SantaCruzin
08-31-2021, 07:45 AM
Hey there,
I've been shopping for a new commuter car for a while and though a TDI was always on my radar, I didn't expect I'd pull the trigger on an Audi. But, here we are...I now have a 2011 A3 TDI Premium Plus S Line with 78k miles. I've owned a few BMWs (E36 M3 and 325i, E39 M5, R55 JCW Mini Clubman) and have an old VW (1968 Bus) so I know German cars fairly well but this is my first Audi. After 4 days of ownership, I'm both in love with the car and a bit mystified by a few things. A couple of questions for the forum, if y'all don't mind:
1. While I've owned a diesel truck, this is my first diesel car. Is there anything to be aware of in terms of special procedures to keep in mind? The person I bought it from mentioned leaving the key in "on" for 3-5 seconds to warm up the glow plugs before starting the car on cold mornings. Anything else about warming the car up or anything?
2. The "s tronic" transmission seems fairly strong, but when coming to a stop it almost feels like it's "fighting" the brakes to come to a full stop. I can only compare it to coming to a full stop in 1st gear without the clutch in and a high idle on a manual transmission car/motorcycle. Vague...I know, but any ideas?
3. My commute into the office is 51 miles straight up Highway 1. While there is a bit of elevation change, it's fairly flat with zero traffic so I set the cruise control at 62 and know I'll see my office in an hour. I "only" got an indicated 37.5 mpg which was a bit lower than I anticipated. Does this seem right?
4. The car has pretty good service records over the last two owner's time and I was able to confirm with Audi that it has been serviced at the recommended intervals since new. That said, is there any preventative maintenance I should be planning on with 78k miles on it? I will be adding about 1,400 miles/month to the car.
I'm pretty sure no one cares, but I also want to add my first impression on this car. The day after I got it the serpentine belt snapped (unfortunately I didn't realize that until after I stupidly bought a new battery to deal with the "Intervention Load Management" code I pulled when the A/C stopped working and the battery light came on) so I've already become acquainted with the engine bay, fuses, and onboard computer.
The fit and finish of the car seems very good overall, but I am a bit surprised at how "sparse" it is given it has the navigation, premium plus, sport, and convenience packages. My 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman JCW didn't have much in the way of packages but had things the Audi lacks like push-button start, keyless entry, and heated seats.
While I didn't get the car to autox in, I am surprised at how "slow" it is. It's sluggish off the line until it builds up some RPMs and it has a very vague steering feel compared to most every other car I've owned. I think it will be a great commuter, which was the primary purpose; but I don't know how well it will fill in for the occasional morning backroad drive.
I've been shopping for a new commuter car for a while and though a TDI was always on my radar, I didn't expect I'd pull the trigger on an Audi. But, here we are...I now have a 2011 A3 TDI Premium Plus S Line with 78k miles. I've owned a few BMWs (E36 M3 and 325i, E39 M5, R55 JCW Mini Clubman) and have an old VW (1968 Bus) so I know German cars fairly well but this is my first Audi. After 4 days of ownership, I'm both in love with the car and a bit mystified by a few things. A couple of questions for the forum, if y'all don't mind:
1. While I've owned a diesel truck, this is my first diesel car. Is there anything to be aware of in terms of special procedures to keep in mind? The person I bought it from mentioned leaving the key in "on" for 3-5 seconds to warm up the glow plugs before starting the car on cold mornings. Anything else about warming the car up or anything?
2. The "s tronic" transmission seems fairly strong, but when coming to a stop it almost feels like it's "fighting" the brakes to come to a full stop. I can only compare it to coming to a full stop in 1st gear without the clutch in and a high idle on a manual transmission car/motorcycle. Vague...I know, but any ideas?
3. My commute into the office is 51 miles straight up Highway 1. While there is a bit of elevation change, it's fairly flat with zero traffic so I set the cruise control at 62 and know I'll see my office in an hour. I "only" got an indicated 37.5 mpg which was a bit lower than I anticipated. Does this seem right?
4. The car has pretty good service records over the last two owner's time and I was able to confirm with Audi that it has been serviced at the recommended intervals since new. That said, is there any preventative maintenance I should be planning on with 78k miles on it? I will be adding about 1,400 miles/month to the car.
I'm pretty sure no one cares, but I also want to add my first impression on this car. The day after I got it the serpentine belt snapped (unfortunately I didn't realize that until after I stupidly bought a new battery to deal with the "Intervention Load Management" code I pulled when the A/C stopped working and the battery light came on) so I've already become acquainted with the engine bay, fuses, and onboard computer.
The fit and finish of the car seems very good overall, but I am a bit surprised at how "sparse" it is given it has the navigation, premium plus, sport, and convenience packages. My 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman JCW didn't have much in the way of packages but had things the Audi lacks like push-button start, keyless entry, and heated seats.
While I didn't get the car to autox in, I am surprised at how "slow" it is. It's sluggish off the line until it builds up some RPMs and it has a very vague steering feel compared to most every other car I've owned. I think it will be a great commuter, which was the primary purpose; but I don't know how well it will fill in for the occasional morning backroad drive.