Audi A3 Hatchback (2003 - 2012) 1.6 3d (2007/07) 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?
An Audi A3 1.6 standard in red (the only colour which you don't have to pay extra for), says you can't afford anything better and you are a wannabe Audi owner, really!
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Nice - the Audi badge impresses everyone (unless they know this is a poverty spec one with nothing on it, otherwise they'd be laughing at you from their Golf).
Would you buy this car again and why?
No. A two year old used A3 with bigger engine and decent spec for the same money is a much better buy. Someone else has therefore forked out for the depreciation and the optional extras. The base model bought new is very poor value.
What are you likely to buy next?
Golf or a higher spec A3.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
Yes
What price did you pay?
£14,995
When did you buy the car?
March 2007
Did you get a good deal and why?
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Wanted an Audi!
What was the dealer like?
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Over assisted steering feels disconcerting at first, but you get used to it. Not as good on the corners as the Golf Mk.5 upon which it is based, feels soggier somehow. Performance of the basic 1.6 8v engine very ordinary and has to be worked hard to make any decent progress. Rorty exhaust note is just a bluff on Audi's part.
What's it like to park?
Very easy to park and maneuovre thanks to over-enthusiastic power steering.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Cooling fan sensor went at 7000 miles. Never had it long enough for anything to go wrong as it was written off in an accident!!!
What's most practical about your car?
Huge, deep boot and carries a lot with the seats folded down.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Very sparsely equipped for the money when you consider this, the base model is the same price as a mid-range Golf, which has a lot more standard kit. Audi options are expensive and can easily tip the price over the £20k mark!
