1999 Audi A3

inthedrops

Hi I am looking at buying an 1999 Audi A3 (mileage = 91,000), for €2100. It will be my first car and im just wondering what you guys think of Audi A3's?

-Whats there history/reliability like?
-Expensive to fix?
-1999 very old, could be more hassle than worth?
-€2100 good or bad price?
-etc........

Thanks in advance

Tropheus

Audi's are generally reliable, but a lot has to do with how well it's been maintained.

At that age and milage, there are things that need to be replaced. A timing belt should defenitely been done at least once. In fact, it's probably due another as it's normally around 60k miles or 5 years, which ever comes first. If it hasn't been done recently, then you need to factor that into the cost. You're looking at around €600 from a good independent mechanic and closer to €1k from an Audi dealer.

There are other things like control arms in the front suspension that wear and will need to be replaced. Again, has any of this work been done?

It's best to get the car checked over by a qualified mechanic or at least someone who is car savvy to ensure you're not buying something that will cost you a lot of money to put right.

Maintaining an Audi shouldn't be any more expensive that any other German car. There are lots of OEM quality parts availalbe which helps with the cost.

whiterebel

ksimpson wrote: »

In fact, it's probably due another as it's normally around 60k miles or 5 years, which ever comes first. If it hasn't been done recently, then you need to factor that into the cost. You're looking at around €600 from a good independent mechanic and closer to €1k from an Audi dealer.

€420 for a petrol and €480 for a diesel for the Timing Belt from a Cork Audi dealer for an A3

bazz26

Make sure that a mechanic checks the car over before buying it. The gearbox is a weak point in this model so make sure you can change gears smoothly.

Tropheus

whiterebel wrote: »

€420 for a petrol and €480 for a diesel for the Timing Belt from a Cork Audi dealer for an A3

I stand corrected. It must be a relative straight forward job on the A3. Most of the cost of a timing belt is labour.

whiterebel

ksimpson wrote: »

I stand corrected. It must be a relative straight forward job on the A3. Most of the cost of a timing belt is labour.

More of a reality check by the dealers. I got my old Passat TDi done for €690 about August 08.....Turner's Cross Motors were looking for €1150 for the same job about 6 months earlier......:eek:

Right though, its mostly labour - with the Passat the whole front end has to come off it, presumably the same for the Audis.

Mr.David

Which engine are you looking at?

My main concern (assuming it runs ok) would be electrics, you get wipers with a mind of their own, faulty central locking, faulty elec windows etc.

Overall its well put together, mechanically check suspension components for wear as mentioned above. Also make sure the power delivery is linear and the gearbox smooth.