Does my Audi A3 have a timing belt or chain?
Does my Audi A3 1.4 TFSI 110kW petrol Cabriolet have a timing belt or a timing chain? When should it be replaced?
Many thanks
Shaun Dillon (Chesterfield)Feb 2020 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Shaun,
That engine has a timing belt. It should be changed every 210,000km regardless of time.
What's up with my Audi brakes?
Hi.
In May 2018 I bought an Audi A3 Sportback 1.0 turbo (pre-reg Jan 2018). Around Oct/Nov I noticed a metallic grinding noise when reversing slowly out of my driveway and also reversing from a car parking spot. Initially told "probably lack of use" as my mileage was and is low (now 11,600km). Early in 2019 went back three or four times and they could not find anything wrong. They suggested the brake material. I had no more problems until now when the problem is back. The dealer is an Audi dealer and I believe they did their best to sort me out. I am wondering if the problem is brake material together with my little use (and short trips) of the car. There is no problem driving forward. Can you suggest what might be wrong?
Frank Dodd (Dublin)Oct 2019 Filed under: brakes
Expert answer
Hi F D,
Sounds to me like the Audi garage had it right. The rear callipers could be binding slightly, or perhaps even the parking brake mechanism is sticking. Very limited use in any car can do that. If you know you're not going to be using it for a long time, consider parking it up without using the parking brake (if safe and feasible). Leave the car in gear and place something in front of the tyres for extra safety.
Could I afford to insure a 1.9 diesel?
Hi,
I am looking to buy myself a new car soon enough. I am simply waiting to have a full year on my insurance. I got insured on a 1.6-litre petrol Audi A3 Sportback, as my first car, with Axa insurance. The quote was around €3,700. I am looking for a diesel this time and I am wondering what kind of quotes I could be expecting if I try to get insured on a 1.9 diesel this time? There aren't many 1.6 diesel cars around that I would like to get.
Thanks!
Kris M (Dublin)Jul 2019 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Kris,
The problem is that Irish insurers are a bit blunt-force when it comes to deciding their rates, and generally speaking (and completely erroneously) they simply tend to go by engine size. So even though there are plenty of older 1.9-2.0-litre diesel engines with similar power outputs to a more modern 1.6, they’ll probably quote you more just because it’s a bigger engine. Stupid, but then that pretty much sums up the insurance industry in Ireland. All I can suggest is either biting the bullet and getting a 1.6 that maybe you’re not as keen on, or finding a really good local broker who can help you track down quotes that us mere mortals can’t find.
Audi A3 Saloon or Mercedes CLA?
Hi,
I am looking for a little advice on changing my car. I have a 2010 Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI and am trying to make my mind up between the Audi A3 Saloon and the Mercedes CLA. Petrol I'm thinking? And most likely new or one year old. Any advice would be really appreciated.
Thanks
Claire
Claire Murphy (Dublin)Jul 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Claire,
Both are really good cars, and I think it would be the Audi that we’d — just — come down on the side of. It’s not as cool to look at as the CLA, obviously, but the ride quality is better and that makes a big difference on Irish roads. It’s also a fraction more practical than the Mercedes and, if you can find one with the excellent 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine, then you’re onto a winner. Basically, it’s the Audi if you want practicality, or the Mercedes if you’re more interested in style.
Can I turn my stop-start system off?
I have a 2011 Audi A3 and the stop-start system throws up an amber light warning that it is not working. How do I switch the stop-start system off until I can get it fixed?
Dave Cusworth (Barnsley)Mar 2019 Filed under:
Expert answer
Hi Dave,
There is no recommended way to deactivate the stop-start system permanently. If you turn it off using the button in the car, it will always come back on next time you start the car.
Have you read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature to try to get to the bottom of the issue?
How to dispose of my Audi A3?
My 2006 Audi A3 petrol has failed its NCT on emissions and my mechanic said it will need a new engine to fix the problem. Will I be able to trade it in anywhere? It's a great car in good condition; would be a shame to scrap it.
Karla Devenney (Dublin)Mar 2019 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Karla,
Your best bet is to use it as a trade-in against your next purchase. A dealer may offer you more than it's worth to sweeten the deal.
Why is my Audi A3 stalling?
Hi,
I have an Audi A3 1.6; when I start it, it idles for a few seconds and then it cuts out; what can the problem be?
Johnny Morulane (Pretoria)Jan 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Johnny,
If you have the first-generation Audi A3 1.6 petrol, then it's likely to be one of two things. The idle speed could be set too low or there's a seal missing from an unused engine bay harness 14-pin multi-plug allowing water in. Both are cheap and easy fixes for any mechanic to carry out.
Naturally, something else could be causing the problem, but these are known issues with that engine.
Am I paying the correct tax on my Audi?
Hi,
I own a 2009 Audi A3 petrol and wondered if I'm paying too much road tax as many seem to think so including staff of car tax office, due to the year as the new regulations were brought in 2008. Was advised to go to NCT by staff at tax office, however NCT says it only deals with imported cars. How can I get the assessment on CO2 rechecked?
S. Farrell (Pretoria)Dec 2018 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi there,
By 2009 all cars on sale will have been on the current CO2-based tax system, so if you think you’re paying too much, then you need to go back and check up the figures for the model you own. The A3, in 2009, came with a choice of four petrol engines — 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0-litre turbos - and an older naturally-aspirated 1.6 petrol. There’s quite a bit of difference between the engines when it comes to CO2 figures. The 1.4 turbo has rated CO2 emissions of 139g/km, which would mean motor tax of €280 a year, which I guess isn’t too bad. The older 1.6 engine, in spite of having 20hp less, has CO2 emissions of 162g/km, putting it in Band D, with an annual tax bill of €570. The 1.8 160hp engine has 155g/km emissions, which just scrapes into Band C, with €390 a year tax, while the 2.0-litre turbo, with its 200hp engine, is in the same boat as the 102hp 1.6 engine, with 166g/km and tax of €570.
If you let us know the precise spec and engine of your car, we might be able to help out more.
Petrol Audi A3, BMW 318i or Honda Civic?
Hi,
I'm planning on buying a brand new 2018 Audi A3 1.0-litre TFSI S line Saloon or 2017 BMW 318i M Sport or 2018 Honda Civic 1.0-litre Turbo. Please help me with the questions below since I have no way getting a test drive:
1. Which one is more fun to drive?
2. Are these cars fast?
3. What is more reliable and costs less to maintain?
4. What is the overall best car?
Thanks, Arjun
Arjun De Silva (Kandy)Jul 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Arjun,
OK, let’s take these questions in order.
1: The BMW. The Honda runs it surprisingly close, but you just can’t beat the steering and rear-wheel-drive balance of the BMW.
2: How do you mean fast? They’re not performance models, but thanks to turbocharged engines with decent torque curves, they feel brisk enough in everyday driving. As long as you’re not planning to take on any Ferraris at the traffic lights, they’ll do.
3 & 4 together: The Honda. Nothing is as reliable as a Honda, not even a Toyota, and of the three cars here, while it may lack the premium badge, it also has the roomiest interior, will have slightly lower servicing and maintenance costs and, in the long term, should be more reliable than either of the German cars.
Read our reviews for more:
Should Audi cover my A3 chain fix?
Hi,
I have a 2011 Audi A3 1.2 TFSI with 74,000km on the clock and am advised that engine noise means new timing chain and guides need to be replaced. This seems to be a problem with the A3 of this year. Should Audi cover the cost of the defective timing chain, parts and labour?
Thanks
Michael Quirke
Michael Quirke (Dublin 18)Apr 2018 Filed under: warranty
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
I'm afraid Audi is under no obligation to do so, as your car is out of warranty. If you've had your car serviced at an Audi dealer throughout its life then you may be able to negotiate a little to bring the cost down, but don't expect much better than that.