sjaineb

After a major change of circumstance a few years ago I needed a car and was truly blessed with a run-around that I thought would last no more than a year, 3 and half years and 28k miles later its still going strong. Only after a someone pulled out on me recently I had to emergency brake, and - as you would expect, it really didn't perform as well as more modern cars do. I had a little reality check, even though it does every thing I need it to, I'm driving an old car. I motorway every day and it shook me a little. No impact happened but it was the - 'what-if. . .' So I kept an eye out for a newer car. I wasn't specifically looking for another Audi, but I had an opportunity to purchase another A3, 2008 model, Manual this time, 2.0 . I am learning this is a 8P5 model. The previous being 8LZ I think. I decided to bite the bullet and buy it, but haven't got rid of my green spout just yet. Just in case the new one lets me down, at least I would have my trusty sprout. I must say, the new one does shift, and I am remembering why I LOVE a manual car, however, I'm going to need to spend some money on it. I will do some research, but if anyone can point me in the right direction, I would be most grateful. I need a new clutch, horrific clutch squawk when pulling away. I can adjust how I pull away to prevent it, but that's not how you're meant to drive. . . Annoying light sounding knock from OSF when going over small defect's in roads (slightly recessed drain cover/worn tarmac), no feeling though body. When consistent poor condition of road, when you would expect ARB rattle type noise, I have silence. Its almost like the shock of the unexpected change in road surface causes the noise. The EML has come on twice when cruising on the motorway, I understand this is fairly common - P2015. I have been told there are many repairs/upgrades/etc but have not yet been able to look into. I'm prepared to spend a bit of money on it as I actually quite like it. What I hope you experienced people might advise me . . . Do you think it's worth it? or, should I cut my losses now?