2012/2013 Audi A4 vs. 2015 Audi A3?

[Atlantan]

Hello all,

I'm a future Audi owner and I'd love to hear your input on which car would suit me the best.

I am:
- Planning to purchase the car in mid summer of 2015. Preferably between June-July.
- 18 years old. Please do not comment on my naivety on financial responsibilities or my parents. I am paying all of this with my hard earned money. I work steady job so I will be able to pay for maintenance, insurance, gas, etc.
- I live in the suburbs of US where it snows once every 4-5 years so I'm completely content with FWD.
- Not a hardcore car fanatic. I will be using this car mostly for daily commuting to school/work.
- Mainly stressed on two key things: Style and reliability. I am not a hardcore car fanatic, so power of the car does not concern me as much. I'm just looking for a stylish entry luxury sedan that is comfortable to drive, reliable, and may subject to turn few heads here and there.
- Budget wise, 2012 Audi A4 is the most realistically in my range but I love the new facelift design 2013 Audi A4 and 2015 Audi A3 has, so if it meant spending couple of grands to get it I will.
- Planning to buy new set of rims depending on how much money I have left over.

My budget: $22k-$27k USD

Questions:
1) Which car is the most reliable out of those three (2012 Audi A4, 2013 Audi A4, or 2015 Audi A3)?
2) How much do you think Audi A3 will depreciate to by the time I'm ready to purchase the car in mid summer of 2015?
3) Which car would you get if you were in my situation?


Thanks!

[fender9530]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of those cars. I just picked up a '12 CPO myself for just above your max budget. My concern would be your budget on these cars. You'll be hard-pressed to find an A3 for $27k based on how new they are. Maybe consider a lease, and you won't need to worry about reliability and you can purchase a maintenance plan with the car.

My vote would be a '12 with lower mileage and CPO. Good luck!

[booost]

Personally I'd go with the '12 as I prefer the original B8 styling to the facelift. Most of the early B8 kinks were worked out by then. Good luck!

[SDF1]

Which year did Audi switch to electronic steering? that sound be an important factor as well.

[S4'ed]

If you are less image conscious, consider a VW CC. New out the door you can get a Sport model for about $29K.

[bermudakid]

Which year did Audi switch to electronic steering? that sound be an important factor as well.

The facelift B8.5 - 2013 +

[Atlantan]

The facelift B8.5 - 2013 +

Is that really an important factor? Does a normal driver like me need it?

[S4'ed]

The electric steering is a step backwards (less feedback) compared to the hydraulic steering of the pre-facelift cars.

[Atlantan]

Oh so it's actually a bad thing to have electric steering? Hmm that's a bummer but I honestly don't think that'd be a dealbreaker for my case.

[Schoff]

Oh so it's actually a bad thing to have electric steering? Hmm that's a bummer but I honestly don't think that'd be a dealbreaker for my case.

I wouldn't say it's a bad thing. Kind of a preference and, seeing as you're not a fanatic, I wouldn't worry too much about it. More cars are using electric steering and I imagine even more will continue to do so.

A non S-Line Audi will have plenty of power--I just purchased a CPO 2012 A4, 6-speed manual, and it's got plenty of oomph.

I would recommend looking for a vehicle with the Style Package (LED lights and chrome window trim) and Convenience Package as you noted style and convenience were a priority. $22-27k should put you under 40k miles--I would recommend looking for a vehicle with no more than 40k. Make sure it's CPO and check the CarFax.

As another member mentions--you can't go wrong with MY2011-2013.

Good luck with the search!

[VeeDubbinJetta]

The electric steering is a step backwards (less feedback) compared to the hydraulic steering of the pre-facelift cars.

I have to completely disagree with this statement, some people such as myself love the electric steering, I'm happy to get away from hydraulic steering as it's just more parts to break. Go test drive both and see what you like better, then make your decision.

[Shimmy]

My budget: $22k-$27k USD

Questions:
1) Which car is the most reliable out of those three (2012 Audi A4, 2013 Audi A4, or 2015 Audi A3)?
2) How much do you think Audi A3 will depreciate to by the time I'm ready to purchase the car in mid summer of 2015?
3) Which car would you get if you were in my situation?


Thanks!

1) all are reliable. I'd personally go for an A4 though. The A3's are just too small for me.
2) a 2015 won't depreciate any substantial amount by the time you are ready to buy.
3) I would personally not buy any of these... I brand new car while in college is a poor choice IMO. I know you don't want to hear that and you've made your mind up, but there are much better things to invest in during this time. If I could redo it, I would have saved more and bought a house/condo sooner. A car can wait. Also, I went to school in the city and parking was terrible! I can't tell you how many times people gave me door dings or even key'd my car.

[Atlantan]

1) all are reliable. I'd personally go for an A4 though. The A3's are just too small for me.
2) a 2015 won't depreciate any substantial amount by the time you are ready to buy.
3) I would personally not buy any of these... I brand new car while in college is a poor choice IMO. I know you don't want to hear that and you've made your mind up, but there are much better things to invest in during this time. If I could redo it, I would have saved more and bought a house/condo sooner. A car can wait. Also, I went to school in the city and parking was terrible! I can't tell you how many times people gave me door dings or even key'd my car.

No you bring up a very fair argument for #3. I know how much trouble owning an Audi in college will bring me, but after college I plan to live in the city so this is really my only chance of driving a luxury sedan. You've given me something to think about so thanks for that.

[skis4hire]

As another member mentions--you can't go wrong with MY2011-2013.

Actually, 2011 you have a potential oil consumption defect. 2012 onward it's fixed. You can go 2011 but definitely need CPO to cover the potential piston replacement.
It sounds like for your priorities facelift doesn't offer or detract anything serious so I would consider 2012 and 2013 equally.

Personal experience, try to put aside at least $2k/year as vacation/fun money in college as the first priority after housing, tuition/books, food.
$1500 for spring break you can fly anywhere and do anything for a week with friends. Some of my best memories.

[Project Quattro]

I agree with others who have speculated that A3s won't get into that price range by the time you're ready to buy. The A4 is much larger and (in my opinion) has better interior and exterior styling than he A3, although I do like the A3 as well. If you can get a 2012 or 2013 A4 I'd go for that, and get Quattro even if you don't need it for bad weather so you aren't stuck with the FWD/CVT combination.


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[r6_11b8]

i thought i liked the new a3 when pics started to surface but after seeing it in person it looks so small and cheapish(imo) reminds me of a really nice nissan sentra...if youre going to go for pre facelift id stick to a 2012 A4 but 2013+ you should be fine as almost all oil consumption issues have been worked out

and i know what youre going through..i had a nicer car than most college grads when i was 19 (brand new 350z) haters gone hate!!! your money either way!

[adamazing]

Oh so it's actually a bad thing to have electric steering? Hmm that's a bummer but I honestly don't think that'd be a dealbreaker for my case.

100% subjective. When I originally bought my '13, I disliked it. Now, I love it.

In time, just like manual transmissions and cabled throttle bodies, hydraulic steering is going away. I'd actually argue that electronic throttle is is far worse than electronic steering - but that's just my opinion.

[vdubtx]

If you are less image conscious, consider a VW CC. New out the door you can get a Sport model for about $29K.

And a year later it is worth $20k if you are lucky. CC's depreciate FAST! Nice cars and I loved the one that I leased, but depreciation is not good on them at all for a potential purchase.

[LINDW4LL]

Questions:
1) Which car is the most reliable out of those three (2012 Audi A4, 2013 Audi A4, or 2015 Audi A3)?
2) How much do you think Audi A3 will depreciate to by the time I'm ready to purchase the car in mid summer of 2015?
3) Which car would you get if you were in my situation?


Thanks!

It sounds like you're not necessarily an enthusiast, and the A3 does have more modern looks and technology. Reliability is solid for both the 2.0T A4 and the A3. I think the A3 may be a better fit for you.

Personally, I think the A4 is a better car, but the design can be viewed as dated since the B8 was first released in 2008, and the new A4 will be released later this year as a MY2016, so you will have the "old" body style.

[Atlantan]

Thank you everyone for all the replies! Please keep them coming they all have been extremely helpful.

[S4'ed]

The trunk is a joke on the A3, and the backseat is claustrophobic. I like the A3 overall, but I am not a fan of the big-round-Mercedes-vents, or the pop-up screen. As far as reliability, the A3 uses the new generation of the 2.0T, which will have its own teething problems, unlike a late production (2013 onward) Gen-2 2.0T, which has had its bugs mostly worked-out (inadequate oil control of piston rings, failing timing chain tensioner, failing water pump). Who knows what problems will show up on the new 2.0T......

[lukej2429]

It sounds like your goal is to enjoy driving, and being seen, in a premium car. You have some money to spend, and don't mind paying a premium for quality. I'd have to say that you're best is leasing a new A3.

Buying a new A3 is just too expensive for you; realistically in the long run. Buying a used A4 puts you at risk for maintenance and upkeep costs that are higher than average cars. As long as you can live with the millage restriction, an A3 lease gives you a beautiful new car, with the latest technology and features, that is virtually maintenance free. The lease payment should still be reasonable. A loaded 2015 A3 at $41,500, $4,150 down, and 12,000 mileage will give you a lease at under $500 a month, 15,000 mileage will be just over $500; well worth it.

Keep in mind your overall goal, to utilize a premium car. No one buys a used Audi for the investment, they cost a lot of money to fix and maintain; trust us, we know!

[G_FLL]

Remember this... INSURANCE. You're 18 and unfortunately have to fork over the most of any age group outside of 16 yr old new drivers. Even if you pay around $500 a month, full coverage insurance is going to send that upwards quite a bit.

In short, I'd definitely look into a used A4 mostly because of options. Finding a used low mileage a4 with some more desirable options would be more feasible than an A3. A standard premium seems to lack a bit of refinement in my opinion.

But still, think about if it's really worth it. You're wrong to think this will be the only time you'll be able to own a "luxury sedan" even if living in the city. I really wish I could've done a few things differently at your age when it came to my finances and investments. You're young bro, at 18 if you make the right moves now with your money instead of wanting to drive a fly car you'll be able to afford A LOT more in 6-10 years. Look further down the road!!

p.s. If you get one, you'll love it! LOL

[Atlantan]

It sounds like your goal is to enjoy driving, and being seen, in a premium car. You have some money to spend, and don't mind paying a premium for quality. I'd have to say that you're best is leasing a new A3.

Buying a new A3 is just too expensive for you; realistically in the long run. Buying a used A4 puts you at risk for maintenance and upkeep costs that are higher than average cars. As long as you can live with the millage restriction, an A3 lease gives you a beautiful new car, with the latest technology and features, that is virtually maintenance free. The lease payment should still be reasonable. A loaded 2015 A3 at $41,500, $4,150 down, and 12,000 mileage will give you a lease at under $500 a month, 15,000 mileage will be just over $500; well worth it.

Keep in mind your overall goal, to utilize a premium car. No one buys a used Audi for the investment, they cost a lot of money to fix and maintain; trust us, we know!

Hmm do you think lease is the best option for me? I mean I'm 18 so I don't have credit built up. Also I can pretty much guarantee 5 car dings in the first year of college parking.

Remember this... INSURANCE. You're 18 and unfortunately have to fork over the most of any age group outside of 16 yr old new drivers. Even if you pay around $500 a month, full coverage insurance is going to send that upwards quite a bit.

In short, I'd definitely look into a used A4 mostly because of options. Finding a used low mileage a4 with some more desirable options would be more feasible than an A3. A standard premium seems to lack a bit of refinement in my opinion.

But still, think about if it's really worth it. You're wrong to think this will be the only time you'll be able to own a "luxury sedan" even if living in the city. I really wish I could've done a few things differently at your age when it came to my finances and investments. You're young bro, at 18 if you make the right moves now with your money instead of wanting to drive a fly car you'll be able to afford A LOT more in 6-10 years. Look further down the road!!

p.s. If you get one, you'll love it! LOL

I hate the fact that everyone here is right. I will definitely be further down the road financially if I save up but as a relatively reserved student who never owned a luxury worthy of anything, I feel I sort of deserve to spoil myself a bit. After all I believe I've earned it.

Ugh I'm genuinely stomped on what I should do.

[lukej2429]

Used Honda Accord...It will run forever, cost almost nothing to maintain, and insurance will be lower. Buy the Audi some day when you have the money. Problem solved!

[bermudakid]

I got my B6 while I was in college, just remember college is suppose to be fun and you should make the most of it while you're there. I you have to keep working x amount of hours just make sure you can pay car insurance and or payments that it affects your school work for the car your going to have a bad time. It's great having some responsibility and your own car but as a college student knowing you have to go work is awful some days (you already have to do you school work). There are going to be times when you don't want to work and days when you shouldn't because you have school work that needs to be done. The real world sucks, enjoy the last care free experience of your life.

Consider the cost of a warranty ( if you are concerned about reliability ) and maybe a cheaper B7 A4 or the last gen A3 or even another nice car. What ever you do, don't spend all you have on the car.

p.s. You may not be car fanatic now but you're young and you're already here on audizine so you probably will be interested in some mods once you get any car. I lived in FL and like you I was content getting a FWD car with a manual transmission, then I signed up here and then I was sad I had a FWD car. If you're going to commit to getting a 20k+ car, GET THE AWD ONE.


- A kid who bought an audi in college.









just in case you missed it the first time, DO NOT BUY A FWD CVT Audi

[Atlantan]

just in case you missed it the first time, DO NOT BUY A FWD CVT Audi

Why? I don't think I can afford a AWD Audi; it's out of my price range

[Project Quattro]

Why? I don't think I can afford a AWD Audi; it's out of my price range

The FWD A4s always come with the CVT transmission, which is notoriously unreliable and not fun to drive.

Those who have suggested not being under a payment in college do have a point, you'll always spend more than you expect while you're there and the money you'd allocate towards a car payment is best used making memories. I graduated a few years ago and bought my Audi shortly after, and I've never regretted the boring cars (Civic, Durango) that I drove through college because they didn't drain my bank account. A $5k Honda Civic from the early 2000s (get a 5-speed coupe and they're still fun) will serve you well and never break down, and you'll have a few grand more each year to facilitate great times at school.


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[r6_11b8]

insurance will be more than most cars since its considered a luxury vehicle im paying 160 full coverage atm 23 with not so clean record...18 be prepared to be in the 200's so add that to your monthly payment..my suggestion is if you can afford the car and the insurance as well as putting at least 300 bucks a month into your savings then i think you should be ok...use your best judgement since you know what your situation is...maybe settle for something a little cheaper for the time being? open up some credit cards and start building your credit..i had a suuuuper hard time getting financed at 18 had to give a pretty damn big down payment since i refused to ask someone to co sign with me.

[BrianVan]

No you bring up a very fair argument for #3. I know how much trouble owning an Audi in college will bring me, but after college I plan to live in the city so this is really my only chance of driving a luxury sedan. You've given me something to think about so thanks for that.

Please take that #3 with a grain of salt. We ALL wanted to be "big man on campus" but please take the wise words of ones who have been there. Your car will be beat up, worn out and otherwise a bigger headache than you need when in school. You pack people in it that eat, drink and won't give two dams about it except for you. It is an AWESOME feat to save that money and are working. This will NOT be your only time to drive a nice car. Being 18yrs old, you have 30 working years to have a "nice car".....Take that money and SAVE IT SAVE IT SAVE IT for something worth while like a house, condo, moving to your dream city after college or a woman to marry. I don't think anyone will dispute this naysayer rant, but think twice about spending that cash so young....BUT get a B8.5 A4....most all the bugs are worked out...