Used car tests

Used buyer's guide: Audi A3

The Audi A3 is about to be replaced, and looks more tempting than ever used

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16 May 2012

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What to look for

• Choose colours carefully; dark metallics mark easily if bird droppings aren’t quickly washed off.• The 2.0 TDI’s cambelt should be replaced every 112,000 miles, but every 60,000 or four years is advisable.• Clutch judder on manual cars suggests a failing flywheel. It can occur after just 40,000 miles.

There’s a bewildering line-up of engines in the Audi. All of them are good, although the 100bhp 1.6-litre petrol feels a bit slow. A better bet is the 1.4 TFSI or 1.2 TSI. They’re recent additions and expensive, however, which is why the 1.6 FSI is the best all-rounder of the petrols.

Of the diesels, the 1.9 TDI is getting a bit dated, so we’d recommend the 2.0 TDI in 140 or 170 forms. The 1.6 TDI is perky enough, though, with real-world economy of 55-60mpg. It’s also a relatively recent development, so is smooth and refined.

If performance is more important than fuel consumption, and you opt for a 2.0 FSI petrol engine, check for misfires – as the ignition system’s coil packs have failed on some examples.

Recalls

The A3 has been recalled five times. The first was for fuel pump leaks on TDI PD models built between March and August 2004, while there were also flywheel failures on cars produced from December 2003 to June 2005.

Sportbacks from June and July 2005 had airbag issues, while A3s with the DSG box made between September 2008 and August 2009 suffered drive faults. A further recall affected 2.0 TDI models built between January 2008 and December 2011 – they could suffer from fuel leaks.

Check out the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) website for up-to-date recall information.

Driver Power

Our view:The A3 came 23rd in the Driver Power 2008 survey, but this year it’s dropped to 72nd – largely thanks to its high running costs and hard ride. Its highest placing was for performance, but even here it only finished 27th.

Your view:Greg McLeod from St Albans, Herts, bought his 57-plate A3 2.0 TDI when it was a year old. “It’s well built and the interior’s superbly designed,” he says. “I’d prefer a softer ride, and servicing costs are steep – but the dealer’s excellent.”