Audi A1 Opinion

D

dEaThXc0rE

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Hi Guys,

My wife is way overdue on an upgrade and we're in the market for an A1. I'm looking at 2014+ Ambition models. Our budget (before aftermarket warranty which I'll be taking) is around R160k.

Now there's a decent amount of 1.6TDI, 1.4TSI and 1.2TSI models with 90-110k KM on the clock (won't go higher than that) available. I've been scared off from getting the automatic. Apparently they cost you a lot of money, eventually. Firstly, how true is this? I really like the feel of the DSG but I heard their services are ludicrously expensive.

Secondly, can anyone speak for the 1.6TDI and 1.2TSI variants? What are they like to drive? What's their reliability like? I've been told that the diesel variants will outlive most drivers so 100k KM really isn't a lot.

I'd love to hear some opinions.

TIA
 
Previous person I worked with had a partner who had one. Auto gave issues right after warranty expired, which was a pretty penny to repair. Promptly sold afterwards. So based on sample size of 1, good idea to avoid auto, especially looking at the age of vehicle you looking at.
 
1.4tfsi is a dream to drive, not much of a problem with those engines. Common problems after warranty to look out for is chain and tensioners, on the odd occasion the oil seperator, otherwise bullet proof cars.

Avoid the 1.6 TDI, injectors tend to go on these vehicles, they don't like our diesel as much apparently. Injectors cost upwards of R30k.

As for Automatic, you wont really go wrong with Auto. The main problem with these Auto boxes is the clutches and the mechation unit. Clutches are about R14k to replace so make sure it was done under warranty. Mechantron upwards of R25k for a new one, however the local guys have found a way to recon them.

As for your general service parts, really easy to find, A1 and POLO share the same foundation for brakes, filters, bearings, etc etc
 
Don't touch a 1.4 TSI VAG engine made before 2015 unless you have Shell or Mobil shares
 
I have a 2011 1.4TFSI manual, while not super fast its a really fun drive. Haven't had any MAJOR issues but the check engine light came on maybe 4 or 5 times since I've owned it and every time I took it to the dealer they quoted me an INSANE amount to fix it (skelms). Usually I go get a second opinion but I found that after resetting the error light the problem usually doesn't show itself again. Overall I am really glad I bought the car and instead of a cheaper Polo for example, every time I get in the drivers seat its a pleasure to drive. Mine is heading for 150kms soon and while its definitely not as smooth as it once was it hasn't given me any major problems. I would have liked to have gone for an S-Tronic but the potential costly repairs put me off. Perhaps somebody with an automatic can comment on that.
 
Lovely car but beware the mechatronic unit in some of the models - it's been recalled in many countries and they haven't actually fixed it. R35-40k to replace.
 
A3@MBB said:
Don't touch a 1.4 TSI VAG engine made before 2015 unless you have Shell or Mobil shares
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I had a 2010 1.4 Tsi jetta 5, really nice car that drove wonderfully, was biblically unreliable though. I had to book that car in for some or other issue or light every other month, I booked it in like 7 times in the 13 months I had it, last issue I just left it at the dealer and two days later picked up my current car. 5 years later and I've only had one (somewhat expensive) issue other than services.
 
I have never understood some of the Audi range when you look at the equivalent VW which is a far better buy, the bulk of the A1 range fits the bill if you are not worried about brand.
 
Craig said:
I had a 2010 1.4 Tsi jetta 5, really nice car that drove wonderfully, was biblically unreliable though. I had to book that car in for some or other issue or light every other month, I booked it in like 7 times in the 13 months I had it, last issue I just left it at the dealer and two days later picked up my current car. 5 years later and I've only had one (somewhat expensive) issue other than services.
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What issues did you have? I presume it was the twin charged 118kw engine? The turbocharged 90kw engine is pretty much bomb proof and one of the reasons the latest generation of 1.4 TSi's are no longer twincharged.
 
Neuk_ said:
What issues did you have? I presume it was the twin charged 118kw engine? The turbocharged 90kw engine is pretty much bomb proof and one of the reasons the latest generation of 1.4 TSi's are no longer twincharged.
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Nope, I had the 90 kw one. It had engine check lights multiple times, it would sometimes idle unevenly. One time after work it just refused to start, VW had someone out in less than 15 minutes from my call as I was in a flat spin panic as my wife worked in Paarl still back then and had to pick up our son first before she could come home and I had to pick our daughter up at day care. They rocked up, plugged in their computer and about 15 minutes later I was on my way. No idea what went wrong there. The last problem was the water pump becoming noisy, left it there and picked up the passat two days later. One other time as I was coming into the driveway it just died, and there it was stuck until VW came out, cable came loose on the battery (something like that).

Thinking back NTT Stellenbosch had actually always had awesome service.

Still one of the nicest cars I've owned so far, if only it was reliable I would driven this thing for a long time.
WP_20151124_002.jpg
 
Craig said:
Nope, I had the 90 kw one. It had engine check lights multiple times, it would sometimes idle unevenly. One time after work it just refused to start, VW had someone out in less than 15 minutes from my call as I was in a flat spin panic as my wife worked in Paarl still back then and had to pick up our son first before she could come home and I had to pick our daughter up at day care. They rocked up, plugged in their computer and about 15 minutes later I was on my way. No idea what went wrong there. The last problem was the water pump becoming noisy, left it there and picked up the passat two days later. One other time as I was coming into the driveway it just died, and there it was stuck until VW came out, cable came loose on the battery (something like that).

Thinking back NTT Stellenbosch had actually always had awesome service.

Still one of the nicest cars I've owned so far, if only it was reliable I would driven this thing for a long time.
View attachment 925895
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Aaah, you had one of the sort of cross over Jetta's which was the MkV but with MkVI engine, a pit about the issues as the MkV Jetta was a fantastic car.
 
quovadis said:
Lovely car but beware the mechatronic unit in some of the models - it's been recalled in many countries and they haven't actually fixed it. R35-40k to replace.
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Have to agree with this. A friend had this problem just after the maintenance plan expired. Was R40K to replace.
 
Neuk_ said:
Aaah, you had one of the sort of cross over Jetta's which was the MkV but with MkVI engine, a pit about the issues as the MkV Jetta was a fantastic car.
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It was a wonderful car yes, dead quiet inside, lovely soft ride, fuel efficient with just enough power. I loved that thing when I bought it.

Ironically I have a colleague with the exact same car, trouble free for the last 10 years. Think I just had a Friday car.
 
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