2005 Audi A3 Sport 2.0 Tdi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A quality car, but expensive

Faults:

The service received from Audi is appalling, the lack of after sales care and service even responding to a complaint is terrible.

General Comments:

I have had my Audi A3 2.0tdi Sport for 12 months:

It’s a well made and classy car, quick and easy to drive with the DSG gear box.

However I also owned a Golf GT TDI which cost less to buy, was equally well built and although it didn’t have such an up market interior it was still a premium car.

The Golf handled better and had a better ride set up than the A3 which fidgets too much, I have come to the conclusion the extra £4k I paid for the A3 was mainly for the badge. Given the fantastic reviews Skoda owners give I’ll be looking at a Octavia VRs soon or go back to a Golf.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th September, 2007

14th Mar 2014, 07:12

I agree 100%. Audis are so overpriced, it's a joke. The quality you get is no better than a basic Skoda, priced way, way lower. After owning one I've realized this. I'm so disappointed with Audi quality and horrible dealer support. I've never met anybody that arrogant.

Spend your hard earned money elsewhere!

2005 Audi A3 SE 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Faulty car and poor customer service, makes this my last Audi

Faults:

Steering column has been replaced TWICE from new (2 day job)

Central locking has played up, not locking, unlocking or enabling boot access when required. Also setting alarm off. New key ordered to replace faulty key.

Glove box lid broke.

Windows refused to close, but fixed itself after restarting the car.

Rattle from the dash and rear passenger panel.

General Comments:

I do like everything about this car, apart from the problems, but I don’t think I would buy another one or recommend it with account to the problems I’ve had with mine and the service I’ve received from the dealer.

When something goes wrong, I get the impression that the dealer thinks I’m making stuff up or that I’m being a nuisance. But so far they have replaced the steering column twice. The second time they didn’t line the wheels up correctly and didn’t fit the drivers footwell trim correctly, requiring yet another visit and another day without my car.

They told me there was no problem with the key, and that I wasn’t using it right, but when they tried to open my car after saying it was faultless, it didn’t work. I had this problem from early on, and they just kept saying the keys been reprogrammed, but now they have given up telling me that and have ordered me a new key. Which I’m hoping fixes this.

I went to Audi as I expected excellent customer service and a quality car, unfortunately nether has been a realty for me. If it wasn’t for the problems and the fact that the dealer suggests your making stuff up, I would otherwise be happy. I just wished they made cars the way they used too.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th October, 2006

13th Nov 2006, 21:06

The glovebox lid broke on an Audi A3? I am shocked! My girlfriend owns one and I have spent many hours in the passenger seat. I have marvelled at how sturdy the interior fixtues of this car are - it is exceptional and makes my BMW 320d seem positively flimsy... I have heard of lots of problem with the locks on Audi and VW models, but to break the glovebox lid on an A3...

14th Nov 2006, 05:17

The problem with the glove box, was the dampener went, the thing that makes the glove box lid come down smoothly. When that went, the heavy lid just dropped, and the hinges at the bottom broke. Yes so believe it or not, Audi A3 glove box lid can break.

18th Nov 2006, 04:17

That is bad luck. My girlfriend has one and it is a very sturdy, well built car - she has had no problems at all with her A3.

15th Nov 2008, 14:49

Your comment hints more at your dismay with the dealer experience, rather than the problems with the car. I'd suggest trying another dealer...

In reply to 15th Nov 2008, 14:49

14th Mar 2014, 07:19

It's not only a single dealer that may be the problem. I had several problems with a A3 that I used to own. I got stonewalled by my Audi-dealer, and then by another in a neighboring city, so I tried the 'customer department' at the importer here in Norway. I've never met so many arrogant and rude people ever in my life! The quality of my car was a joke and so was the rest of the 'Audi experience'. A complete joke.