Used 2010 Audi A3 Diesel Consumer Reviews
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bittersweet: sweet to drive, bitter to maintain
Joe, 05/29/2016
2010 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Premium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
21 of 22 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used, from a low volume dealer (shady, I know) with 54k on the odometer. It was a terrible purchase, even at a price I thought was great. It was leaking coolant the third day home, and required over $5k in repairs the first year. It was out of warranty, buyer beware, etc. I still like the car. It is expensive to fix, but when it is good, it is really good. Nothing cruises at highway speeds like a German car. Plenty of power, even on a high mileage engine. One thing I learned during the first year of ownership is this: don't take it to a dealership for service, period. You will overpay, in a ridiculous way. Example: bent rim, new wheel: $825. Really. I bought four new wheels and tires on tirerack.com for a hundred more than that, and they were lighter rims, and look better. That is just one example. The best thing you can do is learn to do your own maintenance/repairs and be vigilant. Read the online forums and watch the youtube tutorials. You will have to buy all new tools with a german car though. It is nothing like an American or Japanese car, which I have previously owned. Lots of starbolt fasteners. Even the wheels are held on by lugbolts (17mm) instead of lugnuts, which freaked me out the first time I rotated the tires. Most used car ownership experiences have a few repairs involved, especially once you break six figures on the odometer. For an Audi/Volkswagen, the parts are expensive and the service at the dealership is outrageous. I suppose I knew that going in, but that first year was rough. The interior is holding up pretty well and it looks like a much newer car than it is. The front seats are supportive and comfortable even on long road trips. The leather has held up well with a minimum amount of creasing and no cracks. The seatback on the passenger side did randomly detach at one point, but I was able to fix it with a pair of pliers and some glue. The navigation system is one of the least user friendly I have ever used, with a very cumbersome amount of effort to program a destination. It works fine once you get it programmed I guess, but I just navigate on my phone to avoid the headache. The bluetooth is easy to program at least, but it doesn't stream audio to the radio. The system does have an input for an aux cord though, and my wife likes the satellite radio. The sound is great. The performance is the best part about the car. It is a GTI in a fancy suit. Plenty of power to keep the driver entertained and with the S-line sport package you get great steering feel and confidence during cornering. Under aggressive acceleration I get a lot of wheel slip, which is the only gripe I have. Even with grippy summer tires, you have to baby the throttle a little bit. Most drivers probably aren't as lead footed as I am though, so it may not be an issue for most. The transmission is as high end as I have ever driven (manual), with smooth clutch engagement and a shifter that slides into gear like a hot knife through butter - so smooth. It feels very refined, but is every bit the sport hatchback when you want to play. The exterior of the car has also held up very well. The paint is still glossy like new. The styling on this car was well ahead of its time, and it doesn't look even a little dated. My wife fell in love with it because of the looks, and she hates hatchbacks. I get compliments on it all the time. You take the good with the bad. The Audi has been a bittersweet ownership experience. Sweet to drive but bitter to keep it running.
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A lot to like
paul, 11/15/2010
2010 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Premium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I love the car. It does very well at providing both exceptional fuel economy, and the visceral experience of driving a performance car. While not a rocket, the car is fit for the fast lane and is really fun to drive.
A3 TDI
JJ , 09/01/2010
2010 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Premium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
This is a great little car. Have had it for 7 months and am very pleased with it. I bought it primarily for it's fuel efficiency and not disappointed, averaging 45 mpg hwy & 37 city. Car is comfortable, quiet and has fairly good handling. The A3 has a clean exterior (sport wagon look) and a well laid out interior. Audi builds a quality car and while the A3 is their entry level vehicle, my opinion is that they did a fine job with the A3. It is pricier than the VW Jetta TDI but the detail level between the cars warrants the higher price.
Acceleration issue?
Mark, 07/02/2010
2010 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Premium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Less than 2,000 miles on the car and I've noticed a sudden loss in power twice now when accelerating from a stop. Once from a traffic light was simply annoying and the 2nd time pulling out of a parking spot into traffic was dangerous. Anyone else notice this? The normal performance is great. The car is at the dealer for repair now.
First Update
Martin, 02/06/2010
2010 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Premium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Passed 1000 miles with flying colors. Able to push it a bit and diesel torque is evident. Combined mileage at about 35 mpg, highway over 45. If the reliability holds up -- so far, so good -- will likely sell my second car ('98 BMW540). Couldn't be happier but am looking forward to an A4 wagon with diesel. More wheelbase, more power. Caution: This is a small car, not for large people. At 5'7" and 130 lbs, it's just right for me.
Audi TDI
kmke, 01/10/2010
2010 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Premium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought our car Dec 23rd - drove 500 miles home - we are averaging 35 mpg in the break in period. Enjoying the comfort and fun of driving but find the navigation system very deficient compared to our Lexis RX400h system. Wish AUDI offered homelink in this car - the convenience group would be even more convenient with the ability to open at least a garage and neighborhood gate. Irritating rattles in the sunroof are waiting adjustment. Wish AUDI included at least one quart of oil for the break in period. Overall very pleased with this car - would highly recommend.
A3 TDI perfection!
David-A3TDI, 02/26/2010
2010 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Premium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Had been interested in purchasing a diesel for some time now but never seemed to make financial sense until the A3 TDI came out. Only $1200 more than a standard FWD A3. The Fed tax credit of $1300 covered the difference plus the state waives sales tax. What a great car! Love how it drives and rides. The TDI engine has plenty of pull to get on the highway and for passing. The interior is very impressive with surprisingly amount of room. The exterior looks fantastic especially with the LED/xenon headlights and black sunroof. Extremely happy with the purchase. Averaging 39 mpg. Great job Audi!
Still in love
Martin, 04/08/2010
2010 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Premium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
At 4,000, am thoroughly in love: Blast to drive, lots of torque, great mountain road control with paddle gear selectors. Plus, averaging 40.8 mpg combined (no commute traffic, lots of freeway). Corners tight and flat, excellent control.
Two weeks old
Martin, 01/25/2010
2010 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Premium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just had my A3 TDI for two weeks but, so far, it's an outstanding little vehicle. Peppy, quick steering, and great to shift in the manual mode. Build quality and economy are excellent, ride is a tad choppy but sure-footed, comfort is adequate, and interior and exterior are show- stoppers. My other car is a 540 BMW, so the downsize is taking a bit of adjustment -- don't know how I'll like the A3 on a long trip -- but so far, a big thumbs up. Anxious to take out to the interstate for a 500 mile shakedown.
Little Green Machine
W Kayen, 01/28/2010
2010 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Premium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Traded in a 2008 Prius that had a lot of technology but no comfort. The A3 is amazing and so beyond all I could ask for. It is very upscale inside and out. The mpg is excellent and the torque is a thrill. The Ipod interface allows me to have a lot of CD's in an organized fashion, and the Bose sound is so clear and deep. The Navigation has real time traffic and a crisp and clear screen. I love the LED lights front and back. The car in Ibis white looks very European, especially with the black open sky roof. The transmission feels like a manual without all the work. Storage room is a little better than the Prius. I highly recommend the A3 TDI for MPG as well as practicality.
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