Re: tough choice
 

I wanted to also start a thread with a question regarding the long term reliability of the dsg. Does anyone know if this has ever been discussed? I noticed a few people on the VW forums having to have their clutch packs replaced under warranty.

regarding your sun visors being useless
 

when used to shade the side windows, in case you were un-aware, that in that position the sunvisor can be pulled backwards (towards the back seats) to extend further to block sunlight that is further back.

Our A3s do not have this feature.<ul><li><a href="http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3664490">neat GTI sun visor feature</a></li></ul>

We've seen a few failures/problems during prolonged really hot spells. Seems to be quite rare overal

I had the same decision -- Recent bought 4-dr GTI...
 

I previously had owned several Audis (most recently a 6-speed Allroad). I wanted a smaller, fun car, with four passenger doors and the utility of a hatch back. The price difference between the A3 and thre GTI was not a signifcant consideration for me. The two cars have exactly the same drivetrain (engine, transmission, etc.) so reliability on those fronts should be identical. I should add, however, that I sold my Allroad because it was extremely unreliable...

I ended up with the GTI for a few reasons:

1.) Performance. The A3 and GTI feel very similar, but the GTI did feel more fun to drive. With the slightly lighter weight and tigher suspension, it is a beautifully balanced car.

2.) Looks &amp; Uniqueness -- I find the GTI to be a bit more unique and fun looking than the A3, which looks like a small wagon. (I like wagons, coming off an Allroad, but wanted a change.) Also, in my parking lot at work, there are half a dozen A3's but no MKV rabbits or GTI's.

3.) Simplicity -- The dash and cockpit of the GTI feel a bit simpler and more teutonic to me, which I quite like.

4.) Status -- This may seem odd, but the GTI, being a VW, seems a bit more understated and less of a "status symbol" than an audi.

All that said, the cars are very similar, and either car would be a great choice.

If I were buying now, it would be tough to choose between R32 and A3 3.2Q.... Just sayin'...

Thank you very much sir!
 

That is an improvement. I guess I should tell myself to RTFM! :)

Audi dealer service in metro-NYC is a bit sketchy - not usre about VW
 

Where do you settle for BMW service?

With a $10k price difference, and 2 door vs. 4 door, it shouldn't be. But I know what you mean.
 

I'm looking at both of them as well.

At the time, I wanted 4 doors. Now I want more sportiness. Mk4 R32 with MT sounds sweet now.
 

At the time, I always wanted another Audi. Having owned a few other lux brands, and having been happy with the zippiness of my wife's Audi 2.0T (our first Audi), I was dead set on another Audi.

Still am happy with my car, which is why it would be hard to choose if I did it all over again.

Not sure if I'm making much sense here though. :)

Sorry - I have no experience w/ BMW ownership or dealerships.