In-depth reviews

Audi A3 cabriolet (2008-2013): owner reviews

"The Audi A3 cabriolet has no problems turning heads, but space is limited, both in the cabin and the boot."

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by Richard Ingram

30 Aug 2013

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Carbuyer Rating

3.4 out of 5

Owners Rating

3.6 out of 5

Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

47%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Engine (1 case)
Other (4 cases)
Suspension (1 case)
Brakes, Engine, Gearbox / clutch, Suspension (1 case)
Electrics (1 case)
Electrics, Gearbox / clutch (1 case)
Electrics, Other (1 case)

Review 1 of 17

Tell us what you think about your car?

I bought this car based on my previous experience of VAG cars. These have been in the past remarkably reliable. However my first experience of Audi will definitely be my last. Never ever again will I purchase another Audi. At 20,000 miles the cylinder head suffered a failure (water leak), this was repaired along with the EGR valve housing and DPF unit. At 23,000 miles the same fault returned, this time Audi reported they had actually missed the original fault which was a cracked cylinder block. This time I suspect they replaced the crankcase and refitted the new top end parts they originally fitted 3,000 miles previously. When I picked the car up from the garage I asked if the work was guaranteed – I was told that because the repair was covered by extended warranty there was no guarantee on the work done. Had I paid for the work myself then it would have been covered. You ask me why I will never buy another Audi or trust the Sytner Group, well the evidence speaks for itself. You have been warned. Nice to look at, a pleasure to drive, but a disaster when things go wrong – the customer service stinks.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

This is a great car. Still enjoy driving it after years of having it. Roof is good and reliable. Still get people telling me what a great car it looks/is after all this time. The boot is limited but still ok for regular food shopping runs. Most cars of this type have small boots...nature of the beast...get over it! We had a BMW 1 series and looked at the convertible. The Audi A3 has much better leg room in the back for passengers. I would buy one again. BEWARE...there is a NEW A3 Cab out in March, which will effect this ones resale. It has a bigger boot and looks a bit like a smaller version of an A5.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Great

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Pointless engine for a company car where we have a list of choices but the 1.6diesel variant is not avaliable for some reason- hence we are paying more car tax than we need to and could be achieving 50% better fuel economy Very quiet- i picked the lightgrey interior and is a complete nightmare to avoid staining particularly in winter It feels a little like the accountant has cut a few corners on th eo'all feel of the car and there are no nice extras- eg heated front screen would be nice. Looks well in red- nice from front needs freshening up at back though

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

If you develop a knocking noise and are told to change your drop links, do what i did and just tighten the nuts, using a spanner and allen key, the knocking has gone for good saving me £70 labour and £25 per part costs. I've heard a lot of people trying to diagnose the issues and spending silly money, just have a little look yourself you'll be surprised.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Weak- compared to other cheaper (better specced cars)- the handling is poor- it lurches over in corners, i went for the light grey interior- whilst it looks great (cheap carpet/mat material) it's a nightmare to keep clean!Stereo Is poor with only speakers in the front (on a 19k car!!?).Very Poor in the recent snow (brand new tyres)engine is willing but can't get near manufacturers claim of 45mpg + ave- i 'm getting max40mpg and most of my driving is at 60mph on a busy motorway.It's Way overdue a complete revamp

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

In my experiance i've not driven or owned such overated cars such as vw's and audi's. I have owned both a vw golf gt tdi, and my current car is a audi 2.0 t quattro- both of the interiors are cheap, the ride quality is dreadful.Performance/ economy isnt as good as other manufacturers out there. I don't rate these cars as quality cars like people, magazines, and internet car sites (including this one) suggest.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Brilliant overall

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I had wanted an A3 for years. After finally being able to afford one I waited for the 6 month lead time. It wasn't long until when in drive the car would not move. Although in drive this did not seem to actually move the gar into gear and the engine would just rev. On two occasions I pulled up junctions and the car failed to pull away when there was traffic and could have caused a serious accident. Audi said no fault was found and the car was less than 6 months old. The did disassemble the electronics for the accelerator and gear selector etc and the fault never returned thankfully. Later the headlights became frosted on the inside, this was not moisture, and both headlight units were replaced. After about 2 years the dual clutches wore out and again the car went in for warranty work to have them replaced too. Such a well put together car; quiet, refined, everything I had hoped for. But with such large warranty work needed from new I will be replacing my Audi with something different. I wish is was another Audi but can't justify the price if major things start going wrong again :-(

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

First the good bits, the car is nice to drive and the engine is excellent - smooth and quiet and with economy that makes a diesel totally irrelevant. Boot space ok but you have to post your luggage. Now the bad bits, the seats are poor and in Sport spec the suspension is rock hard. The car is VERY uncomfortable. The trim rattles, not as bad as the previous Skoda but not good in a so-said premium vehicle. Now the very bad bit, it leaked from day 1 and Audi could not or would not do anything about it. The constant soakings meant the interior started to rot and electrics became an unreliable lottery. It was common to be locked out of the car, for the alarm to sound endlessly or for the hood to unlatch while the car was parked.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

My first audi and will not be my last, the car has lived up to my expectations despite having a slightly firmer ride than i originally remembered from the test drive. My only problems despite a minor teething problem with the door lock on the passenger side once informed audi uk were very understanding, suppling a courtesy car for the duration of the wait for the new car and also providing compensation.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Good all round car reliable and economical.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

We wanted a well built, safe, reasonably styled car to travel modest milage, with a good residual value. The a3 sportback delivers in all these areas with great handling and a fantastic 7 speed gearbox. I would buy another audi, although frankly the brand is not a priority for me. The older i get, the more i realise that i should always buy a car based upon the engine, rather than anything else...

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Best i have so far

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Overall a good car and does what you would expect but nothing out of the ordinary

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Very reliable car, road worthy. and great economy for money

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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