mroberge

So I have been looking at buyin an A3. What guided my choice was look, performance, safety and a car that has awd. I narrowed down my choice to two compagnies Audi and Subaru. My pick would be Audi over Subaru just for the look. On other forums some people debate that german cars (audi, mercedes) are not reliable. They break often and cost an arm and a leg to repair. People were suggesting japanese brands were more reliable. Now I'm looking at owning cause I'll have to do lots of commuting for my job. I want an enjoyable ride but don't want to waste time more then I have to at the shop either. People are saying if you find an audi in the used parking, it's probably cause the owner got fed up with repairing it.

What is you owners experience with that. How reliable do you think Audi's are?

suthermj

if someone could answer this, wow would be great... because i am in the market for a A4 and i love german cars, but i dont want to spend half the time in the shop either. I dont really want to go for a japanese car, unless i absolutely have to lol.

Freewilly

Been driving Japanese cars for years, and always wanted an Audi Quattro .
I went through the same anxiety, before jumping in on a deal I couldn’t pass.
I also owned two Subaru Impreza’s (1997 and 2003) as well, so here is my observation comparing the Audi to the Subaru.

Being an A6, the Audi obviously has a lot of bells and whistles, and generally the German cars have a lot of little things well thought out. Ergonomically it's a better car. The seats are more comfortable, and lots of things that make sense.


In terms of reliability, I haven't had a lot of major issues with my A6 (knocking on wood), and I have almost 200k on it.
Here are lists of things that have gone wrong.

-Dashboard LED ( $1000) Dealer
-Left front Drive Shaft ($800) Dealer
-Alternator ($500)
-Front suspension control arms - this is a very common problem with Audi's and it's not cheap to fix, this cost me about $500 per side.
-Rear Differential (haven't fix it yet, but I'm sure it won't be cheap)
-Serpentine belt went and left me stranded ($200)

Here is my observation.
-The Audi recommended service intervals are ridiculously long. To me 10,000 km for oil change and "never" on tranny oil is asking for trouble. Same with the belts. So if you do get one, don't follow there recommended intervals, unless you are leasing.

Generally speaking Audi are pretty reliable. If you take care of them, shorten your service intervals and you should be OK. But the Subaru is definately more reliable and cheaper to maintain.
- Things will break, so expect to pay at least 30% more in parts compare to Japanese cars. If you can find aftermarket, go with those.
- Never, never, never bring it to the dealer for anything, unless it's warranty work. They will make you grab your ankles and call them daddy.

Performance wise, if you are just looking for a no nonsense A to B car with great handling and versatility, never get stuck in the snow. Go with a Subaru, they are great cars for that purpose.

If you want a little bling, refinement, and a lot of bells and whistle, go with an Audi.

Just my $0.02

mroberge

Thanks Freewilly, thas is a sensible review and it make sense. To me any piece of High tech toys is bound to break and requires usually better care. Their maintenance routine does sound ridiculous.

I'm tempted by the Subaru WRX, good awd car, good safety features but look could be improved. I think I have set my mind on the Audi though. What splitted my choice, the A3 is better on fuel then the WRX and I would look better in the Audi then the WRX. A car is also a matter of personality. Hopefully I won't hit a lemon.

If there is any A3 owner I would like to hear from you and your experience with that car.

Thanks again.

Freewilly

Yeah, the new WRX looks could be improved. I like the looks of last generation better.

Driven an 2002 WRX on a track once. That is one fun car to drive. I'm sure the A3 2.0T would be comparable.

How it makes you feel is very important or you'll just end up second guessing yourself.

Go for the Audi, you only live once.....