Non-Rover Tdi Question

[1of40]

Though I’ve been daily driving a 90 for 21 years a new job/location may push me to picking up a commuter.

Anyone have any experience with Audi’s A3 Tdi Hatchback?

 

[Napalm00]

Almost bought one , then almost bought a sportwagon TDI , then bought a another Miata instead.

In all honesty they're great vehicles as long as you don't live in a state that requires SCR EGR and DPF. If you could strip all three of those off and get a tune it'll pretty much run forever.

And total anecdotal evidence here but a local guy in our club just bought a 2019 GTI. On the way home, like on the drive home, the center entertainment console backlight went out. The entire center cluster is being replaced, less than 100 miles on the car.

 

[acheck]

A3 tdi is front drive only, was never available quattro (because then they couldnt use their built in electronic cheat to pass emissions on the dyno).

I'd look at a Jetta wagon tdi instead. A3 form factor is kind of useless.

 

[Napalm00]

Yep I was referring to the sportwagon and to be more specific, buy something Japanese instead. But that's just an opinion

 

[hillstrubl]

Big TDI fan here, but my wife's 2018 GTI is absolutely amazing to drive on a long commute and regularly gets 28mpg highway with a heavy foot.

 

[1of40]

Thanks. I have read somewhere that the electronics can be a problem. Yeah, we’re thinking alike. The GTI is the only other commuter I’m really considering. It’s almost a no brainer but I do like the longer wheelbase on the A3 hatch.

 

[SimonDewing]

Have a 2010 Jetta TDI sportwagon, now done <220K, great vehicle, a few bits of trim now starting to fall apart but minimal mechanical problems.
40-45 mpg.
Replaced inlet flappers, AC compressor and one glow plug at a little over 100K.
Replaced wheel bearings and ABS controller at around 170K
VW gave us money and did emissions fix (which had minimal affect on performance) at 180K.
They have since replaced DPF/EGR under their extended warranty.
Definitely good value for money if you do a long commute.

 

[acheck]

i have also been considering a commuter car to replace my LR4 in daily duty and have been attracted to the current mini clubman. 2.0 turbo, all wheel drive, small 4 door wagon form factor. i have heard mixed reviews about long term running costs though (its a bmw product after all).

also love the recent 328d wagons...

adam

 

[expanse]

had a '13 golf tdi before it was bought back. got seriously good MPG on long hauls from Boston to Machias, ME.

 

[Red90]

IME, all VAGs turn into endless money pits after 10 to 15 years. It seems like every part on them is designed with a limited lifespan.