Just bought my first A3...

[onb]

I picked this up a couple weeks ago as a one-owner used car. It's an '09 A3 3.2, Cold Weather/Sport packages, and RNS-E. It's apparent the prior owner babied this car. I had my mechanic look it over and she couldn't find anything wrong. The car has lived it's whole life in the southwest, so I know it's never seen a salted winter road.

This is my first Audi and though I've owned other VAG products in the past and know what to expect, I figured it best to join the forum. I'm located in Phoenix, AZ so I'm trying to find out if there's a local A3 club.

Seems from reading through the forums, the first two upgrades I should perform are the Haldex controller and DSG flash from HPA. Has anyone had any problems with gear from HPA?

[TBomb]

I picked this up a couple weeks ago as a one-owner used car. It's an '09 A3 3.2, Cold Weather/Sport packages, and RNS-E. It's apparent the prior owner babied this car. I had my mechanic look it over and she couldn't find anything wrong. The car has lived it's whole life in the southwest, so I know it's never seen a salted winter road.

This is my first Audi and though I've owned other VAG products in the past and know what to expect, I figured it best to join the forum. I'm located in Phoenix, AZ so I'm trying to find out if there's a local A3 club.

Seems from reading through the forums, the first two upgrades I should perform are the Haldex controller and DSG flash from HPA. Has anyone had any problems with gear from HPA?

Well done sir. That is a great car. One of a handful of facelifted 3.2s made, period, and I think only one of now two that are in this forum (Maitre Absolute has one too). Love the color, and the options are great. HPA is pretty much the best out there for the DSG software. They've been doing it longer than anyone else that I know of, and I haven't heard of anyone having issues with them. They are more expensive than others, but you get what you pay for. As far as the Haldex controller goes, it kind of depends on which generation Haldex you have. If you have the newer Gen IV Haldex, my understanding is it is pretty good as-is, however, the upgraded controller will let you have more control over how it behaves. If you have the older generation, I would think the upgrade would be a no-brainer.

Other than that, the only upgrades I would do to that car would be coilovers and and a Euro headlight swap to get rid of the orange reflectors. Oh, and maybe tint if it doesn't already have it

[Maitre Absolut]

i refuse to acknowledge the presence of another facelifted 3.2q

[onb]

Thanks @TBomb. It's kinda interesting how I came to own the car. I've always owned manually geared cars and would never consider owning an automatic car. I had driven plenty of older (non-DSG) manumatic cars and never liked them. More automatic than manual. I always liked the A3, but was only interested in the 3.2, which was automatic (and later DSG) only. So I kinda shrugged off the idea of owning an A3.

Then a few months ago I needed to rent a car, and the car I got was a VW CC with a DSG. It was my first time driving a DSG and I was actually rather impressed. The DGS possessed the driving characteristics I like, and I realized I could own a car with a DSG and be happy with the purchase. Then last month, this A3 came up on one of my saved car searches and it also happened to be located here in Phoenix. After a couple test drives and thinking it over a couple days, I made the plunge. Although you can't see it in those photos, the prior owner de-badged the tailgate (save for the emblem) so you can't tell by looking at it whether it's a 2.0 or 3.2.

Thanks for the feedback about HPA. I'm always cautious anytime software is involved. I don't know which gen Haldex is currently on the car. I kinda like the idea of selectable control, or at least putting it in Race mode and leave as-is. My prior car was a Subaru WRX STI, so I'm all about AWD.

I got the windows tinted last week (photos are pre-tint). I'll take a look at the Euro lights. I don't believe I've seen them yet.

I had H&R coilovers on my WRX. They definitely made the car handle like a go-cart through turns, but the stiff ride made for uncomfortable road trips. What brand do you use/recommend? The magnetic suspension is the one option my A3 didn't come with.

[TBomb]

Thanks @TBomb. It's kinda interesting how I came to own the car. I've always owned manually geared cars and would never consider owning an automatic car. I had driven plenty of older (non-DSG) manumatic cars and never liked them. More automatic than manual. I always liked the A3, but was only interested in the 3.2, which was automatic (and later DSG) only. So I kinda shrugged off the idea of owning an A3.

Then a few months ago I needed to rent a car, and the car I got was a VW CC with a DSG. It was my first time driving a DSG and I was actually rather impressed. The DGS possessed the driving characteristics I like, and I realized I could own a car with a DSG and be happy with the purchase. Then last month, this A3 came up on one of my saved car searches and it also happened to be located here in Phoenix. After a couple test drives and thinking it over a couple days, I made the plunge. Although you can't see it in those photos, the prior owner de-badged the tailgate (save for the emblem) so you can't tell by looking at it whether it's a 2.0 or 3.2.

Thanks for the feedback about HPA. I'm always cautious anytime software is involved. I don't know which gen Haldex is currently on the car. I kinda like the idea of selectable control, or at least putting it in Race mode and leave as-is. My prior car was a Subaru WRX STI, so I'm all about AWD.

I got the windows tinted last week (photos are pre-tint). I'll take a look at the Euro lights. I don't believe I've seen them yet.

I had H&R coilovers on my WRX. They definitely made the car handle like a go-cart through turns, but the stiff ride made for uncomfortable road trips. What brand do you use/recommend? The magnetic suspension is the one option my A3 didn't come with.

Yeah, the DSG is really a brilliant transmission as long as you keep it maintained. The HPA software evidently makes a big difference especially for the 3.2 cars.

From what I've read, the magnetic ride wasn't that great anyway and that's why they don't offer it anymore, at least in the US. Take a look at the HPA SHS coilovers if you want better handling without the harsh ride. They are based on KW coilovers but are valves differently to not be quite so harsh.

[JRutter]

Great score - very rare. I like having mine debadged because people assume that it is the economical eco-friendly car that they have seen on TV ads. Then they hear it.

The Haldex controller is great. Mine is in race mode all the time, and I just do Haldex service more frequently just in case.

[onb]

@Tbomb Anytime I see a car with an active suspension system, it brings back memories from when I was a kid and my parents Lincoln with air ride suspension. Poor execution and durability. Always had something flakey going on.

@JRutter What type of exhaust system did you put in yours? That's another upgrade I have on my radar...

[mkim]

Color
3.2
Rim
Facelift?

Cannot wait for mods

[$$Rich$$]

Welcome, i am an A3 noob also, looks nice
i also have a 3.2 which seems to be more uncommon (even in the pre facelift)

[RED WHIP]

Congrats & welcome to the club. That is a kick ass color too, let the modding begin..

[onb]

@mkim The photos don't do the blue exterior justice. I love it. The tan interior doesn't do a whole lot for me. I would have preferred black, but beggars can't be choosers. The tan is growing on me though. I do have plans to swap out the stock tan floor mats with some factory black or gray. Hopefully won't show dirt as bad.

@$$Rich$$ The American market for hatchbacks is small to begin with, and I think the 3.2 new was just too expensive for people to justify. For the same money people would buy a sedan or midrange SUV.

[JRutter]

Despite the compact size, this is a fantastic touring car. Handles so much better than larger cars, but still has room for stuff and is comfortable for long trips. The NA engine isn't as moddable as a turbo, but the torque is right there when you want it, it sounds fantastic, and it represents the end of the big engine/small chassis as far as "practical" cars go. I don't see VW/Audi, or anyone else for that matter, doing any more like it.

[LWNY]

where's all these 3.2 doods coming from? Or at least where were the previous owners? Non-enthusiasts that wanted quattro so the dealer sold them the 3.2?

[onb]

@JRutter I agree. Buyers no longer need to sacrifice power and performance when going with smaller, more efficient engines. Coming from a Subaru, I'm a big fan of forced induction, but I also know there are qualities of a larger displacement/more cylinder engine beyond just HP. Audi sold a little more than 3,300 A3 in 2009 (according to the press release below). 2009 was right after the economy tanked, and I wouldn't be surprised if that wasn't a contributing factor to the demise of the 3.2.

http://www.volkswagengroupamerica.co...audi_sales.htm


@LWNY Who knows? But what I do know though is I'm happy with the purchase.

[NYCameron]

It's apparent the prior owner babied this car. I had my mechanic look it over and she couldn't find anything wrong.

you have a LADY mechanic?! awesome!

anyway, welcome to the forums! Can't wait to see what you actually do to this beaut

[onb]

@NYCameron I was wondering how long it would take someone to pick up on that. She is awesome, and obviously like busting stereotypes. But most important to me is the quality of her work and her work ethic. Although she runs a great shop, she doesn't specialize in tuning or customizations. I'll keep going to her for the regular service, but I need to find a good Audi/VW specialist in Phoenix to do the eventual upgrades.

[rebelxtnut]

@NYCameron I was wondering how long it would take someone to pick up on that. She is awesome, and obviously like busting stereotypes. But most important to me is the quality of her work and her work ethic. Although she runs a great shop, she doesn't specialize in tuning or customizations. I'll keep going to her for the regular service, but I need to find a good Audi/VW specialist in Phoenix to do the eventual upgrades.

Theres a great scene in Phoenix, I have a ton of friends there with various VW's. Dennis, Tony, Allison, Barry and more. All awesome people, go to one of the meets and meet em. Sure theyd love a 3.2 A3
Im in Tucson myself. You should def hop on the Southwest forum on the regional section. Tons of awesome stuff

[onb]

@rebelxtnut Awesome, just the information I was looking for. Thank you. I didn't realize there were regional forums on the board.

[rebelxtnut]

@rebelxtnut Awesome, just the information I was looking for. Thank you. I didn't realize there were regional forums on the board.

No worries

You should make it out to Quattro De Mayo over at Goodspeed. I should be there! There arent too many A3 owners in AZ. I know of only one other modified A3 in Tucson. But I think there are a few in Phoenix

[C3MH.]

Nice pick up - looks good man. Welcome to the famiry

[tp.]

i like a3

[C3MH.]

i rike Afree

fixed.

[Seki]

[azoceanblue]

Finally, another blue A3

Here's the link to AZ Audi Club chapter:
http://www.facebook.com/Audiclubaz

Plenty of A3's in the Metro area, its just that they do not visit the forums much