Audi A3 TSFI e fuel efficiency, issues and ongoing costs

[krishn]

I'm likely going to buy an A3 over the next couple of weeks, the fuel efficiency combine with insurance being just about palatable has pushed me towards it. I'll be looking at buying something that's 3/4 years and under 60k miles.

I'm doing some due diligence ahead of buying and just wanted to get an idea of ongoing costs for the car beyond what you'd expect as well as things such as battery range (both normal and cold weather) and any issues that may occur.

I spoke to Audi earlier to get an idea of service schedules and by the sounds of it, I should be servicing every 2 years or so with the normal things you'd expect on a service. A timing belt change was mentioned at 140k miles which is fine, I imagine I won't have the car at that point. On the servicing does this match with what other people have experienced, have there been any unexpected costs?

On the battery, I know it states 40 miles but from what I gather the range they claim is never true. Just curious about what people really get, how much the mileage degrades over winter and general battery degradation.

Finally is there anything specific to look for when viewing, test driving an A3 PHEV and are there any issues generally I should be concerned with the car?

Thanks in advance

[Dr G]

Software glitches.

20-25 miles. Less when very cold.

Annual oil change (or 10k), two year services.

Spark plugs 40k, brake fluid and pollen filter every 2 years.

[krishn]

Dr G said:

Software glitches.

20-25 miles. Less when very cold.

Annual oil change (or 10k), two year services.

Spark plugs 40k, brake fluid and pollen filter every 2 years.

Thanks for the reply, would the software glitches put you off the car?

[Dr G]

Probably not. Just make sure you know how to reset it.

Depending on exact car you're looking at (and its age) there may well have been updates to improve stability.