Audi A3 (1996 - 2003) 1.9 TDI (100ps) 5d Auto (2001/51) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
It is a 12 year old car , but I am only 18 and it is an Audi. I really don't care what other people think though. I just appreciate a quality product.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
All commented on how smooth it is, and one in particular liking how every switch and icon is illuminated in red at night.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Definitely sold on VAG, my father having bought Audi and VW's since the 70's. Love them.
What are you likely to buy next?
After a couple years no claims bonus, maybe a MK5 or MK6 golf with DSG.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£2,400
When did you buy the car?
January 2014
Did you get a good deal and why?
Relativley good deal but the dealer I got it from (VAG specialist) failed to find that the turbo wasn't working properly and the alarm wasn't working at all. Not really the cars fault, more with the dealer for waiting until I found them out.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
My first car, having past my test a couple of months prior, I wanted something from the VW group for their build quality and refinement that hardly any other car can really match.
What was the dealer like?
Terrible. I would mention their name but that would violate the rules of this site, basically a VAG specialist in Bosham, West Sussex in England, just off the bosham roundabaout near the surf shop. Don't go there, terrible service. I just really wanted the car.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Beautiful. I have driven a few cars through my provisional. The A3 is so quite and relaxing, really surprising for a hatchback, of this age. I have spent money on it servicing it, putting 4 dunlops, tracking re-done and flushed the car with cataclean and it runs lovely. Corners well, pulls like a train, even fully loaded with 4 18 year old guys.
What's it like to park?
Easy. Flat-ish hatchback, parking sensors, good mirrors.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
When I got the car I found out quickly the performance was non-existmant, turned out to be a faulty trubo. These can go on any car and is usually down to the car not being driven properly in its past life (they need a thrashing every now and then to pump oil around them). It was replaced with a new one, all new pipes. Alarm wasn't working, turned out to be a fried module which was also replaced which was inexpensive. Not bad for 150,000. Mechanically it is solid, doesn't use a drop of oil (touch wood).
What's most practical about your car?
Large boot, fold down rear seat and bases which flip up, and its fuel economy. Good visibility all round.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Rear parking sensors, love the sunroof, which doesn't roar at 30 MPH like some cars I have been in. (Toyota, Mazda, Ford).
