Used 2011 Audi A3 Wagon Consumer Reviews
Used A3 for sale
How's this car holding up in 2020? Find out here!
thisisnick, 09/30/2020
2011 Audi A3 2.0T PZEV Premium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
29 of 29 people found this review helpful
Most reviews on this car come from 0-2 years after it was new. That's all well and good if you're looking for a general features list, but won't give you an idea of what it's like to own this car with years under its belt and gremlins shaken out. Here, I'll outline the maintenance I've done on this car and my opinions of it so that late buyers can make a more informed decision. For reference, my vehicle is a 2011 2.0 TFSI (EA888 Gen1) with a manual transmission, s-line trim (on the standard suspension), with tech package (bluetooth, heated seats and mirrors.) It's bone stock, with 83k miles on the clock. First off, the problems. Starting with the worst of it, the engine in this car (EA888 Gen1) has a recall on the timing chain tensioner that you should absolutely be aware of. The factory tensioner can fail at any time without warning, causing severe damage to the interference engine. If this maintenance hasn't been done on the car you want to buy, budget $800-$1200 to have it done preventatively IMMEDIATELY or you'll be sorry. Most vehicles have had this maintenance, but not all! A good mechanic can check if this was done in less than an hour. I had this maintenance done this year. On the subject of timing, the chain is subject to stretch and you should consider replacement at around 120k miles. If you're replacing the chain, also consider replacing the (plastic!!!) guides. A total chain replacement, including the tensioner, guides and chain cost me a little under $2k. The engine is susceptible to carbon buildup. You should have the valves media blasted at least every 50k miles, possibly less. I'm due for this service in about 20k miles. To stave this issue off, change the oil every 5k miles instead of Audi's recommended 10k, My seat backs came unglued in 2020 on an extremely hot summer day. They cost $200 new from Audi, or $15 to fix myself with sandpaper and JB Weld. I chose option B. Intake manifold failed shortly after I bought this car in 2017. The part was still under warranty so it was free to replace. Be aware that the manifold is a plastic, non-serviceable part so if anything fails the only option is to replace it. I haven't run into any issues with the fuel pumps, water pump, AC compressor, or electronics in the car, but forums indicate that others have. Finally, be aware that the car is somewhat small. Be sure to test drive this if you're very tall, as mine was sold to me by a 6'4" man who found it uncomfortable after just a few months. I'm 5'10" and the car fits me fine. ...so are there any good things to say about this car? Yes! First off, it's just plain satisfying to drive. The engine makes enough power where the car never gets in its own way. The interior is barely showing any signs of age at the nearly 10 year mark (some very minor chipping has started near the cup holders), the leather seats have held up well, and the dashboard came at the tail end of the pre-infotainment days so you get physical buttons for everything (unless its a premium plus model, which did come with a touch screen. Visibility is good. Storage space is excellent for the size, as you'd expect for a hatchback. Turning radius is tight, and the car feels nimble surrounded by SUVs. You'll find parking that the big guys can't use and be able to perform quick U-turns on roads where other cars will have to perform awkward K-turns. The exterior has held up admirably to northeastern winters. I don't see any real signs of body rust (though admittedly, I'm careful to touch up paint chips before rusting can occur.) I get regular compliments on the car's styling. If you can find one, the manual transmission is extremely light and satisfying. Engagement is sharp and throttle response is decent. Unfortunately, very few of these cars were made with a 6-speed, and it was only available with front wheel drive. I've had no problems with FWD in winter weather except when my tires had gotten near threadbare. The car is also easily tuned. A stage 1 tune, which is only a software update, will net you an extra 50hp with better fuel economy and no negative effects to the engine. That's an option if you want it. Would I recommend you buy one of these? Maybe for the right price. You have to be the type of person that can keep up with preventative maintenance, and you should have a reputable Audi/VW mechanic nearby just in case. I would not advise somebody who just wants a car that'll work without fuss to buy this. For the record, this car has never left me stranded, but I also pour allot of time and energy (and money) into making sure that that is the case. You should also assess who you're buying the car from, and if they've kept up with this its gremlins. As a final note, most of what I said here also applies to the MK5 GTI. This car is essentially a more refined version of the 4 door GTI of the same age, having more sound deadening, looser steering, and a nicer interior, plus it's cheaper, so make of that what you will.
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Just what I needed
ridingtoabeat, 05/24/2011
2011 Audi A3 2.0T PZEV Premium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I just bought the car a few weeks ago. I got the Premium Plus with convenience, titanium, and open sky packages. The car rides amazingly smooth. Love the responsiveness. I was between the Audi A3 and BMW 328i wagon. The A3 is the right size, gets great gas mileage and its just a great car. I also got an amazing deal on the car (below invoice pricing). I left behind a 2010 Honda Accord which lacked performance and guzzled gas like nothing. I plan to have this car for years to come. I'm new to the Audi family so I still have some tricks to learn but for a 4-cyl twin-turbo I have to say I'm impressed. The car is very easy to use; there is no complicated guessing or confusing buttons. Very nice.
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So far so good
Jonathan, 11/10/2010
2011 Audi A3 2.0T Premium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful
I was cross shopping the A3 with a GTI with sunroof and Nav. The cars are similar on paper (engine etc.) but have a very different personality to drive. The A3 is more refined and feels lighter to drive. I like the lower roofline of the Audi. The extra sound insulation helps too. GTI is a better value for bang for the buck but the Audi feels more polished. I got the A3 with Premium Plus and Titanium Sport. The PP is a must for the xenons and LED DRLs. The Ti sport interior is fantastic and the ride height is perfect in my opinion. The one feature that annoys me is the inability to scroll through the presets using the controls on the MFSW.
I love my ride
Tufan, 03/29/2019
2011 Audi A3 2.0T Premium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
It is an absolute joy to drive this car. Everything is functional and it is a comfortable and zippy ride.
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Wish I had never bought an A4
hadalotofcars, 08/24/2011
2011 Audi A3 2.0T Premium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
Unfortunately, I bought a 2010 A4 CVT (no CVT for me anymore). I was so dissatisfied with the car we traded it with just under 1000 miles for a Jetta Wolfsburg turbo. A little over a year later, the VW was traded for a CRV and we bought an A3 outright. It was a bit of a gamble - driving to Atlanta from Orlando to pick it up - but well worth the journey. We bought it certified with 4K miles and turned around and drove it home. A little fatigued we didn't fully appreciate the long trip (and the road noise is a little, I stress little, much) but now that we're back home we're tickled. The manual is responsive, the steering firm, the look is mature but not pretentious. This is a driver's car!!