Not really. They sold the hatchback for a few years, but that was on the older PQ35 platform. The MQB A3 came out in 2013? and is primarily a sedan for the US. We do get the hatch, but only in e-tron guise.
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Not really. They sold the hatchback for a few years, but that was on the older PQ35 platform. The MQB A3 came out in 2013? and is primarily a sedan for the US. We do get the hatch, but only in e-tron guise.
I think I'd spend my dineros on a GTI/Golf R (over a base A3)
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What other options did you get? Interior color?
Agreed. In a package that small, you might as well get all the bells and whistles you can afford with a VW. I've read a number of reviews going from more upscale models to a GTI/Golf R and most of them are really positive.
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Black interior. Convenience package. 18" wheels.
Yes, that very old platform. That didn't sell well, from what I recall, but drove well according to video reports. At the same time, a lot of reviewers compared it to the Volvo C30. Which was the better looking car, IMO, until Audi did a refresher before ending production here. I've only seen the C30 a few times on the road. Orange, blue and a few white and silvers. It sticks out because of its rear end.
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I quite like the Golf R. If I were much younger or suffering from a life crisis, it would be the perfect weekend car. The MY18 one with the latest refresh updates seems fantastic. Europe is getting it first, and there is an option or standard feature of the current VAG digi-dash.
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Which isn't surprising. Golf Rs or GTIs are rare in the wild, here at least, but they are fantastic cars with a lengthy auto history. The wheels they come with leave much to be desired. I personally think most of VAG's wheels are hideous. I think of the same by Merc. There's a lot of horrible stuff. For the masses, I think BMW makes some of the nicest wheels that fit their cars. But they do come up with the occasional hideous design.
What's wrong with the A3? Some people like small cars, it doesn't mean they are poor or making a dumb choice. My wife wanted a C-class, until we test drove an A3 and she realized the size is absolutely perfect for her. Also comparing an S3 o a 340 isn't a good comparison, as they are in different classes.
Also I would never buy anything but aluminum trim, wood - even black or gray wood - is nasty, let alone brown wood, no thank you.
I definitely could.
x eleventy billion
Did I say anything about A3 owners being poor or making misguided financial judgements? You made a wild jump there. Aside from that, no poor person would spend 30K+ on a car. They've buy a used car that's old. I said it isn't a wise purchase when you take into account a loaded A3 vs. the competition. I reckon the M240i with packages offers better money for value over the S3, as an example, and I think the 228i/230i are better deals in the long run compared to the Audi. With the Audi, you need to get the Quattro, and get a few packages unless you do a straight order with minimal everything. In the long run, the sedan would provide better economy over the coupe in terms of transportation and comfort, but it isn't a sound choice. A well loaded A3 nears 50K and doesn't make sense on paper. The S3 when loaded up doesn't make much sense. Truthfully, it's a good looker compared to the A3 but to the competition it isn't that hot. Audi traditionally offer quite a lot as the other two German players but at a lower price point. The A3/S3 looks great on the outside, don't get me wrong, and they and many other Audis are a rareity in the sea of big body Mercs and BMWs here, but Audi isn't without their own set of problems when it comes to getting value for your money. Your money is your money, and I'm not sure why you feel that my viewpoint/opinion is the be all end all of cars. Your wife or you may enjoy small sporty cars, I do too, but I mainly purchase midsize and full size cars. Or in a future case, a 600 hp wagon.
And like AU said, a GTI or Golf are better choices over a base A3. I'd go further in saying that if you weren't keen on the S3, the Golf R is a fantastic substitute. Your dislike for quilted leather is interesting. In which case you must dislike all the other S line of cars. I'm not a fan of Audis. But if there's one thing to be said about them, is they really know how to come up with new engineering techniques and their pushing of tech and updates from their most expensive cars in the VAG group to the lowest denominator. And at sensible prices.
But like I said, it's your money. You choose how to spend it. It's simply not how I'd spend mine. On the wood vs other materials front, we've discussed this before. I'm older and old school. Carbon fiber, alcantara, aluminum or whatever reeks of cheapness to me. Aluminum is akin to the awful, downright ****** look car makers had in the 80s and most of the 90s with plastic trim painted with matte silver. The carbon fiber reeks of boy racer unless it's a car that deserves it. It also looks a bit tacky. Alcantara isn't fancy to me. It picks up dirt, oil and smell. It looks, feels and wears like the stuff I remember being in car interiors when I was younger. Long before it got phased out for cloth interiors that didn't look like they belonged in the Playboy Mansion.
People have differing opinions on cars and their interiors. Let's not make this into another Neiman Marcus debacle.
And like AU said, a GTI or Golf are better choices over a base A3. I'd go further in saying that if you weren't keen on the S3, the Golf R is a fantastic substitute. Your dislike for quilted leather is interesting. In which case you must dislike all the other S line of cars. I'm not a fan of Audis. But if there's one thing to be said about them, is they really know how to come up with new engineering techniques and their pushing of tech and updates from their most expensive cars in the VAG group to the lowest denominator. And at sensible prices.
But like I said, it's your money. You choose how to spend it. It's simply not how I'd spend mine. On the wood vs other materials front, we've discussed this before. I'm older and old school. Carbon fiber, alcantara, aluminum or whatever reeks of cheapness to me. Aluminum is akin to the awful, downright ****** look car makers had in the 80s and most of the 90s with plastic trim painted with matte silver. The carbon fiber reeks of boy racer unless it's a car that deserves it. It also looks a bit tacky. Alcantara isn't fancy to me. It picks up dirt, oil and smell. It looks, feels and wears like the stuff I remember being in car interiors when I was younger. Long before it got phased out for cloth interiors that didn't look like they belonged in the Playboy Mansion.
People have differing opinions on cars and their interiors. Let's not make this into another Neiman Marcus debacle.
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I feel like we must be having two completely different conversations. Where did any comment about quilted leather come from? I never said anything about it whatsoever, I said wood is ugly, no more no less.
You did say the A3 not a sensible purchase ("even with" the upper trim packages, insinuating that those would make it less of a bad purchase and that the base models are the most un-sensible). This isn't far from saying it's a misguided financial judgment. A $50k A3 also doesn't exist. A presitge 2.0Q with metallic paint and all the options only comes out to $45,775, and you can probably get $2k-$3k off that all day. You can get a pretty loaded premium plus for just over $40k which will have pretty much everything but useless nav. Also the vast majority of them out there are premiums/premium plus models.
Also comparing 2 door coupes to 4 door sedans? What's the point? The point is BMW doesn't offer anything that competes with the A3, I guess, so there's no point in trying to compare a 2 series to an A3 because they aren't competitors. BMW has always been the worst when it comes to value for your money, bar-freaking-none. Halogen headlights (reflectors at that) and a $475 split folding rears seat option on the 320i? They must be joking.
I agree with you on alcantara, those steering wheels get straight nasty after someone's been sweating on it for months. and who wants to clean up jean dye or a spill on the alcantara? No thanks. But aluminum and carbon fiber are nice, clean, sporty, and modern. You can have your old man river wood, I'll take my tacky aluminum, thank you very much.
Now see here kind Sir, I find the wooden interior accoutrements of my vehicular conveyance, finely complimented by a quilted lounging surface.
I prefer my wooden trim on the outsideNow see here kind Sir, I find the wooden interior accoutrements of my vehicular conveyance, finely complimented by a quilted lounging surface.
I prefer my wooden trim on the outside
Agreed. I always order the wood package on my Wagon Queen Family Trucksters.
Funny thing-my resto guy and I have been(in a good natured way) butting heads over putting a walnut burl dash in my MGA. He really wanted me to go for it, while I was pretty stubborn on a body colored steel dash(original). The burl dash is actually the less expensive option.
I did win that argument
. Granted it's my money so I'll always win at the end of the day, but after I showed him some photos of the original set-up, he made a complete 180 and realized why I was so adamant about the original-it really looks sharp when done right.
Bear in mind also that we're talking about a car with wood body panels.
I know it's not exactly comparable. I like a nice wood interior in the right car, but I've also seen it overdone-particularly the cheap veneer kits that cover every surface.
I did win that argument
. Granted it's my money so I'll always win at the end of the day, but after I showed him some photos of the original set-up, he made a complete 180 and realized why I was so adamant about the original-it really looks sharp when done right. Bear in mind also that we're talking about a car with wood body panels.
I know it's not exactly comparable. I like a nice wood interior in the right car, but I've also seen it overdone-particularly the cheap veneer kits that cover every surface.
Speaking of woodgrain, my father had one of these when I was just a small lad. I know there is a picture or two at my parents house I could dig out. What a classic truck. I still remember the skin my legs adhering to the hot leather in the summer. And the distinct interior smell. To this day my father considers it his favorite car of all the ones he has owned.
No ****, so did my dad, but the painted parts were a dark orange.
Yes, maybe I'm old fashioned that I like this over other materials.
You insinuated you hated quilted leather.
Because it isn't. It's fine as a cheap intro car to the premium brand market. But it isn't once you tack on everything. The car makes extensive use of hard plastics. Audi use minimal amounts of leather and leather like textiles.
Where did I state a 50K A3? I said nearing 50K. A3 Prestige with PTS, leather interior standard, 19" wheels, Sports Package, Sport Suspension and rear air bags comes out $49,100.
Err, no. A loaded Premium Plus with PTS comes out to $48,400. Without PTS, it's $44,500. That isn't just over $40,000 -- it's much more than that.
It's fine if you don't agree with me, but don't nit pick and then whine about them. Not once did I accuse you of making a poor choice directly or say anything about how much you make. I said I wouldn't buy one simply because there's better stuff for the money and I value the value I get per dollar spent. But what you're doing is having a fit over nothing.
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You insinuated you hated quilted leather.
Because it isn't. It's fine as a cheap intro car to the premium brand market. But it isn't once you tack on everything. The car makes extensive use of hard plastics. Audi use minimal amounts of leather and leather like textiles.
Where did I state a 50K A3? I said nearing 50K. A3 Prestige with PTS, leather interior standard, 19" wheels, Sports Package, Sport Suspension and rear air bags comes out $49,100.
Err, no. A loaded Premium Plus with PTS comes out to $48,400. Without PTS, it's $44,500. That isn't just over $40,000 -- it's much more than that.
It's fine if you don't agree with me, but don't nit pick and then whine about them. Not once did I accuse you of making a poor choice directly or say anything about how much you make. I said I wouldn't buy one simply because there's better stuff for the money and I value the value I get per dollar spent. But what you're doing is having a fit over nothing.
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What is it?
No, I did not. I absolutely did not say nor insinuate anything of the sort, please give me the direct quote that leads you to think I hate quilted leather. Please, directly quote where you are getting this from.
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You're just making stuff up at this point.
And also contradicting yourself, first you said the A3 was a bad value "even with" higher trim packages, insinuating that it's not too bad a vehicle at lower trim levels, or at least less of a bad value with less options. Later in that same post you said Audi has sensible prices. Now you are again saying the A3 is a bad value with options on it?! Make up your mind.
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Oh, so $49,100 doesn't round up to $50k? Don't be so daft.
Zenithal said:
You must not be in the United States. I don't know what PTS is, but it's not an option on the US Audi site, where the absolute max price is $45,775, and nobody pays MSRP.
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No. Nitpick and whine about what? You are the one nitpicking and whining, with a bizarre stream of consciousness that can't seem to keep a basic theme together. You are literally all over the place, can't decide if Audis are a good value, a complete waste of money, sensibly priced, and coming out of left field on quilted leather and comparing 2 door cars to 4 doors, and then throwing M and S cars into the mix. What's it gonna be, mate? Figure out a theme, stick with it, and stop contradicting yourself post to post, or even within a single post.
I look forward to your direct quote of me insinuating quilted leather sucks.
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My dad's was Green with the wood grain. I don't think I've ever seen an orange one before. It's too bad they don't have shag carpets anymore.
JGW's were pricey in their day, but it's crazy to see how much restored or even very clean ones go for these days...
Reminiscing of my dad having one creates this image of an idyllic all-American childhood hahaha. Getting driven to T-ball games, driving to a farm and putting pumpkins in the trunk, tailgating for a sporting even, driving through a blizzard in Vermont coming home from a ski trip, piling me, my siblings, and cousins in the backseat and trunk to go to a fair.
I'm happy FCA has decided to hold off on their Grand Wagoneer model... I'm sure it will be a disaster bastardization of the original JGW which is a true classic. By the teaser shots it appeared to have zero similarities to the original. I'm not expecting much more than a LWB Grand Cherokee. I have to give credit for JLR for carrying along the Range Rover aesthetic along with the name (exception debatably the RR Evo), as awful as their latest models are.
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Jeep Grand Wagoneer?
What are "leather like textiles"?
Textile: Noun - a type of cloth or woven fabric.
Click the little arrow.
No, I'm not. Base A3 is a fine car. But loading it up to the gills and getting a near $50,000 car isn't great value. While it comes with amenities, it's very lackluster of a car. At that price range, there are other cars that offer more than just leather and hard plastics.
Oh, so $49,100 doesn't round up to $50k? Don't be so daft.
49.1 is NEAR, not EXACT.
Actually, I am. PTS is Paint To Sample and it's a $3,900 option. Loaded to the gills generally means no hold barred in optioning a car out. Why not splurge for a custom paint color that's preapproved?
Cheap base A3? Fine choice.
Loaded to the gills A3? Stupid choice.
You don't like quilted leather? Fine, but the other S line cars from Audi have it nowadays.
2 Door vs 4 Door? You can have this. Not a sensible comparison, but they're both small cars and competitors in that size. You could have gotten a CLA250. M240is are not full M cars. M stylized cars are not comparable to S cars from Audi. S cars from Audi generally come with quilted leather. The point I was making was that if you ever wanted to spend more and get a faster and better Audi, you'd end up with quilted leather as standard unless you chose to spend more and get something else. The outgoing B8 S4 didn't, the future B9 S4 does.
M240i and M140i use the B58 engine in standard BMW cars. The M here doesn't denote a true M car. Point is, unless you really enjoy the squashed rear seating area of an A3, then the M240i is just the better choice. The spec sheets here.
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Cont...0ixDriveCoupe/Features_and_Specs/default.aspx
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/the-car-thread.1766143/page-229#post-24272809
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I asked for a direct quote, not pointing me back to entire posts, which shows nothing, other than that I again never insinuated that I hated quilted leather. Admit it, you just don't have anything at all here. Never said a single about quilted leather, nor insinuated anything. Not once. If you think I did, put up and show it to everyone in a direct quote and bold the relevant part, please. But you won't/can't, because it doesn't exist, but you'll hide behind the excuse of "I don't have to dignify you with an answer blah blah," which is the typical sheepish forum response when one is incorrect.
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So in this post we are back to cheap Audi's being fine. Got it.
Zenithal said:
Give me a ****ing break.
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Oh dear lord. Because people don't usually blow 4 grand on a color?
Zenithal said:
I *****LOVE***** quilted leather.
I think I remember why I barely post in this thread anymore. SMH. $49.1k (which if the individual paint option is $3900, then the most expensive A3 you can buy stateside is actually $49,675) can't be called $50k, and we include $4k (oops, $3900!) paint options when talking about how sensible base model vehicle purchases are or are not. Comical, this thread.
You said you disliked wood and then in the same post said you'd say no to quilted leather. Don't be a child about this.
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Yeah, if you don't blow a ton of money on an entry Audi that's hard plastics galore. The A4 is a better choice for the money. But alas, you guys wanted a small car.
Give me a ****ing break.
No problem, kiddo.
You would be surprised how many people do. I suppose if you have the money to do so, then it's not a problem.
Ok, my bad, I thought what I quoted was talking about wood, not leather. My apologies, on that one at least. I like quilted leather quite a bit.
You have a hard time reading so I'll give it to you straight.
1. Cheap optioned out A3 = Good choice to get into the brand.
2. 45K-49K optioned out A3 = Stupid moronic choice.
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Alright. Then why wouldn't you want quilted leather when I mentioned it? It's the bees knees. I've got no idea if you've ever sat in an old car or a new car with it, but it's really like having a few hundred tiny pillow under your backside and rubbing against your back. It's incredibly comfortable.