Martin999

Mike 0779 Think we are on the same page. I agree - brakes are bad. On or off. Sold my A3 with 201 miles, and lost a shed load of money, but would have lost a lot more if I kept it, as I wouldn't have driven it. Engine `flares' - a known problem where the DSG gearbox searches for the right ratio, and gets it wrong. Another known problem. Traction control does not kick in for a second or so, so spins up the driving wheels - another known problem! Even changed the tyres at £400 plus (Originally Nexens, a mid priced tyre), to a premium tyre - no better. Frankly extremely disappointed, but we live and learn. Unfortunately an expensive lesson, but will avoid Audi in future. Martin

Thank you!

Live atop a steep drive. Not the most gentle with the fast pedal, but even gentle application in damp conditions pulling onto my property spins the front wheels. Perhaps I need to get used to front wheel drive - MB rear wheel drive has no issues. Hopefully softer tyres, to be fitted tomorrow will help. Seems `Nexen' are a `mid priced' tyre. Not what I expected from a premium car brand. Hopefully my choice of new tyres will sort out what seems to be a nice car. At least I can sell the Nexens on Ebay. A3 is understated, which appeals to me - chose instead of an MB A Class - too much bling. Hope I made the right decision. Time will tell, but at the moment driving my C class, and avoiding the A3. Thanks for your input. Martin

Sorry I offended you people on here by not knowing how to post. Your feedback was much appreciated. Martin

You live and learn!

Dear Diago Thanks for your response. So not entirely my fault. Felt the judder not realising it was the traction control kicking in. Bit disconcerting with the delay. Need to amend my driving style! 150hp should not be a problem for fwd, but it seems it is. Martin

Thanks for confirmation I am not making this up. Was beginning to think it was me. Had front wheel drive cars in the past with no problems (Except a Honda Legend 30 years ago with the engine so far back to the bulkhead I could make no progress with full winters - no weight on the front (Driving wheels) when going uphill). Assume no traction control with the A3? Merc 200, with a lot more hp never spins its wheels, however enthusiastic. Learning curve, because it is a decent car.

Martin Thanks for the advice reversing up a 1 in 4 drive, with a sharp bend, for 100 metres. With respect, not a sensible solution. C class has no problem with the added bonus I can see where I am going. All season tyres fitted today - what a revelation! Extremely cold over Fyligdales moor today, but the return journey was a pleasure - the difference in grip was a revelation. My chosen tyre dealer refuses to stock Nexen, I completely understand their logic. If you want the Nexen ditch finders, listed now on ebay, be my guest.

Live atop a steep drive. Not the most gentle with the fast pedal, but even gentle application in damp conditions pulling onto my property spins the front wheels. Perhaps I need to get used to front wheel drive - MB rear wheel drive has no issues. Hopefully softer tyres, to be fitted tomorrow will help. Seems `Nexen' are a `mid priced' tyre. Not what I expected from a premium car brand. Hopefully my choice of new tyres will sort out what seems to be a nice car. At least I can sell the Nexens on Ebay. A3 is understated, which appeals to me - chose instead of an MB A Class - too much bling. Hope I made the right decision. Time will tell, but at the moment driving my C class, and avoiding the A3. Thanks for your input. Martin

New A3 came with Nexen tyres in November. Is it me, or are they a challenge? Covered 120 miles and they are scary - no grip at a hint of moisture. Apparently Nexen are a `mid priced tyre'. Not what I expected from Audi. Booked in for premium tyres tomorrow, hope this helps! Like the car, but why not fit decent tyres?

Steve The psi t code? Please explain, I have no idea. No-one thinks it's a metallic, not just me. Nice colour, but not what anyone would call a metallic. Can you elaborate as to where I can find the paint code, and indeed how I can verify it? This is getting interesting. I cannot see how Audi could get the colour wrong unless they have different colours for different markets. `Progressive red metallic' was (and still is) the only red option on the UK website. I have been told that other metallic colours look different from different angles, but not mine, looks a solid colour from all angles. Very confusing. Martin

Steve Thanks for the response - appreciated. Still loyal to MB after 35 years, but beginning to think my loyalty is misplaced. Added an A3, not because I needed one, but always admired Audi build quality. So far so good. So I'm in for a £300 oil change after 12 months and 2-3000 miles, frankly what I expected! At least my latest MB came with 2 free services. As I intend to keep the car for several years, regular oil changes are probably the most important thing I can do. I will take your advice and look out for a reputable indie after the first service. Still think I have been stitched up to the tune of £595 for a metallic everyone tells me is a solid colour. Ordered online, based on the Audi website, so my fault. Thanks again for your advice. Martin

Apologies if I am posting in the wrong place - guidance appreciated! Purchased a new A3 in November, a 4 month order in `Progressive red metallic'. (Getting old, so the softer suspension on a 35TFSI Sport). Paint colour seems solid - Have Audi forgotten the flake, or is solid colour the new metallic? Only cover 2 -3000 miles each year, and servicing advice appreciated (1 year/2year Audi or an indie). Thank you.