Audi A3 Sedan/Sportsback Owners - Check In

[Pretzelsaurus007]

actually your Honda Fit Oct 08 still got almost 3 years to go. Unless your fit got probs need to sell away else no so hurry to enter the market now. It's just beginning of 2016 only, basing on the next few months Coe quote, the Cat A prices should be quite stable else may drop further.

 

Ultimately depends on your pocket and also your love on this sexy A3. Totally agreed it's a very chio!!

 

My Fit is still very Fit haha. Yea I think it is still okay to just observe and wait out first. A lot of other bros here are recommending the same. Thanks everyone for the info. I shall be more prudent and observe the trend for the coming months. Hopefully will join the club soon!

[LongLiveChina]

wow a3 now 129k? I bought 138k at oct 2015 =(

need to pay the excess for a yr

[zerobim08]

wow a3 now 129k? I bought 138k at oct 2015 =(

need to pay the excess for a yr

 

Price is still much higher relatively.  Compare to time I bought @134K:  COE was 64 (-45K COE now - 5K CEV) = 14K.  If same relative drop price should be 134-14 = 120K now.  At least this point is a consolation to existing owners.

[littlecar]

Price is still much higher relatively.  Compare to time I bought @134K:  COE was 64 (-45K COE now - 5K CEV) = 14K.  If same relative drop price should be 134-14 = 120K now.  At least this point is a consolation to existing owners.

 

No offence, but not sure why that is a consolation. New buyers still pay less than previous buyers, regardless of the relative price drop. It's possible the drop is less in reality though if you trade in a car because prices for second hand cars would have fallen as well.

 

Anyway I think there's no point dwelling on it if you have already purchased the car. At least you have gotten to drive it for a few months. Buyers in 2013 and 2014 paid even more, and it's possible to catch the bottom only on hindsight.

 

I test drove the Mazda 3 2.0 yesterday and am now wondering whether it makes more sense to pay 120k for the Mazda 3 vs 129k for the Audi A3. The Mazda is a more powerful car, and comes with much more equipment at a lower price. The Audi is more expensive and comes without many fittings you would consider to be basic in a continental car, e.g. not keyless, no power seats, no GPS standard, no rear camera, etc. The Mazda even comes with a sunroof as standard. Looks-wise, both have their own appeal; the Mazda is sportier whereas the Audi is more refined. I could live with both; just deliberating between them in terms of their value. If anyone was considering the same cars, please chime in!

[Yaloryalor]

No offence, but not sure why that is a consolation. New buyers still pay less than previous buyers, regardless of the relative price drop. It's possible the drop is less in reality though if you trade in a car because prices for second hand cars would have fallen as well.

 

Anyway I think there's no point dwelling on it if you have already purchased the car. At least you have gotten to drive it for a few months. Buyers in 2013 and 2014 paid even more, and it's possible to catch the bottom only on hindsight.

 

I test drove the Mazda 3 2.0 yesterday and am now wondering whether it makes more sense to pay 120k for the Mazda 3 vs 129k for the Audi A3. The Mazda is a more powerful car, and comes with much more equipment at a lower price. The Audi is more expensive and comes without many fittings you would consider to be basic in a continental car, e.g. not keyless, no power seats, no GPS standard, no rear camera, etc. The Mazda even comes with a sunroof as standard. Looks-wise, both have their own appeal; the Mazda is sportier whereas the Audi is more refined. I could live with both; just deliberating between them in terms of their value. If anyone was considering the same cars, please chime in!

 

I think Zerobim08 is referring to next time if want to sell car, the paper value is higher due to higher coe price last time.

 

Maybe I am wrong, I thought you did mention you bought your A3 at 133K with 3 free servicing and free sola firm. A3 comes with rear aircon btw.

[littlecar]

I think Zerobim08 is referring to next time if want to sell car, the paper value is higher due to higher coe price last time.

 

Maybe I am wrong, I thought you did mention you bought your A3 at 133K with 3 free servicing and free sola firm. A3 comes with rear aircon btw.

 

Not me, my friend bought. I was interested and persuaded him to test drive, ended up he bought before I did haha. I would assume the Mazda comes with rear air conditioning too? I think Mazda has better specs, compared to Audi, so I suppose it's just a question of whether the badge and more refined look (I find the A3 dash cleaner and slightly more stylish) is worth the extra money. On paper, the Mazda is really value for money (as value for money as cars can be in Singapore). I test drove both and found both good (though the Mazda understandably picks up more quickly as it's 2.0).

[Yaloryalor]

Not me, my friend bought. I was interested and persuaded him to test drive, ended up he bought before I did haha. I would assume the Mazda comes with rear air conditioning too? I think Mazda has better specs, compared to Audi, so I suppose it's just a question of whether the badge and more refined look (I find the A3 dash cleaner and slightly more stylish) is worth the extra money. On paper, the Mazda is really value for money (as value for money as cars can be in Singapore). I test drove both and found both good (though the Mazda understandably picks up more quickly as it's 2.0).

 

Oic.

 

The mazda3 2.0 is the top range of mazda3 hence the car manufacturer will put in all the features they could on this model.

 

As for local A3 1.4L, its a basic lower range A3 model. There are 1.8L and 2.0L that PA din bring into Spore. Hence, all the additional features like sunroof, keyless, electric seats with memories are not in the local base model.

 

Correct me if I am wrong.

[AudiNoob]

Oic.

 

The mazda3 2.0 is the top range of mazda3 hence the car manufacturer will put in all the features they could on this model.

 

As for local A3 1.4L, its a basic lower range A3 model. There are 1.8L and 2.0L that PA din bring into Spore. Hence, all the additional features like sunroof, keyless, electric seats with memories are not in the local base model.

 

Correct me if I am wrong.

 

Unfortunately, I think there is no right or wrong choice.

 

The Mazda does sound like a steal with all the features and more powerful engine; but the Audi is somewhat of a status symbol, hence it's priced higher and is considered a luxury ride.

 

It's like asking whether a Rolex or AP is better. Both have their pros and cons I guess.

 

The easiest thing is to go with whatever you like best - both aesthetically and financially. I chose the Audi over the Nissan because I've never owned a conti and the price felt right when I was in the market for a new car so I took the leap.

[zerobim08]

No offence, but not sure why that is a consolation. New buyers still pay less than previous buyers, regardless of the relative price drop. It's possible the drop is less in reality though if you trade in a car because prices for second hand cars would have fallen as well.

 

Anyway I think there's no point dwelling on it if you have already purchased the car. At least you have gotten to drive it for a few months. Buyers in 2013 and 2014 paid even more, and it's possible to catch the bottom only on hindsight.

 

I test drove the Mazda 3 2.0 yesterday and am now wondering whether it makes more sense to pay 120k for the Mazda 3 vs 129k for the Audi A3. The Mazda is a more powerful car, and comes with much more equipment at a lower price. The Audi is more expensive and comes without many fittings you would consider to be basic in a continental car, e.g. not keyless, no power seats, no GPS standard, no rear camera, etc. The Mazda even comes with a sunroof as standard. Looks-wise, both have their own appeal; the Mazda is sportier whereas the Audi is more refined. I could live with both; just deliberating between them in terms of their value. If anyone was considering the same cars, please chime in!

I am just saying...dont need to feel bad to existing owners. The price drop is mainly due to COE so nothing can be done about it. You are paying more to the govt and it is not like you got scammed by a unscrupulous AD.

 

Anyway on your Mzd 2.0 comparison, Your way of comparison is using a functional points comparison which Mzd 2.0 is a better value proposition. Similarly if you compare Mz2.0 to a Kia K3 then the Kia would be better value. Some other group of people will think you are crazy not paying $9K more to get an Audi.

Edited January 18, 2016 by zerobim08

[littlecar]

I am just saying...dont need to feel bad to existing owners. The price drop is mainly due to COE so nothing can be done about it. You are paying more to the govt and it is not like you got scammed by a unscrupulous AD.

 

Anyway on your Mzd 2.0 comparison, Your way of comparison is using a functional points comparison which Mzd 2.0 is a better value proposition. Similarly if you compare Mz2.0 to a Kia K3 then the Kia would be better value. Some other group of people will think you are crazy not paying $9K more to get an Audi.

 

Yeah, it's a functions comparison because aesthetically, I think both have their strengths and weaknesses and I would have no issues driving both. Decision may come down to which one the wife likes and at the moment, she's leaning towards the A3. 

[zerobim08]

Oic.

 

The mazda3 2.0 is the top range of mazda3 hence the car manufacturer will put in all the features they could on this model.

 

As for local A3 1.4L, its a basic lower range A3 model. There are 1.8L and 2.0L that PA din bring into Spore. Hence, all the additional features like sunroof, keyless, electric seats with memories are not in the local base model.

 

Correct me if I am wrong.

 

You can add those options for A3 if you want (but it will be indent basis) and those options are not cheap.  Or you can just go for the plus trim at 11K extra which gives additional smart key, electric memory seat, navigation, bigger rim and drive select.

 

 

Yeah, it's a functions comparison because aesthetically, I think both have their strengths and weaknesses and I would have no issues driving both. Decision may come down to which one the wife likes and at the moment, she's leaning towards the A3.

If you die die must have those options (and you dont want to pay extra for them) then the Mzd is a better value option. btw: I think Mzd is missing the rear aircon and electric park brake that comes standard in A3.

 

What attracted me to the A3 is the quality and minimalist design of the interior esp the low strung dash with its retractable screen and circular vents. Hate those claustrophobic high and bulky dash which makes me feel like sitting in a hole.

 

Anyway, happy car hunting. Either choice would be good.

[littlecar]

 

You can add those options for A3 if you want (but it will be indent basis) and those options are not cheap.  Or you can just go for the plus trim at 11K extra which gives additional smart key, electric memory seat, navigation, bigger rim and drive select.

 

 

 

If you die die must have those options (and you dont want to pay extra for them) then the Mzd is a better value option. btw: I think Mzd is missing the rear aircon and electric park brake that comes standard in A3.

 

What attracted me to the A3 is the quality and minimalist design of the interior esp the low strung dash with its retractable screen and circular vents. Hate those claustrophobic high and bulky dash which makes me feel like sitting in a hole.

 

Anyway, happy car hunting. Either choice would be good.

 

Hi, thanks for your views. I might consider the plus trim but I seem to recall the SE telling me that would cost another 20k more, rather than 11k. I agree the A3's minimalist and refined look is a tad nicer, and the Mz 3's lack of rear air con is a little strange, given the rest of the equipment provided. I am not fussed about the type of parking brake.

 

 

Actually, even though COE has dropped, the price of the A3 hasn't dropped by much and given the fall in trade-in prices, I think those who bought in December 2015 may very well be better off.

[zerobim08]

Hi, thanks for your views. I might consider the plus trim but I seem to recall the SE telling me that would cost another 20k more, rather than 11k. I agree the A3's minimalist and refined look is a tad nicer, and the Mz 3's lack of rear air con is a little strange, given the rest of the equipment provided. I am not fussed about the type of parking brake.

 

 

Actually, even though COE has dropped, the price of the A3 hasn't dropped by much and given the fall in trade-in prices, I think those who bought in December 2015 may very well be better off.

Unless PA changed price recently, I am pretty sure the plus trim is about 11K more. I was contemplating that too when I bought but decided against it since the only add-on I really wanted were the smart key and the drive select (which I added later at $400). Things like nav, electric seats are pretty useless to me.

 

If you really like those options you can get the plus trim for A3. Just think of it this way. If you get the Mzd 2.0L, you have to pay extra 10-14K over 10 years for fuel+road tax. In terms of performance, these 2 cars are pretty close but I think the A3 would be more nimble in traffic since it is 120kg lighter and its max torque comes on much earlier (1500 rpm compared to 4000rpm for Mzd).

 

 

I dont know about other people but I find the electric brake is very useful. I use it much more now at long wait at traffic lights since it is less cumbersome. You just shift to "D" and drive-off on green (eliminating the extra step needed to release the park lever).

[Ckhaos]

Yeah, it's a functions comparison because aesthetically, I think both have their strengths and weaknesses and I would have no issues driving both. Decision may come down to which one the wife likes and at the moment, she's leaning towards the A3. 

 

I think that the Mazda's noise insulation is not so, er, insulated, and thus there is louder road noise.  Also, the suspension feels no where near as comfortable.  This is especially true for the rear passengers.  The ride in the A3's rear seats is very comfortable, albeit quite cramped.  Of course, these are subjective and the perception may vary from person to person.  

[littlecar]

I think that the Mazda's noise insulation is not so, er, insulated, and thus there is louder road noise.  Also, the suspension feels no where near as comfortable.  This is especially true for the rear passengers.  The ride in the A3's rear seats is very comfortable, albeit quite cramped.  Of course, these are subjective and the perception may vary from person to person.  

 

Yeah, I have heard complaints about the road noise but didn't notice during my test drive because three of us were talking throughout. Will probably be back to test again - the road noise and lack of rear air con are the two strikes against the Mazda 3. Otherwise I must say the equipment package is really solid.

 

I wasn't aware that the electronic parking brake could be used in the manner zerobim08 does, so for now at least it's not a major point but if my next car comes with it I will certainly try to utilize it in that way. Sometimes after sports my right leg is prone to cramping and being able to take my leg off the brake even for a few seconds could be really helpful.

Edited January 19, 2016 by littlecar

[zerobim08]

I wasn't aware that the electronic parking brake could be used in the manner zerobim08 does, so for now at least it's not a major point but if my next car comes with it I will certainly try to utilize it in that way. Sometimes after sports my right leg is prone to cramping and being able to take my leg off the brake even for a few seconds could be really helpful.

The park brake will auto-release when you step on gas. It will also auto-engage if you open the door while engine is on. Pretty nifty imo. Other reason is aesthetic. No more unsightly park lever at center console plus allows for height and reach adjustable center armrest in A3

[Ckhaos]

The park brake will auto-release when you step on gas. It will also auto-engage if you open the door while engine is on. Pretty nifty imo. Other reason is aesthetic. No more unsightly park lever at center console plus allows for height and reach adjustable center armrest in A3

 

Just to add: the electromechanical park brake will auto release when you step on gas AND your seat belt is on.  The other day, was driving to the washing bay in the carpark.  Only a few lots away, so did not fasten seat belt.  Then, step on gas and the car cannot move.  Took me a while to realize why. :)  But I guess this is a feature, not a bug. :)

[Ckhaos]

Yeah, I have heard complaints about the road noise but didn't notice during my test drive because three of us were talking throughout. Will probably be back to test again - the road noise and lack of rear air con are the two strikes against the Mazda 3. Otherwise I must say the equipment package is really solid.

 

I wasn't aware that the electronic parking brake could be used in the manner zerobim08 does, so for now at least it's not a major point but if my next car comes with it I will certainly try to utilize it in that way. Sometimes after sports my right leg is prone to cramping and being able to take my leg off the brake even for a few seconds could be really helpful.

 

Oh, I just forgot an important consideration: the Mazda 3 has only 4 airbags, compared to 6 (or is it 7?) in the A3. I didn't ask the details but I think it's the curtain airbags that are missing?  I would think that safety features outweigh all other gadgets.  (Now I shudder to think that I had been driving my old Nissan with "only" 2 airbags for the last 10 years!)