Faults:

Lots of new parts, it is over 20 years old and has higher mileage. Most was just wear and tear. For its age, the car is in great condition and I honestly do not remember any major problems in all the years I have had it.

General Comments:

Bought this A3 used back in 2011 and it was already an older car. Never thought I would have it this long. But, if you have a nice to drive and reliable car that never lets you down, you don't sell it!!

1.6 petrol from this time period manages a respectable 36 - 38 mpg, and feels quick enough as well, this car is not as heavy as some in the motoring press made it out to be, the engine is well suited to this car. Great to drive.

Interior is comfortable and the car rides smoothly. Visibility is great. Equipment levels on the SE are good for its time.

Not old enough to be a classic, and not worth a heck of a lot (maybe around £2000?) not that I would ever sell it, just gonna keep it as a second car, it is modern enough to do so and is very usable. Kept cleaned garaged and serviced.

A fine little hatchback from Audi that has stood the test of time.

Faults:

Some dashboard bulbs.

Gearbox/engine problems still not diagnosed as they are intermittent, but which result in the car stuttering and not changing up with resultant heavy petrol consumption. Dealer says No Fault Found.

A broken wheel brace was not replaced by the dealer initially.

Three punctures in the last year.

The Service indicator was not reset despite three trips to the garage, it still said Service Due.

General Comments:

The car has nippy performance, and until the last six months it has been very reliable as a new car should be.

The seats are quite hard on long journeys with resulting backache.

The red instrument panel is not easy to see during night driving.

The radio and secondary controls are small, fiddly and cannot safely be used when driving.

Also for the package I feel it is overpriced against the competition.

Faults:

Both front tires wore down to the canvas after 26,000 miles because the steering was out of alignment.

The air mass meter was replaced after 27,000 miles, under warranty, due to poor engine performance when the engine was cold.

The driver's seat has developed an irritating rattle which cannot be traced.

General Comments:

The car handles extremely well on any road surface.

It was supplied with climate control at the time of purchase. This has proved to be an important addition to the smooth running and comfort of the car, regardless of the weather conditions outside.

Faults:

Paint work scratches easily. (Dealer says Balck is a soft colour)

Head lamps filled with condensation. (Replaced under warranty)

Indicators filled with condensation.

(Dealer says "its normal and would not cause any damage")

Blue smoke blows from the exhaust when cold, oil levels were measured and checked and the car uses 1 litre of oil every 4000 miles. (Dealer says "its within "Audi" guidelines". Told us to check the oil every week and gave us a "free" can of oil).

Alloy wheels tarnished after 1000 miles. (Replaced under warranty)

Trip meter and clock reset themselves intermittently. (Dealer say they can't find a fault)

Electric motor for drivers window has fallen of it mounting. (fixed under warranty, but it fell of, again fixed under warranty)

General Comments:

The car looks good (from a distance).

Feels very solid and comfortable.

Some nice touches inside.

17 visits in two years to the dealer seems a bit much, getting rid of the "Audi" and trying a "Lexus". Hopefully I will not be on first name terms with "Lexus" service staff.

Faults:

Driver's seat squeaking.

Passenger seat didn't latch.

Rattle from a seat belt.

Ticking noise from the engine.

Squeaking cooling fan.

Fuel starvation when cold.

Badly fitted instrument binacle.

Rattle from a passenger seat.

General Comments:

Overall a nice car, with some build quality issues.

Performance isn't lightning.

The vehicle dynamics can not match the confidence of the Ford Focus which is in a different league.