1998 Audi A3 1.8 T Sport 1.8 T from UK and Ireland

Summary:

In all about 7 out of 10... nice to drive, but not loads of fun..

Faults:

New clutch and hydraulic clutch peddle thing. Front ABS sensor gone and really annoying as I had it checked by an Audi specialist, changed the part myself and it still doesn't work.

General Comments:

Well built car, much better than my old 306 GTi6 for build quality, it's an 8 year old car that has no rattles or squeaks - result! driving isn't anywhere near as fun as the 306 but it is a lot smoother and nicer for everyday driving -

In all it's a bit boring, but perfect for going to and from work. Then again I'm 20 and have had 10 cars already (i get bored easy) and most of them have been gt-i's, gt turbos, etc.

Expensive running costs if you have anything done by Audi, but I have my own mechanic and a lot of general knowledge about cars so have managed to get the 80,000 mile service done for about £200 and a couple of hours work!

The turbo does make the car a little exciting, but nothing like an r5 turbo or a Subaru - so don't expect it. There is hardly any turbo "lag" and its nice to be able to have the turbo power there all of the time, much more responsive than the 306...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th June, 2005

1998 Audi A3 1.6 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good all round solid car, needing money!

Faults:

Other than ordinary running costs,

Air-Conditioning (£800)

CAM Belt @ 80000miles (£300)

Electric Window (Passenger side)

General Comments:

Car is very nippy if you know how to drive it. I raced a 2003 Honda Civic 1.6VTi, the acceleration was almost identical, I beat him on the gear change as the clutch is very good. Handling is very good. Petrol consumption could be much better considering it is only a 1.6; with A/C on before a service I was getting barely 300miles to the tank (~55litres), after service more like 375 miles to the tank.

Air-conditioning should never have gone, I would never buy another Audi, knowing that after 5 years of use the A/C would require £800 to be spent on it-which was the only reason Audi servicing could give me other than lack of use (Although it was used nearly all the time!)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th July, 2004

13th Jun 2008, 03:47

Re air con. I think 5 years of constant use is very good! The mistake you made was going to the main dealer to get the job done when there's plenty of specialist air con companies with keener prices.

10th Apr 2009, 13:57

Theres no such thing as 2003 Honda Civic 1.6 VTI.

Even if there was, the 1.6 VTI has got 160hp which you could never beat with your Audi 1.6.

1998 Audi A3 1.8T Sport 1.8 turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A Great Sporting Hatch

Faults:

Had a water pump fault, it was replaced under warranty and I had free recovery and a free courtesy car all from Audi until the car was back on the road.

Also had a dead battery, replaced with a new one, no question asked.

General Comments:

Very nippy and sporty car and the turbo makes a big difference with the car being able to top 130mph where conditions allow.

It handles very well and turns in, if you have any of the Quattro models they handle even better as the have four wheel drive.

This is a car for people who like understated looks with hot performance and great handling.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th March, 2003

1998 Audi A3 1.8 petrol from Netherlands

Summary:

Too expensive

Faults:

Head gasket failed after 80.000 km.

Windows on both sides scratched due to problem with window mechanism.

L/H door lock failed.

L/H window mechanism failed.

L/H door did not close properly (the car has no accident damage)

LPG installation failed several times (dealer was unable to properly repair)

General Comments:

Reliability is below expectations for a German car.

1.8 20 valve engine is very noisy.

Steering and brakes are a bit too light and lack proper feed back.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th October, 2002