Waiting for a "2013"

[Adam S]

Hello from and ultra-newbie. I decided to purchase through my local dealer because of personal relationships and their community charitable involvement. They didn't have any in stock and were not expecting delivery of any more 2012 models. So a few weeks back I put a deposit down on a 2013 A3 Premium TDI Deep Sea Pearl with beige interior. They are expecting it to come in late-July, early-August. Does anyone know if the 2013 is anything aside from just an extension of the 2012 run as the tool up for the new A3s? TIA.

 

[maroonfrog1]

Many subtle (and some not-so-subtle) upgrades

Adam:

I just found my Jealous button and slammed it as hard as I could. Your '13 will be lighter (by at least 130 pounds), more powerful (by at least 35 HP) and have a much cooler interior than my '11 A3 TDI.

For more on the differences between the 2nd gen and the 2013, see
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/2013-audi-a3-first-drive-review/

Post pics when you've got her in your driveway! You'll love it!!

 

[tdmIght?]

looking for the same type of thing - and in ct too - which dealership in ct? _ Also, I am assuming your are getting the four door - non-hatch? - i heard that the 2013 will not come in the hact in the us..

 

[skramer]

The 2013 is the exact same as the 2012

Here is the 2013 ordering guide

http://www.audizine.com/documents/2013%20Order%20Guide%20with%20Pricing.pdf

2014 the US gets a A3 Sedan from what I have read. Its the only car offiically destined for the US, that and maybe the cabrio, I read something about them sharing body styles. The 2014 A3 in the US is not the euro version, its being specifically designed and targeted for the US market, the reason they are only picking 1 body style at this time. That info could be wrong, but it is what I read. As well..the more powerful 2.0 CR's are not destined for the US market anytime soon, even with the upcoming new engines.

2013 exact same as 2012 (or carry over)
2014 Early 2013 release....US Spec Sedan only confirmed. Cabrio is maybe

But who really knows...but the A3 is one of Audi's WORST selling cars tbh. I believe they will try an entry level premium sedan vs another premium compact hatch in the US. We should all rejoice in what we have and look at the next A3's coming to our shores as what VW did to the Jetta

If your ordering a new 2013 A3.....Adam I would highly recommend the factory roof racks! Impossible to add to the car (well for 99.99% of us), and dealers simple just not order them that way. I couldnt find one anywhere on a lot. Its the one option I wish I had...well 2 of them (walnut interior, and factory roof rails)

 

[Adam S]

Skramer, thanks for all the information. The information you provided is exactly what I was looking for. Maroonfrog1, don't be too jealous. I don't think this is the "new " 2013/2014 model. And as Skramer said, there is no information about a next-gen 5 door coming.

Skramer, what are your reasons for the factory roof rack? I ski/bike and currently use a Thule trailer hitch setup for both. When I went to the Yakima and Thule sites, I couldn't find any suggested fit kids for an A3. So I toed out of the roof racks and "ordered" a dealer installed trailer hitch instead. What am I missing?

 

[skramer]

Skramer, thanks for all the information. The information you provided is exactly what I was looking for. Maroonfrog1, don't be too jealous. I don't think this is the "new " 2013/2014 model. And as Skramer said, there is no information about a next-gen 5 door coming.

Skramer, what are your reasons for the factory roof rack? I ski/bike and currently use a Thule trailer hitch setup for both. When I went to the Yakima and Thule sites, I couldn't find any suggested fit kids for an A3. So I toed out of the roof racks and "ordered" a dealer installed trailer hitch instead. What am I missing?

Glad it helped...

On the factory roof rails....I just perfer mounting things on the roof (ski's would be definitely 1 thing), and I think they look nice with them . Thule does make base carrier bars for the car with or without roof rails, I just have never liked the carrier bars making contact with the roof, but I plan on getting a hitch that allows pulling my pwc and mounting of my bike at the same time!

As for the hitch...I think it will be the Curt Mfg model. I believe a few people on here have them, and have had good luck with them. I will state though, the Euro Hitches are VERY nice. I have the factory euro westafalia hitch installed on mine, which I find is perfect for what I wanted. http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=353091 . I dont like the look of a hitch receiver on my car when its not towing, which was one of the big reasons I went this route.

 

[langer]

Skramer, thanks for all the information. The information you provided is exactly what I was looking for. Maroonfrog1, don't be too jealous. I don't think this is the "new " 2013/2014 model. And as Skramer said, there is no information about a next-gen 5 door coming.

Skramer, what are your reasons for the factory roof rack? I ski/bike and currently use a Thule trailer hitch setup for both. When I went to the Yakima and Thule sites, I couldn't find any suggested fit kids for an A3. So I toed out of the roof racks and "ordered" a dealer installed trailer hitch instead. What am I missing?

What manufacturer's hitch did the dealer install? I'm about to push the purchase button on a curt for my '12 a3.

 

[FirstOrbit84]

That article doesn't say it will be more powerful. They're talking about an entry-level gas engine. TDI will be rated the same

 

[ltdunstan]

I am a newbie too. I just pulled the trigger an bought a 2013 A3. I wanted to wait, until the "new" one came out, but I needed a car. Out of curiousity what are the prices in states, I order it overseas (A3 Premium Plus, Lava Gray, Black Interior, Open Sky Sunroof, Aluminum Roof Rails, Rear Side Airbags, Cold Weather Package, Premium Plus Package, Convenience Package and Audi Nav with iPod) for $36,946. I wasn't sure if that was a good price, since it's the end of the line and there were no upgrades on the 2013.

 

[skramer]

I am a newbie too. I just pulled the trigger an bought a 2013 A3. I wanted to wait, until the "new" one came out, but I needed a car. Out of curiousity what are the prices in states, I order it overseas (A3 Premium Plus, Lava Gray, Black Interior, Open Sky Sunroof, Aluminum Roof Rails, Rear Side Airbags, Cold Weather Package, Premium Plus Package, Convenience Package and Audi Nav with iPod) for $36,946. I wasn't sure if that was a good price, since it's the end of the line and there were no upgrades on the 2013.

Depending on any transportation fee's you might have...

The final price is cheaper than what you could get list on a dealers lot....But since these are not fast movers at a dealer, you should've been able to discuss a better price point than list price.

Sticker on mine was 36,xxx It has Premium plus, Open Sky and Convenience Package. So for similar price, you've added Cold weather, rear side airbags, roof rails (bastard ) and Audi Nav

 

[Adam S]

Just heard from the dealer that my 2013 left Germany July 6 and in on a boat coming to the states. Still about 3 weeks from actually taking delivery though.

 

[Radiotube]

Hello All,
I'm Kevin and a prospective A3 owner. I hope to be driving one in the next few weeks. My research shows that it would be an ideal fit for my needs (sporty yet frugal on fuel). Let's just see if I can swing the financing next...
There are two dealers in Atlanta, GA with 2013 inventory right now. I'm hoping to stop by one on the way home today.

A salesman told me that they are identical to the 2012's and the new fancy interior, engine and body will appear in 2013 as the 2014 model. That is upsetting because I need the car now. Also, he said next year there will be a 5 door hatchback along with the Sedan (because Audi America protested about only getting the sedan). All this is from the salesman, so I haven't been able to confirm anything. The Order Guide posted earlier seems to confirm the 2012 & 2013 models being pretty much the same though.

I hope to befriend you guys and gals and learn a lot as I begin down this path of luxurious driving.

Kevin

 

[CRdeesl]

Hello All,
I'm Kevin and a prospective A3 owner. I hope to be driving one in the next few weeks. My research shows that it would be an ideal fit for my needs (sporty yet frugal on fuel). Let's just see if I can swing the financing next...
There are two dealers in Atlanta, GA with 2013 inventory right now. I'm hoping to stop by one on the way home today.

A salesman told me that they are identical to the 2012's and the new fancy interior, engine and body will appear in 2013 as the 2014 model. That is upsetting because I need the car now. Also, he said next year there will be a 5 door hatchback along with the Sedan (because Audi America protested about only getting the sedan). All this is from the salesman, so I haven't been able to confirm anything. The Order Guide posted earlier seems to confirm the 2012 & 2013 models being pretty much the same though.

I hope to befriend you guys and gals and learn a lot as I begin down this path of luxurious driving.

Kevin

That's the first I've heard of Audi still offering a sportback once the MQB A3 comes out (current model is the 8P A3). I'd be suspicious of how concrete your salesman's information is.

 

[CRdeesl]

I am a newbie too. I just pulled the trigger an bought a 2013 A3. I wanted to wait, until the "new" one came out, but I needed a car. Out of curiousity what are the prices in states, I order it overseas (A3 Premium Plus, Lava Gray, Black Interior, Open Sky Sunroof, Aluminum Roof Rails, Rear Side Airbags, Cold Weather Package, Premium Plus Package, Convenience Package and Audi Nav with iPod) for $36,946. I wasn't sure if that was a good price, since it's the end of the line and there were no upgrades on the 2013.

Depending on any transportation fee's you might have...

The final price is cheaper than what you could get list on a dealers lot....But since these are not fast movers at a dealer, you should've been able to discuss a better price point than list price.

Sticker on mine was 36,xxx It has Premium plus, Open Sky and Convenience Package. So for similar price, you've added Cold weather, rear side airbags, roof rails (bastard ) and Audi Nav

Ya that's not a bad price when you consider the NAV is included. I used Truecar.com to price out the options I wanted & negotiated with that in hand.

 

[Radiotube]

Thanks for the heads up on Truecar.com. I signed up and printed a couple of certificates with the options I wanted. Hopefully it could save me as much as $1670 off MSRP.
BTW, I work for Coca-Cola and was told that there was a special program to get Coke employees 6% off the cost of the vehicle. That would be a slightly larger discount than TrueCar. I'll post my experiences later after talking to the dealers.

Pro Tip - Don't forget to ask if your employer has a discount program with Audi.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[Adam S]

Picked it up yesterday. Took a great drive with the family and dog out to the country (Hartford, CT to Litchfield hills). Averaged 35+ mpg on the way out (uphill) and 45+ mpg on the way back (you guessed it, downhill). Fun to drive, comfortable, fuel efficient. Why don't more people like this style of car here in the States?

Question: best/toughest floor and trunk matts to hold up to kids and dog without looking cruddy?

Thanks,
Adam

 

[skramer]

Picked it up yesterday. Took a great drive with the family and dog out to the country (Hartford, CT to Litchfield hills). Averaged 35+ mpg on the way out (uphill) and 45+ mpg on the way back (you guessed it, downhill). Fun to drive, comfortable, fuel efficient. Why don't more people like this style of car here in the States?

Question: best/toughest floor and trunk matts to hold up to kids and dog without looking cruddy?

Thanks,
Adam

Glad you like the A3. Its cost/size imho. Its an expensive economy car...most that can afford its sticker, dont really worry about fuel cost.

For cargo:
I went with this one off ebay. I like the cargo blocks to lock something in the rear so its not moving around
http://www.ebay.com/itm/180869092785

For floor mats:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/WeatherTech...2006-2012-Black-/260917330261?forcev4exp=true

I needed mats that would hold water without spilling onto the carpet. I use my A3 to pull the jetski, and do not want salt stains on my carpet. I've had weathertec in the last few cars I have had, they are pricey, but imho well worth it. They fit like a glove, and are cut to all the side floor vents to work properly.

 

[Adam S]

Skramer,
I guess your right. I guess my combo of wants/needs is relatively atypical outside of this forum. And thanks for the info regarding mats. I ordered weathertec mats/cargo liner all around.

 

[RAST]

FWIW I just picked up a 2012 A3 Premium +

Before the A3 I had the 2006 Jetta TDI Pkg 2. The issue I had was that the 2012 / 2013 Jetta TDI has been de-contented to the point that I simply don't want to buy one. The only VW TDI that I even considered was the Passat SEL TDI but it just didn't feel right. It was too 'Americanized' for my taste.

Then I drove the 2012 A3 TDI and I had a smile on my face the whole time. It was exactly the finishes I wanted and the price difference between the Passat SEL and the A3 Premium + was so small it wan't worth it.

 

[skramer]

FWIW I just picked up a 2012 A3 Premium +

Before the A3 I had the 2006 Jetta TDI Pkg 2. The issue I had was that the 2012 / 2013 Jetta TDI has been de-contented to the point that I simply don't want to buy one. The only VW TDI that I even considered was the Passat SEL TDI but it just didn't feel right. It was too 'Americanized' for my taste.

Then I drove the 2012 A3 TDI and I had a smile on my face the whole time. It was exactly the finishes I wanted and the price difference between the Passat SEL and the A3 Premium + was so small it wan't worth it.

I felt the same after comparing them the VW offerings, I liked the Golf 4-door TDI, but it is smaller in the areas that matter, and no leather option hurts at 30k

 

[CRdeesl]

Glad you like the A3. Its cost/size imho. Its an expensive economy car...most that can afford its sticker, dont really worry about fuel cost.

For cargo:
I went with this one off ebay. I like the cargo blocks to lock something in the rear so its not moving around
http://www.ebay.com/itm/180869092785

For floor mats:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/WeatherTech...2006-2012-Black-/260917330261?forcev4exp=true

I needed mats that would hold water without spilling onto the carpet. I use my A3 to pull the jetski, and do not want salt stains on my carpet. I've had weathertec in the last few cars I have had, they are pricey, but imho well worth it. They fit like a glove, and are cut to all the side floor vents to work properly.

I have the same mat and have used it for 6 months now, still looks brand new and vacuums up nicely. I keep the blocks in the trunk, and they do get in the way from time to time but i like having them in there when I need them.

I went with the A3 oem all weather mats. I like them well enough, I've heard good things about weathertech but i like having that "A3" logo in there