hotmit

Hi,

I'm from Singapore and the only A3 available here is the 1.6Auto. I am not contemplating on buying a used one. I have been told that the 97-98 models had real problems such as the power steering leaks and the axles failing.

Can anyone out there confirm this?

Also, I noticed that there are new lights on the 2000 A3s along with a new grill. Does anyone know if these can be retrofitted to the 97-98 models?

Will there be any electrical difficulties?

Thanks in advance!

A3Sten

I have a 98 A3 1,6 and have never had any problems with it (except for a brake light). I have a friend who works at the local VW-Audi delaership and while he always talks about all the problems they get with the cars they sell, he has never mentioned anything about the A3 and Golf IV - except for some failing batteries.
I recently read an article in a swedish car mag regarding used A3's - it was a very boring article since they didn't have anything to say about the car except that there are no problems with it. I'd say a used A3 is one of the safest buys you could do!

DavidRD

As I understand it the new lights cannot be retrofitted as the the front wings of the A3 have slightly changed shape. This is not based on experience, I have not heard of anyone actually trying it!

Good luck!

Wando

Never heard of an axle failure yet, and I know a couple of the mechanics at my dealer and they have never mentioned anything yet, on the subject of the headlight swap I'm not convinced it can't be done, I wouldn't right it off until someones actually compares the two!
John
AmD A3 1.8T

hotmit

Thanks for all the reassurance.
The comments I have in Singapore must be due to the poor dealership support and consequent dissatisfaction amongst their customers. I will seriously considering the A3 1.6A. It has been said that the continental cars are no good in the tropics. Any one from OZ out there who can refute this?

Can any one out there can tell me what to check on the car before committing? eg. battery, chasis, radiator. I look forward to your replies.


Cheers!
Tim
81 VW MKI GTi
82 VW Scirocco GTi
91 VW Corrado 16V

Nuanda

Hey, I've been in Singapore a couple of times. Always seemed like a nice place to drive, no trafic. But I here tt's pretty hard to get a licence there!