After some searching and testing several cars of various brands we chose an A3 sportback

I've just picked up my first car at the dealership. After some searching and testing several cars of various brands we chose an A3 sportback. He's in September 2011 and has just 120.000km on the clock. Besides some small (parking) scratches and two dents it is damage.

A few weeks ago we made a test drive and the car felt good immediately. No rattling, creaking or other beeps. The engine, brakes and steering all felt tight. Really like new and I felt at home straight away. This was not the case with the other cars which we drove, which we do every time gave a feeling that it could be something seriously wrong. In addition, the maintenance history was right on time done by an Audi dealer, he was on Michelin winter tires and the inside still looks good and beautiful. Sign for me that the previous owner has properly dealt with and there has been cut off.

During the first drive home still caused me a few things. So wanted to start / stop system does not catch on in the beginning, while it worked flawlessly during the test drive. It is a warmer day so the engine temperature can not be this rush. I do not know all the parameters are viewing this system but perhaps the charge of the battery is not so good. After 15km, the system began to work at once. The other point that I noticed that the suspension is quite stiff. This struck me at the test drive less even though I still had taken some bad roads during the ride. I assume this habituation will be. My A3 Ambition performance and may thus be supplied with the sports suspension that standard belongs. Whether that is the case with this A3, or the previous owner (free of charge) has chosen the ordinary frame, I do not know and I have no idea how I got to find out.

The following items on the program are installing new summer tires. I opted for Michelin's on the advice of the local tire dealer (Michelin Primacy 3 225 / 45R17 94V). They are in order and I'm wondering how to give birth. In addition, I made an appointment with the local Audi dealer for service that is needed.
New Tires - Audi A3 Sportback (120 245 km)

Today let impose the new summer tires. The winter before were already quite worn but with the rear tires I could probably still two winters. It is one of the rear tires a bit weird worn. On the inside of the tread, the profile is a bit bumpy. It is difficult to describe but the rubber, which in between two grooves, on the tape is is always to and to further and far less worn. According to the tire specialist may be caused by the shock absorber. I have no idea exactly how this may have had its effect and is itself indispensable to an improperly balanced wheel.

For summer tires I now have the Michelin Primacy 3 225 / 45R17 94V, this on the advice of the local tire specialist. Everything is rebalanced again. My first impression is good. They are quiet and comfort is as far as I can judge actually remained the same now. I have not ridden in extreme circumstances or situations, but it seems to be a good band.

Furthermore, we still do not so much drive. The start / stop system sometimes works, sometimes not so that's what I do not know yet. We have already made a trip to Ikea and we must say that the car is quite practical. The space in the least disappointing. Both the trunk and the back seat is actually reasonably well to call for yet a compact car.
Next week, the Audi dealership for a turn.
120.000km Maintenance interval - Audi A3 Sportback (120 305 km)

Yesterday, the 120.000km maintenance had at Audi. Audi offered me a maintenance program of € 15, - per month for two years or 40.000km to where all the standard maintenance is included (oil, filters such as oil, fuel, air and pollen, spark plugs (not required for a diesel naturally ), workshop fees, etc .. this therefore amounts to € 360, -. in two years in comparison, the things that must be done by default in this mode kilometer walk quickly up to € 400, - including oil changes and filters replaced. the offered maintenance program is so in my case always cheaper. I also have to replace the brake fluid in September (5 years old), which is then immediately included.

I have broached the start / stop system problem and it may be the battery but there are apparently many other possible causes. in addition, I talked about the weird worn rear tire. the Audi dealer had here no clear answer but said Hankook tires might fit better with the chassis and damping of my car. I have no experience with Hankook, but I might consider to move if I am in the market for a new set.

At the Audi dealership was my car right on the bridge and I had the chance to get away to look under together with the employee. I could not, so I was quite curious. Everything looked nice and neat so I was happy. All in all, you can never have 100% sure at a used car.

Also in the € 15 per month package includes a free rental car at the time of maintenance. I was given a nice A1. Ride pretty good I must say, very fast and challenging. Quite a bit smaller of course but still feels maturing.

Halfway through the day I got a call on what's 'wrong' in my car. It was all in all still so bad:
Wiper blades front and rear (I already knew).
Clogged sprinkler system behind.
Tire repair kit had expired so there was a new one in.
Crankcase ventilation hose leaked so they had to be replaced.
The latter was a new tube could be ordered and my car so unfortunately the same evening but not until the next morning to fetch at 09:00. The loan car, which normally is only given for one day, I just could not keep.

The next morning my car was ready, free washed and cleaned inside and out. Total costs were € 169.61 including VAT.

A new battery was apparently not necessary and on the drive home did it start / stop system immediately and properly. Perhaps it was just resetting the software or the crankcase ventilation hose that previously threw spanner in the works.
First Long Rides - Audi A3 Sportback (121 691 km)

Finally we have some longer distances by car can drive. Twice 650km, mostly over the highway and a few shorter pieces to 80/100 km / h roads.

I must say that the car also suits very well for longer journeys. We had quite bring some baggage, but two suitcases and some loose stuff in the trunk is not a problem. For us as a couple, this car is spacious enough, perhaps for a family with children will soon be too small. The start / stop system continued to operate smoothly so far, so I'm happy with that. Furthermore, it is fairly quiet in the car, even at higher speeds. We have lots of around 145 km / h ride on the cruise control and that was doable. I've just extended it to 208 km / h on the clock, but you do need a long breath for. After the 190 km / h the stretch there is a little off. Nevertheless, he will be 210 km / h he certainly should be able to get by the book as you have been free job. The car feels in any case still safe at those speeds. In Germany it is not a problem to get along with traffic. As I said earlier, the attenuation bit on the stiff side, but on the highway gives it a very solid and secure feeling. The seats provide plenty of support for a comfortable ride over 6 hours. Actually, the only thing I miss in my car is a rain sensor.

My car is equipped with a navigation system Zenec. It is very nicely built and looks as if it is an original factory option. It is what slow to start but once it does, it is a very rich and smooth system. The screen is large and works with touch screen operation which I think is very ergonomic. What is also very fine, is that it is connected to the screen between my speedometer and tachometer. This auction and gauges until the exit indicated, leaving me less often have to turn to the navigation system and watch.

I have so far refueled only once and can quite easily drive 1050km on one tank (55l). I have not yet tracked accurately and precisely but 1:18 am I can quite easily pick up with a combination of city and highway mileage.