My buddy's Audi A3

"Torque Affair" (torqueaffair)
05/22/2014 at 07:57 • Filed to: audi

I have never considered the A3 as being something I would own. Mainly, because I'm not a big fan of wagons (or hatchbacks?). But after driving Mike's newly purchased A3, I walked away very impressed.

First off - who doesn't like a nice interior? You can't deny that Audi makes some of the best, highest quality interiors. This one was a 2011 with 40K miles and really there were no rattles to speak off. Everything felt solid.

The seating position was excellent. I was expecting to be higher up - maybe like how it might feel in an SUV or a van. But not at all! The Alcantara seats were super comfortable and you might get fooled into thinking this could be a sports car.

There's another reason you might think that this particular A3 is a sports car. You see, this isn't just an ordinary A3. It has an APR turbo kit and intercooler - basically the same things you would find in a Golf R.

Also, my buddy has a mid-pipe and down-pipe waiting to be installed. He told me that with an upgraded tune in addition to the freed up exhaust, he will have around 400 hp!! An A3 with that much power??? Now that's something to look forward to.

But I must say, that even without the exhaust, this car was still pretty quick. With the existing upgraded turbo and tune, it was producing about 250-300 hp. I could really feel it in the 3k-5k rpm range.

The previous owner upgraded the pedals which is a nice touch! You can tell he really was passionate about this A3. He took great care of this car - it was immaculate and all the mods were carefully thought out. Nothing excessive.

Also, he added coil overs. I thought lowering the car made the stance of the car really aggressive. It looked great and also handle turns well. It was pretty fun to drive this car - pulled hard thanks to the Quattro AWD.

I'm a big fan of AWD and this car proved it. Even with less power, AWD just helps you deliver the power to the ground that much better. There was very little turbo lag to speak of. All in all, the Audi A3 is a pretty nice car.

And guess how much my friend paid for this? $22K! Yep, that's it. He essentially got the previous owner's mods for free on this car. With almost 400 hp on this car soon and all the practicality in the world, I would say that this car is a great value.

It looks and feels brand new.

Overall, the Audi A3 is super practical, looks pretty good and is refined.

If you need a daily driver that would give you a reason to smile each time you drive it, this A3 with the APR turbo and intercooler will be sure to deliver. If you're in the market for a car, you should give this car a look.

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DISCUSSION (22)

Stupidru > Torque Affair
05/22/2014 at 08:50

You must not be in the US, because we unfortunately never got the manual + AWD option. It was one or the other

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Stupidru
05/22/2014 at 08:58

^This is what is keeping the A3 out of the top contenders for my next vehicle. If it had a stick + AWD, it would pretty much be guaranteed to replace my 4Runner. :/

sellphones2493 > Stupidru
05/22/2014 at 12:15

+1. I was just looking literally yesterday to see if there was one that was special ordered or something with a stick and Quattro - no luck. I feel like buying a FWD Audi is sacrilegious.

Stupidru > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
05/22/2014 at 13:18

I would buy one, but that too is prohibiting me. Right now the WRX is the only interesting thing that offers those two

KatzManDu > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
05/22/2014 at 13:28

Early-platform US-bound A3s only have the stick on the 2.0 FWD and the rest was DSG 3.2 Quattro. Now I have no clue since they have the TDI in the mix, too and have fast-forwarded a generation or two.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Stupidru
05/22/2014 at 13:56

Yeah, a WRX is one of the top 3 contenders right now.

Stupidru > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
05/22/2014 at 15:26

May I ask what your other 2 are? I'm torn between a WRX hatch, a Saabaru wagon, and a Focus ST

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Stupidru
05/22/2014 at 15:27

Focus ST and a 2015 GTI

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
05/22/2014 at 15:28

Legacy 2.5 GT, Saabaru wagon, and 2nd gen Forester XT are also in the running

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Stupidru
05/22/2014 at 15:29

I think the Focus ST is probably in the lead right now, but barely. The WRX's awd is highly appealing.

Stupidru > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
05/22/2014 at 16:05

Gotcha. It's a tough crowd, I should know. I used to have an LGT sedan that I loved to pieces and still regret selling. If I could find a LGT wagon with a stick, I would buy it in a heartbeat. I'm currently driving an 03 Impreza Outback Sport which is the same size as the Saabaru but not as nice inside, or as fast, but is the perfect size car. And my wife drives a Foz XT.

Given the choices, I'm not sure what I'd pick. I've spent way too long pondering all of these cars and have found so many pros/cons of each, that it's too hard to pick only one.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Stupidru
05/22/2014 at 16:06

That's pretty much the same dilemma I have right now. It will likely just come down to what the best deal is when I'm ready to buy.

Stupidru > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
05/22/2014 at 17:09

Pro tip: Age and location of the car is important. My LGT was from central Florida when I bought it, so it was rust-free. After 3 WI winters, I had to wear goggles underneath the car since everytime I turned a bolt, rust and dust would shower down upon me and get around my standard safety glasses. For that reason alone, I'm a little leary about getting another LGT

Torque Affair > Stupidru
05/22/2014 at 20:21

Ah, this car wasn't a stick. Just the paddle shifting...

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Stupidru
05/22/2014 at 21:56

Yeah, I may end up taking a trip back to Arizona and buying my car there

handsoff > Torque Affair
05/23/2014 at 01:58

Needs wide5s from a TT! Very nice car!

Torque Affair > handsoff
05/23/2014 at 06:13

yeah, I liked it quite a bit.

Stupidru > Torque Affair
05/23/2014 at 08:59

How are the paddles?

Torque Affair > Stupidru
05/23/2014 at 20:01

I thought they were pretty good - not super responsive but considering it's an A3, I was impressed.

ColoradoTaco > sellphones2493
05/27/2014 at 16:08

get a Golf R, basically the same car. has the same Haldex AWD, same 2.0T, already has the k04 turbo (what hes calling the APR kit). Chip it and add the exhaust and it's newer and faster than the above A3. Oh Ya, it's also available with 6spd.

Mike_Smith > Torque Affair
05/27/2014 at 18:02

I recently chose between a new GTI and a 2011 A3. I ultimately chose the GTI - the A3 had about 30K on it, and was going for the same price as the GTI with 0 miles, and I really wanted something new (yeah, I know 30K is still basically new for an Audi) - but the A3 was very nice, and I was sorely tempted by the interior (although the GTI is no slouch in this department), the extra torque, and the Quattro. So far, the GTI has left me with zero complaints in the grip department - P Zero Nero /40s - but we'll have to see about that when the rain and the snow come...

Torque Affair > Mike_Smith
05/27/2014 at 21:39

Yeah if you're buying new I would probably recommend the GTI over the A3.