The A3 is a tempting piece of kit, especially in 2.0TDI guise. That engine is immense!
But I'd have been forced to spend thousands more to get one with the trim I wanted vs the MINI. Price wasn't the main issue though.. I wanted a MINI :D A3 is a damn fine handling car, but its nowhere near as much fun as a MINI.
Back to price though... ;) My mate's A3 1.6 with similar kit to mine cost a lot more than my MCS, and its no fireball. Great car, but a bit on the sedate side.

A3 would be second choice though. They're fantastic cars! Out of my price range for the spec I'd want and just not got the MINI appeal.

Hmm - I'll add my not so expert opinions and questions.

I have an MCS and I also own an Audi A4. I will drive the MCS over the A4 anytime. I do like the A4 but I like the MCS more - mostly due to it being so much more fun. Now its apples to oranges - my MCS is manual and the A4 is auto (with triptronic which to me is mostly useless).

Is the build quality of Audi really that superior? In my experience i would say no and based on things I have read I would also say no.

My first BMW ownership experience is my MCS - I am not sure if that counts but its the closest i have been.

In considering the replacement of my other car I have looked hard at the Audi A6 and 5 series BMW and so far my conclusion is in favor of the BMW but it is close. Perhaps its partially because I have owned an Audi and not a real BMW and I do like variety.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but is the BMW 1 really that ugly - not in my opinion - it still has a unique styling at least as far as cars in the US is concerned.

Is the audi A3 really much better looking? To me it looks just like the Chevy Malibu which to me is not a great thing to look lke.

i haven't gotten around to driving the new A3 yet, but maybe today when i go to the audi dealership to get my '95 S6 a new grill... my experience with audi is poop, even though i have one of the proclaimed reliable audi's compared to newer models, but i hear the 04-on are pretty good. but they still don't use a damn timing chain, they use a belt, which sucks because of the scheduled maintenance and the cost of the maintenance, i do all my own work but there are some things i can't do, really frustrating... they make their cars to complicated for their own good, simplicity is the way to go.. anyways my S6 is a very fine car to drive, easy to to drive, fast (0-60 in 6 sec), easily upgradeable with a chip to produce around 300hp and very comfortable the seats are amazing... but i always have the feeling that something is wrong with the car even though there isn't, could be the fact that audi engineered their cars to cost money in the long run, to make money on the maintenance end of the spectrum. The A3 looks like a fine auto, good cargo and passenger room, its like a mini wagon, doesn't even occur to me as a hatch, I'm not a fan of automatic trans cars, but that new audi trans sounds sweet, one upping the manual for acceleration!!! but that trans is complicated as S@#t, 2 clutches!!! the mini s is in my opinion much more fun to drive, feels faster even though it isn't, looks a joy to work on, doesn't depreciate fast in the u.s., my audi was originally $45K now its worth $10K. the only downside is the cargo space in the mini, its more of a 2+2 car, and you could fit a decent sized TV in the back with the seats folded down... I still have this month to bail out on getting my mini, but i think i will end up with it, the only real competition to the mini for me in the Mitsubishi lancer evo, they too have low depreciation, fast as all get out!!, and have a 100K mile warranty to boot, but they are $5K more then my already configured mini, don't have as great of gas millage and the insurance cost is through the roof...

Depends where you look for the new 1 series. In my area, on the Surrey side of, and in London, there seems to be plenty of 1's. Many are fitted with the larger wheels, and this really improves the look of the car, although I appreciate it is not a naturally pretty car.

As for sales suffering again? In comparison to what exactly? The new 7 is BM's best selling 7 ever, and BM is one of the few companies with improved sales and profits for this year.

And yes it is more expensive then rivals, but many premium brands are. If they can sell them, all the better for BMW.

Although I would take a 1 over an A3 I really like the A3. I think it looks really slick and is well put together. Previous Audi experience (seriously modded RS4 and the new TT quattro sport, neither mine!) has made me grow to like Audi's in the last year or two.

i test drove the A3 6-spd today and was very pleasantly surprised. there was no turbo lag at all, which i was surprised by after driving my friends B6 6-spd A4 1.8t. the interior was regular audi quality. but i thought the throws were a bit longer than they needed to be, especially 1-2. the ride was no where as much fun as a MINI, but then again i didn't expect it to be. it wasn't really my cup of tea, but then again, if a 3 door S3 comes our way it might be a different story.

Now keep in mind that I did not drive one - but I was at the Audi dealer last wek for repairs on an Audi. I looked at the A3s they have in the lot and was not entirely impressed. Not bad but it seems they were priced like an A4 Quattro 1.8T and they (the A3s they had in the lot) were neither Quattro or Turbo. So it seems to me on first impression that you give up a lot and front and rear seat space is no different than the A4 so what you get in return is a little more cargo space. Again this is a first very quick impression and not having driven the car.

In considering the replacement of my other car I have looked hard at the Audi A6 and 5 series BMW and so far my conclusion is in favor of the BMW but it is close. Perhaps its partially because I have owned an Audi and not a real BMW and I do like variety.

The "new" A6 is nice, but still nowhere to the level of the 5er. The 5er is, hands down, the greatest mass-produced, full-luxury sedan ever made. And if you still get a little chilly on the new Bangle-look, step inside and go for a drive. I took a 545i for a spin, bright Alpine White, beige interior, and shiny like a new quarter. I felt like blueblood royalty in the straights and Nicky Heidfeld in the corners.

Absolutely smashing. ;)

Well Cooper 76, it would appear we share a passion for the same brand then! Whats even worse is my parents new family car is likely to be a E320 CDi Estate, when I would prefer a BMW 535 d Sport Touring! But as I am not paying for it...

On the subject of both the 1 and A3 being overpriced, yes they are, but they sell! Which is what you want in business!

Well Cooper 76, it would appear we share a passion for the same brand then! Whats even worse is my parents new family car is likely to be a E320 CDi Estate, when I would prefer a BMW 535 d Sport Touring! But as I am not paying for it...

On the subject of both the 1 and A3 being overpriced, yes they are, but they sell! Which is what you want in business!


Werd! :cool:

Yeah, most luxury cars are a little (or a lot) over-priced, but it is up to the consumer to decide whether or not the "luxury mark-up" is worth paying. With BMW, the service at my local dealership and the fact that BMW gives four years free maintenance, unlike any other manufacturer, seals the deal in my book.

(that, and umm, the cars are second-to-none! ;) )

I'm not sure if we get the maintenance offer here yet, but I agree the cars are second to none!

Just spotted this thread. I really like the new A3, thankfully someone didn't forget European design. I love Audis for their best-on-the-market interiors. The A3 is a spectacular deal, but is still tough to compare to the MINI. Here's the bottom line:

If you like luxury, get the A3.
If you like fun, get the MINI.

my .02 worth: Audis great cars , but with the trouble I've had and others I know have had, I would never consider owning another once it came out of warrentee. :cool:

my .02 worth: Audis great cars , but with the trouble I've had and others I know have had, I would never consider owning another once it came out of warrentee. :cool:
i totaly agree!! Audi cost major $$ to own, and they don't hold their value.

i totaly agree!! Audi cost major $$ to own, and they don't hold their value.
In what context?

The BIG Audi's depreciate like a *****, like every big car....the smaller ones hold their residual values rather well actually, A3 included.

I see the A3 as a sophisticated, bland, vague and a conservative piece of engineering.

In what context?

The BIG Audi's depreciate like a *****, like every big car....the smaller ones hold their residual values rather well actually, A3 included.

I see the A3 as a sophisticated, bland, vague and a conservative piece of engineering.

well we shall see how well the A3 will hold its value! in the u.s. that is, which i think it won't like all audi's... perhaps in europe it does hold its value. audi's although very fine auto's to drive, they are engineered well, but they are also egineered to cost money down the road in repairs. they don't even use a timing chain, they use a belt which has to be replace after 60,000 miles, i hear that is actualy going to change in 2007 when they start using timing chains.. i realy do like their style though, i just don't want to own one again!

I had high hopes for the A3, but am very concerned after reading a test where it registered 0.71g around the skidpad and 62mph through the slalom.
Admittedly, it didn't have the sport package, so I'd hope that would make a BIG difference, otherwise I could never consider it after a MINI.

My wife has an A3, I drive a MCS. The build quality of the A3 is incredible compared to the Mini, no rattles or whatsoever. My wife's done about 80k (km's) in less than 2 years and the car drives like a new one. If you care for quality there probably is no competition for the Audi.

As for fun, there is this weird thing. When she just had the car I loved to drive it. Especially the lift-off over steer is much more easy to get from the car compared to the Mini, which makes it fun. Speed wise I reckon I could get pretty close to the Mini. I'm sure that with a petrol engined and quattro-ed A3 I would be faster than my MCS.
But in the end, the thing is everything is so effortless and without any feeling (or the wrong feelings). In a sense I feel separated from driving when am behind the wheel of the Audi.

So when we're off together we always pick the Mini, and when I don't need the car my wife drives the Mini too.

Our A3 does not have sports suspension and has standard rims/wheels (16"). I'm really curious what kind of difference a decent setup on this part would do. If it brings feeling to the car it would be a much harder choice.

Had the pleasure of owing an Audi A3 1.8T.... don't know how the new A3s drive, but if it's any good as my old one, then an A3 is a nice alternative to an MCS. What the Audi gives u is boot space and an extra wheel ;) Other than that, there's nothing that much more spectacular than the MCS. What the MCS gives you is a whole lot of fun. The problem with the A3 in comparison to the MCS, is that the A3 lacks the directness in steering that the MCS has. Power wise both are linear, and probably similar acceleration times.

Another thing with the A3s is that around corners they do feel kinda heavy... but they do have a very nice ambience, I guess not so retro as the minis. But then it's a matter of personal taste. If you're after something that you can cart the family and/or luggage around in then you're probs better off with the A3. The mini however is waaaaay more fun to drive.

Had the pleasure of owing an Audi A3 1.8T.... don't know how the new A3s drive, but if it's any good as my old one, then an A3 is a nice alternative to an MCS. What the Audi gives u is boot space and an extra wheel ;) Other than that, there's nothing that much more spectacular than the MCS. What the MCS gives you is a whole lot of fun. The problem with the A3 in comparison to the MCS, is that the A3 lacks the directness in steering that the MCS has. Power wise both are linear, and probably similar acceleration times.

Another thing with the A3s is that around corners they do feel kinda heavy... but they do have a very nice ambience, I guess not so retro as the minis. But then it's a matter of personal taste. If you're after something that you can cart the family and/or luggage around in then you're probs better off with the A3. The mini however is waaaaay more fun to drive.


The last sentence was all you needed to say! :cool:

The new A3 is a fantastic car. My friend's got one. Great handling, looks, really nice interior and seriously well built. And they've got a seriously good range of engines (140TDI, 2.0T, 3.2) Oh.. and the DSG gearbox, and AWD.
And unfortunately if you want to add all these things you've gotta pay a massive price! :(

Thing is, for all its top notch values, and it is a fabulous car, far better than the Mk5 Golf for example. Its just not got that 'something' about it. While it looks and drives great, its a bit too serious and everything feels a bit too sensible...
I was tempted, but then I test drove a MINI. Engineering, performance and safety up there with the Audi. Handling surpassing the Audi :) And above all a grin factor simply from either looking at it or driving it. I'd have an A3, but only if MINIs didn't exist :D

Damon Hill drives one!!!

Update on our new A3...two months of ownership, 4,000 miles....still a blast to drive, turbo response is a kick, handles great and on top of all else, my wife received a gift from Audi yesterday for being one of the first A3 owners in the US...a Bose Companion 3 Multimedia 2.1 Speaker System ($249.95 retail value).

http://image.compusa.com/prodimages/53/d818ee0f-6b40-498d-93f7-b2285e4fbc3a.gif

...granted the A3 ain't a MINI, but the MINI pen, travel mug, and bingo set are pale in comparison to the Bose system...for a car of comparable price.

Thank you Audi! :D

...granted the A3 ain't a MINI, but the MINI pen, travel mug, and bingo set are pale in comparison to the Bose system...for a car of comparable price.

And I didn't even get a travel mug... :mad:

...granted the A3 ain't a MINI, but the MINI pen, travel mug, and bingo set are pale in comparison to the Bose system...for a car of comparable price.

Thank you Audi! :D

Very nice welcome present!!!!

...granted the A3 ain't a MINI, but the MINI pen, travel mug, and bingo set are pale in comparison to the Bose system...for a car of comparable price.
Thank you Audi! :D

u r lucky, i have to pay for mine!!!

Here's a favorable review of the A3 from the Boston Globe. However, there's also a disturbing article about a known timing belt issue -- this just happenned to a friend's A4 -- she's now shopping for a 3-Series.

Update: Had a senior moment, the A3 review is now attached and also yesterday's TT review. Strange that Royal Ford didn't compare the A3 Sportwagon to a MINI, he's usually pretty good about including the MINI in the "shop against" list when appropriate.

Here's a favorable review of the A3 from the Boston Globe. However, there's also a disturbing article about a known timing belt issue -- this just happenned to a friend's A4 -- she's now shopping for a 3-Series.
I'm shocked that timing belt article is so recent. Its a well known issue and has been, as far as I know, discussed for quite awhile. :confused:

Yet another review, this one from the WSJ July 22 2005....here's the summary:

So here's our problem: We love the way this car looks and wouldn't hesitate to drive one off the lot. We're not in our 20s anymore, so the A3's grown-up (though not dowdy) appearance gives it an advantage over the Jetta in our book. And it's fun to drive, with a lot of useful, well-furnished interior space. But does that make the A3 worth the extra money? For the image-conscious, possibly, but for the more practical driver, we're not so sure.

yes, A3 cost a bit more then his identical brother Golf.... n other same size car...
but then when u get a Golf as well equip (optional extra) as the A3... the Golf is not much cheaper (in the uk anyway)...
beside... Audi hold a better value then a lot of other cars.... ( n i hope it stay that way :) )

yes, A3 cost a bit more then his identical brother Golf.... n other same size car...
but then when u get a Golf as well equip (optional extra) as the A3... the Golf is not much cheaper (in the uk anyway)...
beside... Audi hold a better value then a lot of other cars.... ( n i hope it stay that way :) )

Plus - the A3 has a longer warranty and probably road side assistance, etc. And, for the US market I think the Golf is made in Mexico, whereas the Audi is still German manufactured. Maybe that's important... I think the Acuras made in Japan are better quality than those made in North America as well as the MBs and BMWs made in Germany as opposed to the US. I don't know.... :confused:

My wife and I looked at the A3... and received the 30 free itunes :cool:. We're going to wait till the Quatro version is available before we test drive it. If we lease maybe we'll bite, otherwise we'll probably pass.

All that said though, my brother owns a 2004 A4 Quatro. Nothing but problems!! Every problem that has hit the A4s he's had happen to his. Right now his check engine light keeps coming on for no apparent reason. He's got till Oct 05 till the original warranty expires and although he has the extended warranty plan, he has no plans on keeping past the original manufactures warranty period.