Audi A3 Sports/Convertible Cars

Everything You Need to Know About the Audi A3 Convertible

Though the Audi A3 was originally introduced in 1996 as a small, family-sized compact car, there were no convertible versions of the A3 present until 2008, well into the car's second production generation. Later on, the car's size would be expanded somewhat and it would come to be considered an executive car, its convertible version consistently remaining a stylish choice for car lovers everywhere. You can find a new or used Audi A3 convertible for sale on eBay for a reasonable price.

The general body design of the stylish Audi A3 convertible or cabriolet has consistently remained that of a two-door, two-seat car. All models from 2003 to the present have used either inline-four or straight-five engines, though exact displacement figures have varied from year to year and model to model. The only exception to this are the A3 convertibles with diesel engines, though there have been relatively few of these. All diesel engines have been inline-four diesel engines. All Audi A3 convertibles have front-engine, front-wheel-drive layouts and have been of roughly the same size.

• Second Generation (Typ. 8P, 2003-2013): The second generation of the A3 started in 2003, but convertible models did not officially appear until 2008, bearing the chassis code 8P7. It measures 4,238 millimetres x 1,765 millimetres x 1,424 millimetres. There are five different models here with five different engine options: the 1.9 and 2.0 TDI, which are diesel models; and the 1.6, 1.8 TFSI, and 2.0 TFSI, which are petrol engine models. The model numbers all refer to engine displacement as measured in litres. Horsepower ranges among these models from 102 to 200.
• Third Generation (2012-Present): Though this generation started in 2012, the A3 cabriolet did not debut until 2013. Like all A3s in this generation, its body layout is based on the Volkswagen Group MQB platform. It measures 4,423 millimetres x 1,793 millimetres x 1,409 millimetres. Major models in this generation include the 1.8 TFSI, the 2.0 TFSI, the 1.6 TDI and the 2.0 TDI. The latter two have diesel engines while the former two use petrol engines. All models have 6-speed manual transmissions. Horsepower ranges from 114 to 220.

Here are a few important things to keep in mind as you dig through the eBay listings in search of an Audi A3 cabriolet:

• Mileage - In general, the more mileage that there is on a car and the older its model year, the less expensive it will be. The reverse is also true.
• Cost - Diesel engine models will usually cost slightly more than petrol engine models.