Wilfster

Thanks Gareth. Yes I do prefer the looks of the S-Line. I'm used to very hard suspension too - if you've ever been in a Cupra R you'll know what I mean!

My current car is a Mk1 Seat Leon Cupra R that I've owned for 17 years from new. Unfortunately this much loved car is approaching the end of its life and I'm planning to replace it with an A3 about 3 or 4 years old. I've narrowed the choice down to an S-Line Sportback with the 2.0L TFSI engine (the S3 is beyond my pocket and I wouldn't use the performance). I would like to ask advice from members with experience of the different transmission options. I've got an open mind about manual, FWD automatic and quattro. Apart from better stability on slippery roads, what are the benefits of quattro and is it worth extra maintenance costs? What are your views/experience of the different transmissions? Are there any general weaknesses I should look out for when buying an A3? Any help much appreciated.

Thanks Steve, Insights like yours are very helpful and will contribute to me making the right choice. I'm not planning to change car till after the lockdown, whenever that is, so you're not too late. Thanks, Wilf

Thanks, Steve. Help much appreciated.

Evenin' All, I don't own an A3 yet but am thinking of buying one, so would appreciate some advice from those of you in the know. Decisions I've made so far: Petrol engine, 1.8 or 2.0. (The S3 is beyond budget and more than I need.) Up to 3 years old, or a bit older if very low mileage. Not black, white or grey. (I know that narrows down the choice a lot!) 5 doors, hatchback. Questions I want to ask you: Is it straightforward to tune the 1.8 or 2.0 up to about 220bhp? (That's what I'm used to). What are the pros and cons of the automatic box? I've always preferred manuals, but I can see that the DSG would change gear faster than I can, so improving acceleration and making the best of the power output. On the other hand, it takes away some of the driving pleasure and brings extra complexity and maintenance issues. What do you think? What are the benefits of the quattro? I understand better traction on slippery/icy roads. Beyond that, what is the point? Is it any more sure-footed moving away from rest? Is the extra complexity/cost worth it? How reliable is the 4 wheel drive set up? I'm uneasy about the electronic handbrake. Does this tend to cause problems? When was it introduced and is it possible to get an A3 with a traditional handbrake? Excluding the colours I dislike, my main option seems to be red. I like the blue often seen on S3s (is it Navarra Blue?). Is this available on the A3? I hope the above list doesn't come across as negative. I like the styling of the A3 and I'm familiar with VAG group engineering and build quality, but I would appreciate your help to steer me in the right direction. Thanks in advance.