S3 buying advice needed for new audi owner please.

[JJ.Foulds]

Hi, so iv recently joined the forums after i decided i HAD to buy an S3 for my next car, after intensive looking and some research its now time to buy in the next week or so.

My thoughts on the matter, i MUST buy the 210bhp version as its FAR cheaper on the insurance than the 225 for my age (22) modded or stock.

With that in mind i have seen an S3 150k miles, modified to 280bhp with induction, exhaust and dumpvalve already for 3k. My worries are
LINK TO CAR HERE
1. mods fitted poorly?
2. alot of wear for the standard engine parts on a higher torque?
3. just general been mistreaten in driving.

OR do i try to buy a stock S3 with FULL service history? Is FSH really the overall decision maker? (then possibly just throw a remap on there with standard induction + exhaust? thoughts?)

ANY advice is truly welcome as im not a mechanic at all either and would be a great help making a correct decision on something that will last me for a while.


Thanks!

 

[vfr800]

My two pence ...

Why does no one hoover the car before taking photos??? 'jeeees.

Driver's seat looks a bit worse for wear on the bolster and some nasty scuffs on the seat.

Centre arm rest doesn't look leather and the plastic does not match the interior.

To be honest I can't really tell a lot from those photos except the filter looks like it needs a clean.

As long as it's been serviced and not too abused then it should be fairly bullet proof, as it's from a dealer I'd be looking at the general condition of suspension bushes, brakes, engine bay tubes and pipes, rocker/tensioner gaskets, operation of heated seats, headlight washers, auto-dipping mirror, headlight levelling, haldex 4wd, get it scanned using VCDS.

Have you been through the buying FAQ?

 

[JJ.Foulds]

Yes iv had a read through, i cant see anything about the VCDS though. Is this similar to OBD scanners?

and thanks for your reply!

 

[vfr800]

If I understand correctly a generic ODB scan is no where near as comprehensive as a full VCDS (or VAG scanning tool). But I'm not too clued up on it really.

 

[JJ.Foulds]

ok, so if i buy one of these £15-20 VAG scanners from ebay, and use it before i buy. What info does it show and what am i looking for? is there any info page with this sort of details on, as i dont really know what im looking for even if i did the scan lol

JJ.

 

[JJ.Foulds]

Anyones views on the importance of having service history? or does it not really matter

 

[TDIQ]

Service history is very important I think. I would also suggest calling Audi UK or the dealership where the vehicle has been serviced to check the servicing was actually carried out as stated and that it's not a stamped book bought off eBay.

As for scanning with a code reader, codes are easily cleared with these tools and usually if an error is thrown the ESP light comes on whilst driving. Also people may not allow a buyer to plug an unknown machine into their cars and tinker about. I wouldn't say a scanner is really needed when buying tbh.

 

[<tuffty/>]

Service history is no indication of a good car from the ones I have seen but at least you should be able to tell what has been done and what hasn't...

If its been on Audi Variable Servicing change the oil straight away to 5w40 fully synth and switch to fixed service intervals... AVS is an engine killer...

<tuffty/>

 

[M12RJX]

Hi, so iv recently joined the forums after i decided i HAD to buy an S3 for my next car, after intensive looking and some research its now time to buy in the next week or so.

My thoughts on the matter, i MUST buy the 210bhp version as its FAR cheaper on the insurance than the 225 for my age (22) modded or stock.

hi mate just seen this and thought id let u know my s3 is for sale..its the 210enginge. completely standard and within ur budget.

i personally bought a standard car having plans to mod it myself so you know its fitted and working correctly( i did have a lot of plans for my car but circumstances have changed so its left completely standard)..i know sometimes its easier buyin a car with mods so ur saving money but dont forget someone has probally ragged that car to. not saying i dont drive my car like a s3 should be but not ragged.

if your intrested in seeing pics of my car and more info have a look at this link

AUDI S3 IN MINT CONDITION! &pound;3300 in Leicester | Used Audi for sale | Gumtree.com


any questions just let me know! thanks

 

[jezzy]

if its had a long life service, ask the dealer to change the oil pick up pipe.
looks like all named branded hoses, forge and so forth.(good)
i would personally try to get vcds scan on the car. ie scan take down the codes, clear them, then take the car for a 20 min spin and then re scan.
Remember though, should you have a incident in the car the insurance might not cough up if you dont declare the mods.
one thing to remember is your buying a high performance car, you will have to maintain the car, this will cost money and lots of it.
good luck though and enjoy

 

[M12RJX]

forgot to add! i have also had my car scanned and no codes come up to say anything is wrong with it!

 

[jezzy]

if a dealer wont let you scan the car, walk away and look elsewere

 

[JJ.Foulds]

forgot to add! i have also had my car scanned and no codes come up to say anything is wrong with it!

I would love to get yours, but its over my price, (im a student so replying on student loan ), it would save me about 600 quid on insurance over the year though without the mods! (1700 on the modded one from 'prestige!') (around 1100 on an unmodded 210 from a standard insurer)
And i somehow love the red for some reason lol.

I dont get the money till April 15th though which is why i was looking at dealers to try an arrange an early deal

Thanks for the input!

JJ.

 

[<tuffty/>]

Lets not turn this into a 'For Sale' thread please... the OP is asking for advice not salesmen....

<tuffty/>

 

[M12RJX]

sorry!

 

[jezzy]

Also you will be on personal terms with your local petrol station.
On average i put in £40 quid a week in petrol (v power)for 130 mile commute, i have a heavy right foot though

 

[JJ.Foulds]

Well with my focus st170 (which i just sold), i worked out to be getting 16mpg, which is horrid lol. i am expecting the S3 to be better ha.

JJ

 

[s3mad_dude]

Don't get sucked into the "this car has 280bhp" because it's unlikely. These cars are getting on now so I would suggest you get a car that's been looked after, well maintained, presented well, truck loads of history and invoices and MOTs. You'll get a feeling about a car within the first couple of minutes so shop around and take your time. Don't get suckered in by a sales man that doesn't know what he's talking about! Think about the spec you want and budget and good luck.

 

[russwuss]

I would love to get yours, but its over my price, (im a student so replying on student loan ), it would save me about 600 quid on insurance over the year though without the mods! (1700 on the modded one from 'prestige!') (around 1100 on an unmodded 210 from a standard insurer)
And i somehow love the red for some reason lol.

I dont get the money till April 15th though which is why i was looking at dealers to try an arrange an early deal

Thanks for the input!

JJ.

don't wanna turn this into a insurance thread but try admiral.co.uk

I'm 21, 3 points, 1 fault claim and 3 years NCB and just recently brought an Audi S3 210bhp 51 plate. Got the insurance for just shy of 1100 for the year fully comp 550 excess and 9,000 miles a year. If possible add 2 older drivers on (in my case mum and dad) reduces the insurance a lot with admiral.

My S3 was fully standard, 138,000 miles but the paint work was awful - looked like it had been washed with bricks & wire wool!! Got it for £2400 - my advice would be keep looking and buy a standard one. I haven't been a member here for long but I did my fair share of reading before buying my car - I didn't realise the amount of damage a 'improper' map could do to a car! If you go standard you'll start with a fresh canvas so you 100% know everything that's been done has been done well - and to be fair, these S3 are not slow standard.. I've never driven anything like it.

 

[JJ.Foulds]

thanks, i will look into admiral.

I think i will go for a standard one, as that garage with the modded one said they wouldn't sort me out any sort of finance deal their whole reply was.

'naa mate, money talks'

so i think i will have another 30 something days to keep looking for S3' to buy for cash.

JJ