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Consumer Reviews for the Audi A3
Read recent reviews for the Audi A3
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)
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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