Used 2023 Audi A3 Consumer Reviews

Worst new car I have ever purchased

The 2022 Audi A3 was a mistake from the start. I was foolish enough to think I could get it serviced locally. Almost immediately notified it had a defective passenger airbag with an urgent recall. Called the number on the notice and never called back. Called on dealer and referred to the same number, did, and never called back. Finally found a dealer that would do the repair, but 30 miles away, they claimed it would need to be in overnight and no loaners. Batteries on both key fobs went out in 8 months, rather than purported 3 years. Most complex removal of any fob I have ever had. You have to stick a small screwdriver in at just the right angle to get the cover to pop off. Watched 3 You Tube videos. They said it was "a little tricky." It took me a half hour.. Then the battery is in a holder where it will not come out without a tiny screwdriver to pry not down, but from to top to one side. I was stuck there. Go to Audi repair page and the instructional video is covered with a field to call and schedule a service for this. Ridiculous! It it very difficult to get in and out of the front driver's seat, as the seat is set back well behind the column. Have pulled my back getting in and out. Until I took passengers, I had no idea how tiny the back seat is, especially behind a 6'3" driver like me. Very easy to put the fob in your pocket and come out and find your trunk open.. Car does not unlock as you approach it as on my former Acura. So disgusted with the car I looked to trade it in, but depreciation was dramatic even though less than 5000 miles on it. Lost 25 percent of value. I knew the trunk was small, but once using it, it is really small. Gas mileage is good and reasonable acceleration for small 2.0 mini hybrid, turbocharged engine. The interface between Apple Car Play and the display is very challenging and inconsistent. At times, it disappears and defaults to an Audi menu of services that are not activated. Consumer's reports recommended and at MSRP when other makes were charging $4000-6000 markups. If I had it to do over again, I would have paid the markup and purchased another Acura. However despite putting $10,000 down, I have negative equity. I have come to hate the shift lever which is like a window control. Easy to inadvertently brush and go into neutral. The glove box is horrible. If everything is not arranged perfectly, it will not close. The ride is stiff and does not feel remotely sporty. If it were not for the gas mileage and acceleration, I would give it half a star. Oh yeah, the so called leather feels fake. People ask me what the material is and when I say leather, they don't believe me. I am not sure i believe it is leather. lI am scared to death of what the first service will cost and fearful I will have to go stay in a hotel for 2 days as I wait. First non-Japanese car since a horrible experience with a VW rabbit in 1982, after 9 years with a Super Beetle. At some point I will eat the loss and get rid of this dud. I have left retirement and begun working again so I can afford to get rid of it.