COLZO

Looking for my next car and after owning 4 Subarus I fancy the latest S3. The appeal is 4wd, similar power and of course the build quality. Does anyone own one and how good are they and is the build quality as good as everyone says? Also how do the dealers treat you and do they look after your car? Got the brochure sent up as I like to find out as much info before I step into the dealership.

StewartyBoy

I work as a driver for Glasgow Audi, and my personal view is that with all new Audis the build quality is excellent. Everything is solid, especially in the S and RS models, they are reassuringly good fun.

My only disappointments in the new range of Audi lay within the S3, I couldnt wait for this car to be released as I loved the older car but Im afraid it really doesnt cut it for me. Starting at 28 grand for a hot hatch is expensive so you expect a bit more, but its just doesnt seem to surface at any point. Sure the car is aggressive looking, very quick and has a lovely interior (depending on what you choose) but I really cant justify paying that sort of cash when the 2.0T standard really isnt that much slower and has the same interior.

I know what your looking for is a brand new car with a new thrill, but to be honest for 18-22 grand you could buy yourself an immaculate Bi-Turbo RS4 Old Shape that has crowd stopping looks and the potential to basically destroy anything on the road, or even stretch a bit further and buy yourself a second hand RS4 New Shape.

Hope all goes well whatever you buy.

richs2891

Been thinking on the same lines and the new Audi S3 does look tempting - but as you say it does seem pricey, But lovely interior and I'm told a very different drive then the current WRX / STI. But will wait until the new Subaru STI comes out and then make up my mimd and see if can pick a good 2nd hand Audi up if the Subaru doe not cut the mustard !
Can anyone reccomend places that do Parallel imports of S3's like do with Subaru - dont belive in paying full UK price unless have to !

Richard

The Chief

Try PCM mate he advertises on here

COLZO

The reason I got thinking of the S3 is because the new STI will be a hatchback so started looking at others. As for prices I was told by my local dealer that the STI will be available in 3 trim levels - basic, luxury and Spec C. When I add on the extras to the S3 - RS4 bucket seats, flat bottom steering wheel and BOSE sound system its coming in at around £29K I`m not interested in mega power mods and the potential the engine has, all I want is an entertaining car with build quality. I`m happy with my 05 STI PPP (crystal grey to keep it as discreet as possible) the looks, power and handling but small niggles like rattles and easily scratched cheap plastic dash let it down. Guess I`m just looking for the best of both worlds at an affordable new price.

COLZO

Could PCM give you optional extras as well?

The Chief

Not sure mate give him a bell.

sorry cant be more help

Chins

Ive owned a new shape S3 and my audi history also includes 2 old shape S3's an S4 an old shape RS4 and new shape 2.0TT.

The new S3 is the best one of the lot. I sold mine and lost very little and would have one everyday of the week over the old RS4 and new TT.

MattW

I've got one, see my "View my scooby" profile. Best car I've ever had, it may be 29k but will hold it's value well. Bearing in mind a current Sti is 27.5k and i imagine the new one will be similarly priced, not a lot of difference.

Of course the 2.0T isn't that much slower, but then an Evo is not that much quicker.

Well screwed together, all the comfort options you'll need, bit of class dialled in Blue fin do a 310bhp ECU flash too

Matteeboy

I like the new S3 - really warmed to it and it does seem very quick but an Evo?!
They now start at 300bhp (the 260bhp one has gone) and go up to 366bhp - The S3 is a fast hatch, the Evo is a supercar basher.

AudiLover

Supercars of the 80's maybe.

Audi S3 upgrades to take it over 400hp exist already anyway. 350hp out of the engine is easy whilst still getting half decent MPG. Best thing about the S3 is that it wont depreciate as quickly as a evo or scooby

Matteeboy

Oh do **** off AL.
Anyone can mod a car to silly power.

Many of us don't want to plus an Evo has much more advanced 4WD.
I know because I HAVE DRIVEN an FQ360 at rather rapid speeds.

AudiLover

idiot, driving like a moron on public roads. There is a time and a place for it. Had a idiot evo driver overtaking another car on a blind corner nearly slamming head on into me yesterday.

And if the Evo 4wd system is much superior then how come the S3 pissed all over it in the wet and snow tracktimes, and how come on some tracks the S3 is on par with the more powerful evo.

Matteeboy

And Audi S3 quicker than an Evo?

Jesus you really are a brainwashed waste of space.

Evo mag - Bedford Autodrome -
New S3 1.30.40
FQ320 Evo - 1.26.10
FQ340 Evo - 1.24.55

Not tested the FQ360 yet but susect it will be around 1.22

Now bu99er off and get your Mummy to give you some Coco Pops.

AudiLover

I made a whole thread about it which was rather a hot topic. Go search for audi still king of tractions before you open your claptrap anymore and carry on to make yourself look stupid.

You do also know that the S3 has been posting faster times than a scooby STI also

Matteeboy

Yes the STI that is 270ish BHP not 300-366bhp.

You're blind love of Audi is just a joke.

Still, you'll never get to drive anything quick. You'll just be a lifelong copier and paster and delusional pillock.

Paddi70

Man, I love it when you guys get together. Really make my day.
So what are we saying, If you have a modded 400is bhp S3, it will dominate everything else in standard. Evo etc??
Well that does kind of make sense then doesn't it??
But a standard S3 and Evo?? Pennies on the Evo AL, sorry.

MattW

I was being sarcastic about the comment higher up saying an S3 isn't much quicker than the standard 2.0T. The figures are about as far apart as the S3 vs Evo times hence my comparison.

A3 Sline 2.0T 0-60 mph (secs) 7

Difference 1.3 seconds

S3 2.0T 0-60 mph (secs) 5.7

Difference 1.0 seconds

Evo FQ300 0-60 mph (secs) 4.7

AudiLover

S3 is available to buy with 310hp though. Sure it could match the evo then with that non warranty fouling factory upgrade.

AudiLover

Audi S3......60hp down on an evo yet only marginally slower round a DTM racetrack

Audi S3....Marginally slower than a considerably more powerful evo, yet does so in full luxury.

Audi S3....slightly slower than a more powerful evo, yet wont lose half its value like the jap in 24 months

Skittles

Maybe one day you could actually post something based on cars you have driven or even owned. Until then save us the boredom.

How long 'till you get banned again? At the last count you've got three profiles as you keep getting banned. Pretty sad really.

Maxp

http://www.whatcar.com/depreciation-...=0&ED3=0&ED4=0

Me thinks not

Matteeboy

There's an "FQ800" in the UK with 800ush bhp.
So would the S3 with 310 bash that too seeing as modding is suddently "allowed"

FQ 360 - 0-60 in 3.9s, 0-100 is well under 10s.

That's quicker than your hallowed R8

Maxp

Audi S3......60hp down on an evo yet only marginally slower round a DTM racetrack

wrong they used a European Evo thats rated at 280 bhp Mitsubishi Motors Europe

AudiLover

what a joker. There are 700hp audi diesels so whats your point. There are also 1500hp audi's in europe.

What do evos top out at again

AudiLover

Not acurate, thats the depreciation curve of the standard A3 model they have used. Look at mk1 S3 prices. The 2001 S3's are still going for about 10k, not bad for a 6 year old car.

S3 depreciation will be similiar of the new TT

AudiLover

Matteeboy

Utter utter pillock.
There's simply no other words for you AL.

My 3 week old cousin knows more about cars than you and probably has more real world experience of them too.

AudiLover

RTM'd

COLZO

Cheers for the positive replies guys.