ADAC Traffic Report Super Storage of RemaAudi A3 Used Test Highly Coveted And Highly Traded

The Audi A3 Sportback is a commercial phenomenon - despite its abundant supply prices are at the highest level. Is it the high price worth it? We have tested a used model and provide alternatives to seven.

With the A3 allows Audi its customers like to wait a little longer. At least those who want a five-door hatchback. So it was with the first generation in 1996, and it was repeated with the successor, who came out as a three-door model in May 2003. But for the five-door model, the Ingolstadt had thought up something special this time: When he finally rolled in September 2004 on the farms of the dealers, there was a small cluster with 72 mm long body. And another thing noticed: he had to "Sportback" a name and a new nose, the single-frame grille. Technically, there were no differences in motor, now the power range from 90 hp to 340 hp for the 1.6 TDI, the RS 3, with quattro drive.

Our test car: Audi A3 Sportback 1.6
Our test car comes from Volkswagen Automobile Hamburg and is a POS model: basic equipment Attraction enriched with climate control, radio and powered speakers. 2005 the original price was € 22 564. Now the dealer wants to see 10 890 €, makes 52 percent loss in value in seven years. A lot of money for a battered A3, which not only reveals a number of paint, but also some rust (see picture).

On the lift then drop even more powerful oil loss on the transmission and control arm bushings on torn. Sold is to be hoped that these deficiencies are eliminated, as is the Audi with TÜV.

Our impression during the test drive: The easy 1.6-liter is good on gas and makes the A3 willing to trot the chassis taut and polterfrei spurt. Somewhere in the back, it rattles - the breakdown?

Our verdict: This A3 is simply too expensive, even more so with the numerous defects. Who is the used car market gets a little looking around, for the same money and an Audi A4 Avant.

However, there have been several important developments: As of 2006, ran the 1.4-and 1.8 TFSI engines, the fight for all the technical brilliance is also currently with timing chain problems, as revealed recently AUTO BILD . And the diesel engines from 2008, led the technology away from the powerful, but noisy pump-injector technology, to smooth-running common-rail engines. Accompanies the development was also visually, in April 2008 and September 2010 received the powerful A3 facelift to maintain its attractiveness. Because of the new A3 is in these days at the door - of course the moment only in three-door Up in the gallery, we show what to look for used A3. Besides, more compact in the check for 10,000 euros.ins