Quote:
Originally posted by ChrisBennet
The least expensive A3 is $30K for the 2 wheel drive model. (The 2 I looked at were $34K at my local dealer.) You could get an A4 for about the same money.
-Chris
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my A3 is the base model and had been a demo or something, got it with 3k on the clock. Price was about 23k. Bought it at RUSNAK in december and am VERY happy with it. The build quality, noise level, and ride are unsurpassed at this price range. Plus the performance is sick!
I can't agree more that the A3 is MUCH more fun to drive. I was gonna get a better deal on the A4 in a lease, but the longer wheelbase, heavier car didn't do it for me. The exhaust note is even louder on the A3, and you also get 17in wheels standard. only 16s on the A4. Also, you get the same rear seat room in an A3 as in the A4 thanks to the engine mounted sideways. was a clear choice for me. also, FWIW Road and Track tested the 2.0T and got it to do 0-60 in 6.1sec. Audi has advertised 6.7 i think. Car and driver did it in 6.5. 5.9 is not a significant difference to give up the 6 spd manual.
The options can jack the price up very quickly like if you get sport and sunroof packs it is already over 30k. I saw a 3.2 at the auto show that was decked out to the tune of 38K! IMO, it was not 12k better. I feel like I got a smoking good deal on a fun little hatch and couldn't be happier!
only other issue is resale value...the A3 will not do well as all small hatches in the US don't. the A4 would be a smarter short term purchase. unless you need a very large trunk, go for the A3....but both cars are best in class IMHO.