To keep it or not to keep it - 09 Audi A3 1.8TFSI

[JuggHead]

Hi Everyone,

First time posting to the discussions part of this forum 😁

So like the title suggests I'm really on the fence about what to do with my 2009 Audi A3. It's a 1.8TFSI I bought the car from a mate about 2 years ago. In that time I've spent about around R 25 000 on repairs excl. maintenance. Some of the work I've had time in that time:

• Rear main seal
• Clutch, flywheel kit
• Timing chain kit
• Lower control arms
• Two CV joints

I haven't pushed this car and mileage currently sitting at 140 000km. It's a nippy car but I can't shake this feeling that if I put my foot down to hard I'm going to pop something. Side note the build quality on the interior seems great but the electronics on the car seem like they're starting to act up. Alarm going off randomly with a new battery in the car. Tailgate/boot lights keep popping.

I've looked after this car and done a ton of preventative maintenance as well. Is this just how it goes with cars out of motor-plan/warranty?

Considering selling her, I've been eyeing something a little more reliable like a new Lexus IS 250/350 or potentially something newer like a Megane RS. Not sure whether I should sell it before something else major goes like the turbo or god knows what else or hang on to it since I'm already pretty invested in it.

Any advice/input would be very much appreciated.

 

[G-spot]

Stay away from the Megane RS, They are terribly unreliable car in general... Obviously there is the off wednesday car...

Mechanically the IS250/350 are solid if looked after yes, But model specific bits and pieces tend to be expensive, Great cars tho.

Cant really comment on whether to keep the car or not, They decent cars, but it is 12 years old and will require more and more maintenance as it gets older. If you haven't had oil consumption issues then I'm sure you will be ok, but older cars are always risky

 

[KiLLRoY]

If you're financially in a space to do so, flog it before it becomes problematic. I might be a bit pessimistic, but the 1.8tfsi is known for major oil usage and later failure. Not 100% sure though if it stretches back to '09 though. VAG also not very cheap to maintain, I found it cheaper to maintain an E90 diesel beemer than 'n TDI VAG.
Keep in mind the only experience with the 1.8tfsi issues I've seen were all on modded cars.

 

[Syzygy187]

What makes you

Stay away from the Megane RS, They are terribly unreliable car in general... Obviously there is the off wednesday car...

Have you owned one? Never had a problem with my Megane GT, it is a 2018. Additionally, the RS comes with a great 5 year warranty and service plan. I am thinking of upgrading to the RS.

 

[JuggHead]

Just to update everyone. I am trading her in for a low mileage Toyota 86 thanks for all the advice so far.

 

[Skalabala]

The RS is a really good car, but most of them are wrecked by ether the owner or mechanics.
Nice choice on the 86 I like them. Take good care of it, every car comes with its own special problems.

 

[JuggHead]

Update: car is amazing. Own special problems indeed sent it back to Toyota twice now for Check Engine Light. Was livid because I found out that the first time it went back they just cleared the codes and they drove it around a bit and they didn't come back. Not sure if that's common practice but man surely it would have saved them less hassle to just do the fix. It wasn't even big apparently an O2 sensor was faulty.

Side note: anyone got a recommendation for a reasonably priced OBD scanner?

 

[G-spot]

What makes you


Have you owned one? Never had a problem with my Megane GT, it is a 2018. Additionally, the RS comes with a great 5 year warranty and service plan. I am thinking of upgrading to the RS.

Apologies, I missed your reply...

No, I haven't owned one, Probably never will too. Ok maybe the newest gen RS. I really like them.
I have however fixed many of them... maaaaany of them and all RS models. I have mates who had them. Even had to replace a motor on a 225... twice (and it was dead stock). From big turbo 225's (Megane II) to stock 265 (Megane III). They all pretty unreliable.

When they work they are fun cars tho, especially around a track.

 

[G-spot]

Update: car is amazing. Own special problems indeed sent it back to Toyota twice now for Check Engine Light. Was livid because I found out that the first time it went back they just cleared the codes and they drove it around a bit and they didn't come back. Not sure if that's common practice but man surely it would have saved them less hassle to just do the fix. It wasn't even big apparently an O2 sensor was faulty.

Side note: anyone got a recommendation for a reasonably priced OBD scanner?

Fairly common practice, Sometimes electronics just act up due to voltage dips/spikes, a hard bump or some dampness. So most manufacturers clear the faults and see which comes back especially if there is no physical symptoms like miss fires or lack of power etc.

I've used the ELM 327 obd scanner on many cars including toyota's. Works fine for the basics and dirt cheap. Only works on android devices tho

 

[Skalabala]

Update: car is amazing. Own special problems indeed sent it back to Toyota twice now for Check Engine Light. Was livid because I found out that the first time it went back they just cleared the codes and they drove it around a bit and they didn't come back. Not sure if that's common practice but man surely it would have saved them less hassle to just do the fix. It wasn't even big apparently an O2 sensor was faulty.

Side note: anyone got a recommendation for a reasonably priced OBD scanner?

Kinda stupid from Toyota, I bet they did not look at the freeze frame data.

 

[linsong018]

I think the Computer Box starting to act up and this mostly happens if previous battery had problems maybe you had to boost it every time you had to drive it, Besides Audi has electronic problems just like those old Mercedes A class....Seem you going to spend a lot there my friend

But before let them diagnose it and clear faults see if it becomes any better

 

[Willan]

Just to update everyone. I am trading her in for a low mileage Toyota 86 thanks for all the advice so far.

Welcome to the 86 gang. If your from Gauteng, hit me up, so that I can get you into the 86 club

 

[JuggHead]

Thanks @Willan, I'm afraid I'm based in CT but have managed to join the owners club down here.

 

[Willan]

Thanks @Willan, I'm afraid I'm based in CT but have managed to join the owners club down here.

Awesome

Take that girl to a Skidpan, she loves going sideways!