Don't be bias! 2008 A3 vs 2010 A4 Avant

[Mr_Irrelevant]

Alright, I posted a picture of this A3 in its relative section, but now I'm considering this Avant. I truly wish they had an all road at this price, but they don't...

So as I mentioned before, I've been on audizine for a little while as my wife and I leased a 2016 A4 before. Well now I have a job that requires quite a bit of travel, so I no longer feel comfortable putting miles on the new car. My wife definitely doesn't mind driving the 2016... So because I can't get over the Audi, I have found these two cars:

The first one is a 2008 Audi A3 with most of the options (Nav, Bose, Cold weather package, etc.). Runs well, but does need some body work (See picture below). 72,700 miles at $14,000. I absolutely love the color and the look of this car.













Now for the Avant... I know I'm posting in the A4 section, so this probably isn't the best comparison for you, but I just need some feedback. 2010 Avant Premium+ with 71,000 miles at $16,500. I didn't have a chance to get a full look at this one, but it looked pretty clean. Again, great looking car but kind of wish it was s-line.

(Sorry, can't get pics off of website so I'll just post the link. Hope that's ok...)
http://www.grahamvw.com/used/Audi/20...970e992866.htm

Alright, so now I need your unbiased help. What are things I need to consider here? Anything I should look for with these miles? Sell me on a car ;)

I posted this in the A3 thread and did receive some help, but now that I started considering this Avant, I figured I'd post it in here.

Thanks all!

Also- another thing to consider... I definitely plan on doing suspension on wheels on either one of these cars (obviously after all mechanical and cosmetic work is up to date).

[van462]

2010 is still in the bad piston year range for the B8. Verify it has had the pistons replaced , often called stage 2 oil consumption. Also if the timing chain and tensioner haven't been done factor in that as another $1200 in the price as well. The A3 verify no codes dealing with fuel pressure. The cam follower is the weak spot on those cars.

[B7AudiSline]

My wife drives a 3.2 A3 sline and the most I have done to that car is a front axle and change the oil, you can only get quattro in the 3.2 model but it is the haldex version with DSG. The car is basicly the R32 setup in Audi form same VR6 and Dsg offered in the R32 in 2006-2008, even the brakes are the same lol.


[IMG][/IMG]

[B7AudiSline]

I found the above car it was traded in on a CC with another car, his wife only put 10k miles on the car has every option except the black optics we bought it the same day it was traded.

[DG7]

We meet again!

As van462 said, 2010 is still an iffy choice. If you can help it, go for a 2011-2012. If you can't get an S-Line, get one with the sport package. The sport seats are light years better than the A3 seats.

Both are great cars. It really boils down to how much space you need, and how much $$$ you're willing to spend on fuel costs.

Avant for inspiration:

[Mr_Irrelevant]

Thanks for the responses!

Yeah I'll have to figure out what all has been done to it. They don't really have any other options there right now so we'll see. That blue A3 seems to be much more rare, but you don't really see any Avants around here. I suppose I could wait, but the prices on these are pretty attractive for what I'm looking for.

DG7- what color is that?

[Mr_Irrelevant]

B7audisline- what color is that a3? How many miles did you have? I keep seeing you guys talk about your wives driving these cars...

[Peter.dupuis]

I would go for the a3. The cam follower is an easy fix. The 2010 year a4 has quite a few engine problems that are pricey to fix. Also if your going to be doing a lot of traveling the lighter a3's engine will last longer and do better on gas.


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[B7AudiSline]

B7audisline- what color is that a3? How many miles did you have? I keep seeing you guys talk about your wives driving these cars...

The color is called Ocean Blue Pearl, and I think it has just over 45k miles on it now. I was told that with the open sky roof that and the options that it was a pretty rare A3 when I took it in for a couple recalls. I know looking around you will not find to many without the 2.0T, I was in the right place at the right time to get the 3.2L quattro model with low miles. I was told that the A3 was ordered by a retired couple loaded and never was driven, that was the reason for the low miles. The car came up from Florida to Maryland and was part of a two car trade in.

[DG7]

DG7- what color is that?

That is Monsoon Gray.

I would go for the a3. The cam follower is an easy fix. The 2010 year a4 has quite a few engine problems that are pricey to fix. Also if your going to be doing a lot of traveling the lighter a3's engine will last longer and do better on gas.

He's looking into a 3.2 so no cam follower issues there, and it's definitely a heavier engine. Still a fun car to drive that can be stealthy & keep a low profile.

[Peter.dupuis]

That is Monsoon Gray.



He's looking into a 3.2 so no cam follower issues there, and it's definitely a heavier engine. Still a fun car to drive that can be stealthy & keep a low profile.

Misread that but even with the 3.2 the avant is still a heavier car all together


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[Mr_Irrelevant]

Ok, I know this is an A4 thread, but I'm actually going to check out the A3 again tomorrow. I decided against the A4 Avant since that's still a rough year for them. So I spoke to the dealer today and I know all they did was a 40-point inspection that included an oil change and new tires. 75K service hasn't been completed. Any idea what I need to be concerned with as it approaches? I know I have the DSG service.

Sorry, I have this same post over in the A3 section, but I'd like to get as much input as possible before heading there tomorrow. Have some points ready to help talk down the price.