2003 Audi A3 Sport review from UK and Ireland

Emission Control System has failed 3 times in 4 months.

Clutch Cylinder failed at 6000 miles.

Car has consumed 5 litres of oil in just over 6000 miles from new.

Drivers seat squeaks when riding on slightly uneven roads.

The Model we bought had an upgraded CD/stereo made by Sony and Speaker system designed by BOSE - undoubtedly the highlight of the car (not made by Audi!).

When it's not having faults fixed, the car is very quick, handles the road well and has a great sporty 6 speed gearbox.

Unfortunately our car is currently being held by Audi whilst we await the decision of a refund/replacement. Audi cannot currently resolve the oil and emission problems and have admitted this to me.

I am prepared to accept that things can go wrong with cars, even new ones. What defines the quality of a brand of car is how well the company handles the situation when things do go wrong. I'm afraid to say that Audi have handled our case appallingly. If you buy this car and have problems with it (like I have) you will be passed between: the dealership you bought the car from; the dealership that has the car for repair; Audi Roadside Assistance, Audi Customer Care and in our case, the finance company (Audi finance). Each of these parties will play you off each other with expertise; you will find that no-one will take responsibility for your problems and you will struggle to get anything resolved. It took me 13 phone calls one day just to arrange insurance for my partner on the Ford Focus we were supplied as a replacement car.

In summary - it's a nice car (if a little unreliable) but please be prepared for very substandard after sales support should anything go wrong with the vehicle.