Buying used 2015 A3 - looking for advice, help!

[overclocked]

Hi all

I am contemplating a used 2015 Audi A3 purchase, something I can use as a 2nd car replacing my current winter car which is a Honda minivan. This will be a daily during winter months in the midwest winter and also hand off to my daughter when she can drive. My non winter car is a APR stage 2 2018 S6 that I don't use for about 3-4 months. Being an Audi fan, I prefer to stay in the Audi family.

After some research on autotrader and cars.com, it appears my budget allows for an older A4, or a 2015 high mileage A3 (80K-120k range), quattro with the 2.0 engine, so prefer the A3. Might tune it eventually at some point with APR's stage 1 map.

Anything I should be mindful or aware of when looking for high mileage A3, like the infamous V8TT turbo failures on the S6/S7? How's the maintenance/repair on the older A3s? What can I typically expect to run into buying such a car?

Thanks very much!

[n8vs3]

Water pump leak

[LjCalvinLindsey]

Odd seeing this post right at this moment. I am actually in the market to buy my first RS3 and will be selling my tuned A3 with 79k miles. What is your budget you are adhering to regarding the purchase? My car is modded with unitronic (at home flash / de-tune option) but I'd be willing to include the maps and tune cables depending on what you're willing to pay. Send me a PM or just respond to this post. Vehicle drives flawlessly.

[overclocked]

Thanks. I'm looking to sell my current 2nd car to get this, so just not ready yet. Not going to tune as soon as I buy, but will be APR when I do so so won't be interested in the Unitronic. PM me your price/color and I'll keep it in mind when I'm ready.

[Hard-Knocks]

If you are considering a Quattro, take a look at the haldex posting on this forum. The 2015 Quattros appear to have this issue. Prior to purchase may want to check if the haldex pump was replaced or is the original pump.


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[Dubstro]

I'd look out for bad wheel bearings too. It'll usually make a very obvious whirring sound at higher speeds. Also, check the IHI IS20 turbo for a siren sound on acceleration/deceleration. If you hear an old school police siren, it's about to go. May not be practical but you can detach the downpipe and check for turbine wheel in/out movement. I just picked up a 2016 A3 Quattro with under 17K on it but needed both front wheel bearings replaced under warranty.

[eurojunkjon]

I had the water pump, haldex pump, and the haldex clutch replaced on my 2016 a3.

[overclocked]

Thanks all. With a 2015 you’re pretty much out of warranty. Worst case what would these cost to fix out of pocket..


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[Dubstro]

Thanks all. With a 2015 you’re pretty much out of warranty. Worst case what would these cost to fix out of pocket..


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Cost of wheel bearings, thermostat housing or water pumps aren't too bad. <$250. The pumps under $100 I believe. The labor on the other hand will be high if you don't DIY. Haven't done myself but did some research on other VW/Audis. Wheel bearing requires test driving and the install requires pulling the axle off the wheel hub and calipers/rotors off. Water pump requires pulling off the intake manifold and draining/filling coolant. Maybe you can find a good indy VW/Audi shop with reasonable rates vs dealer since no warranty.

[Coolrunning]

I have a 2015 S3 with 23K miles on it and I can literally say not one single problem or warranty issue with the car. Mine has been bulletproof.

[miro01]

I have a stage 2 A3 that has 124k miles. Only issue was the water pump which I replaced at around 95k I think.

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[overclocked]

Thanks everyone for the input and advice. Much appreciated..