I've been contemplating selling my M3 for an A3, since I don't really have time to go on drives or go to the track anymore. I would probably get a 2.0T DSG, and do a chip & exhaust.

For anyone that owns one, is it a fun car to drive? How reliable are they? Also, is it comfortable over big bumps, or is it a fairly harsh ride?

 

I had one as a loner for about 2 weeks. The car is fun to drive and gets decent gas mileage.

 

I think it ges 23-25 mpg driven conservatively. not great but not terrible.

It's one of my favorite audi, great looking DD IMO. No seat time myself though. I thought sharky has one. Maybe he can chime in.

 

Just traded the wife's A3 for a Q7 35,000 miles and only in the shop for routine maintenance. FAST for what it is and really fun to drive. The DSG is just a blast and you can't shift as fast as the DSG. We averaged over 25mpg for the 35,000 miles so I consider that well above average.

 

i think the car looks great.....as though it would be a lot fun to drive or scoot around the city in.....fun

 

I have one now - it's an awesome car. It's a 2.0T S-line in Misano Red w/DSG. I traded my FX45 for it - it is so much more what I need for a DD.

The ride is fine - I just lowered it on H&R springs and it still has a great ride. I am just waiting to put 18s on it and I'll be happy for a while. The reliability has been 100% in the 5 months of ownership.

I had a GTI Mk V before (also w/DSG) and the A3 feels just like it (in a very positive way) - same drivetrain, longer wheelbase, more practical, better-looking.

If you have any other questions, PM me or ask here. I also posted some pics in an earlier A3 thread - haven't taken any of it since I lowered it.

 

Awesome car. I would get the 2 litre, as it feels just as fast as the 3.2, and when chipped, probably is. The interior fit and finish is way better than anything else in its class, I love the design, and with the hatchback you are able to fit a ridiculous amount of stuff in there. I think about 7 dead hookers, 12 chopped up.

 

Chris : What would motivate the price of the A3 being higher than the Golf other than the brand?

 

I drove the 2.0T and hated it, then a friend made me drive a V6 S-Line, which I loved. Part of the reason I liked it was the way it rode over bumps, it soaked them up fairly well while still maintaining good handling characteristics.

I also saw this new R32 in Milan a few days ago...so you might want to consider waiting for that bad boy...

 

Wait? It's been here for a while now /Sweden

The Golf R36 on the other hand, that seems to be cool.

 

Yea but we are only getting the 2 door R32.

 

Good point...

 

It has more content, better materials, longer wheelbase (i.e. larger car), the badge, etc. In all honesty, the GTI is 90% of the A3, with the difference being the A3's carrying capacity (people or items) and the Audi badge. Driving the A3 and the GTI feels exactly the same performance-wise. I really love this car - I only wish it had quattro - I even told that to Audi USA when they called.

 

Love ours............she has Oettinger body kit, suspension, exhaust and mats. Boston Accoustics sound system, Volk TE 37 time attacks and Alcon big brakes and stasis suspension coming shortly.

 

I love the sound the R32 makes, really growling. listen when it passes by on the runway
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQr_ptJ0oJY

love the a3 too, it's really a tuff choice of choosing between them. but awd vs fwd is another aspect..