Daily Driver: Audi A3 or A4 wagon?
 

My daily driver now is a 96 VW GTi VR6, but its got 140,000 miles and has a check engine light problem. Despite repeated trips to my mechanic, we cannot keep the check engine light off--which means that in April it will not pass NY inspection. Even if it could pass inspection, although its been a great car, its getting a bit long in the tooth. Soo...I'm looking for a new car.

I want a 4 door wagon or hatchback, but also a car that's reasonably fun to drive. I'm thinking of getting a gently used A3 or A4. Any comments or suggestions?

I don't have an answer to your question, but I'm almost in the exact same boat. My wife is getting tired of our RSX-S and we are looking for a fun-to-drive, more luxurious wagon. I'm leery of the Audis, given their reputation for questionable electronics.

Why not a 4-door GTI? Same platform as the A3, and I find the GTI to have more headroom and be a bit sportier drive.

I didn't realize they made a 4 door GTI. I know that when I bought mine they didn't because that's what I wanted. I'll look into it. Not sure if I like the new GTI styling though... That's also why I'm passing on the Passat and Jetta Wagon. I really liked the old Jetta, but the new one looks like a Taurus to me...

If you do go with an Audi Wagon? Black seems to be the preferred color of this board...;) (inside joke, but you can figure it out with a search) Good luck with whatever you decide to buy..

Well, my Golf is black, and I was already planning on going with black for the Audi, but I'll do a search and see what the joke's about... But what about the Audi wagon (if you have one) is it good?

BTW, I've followed the whole saga with your green gem, and I totally respect your decision.

I think I'll be safe in a Black Audi since I'm on the East coast...nowhere near the Monterey Hyatt. Thanks for the heads up though...

Thanks Andy, The more flack I got from certain areas, the more I knew I'd made the right decision. Sorry, no Audi here, but Jim Cisero (? Somebody correct me if I'm wrong) posted of some frequent electrical problems...if memory serves, his experience was with an A6..

How about a Mazdaspeed3 hatchback? That's what I just bought yesterday and at 263hp and 3100lbs, it's pretty fun, especially with the 6spd manual trans.

I've got a B6 S4 Avant, IMO it's just about perfect.

Your Mazdaspeed3 is a sweet little car- drove the 2.3 and it was already a tight little car- you are gonna have a nunch of fun with that! Take it to an AutoX, it will be a blast.

That DSG tranny sure is captivating though...

Hadn't considered the Mazda. That's what makes this board great and why I posted. Keep the ideas coming...

Mazdaspeed3 recommendation
 

Yeah, I had never even heard of the Mazdaspeed3 until I posted here asking for advice on a daily driver and I almost bought a 2007 MINI Cooper S, but I took the MS3 out for a test drive and that sealed it! Go to a Mazda dealer and take one of these things out and you'll buy it, I can guarantee it! I now have a daily driver that seems to be as much fun to drive as my 911, which is pretty cool since I don't drive the 911 during the bad weather, it's more of a "weekend car" and the MS3 is my new daily driver. My wife loves her new Mazda CX-7! Try these Mazdas out first and see what you think! "Vash" and several others here recommended the MS3 and I'm sure glad they did!!The folks here on this board rock!!

Bill, I've got a hold on a 06 S4. Any experience or information on this car other then its 340hp but heavy?

Check out the MazdaSpeed forums. There have been a large number of problems with motor mounts snapping. It probably says something about the types of owners associated with these cars (nothing personal, azasadny) than the cars themselves. It is just something to keep in mind.

Some MS3 threads for you:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3056080
http://www.mazda3forums.com/

We have a '01 A4 Avant, Black/tan. 90K. Great car with no problems. Highly recommend them. Now, my '01 TT has had a few small electrical issues...

I don't have an Avant, but we only own Audi's. for Christmas I purchased an 07' B7 A4 2.0T six speed for the wife, she loves it, has been absolutely trouble free, and it's a kick in the pants to drive.

I drive an 05 Allroad 2.7 Bi-turbo on a daily basis, and again it's a kick in the pants. Lots of turbocharged fun in this guy, again problem free for about 20K miles now, in fact the 2.8 A4 I traded in on it never gave me any issues either. Maybe I'm just lucky...

At any rate the Allroad is Avant type vehicle with a few added features over the A4 avant, like adjustable ride height and other such things. It's kind of like an S4 wagon with some bennies, and you can still get them on CPE when you can find one.

I picked up an A6 2.7 turbo for my wife and it is pleasant to drive, however, unless you are a hardcore DIY type, you might want to stick with an Audi that is still under warranty because repairs are not for the timid DIY'er and shop time is costly.

A3 2.0 Turbo Quattro petrol FSI - Sportback estate car 20K miles in 22 months with just the 12000 service and a centre diff oil change.
Easy controls - good Bose sound - superb road manners. Drives like its on rails.
Much easier to drive fast over long distances as its nots so intense as the 911.

31 to the UK gallon - as it says in the manual. Gentle touring around French villages and towns in the Dordogne gave 38MPG.