Audi A3 (1996 - 2003) 1.8 SE 3d Owner Review
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In their own words
Although I've been dogged with the EML, the last five and a half years of ownership have been wonderful.
The mk1 A3 looks great and feels like a "grown up" hatchback. The 3 door is super sleek to look at!
The interior is comfortable and luxurious; the blue suede looks great and hasn't worn much other than the driver's seat is now getting tatty, which would be expected after nearly 20 years. There are loads of little useful chubby holes all over the car, I was finding them for months when I first got it! While most reviews of the A3 state that the backseat is tight, I wouldn't say it is. When the rear seats are folded down, there is loads of space for carrying a couple of bikes or a chest of drawers too.
The cons of my A3 are; the issues that keep flagging up the EML and has cost me quite a bit so far and she has broken down a handful of times in the last couple of years, servicing and maintenance isn't cheap, tax is high, the passenger window has dropped- common problem of a broken clip I think, arm rest was stuck up so I removed it, the splash guards for the wheel hubs are rotting away slowly, and there are a couple of tiny rust bubbles starting to appear along the roof line.
The pros really do outweigh the cons though;
This car makes me smile every time I drive it. It's really smooth, comfortable and easy, and the 1.8 engine has enough pep to keep me happy. It's also alright on fuel, when it's running properly. It feels solid and safe, something I'll find hard to replace when she eventually goes. There are plenty of mods available for cosmetic styling but even as standard they look good inside and out- I look back every time I park her up. One of the best things about owning an Audi is the exclusive club you don't realise you're entering; Audi friends let eachother go at junctions or will pull over to allow another Audi friend to get through a tight gap; there's a sense of kinship when you see another mk1 A3 too, you both know the joy the 8L brings.
TLDR: Expensive but worth every penny.
How reliable do you find the car?
The engine is more sensor than anything else and at nearly 20 years old, these are starting to go. I suspect here is an underlying issue I've not got to the bottom of yet as the EML likes to reilluminate my dash about two weeks after another sensor replacement. All have been fuel/air/cat related so far. Otherwise, she keeps going and I haven't had to replace anything serious yet other than the cambelt and water pump when I got her, this was about £500.
About their car
- Fuel type Petrol
- When purchased April 2017
- Condition when bought Used
- Current Mileage 138,000 miles
- Average MPG 28 mpg
