Buying an S3 THIS WEEK! *Fingers Crossed!* But Which One?!

Ryan_W

Ryan_W

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Afternoon all,

Basically, I've been an viewed 4 S3's over as many days. Details of the cars are below...


2001 Y, Silver, 66k, 330bhp, £8500

2002 02, Black, 56k, 225bhp, £7495

2002 02, Black, 53k, 225bhp, £7995

2003 03, Silver, 58k, 225bhp, £7650


Now should I go for the modded, older car, or buy a mint standard S3 and build it up (spending lots of money) as I go along? I'm really unsure what to do.

I think I like the idea of a mint low mileage example, but I know I'll miss the power coming from a 400bhp Saab 9000. The 330bhp S3 was definitely the most fun to drive. However, when coming onto full boost, it did make a screaming noise before quieting down and holding boost (posse bearing issue?).

I know this is a bit of a rubbish thread, but I'm really stuck and I need your help! :)

Cheers all,

Ryan
 
I think the first question that you have to ask yourself, is if you want to mod the car yourself.
Depends how much you would enjoy making it your own work or use someone else premade.

Personally I like the black S3, a lot more then the silver ones but of course thats down to personal opinion,
At least your looking at a BAM, and the millage of the 3 standard ones seems to be good, obviously you saw the condition and would be in the best position to decide.

Hope this helps, however it probably didn't :D
 
330bhp is where it's at. You yourself have stated it's the most fun to drive, does it have modded suspension and uprated brakes to help you make use of the power? I'd be sold on that one personally.
 
I do LOVE tinkering with cars, I've had quite a collection of road/track cars, ranging from 120bhp AX GTi's to my current 400bhp Saab 9000.

But I also HATE it when they breakdown, need fettling with, when 'all' I want is the best of both worlds, performance and reliability.

The 330bhp S3 does have a Brembo BBK and Eibach suspension, handles a treat, but my budget is pretty much maxed out at £7.5k and they guy said he'd go no lower than £8.5k...

I'm really undecided... Surely the new cars would hold better value than the Y reg vehicle?!

My heads in bits. If the guy with the 330bhp S3 would take £7.5k, I think I'd be silly to pass on it?...
 
Quick question... Would the 2001 Y plate car have a BAM or APY, AMK engine? Thinking/hoping BAM, but not too sure.
 
Amk upto November 2001 and bam after that
Wouldn't really matter if remapped anyway(performance wise)
 
2001 on a Y would be AMK, my old S3 was a late 2001 '51' reg and that was AMK, when I was looking I went and looked at a 2002 '51' reg and that was a BAM. From the brief research I did, this is the earliest the BAM engine was available. I found the majority of BAM engined cars are '02' reg onwards. As I am sure you will have read there is very little between the two and both will re-map to approximately the same figures.

Chris
 
Don't know if it will have any relevance to you but the newer BAM engines fall into a slightly higher co2 rating so will cost more to tax. It's also worth extra money if the cars has had the suspension bushes, the oem bushes deteriorate with age, even low mileage examples may suffer.

Bought my 2001 S3 in Feb with 130k for £4k but have already spent another £4k tidying it up, remapping, polybushing, suspension plus other bits and there's still more I'd love to do. If the modded one has been done well I'd go for that, My strategy was a bit of a false economy buying a cheaper one! I'm still happy with it but would do things differently next time.

If you have access to vcds, it's worth taking someone with you who can scan the car for fault codes.
 
i would buy one with higher mileage but looked after (like mine :p) for £5500 then use the remainder tuning the hell out of it. Thing is with buying a modified car is do you know for sure it been done properly and setup to be reliable.

Also wouldnt go for black. I wanted a black one originally but after seeing quite a few in the flesh since, I now do prefer silver. Although my favourite has to be red as it does stand out rather than just looking like a pimped A3
 
if you can post the number plate. can find out what it came with originally, provided its still running the same engine.
 
This is the spec of the 330bhp S3:

Garret GT28RS
Hi Flow Custom manifold
3" Stainless downpipe
3" Stainless inlet pipe
Stainless Charge pipe
Metal sports cat
Supersprint stainless steel sports exhaust
Braided oil and water hoses
Genesis Injectors
Revo Stage 3 map
Forge FMIC
Uprated Forge Diverter Valve
New timing belt + Metal waterpump
Pipercross air filter panel

Brembo GT front brake kit
EBC vented/drilled rear discs and pads
SPA Boost gauge
Poly engine mount bush
Eibach lowered (don't know if this is shock and/or springs)
Forge adjustable rear tiebars
BBS CH wheels

Bose
Cruise Control
Centre armrest
6 Disc Changer
Sony 500W mono-amp fitted in place of Bose Sub
10" Alpine sub


Do you think that's work £8.5k?

Car's bodywork is exceptional but the cream and leather alcantara seats have seen better days (and they're not heated). Best way to make these look like new?!

Ryan
 
Genuine BBS CH's? Surely not?

If I had that money I'd be going for the 330bhp one. Ok, it's not been built by you, but provided there's history to support it, it's another 100bhp over stock with the brakes and handling mods to match.
 
Yes they're genuine BBS CH's. They have a few scuffs and I'd get them refurbished, but they still look great!
 
Even better then, seeing as they're not exactly cheap. Ask yourself whether or not you'd end up spending the money on mods anyway? You can sell the CH's and put it on cheap(er) rims or even stock until you get bored, and still have the power!
 
with those mods you'd be silly to pass on that car. If you were to do a 28rs build with suspension/brakes/CHs/etc. you would have to pay 10k.
 
Ryan_W said:
This is the spec of the 330bhp S3:


Car's bodywork is exceptional but the cream and leather alcantara seats have seen better days (and they're not heated). Best way to make these look like new?!

Ryan
Click to expand...

As for the seats mate A bobble off should get rid of most of the clumps and bits, you can get them off fleBay for next to nothin, if there just dirty then check this website out

Swissvax Alcanta Textile Cleaner For Alcantara - FREE UK Delivery

hope this helps but definatly go for the 330bhp. :racer:
 
You're a ledge mate, they would both bring the interior up to a good standard.

I've just sent the chap an email now saying that I really want the car and to see if he'll negotiate on the price... FINGERS CROSSED!

I really want an S3 NOW!

:)
 
deffo go with the tuned one unless you want to spend big £££££ to get the mods it's got.

I got mine standard 2 years ago for about 7G's
i've spent £4-5 on it since. and still another £2-4 togo.

But like youself i like to tinker with it and occasionally not do jubliee clips up properly. lol
 
I hear what you're saying... I can't be doing spending £8k+ on a car just after I've bought it!

The 330bhp car does need some work though, it fluctuates slightly at high boost (after over-boost), it's got me thinking it could be anything ranging from a cheap solution of £200 for a new adjustable actuator, to a pretty expensive potential boost seepage issue from a number of gaskets (worst case, turbo of head gasket). Now I know it probably will be just a weak actuator, and a Forge jobbie with an uprated spring could solve the problem, but it's still in the back of my mind.

It also needs its wheels refurbished which would cost me £200 at mates rates. I'd also get the front seats restored either by myself or potentially getting a professional company in to do the job.

Only other thing noted as that the instrument cluster had a couple of faults in it (line errors in the display), which could mean getting a new unit and getting it reprogrammed?


What do you guys think?

Ryan
 
Why should I car be more than market value just bwcause of mods?! Since when do modifications increase the value. It's over priced, I'd go as far to say the other shouldn't be more than 7k
 
superkarl said:
Why should I car be more than market value just bwcause of mods?! Since when do modifications increase the value. It's over priced, I'd go as far to say the other shouldn't be more than 7k
Click to expand...
Because mods cost money
 
Doesnt work like that though.

People think like that which causes the high prices but in reality a car with mods would usually go for the same if not sometimes less than a standard example because with mods it appeals to a far smaller market thus creating a smaller chance of selling it and then incuring bigger reductions in the price during its time being up for sale..Ok you could go by the factor of listing it high to give a bigger margin of price reduction but still making good money. But this guy selling the 330bhp S3 isnt budging so thinks the car is worth this price because of mods but infact its overpriced and probably will have to reduce it in the near future if Ryan doesnt buy it..
 
He said he'd go down to £8,400 :blink:

I said to him that he paid over the odds for it when he bought it and that the mods don't justify the high price.

Think I may go for one of the cheaper, standard cars and tune it as I go along, little bits each moth. This will save me money at of now, which can then be put towards an engagement ring for the ever hint-dropping misses! lol
 
My advice would be not to rush into buying any of the above. I had been looking for over 3 months until I found the right one at what I would consider a good price and in good condition. They are out there its just a matter of waiting. Just my 2cent
 
Modified vehicle is overpriced..... good spec. but I personally wouldn't touch at that price. In a few years time 330hp will be less special. Stage 1/2 8p S3's and BMW 135i's with a basic remap make north of that already. With a BT modified S3 competing against these cars once they drop further in value will make a heavily modified 12/13 year old S3 worth peanuts. Top money may still go to immaculate standard cars though.
 
I've told the guy, if he'll drop to £8k, he's got a deal... Do you think in all honesty that I may still be paying over the odds?

I'm definitely not rushing into things, I've been looking at S3's since last July when we bought the 135i. The 330bhp car does tick a lot of my boxes though, and if I could get the interior mint, the car would be perfect.

Decisions, decisions......
 
Ryan_W I see you're practically on my door step, if you need any help looking at S3's give me a shout, I've got a full version of vcds if you need to do any diagnostic scans.
 
Last edited:
I've just seen the big turbo one on piston heads, I'm not 100% sure but that might be glen jai's old car?? (anyone) he sold it last year..
 
CasperS3 said:
Modified vehicle is overpriced..... good spec. but I personally wouldn't touch at that price. In a few years time 330hp will be less special. Stage 1/2 8p S3's and BMW 135i's with a basic remap make north of that already. With a BT modified S3 competing against these cars once they drop further in value will make a heavily modified 12/13 year old S3 worth peanuts. Top money may still go to immaculate standard cars though.
Click to expand...

totally agree mate .
 
I'm not sure you can expect someone to spend thousands of pounds tuning a car not to want to sell it at a higher price after all of the work.

I'm going to be spending £12k, roughly, on buying and modding mine to a similar level so if you can get him to £8000 thats sounds like a deal to me. You'd have to spend 4k on putting things right to spend as much as me, which, if you've checked it thoroughly and your satisfied that it's been looked after should be hard to do. Just my thoughts...:icon_thumright:
 
Although I see no mention of the rods being changed
 
Ryan_W said:
You're a ledge mate, they would both bring the interior up to a good standard.

I've just sent the chap an email now saying that I really want the car and to see if he'll negotiate on the price... FINGERS CROSSED!

I really want an S3 NOW!

:)
Click to expand...

You seem like your heart is set on that one mate, go for it I hope he takes 8K for it. I used the bobble off on mine bought them up like new, I need to put some pics up of my new car, I still got my red one in my profile pic lol, my new one is silver half leather half grey alcantara.
 
I'd say for the cleanest example, and worry about modding it yourself later. 225s aren't exactly slow, and getting up to 250/260 is simple as a generic remap. Get the right colour and options you want, and as low mileage as you can afford (assuming miles are genuine and the car's state reflects the lower miles). And remember, enjoy it!
 
I say if the modded one is the exact spec and colour you want go for it, but if not don't compromise and look for one that ticks all the boxes and gradually mod it over the years you have it. I had a quick glance at it on piston heads, love the wheels, but the base car looks to be a fairly basic model, no symphony stereo, no heated seats and is it actually Bose as I can't see any Bose decals on the door speaker grills from the pictures. Not sure I'm keen on the large sub in the boot, would be a lot better with an Andymac stealth sub. Will those seats not be a nightmare to keep clean!!

I think the car is over priced, as people say I think a good standard car is worth more than a modified one, unless it is absolutely what you are looking for. Have the engine internals been upgraded? I think if they haven't then personally I wouldn't touch it, only my opinion and I'm very new to the modded car scene!

Bare in mind a good standard car with a remap up to 260bhp makes for a quick car with reliability.
 
S� said:
I've just seen the big turbo one on piston heads, I'm not 100% sure but that might be glen jai's old car?? (anyone) he sold it last year..
Click to expand...

Can anyone confirm this?

Here's a pic of the car:

photo3.jpg


If it is running 330bhp, would the internals have been upgraded, or is that something that would need doing. Bear in mind that the cars done 12k miles since the big upgrade in HP. What about head work etc?

Cheers,

Ryan
 
Agric04 said:
Ryan_W I see you're practically on my door step, if you need any help looking at S3's give me a shout, I've got a full version of vcds if you need to do any diagnostic scans.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot for that offer mate. I'm off to view one today in Royston. Shall see how that stacks up against the 330bhp one. The money is in my hand and I just want an S3 on my driveway!!!

I'll PM you on here after I've been to see it with a few Qs.

Cheers.

Ryan
 
After some internet research, I found this from July 2009:



Audi S3 330BHP 51/2002 Facelift

Audi S3 Quattro 3Dr 51/2002 Facelift 330BHP Nogaro Blue, Full Service History, MOT Jan 2010 & Taxed to end Jan 2010, 71K Miles, Recently Serviced at Bavaria Autowerke Aberdeen in Jan 2009, Xenon Headlights, Full Black Recaro Leather, Aluminium Mirrors, Audi Concert Sound System with 6 CD Changer & Audi iPod Connection, A/C, Electric Windows, Electric Heated Mirrors, Cruise Control, PAS, ABS, Traction Control, Cargo Net, Clifford IG950 Alarm with Callguard & Intellistart Remote Ignition. Handling & Performance completely transformed compared to standard S3 with over £15K of upgrades. Located in Aberdeen.


Engine
475cc Injectors
Apexi AVC-R Boost Controller
ATP 3" Turbo inlet pipe
ATP Eliminator GT28RS Turbo
ATP Induction kit
Supersprint Cat Back Exhaust
Miltek 200cell cats
Forge 007P DV
Forge Alloy Oil & Water Covers
Forge Alloy Strut Tops
Forge Dog Mount Bush
Forge Fluorosilicone Turbo Hose
Forge FMIC
Forge Intercooler Hoses
RS4 MAF
Star Performance Custom Mapping
De-restricted charge pipe (Not Currently Fitted)

Transmission
B&M Shortshift
Haldex Performance Controller
Helix Clutch
Helix Lightened Flywheel

Suspension
Custom Alignment
Eibach Pro-Street S Coilovers
Eibach/Neuspeed Front & Rear ARBs
Forge Rear Tie-Arms
Powerflex Bushes

Brakes
Porsche/ECS Big Reds
HT-10 Race Pads
ECS 308mm Rears
Pagid Fast Road Rear Pads

Wheels
New RS4 Reps 8x18" et35
Goodyear Eagle F1 225x18x40
McGuards Locking Wheel Nuts
Forge Spacers

Interior
Black Leather Electric Recaro Interior
Audi iPod adaptor
Cargo Net
OEM Cruise Control
TT Pedals

Exterior
Aero Wipers
Aluminium Heated Mirrors

Security
Clifford IG950 with CallGuard & IntelliStart

Just back from Professional Detailing service including Paint Correction, so is in Fantastic Condition.
This is a excellent example.


Sevice History is as follows:

24/09/2001 0 Miles @ Wealer Audi, Heerlen. Dealers Delivery Inspection
01/07/2002 Imported & Registered in UK
08/04/2003 10,814 Miles @ Lincoln Audi. Longlife Service
22/03/2004 21,492 Miles @ Specialist Cars Audi Aberdeen, Longlife Service, Brake Fluid Change, Oil changed in Haldex Coupling.
30/05/2005 38,615 Miles @ Specialist Cars Audi Aberdeen, Longlife Service,Air Filter Element renewed & housing cleaned, Fuel Filter replaced, Spark Plugs changed, Hydraulic Fluid level checked, Oil Filter changed in Haldex Coupling,
28/04/2006 46,923 Miles @ Star Performance Kirkaldy, Inspection Service Oil Change Service
02/12/2006 54,443 Miles @ Star Performance Kirkaldy, Inspection Service Oil Change Service & Inspection Service
12/03/2007 58,211 Miles @ Star Performance Kirkaldy, Inspection Service Oil Change Service & Inspection Service, Brake Fluid Change, Oil Changed in Haldex Coupling, CamBelt, Rollers & Tensioners replaced
28/11/2007 63,474 Miles @ Star Performance Kirkaldy, Inspection Service Oil Change Service & Inspection Service
16/01/2009 69,507 Miles @ Bavaria Autowerke Aberdeen, Inspection Service Oil Change Service & Inspection Service, Brake Fluid Change, Oil Changed in Haldex Coupling

£8,250 ONO

:ohmy:


The guy selling the 330bhp silver S3 was obviously over charged and now expects me to follow the suit... I don't think so!

Keep your eyes open for me chaps! If you know of any S3's for sale, PM me!

Ryan
 
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