Audi 1996 A3 Hatchback

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  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Not cheap to buy but you are paying for Audi build quality. Holds value well.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Servicing and repairs from an Audi garage are ridiculously expensive but have managed to find more reasonable independent VAG-specialist garage. Parts are not cheap.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Corners like its on rails. Very little body roll. Gives confidence in both the wet and the dry.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Excellent performance for the money. Leaves most similar cars behind. Very little turbo-lag. Plenty of tuning potential to boot.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have had some of the 'known' issues (eg. dodgy MAF) crop up but were all fixed under warranty. Touch wood, nothing else since, apart from the mysterious self-fixing brake light.

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Understated good looks, classy interior and impressive perfomance. Seems to impress the ladies.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Very comfortable and supportive sports seats. Very little road and engine noise during cruising (but sounds 'sportier' when higher up the revs).

  • Security and Service

    Security

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Not tested so far, but has an alarm and immobiliser, so hopefully should be ok.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Dont bother going to Audi for service, they are hopeless - find a good independent specialist instead.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Has a known issue with the Air Mass Meter (MAF) so expect it to break at some point.

    Other

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes