTM - K04 NZ New | All bolt-ons | Carbon Clean done
2012 MK6R Golf |Stage 3+ | Stage 4 DSG | Tuned & Built by HSP Tuning