Dave your quite right, im bored witless with the A3, it does everything it should, ive changed oil, oil filter air filter plugs etc, had the cambelt/tensioner and water pump done but im going to sell it, its like going out with a gorgeous woman with no brain....
Ok for the first couple of rides then bored stiff, while im in her i keep thinking of another car lol !
I found that the throttle housing was getting gunked up by some grease/oil from the exhaust side, being suked into there by the air housing, i just clean it once a month and its fine.
looking for a 80/90 or coupe quattro now !