2008 Audi A3 Consumer Reviews

Simply well done

Written by: phaetonboi on 08/28/2009

Vehicle

2008 Audi A3 2.0T 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

It was at the Atlanta Auto Show that I fell in love with the Audi A3. My current car due end of its lease was a 2006 VW Touareg. A wonderful SUV yet it was not something I would ever get again unless diesel was offered. Simply put, small engine pulling around a heavy car. Out of all the cars I saw that day, I decided the A3 was the one. Next day I leased a metallic grey pearl, open sky, premium package, and s-tronic automatic. The 2.0 engine, I believe, coupled with a flawless DSG will allow this car to drive well beyond 100,000 miles. The Open Sky, while novel, and great if rear passengers are present, is very hot in the summer.

Favorite Features

engine + transmission=driving excellence. Interior is excellently crafted, exterior is excellent as well. The leather will maintain through the life of the car. Utility is wonderful. MPG-I get usually 23 in the city, 34 on highway.

Suggested Improvements

Open Sky might warrant popped up roof strips, get them checked, mine damaged my hatch. Absolutely buy better tires after 20,000 miles on those Pirellis. No retrofit bluetooth is ridiculous, and if you live in warm weather ie above 91 like I do, the open sky will bake you alive. Road noise is loud.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Tire noise destroys a good relationship

Written by: fbclt on 08/20/2009

Vehicle

2008 Audi A3 2.0T 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

I had read other reviews that indicated tire noise could be a problem, especially with the Pirelli P6 tires. I thought I had escaped that fate as the first year was great; lot's of fun to drive, average 32.5 mpg overall, reasonably peppy and good brakes and handling. After the 16,000 miles service and tire rotation the tire howl began. I returned to Audi service who tell me that alignment and suspension are in spec and the tires are cupped which is causing the road noise. The noise has only gotten worse. Plenty of tread left but unless the Pirelli tire dealer I see Saturday does something to adjust this, I will have to report to Audi and Pirelli that they have lost a customer for life.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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Gets in its own way

Written by: big mountain on 05/14/2009

Vehicle

2008 Audi A3 2.0T 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

This is a great car if you like going to the dealer. Mechanically, it is perfect but the build quality is a disaster. Handles great, fast, average over 30 mpg in a mixed commute. Easy to park in the city. All of the doors have been taken apart for wiring harnesses being out of the clips. The radio was a mess. Seat belt receiver replaced, etc. Now I have 2 mystery rattles, the drivers door handle and an exhaust rattle.

Favorite Features

MPG, Looks, Sound of engine and sound system, panoramic roof, wheels.

Suggested Improvements

Build this car once, don't make your dealers rebuild it. If you are interested and see one on the lot with the Pirelli P6 tires, walk away. Belts split at 25k miles. New tires have made this car much better.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Re-Review to BAD

Written by: Amylynn on 04/12/2009

Vehicle

2008 Audi A3 2.0T 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I posted a review after I bought my Audi last August raving about it. I now wish to retract my raves! The ride and fun level are all great...but I am burning thru a quart of oil about every 1000 - 1500 miles! I can't even make it to a regular oil change without the light coming on or me putting oil in it sometimes twice. Terrible! I am dumping this thing before it dies on me. I drive 120 mile a day and can't risk being left on the side of the road, Audi care or not! I am going back to a Honda or Toyota...loved both! Too bad, such a beautiful car.

Favorite Features

Handling, fun, styling

Suggested Improvements

Engine, turbo needs work so it doesn't suck oil, premium fuel. Poor amount of features for the price.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Great car

Written by: deg on 02/03/2009

Vehicle

2008 Audi A3 2.0T 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

This is my forth Audi. I've had two 5000's an A6 quattro and now this 2008 A3 2.0T 6A. My wife drives it most of the time. We both love it. Have 11700 miles on it. No trouble at all. I highly recommend the ca.

Favorite Features

Drive train and handling

Suggested Improvements

2008 did not offer quattro with2.0T

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I would buy it over and over again

Written by: Joseph Gutman on 12/21/2008

Vehicle

2008 Audi A3 2.0T 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

After the fuel crunch I decided to get rid of my Mercedes E-500 AMG. I looked for fun, reliability, some luxury, good dealer service and a car that was practical. And I found all of it in the A3. Tried the 3.2 version and it ws not much better. I love driving and commuting on my A3. Nothing fails and if you go on-line you can find a few "easter-eggs" that Audi engineers left as a gift in hiding. It handles like a sports sedan and hums like a sprts car. It is just the perfect car for the person with a few bucks, without the need to be a show-off.

Favorite Features

Style, comfort. performance and economy. I am 6'3" tall and I have plenty of room.

Suggested Improvements

I would love to see an extra D/C outlet close to the dash board.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Problems with Audi

Written by: Carlos Fernandez on 12/17/2008

Vehicle

2008 Audi A3 2.0T 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

With only 5,000 miles on my brand new A3, the power window is broken, the power seat for the driver is broken, and now the transmission is giving problems. I will never buy another Audi again. This is the most problamatic car I have ever had, worst than the old Ford Explorer. I am going to ask for a refund.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Needs new window motors, new power seat, and now new transmission with only 5,000 miles on the car

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Fun, Practical, and Cool!

Written by: youngmc8 on 11/29/2008

Vehicle

2008 Audi A3 2.0T PZEV 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

Having driven my A3 for 7+ months now, I am very happy with this purchase. My previous car was a Subaru WRX, which made me consider what I would give up in performance with an A3. Well, now I realize that for 99% of my driving, the Audi provides more than what I need. (That 1% is pushing it beyond my comfort zone anyways.) The A3 gives you refined power and handling. It is a smart blend of style and practical considerations in a sports sedan. It has been a very responsive, comfortable, and rewarding driving experience.

Favorite Features

DSG transmission with shift paddles - you gotta try these!

Suggested Improvements

A solid, instead of mesh, inside sunroof cover for those hot sunny days.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Love the A3!

Written by: BobJ on 11/15/2008

Vehicle

2008 Audi A3 2.0T 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

This is my 7th Audi including A4s and a TT. I love this car! The 2.0 engine is a tremendous improvement over the old 1.8. The A3 is quick, has great handling, is nicely appointed and is a kick to drive. New car pricing is a bit hefty, but I bought mine at the end of the year and saved a lot. In '08, if you wanted AWD you had to buy the 3.2L engine, and the price got pretty high. I understand that they are working on the pricing issue for '09. My wife has an Acura MDX, but now she's borrowing the A3 whenever she can grab it.

Favorite Features

Great handling, 2.0L engine, interior design.

Suggested Improvements

Offer an affordable Quattro version with the 2.0L engine.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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This is one bad little car

Written by: puroman on 10/31/2008

Vehicle

2008 Audi A3 2.0T 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

First road trip with the car using sport shifting with the dsg and was completely gobsmacked by the performance of this car. Goes like stink, handles the curves like it's nobody's business and that transmisssion is without a doubt the best in the world and worth the extra cash. Throw the back seats down, throw the dog in, and off you go. Lots of room for two with luggage and that's all you need. Gas mileage is superb for a car with this performance. Too bad is has to be high test but you can't get everything. Ipod setup is easy but info on instrument panel could be a little more informational and clearer. But just go drive (faster if possible) you will love this car

Favorite Features

DSG, performance, gas mileage, exterior styling especially the front

Suggested Improvements

Wish the open sky opened a bit more. Maybe if the back moon roof opened

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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