[111R]

Does anyone here have firsthand experience with an Audi A3 Tdi? My wife's car is about ten years old and has had some hard use, so I'm looking to replace it soon. She has said in the past that she would like a car that gets great mileage, plus she likes to haul stuff. A smaller car is fine this time since we're empty nesters, but she likes four doors. She doesn't like SUV's, so a 'cute ute' like CRV, RAV4, etc. is probably out.

We're not too crazy about the VW dealer experience, as years ago we had a Rabbit diesel and a Jetta GLI. I understand that their history of poor service hasn't improved since we dealt with it. I know that a Jetta Sportwagen Tdi is the same car in a cheaper package, but the Audi just looks better. I've also considered a Prius, but I've driven Highlander hybrids that we have at work and I don't really like the un-carlike driving experience. Still, it's a consideration if she likes it. She really likes my new 335i, but wouldn't want anything that expensive for her daily driver.

I've had excellent luck over the years with mainstream Japanese products (Honda, Toyota, Nissan), but like the solid feel of a German car as well as the clean, simple lines. My fear is that we get a car that is a maintenance problem and self-destructs soon after the warranty expires. If BMW sold a 1-series hatch with a four-cylinder gas or diesel engine here in the USA, I would consider it, as BMW products seem to be more reliable long-term than VW/Audi stuff. I always ask people who are looking at Audis how many ten-year-old ones they've seen lately. The answer is usually none or very few.

Sorry for the rambling post. Any thoughts?

[Artmasterx]

I can't comment too much about the Audi package, but the VW TDI powertrain is pretty much as tried and true as you are going to get. Over here in europe they are literally everywhere in various power combinations.

However, there are a few things to look out for with older TDI's, and I am not sure if these issue have been address for the newer ones. You can check this site for more details than you would ever want (if you can find them):
http://www.tdiclub.com/

Older TDI's had three main problems that I know of, and they are generally longer-term, non-catastrophic problems:
1. You could get soot/carbon deposits that build up in the turbo, which prevents the vanes in the turbo from moving properly... which gives problems/limp mode/etc, but isn't bad for the engine or anything.

2. You could also get carbon build-up in the intake manifold (generally thought to be because of the exhaust gas recycle), which restricts air flow and can cause low power.

3. The mass air flow sensors could stop working properly, which all causes low power mode.


My dad had a 2010 Jetta TDI sportwagen and has not had anything bad to say about it, other than he secretly wants a sport car.

Maybe some others have some insights on newer VW TDIs.

[111R]

Thanks. Any US owners out there?

[freshwhite335]

Test drove the A3 TDI and loved it. The DSG is great and there's very little vibration felt in the cabin like I found in the Golf TDI. We have an Audi in the family and have had alright service experiences. Not as good as Mercedes, but not as bad as our Jeep either.

[111R]

Went to test drive one at the nearest dealer this weekend and the only one they had was being sold when I got there. Other dealers in ATL were out as well. One dealer told me that they couldn't keep them in stock. I told him that if that was the case, then why isn't Audi bringing in the sportback for 2013 along with the new A3 sedan? Probably the same kind of management school geniuses who are trying to kill the F31 wagon in the USA. Sheesh...

[111R]

Drove a 2011 A3 Tdi today and overall it felt pretty good. DSG tranny was a little jerky at slow speeds, but overall the car left a good impression. It was faster than I thought it would be, but the interior bits didn't look like the same quality as my 335i.

I wonder how many Audi sells per year in the US?

[edrodDepueha]

I can't comment too much about the Audi package

[111R]

I can't comment too much about the Audi package

Huh?

[freshwhite335]

Originally Posted by 111R

Drove a 2011 A3 Tdi today and overall it felt pretty good. DSG tranny was a little jerky at slow speeds, but overall the car left a good impression. It was faster than I thought it would be, but the interior bits didn't look like the same quality as my 335i.

I wonder how many Audi sells per year in the US?

According to my buddy who sells Audi's although the TDI is great, it really only makes sense if you are going to buy it and keep it for a very long time. Otherwise, the additional cost over the TFSI model is never made up. Have you looked at a GTI? Much cheaper than the TFSI model when similarly equipped and has much better resale value.

[111R]

According to my buddy who sells Audi's although the TDI is great, it really only makes sense if you are going to buy it and keep it for a very long time. Otherwise, the additional cost over the TFSI model is never made up. Have you looked at a GTI? Much cheaper than the TFSI model when similarly equipped and has much better resale value.

We typically keep cars about 10 years +/-, so it might make sense. The wife isn't too crazy about the shape of the Golf/GTI, as it screams 'hatchback' whereas the A3 doesn't. Plus, Audi seems to have less of a boy racer look to it. It wouldn't make that much difference to me, but perhaps it might to her. Finally, we had bad experiences back in the day with VW dealers, so it's kind of a show stopper.