Maintenance of used Audi A3 1.9 TDI, 1.6ii 1.8 T

Audi TDI A3 1.9

The first-generation Audi A3 follows the image of a reliable car, and when buying, keep an eye out for service history and the status of the catalytic converter. The oldest models also had problems with the coolant pump.

In addition to the technical requirements, the Audi A3 1.9 TDI satisfies its discerning customers with its simple appearance, reasonable price, but most of all, the image of the reliable car it has been building since 1996, when it arrived on the market. Today, however, car buyers in this price range are facing a difficult intersection. The question is clear: to choose an Audi A3 or, say, a half-smaller but also smaller city car. In a city car, we don't have the equipment like the Audi A3, we don't even have the image that the A3 has, but that's why we have fewer miles in wheels and fewer years in the traffic booklet. Although quite old, the Audi A3 does not have to be a bottomless hole. Of course, at least half of the used car market is well-deserved and inadequately maintained, which means that this car, without at least partially known history, should not even be considered when purchasing. Although it is old, the replacement parts are not very cheap. In the end, though, we're talking about premium Audi. On the other hand, regularly maintained, with a neatly filled service booklet, can be as reliable as a new car.

                           

The Audi A3 still looks respectable enough today. More important, however, is that the A3 was created at a time when there were not as many tradeoffs in the auto industry as today. So, those still driving on the road have powerful but unloaded engines and full accessories like we don't often find among the cheaper compacts today. When it comes to a used Audi A3, it's a pretty easy choice. There are three basic versions that dominate the market and are divided into models with a 1,9-liter TDI, 1,6-liter gasoline atmosphere and 1,8-liter turbocharger. There are some other variations, but these three versions are the most common.

Interestingly, the services did not record standard mechanical or electronic problems on these cars. However, owners of the Audi A3, produced before the redesign, found that the 1,8hp 125-liter models had some problems with the coolant pump. It turns out that the problems only apply to models manufactured at the very beginning of production, that is, from September 1996 to the end of 1997. In addition, repairers also revealed to us that used catalyst was a problem with used specimens. Namely, if the engine is not properly serviced, and if there are certain problems with spark plugs or electrical wiring on the engine, it is possible that the fuel in the cylinders does not burn as intended. Unburnt fuel, therefore, reaches the catalyst, where, due to the high combustion temperatures, it produces an extremely high temperature sufficient to melt a thin layer of aluminum and magnesium, which cover the walls of the ceramic honeycomb through which the exhaust gases pass. The dissolved silicate does not perform the chemical reactions in the proper way, thus gradually clogging the catalyst. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by physical shock. The fragile ceramic core breaks down relatively easily during external impact on the catalyst, thus disrupting the working process within the catalyst. So, if you notice that the catalyst has physical damage or bumps on the outer protective sheet, the ceramic core is probably damaged. A damaged catalytic converter can also hold the gases that need to escape through the rest of the exhaust system, thus reducing engine power. But it also happens that the owners of these cars simply remove the catalytic converter and easily go through a technical inspection, simply registering a car that has no catalytic converter.

However, buyers of such vehicles are not very keen on consuming more than ten liters, which the 1,8-liter turbo engine easily swallows for 100 kilometers. There is a solution, however, to install a gas device. Of course, there are always skeptics who wouldn't even drive gas in their sleep, however, with today's fuel prices on pumps. What's more, it's easier to find a 1,8-liter turbocharged engine with 150 hp and just over 150.000 miles per hour than any diesel with less than 200.000 miles in wheels.

Given that Audi was still a member of the premium segment at the time, most models in the used market are well equipped. Because of the class it belongs to, the Audi A3 is built very well, so even after ten years of normal operation, there should be no problem with the cabin elements.

Although quite old, the first-generation Audi A3 still resists the tooth of time. Excellent finish from the late XNUMXs, and rich equipment certainly keep it high.

Mladen

Hi there, I am Mladen and I am an auto enthusiast. I started this blog years ago to help like minded people share information about latest cars, car servicing ideas, used car info, exotic cars, and auto technology. You will find helpful articles and videos on a wide variety of cars - Audi, Mercedes, Toyota, Porsche, Volvo, BMW and much more. Ping us if you have anything cool to share on latest cars or on how to make older cars more efficient, or just want to say hi!