A3 2.0 TDI 2010 - 2013 models - which model - questions to the pros

Hi,

I'm in the Bay Area and I've been test driving A3 TDI from 2010 to mainly 2012 due to my budget. Can anyone tell me whether I should look out for a particular year due to issues? For example, someone told me there was a intake fuel pump issue in 2010 and 2011, but this was resolved in their 2012 models. Is this true?

Any other suggestions? As you can imagine there are more 2010 TDIs available, but I don't want to buy if costly issues exist with intake fuel pump or something else.

Also, for smooth driving do you recommend premium plus or sline? Thanks!

Welcome to the site. This section doesn't get much traffic.

I have a 2011, not too worried about the HPFP failure. I use 100% diesel with no bio. I use additives in the winter but not the summer. Most HPFP failures are speculated to be from improper fueling (ie, using gas) or contaminated diesel.

Here's a link here:

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=293629

There is a thread in this section about common problems with the A3 you might want to take a look at.

thanks!

Didn't know there was a better forum. Appreciate the link!

Telos---the A3 will share the same engine/transmission as the vehicles being discussed in the following sections. (There may be small differences but for the most part the information in the following sections will all be applicable.)

only 09+ are relevant to you in this section.

http://forums.tdiclub.com/forumdisplay.php?f=68

everything in this section should be relevant to you

http://forums.tdiclub.com/forumdisplay.php?f=81

anything pre 15 in this section will also be relevant.

Which model

I think you should seek a Premium Plus - this will give you the HID/LED iconic Audi headlights, power seat, some additional cabin storage and enhanced interior lighting. Also recommend the Cold Weather Package if you can find it.

My 2012 has been very reliable and at 50,000 miles feels just as peppy as at 5,000 miles.