FLambRN

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this site, but my fiance has been on here forever! He's an Audi enthusiast and so is the rest of our family. His first car was a new A4 back in 1998 and most recently bought another new A4 in '06.
I'm looking to buy my first Audi and I was hoping to get some suggestions from you guys! I'm absolutely in love with Audis and think they're just beautiful, which is why we want to stick to them. We'd like to be an all Audi family!
Please bear with the long post as I really need help!

I'm completely sold on the A3, and have been pursuing this discussion board for months now, however I do have some concerns. I'm looking at getting 2.0T Quattro, open sky, navi + ipod, convenience, cold weather, premium. With all that, can't I get the A4?

Another concern I have is with the face lift. All the other models have the new interior as well as the new exterior, while the A3 doesn't. I'm afraid that if I buy (never leased, probably never will) it, the next year Audi will come out with the new interior. With the money I'm going to spend, couldn't they have changed the interior too? That's pretty much my main drawback.

My brother has an '06 TT and told me to look into the new A4, however I don't want it because then we'll have 2 of the same cars in our family (I plan on buying my Audi after our wedding in October). I know that sounds stupid, maybe it's a girl thing, but I don't like the idea of deciding between the A4 or the A4.

I currently drive a 2002 Honda Civic EX coupe and I've always loved coupes, which is why I then considered the A5 (which is just outside of my price range) or the TT coupe. However, I'm afraid it won't be family friendly considering that in a couple of years, we plan on starting a family.

I just don't know what to do guys! Thanks for putting up with my long post... I'd appreciate any advice you can give me!

April

It's highly unlikely the A3 will get a new interior in a year or two - unless they change the entire car. Many Audi models retain almost all of the interior between model chassis changes.

The next gen A4 (arriving in Sept as you no doubt know) is a totally new and different animal from the A4 currently available. However, it's almost as large as the previous generation A6, so it depends what you want. It will undoubtably be a better highway cruiser, but if you are a canyon carving kind of gal, or like to nip through traffic like it isn't there, the A3 is perfect for you. If you lease, the A4 will lease far better, as it has a proven resale track record, while the A3 is still forging one.

If you can wait, I urge you to wait until your local dealer has an example of both the A4 and A3 for you to drive back to back. They are completely different animals. We can tell you what we prefer, but in the end you are going to turn the key every day, and the only thing that matters is how you feel when the wheels start to turn.

FLambRN

I appreciate your input, you made some good points. I guess I should've mentioned that when my fiance went to our local dealer for an oil change, he asked for an A3 loaner because he knows how badly I want one! And let me tell you, it was the funnest car I've ever driven! Very sporty! I like smaller cars, it's easier to get around with them.

Thanks again!

Boggy

the interior quality of the B8 A4 is really a step above the 8P A3 if you would take my word for it, more roomy for rear passengers too. And the DLRs are much better looking compared to the facelift A3.

Dont forget the RNS-e in the A3 is quite old compared to the MMI in the new A4 as well.

Bezor

X2

Gettysburg

<img src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/roadtests/9489227/112_0804_07z+2009_audi_a3+interior_view.jpg">

1. Door handle area may resemble current S3; with aluminum trim curving around and under the door handle.

2. Driver info display is white on black; rather than current red on black.

3. Buttons on center console(ESP, Hazard...) are shaped differently.

April

On the other hand, it adds a few hundred pounds to the car, so it won't be as frugal. Certainly a tradeoff.

krazyboi

seats...drool!

Hesaputz

Go for it, Boggy - only 6000 miles of ocean separating you from your new love.

FLambRN

It was an '08 2.0... still very fun to drive! I do prefer Quattro though, and I'm sure it'll make the drive better. I'm not that big into S-line (just my preference!), but I do feel 2.0T Quattro is the way to go!