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2013 Audi A3 Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Owner Pros and Cons by porkins287

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Reviewed: 2013 Audi A3

4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD

Why the 2013 Audi A3?

Powertrain performance

Love the engine hate the transmission. TDI feels much stronger than the 140hp indicates. The transmission is ok while accelerating. However, while slowing it insists on massive engine braking. This results in a very jerky ride in traffic. On occasion, it will buck as well. I've had the "values" reset several times. Car will be nice and smooth for maybe a week then back to it's jerky ways.

Fuel economy

Spectacular. I'm completely sold on diesel. Car can get well over 40mpg on the highway. Worst I've seen thus far is ~36mpg on a tank.

Materials & workmanship

Audi really does make some of the best interiors.

Handling

Sporty but perhaps just a bit too jittery.

Why Not the 2013 Audi A3?

Reliability & durability

Not so much. It's been in the shop for various reasons 35 days in the first year of ownership. So far both front axles have been replaced, several tires, various other suspension/steering bits, and a few rattles. One of the windows auto up/down feature broke then fixed itself. The same window will on occasion roll itself back down.

Audio & nav systems

ugh. I made the mistake of getting Bose and navigation. This combination comes with the worst feature(s) I've ever seen. First, the volume comes on at a set level no matter what you left it at. It's loud. This *feature* also happens if you turn the volume all the way down. 1 click up = blasting. I've yet to find a way to change it. Second, it changes the volume based on interior noise. I asked the dealer how to disable this as I hate constantly fighting with my volume dial. Supposedly can't be done. Third, white noise is pumped into the speakers for some reason. I'm told this is normal. When using bluetooth it sounds like the the ocean, waves coming and going. Forth, it automatically adjusts the equalizer to whatever it wants. You can change it if you like but the settings go away after you turn off the car.

Conclusion

I would only buy this car again with the manual transmission and no bose/nav. Sadly, the TDI is not available with manual.

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