2005 Audi A3 SE review from UK and Ireland

In the first five weeks of ownership the following have gone wrong.

Car has cut out and refused to start 4 times now, leaving me stranded until the Audi Recovery service took the car back to dealer. Every time I’ve been told the car has had the computer repaired, reprogrammed and replaced. I feel uncomfortable driving the car as I don’t know if the car is going to let me down once again.

Steering from day one has made a grinding noise, dealer has told me they know what the problem is and are awaiting parts, thats now been four weeks and still not fixed.

The annoying seat belt warning light and chime remains on even when I have fastened my seat belt, awaiting parts.

Radio works, but wont play CD’s.

Everything else is working at the moment.

I have had my A3 for just over a month now, and its been a complete nightmare. I live out off town and can’t rely on the car to get me to and from work. I’m driving an 8 year old fiat punto, until my claims of rejecting this car are met.

I cannot really comment on how the car drives as I’ve spent less than a week in it, the rest of the time the car has been on a back off a tow truck or in the garage awaiting repairs. Also I’ve noticed that too many parts in the bonnet are branded Volkswagen. Even the stamp in the metal around the suspension reads VW.

This is my first and last Audi, it’s a shame that Audi allow sub standard products damage a name I once had faith in.