As when buying any new car when considering buying a used Audi A3 you should do as much research as possible beforehand. This means learning about the model you are interested in purchasing and could include things that are known to go wrong with the car and recalls which the manufacturer made. This information can all be found online. One of the best places to begin learning about the model is of course with Audi themselves.
Of course there are also some basic requirements that you have to consider as there is when buying any second hand car. These are for your safety to ensure you do not get ?ripped-off? and can also help you to get the best deal. You should take advantage of having a car data check made as this will tell you if the car is what the seller says it is. It can tell you if the car has been reported stolen, the year it was made, if it has debt owing on it and if the car has been involved in an accident and it was scraped by the insurance company. Always make your own check, never take the word of the seller that they have made a check on the car, even if they show you the results as they could have been modified.
Along with checking out the car you would also be wise to check out the seller of the used Audi A3 you are looking at buying. While the majority of used cars sold online only come with the sellers mobile number you should also get their landline number. When going to view the car always ensure that you are able to view the car at the home address of the seller. Always be very wary if the seller insists that you meet them somewhere to look over the car. This could mean they have something to hide and if there are problems with the car you would have no way of finding the seller again.
The seller should of course have all the relevant documentation for the car and it should be up to date. Check that the MOT has been done where it says is has and also check out the history when it comes to the servicing and repairs made to the car. It goes without saying that you should take the car on an extensive road test before handing over your money. Try to be as varied as possible when testing the car and look for how the card handles and its response, try to test it on clear stretches of road such as the motorway and in the city streets.
You also have to be aware of specific problems that could be related just to the Audi A3. If you are worried about any recalls then you can check these out on the Audi site where they are listed along with the models and dates of the faults. Of course if any of these apply to the specific model you are considering buying then check that the faults were rectified by the owner of the car and they have the documentation to support it.
The Audi A3 can be seen as the entry level Audi in the luxury car market. In no way a saloon it manages to retain some of the luxury aspects of the larger cars whilst being small and practical. The original model now widely available as a used car was developed as a direct competitor for the BMW 318ti and the Mercedes C230. A little more affordable than these models, the German car manufacturer has now been producing the A3 for almost twelve years with good levels of success.
Originally Audi produced the A3 purely as a budget alternative other more expensive German models. The range of engines available in the initial launch was somewhat pedestrian and made the car a little sluggish in terms of performance. However, three years later a new range of engines were developed with more power to make the car a 'hot hatch' to rival the VW Golf GTi. Four wheel drive, something that Audi have made themselves famous for in recent years, was also added as a performance option.
In terms of handling the A3 was never designed to be an all out racer such as its much sportier brother, the TT. The drive can be described as adequate if not entertaining but grip and body stability in corners is good. Steering however is something that is lacking with a slightly detached feel that damages the experience as a whole. Ride is comfortable and in the sportier version, the firmer suspension improves the road holding qualities further. The engine is usually quiet at cruising speeds making it an ideal car for undertaking long distance journeys.
The interior of the A3 is still relatively contemporary even in earlier models thanks to efficient logical placement of dials and switches. With a fully adjustable steering wheel and driver's seat it is rarely a problem finding the perfect driving position. When the Audi first announced the A3 they wanted to continue the fine quality standards that were present in their larger cars. Space in the cabin is ample and comfortable, although the rear seats are rather awkward for any traveller who is over six foot. The boot is also large for a car in its class and has plenty of room for shopping trips and longer journeys.
As the A3 can be considered a prestige hatchback at a relatively affordable price, although the VW Golf is an even cheaper option from new. Fuel economy is good in the majority of engine models, although the V6 can be considered somewhat thirsty. Quality is clear throughout the A3 with solid fittings and fixings and the reliability of the engine should live up to the high expectations of Audi owners. With airbags for both front passengers and active headrests to reduce whiplash its safety features are also impressive.
For those who truly want a 'hot hatch' the S3 provides the perfect solution. Built along the same lines as the A3 it is a more powerful, edgier option. The first generation kicked out around 220 Bhp, although it could have been more powerful if it was not for competition issues with the Audi TT.
Utilising a turbo charger, the performance stats were impressive and it rapidly became popular. The latest generation is believed to achieve 0-60 mph in five and a half seconds. In comparison to other models the S3 is rather expensive, especially considering the VW R32 Golf and Vauxhall Astra VXR offer similar power at a more affordable price.
Overall the A3 and its brother the S3 are decent small cars. Quality and reliability are exceptional and although it is cheaper than the other major German manufacturers, there are cheaper alternatives on the market. But for Audi quality and brand recognition the A3 is a brilliant small family car that will bring years of driving pleasure.
Both Louis Rix & Thomas Pretty are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Louis Rix has sinced written about articles on various topics from Used Car, Finances and Used Car. Louis Rix is a Director of NetCars, one of the UK's leading motoring websites. First established in January 2000, it provides car finance, loans and insurance. We also provide an online car search for. Louis Rix's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.
Thomas Pretty has sinced written about articles on various topics from Formula One, Debts Loans and Interior Design. Motoring expert Thomas Pretty looks at the as a decent small family car. To find out more please visit. Thomas Pretty's top article generates over 1500000 views. to your Favourites.