That's what I did. I traded my new Audi for a VW TDI. I miss the quattro. HUGE different not having it. The VW TDI gets so much wheel spin compared to my A4 quattro. The entire time I had my A4, I never heard the tires squeal even one single time. The VW does it regularly from stop lights or when making turns.
But neither the Jetta or Passat are hatchbacks. Some people's lifestyles draw them to that configuration. I, for example, have a BMW 3 series, but being married with no kids, can see the huge advantages of the hatch over the sedan.
@stevehammes Audi/VW dealerships aren't exactly known for their customer service. It's ridiculous, because their vehicles don't have the same quality/reliability of Honda/Acura or Toyota/Lexus...:) As fun as this car seems to be to drive, I think buyers might be better off with a Lexus CT hybrid hatchback...
@ozziebob When the occasion arises when I have to take a press car to a dealer, I do not tell them I am a media member unless I'm recognized. I want to get the true customer experience. And I've gone to my 2 local Audi dealers quite a few times (both owned by the same company) and I've never had a favorable experience with sales or service. If I had just spent $30,000+ on a new Audi and was treated like I was with this car I'd be extremely upset.
@khunopie Hopefully this is sarcasm :-) Thew wiper actually broke off...not just came off. Pretty cheesy. The dealer sent me across the street to an Advanced Auto Parts to buy a new one. How nice of them!
That TDI on the sides looks horrible! I hope customers have the option to not have those inglorious letters on the sides. And that bit about customer satisfaction is very revealing. Thanks for the honesty.
@scooped13 I wouldn't not buy a luxury car because it doesn't have bluetooth standard. Driving comfort and interior quality is what I'd pay for, into a function I'd never really use.
Just wondering, did you tell the dealer it was a Press vehicle? I'm guessing you didn't by the way you were treated. It's sad to say, but most Euro dealers (over here anyway) don't really care about people driving the entry level models. Little do they realize, they are the 'bread and butter' cars!!
@khunopie LoL. I don't understand the way a wiperblade can make you change your mind. You can go to walmart or something and buy it from there for MUCH cheaper. However, the customer relations at Audi from the review seem to be VERY poor. Sucks. Cause I was just starting to like Audis.
I have a white 2011 A3 TDI S-line and have had it for about 8 months. Sadly, I must say that the car has had one problem after another. It has a bad, jerky DSG transmission, the glass roof rattles constantly, door seals are coming unglued, various electrical problems, and, all in all, just not a good level of fit and finish for the $40,000 price. I would NOT buy an A3 again.
After your experiences, I will no longer be buying any more Audi's. Too much money being spent to be treated so poorly. I hope Audi knows about my decisions. I will also be telling many others how you were treated. I'm now hesitant to even buy a Volkswagen since Audi and VW are together. I may have to resort to buying an American or Japanese car again.
20 years my family has had AUDIS never had one issue. Love them. Audi customer service is better than merk and BMW.
as always A+ review
The A3 TDI now has the option for Quattro Drive (Audi's all wheel drive system)!
That's what I did. I traded my new Audi for a VW TDI. I miss the quattro. HUGE different not having it. The VW TDI gets so much wheel spin compared to my A4 quattro. The entire time I had my A4, I never heard the tires squeal even one single time. The VW does it regularly from stop lights or when making turns.
Awesome review, great car.
Better off with the Jetta or Passat TDI than the Lexus. Get 50+ MPG with the TDI on the highway.
But neither the Jetta or Passat are hatchbacks. Some people's lifestyles draw them to that configuration. I, for example, have a BMW 3 series, but being married with no kids, can see the huge advantages of the hatch over the sedan.
@madant1977 Did you see the pictures of the new A3 sedan coming out of Geneva? Looks like we'll see some form of the new A3 for the 2013MY.
@stevehammes Audi/VW dealerships aren't exactly known for their customer service. It's ridiculous, because their vehicles don't have the same quality/reliability of Honda/Acura or Toyota/Lexus...:) As fun as this car seems to be to drive, I think buyers might be better off with a Lexus CT hybrid hatchback...
@stevehammes
I thought I remembered a comment of yours about you owning an MDX and this. Guess I dreamed it :)
@ozziebob When the occasion arises when I have to take a press car to a dealer, I do not tell them I am a media member unless I'm recognized. I want to get the true customer experience. And I've gone to my 2 local Audi dealers quite a few times (both owned by the same company) and I've never had a favorable experience with sales or service. If I had just spent $30,000+ on a new Audi and was treated like I was with this car I'd be extremely upset.
@khunopie Hopefully this is sarcasm :-) Thew wiper actually broke off...not just came off. Pretty cheesy. The dealer sent me across the street to an Advanced Auto Parts to buy a new one. How nice of them!
That TDI on the sides looks horrible! I hope customers have the option to not have those inglorious letters on the sides. And that bit about customer satisfaction is very revealing. Thanks for the honesty.
@mojojojo911
audi uses proprietary blades. You can't just buy a cheap replacement. I found that out the hard way with my A4.
great cars tdi a3
@scooped13 I wouldn't not buy a luxury car because it doesn't have bluetooth standard. Driving comfort and interior quality is what I'd pay for, into a function I'd never really use.
this would make A LOT more sense if they offered quattro
I don't think you pay 600$ JUST for bluetooth... It's an upgraded sound system altogether
I was considering buying this car until I heard about the poorly engineered wiper blade. There is no way I'd get one now
Just wondering, did you tell the dealer it was a Press vehicle? I'm guessing you didn't by the way you were treated. It's sad to say, but most Euro dealers (over here anyway) don't really care about people driving the entry level models. Little do they realize, they are the 'bread and butter' cars!!
Now you lot see the power of diesel. The European models are even better. :D
@khunopie LoL. I don't understand the way a wiperblade can make you change your mind. You can go to walmart or something and buy it from there for MUCH cheaper.
However, the customer relations at Audi from the review seem to be VERY poor. Sucks. Cause I was just starting to like Audis.
This is what you have personally, isn't it?
I have a white 2011 A3 TDI S-line and have had it for about 8 months. Sadly, I must say that the car has had one problem after another. It has a bad, jerky DSG transmission, the glass roof rattles constantly, door seals are coming unglued, various electrical problems, and, all in all, just not a good level of fit and finish for the $40,000 price. I would NOT buy an A3 again.
After your experiences, I will no longer be buying any more Audi's. Too much money being spent to be treated so poorly. I hope Audi knows about my decisions. I will also be telling many others how you were treated. I'm now hesitant to even buy a Volkswagen since Audi and VW are together. I may have to resort to buying an American or Japanese car again.
"Clean diesel"... hur hur hur ;)
@bg1379 I do not own a car. But I'd like to have an A3 TDI if someone is buying :-)
@scooped13 You pay for everything else besides the engine.
did he just say 0-60 in 9 sec? smfh nope never mind i don't want it
Adam Rivera
It’s a diesel. What did you expect?