In order to determine the greatest and worst model years for the Audi A3, we conducted research on the consumer complaint websites Car Complaints and Car Problem Zoo.
In This Article...
Worst Model Year
The 2015 A3 was prone to excessive oil consumption, however as it typically happened within the first 17,000 miles, the warranty covered it.
Concerningly many complaints were received for the 2015 model year, including issues with wiring and fuel pumps.
Another bad year for the Audi A3 was 2006, when many owners bemoaned the infamous “Takata air bag recall.”
Audi customers were especially irritated at how slowly the Takata air bags’ major harm-causing inadvertent deployments were addressed.
“Have been on the waiting list for 8 months, and unable to acquire any quote or assurance of repair,” one irate driver wrote on the site. 23 years, according to a dealer service manager.
Best Model Year
Audi eventually resolved their air bag issues after 2019, and you can see a significant decrease in complaints starting in 2019.
The more recent versions will also include all the newest improvements, technological advancements, and security features.
A3s from 2013 and 2012 are also solid choices if you’re searching for an earlier model; just make sure the air bag issue has been resolved.
Should you purchase a pre-owned Audi A3?
Leaking water pumps have been a problem for certain A3 owners.
While the pop-up screen for the infotainment system can occasionally creak when it rises in and out of the dash, you can check this by looking for puddles under the car. This can require lubrication or even replacement.
With the exception of these, the A3 should prove to be a dependable vehicle. In our Driver Power customer satisfaction poll, it debuted in 16th position in 2014 and ranked 27th in 2015. Despite dropping to 47th in the 2016 study, owners continue to give it good marks for build quality.
Should I buy one?
We endorse the Audi A3 for new car purchases, and we can do the same for used cars. It’s one of our favorite luxury hatchbacks, and although while it costs more to purchase than some of its competitors, it looks fantastic, is useful, is inexpensive to operate, and should show to be fairly dependable. Many people will also be drawn to its premium appearance. The fact that you may select from a variety of engines, trims, and body styles increases its appeal.
Which years are the greatest for the Audi A3?
The Audi A3 is a compact, family-friendly vehicle that is frequently ranked as one of the most opulent small vehicles. But which year’s Audi A3 is the best?
The Volkswagen Golf shares the same basis as the A3, which has been around since 1996. It was introduced as a three-door hatchback at first. But as time went on, it underwent a significant transformation, expanding to become more fashionable and furnished with modern conveniences.
The Audi A3 is at its finest in 2017, offering a wealth of opulent and cutting-edge technological features. In 2017, the A3’s powertrain underwent revisions that increased its output compared to earlier variants. The 2017 model adds various safety measures, such as emergency braking, as standard equipment and comes with a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine.
Those who disagree with us claim that the Audi A3 is simply a Volkswagen Golf GTI with a sedan body and a more expensive price tag. The A3 and the Golf do share a platform and a few parts of the powertrain, but that is about where the similarities end. There are numerous components that are shared by the Audi A3. This is not meant to be a criticism of the Golf in any way, but it is also unfair to compare it to the A3 because they are in distinct market segments.
The Audi A3 is a great option for compact families wishing to travel in style, according to our automotive experts. Excellent safety measures are offered by the Audi A3, which is also a lot of fun to drive. You may enjoy the amenities of an Audi at a fraction of the cost, whether you need it to get groceries every day or prefer to take your family on lengthy road trips.
Is buying an Audi A3 worth it?
If you’re looking for a high-end family vehicle, the Audi A3 is a fantastic option all around. Although it is not very large, there is still a lot of space inside, and the comfortable cabin is well-equipped. It also comes with a variety of fantastic engines, from efficient diesels to quiet petrol variants. Although the Volkswagen Golf does nearly all tasks equally as effectively for less money as the Audi A3, the A3’s upscale image will appeal to many potential consumers.
The Audi A3 is a family car that is similar in size, style, and even features many of the same engines as the VW Golf. However, the Audi is more upscale due to its plush inside, fashionable exterior, and higher price.
Solution:
There have been complaints that some A3 drivers who have the 2.0-liter diesel engine experience catastrophic engine failure after fewer than 60,000 kilometers. It can occur at any time and is brought on by severe wear to an oil pump sprocket. You’ll need to get a new oil pump from us to swap out the old one.
Do a lot of Audi A3 troubles exist?
Reliability issues with the Audi A3. 47 complaints from A3 owners span 24 model years. It received a second-to-last overall reliability rating from our PainRankTM system due to serious engine and transmission issues.
An Audi A3 will depreciate 42% after 5 years and have a 5 year resale value of $23,428.
The anticipated depreciation over the following ten years is shown in the figure below. These outcomes apply to cars that travel 12,000 miles annually on average and are in good condition. Additionally, it counts on a new-car selling price of $40,666. Enter the purchase price, anticipated length of ownership, and yearly mileage estimate. We can estimate the Audi A3’s anticipated resale value using our depreciation calculator.
Share
Is the Audi A3 a decent starter car?
You just passed your driving test, did you or a loved one? Finding the appropriate first car for newly certified drivers can be a challenge. The time has arrived to head out to the forecourt, and the anticipation is naturally strong after months of lusting after that license.
There are a few things beginners should keep in mind on a practical level. The greatest cars for new drivers are those that are also safe, easy to drive, and affordablenot just in terms of pricing and running costs, but also in terms of how much it will cost to get insurance as a first-time driver. Style will undoubtedly be high on your list of requirements.
For new drivers, purchasing a secondhand automobile is a great way to get a great deal. It may be worthwhile to have the vehicle you’re interested in subjected to a pre-purchase inspection. Although these checks will have have been performed on any vehicle purchased from an AA-approved dealer, you can still use this service even if you purchase your vehicle from a different source.
You can feel more at ease regarding the car’s mechanical condition thanks to our vehicle inspections. We may also provide you with a car data check. This verifies the car’s mileage, the number of prior owners, if it has been stolen or involved in an accident, and whether there is any outstanding debt on the vehicle.
Check to see if the vehicles you are considering have any active safety systems, such as electronic stability control (ESC) and anti-lock brakes (ABS) (ESC). These could aid in reducing traffic collisions. The Euro NCAP safety ratings are a valuable resource as well, but keep in mind that the test has evolved through time, making it impossible to directly compare vehicles of different ages.
Have you given premiums for insurance any thought? You should check which insurance category your selected car is in if you want to save money. Every automobile is a part of one of 50 different “groups.” The cost of insurance typically decreases as the number decreases. All of the vehicles we’ve suggested are often in cheaper insurance classes, although the specific model will determine this.
Only to a certain extent can lower insurance costs be achieved with the best automobiles for new drivers. You will almost certainly pay more for insurance if you lack expertise and a “No Claims Bonus” than experienced drivers. It can end up costing you more in some circumstances than the vehicle itself.
How much will you have to pay in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED)? It can increase the cost of operating an automobile. It is also known as a car tax. The age of the vehicle will determine how much you have to pay because the VED system has altered a few times over the past 20 years. The car’s CO2 emissions or list price at launch could also be important considerations.
The good news is that you might not have to pay any VED on the proper vehicle. However, some automobiles could run you up to $570 annually, so it’s crucial to understand what you’re getting.
The MOT status of the vehicle you’re thinking of purchasing is another factor to take into account. If it is three years old or older, it must undergo testing every year to make sure it satisfies the requirements for roadworthiness and emissions. The vehicle information service offered by the DVLA allows you to look up the status of any vehicle.
We are aware that there are many considerations to make when purchasing a car for the first time, but it is always preferable to be ready. In light of this, the following are our top 10 picks for new drivers’ first cars:
The Vauxhall Corsa, one of the most well-liked small cars available, offers everything a new driver is searching for in a small, fashionable vehicle. It’s a cool automobile to drive in the town or city center because it’s compact, responsive, and energetic.
The Corsa is a cheap car that costs around 11,000 when fresh new and comes in a variety of engine sizes for efficient driving. purchasing used? For less than $5,000, it’s simple to find a five-year-old Corsa with fewer than 50,000 kilometers on the odometer.
sleek, enjoyable, and useful
The Renault Clio is an excellent vehicle for beginning drivers. It has a sporty design, economical and small engine sizes, and great features like automatic headlights and wipers, and a 7-inch touchscreen.
The Clio is a dependable performer and a good choice for those who care about appearance. If your budget allows for it, you may purchase a 2014 Expression+ equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, the Renault Bass Reflex sound system, cruise control, and a speed limiter for $6,000.
The Ford Fiesta is one of the greatest used vehicles for novice drivers because it is the UK’s all-time best-selling vehicle. Safety-conscious parents can restrict the music level and top speed of the car with the unique MyKey technology, which was debuted in 2012.
Electronic Stability Control (ESP) and an optional autobrake are other features of more recent versions.
Fiestas built after 2008 have received five stars in Euro NCAP tests, highlighting its reputation for safety (based on the tests at the time). This car, a 2015 1.25 Studio with only 30,000 km, offers excellent value for the price of about 5,500.
The finest vehicles for novice drivers are not always compact hatchbacks. If you’re looking for something a little larger, a used Nissan Qashqai can be a great option. It’s really useful for road trips, festivals, and pet owners.
Depending on how you drive it, of course, a Qashqai can be relatively affordable to run thanks to its different variants’ 1.2 or 1.5-litre diesel or petrol engines. It won’t cost the earth to buy either, with used Qashqais from under 6,000 that are five years old.
New drivers frequently choose the VW Polo. Your Polo is not only dependable; it also appeals to the driver who is concerned with their image. This has a lot more to offer, even though some of its competitors in its class may look more impressive.
With a “S” variant, the Polo offers comfort and safety features like automatic emergency braking, manual air conditioning, electric front windows, and ABS.
Another benefit of the Polo is its fuel economy. For instance, the official economy of a 1.0 TSI 95 BlueMotion is 67 mpg, whereas that of a 1.4 TDI is 74.3 mpg. There are undoubtedly bargains to be found under 7,000 when the time comes to buy.
For new drivers wishing to enter the luxury market right away, the Audi A3 is a wonderful first vehicle. It is a sophisticated compact with a sleek exterior and a well-designed interior. Its compact size makes it ideal for city and urban drivers, and it is well constructed and fun to drive.
The automobile is excellent for the price as well. Used 2014 Audi A3s with roughly 7,000 miles on them are available if you don’t mind a few extra miles on the odometer. It’s remarkably effective as well, providing good fuel economy, minimal CO2 emissions, as well as fairly priced insurance costs.
The popularity of the Fiat 500 has been on the rise since its 2007 redesign. Its recognizable, vintage style appeals to novice drivers of all ages, especially those who want to make an impression when driving around town.
There is a 500L variant available for individuals who want 5 doors and more room in the back. The 500 and 500L both guarantee outstanding fuel efficiency and minimal operating expenses. A used 5-year-old model will be simple to obtain in the 4,0005,000 price range as well.
The Toyota Yaris is an easy-to-maintain vehicle that is more than capable of withstanding the test of time, making it by far one of the best used vehicles for beginning drivers in terms of value. The Yaris has a number of appealing qualities, including a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, excellent reliability, and ease of operation.
Because of its fuel effectiveness, running costs are not too expensive. One of the least expensive cars to insure is the 1.0-liter Yaris, which is classified as Insurance Group 3. For a five-year-old model with a respectable amount of miles on the odometer, budget roughly $6,000.
VW earns a second spot in our top 10 with the Golf, a premium first vehicle for beginning drivers. The VW range’s step-up from the Polo features excellent refinements and dependability. Remember that it’s a little bit heavier than other first cars and that insurance rates are more than for other models, but that fuel expenses are acceptable compared to other choices.
At the lower end of the pricing range, some used VW Golfs from 2014 onward may have more than 100,000 miles on them. But don’t be deterred by this. Golfs are quite reliable and will continue to operate for many years.
The Ford Focus is one of the most well-liked cars on the road, second only to its smaller brother in terms of popularity, and it is safer and more rational than a Fiesta. The Focus handles well, is smooth to drive, and boasts good official fuel efficiency figures. The 1.0T EcoBoost 100 estimates up to 65.7 mpg.
Since the Focus has been so well-liked since its release, there are many opportunities to get a great deal on a secondhand car. A 3-year-old Focus with ABS, an Auto-Start-Stop System, Bluetooth, automatic climate control, and a heated windscreen may be found if your budget can go up to $8,000.
With so many reliable vehicles for novice drivers on the market, be sure to browse our collection of used vehicles to find out what’s available in your region. Don’t forget that when you purchase from one of our approved dealers, you receive a year of free breakdown protection as well as the assurance that your vehicle has undergone a mechanical inspection.