ppashley

I used to own an Audi S3, don't think they supply it to the US. Fabulous car.
Drives like its on rails (quattro) in the wet.

chris walrod

Thanks all for the input!! Much appreciated!!

My long commute calls for good gas mileage (never thought I would hear myself saying that) --

I have a Scion xB that I really really like. It averages 32mpg, even with my lead foot and a giant hill climb over the Toll Roads. Gobs of room inside. Haul all kinds of stuff in it, dishwashers, french doors, 993 front suspensions, the works I just dont know if I will miss the room of the xBox. Plus I can drive it at the limit and nobody notices

What is the real world gas mileage of the A3 2.0T? Anyone have such info. I rarely trust mfg. claims.

Black993

buddy has one that he drives over an hour to work every day. He likes it but says it absolutely sucks in the rain. I think its due to the tires (contisport 2 I think) and I have experienced it all over the place in the wet. Gets good gas mileage but will throw a CEL if he doesn't put Shell brand in it. His is also the DSG and while its very cool in sport mode, its pretty annoying (his words) in regular auto mode. It seems to just downshift for no reason. I also find it VERY small inside and think your xB would have more. I also don't think he's seeing 32mpg

This is just from what he tells me, so take that for what its worth. (but he is a very technically and detail-oriented guy)

the_buch

Love our A3 (wife's daily). The DSG transmission is a must as it shifts effectively under strong accel and blips on the downshifts right on the numbers. No issues after more than a year, and all the maintenance is covered through 80,000km!!

jhale

I recently bought an '06 V70R for the DD with the kids and all of the gear and I absolutely love it. Similar to others, I spent some money on software, exhaust, etc. I think I'm around 350hp with AWD and this thing blows away the p-car. Gas mileage is not great around town- 18mpg but around 25mpg on the highway.

Terry Adams

I have a few K km on several A3 1.9 TDI rentals in Europe. Comfortable for 2, economical (diesel), and parks anywhere. Last time I rented they were out of A3 and I got a gutless 118 BMW with the nightmare iDrive button type Nav system. Back to A3 next time.

wombat7

I got 28 - 31 on the highway and 22-25 through the city in my GTI. I did not baby the car and have a very heavy foot. I think the highway mileage is a pretty good real world as I was driving 160 highway miles a day for 4 months that I had the car. I put 20K miles on it in under a year.

CP

Chris,

If you have not seen this, please enjoy (helps if you speak German).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aNn1nRD15c

We rented an A-3 turbo diesel during our Alpine trip in September. Neat little car, and very gas efficient. Great ergonomics inside. Totally changed my mind about Audi. Well worth a look IMHO.

CP

chris walrod

Gosh, if only the TDI would be available to us knuckleheads over here. I would go for the dazel in a heartbeat!

Charles Navarro

For reference, my mom gets about 27-28 mpg with her GTI, and she has a very lead foot. In traffic it might creep to 29 on occassion. Better than the w8 passat, if you can muster 21 mpg out of it, you're lucky.

And yes, they should bring the TDI a3 here. I love the TDI in the touareg, and it can get up to 27 mpg fully loaded with 55 cases of Brad Penn in the back, when I drive to my supplier 100 mi away :-)

DC from Cape Cod

I have a 2006 A3 3.2 DSG and I love it. I am EXTREMELY picky when it comes to cars and i have found the interior and build quality to be excellent.

The car is fast, handles well, comfortable, extremely safe (won both crash tests) and gets good mileage. I get 20 around town and 27 on the Highway if I am careful.

I use it for errands for work, taking kids to school, swim team, etc. I am usually bored/disgusted with a car after 12 months and I am coming up on 2 years with this one.

dbf73

Chris - how about the new Mini Clubman?

1998C2S

Hey there, just thought I'd give my $.02! Granted, I might be a bit biased since I am employed by Champion Audi in sales, and have been with the company for over 10 years. However, that has given me the opportunity to own most models from Audi. I just traded in the S4 (V8) for my new 2008 A3 2.0 DSG, and I can't even begin to tell you how cool this car really is. The gas mileage is in excess of 30 mpg if cruising, but it truly isn't lacking in the power department. Audi will be offering modifications (ECU mods) in the near future with full factory warranty, so it gets better and better. Anyway, if you have any specific questions, I am happy to help. In fact, if anyone out there needs help (advice or otherwise), please call me directly at Champion 954-509-2403.

1pcarnut

I too am thinking about an A3 for a DD. Has anyone put a hitch on one of these? I want to pull a small utility trailer.

Strega(UK)

I know I am from the UK, but I love my daily hack, It's an 2003 A3 2.0 TDI Sport and is nearly as much fun to drive as my 911 and gets 55 mpg!! It can also get chipped to put out over 190 BHP and about the same torque as the 911!!!