Which A3 for £15k

[jonb16]

Hi all - 1st post and all that

Wonder if all you experts could give me some advice. We are soon to become a family and therefore have to sell the Boxster and get a suitable 4 door car that looks the part, is safe but sporty.

The A3 comes top of the list

Here are our spec requirements - can you please list which is the best A3 model variant from these?

- £15k maybe a little more
- Below 20,000 miles
- 4 door
- Petrol - any variant
- Sports spec - got to look really good !

Questions-

1) Which models would you recommend from the above and why. We would prefer a clean new model A3 1.8T over a rough 3.2 - but are open to suggestions - we are looking for a clean car at this sort of money?

2) Does someone please know/ list the main improvements with the new model to the older version?

3) Does anyone know the safety rating for the A3 and whether this has improved with the newer model?

4) What is the best all round petrol engine - performance vs reliability and why?

5) Are there any MUST HAVE options and any MUST NOT options?

6) Anyone got an A3 Buying Guide link?

7) Could anyone suggest a very good Specialised Audi Car dealer in the south-east (England ) - home counties area?

Sorry for the all questions but appreciate any advice

thanks
Jon B

[asifp]

Hello

Answer to one of your questions (No:7)

Fontains in Berkshire and Weybridge Audi off Junction 11 M25

Both very reputable Audi dealers with High Spec Audi's

[a8 tech]

S3 all the way.New shape for £15000 would have to be 3.2q but the S3 has only got 3 doors.Anything less than 3.2 on the new shape would have to be the oil burners 2.0 derv.

[cheekyboy_123]

Coming from a friend who had a diesel, i would avoid the DSG models..
He's had nothing but trouble with his!

[shaggy]

I bought mine for less than that and with the upgrades I'll say I have come to that price , I love this car and is pretty damn fast

[golden]

Originally Posted by shaggy

I bought mine for less than that and with the upgrades I'll say I have come to that price , I love this car and is pretty damn fast

You can buy mine Black TDi Sport A3 53 plate 3 year warranty/break down etc leather bose upgrade Cant put up with the harsh suspension! My advise .........choose wisely! Im stuck with it for 4 years bump bump bump

[Parky]

I have just purchased an Audi A3 2.0 tdi SE and can assure you this is still very fit, but has the advantage of 50 mpg fuel economy. The engine is going to last longer than any petrol engine, and, apart from getting away from the lights fractions of a second quicker, I can't see the argument for the petrol version.

[alfooty]

Originally Posted by golden

You can buy mine Black TDi Sport A3 53 plate 3 year warranty/break down etc leather bose upgrade Cant put up with the harsh suspension! My advise .........choose wisely! Im stuck with it for 4 years bump bump bump

I have got an a3 tdi sport ye the suspension is stiff but your rewards are in the corners i love it