possibly buying a3 1.4 2014 manual convertible
Discussion
It's not the convertible thing I have issue with, it's the FWD hatchback with the roof chopped off which I struggle with. On Mumsnet I'm sure everyone would tell you the A3 Convertible is great and no doubt refer to it as a "sports car". On Pistonheads however, it is most definitely not a sports car and an equivalent MX5 would be the car of choice.
I drove one the other day whilst my TT (also FWD @ zedx19 
) was in for some warranty work. The 1.4 TFSI (Assuming it's the newer 140PS version) suits the car nicely with decent throttle response and smooth gear change/ clutch action. It's the best of the small petrol engines for the A3 and nicer than the entry level diesels. The performance isn't going to break any records but it's quick enough and more than adequate. S-Line is the best trim with the sharpest looks.
I think the only thing against it is there are clearly 'better' cars available for the same money on the used market. But if you're set on an A3 Convertible S-Line it's not a bad choice at all
) was in for some warranty work. The 1.4 TFSI (Assuming it's the newer 140PS version) suits the car nicely with decent throttle response and smooth gear change/ clutch action. It's the best of the small petrol engines for the A3 and nicer than the entry level diesels. The performance isn't going to break any records but it's quick enough and more than adequate. S-Line is the best trim with the sharpest looks.I think the only thing against it is there are clearly 'better' cars available for the same money on the used market. But if you're set on an A3 Convertible S-Line it's not a bad choice at all
zedx19 said:
It's not the convertible thing I have issue with, it's the FWD hatchback with the roof chopped off which I struggle with. On Mumsnet I'm sure everyone would tell you the A3 Convertible is great and no doubt refer to it as a "sports car". On Pistonheads however, it is most definitely not a sports car and an equivalent MX5 would be the car of choice.
As this is PH, where pedantry matters, I think by 2014 the A3 convertible was based on the A3 saloon, with its boot, rather than the hatch 
I’m also sure it’s possible to want a convertible that’s not a “sports car”. I’ve got a 2 series convertible, and a no point did an MX5 appear on my list of cars to consider. Sure, mine is RWD with a turbocharged 6 cylinder engine. But it’s not a sports car. It will however carry two people and their luggage in comfort on a 400 miles plus journey, unlike an MX5, and if needed you can get someone in the back (though it’s not recommended for the full 400 miles!). I’m sure the A3 convertible will do the same. In fact, based on our old A3 e-tron, it’s probably a nicer place to be than the BMW
picked up last Friday , my eldest son calls it a hairdressers car, so mumsnet is a fair comment.
I did look at 2 seaters very briefly, but having a family , we do often need to have 4 people in the car every now and again - so it was a 4 seater i needed
I was not set on a A3, in-fact until I saw this particularly model, i was looking at , and test drove the BMW 2 and 4 series and the Audi A5.
BMW 4 series (hard top) , found that had poor boot space and clunky to use
BMW 2 series (Rag top) , I liked , but the price was about 3K more for a very similar basic car, with less toys on , although I do like the BMW styling, much better than the Audi
Audi A5 , I liked it, although quite big, even compared to the Saab 93, but also as I'm now retired looking at expenses, and running costs was a consideration (wait and see what MPG I get, but road tax was cheap at £30)
Merc C and E class , again all very expensive, and didnt even look at those - nearly £10K more!!!!
I did not look at mazda and not really after a 2 seater or a sports car, i would never refer to any of the above convertibles I looked at as "sports cars"
It is the 1.4TFSI (140), according to my local garage, before i purchased, its one of the better VW engines
The S-line styling i like, and its had quite a few extras added - NO sports stuff, all comfort type stuff
Quite a big list of things ,
@zedx19
It has head level heating,
not at all sporty
Hopefully it works out OK, see what MPG i get, its been well looked after and over serviced , 4x oil change services and pollen filter changed - nice low mileage car
I did look at 2 seaters very briefly, but having a family , we do often need to have 4 people in the car every now and again - so it was a 4 seater i needed
I was not set on a A3, in-fact until I saw this particularly model, i was looking at , and test drove the BMW 2 and 4 series and the Audi A5.
BMW 4 series (hard top) , found that had poor boot space and clunky to use
BMW 2 series (Rag top) , I liked , but the price was about 3K more for a very similar basic car, with less toys on , although I do like the BMW styling, much better than the Audi
Audi A5 , I liked it, although quite big, even compared to the Saab 93, but also as I'm now retired looking at expenses, and running costs was a consideration (wait and see what MPG I get, but road tax was cheap at £30)
Merc C and E class , again all very expensive, and didnt even look at those - nearly £10K more!!!!
I did not look at mazda and not really after a 2 seater or a sports car, i would never refer to any of the above convertibles I looked at as "sports cars"
It is the 1.4TFSI (140), according to my local garage, before i purchased, its one of the better VW engines
The S-line styling i like, and its had quite a few extras added - NO sports stuff, all comfort type stuff
Quite a big list of things ,
@zedx19
It has head level heating,
not at all sportyHopefully it works out OK, see what MPG i get, its been well looked after and over serviced , 4x oil change services and pollen filter changed - nice low mileage car
We have had 1.4 cod from new for the last 2.5 years, it's been a pleasure to drive.
We have had comments on how stylish it looks,it's based on the saloon, not a cut down hatchback.
The engine is fantastic, enough go for most people and good mpg if you want to take it steady.
The interior has a quality feel.
It will take adults in the back for moderate length journeys in comfort and the boot space is reasonable.
You can't go to wrong with A3 cabriolet.
We have had comments on how stylish it looks,it's based on the saloon, not a cut down hatchback.
The engine is fantastic, enough go for most people and good mpg if you want to take it steady.
The interior has a quality feel.
It will take adults in the back for moderate length journeys in comfort and the boot space is reasonable.
You can't go to wrong with A3 cabriolet.
i'm finding the car great, engine is fine has plenty of power, even with 4 people in.
Slight lag on acceleration , comparing to a 2L Diesel on a Citroen and Saab.
I have done 335 miles in last few days, all cross country journeys of 40 miles and a couple of local trips.
From tank fills calculation I'm getting 44.5MPG pretty much the same figures as on the trip computer 44.6mpg from when I reset it all at the dealership before leaving. I have been driving a lot in dynamic mode
I'm still playing with the diving modes, Economy, puts the car into 2-cylinder mode more frequently, and so I may keep in that mode now till next fill up and see what I'm getting
I'm still getting used to the Start/stop system, at some road works it switches on/off all the time, the minute i stop. So must have started 6 times waiting on the roadworks and moving a few car lengths.
Not sure how good that system is for wear and tear on engine components
The engine is so quiet, I'm tending to drive by the dashboard and changing gears when "told" to , otherwise I can be going along in 4th gear at 60/70mph, with the dashboard suggesting i change to 6th.
i used to drive on engine sound, and pretty much I can nolonger do that.
Parking is fine, I only have the rear sensors (which i have had on all my cars) , but I have not really done much shop carparking , mainly in peoples drives
Camera may have been nice to have, and sensors at the front.
As its new to me, not really parking next to cars if theres other places free , when I got my new saab, first day in the carpark i got a dent in the passenger door from someone parked next to it.
Slight lag on acceleration , comparing to a 2L Diesel on a Citroen and Saab.
I have done 335 miles in last few days, all cross country journeys of 40 miles and a couple of local trips.
From tank fills calculation I'm getting 44.5MPG pretty much the same figures as on the trip computer 44.6mpg from when I reset it all at the dealership before leaving. I have been driving a lot in dynamic mode
I'm still playing with the diving modes, Economy, puts the car into 2-cylinder mode more frequently, and so I may keep in that mode now till next fill up and see what I'm getting
I'm still getting used to the Start/stop system, at some road works it switches on/off all the time, the minute i stop. So must have started 6 times waiting on the roadworks and moving a few car lengths.
Not sure how good that system is for wear and tear on engine components
The engine is so quiet, I'm tending to drive by the dashboard and changing gears when "told" to , otherwise I can be going along in 4th gear at 60/70mph, with the dashboard suggesting i change to 6th.
i used to drive on engine sound, and pretty much I can nolonger do that.
Parking is fine, I only have the rear sensors (which i have had on all my cars) , but I have not really done much shop carparking , mainly in peoples drives
Camera may have been nice to have, and sensors at the front.
As its new to me, not really parking next to cars if theres other places free , when I got my new saab, first day in the carpark i got a dent in the passenger door from someone parked next to it.
Edited by etaf on Thursday 13th September 18:15
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