DDKing13

Hello everybody, excuse me if this is the wrong place for this type of thread.

My 2012 GTI was just totaled, so now i'm in the market for a new car.

Im interested in a CPO 2011 A3. It has 32,495 miles, and it's listed for $22,750.

I have a couple of questions, first one is this a good deal?

Second question is, is 2011 a good year for the B8? I know 2009 had a lot of problems, especially for A4's. Im thinking since this is 2 years newer, they should have worked out a lot of those problems.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

MikeSS

Are you looking at an A3 or an A4? One minute you say "CPO 2011 A3". Two sentences later you're asking about B8s and A4s.

If you mean an A4 then yes, you're in the wrong place.

DDKing13

My apologies, I didn't know B8 was specific to A4.

Im looking at a 2011 A3.

DDKing13

So with the 2011 A3, there's no major problems that frequently occur that I should be aware of?
If not, is that deal that posted a good one? Or is that overpriced?

uberwgn

DD, many A3 cars will have the same engine that's fitted to the B8A4 cars so you're not really "escaping" that concern...

MikeSS

The A4 2.0T and the A3 2.0T are completely different engines. The A4 uses a longitudinally-mounted engine (front-to-back) and the A3 uses a transversely-mounted engine (left-to-right).

Also the A4 quattro is Torsen-based (3 differentials) while the A3 quattro is Haldex-based (2 differentials + Haldex rear drive clutch unit).

DDKing13

The guy I talked to from the dealership told me that since 2011 is the second to last year of that generation, all of the major problems are pretty much gone, and I should have no problems with the car at all, should I choose to get it. Any truth to that?

uberwgn

Mike, has the mounting configuration of the engine (A3 vs. A4) improved the oil consumption issue? Is the A3 car better in that respect when fitted with the 2.0T gas engine?

DD is very focused on the oil consumption issue.

uberwgn

DD, is it conceivable that you might be better off with an Asian car? You seemed primarily focused on "reliability" and maintenance issues. People don't buy European cars when reliability is the primary focus.

DDKing13

No, not necessarily. I'm really just trying to make sure the car wont constantly be in the shop. I have friends who used to work for Audi and had 2009 A4's, and their cars were always breaking down. That's my only concern. Just trying not to get a lemon, is all.

Like I said in the OP, I'm coming from a VW, which is basically the same thing as Audi (GTI's are basically the same as A3's, in fact), and I had absolutely no problems with it. I did all the maintenance myself, only taking it to the dealer for the major services.