GTi vs A3 - need some opinions

[lint]

2012 GTi, 5dr, DSG or 2012 A3, s-tronic, quattro ?

does it boil down to FWD vs AWD? is it a coin flip?

[amear]

A3 hands down.

[AE92_TreunoSC]

I've driven both, the price gap isnt nearly wide enough to go for a loaded GTI in my opinion.

If you want performance, get the GTI, if you want fun, functionality and all wheel drive, get the A3.

Both feel the same when loaded as far as the interior goes.

[Aleks]

Originally posted by lint
2012 GTi, 5dr, DSG or 2012 A3, s-tronic, quattro ?

does it boil down to FWD vs AWD? is it a coin flip?

Pretty much it's FWD vs AWD. GTI looks better inside and out, is a lot more fun to drive, faster, handles better but A3 has the AWD.

[cam_wmh]

The A3 has one of the most dated interiors. On par with a MK4 GTi.

Consensus is right here, the only reason to purchase an A3 over a GTi, is due to Quattro.

2010 A3
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/5_drivers_interior.jpg


2003 GTi (20th)
http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2009/06/28/12/35/2003-volkswagen-gti-20th-anniversary-edition-pic-4549.jpeg

[cam_wmh]

Originally posted by cam_wmh
The A3 has one of the most dated interiors. On par with a MK4 GTi.

Consensus is right here, the only reason to purchase an A3 over a GTi, is due to Quattro.

If you can wait, the next generation A3 should be out next year.

2010 A3
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/5_drivers_interior.jpg


2003 GTi (20th)
http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2009/06/28/12/35/2003-volkswagen-gti-20th-anniversary-edition-pic-4549.jpeg


Originally posted by AE92_TreunoSC

Both feel the same when loaded as far as the interior goes.

I want what you're on.

2012 GTi interior.
http://0.tqn.com/d/cars/1/0/j/0/2/ag_10gti_interior.jpg

[lint]

I was not impressed with the a3 interior. it has less trunk space, rear head room and rear leg room than the gti. but i do like the exterior look, and the wife likes it because it's an Audi.

I'm leaning towards the gti. I made the same decision when I picked the Mazda 3 over the subie impreza, awd couldn't make up for the cons

[npham]

One major deciding factor for us was the service we had with the VW dealerships in Calgary. They are all fucking useless(drove to Medicine Hat to get a service done because the wait times were so lengthy and costly). It was always long wait times to do the simplest of things. At least with Audi, I can book my oil change and request a loaner. No hassle no fuss. I mean who gives out loaners for an oil change? My car is always done when they say it's done and the parts guys are great as well.

Interior is close to a wash, GTI might have the slight edge. But I don't like the exterior on the VW for some reason, looks a little too long. Inside the cabin the A3 is a bit tight for back seat passengers who are not 5'6 or under. But we only have my dog in the back seat for 90% of passengers we have in that car. It works for us.

Let me know if you want to know anything else about the A3.

[lint]

hmmm service is a good point. I could care less about how the sale goes, but service is the marriage. it's why I won't ever buy another subie either.

disagree on the interior. and I think the a3 looks longer with its shorter height, so I was surprised by the capacity diff

[Cos]

.

[AE92_TreunoSC]

Nah I quickly googled 2012 A3 and got concept or next gen pictures. I had thought the A3 got a facelift in 2012.

[wardpr68]

I have a 2012 GTI, get an A3 so less people have the same car as me.

[FiveFreshFish]

Originally posted by AE92_TreunoSC
Nah I quickly googled 2012 A3 and got concept or next gen pictures. I had thought the A3 got a facelift in 2012.

The '13 A3 in European trim.

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/audi/2013-audi-a3-ar114027.html

http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201203/2013-audi-a3-21_1600x0w.jpg

http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201203/2013-audi-a3-54_1600x0w.jpg

[lint]

The 2013 A3 is out. We need 4 doors, the car still needs to haul a couple of kids around.

Do you have to service VWs at the dealership? Other options?

[btimbit]

Originally posted by lint
The 2013 A3 is out. We need 4 doors, the car still needs to haul a couple of kids around.

Do you have to service VWs at the dealership? Other options?

Nope. Either way you go, VW or Audi, this is the best place to take it. Cheaper, friendlier, better in every way.

http://www.tunedub.ca/
Local feedback
http://www.eurodrivers.ca/forums/showthread.php?21380-Feedback-on-Tunedub

[FiveFreshFish]

Originally posted by lint
The 2013 A3 is out. We need 4 doors, the car still needs to haul a couple of kids around.

Do you have to service VWs at the dealership? Other options?

It will likely be available only with 4 doors plus hatch. Same offering as 2012 so not to take away sales from the GTI.

[lint]

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/03/2013-audi-a3-to-only-come-in-sedan-form-for-u-s-market/

sedan only unless that's changed. no interest in a sedan at the moment

[ExtraSlow]

Originally posted by lint
Do you have to service VWs at the dealership? Other options? You NEVER have to service at a dealership. you can change the oil yourself, take it to a trusted mechanic, hit those quick-lube places, or take it to wal-mart.
Any one of those options is fine for your warranty, although obviously doing it yourself or using a trusted mechanic can be better for your peace of mind.

[killramos]

Originally posted by npham
One major deciding factor for us was the service we had with the VW dealerships in Calgary. They are all fucking useless(drove to Medicine Hat to get a service done because the wait times were so lengthy and costly). It was always long wait times to do the simplest of things. At least with Audi, I can book my oil change and request a loaner. No hassle no fuss. I mean who gives out loaners for an oil change? My car is always done when they say it's done and the parts guys are great as well.


I have the complete opposite experience with VW service. In the past i have heard people go on and on about T&T Honda's service but the experience that I have had at 5th Ave Auto Haus FAR surpasses that.

They are absolutely amazing whenever I go in there. I had my car in for a bunch of warranty work a couple weeks ago and they were absolutely amazing. THey have online appointment booking and quoting ( You never have to guess how much your service is going to cost as they have ALL the prices quoted or your vehicle online when you book) which was a major plus for me and shows their level of honesty. While my car was in my service advisor let me know that some of the warranty work required removing the front of the car and she offered to do my timing belt and water pump replacement which was coming up in a fe thaosand kilometres for just the cost of parts. This saved me early 1000 dollars on the maintenance, 300 vs 1300. Originally my car was only going to be in for a day on a thursday but as soon as they realized the work was going to take longer they called me up gave me a loaner car and had their courtesy van on the way to pick me up from home. Considering I'm only 20 and 95% of places would straight up refuse to insure me they didn't even ask the question. Even T&T will refuse to insure me on loaner cars when have had my parents Fit in for service.

Just on thursday i noticed i had a slight leak from my windshield washer reservoir, i called them p and they had the car in and fixed in 20 minutes free of charge, they didn't even write it up.

IMO completely top notch service from 5th Ave, i even saw someone servicing their A3 there when I was in.

PS: I do NOT work there lol

So don't let service hang you up on choosing a GTI, i love my Mk 5!:D

[btimbit]

The service and level of great VW mechanics in town is one of the main reasons I stick with VW.

[blitz]

My A3 was great. FWD only though, I hate that you can't get a manual transmission with Quattro.

Felt a little more grown up than a GTI as well.

If I ever get one again, I'd just base it on the test drives and price.

Interior isn't as bad as people are making it out to be. Mine was a 2008 and had the updated stereo/HVAC controls that the picture above doesn't show.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/6869225554_8d761407d8_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryankarr/6869225554/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryankarr/6869225554/) by ryankarr (http://www.flickr.com/people/ryankarr/), on Flickr

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6128/5928349973_1caf001b12_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryankarr/5928349973/)
New Shoes (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryankarr/5928349973/) by ryankarr (http://www.flickr.com/people/ryankarr/), on Flickr

[bart]

those interiors are still better than many cars you can buy new today

but i would wait for the new a3, it gets a bunch of stuff from the higher audi's, b&o and touchpad mmi, google earth, popout nav, etc

if you need to buy right now, and want 4motion buy the golf r

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBxPNDBYBf4

[nickyh]

I would not trade my 12 GTI for an A3. I feel I have more interior room for passengers and the odd haul that I need to do.
I drove the A3 when cross shopping the Golf R and it was a great drive and I felt the blind spot issues I have with my car were much better in the A3, but it drove more grown up and not as much fun as my GTI. I pulled the plug on the Golf R I had on order as well after I got the pricing, $40k + on a Golf seems a little much.
I also have an issue on how dated the 3 is, the interior / exterior compared to the other audi line up. But to each their own.....

I'm on a wait and see attitude for the 2014 A3 sedan.

As for the servicing issue, I did my MK4 Jetta servicing at SouthCentre and the staff were a really great bunch, I will be doing my first service on the GTI at 5th Ave in the next month or two so I cannot comment on them yet or on the Audi folks.

[cam_wmh]

Originally posted by Cos


I think his point was that the A3 = a 2003 GTI on an interior perspective.

You bet. Apologies on my quoting, I was in a hurry.



Originally posted by blitz
My A3 was great. FWD only though, I hate that you can't get a manual transmission with Quattro.
Felt a little more grown up than a GTI as well.
VW/Audi Interiors vs the rest of the entry level market, are light years ahead of the competition.
That said, VW Mk4 Interior = 2002 - 2012 8P Audi A3 interior.
2005+ VW GTi interior > 8P Audi A3.

Audi is NOT bringing the 2013 4 door, sportback A3 to North America. Just the sedan.

No S4 Avant. No A4 Avant manuals. No RS4. No RS3. No A3 Sportback. No A3, 3 door hatchback.
They are homogenizing their line. (Audi only sells 110,000 units in North America)


I suggest the new 5 door Mercedes B-Class.
http://js.nitrobahn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/2013-Mercedes-A-Class-600x325.jpg

[Aleks]

Originally posted by nickyh
I would not trade my 12 GTI for an A3. I feel I have more interior room for passengers and the odd haul that I need to do.
I drove the A3 when cross shopping the Golf R and it was a great drive and I felt the blind spot issues I have with my car were much better in the A3, but it drove more grown up and not as much fun as my GTI. I pulled the plug on the Golf R I had on order as well after I got the pricing, $40k + on a Golf seems a little much.
I also have an issue on how dated the 3 is, the interior / exterior compared to the other audi line up. But to each their own.....

I'm on a wait and see attitude for the 2014 A3 sedan.

As for the servicing issue, I did my MK4 Jetta servicing at SouthCentre and the staff were a really great bunch, I will be doing my first service on the GTI at 5th Ave in the next month or two so I cannot comment on them yet or on the Audi folks.

I think GTI is way operpriced in Canada compared to US. But since it's a low volume car I don't think they care.

IMO, though, the R is worth the extra 4-5 grand over the GTI if you intend of buying a loaded GTI.

[lint]

Golf R is out, wife can't/won't drive a manual and this is primarily her car.

[cam_wmh]

I suppose, the question you and your wife have to answer is :Whats more important, interior/finishing or Quattro?"

[nickyh]

Originally posted by Aleks


IMO, though, the R is worth the extra 4-5 grand over the GTI if you intend of buying a loaded GTI.

I might agree with you there, but I never got the leather and wicked deal at the time on my 2012.
Basically got the 2012 for 2011 pricing less a decent discount.


For Lint, I would say you need to look at how much city driving you actually do. For me, the quattro was not worth the price jump as I hop on the bus to get to work but if it were my daily driver to and from work, I think the price jump *might* be worth it.
I also have the luxury of taking the SUV if the weather is really crappy, so if can you afford to park the car for a day or two

[Transp0rt3r]

As far as service goes, I service my VWs at Fifth Ave AutoHaus - best of all three dealerships we have in Calgary. I own 2011 TDI wagon and 2010 Golf 2.5 hatch and will be servicing both at the dealer until the warranty ends. Never had problems with wait or quality of service!

[RY213]

When does that 2013 A3 sedan come out here?

[cam_wmh]

I'd hazard this November.

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by cam_wmh
I'd hazard this November.

Probably next spring as 2014 model.

I really doubt Audi can handle the European demand of new A3 to have enough capacity for the Sedan just for North Americans.

[lint]

Ended up going with the GTi. Decided to lease this time, as I've read the DSG can have problems long term. What extra coverage would you get when leasing a VW? Windshield would be my biggest concern, but their coverage didn't really include that and I can get that through my insurance. Would you bother with 3m?

[Kg810]

Originally posted by lint
Ended up going with the GTi. Decided to lease this time, as I've read the DSG can have problems long term. What extra coverage would you get when leasing a VW? Windshield would be my biggest concern, but their coverage didn't really include that and I can get that through my insurance. Would you bother with 3m?

Grats on the GTI :thumbsup:

DSG has 10 year / 160,000 km warranty so I wouldn't worry too much about that. And you can always get a DSG flash to make it shift a lot better and have a higher LC.

As for the 3M, that is all personal preference and whether or not you'll get charged for rock chips at the end of the lease. If it is a long lease, I would probably get it just cause I hate seeing rock chips.

[nickyh]

Congrats on the GTI, and yeah, the DSG issues will be covered under warranty.

I 3M'd mine, but I plan to keep it for a while and I am glad I did. I got the hood, lower lip, and side view mirrors done.
I even used LaminEx on my headlights and fogs as an extra precaution.

I got the windshield coverage though Kings Glass (offered through 5th Ave AutoHaus) and it's already paid for itself. Last summer at the start of a week long vacation in Vancouver, as I was merging onto Hwy 1 a huge rock smacked my windshield that would have ended in having to replace it - right in drivers line of vision, but the application they use sealed the hole before it became a crack.
Plus they have to fill my chips etc for free.

I've never not had to replace a windshield on a car so for me, its worth the added expense up front.

I guess just go through the lease agreement and see what's acceptable wear and tear, or see if they offer a wear and tear protection package, and then to heck with it - it's their issue when you return it.

[max_boost]

Very nice. What color?

[lint]

Originally posted by nickyh
Congrats on the GTI, and yeah, the DSG issues will be covered under warranty.

I 3M'd mine, but I plan to keep it for a while and I am glad I did. I got the hood, lower lip, and side view mirrors done.
I even used LaminEx on my headlights and fogs as an extra precaution.

I got the windshield coverage though Kings Glass (offered through 5th Ave AutoHaus) and it's already paid for itself. Last summer at the start of a week long vacation in Vancouver, as I was merging onto Hwy 1 a huge rock smacked my windshield that would have ended in having to replace it - right in drivers line of vision, but the application they use sealed the hole before it became a crack.
Plus they have to fill my chips etc for free.

I've never not had to replace a windshield on a car so for me, its worth the added expense up front.

I guess just go through the lease agreement and see what's acceptable wear and tear, or see if they offer a wear and tear protection package, and then to heck with it - it's their issue when you return it.

Is that the Diamond Fusion coverage for $799?

[nickyh]

It is.

Yikes, price went up! I paid $599 just a year ago (might have to double check that on my paperwork but not $799)

[lint]

Originally posted by max_boost
Very nice. What color?

Carbon Steel Grey Metallic

[lint]

Originally posted by nickyh
It is.

Yikes, price went up! I paid $599 just a year ago (might have to double check that on my paperwork but not $799)

Do you know off hand how much a replacement windshield is?

[max_boost]

I've had to take mine in a few times to get chips repaired. It's inevitable with all the highway driving. Mine is sitting at 68,000kms and the wear and tear is noticeable. Oh well, another 12k and back to the dealer. Fun little car.

[Kg810]

There is no way a windshield with aquapel/rainx is worth $599-$799.

That money can be put to way better use, especially if you have insurance coverage already.

-Edit- just did a quick google search and found a review
http://www.dalehenninger.com/archives/3

[lint]

extra $20/year + the $250 deductible for a new windshield vs $799...

Edit: thanks for the link. good to know. I think the only real concern I have is the condition of the wheels at the end of lease. I'm assuming some curb rash is ok?

[Kg810]

Originally posted by lint
extra $20/year + the $250 deductible for a new windshield vs $799...

Edit: thanks for the link. good to know. I think the only real concern I have is the condition of the wheels at the end of lease. I'm assuming some curb rash is ok?

Minor curb rash/scuffs is usually okay.

They don't expect you to keep your car in 100% shape upon returning the vehicle. Dealerships already anticipate door dings, curb rash, minor dents, rock chips, etc. As long as your windshield isn't cracked and your interior is kept clean you won't have any issue returning the vehicle.

[benyl]

BMW charges for wheel rash... I would check to make sure.

[SOAB]

So did you end up with a GTi?

edit: oops! just read first page. congrats on the new car!

did you pick it up on Saturday or taking delivery soon?

[lint]

Originally posted by SOAB
So did you end up with a GTi?

yep, hoping it's ready tomorrow

[lint]

Originally posted by max_boost
I've had to take mine in a few times to get chips repaired. It's inevitable with all the highway driving. Mine is sitting at 68,000kms and the wear and tear is noticeable. Oh well, another 12k and back to the dealer. Fun little car.

Sell me your winters when you give the car back to the dealership?

[max_boost]

^^^

Well I don't plan to drive the GTi this winter and I haven't switched over to summers yet but you can have them for free if you bring your tools over and swap it for me.

[CLiVE]

Originally posted by btimbit


Nope. Either way you go, VW or Audi, this is the best place to take it. Cheaper, friendlier, better in every way.

http://www.tunedub.ca/
Local feedback
http://www.eurodrivers.ca/forums/showthread.php?21380-Feedback-on-Tunedub

Second this. My '06 TDI Golf has never been to the dealer.
I've had great service from Tunedub (Timing belt & oil changes).

Any performance mods I've done to the car (chip/tuning, skid plate, suspension, etc.) have been done by Concept1. Also great service.

[lint]

Originally posted by max_boost
^^^

Well I don't plan to drive the GTi this winter and I haven't switched over to summers yet but you can have them for free if you bring your tools over and swap it for me.

deal! you have space in your garage? I should have time on sunday

[max_boost]

Yep just let me know.

BTW I've had the car serviced at SCFC since day 1 and the crew there has been really good to me. Always on time, thorough, no bs, would recommend.

[lint]

Originally posted by max_boost
Yep just let me know.

BTW I've had the car serviced at SCFC since day 1 and the crew there has been really good to me. Always on time, thorough, no bs, would recommend.

Better to practice on your car before mine ;)

Sunday morning?

[max_boost]

^^^

Has to be done before 10:30am cause I have to leave for yoga.

[btimbit]

Noticed you've already joined Eurodrivers. Congrats on the purchase!