drtse

Hi there, I'm looking at buying a used A3 and would appreciate some input!

Assuming all other things being equal...would you choose a 2008 A3 2.0T with 35k on it or a 2009 A3 2.0T Quattro with 42k on it if they were the same price $30K...and is $30K a decent price?

Here's a third option: 2008 A3 2.0T with 70K on it at $25,000

How much room is there to play with on price for used cars?

JSC

I'd definitely take the 09. To me there's no point in having an Audi without quattro. As for price, it seems good to me. I wouldn't sell my 09 A3 for $30K.

pterribilis

i agree with JSC. The 09 was the first year they introduced the DRLs on the A3 and I think the headlight assembly is nicer/more modern/etc. Plus what is an Audi without Quattro? It's like buying a Honda without VTEC.

Snowby

definitely 09 Quattro, especially I was told on another thread that the 09 has TFSI vs the previous model. I had a 08 and had engine oil problem, returned it at the end of the lease. Picked up a new 2011 Quattro, much better!

drtse

But the Quattro on the A3 is not full-time AWD right? It only comes on during slippage...so mainly good for winter weather not so much in terms of driving performance?...

drog

Hi guys,

Looking at getting an A3. My old man has one and he loves it. Can you get the 2012 w/ quattro and in a manual?

spleen

Faster off the line?

[Though I must admit that now that I have Stage II software, I wish I had a bit more traction to get the power down! But when the car was stock, FWD is faster...it's also cheaper to repair and maintain over the long run]

pterribilis

Even if it isn't full-time AWD I can tell a difference in grip between that and when I had my 2003 Acura RSX-Type S. I just got my car on Friday and I can already tell a difference driving in the rain tonight that the quattro on the A3 does help. I gunned it at the light and didn't feel much/any slippage and would expect as I add more power it will be noticeably better. Even when I downshifted in the rain in my RSX-S and hit the gas..i could feel the tires spinning (FWD). I still haven't done enough to tell if there is much of a difference between Audi's A3 quattro system and my previous '07 Forester XT's AWD system. Will find out one of these days though when it is safe to do so.

Forgot to mention that in my Acura I ended up having to fit polyurethane motor mounts, stiffer springs (progress sport) just to keep it from wheel hopping off the line thru 3rd. I don't have this problem in my new audi when launching and going thru gears at redline.