Whenever a car manufacturer launches a new car it is worth taking a look at the outgoing model because cars at the end of their production life are often the best built.

A new generation of Audi A3 was launched last summer, so now is a good time to snap up a used Mk 1 bargain. The original A3 was launched in September 1996 and was positioned as an upmarket alternative to the VW Golf. Despite sharing many of the Golf’s components, the A3 justified its higher price with superior build quality.

Even today the earliest cars fetch close to £5,000 and are usually still in excellent shape.

Initially only available with three doors and petrol engines, the A3 soon had diesels added to its range, and a five-door version was introduced in August 1999.

All the petrol engines are reliable and capable of high mileage. The cheapest are the 101bhp 1.6 and the 125bhp 1.8; the 1.6 works hard if the car is loaded, so the bigger engine is far more desirable.

The addition of a turbocharger to the 1.8 litre in the T Sport model boosted power to 150bhp. The extra power and torque make this the most sought-after petrol A3, but beware of used examples that have had a performance upgrade “chip”. The extra performance is often gained at cost to engine and turbo life.

More powerful is the A3 T Sport quattro with four-wheel drive and 180bhp. The additional power compensates for the weight of the quattro system, so it’s scarcely quicker, and you pay a penalty at the petrol pumps.

For ultimate performance there’s the S3. Again with quattro and the 1.8 litre engine, this 210bhp model can reach 151mph and hit 62mph in 6.6sec. A tribute to the car’s desirability is that early-1999 examples still fetch around half the original new price, so expect to pay £12,500 for a decent example.

If fuel economy is important, diesels are the obvious choice. Despite there being only one engine size, there are four power outputs, and the 1.9 litre unit is frugal and refined. Audi has used different injection set-ups to achieve 90bhp, 100bhp, 110bhp and 130bhp — all versions capable of more than 40mpg.

Cars built before July 2001 have either 90bhp or 110bhp units, and the more powerful engine adds about £500 to the value — money well spent. In July 2001 Audi increased the power of both units to 100bhp and 130bhp respectively. Again buyers will find a £500 differential exists on used examples, and again it’s worth paying the extra. The 130bhp version is a stormer.

The A3 comes in three trim levels: unbadged base model, SE and Sport. All have alloys, alarm, antilock braking and front airbags. The SE gains climate control, a front armrest and a useful split folding rear seat. Sport models are distinguished by larger alloys, lowered suspension, sport front seats and a sunroof in the place of climate control.

With the new Audi A3 now in the showrooms dealers are bound to be handling more of the old versions in part exchange, so now could be the ideal time to pick up a great deal.

VITAL STATISTICS

Model: Audi A3 1.8T Sport
Engine: Four-cylinder, 1781cc
Power: 150bhp
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel: 36.2mpg (combined)
Acceleration: 0 to 62mph: 8.2sec
Top speed: 135mph

Climate Control: A desirable option, standard on SE models

Turbo: Check for smoke from exhaust under hard acceleration - a sign of turbo wear

Quattro: Expect to pay £1,200 extra for quattro (4x4) models. The system also increases tyre wear and fuel consumption

Water pump: Prone to failure on early 1.8 litre models

Facelift: Post-September 2000 cars have revised bumpers and headlights

ESP: Electronic Stability Program standard on facelifted cars

Alloy wheels: Standard on all models, Sport derivatives get larger rims and lowered suspension

Rear seat: Folding seat standard but split/fold seat not fitted on base models

Door lock: Cars built after July 1998 can be distinguished easily by the deletion of the passenger-side door lock

Security: Central locking, engine immobiliser and alarm system standard, but check the deadlocks work properly

Safety: Four-star Euro NCAP rating on post-August 1997 cars when side airbags became standard

Bodywork: Galvanised body must be repaired using genuine Audi-approved panels

THE ONE TO BUY

Audi A3 1.8T Sport 3dr, manual, 2000 X-reg with 40,000 miles. Pay £10,395 at a dealer with a 12-month warranty, or £9,500 privately.


OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...

2001 Y-reg VW Golf 2.3 V5
2002 02-reg Alfa Romeo 147 2.0TS
2001 51-reg SEAT Leon 1.8 20V T Cupra
2000 X-reg BMW 318ti Sport compact
2002 51-reg Ford Focus ST170

VALUES: Audi A3 1.8T Sport 3-door manual



Five door worth £300 more than three-door. Auto worth £500 more than manual. SE and Sport fetch similar prices, base models worth £550 less. Source estimates based on CAP black book. 'Trade' is what a dealer pays to buy your car; 'Retail' is what you pay the dealer