Faults:

The display of the board computer is not working well.

Every 2-3 months I have to change some light.

General Comments:

The air conditioning has a strange logic: you can't fix the air flow, after ten minutes the car changes the speed to its "optimal" speed.

The accessibility to the rear seats is poor (on the 3 doors version), compared to other cars.

It's a good car, with an extremely unfair assistance network (it's definitely too expensive).

Faults:

The transmission cover tears easily. The bumpers need to be replaced even after a minimal collision.

General Comments:

The car looks good, and its great for city driving. On the highways it can get up to decent speeds, but it is slow to get there and its best to have a nice stereo to cover the noise of the engine. Indeed the biggest drawback of this car is the noise of the engine. The cabin is roomy and stylish.

Faults:

The turbocharger stopped functioning at 699km.

The exhaust had to be replaced also at 699km.

Driver's seat had to be replaced at 962km.

General Comments:

I waited patiently for my Audi A3 for five months. Then, when I finally received it on September 28, 2001, I have had nothing but problems.

As detailed above, the turbocharger stopped working as I went up a hill after only driving 699km.

The exhaust had to be replaced as a result of oil seeping into the exhaust, it was subsequently heated, causing the car to fill with smoke through the airconditioning (don't ask me how...).

After having had this repaired (repair time 9 days, as parts were unavailable and had to be ordered), the driver's seat is currently (today, October 25, 2001 being replaced). Of course, the parts that are required weren't available and have had to be ordered so God only knows when the car will be driveable.

So far, the car has been in the garage due to the seat problem for two days. Total time in garage so far for a four week old car is 11 days and counting which isn't bad for a car that cost over DM53000 ($US27000 approx.). Everything has been fixed so far under the warranty, but the dealer that I have to deal with (it's a company car and therefore I have to go to a specific dealer) is useless - friendly, incompetent, they blatantly lie to the customer. The dealer is Auto Hofmann Wiesloch AG in Wiesloch 69168. Stay clear of these guys!

I do not think that I will buy another Audi, despite the amazing performance that this car offers (when it is driveable). It is a good looking, solid car, but unfortunately the poor manufacturing qualities have let it down. I gave running costs 10 because it is an economical car.