Looking for A3 "Real World" Impressions
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Looking for A3 "Real World" Impressions
I test drove an Audi A3 (new model in USA) a few months ago, and liked
it (but didn't buy one at the time).
I'm starting to seriously consider a new car at this time and would be
interested in hearing people's real-world experiences with the A3
(particularly the DSG Automatic Transmission) - both positive and negative.
The main negatives for me at the time were: a) Turbo engine requires
premium gas (Gas prices were spiking at the time) and b) the cargo space
was smallish. (ie-My golf bag wouldn't fit in the back without folding
the rear seat down. - That's a relatively minor gripe though....)
I've since read reports - some say that you CAN use regular gas with
engines that require premium gas per the manufacturer recommendations
(although "performance" would suffer, while others say that you'd be
risking engine damage by doing so. (ie - pinging and knocking).
Which is the case with the A3? I'm an average driver that like the A3's
practicality. So at most times, I probably wouldn't be pushing the
engine too hard. However I do like the "fun factor" that the A3 can
provide on occassion, especially those paddle shifters. (I drive a
Subaru Forester now and see the A3 as a smaller, more luxurious, more
"fun to drive" car that would provide similar practicality.)
So any info on overall impressions and on the regular vs premium
gasoline question would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
it (but didn't buy one at the time).
I'm starting to seriously consider a new car at this time and would be
interested in hearing people's real-world experiences with the A3
(particularly the DSG Automatic Transmission) - both positive and negative.
The main negatives for me at the time were: a) Turbo engine requires
premium gas (Gas prices were spiking at the time) and b) the cargo space
was smallish. (ie-My golf bag wouldn't fit in the back without folding
the rear seat down. - That's a relatively minor gripe though....)
I've since read reports - some say that you CAN use regular gas with
engines that require premium gas per the manufacturer recommendations
(although "performance" would suffer, while others say that you'd be
risking engine damage by doing so. (ie - pinging and knocking).
Which is the case with the A3? I'm an average driver that like the A3's
practicality. So at most times, I probably wouldn't be pushing the
engine too hard. However I do like the "fun factor" that the A3 can
provide on occassion, especially those paddle shifters. (I drive a
Subaru Forester now and see the A3 as a smaller, more luxurious, more
"fun to drive" car that would provide similar practicality.)
So any info on overall impressions and on the regular vs premium
gasoline question would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Looking for A3 "Real World" Impressions
BRH wrote:
> I test drove an Audi A3 (new model in USA) a few months ago, and liked
> it (but didn't buy one at the time).
>
> I'm starting to seriously consider a new car at this time and would be
> interested in hearing people's real-world experiences with the A3
> (particularly the DSG Automatic Transmission) - both positive and negative.
>
> The main negatives for me at the time were: a) Turbo engine requires
> premium gas (Gas prices were spiking at the time) and b) the cargo space
> was smallish. (ie-My golf bag wouldn't fit in the back without folding
> the rear seat down. - That's a relatively minor gripe though....)
>
Can you get a TDi in the US? If fuel costs are a problem it will provide
great performance and execellent economy. Anyway, your gas is cheap
> I've since read reports - some say that you CAN use regular gas with
> engines that require premium gas per the manufacturer recommendations
> (although "performance" would suffer, while others say that you'd be
> risking engine damage by doing so. (ie - pinging and knocking).
>
I would doubt you'd get damage- look in the broochure for the minumum
octane rating. I'd imagine the engine managment would cope with it and
you'd just lose a bit of performance. That's the case with most cars
these days.
> Which is the case with the A3? I'm an average driver that like the A3's
> practicality. So at most times, I probably wouldn't be pushing the
> engine too hard. However I do like the "fun factor" that the A3 can
> provide on occassion, especially those paddle shifters. (I drive a
> Subaru Forester now and see the A3 as a smaller, more luxurious, more
> "fun to drive" car that would provide similar practicality.)
>
> So any info on overall impressions and on the regular vs premium
> gasoline question would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
>
> I test drove an Audi A3 (new model in USA) a few months ago, and liked
> it (but didn't buy one at the time).
>
> I'm starting to seriously consider a new car at this time and would be
> interested in hearing people's real-world experiences with the A3
> (particularly the DSG Automatic Transmission) - both positive and negative.
>
> The main negatives for me at the time were: a) Turbo engine requires
> premium gas (Gas prices were spiking at the time) and b) the cargo space
> was smallish. (ie-My golf bag wouldn't fit in the back without folding
> the rear seat down. - That's a relatively minor gripe though....)
>
Can you get a TDi in the US? If fuel costs are a problem it will provide
great performance and execellent economy. Anyway, your gas is cheap
> I've since read reports - some say that you CAN use regular gas with
> engines that require premium gas per the manufacturer recommendations
> (although "performance" would suffer, while others say that you'd be
> risking engine damage by doing so. (ie - pinging and knocking).
>
I would doubt you'd get damage- look in the broochure for the minumum
octane rating. I'd imagine the engine managment would cope with it and
you'd just lose a bit of performance. That's the case with most cars
these days.
> Which is the case with the A3? I'm an average driver that like the A3's
> practicality. So at most times, I probably wouldn't be pushing the
> engine too hard. However I do like the "fun factor" that the A3 can
> provide on occassion, especially those paddle shifters. (I drive a
> Subaru Forester now and see the A3 as a smaller, more luxurious, more
> "fun to drive" car that would provide similar practicality.)
>
> So any info on overall impressions and on the regular vs premium
> gasoline question would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
>
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Looking for A3 "Real World" Impressions
BRH wrote:
> I test drove an Audi A3 (new model in USA) a few months ago, and liked
> it (but didn't buy one at the time).
>
> I'm starting to seriously consider a new car at this time and would be
> interested in hearing people's real-world experiences with the A3
> (particularly the DSG Automatic Transmission) - both positive and negative.
>
> The main negatives for me at the time were: a) Turbo engine requires
> premium gas (Gas prices were spiking at the time) and b) the cargo space
> was smallish. (ie-My golf bag wouldn't fit in the back without folding
> the rear seat down. - That's a relatively minor gripe though....)
>
Can you get a TDi in the US? If fuel costs are a problem it will provide
great performance and execellent economy. Anyway, your gas is cheap
> I've since read reports - some say that you CAN use regular gas with
> engines that require premium gas per the manufacturer recommendations
> (although "performance" would suffer, while others say that you'd be
> risking engine damage by doing so. (ie - pinging and knocking).
>
I would doubt you'd get damage- look in the broochure for the minumum
octane rating. I'd imagine the engine managment would cope with it and
you'd just lose a bit of performance. That's the case with most cars
these days.
> Which is the case with the A3? I'm an average driver that like the A3's
> practicality. So at most times, I probably wouldn't be pushing the
> engine too hard. However I do like the "fun factor" that the A3 can
> provide on occassion, especially those paddle shifters. (I drive a
> Subaru Forester now and see the A3 as a smaller, more luxurious, more
> "fun to drive" car that would provide similar practicality.)
>
> So any info on overall impressions and on the regular vs premium
> gasoline question would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
>
> I test drove an Audi A3 (new model in USA) a few months ago, and liked
> it (but didn't buy one at the time).
>
> I'm starting to seriously consider a new car at this time and would be
> interested in hearing people's real-world experiences with the A3
> (particularly the DSG Automatic Transmission) - both positive and negative.
>
> The main negatives for me at the time were: a) Turbo engine requires
> premium gas (Gas prices were spiking at the time) and b) the cargo space
> was smallish. (ie-My golf bag wouldn't fit in the back without folding
> the rear seat down. - That's a relatively minor gripe though....)
>
Can you get a TDi in the US? If fuel costs are a problem it will provide
great performance and execellent economy. Anyway, your gas is cheap
> I've since read reports - some say that you CAN use regular gas with
> engines that require premium gas per the manufacturer recommendations
> (although "performance" would suffer, while others say that you'd be
> risking engine damage by doing so. (ie - pinging and knocking).
>
I would doubt you'd get damage- look in the broochure for the minumum
octane rating. I'd imagine the engine managment would cope with it and
you'd just lose a bit of performance. That's the case with most cars
these days.
> Which is the case with the A3? I'm an average driver that like the A3's
> practicality. So at most times, I probably wouldn't be pushing the
> engine too hard. However I do like the "fun factor" that the A3 can
> provide on occassion, especially those paddle shifters. (I drive a
> Subaru Forester now and see the A3 as a smaller, more luxurious, more
> "fun to drive" car that would provide similar practicality.)
>
> So any info on overall impressions and on the regular vs premium
> gasoline question would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
>
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Looking for A3 "Real World" Impressions
BRH wrote:
> I test drove an Audi A3 (new model in USA) a few months ago, and liked
> it (but didn't buy one at the time).
>
> I'm starting to seriously consider a new car at this time and would be
> interested in hearing people's real-world experiences with the A3
> (particularly the DSG Automatic Transmission) - both positive and negative.
>
> The main negatives for me at the time were: a) Turbo engine requires
> premium gas (Gas prices were spiking at the time) and b) the cargo space
> was smallish. (ie-My golf bag wouldn't fit in the back without folding
> the rear seat down. - That's a relatively minor gripe though....)
>
Can you get a TDi in the US? If fuel costs are a problem it will provide
great performance and execellent economy. Anyway, your gas is cheap
> I've since read reports - some say that you CAN use regular gas with
> engines that require premium gas per the manufacturer recommendations
> (although "performance" would suffer, while others say that you'd be
> risking engine damage by doing so. (ie - pinging and knocking).
>
I would doubt you'd get damage- look in the broochure for the minumum
octane rating. I'd imagine the engine managment would cope with it and
you'd just lose a bit of performance. That's the case with most cars
these days.
> Which is the case with the A3? I'm an average driver that like the A3's
> practicality. So at most times, I probably wouldn't be pushing the
> engine too hard. However I do like the "fun factor" that the A3 can
> provide on occassion, especially those paddle shifters. (I drive a
> Subaru Forester now and see the A3 as a smaller, more luxurious, more
> "fun to drive" car that would provide similar practicality.)
>
> So any info on overall impressions and on the regular vs premium
> gasoline question would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
>
> I test drove an Audi A3 (new model in USA) a few months ago, and liked
> it (but didn't buy one at the time).
>
> I'm starting to seriously consider a new car at this time and would be
> interested in hearing people's real-world experiences with the A3
> (particularly the DSG Automatic Transmission) - both positive and negative.
>
> The main negatives for me at the time were: a) Turbo engine requires
> premium gas (Gas prices were spiking at the time) and b) the cargo space
> was smallish. (ie-My golf bag wouldn't fit in the back without folding
> the rear seat down. - That's a relatively minor gripe though....)
>
Can you get a TDi in the US? If fuel costs are a problem it will provide
great performance and execellent economy. Anyway, your gas is cheap
> I've since read reports - some say that you CAN use regular gas with
> engines that require premium gas per the manufacturer recommendations
> (although "performance" would suffer, while others say that you'd be
> risking engine damage by doing so. (ie - pinging and knocking).
>
I would doubt you'd get damage- look in the broochure for the minumum
octane rating. I'd imagine the engine managment would cope with it and
you'd just lose a bit of performance. That's the case with most cars
these days.
> Which is the case with the A3? I'm an average driver that like the A3's
> practicality. So at most times, I probably wouldn't be pushing the
> engine too hard. However I do like the "fun factor" that the A3 can
> provide on occassion, especially those paddle shifters. (I drive a
> Subaru Forester now and see the A3 as a smaller, more luxurious, more
> "fun to drive" car that would provide similar practicality.)
>
> So any info on overall impressions and on the regular vs premium
> gasoline question would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
>
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Looking for A3 "Real World" Impressions
BRH wrote:
> I test drove an Audi A3 (new model in USA) a few months ago, and liked
> it (but didn't buy one at the time).
>
> I'm starting to seriously consider a new car at this time and would be
> interested in hearing people's real-world experiences with the A3
> (particularly the DSG Automatic Transmission) - both positive and negative.
>
> The main negatives for me at the time were: a) Turbo engine requires
> premium gas (Gas prices were spiking at the time) and b) the cargo space
> was smallish. (ie-My golf bag wouldn't fit in the back without folding
> the rear seat down. - That's a relatively minor gripe though....)
>
Can you get a TDi in the US? If fuel costs are a problem it will provide
great performance and execellent economy. Anyway, your gas is cheap
> I've since read reports - some say that you CAN use regular gas with
> engines that require premium gas per the manufacturer recommendations
> (although "performance" would suffer, while others say that you'd be
> risking engine damage by doing so. (ie - pinging and knocking).
>
I would doubt you'd get damage- look in the broochure for the minumum
octane rating. I'd imagine the engine managment would cope with it and
you'd just lose a bit of performance. That's the case with most cars
these days.
> Which is the case with the A3? I'm an average driver that like the A3's
> practicality. So at most times, I probably wouldn't be pushing the
> engine too hard. However I do like the "fun factor" that the A3 can
> provide on occassion, especially those paddle shifters. (I drive a
> Subaru Forester now and see the A3 as a smaller, more luxurious, more
> "fun to drive" car that would provide similar practicality.)
>
> So any info on overall impressions and on the regular vs premium
> gasoline question would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
>
> I test drove an Audi A3 (new model in USA) a few months ago, and liked
> it (but didn't buy one at the time).
>
> I'm starting to seriously consider a new car at this time and would be
> interested in hearing people's real-world experiences with the A3
> (particularly the DSG Automatic Transmission) - both positive and negative.
>
> The main negatives for me at the time were: a) Turbo engine requires
> premium gas (Gas prices were spiking at the time) and b) the cargo space
> was smallish. (ie-My golf bag wouldn't fit in the back without folding
> the rear seat down. - That's a relatively minor gripe though....)
>
Can you get a TDi in the US? If fuel costs are a problem it will provide
great performance and execellent economy. Anyway, your gas is cheap
> I've since read reports - some say that you CAN use regular gas with
> engines that require premium gas per the manufacturer recommendations
> (although "performance" would suffer, while others say that you'd be
> risking engine damage by doing so. (ie - pinging and knocking).
>
I would doubt you'd get damage- look in the broochure for the minumum
octane rating. I'd imagine the engine managment would cope with it and
you'd just lose a bit of performance. That's the case with most cars
these days.
> Which is the case with the A3? I'm an average driver that like the A3's
> practicality. So at most times, I probably wouldn't be pushing the
> engine too hard. However I do like the "fun factor" that the A3 can
> provide on occassion, especially those paddle shifters. (I drive a
> Subaru Forester now and see the A3 as a smaller, more luxurious, more
> "fun to drive" car that would provide similar practicality.)
>
> So any info on overall impressions and on the regular vs premium
> gasoline question would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
>
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Looking for A3 "Real World" Impressions
> I've since read reports - some say that you CAN use regular gas with
> engines that require premium gas per the manufacturer recommendations
> (although "performance" would suffer, while others say that you'd be
> risking engine damage by doing so. (ie - pinging and knocking).
You may pay more for higher octane fuel but the general consensus seems to
be that any extra cost is covered by improved fuel consumption that you'll
get over regular petrol.
HTH
> engines that require premium gas per the manufacturer recommendations
> (although "performance" would suffer, while others say that you'd be
> risking engine damage by doing so. (ie - pinging and knocking).
You may pay more for higher octane fuel but the general consensus seems to
be that any extra cost is covered by improved fuel consumption that you'll
get over regular petrol.
HTH
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Looking for A3 "Real World" Impressions
> I've since read reports - some say that you CAN use regular gas with
> engines that require premium gas per the manufacturer recommendations
> (although "performance" would suffer, while others say that you'd be
> risking engine damage by doing so. (ie - pinging and knocking).
You may pay more for higher octane fuel but the general consensus seems to
be that any extra cost is covered by improved fuel consumption that you'll
get over regular petrol.
HTH
> engines that require premium gas per the manufacturer recommendations
> (although "performance" would suffer, while others say that you'd be
> risking engine damage by doing so. (ie - pinging and knocking).
You may pay more for higher octane fuel but the general consensus seems to
be that any extra cost is covered by improved fuel consumption that you'll
get over regular petrol.
HTH
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Looking for A3 "Real World" Impressions
> I've since read reports - some say that you CAN use regular gas with
> engines that require premium gas per the manufacturer recommendations
> (although "performance" would suffer, while others say that you'd be
> risking engine damage by doing so. (ie - pinging and knocking).
You may pay more for higher octane fuel but the general consensus seems to
be that any extra cost is covered by improved fuel consumption that you'll
get over regular petrol.
HTH
> engines that require premium gas per the manufacturer recommendations
> (although "performance" would suffer, while others say that you'd be
> risking engine damage by doing so. (ie - pinging and knocking).
You may pay more for higher octane fuel but the general consensus seems to
be that any extra cost is covered by improved fuel consumption that you'll
get over regular petrol.
HTH
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Looking for A3 "Real World" Impressions
> I've since read reports - some say that you CAN use regular gas with
> engines that require premium gas per the manufacturer recommendations
> (although "performance" would suffer, while others say that you'd be
> risking engine damage by doing so. (ie - pinging and knocking).
You may pay more for higher octane fuel but the general consensus seems to
be that any extra cost is covered by improved fuel consumption that you'll
get over regular petrol.
HTH
> engines that require premium gas per the manufacturer recommendations
> (although "performance" would suffer, while others say that you'd be
> risking engine damage by doing so. (ie - pinging and knocking).
You may pay more for higher octane fuel but the general consensus seems to
be that any extra cost is covered by improved fuel consumption that you'll
get over regular petrol.
HTH
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Looking for A3 "Real World" Impressions
Chris, no Audi TDI engines in the US, unfortunately......
BRH, I have run my 1.8T on mid-grade a couple of times. For a while,
when prices were over $3 I would run 2 tanks of mid-grade then a tank
of premium. Frankly, I did not notice any difference in either gas
mileage or performance. However, 90% of my driving is in-town, so it's
not like I'm winding it out at all..... I haven't tried a regular grade
in it, and now that prices are back to around $2/gallon for premium, I
probably won't. I've been doing every third tank of mid-grade.
On the A3 - I haven't driven it but took an extensive look on the
showroom floor a couple weeks back. Personally, I would wait until I
could get the 2.0T with quattro and 6-speed (some piont next year,
perhaps?). It's definitely a little tighter than my A4 inside, but I
like the style and interior.
Dan D
'04 A4 1.8Tq MT-6
Central NJ USA
BRH, I have run my 1.8T on mid-grade a couple of times. For a while,
when prices were over $3 I would run 2 tanks of mid-grade then a tank
of premium. Frankly, I did not notice any difference in either gas
mileage or performance. However, 90% of my driving is in-town, so it's
not like I'm winding it out at all..... I haven't tried a regular grade
in it, and now that prices are back to around $2/gallon for premium, I
probably won't. I've been doing every third tank of mid-grade.
On the A3 - I haven't driven it but took an extensive look on the
showroom floor a couple weeks back. Personally, I would wait until I
could get the 2.0T with quattro and 6-speed (some piont next year,
perhaps?). It's definitely a little tighter than my A4 inside, but I
like the style and interior.
Dan D
'04 A4 1.8Tq MT-6
Central NJ USA