Should I buy this A3? Just totalled my B6 A4...

[MattPethel]

Hey guys,

I posted this in the main forum as well, but moved it to this sub. My B6 A4 just got totalled last week, and I have been looking around for a suitable replacement. The insurance company is cutting me a check for about $8500. I found a SICK looking 2007 A3 S-Line, that has been previously owned and garaged by an "enthusiast". It is selling for right at $8500. It's Ibis White, and has upgraded wheels (newer model 5 stars). It has the 3.2 engine with Quattro. Upgraded grill (no license plate holder at all and no strip across the front) and has the "fullview skylight" on the roof.

The only thing that concerns me is the mileage. It has 147k. Is this too high of a mileage, and what sort of mileage do these typically go before they go kaput? I'll be using it as a daily driver, and will be putting about 175 miles per week on it.

Also, what sort of "red flags" should I be on the lookout for these cars that would make it be a dealbreaker?

Thanks in advance for any and all input.

Here's a pic for posterity's sake!

[zcspec]

My previous Audi was an 08 A3, 2.0 S-Line. For the 40K miles that I owned and drove it, I had good luck and didn't have any issues. However, a good buddy of mine has the same setup that you're looking at and hasn't had the same luck. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it most likely has the 6 speed DSG. You'll need to see if the DSG has been serviced and possibly have it checked. You'll also need to check the skylight for leaks and squeak. Those were prone to loud squeaks and ended up being replaced or serviced. One other thing, the 3.2L isn't the best choice for a DD with as much driving as you do. You'll probably get in the high teens to very low 20's for MPGs.

Aside from that, very nice find!!!

[alecwoj]

I own an '06 A3 S-Line with 110,000 miles. Check all power windows and make sure they automatically go up and down. Check the key fob and make sure it locks ALL doors. With two clicks it SHOULD beep if all doors lock. DSG Fluid should be changed every 35,000 miles or so by dealer recommendation. My catalytic converters developed rust after about 105,000 miles and now have holes. I also had horrible Chicago winters with incredible amounts of salt to add to that damage. The 3.2L VR6 will run forever with proper maintenance. VW has been using that VR6 since the 90's. In 2001 they upgraded the VR6 from a 12V to a 24V. For the most part it is the same block and quite reliable. I get 19mpg City and around 25mpg Hwy. The VR6 has less moving parts and is more reliable than the 2.0T or 1.8T, but you can not get as much extra HP out of it easily. Overall, I love mine and have very few issues.

[Rdrcr]

Like others have stated if it has a DSG you need to see if it has been properly serviced.

My '09 has had trouble with the DSG...other issues were fuel injectors, fuel pump, and carbon buildup...thankfully all covered under warranty.

Overall though, great car.

Mike

[bhyrman]

Like others have stated if it has a DSG you need to see if it has been properly serviced.

My '09 has had trouble with the DSG...other issues were fuel injectors, fuel pump, and carbon buildup...thankfully all covered under warranty.

Overall though, great car.

Mike

Not to derail, but ...

Mike, this is the first time I hear about carbon buildup being covered under warranty ... how so?

Anybody else had carbon cleaned up under warranty? What kind of warranty?

Thanks,

[Das Ponto]

I am on my second VR A3 and love it, mileage be dammed!

I am currently at 190k km and its been a dream. DSG serviced regularly and it should hold up just fine. Just like all vehicles maintenance is paramount.

Chains will be required to be done or checked at some point, once they start to get noisey the guides are failing, its not the cheapest of jobs but cheaper than an S4 V8 lol.

So have a listen if she rattles or not lol.

DSG and Haldex services being done at regular intervals

Oil changes of course - but the VR is a very robust engine, no consumption issues or carbon issues as its not direct injection like the 2L counter parts.

[Das Ponto]

. The VR6 has less moving parts and is more reliable than the 2.0T or 1.8T, but you can not get as much extra HP out of it easily. Overall, I love mine and have very few issues.

You mean cheaply.... turbo is easy, just expensive... god I need to turbo my VR.

[65vetteC6]

I have 125K on my 07 3.2, daily drive it at least 300 miles a week and average about 21-23 mpg. Doesn't really both me, I replaced the mech unit in mine and it has been fine since. I think these things will go for a pretty long time, I saw a bunch approaching 200K for sale when I was looking.