Long-Term Update: 2006 Audi A3
By Neil G. Chirico
One editor had the A3 over a 10-day period that took him from Los Angeles to Carson City, Nevada, then over to Sacramento and back to L.A. This trip was during the winter months, and he forgot that the A3 is front drive and not AWD (only the 3.2-liter A3 is) and that ours is equipped with Pirelli summer-spec tires.
Far from the best choice for braving the High Sierra winter storms. Still, the A3 never let him down. He did mention that, during those mornings when the temperature was in the 15-20-degree range, he sure could've used seat heaters.
| 2006 Audi A3 |
| Total mileage | 19,943 |
| Average fuel econ | 22.0 mpg |
| Unresolved problem areas | None |
| Maintenance cost | $0 (5K service); $0 (15K) |
| Normal-wear cost | $6 (two quarts oil) |