How does Oppo feel about the A3 e-tron?

"Carbon Fiber Sasquatch" (turbopumpkin)
08/31/2016 at 03:01 • Filed to: None

It really ticks all the boxes for me but I have two big misgivings.

1. It doesn’t come in Quattro form. I feel like I’m cheated out of the full Audi hatchback experience because of it but it’s the only way to get the hatchback.

2. It’s an Audi/VW product with new drivetrain technology. I would only lease it for three years but still worry about the reliability of Audi.

I actually want a Golf R but good luck finding one in Ohio, much less one that hasn’t been marked up.

Thoughts?

DISCUSSION (28)

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
08/31/2016 at 03:11

That’s an awfully expensive Golf.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
08/31/2016 at 03:11

They’re the same as the Golf GTE but a bit more expensive.

Audistein > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
08/31/2016 at 03:29

Instead of an A3 E tron you should get an S3. A base S3 costs the same as an E tron with a couple options on it.

While the base price on an S3 is $43k or so you can easily get them with at least a $3k discount. That could come out to less than a Golf R (especially if the R is marked up).

A lot of the S3's that have been sitting seem to be the Prestige model, but even with an MSRP of $48k you should be able to pay $44k or less. I’d say the prestige trim is worth it for the options you get.

Quick search shows that there’s an Audi dealer in Cuyahoga Falls, OH that’s been sitting on a few S3's for months. One’s been on the lot of an Audi dealer in Sylvania, OH for a while too. You could also look at dealers in nearby Pennsylvania, Virgina, or Michigan. Call ‘em up.

Nice interior and looks better than the Golf R.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem
08/31/2016 at 04:49

And those GTEs are proving to be utterly unreliable.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > Out, but with a W - has found the answer
08/31/2016 at 05:32

Are they? I haven’t heard anything about them.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > Audistein
08/31/2016 at 05:43

Is the S3 even available as a hatchback in the US or only as sedan?

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem
08/31/2016 at 05:46

If the forums are to believed, yes. Mostly related to the electric part of the drivetrain (charging problems, failing to start, etc.).

There are not a lot around either, most I see have Dutch plates and/or are company cars.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > Out, but with a W - has found the answer
08/31/2016 at 06:33

Too bad, it sounds great on paper and the looks aren’t too bad.

DarkCreamyBeer > FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem
08/31/2016 at 07:04

A3s and S3s in the US come in sedan or convertible only, except for the e-tron.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
08/31/2016 at 08:20

Try looking at Midwestern Auto Group in Columbus for an R. They should sell for retail.

Arrivederci > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
08/31/2016 at 08:23

A friend just bought one last week, I think he got it for about $4k off.

VW Max > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
08/31/2016 at 09:57

GTI with some mods? Or maybe an old RS4 Avant?

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem
08/31/2016 at 10:01

It’s sedan only :( I wouldn’t even hesitate for a sportback S3.

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > Audistein
08/31/2016 at 10:05

I love the S3 but the hatchback takes precident over the engine. I figure if I can't have the big engine, might as well get the hybrid with 200hp

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
08/31/2016 at 10:11

Went in the spring, the salesman acted like it was a Ferrari when I asked. Said it would be at least a year for one if I ordered now. I'm just considering alternatives if I can't get one in a reasonable amount of time or price.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
08/31/2016 at 10:16

The Golf R isn’t too bad either if you want a hatchback but the S3 Sportback looks a tad bit more subtle imo.

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch
08/31/2016 at 10:27

True, but they don't sell a hybrid golf in the US.

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem
08/31/2016 at 10:28

Do they sell those in the US?

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem
08/31/2016 at 10:31

Yep, that's my appeal to them. Plus S3 and e-tron models aren't treated like unicorns by the dealership. I have yet to test drive an R but have driven most everything else lol

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > Arrivederci
08/31/2016 at 10:35

Nice! I'll definitely keep that in mind if I get one

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
08/31/2016 at 11:12

I don’t really know.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
08/31/2016 at 11:15

That and the R is marked up. No dealer in my country would dare to mark their cars up even if they’re special.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
08/31/2016 at 11:18

What about a CPO 2.0t Quattro Sportback? I don’t know what the exact environmental impact difference is between the gas and e tron model, and I know part of the idea of green technology is being an early adapter to help the tech grow. All of that said, a CPO would get you a warranty, you are on the happy side of depreciation, and you get the Quattro.

Or get a c-max energi.

Nick Has an Exocet > FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem
08/31/2016 at 11:42

They sell the Golf-E in CA but I’m not sure about Ohio.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > Nick Has an Exocet
08/31/2016 at 12:06

Afaik the Golf GTE is the performance orientated model of the Golf-E.

Nick Has an Exocet > FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem
08/31/2016 at 13:24

Oh, that’s right. I don’t think we get that in the states though.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > Nick Has an Exocet
08/31/2016 at 17:38

The A3 E-Tron and the GTE are priced very similar in Europe though.

bob and john > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/11/2016 at 23:16

the drian train isnt really ‘new’ persay. its the 1.4 they have had for a while and an electric motor...

for what it is, its great. If diesel gate buys back out A3 TDI, we are getting one of them.