Used A3 Purchase Options

I am looking to purchase a used A3 as a daily driver for work that is about 45 miles each way. I really like the car. I have two cars I am looking at purchasing. One is local 2011 S-line with no nav, 63k miles, and can be had for about $19k. The other I would have to fly to and drive back about 10 hours. It is a 2012 S-Line 42K miles, Premium Plus, with a extended warranty through 100k for $22.5k. The 2011 is actually in a little better shape as the 2012 has some surface damage to the rims from parking.



I have always found these type forums to be very helpful. I would appreciate anyone's input/suggestions towards my decision. Thanks.

One other request/question, can someone explain the paddle shifter option. Is part of an package or a stand alone option? I would have thought it is part of the S-Line package but have only seen it on a couple cars.

swood1122 said:

One other request/question, can someone explain the paddle shifter option. Is part of an package or a stand alone option? I would have thought it is part of the S-Line package but have only seen it on a couple cars.

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Paddle shifters come with the dsg transmission.
What kind of extended warranty? Most are junk.

langer said:

Paddle shifters come with the dsg transmission.
What kind of extended warranty? Most are junk.

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I have requested the paperwork to review it. I was told it was from Audi.

swood1122 said:

One other request/question, can someone explain the paddle shifter option. Is part of an package or a stand alone option? I would have thought it is part of the S-Line package but have only seen it on a couple cars.

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IIRC paddle shifters came on Premium Plus or Titanium models only, you can retro fit to a premium model. All the US models are considered S-Line in the TDI option (or even the face lifted A3 models)

Personally I would recommend finding a Premium Plus or Titanium package, the factory HID's, paddle shifters, improved seats are worth the price increase.

Like said above, paddles only come in Prem+ and Titanium package cars, but you will want a prem+ for the headlights anyways. The paddles are over rated unless you do a lot of mountain pass driving, even then i'm pretty sure the "sport" mode would suffice.

skramer said:

IIRC paddle shifters came on Premium Plus or Titanium models only, you can retro fit to a premium model. All the US models are considered S-Line in the TDI option (or even the face lifted A3 models)

Personally I would recommend finding a Premium Plus or Titanium package, the factory HID's, paddle shifters, improved seats are worth the price increase.

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x2....couldn't have said it better myself, trust me HID lights make a big difference....paddle shifters I hardly use but good to have if you need a sudden downshift.

Agreed to above, HIDs are a must IMHO. Paddles don't really serve much purpose for me except downshifting on hills or slowing down for lights. I love them on my tuned gti because I tend to wind that car out.