Used 2009 Audi A3 Wagon Consumer Reviews

Not Reliable...Never Again!

Just after warranty, the manifold went bad. The injectors went bad. After five years of ownership the main engine seal and the oil separator went bad ($2,000) and the fuse housing under the hood melted ($675). I have been driving for 32 years and I have gotten bad gasoline with this car twice. Never before in 32 years has that occurred. The car is over engineered and too temperamental. VW's I've owned were also unreliable. If you have plenty of money and time to spend at the shop, you may consider this a fun car.

Before I purchased my A3, I had been longing for an Audi for quite some time. Dealer made the new A3 more financially attractive than a low-mileage A4 from the prior model year. I have not regretted my decision and now have ~17,000 mi. on the car. No major mechanical problems. No quality issues except for poorly tracking sun-roof shade. The engine is peppy. There IS turbo lag, contrary to what some critics have said, but the torque band is band is broad and smooth once it is engaged. DSG works nicely and allows driver to drive all speeds in manual fashion. Lovely steering wheel. Intuitive gauge placement. Supportive seats, although more side bolstering would be nice. Love the QUATTRO.

Don't buy

So much for German engineering; they have not discovered aluminium. All the interior design is in plastic with silly parts that break and are not covered by the warranty. I used the back seat arm rest once and it broke; I plugged an ipod in the cigarette lighter and it broke; the two moon light roof hatches broke; the bolt that holds the spare tire broke, etc. In addition, the car gets a check engine light every six months (and deal with the service people.) It's the only brand that charges for rental car while on service, contrary to what they said at purchase.

One of the worst Audi models I’ve had.

I’ve driven mostly Audis ever since my first Audi 5000 s. By far, this is one of the poorest quality made and designed. I’ve owned the old school 5000 and 200, A4’s, A6’s, 100’s, and now an A3. This ‘entry level’ is plagued with broken wires in the door looms, faulty ignition switch, faulty steering lock mechanism, faulty water pump housing which is made of fragile plastic, faulty dsg system, faulty timing chain issues which Audi/VW had a class action against and settled, faulty gaskets. Basically everything that can go wrong with an ice car, this Audi A3 has it, like it’s the first car Audi ever made. Absolutely appalling how the quality has drastically been overlooked. I had a 1999 Audi A4 which was much more reliable and quality built and drove well over 300,000 kms. Only good thing about this A3 is the fuel economy and it’s quick off the line. Also, the stereo is horrid in terms of sound quality, it must’ve been designed by a tone deaf individual. I’m sure it’s great when it’s a new car, like most cars. Do not buy this car used unless it the mileage is under 80,000 kms.

Fun Fast Practical - One Package

Satisfaction on a car purchase is all about previous experience and expectations. Previous: I've owned BMW's (328is, 528i). Mercedes (E350), Lexus (GX470). Love the tightness of a German car, combo sport and luxury. Need: I drive 15k/year, mostly highway with some 2 lane windy roads. My 528i had 160k miles, facing $5k on brakes, airbag sensor, struts, etc. I was also getting about 23mpg. Wanted something fun, fast with good mpg and room for family (wife, 2 girls). Enter A3: This car is about as perfect (based on my expectations/needs) as one can get. It is tighter than the BMW's, fast and fun. 30mpg - driven hard. Sunroof, stereo, leather seats, bluetooth all create luxury feel.