Bezor

The 2.0T def. has a dual-personality. Can't comment on the 3.2 as I don't own one.

It can be relatively frugal station wagon on holiday puttering to the next location on a long-weekend. A normal, family loaded car.

However, I've also torn through some canyons here in Northern California like no frugal wagon should behave. So far my best times have been loading the dogs in their crates, and heading up highway 49 to Georgetown while beating the car mercilessly. Though the crates where strapped down, the dogs where having a heck of a time, I know. But they survive the 30 min intense thrashing during the best part that road has to offer....and I don't pass it up.

35mpg, lighting quick shifts that keep the power coming, reduced insurance because of the station wagon classification are the A3's highest points of ownership. Compared to my '01 E45 BMW, the Audi while newer and more powerful is less expensive to insure comparitive to the Bimmer. The A3 certainly defines "Q" ship.

Simply a joy to use and revel in the rock solid feel, until some damn niggling thing makes you second guess your revelry.

FWD can be a limiting factor, and you do have to have some reasonable throttle management to get the most from it, but 80% of the time, based on my local driving conditions, I can't figure the benefit of having awd, other than the apparent boost in reverence to other Audi drivers, and unless some after market work was done to those quattro systems they are default fwd anyway.

Throw in a more reasonable understanding of some "beta" cars from AoA, and I'm sure demand for these "everyday unique" cars will be more popular for AoA which can only mean more money to them in these tight times.

JimR

<center><img src="http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/images/dis/6395/600/6395.jpg"></center><p>I don't blame ECS for charging so much, it's still probably a good deal compared to getting something like this through Audi. Nevertheless, I think that's enough that I'll have to build my own.

JeffreyL

I've had a series of Audis also, including a B6 S4, which I still have. I don't like driving the S4 to work, so I just picked up a 2009 A3 2.0TFSI DSG. I've never had an Audi without a manual transmission, so this is new for me. Having driven the car for three weeks, I think it is phenomenal. The interior is outstanding for a $30k car--I doubt there is anything that compares. The motor is terrific--plenty of power and it gets almost double the gas mileage of my S4 (I normally get 15 mpg). I have tended to drive in the manual mode, which is fun, but it's nice to be able to shift into auto in city traffic (which I'm not used to). I'm glad I got the DSG. The handling is very good overall. The suspension is on the soft side, but it is fine for me. I would put on some stiffer springs/dampers if I wanted to do more aggressive driving. It is very quiet on smooth roads, but a bit noisy on rougher roads, which I attribute more to the all season tires. If it is the right size for you, I'd say yes, get the A3.

April

A tad ouchy, but if several A3/TT folks combine their resources in one region.....

JimR

I think I can make one with $20-$25 worth of parts and 30 minutes of fabrication time.

April

Well, you're handy like that;-)

Inquisitor

3rd. GF bought the 3.2 S-line, and I lubs that car. Great all-around package.

JimR

I also pay attention and collect links like this.<ul><li><a href="http://deviantspeed.com/diy-dsg-fill-tool-vw-vas6262">DIY DSG Fill Tool - VW VAS6262</a></li></ul>

April

Sweet!

SilverLining

Do your upgrades to the 2.0T keep the car quiet and smooth? What type of intake do you have on it?

I heard S4 intake is not improved by aftermarket products so was curious about the A3 since I am the new owner of one.

Though mine is an S-Line it's the 2.0T and is yearning for an upgrade. I'd prefer to keep it quiet while improving only airflow and ECU proramming (i.e. simple and affordable).