Faults:

Timing belt was due for replacement when I purchased the car - something I was aware of, and I negotiated a discount accordingly.

Water pump - replaced in conjunction with the timing belt. Recommended by the mechanic as the plastic impellers tend to become brittle and fail with age. Proved to be true in this instance - I was able to snap the old impeller blades by hand.

Suspension bush - deteriorated and was replaced with first service.

Hinged cover on recess above the ashtray won't stay down.

Some squeaking under rear seat when occupied. I traced this to the PVC coated wires under the seats rubbing together - some silicone spray fixed the problem.

General Comments:

Lovely to drive, handling is fantastic. The traction control works wonderfully without being intrusive as some systems can be. It can also be turned off if required.

The turbo engine is zippy, however the low down torque before the turbo kicks-in is average. I had an APR engine management program downloaded to the ECM, which has really turned the car into a pocket rocket. Much higher levels of torque are available at low speeds, which improves general driveability, and if you want to have some fun, just point and shoot.

The car feels very solid with a high build quality (that said, mine has done a few k's, so I would expect any issues to have been sorted out by now).

Inside the cabin, the black colour scheme and red back-lighting on the dials / auxiliaries lend a stylish finish. The black leather seats are body hugging, and provide good thigh and torso support during cornering.

Perhaps it's due to the sunroof increasing the thickness of the roof, but there is not a great deal of height available in the cabin for those of tall stature. I'm 5'11", and with the seat adjusted to its lowest point, my hair is brushing on the roof (and no, I don't have Mohawk). Space in the rear limits the vehicle to holding two adults comfortably - three adults could be accommodated for shorter journeys.

Faults:

Side bolster of drivers seat has slightly chaffed from my leather belt when getting in/out. Leather was fitted locally, so not sure if it's a quality issue or just lack of conditioner from me.

Watch oil consumption in early engine life (<15,000km 'running in'). And that's it. Nothing else in almost 3 years.

General Comments:

DSG gearbox: An absolute blast if you get the wheel paddles, but you need to get used to NOT using both feet brake/accel like a regular auto - DSG will neutral with near-stationary braking - problem only if you need to escape in bumper to bumper traffic + turbo lag. Once she launches, you can outrun most other cars except the dedicated boy racers/V8's.

Factory sports suspension is awesome, it runs on rails.

Skyroof opening could be larger, 1 press-action open would have been nicer vs. 3.

Despite user manual spec., I didn't get particle filter, so it can be embarrassingly smokey if you blast off, normal driving is OK.

Some torque steer under heavy turbo boost.

My lease is almost up, not sure if I pay it out or trade up for new (lease) look A4 2.7L diesel touring (new A3 looks same as mine).

If you are looking for a 2006 A3, forget the 2.0L multitronic spongecake, try the DSG turbo diesel, or maybe a 2.0TFSI in quattro. Just treat the turbo right with some cool down time before switch off - probably mostly not needed, but I'm old school. You'll pay a premium for Audi badge vs same drivetrain in a VW, but I have no major regrets.

P.s. mileage: highway, between 4.4-5.0 L/100km (up to 55mpg) @ 100-110km/h (~2000rpm); daily 70km mix of equal city/suburban/short freeway blast is rock steady 6.8L/100km (35mpg). 0-100km/h is low 9 seconds... in a DIESEL.

My native instinct would be normally to go 6.0L Chevy in a Commodore (= Vauxhall GTS coupe / Pontiac GTO), but with this A3, I can be 'green' (I hate trains) and still have some fun... p.p.s this is my 16th 'regular' vehicle, so I feel 'qualified' to call it as it is...