windaddict

Generally safe if it's a reputable dealer. To CPO a car they have to do an extensive inspection and repair any issues. Also brakes and tires have to have a minimum amount of wear left ( I think 50% minimum). I would still ask for a Carproof report and you could always have the car checked out at an independent shop to check for accidents, paintwork, etc. if you suspect anything.

LesterFlatt

Why would you? You wouldn't. You'd get a GTI. No Question. But if you're looking for a used car you might find a FWD A3 with a properly nice interior and the same engine for not much more than a GTI. The GTI is pretty hyped up in the media. Drive many many different cars. You'll know the right one when you find it (hint: don't forget to check out the Mazdaspeed 6 and the Subaru Legacy GT).

As for the Haldex system in the A3 versus Torsen system in the A4. Believe Clyde. Ignore anybody who doesn't start their posts with "I've driven both ..."...like this:

I've driven both. I've got an A3 3.2 Quattro. My wife has an A4 2.0T. I also keep an old Subaru Impreza around for hauling yucky stuff that doesn't belong in an Audi and for really cold days (no block heater in the Audis). Here are the data: on snow, all three cars will lose traction if I hammer the gas down but the stability control kicks in instantly and they all move along just fine. On dry pavement or the loose sand that piles up on Alberta roads during the winter, if I stomp on the gas in either Audi it'll go like stink. Straight ahead or around a corner - doesn't matter. The A3 leaps off the line. If I use my imagination maybe on loose sand I can hear the front wheels do their 1/4 turn or whatever it takes to engage the rear wheels, but really it's seamless. Is there a difference at the limit on a twisty road...can't tell you... "the limit" of either car is so far beyond what you would attempt on a road that you'll never get close. You would have to be absolutely deranged to test the limits of either one on public roads. Maybe you could feel a difference driving the two systems on a track. If you're the Stig.

There's one situation in which I think I can tell a difference between the A3 and the A4. If I go to an empty snow-covered parking lot AND turn off the stability control computer AND then really give it the beans, hmmmm, then yes I can say the Haldex system is a bit unpredictable compared to either the A4 or the Subaru. With the stability control left on the A3 is just as brilliant as the other two. (The 14-year-old Impreza, by the way, has no stability control and it still makes me smile and shake my head every time I drive it in the snow...it is genius).

The thing that seems to get lost in the endless pissing matches about Haldex vs Torsen is that the really important thing is proper winter tires. The subtle differences between these two systems are dwarfed by the night-and-day difference between good winter tires and all-season tires. I'd take a FWD car with good winter tires over any AWD car with all-seasons any day! I have experience with Michelin X-Ice2s and Pirelli SotoZeros. The Michelins are slightly grippier on snow. The Pirellis are, unsurprisingly, much sharper handling on dry pavement.

Also by the way, with both the A3 and the A4 I got SotoZeros mounted on alloys included with the cars by just asking for them. Definitely do this!

So drive lots of cars a pick one that feels good. Get some winter tires and don't stress about the centre differential. Enjoy!

LesterFlatt

Yes. Of course. You'll probably only notice it taking off from a stop. However, just blip the throttle once to spin up the turbo before you launch it and it'll go like heck. Um, that only works in a manual...naturally.