Audi A3 8P.I (2004-2008)

Shocker – Cheap now for a reason parts worth more than the car. Don't be a snob and buy one it is a moneypit that will leave you at the side of the road. Unrealible and crap!!! Show details

Oil consumption huge problem with Audi A3 convertible TFSI model – Similar to the problem stated in a earlier post I am facing oil consumption problem with the Audi A3 model I bought very recently. Can’t drive more than 400 km before need to replace oil. It is a known problem in many countries. I trusted the brand of course a big mistake. Audi Australia not accepting these issue as true. My advice stay away from at least these models having problems. Show details

Huge oil consumption. Poor finish inside. No support for problems. High service costs – Have owned our A3 1.6 Hatch for about six years (bought from second hand - just after warranty elapsed. First year was great - all good, driving well - wife was/is main driver - drives carefully. Problems starting appearing towards the second year of ownership - highish oil consumption - Audi dealer said it was normal. Oil consumption continued… Read more

to increase in the next few years - felt it was strange. Still had Audi dealership tell me it was 'normal' - even though they were now topping up oil on a very regular basis (oil light kept popping on- every couple of weeks - Kms not high - mainly driving daughter to school). Cost of Audi service was too excessive - swapped to reputable local service agent with a lot of experience with European cars - service was as good as Audi and at least half the cost. He noticed oil problem early on - mentioned Audi's known to have problems with engine - recommended I contact Audi direct if problem got worse. Well, oil consumption problem got worse - so I contacted Audi - not very helpful - still with the 'high' oil consumption expected line.

Problem got worse - contacted them again I think about nine months later - now ESP issue being triggered whenever oil was low. Still no assistance. Oil consumption problem continues to get worse. Latest communication with Audi saying they're not going to do anything about it - and they have the gall to say repeatedly they produce a quality product. Done some quick research on the web - there is a known oil consumption problem which has affected many cars. There is even a facebook page / community set up to discuss the Audi oil consumption problems.

Also, the hinge on our glove box just snapped a year ago - again no interest shown by Audi.

Also, the latch of the lid for the central compartment broke - again no interest shown by Audi.

Never in 30 years of driving have I come across such problems in the many cars I have driven. Never.

Not happy.

Great Performance from the 1.8 TFSI engine – I purchased my A3 early in 2008, it was a late 2007 model, which was the first year the 1.8TFSI engine hit Australia. To date I have travelled 71,000 Km's. Firstly the engine, the 1.8 TFSI is a fuel stratified turbo engine and is quite impressive in all respects. It has loads of mid range torque, almost diesel like, It comes on around 2000 RPM and… Read more

keeps on building. But from the stand still its not that spritely and there is a bit of lag until the turbo spins up. I have the 6 speed manual box which I have to say is not the greatest. Its quite notchy and the clutch feel doesn't inspire confidence. Clutch engages near the end of the pedal travel and it really is a bit annoying. In order to get a clean take off quite a bit of clutch slip is required so I'm concerned about longevity. Brakes work very well but they are getting a little worn now, but I have to say I do drive the car quite hard so the brakes have a hard life.

Cornering is OK but there is quite a bit of roll and oversteer. I think the steering geometry needs improving. Suspension is a bit hard but seems to be a good compromise between comfort and a sporty feel. I have had only one issue with the car and thats the water pump, seems to be a very common problem with this and the 2 litre TFSI,. There is a minor leak from the weep hole around the shaft bearing, maybe its a seal, I'm not sure but every 2 months or so I need to add about 200 mils of coolant. The fix is to replace the water pump assembly but that costs around $2,000, so I just add 200 Mils of coolant every 2 months and so far its been stable, with no overheating issues or an increase in coolant consumption. So I figure $30 worth of coolant every year is better than $2,000. I'm convinced this is a design fault but it appears Audi wont recognise that. Interior build quality and workmanship is excellent, this is one of the few small German cars that are actually built in Germany and it shows.

I travel rough, gravel roads and have hit many a pot-hole, so far not a single rattle and nothing has fallen off. Fuel consumption is about 8.5 litres around town and 6 on the highway. Its a quiet car but not very quiet, the engine uses high pressure fuel injection and so it has a bit of a rattle to it at times, bit like a diesel. On the highway its smooth, powerful and comfortable. Seats are supportive and comfortable,. Has a nice standard radio/CD player, but no ipod connectivity or bluetooth in this model, which was a bit surprising. The best thing about this car is the engine, there is no hill that gives it a hard time, it just rips up the steepest of hills and is really fun to drive in the mountains. Servicing is about $1200 for a major and $420 for a minor. The latest version of the TFSI engine is smoother, quieter and slightly more fuel efficient and there is a system to reduce build-up behind the valves which is an issue I believe with my version.. As the fuel is not injected behind the valves there is no way to clean the valves, supposed to be a problem with many owners TFSI powered Audi's but so far my engine is going fine. Steel timing belt is another noteworthy feature of this engine. Lusty engine, great build quality, comfort Manual gearbox, water pump leak issues, cornering

2.0T is the nicest car ive ever driven. Requires attention to maintenance but is worth it – Bought a second hand A3 with 40 kms in immaculate condition. The overall package is exceptional for the price. Engine: Power is excellent for a relatively small engine. It can be driven conservatively or hard/fast, the turbo provides a very smooth power band making everyday driving easy. Hard driving does induce a bit of oil /fuel consumption… Read more

(this is known in the 2.0T engines) I always ensure I have my oil topped up and changed regularly. I have had to replace the PCV and recirculation valves for the turbo.($400. Got this done by an independent Audi mech. Go to a dealer at your own peril)

Transmission: The DSG transmission has been pretty good, making rapid changes fun for manual shifting. I believe the programming on the gear changing could be tweaked, the rpm/gear change settings are too conservative in drive mode, so sometimes you find yourself in 6th gear doing 60km/h which is annoying when you have to kick down to pass someone etc. The sport setting is very aggressive, so a setting somewhere in between would be great. $450 DSG fluid change at 60 k was a bit expensive, but tolerable (as long as continues to run well)

Body/ interior: All excellent. Leather interior, open sky roof are all beautifully put together. Seats are firm but supportive. Attention to detail is exceptional and I believe Audi leads other manufacturers in this area. Compact sporty package. Attention to detail is superb Some electro-mechanical valves etc prone to failure. Oil hungry when driven hard

Excellent – Bought a 2005 2.0fsi last month and love it! Enough space for a family of 4 (inc. roomy boot), feels safe/solid/silent/secure and holds the road well too... which is why (on my own) i can drive hard on the street or in the mountains with no trouble at all (it FLIES!). All in all a great all rounder. Maybe expensive, but hey! it's an AUDI!!! I… Read more

really recomend this car! Looks great (RED!!!), & drives great!!! nothing really... seems thirsty, but it's my 1st 2 litre so can't compaire...