After a couple of years without a dedicated daily driver, I decided it was time to add something practical, efficient, and still enjoyable to my garage. Enter the Audi A3 E-tron, a plug-in hybrid hatchback that seemed to tick all the right boxes. I recently flew to Southern California to pick up a 2018 model, and after a thorough initial inspection, I’m feeling pretty good about my purchase. While it’s not without its minor flaws, typical of a used car, especially one that’s enjoyed the Californian sunshine, I believe I’ve found a solid and fun commuter. Let’s dive into the details of my new Audi A3 e-tron, exploring both the positives and the areas that need a little attention.
For months, my search for an Audi A3 e-tron had been ongoing. I was specifically looking for a plug-in hybrid vehicle that offered a premium feel and wasn’t, to put it bluntly, boring. However, my search kept hitting a wall of monochrome mediocrity – every A3 e-tron I encountered was either silver or white, paired with a predictable black interior. My personal taste leans away from grayscale cars; I need a bit of color in my life. Then, this particular gem popped up for sale: a vibrant red Audi A3 e-tron boasting a rich chocolate brown interior. It was exactly the kind of color combination I was hoping for, and I knew I had to act fast. So far, I’m genuinely thrilled with my impulsive decision.
Alt text: Chocolate brown leather interior of the Audi A3 e-tron showing slight wear on the driver’s seat, captured close-up.
Stepping inside, the interior of this Audi A3 e-tron tells the story of a car with 65,000 miles under its belt. The driver’s seat exhibits the expected patina of use, with some wrinkles and creases in the leather. However, importantly, there are no rips or tears, indicating good care overall. I’m confident that a quality leather conditioner will rejuvenate the seats and minimize these signs of wear. Interestingly, these imperfections are more pronounced in photographs than they are to the naked eye. Similarly, the lower door panels show scuff marks, undoubtedly from shoes brushing against them during entry and exit. Again, these are minor cosmetic issues that are less noticeable in person and likely cleanable.
Alt text: Close-up of the Audi A3 e-tron’s exterior paint showing a small area of clear coat damage from sun and bird droppings.
The exterior of the Audi A3 e-tron bears witness to six years spent basking in the intense Southern California sun. The most significant cosmetic flaw is a section of clear coat damage, approximately three to four inches in diameter. The irregular shape strongly suggests this was caused by prolonged exposure to acidic bird droppings that were left unattended on the paintwork. This is a common issue in sunny climates and, while noticeable, is localized.
Alt text: Rough CalDOT high occupancy vehicle lane access sticker on the front bumper of the red Audi A3 e-tron, needing removal.
Adding to the typical used car blemishes are four CalDOT high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane access stickers. These are affixed to various parts of the car and will need to be carefully removed. The sticker on the front bumper is particularly weathered and peeling. My concern is potential paint damage during removal, but with gentle heat application and a product like Goo Gone, I anticipate a relatively straightforward, though somewhat tedious, removal process. Having dealt with similar stickers on a previous project car, I know they can be quite stubborn.
Alt text: Close-up of curb rash damage on the edge of the stock Audi A3 e-tron wheel, indicating typical wear and tear.
Curb rash on the stock wheels? Unfortunately, yes. It’s almost a given on used cars, especially in urban environments, and the Audi A3 e-tron is no exception. While not ideal, curb rash is a purely cosmetic issue that doesn’t affect the performance or safety of the vehicle. This is something that could be addressed with wheel refinishing in the future, but for now, it’s just part of the used car package.
Alt text: Front license plate bracket on the Audi A3 e-tron, described as visually unappealing and slated for removal.
The presence of a front license plate bracket is, in my opinion, a visual blight. Living in a state that doesn’t require front plates, this is definitely going to be removed. The fact that some regions mandate and people tolerate this front-end aesthetic is, to me, baffling. Clean front aesthetics are crucial for a car’s visual appeal.
Alt text: Fifteen52 Tarmac wheels in silver, aftermarket upgrade purchased for the Audi A3 e-tron, displayed on the ground.
Never one to leave a perfectly good car in its factory state, I already have modification plans brewing for this Audi A3 e-tron. Before even collecting the car, I secured a set of used Fifteen52 Tarmac wheels from Facebook Marketplace for a steal at just $400. While I initially considered more unconventional wheel designs, the price and style of these Tarmacs were too good to pass up. They will be a significant improvement over the stock wheels, both aesthetically and potentially in handling.
Alt text: Fuel economy display in the Audi A3 e-tron showing 36.4 MPG lifetime average, indicating potential for improvement with regular charging.
The Audi A3 e-tron’s onboard computer indicates a lifetime average fuel economy of 36.4 miles per gallon. This figure suggests that the previous owner may not have consistently utilized the plug-in hybrid capability by regularly charging the battery. I fully anticipate this MPG figure to increase significantly under my ownership with consistent charging. A bonus is that the car came with a Level 2 charger, making home charging convenient. I plan to install this in my driveway to maximize electric driving and minimize gasoline consumption.
Alt text: Audi A3 e-tron plugged into a public Level 2 charger at a Panera Bread location during a brief test charge.
Curious about public charging, I tested a Level 2 charger while stopping for lunch. The Audi A3 e-tron has an onboard charger limited to 3.2 kW, so it’s not designed for rapid charging. This brief charge added a few miles of electric range, but it’s not an efficient use of time for longer journeys. Unless I find convenient overnight charging during my cross-country drive, I don’t foresee much public charging on the way home to Ohio. Being a PHEV with a smaller battery, the A3 e-tron lacks DC fast charging capability, making quick top-ups less practical.
Alt text: Close-up of the Audi logo on the front grille of the Audi A3 e-tron, highlighting the hidden charging port behind the rings.
One of the subtle design features I appreciate is the placement of the charging port. It’s cleverly concealed behind the four Audi rings in the front grille. This is a neat and functional design element that integrates the plug-in aspect seamlessly into the car’s aesthetics.
Alt text: Side profile of the red Audi A3 e-tron, suggesting plans for modifications to enhance its tarmac rally style and Cleveland streetworthiness.
Overall, I’m genuinely enjoying this little Audi A3 e-tron. It’s proving to be a great runabout for daily driving. My vision is to give it a subtle tarmac rally-inspired vibe. To handle the less-than-perfect roads of Cleveland, Ohio, without sustaining damage, I’m considering a mild set of lowering sport springs, upgraded sway bars, along with the already acquired wheels and new tires. A few more cosmetic tweaks are also on the cards. I believe this Audi A3 e-tron will be an excellent addition and might just be a lucky find.
