Audi A3 1.6 3d (1998/S) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
The car is ok value, but no car is good value. If you want a car that is good value, buy a banger (less than £1000), or anappreciating car. It is cheaper to get Taxis everywhere.
Costs
Petrol in this car is a joke. I think that generally the A3 is fine, but the 1.6 was some kind of mistake on Audi's behalf - consumes far too much for the quickness.
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On the road
Driving
0-60 in 9.5secs (not 11 or whatever advertised) maybe that's my driving. Top speed reached was 135mph and had more in it. Felt very comfortable at this speed, only wish it had a 6th gear.
Performance
1.6 is not enough for this car. If I was to buy another one, it would be the 1.8T (at least) or not at all.
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Living with it
Reliability
Only had the battery stop working (needed replacing - standard) and the pipe to the rear windscreen washer broke in 3 places. Air con bad too - read later comments.
Image
Get looks from many people (if you care about this), mainly becasue of my age! Good looking though - much much better than a Golf or anything else for that matter in the same class.
Comfort
Very comfortable. Even the standard seats are quite bucket-like, keeping you in your seat round those corners. Leather steering wheel good, etc.
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Security and Service
Security
Never had a break-in - has an alarm fitted as standard.
Service
Good but expensive - £85 an hour.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Air conditioning!! The AC went, Audi quoted me £800 (On a five year old car) - I said "what?" they said, 'well it is 5 years old'. As far as I know, the AC was used all the time, so it was not a lack of use. Therefore I will never by another Audi.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
No