Feedback from those with S3s now
- Thread starter Itguy
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Yes, took it back to Audi after the first two weeks - been through numerous phases of testing since, but they just can't pinpoint the problem.
Battlekrapz
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I'm bringing my car in tomorrow to a professional car valeting company in order to get my baby polished and to get a teflon sealant done. The polishing should remove all micro scratches that my dealership offered to me when receiving my car... Bastds...
375 euros for the pleasure and a whole days work for them.
I hope they know what they're doing
375 euros for the pleasure and a whole days work for them.
I hope they know what they're doing
I missed that on the options list. I bet it enhances your driving experience! : )
Mine is too - every round about and junction it activates the invisability cloak! Oh but at night it's not as people keep flashing their lights at me to dip - get some xenons losers!! ha ha ha
I was just joking as mine has been stuck in an approved bodyshop repairer for 10 days waiting for authorisation from someone that won't happen because no one is doing anything.
The customer service from audi is worse than appalling...... Albany assist.... Reading audi... Sytnerdrive...... Audi insurance... . Reading accident and repair are useles... I've had better service buying a sandwich...
So would anyone like to guess when I get my car back because I have zero idea
I wonder who is ****ing it up for you. It will be one jobs worth who is just useless.
Don't worry, I will ensure they get the sack as they've ****** off their worst nightmare. If you thought Anne Robinson was a nightmare to deal with............
You customer service is really easy but a lot of people in it are clueless especially ex-salesmen or sales wanabees. Its about managing expectations eg I know they cant do anything at the weekend but at least do something
I have my suspicions but something isnt correct where they have service in their title and they don't even bother returning your phone calls or even bother helping
Really sorry to hear about your issues. I've had my fair share of issues with Audi service including not repairing warranty claims, denting the car when it's been in etc.
After my Mrs totally kicking off with Audi CS when they called her to do a survey after dealer visit we have not had any issues since. Service is now impeccable so much so I even went back and ordered an S3.
It's very short sighted but I don't think dealers realise is that if they look after you post purchase you are more likely to come back and you might even recommend a friend to buy one. It's shockingly simple - but they don't seem to get it. On the flip side a really bad experience sorted and put right in a good way can also improve loyalty I think.
I really hope it gets sorted soon
You are going to get them the sack are you??????
Jeezo.
Have you ranted down the phone to them like you do on here?
If so, that's a sure fire way of finding yourself the bottom of the pile.
You clearly don't know me. Ranting at people and ranting on a forum are two different things entirely.
Not ranted at all yet been very calm. Ranting isn't my style as you usually get things done better in as amicable way as possible and in a calm rational manner.
If I don't get dealt with properly I always give people a 2nd chance. If not, then I will find someone can resolve the issue, which usually means escalating to eg a manager.
However, I have so far given several people 5-6 chances so far and I am staggered at how unhelpful/stupid/incompetent some people are.
Like most, I just let off steam on forums.
no one will get the sack, but from my experience a lot of people ive dealt with shouldn't be allowed anywhere near their roles.
I was really annoyed yesterday as the dealer service manager advised me there was nothing he could do and asked me to speak to his contact at the approved repairer. I then drove 3 miles to the repairer and the receptionist said he was at the dealer. Someone is taking the p***. When the repairer contact arrived back the repairer he asked me to speak to reading audi - so yes at that point I lost it. I was more than entitled to lose my rag, most people would have lost their rag days ago.
Then again, I hope you don't work in customer services
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So, about 600 miles in....
1. I was apprehensive coming from a B8 S4 to the S3 but overall experience is okay. The S3 is quite different. Smaller/nimbler of course, but also sharper and more taught. I kind of expected this but surprised at how apparent it is. I'm not one for pure driving dynamics in the sense that the steering feels okay (goes where I point the wheels) and the performance/grip just what I would expect from a Q car!
2. S-Tronic is very different. The S4 had the 7 and I must admit was 'sharper' than the 6 in the S3. For me it feels like a step backwards. For example, there is a delay in the S3 when changing up/down via the paddles/manual mode. Maybe just a few milliseconds but noticeable. It's not an issue and I have already adjusted my driving style to match, but a shame because it takes the edge off/dampens the sprit a bit
3. Quality is as I would expect. No issues to report really. Have the noise from the rubber door seals when it's damp etc but I know that's a feature. No rattles from the pano roof yet and thus far it's not exploded!
4. Disappointed that the advanced key only opens the front doors and boot, that there's no S3 on the key and no metal footrest. For me these little details take the shine off. I've emailed Audi to express disappointment but do not expect much from them.
5. Fuel economy - well I fill it when it's empty and try to enjoy the in-between! To date about 22mpg with a mix of local and motorway. Not really surprised that it's way off the official figures but really not that bothered. Averaged 19 in my S4 over 27k so am used to the running cost.
Overall I am happy with the car - not ecstatic but then it fulfils the main criteria of being great looking, well made, quick, safe and cheaper to run than the last one.
1. I was apprehensive coming from a B8 S4 to the S3 but overall experience is okay. The S3 is quite different. Smaller/nimbler of course, but also sharper and more taught. I kind of expected this but surprised at how apparent it is. I'm not one for pure driving dynamics in the sense that the steering feels okay (goes where I point the wheels) and the performance/grip just what I would expect from a Q car!
2. S-Tronic is very different. The S4 had the 7 and I must admit was 'sharper' than the 6 in the S3. For me it feels like a step backwards. For example, there is a delay in the S3 when changing up/down via the paddles/manual mode. Maybe just a few milliseconds but noticeable. It's not an issue and I have already adjusted my driving style to match, but a shame because it takes the edge off/dampens the sprit a bit
3. Quality is as I would expect. No issues to report really. Have the noise from the rubber door seals when it's damp etc but I know that's a feature. No rattles from the pano roof yet and thus far it's not exploded!
4. Disappointed that the advanced key only opens the front doors and boot, that there's no S3 on the key and no metal footrest. For me these little details take the shine off. I've emailed Audi to express disappointment but do not expect much from them.
5. Fuel economy - well I fill it when it's empty and try to enjoy the in-between! To date about 22mpg with a mix of local and motorway. Not really surprised that it's way off the official figures but really not that bothered. Averaged 19 in my S4 over 27k so am used to the running cost.
Overall I am happy with the car - not ecstatic but then it fulfils the main criteria of being great looking, well made, quick, safe and cheaper to run than the last one.
Itguy
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I've got to agree mate you are making yourself sound like a bit of a child...
We all sympathise with your situation and I would be ****** off with the delays but giving it large, saying that you are going to get people sacked does not make you sound as clever as you think...
I hope it gets sorted quickly for you mate but try to act a bit more like an adult....
I have my car cleaned by a friend of mine who's a valeter, uses an alkaline wheel cleaner too and generally treats my car with alot of care
It's also worth noting, the issues are also only on the front alloys, the rears remain in perfect condition
Itguy
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That is interesting as usually the backs go first as they get grit thrown at them which breaks the lacquer.
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I'm sure Audi will blame stone chips and the wrong wheel cleaner and try and wriggle out of any warranty claims.
yes, seems like a small stone chip cracked the laquer and water has got behind. seeing as its road / use damage not audis fault really just a bast*** that because of a small stone it can ruin the look of the wheel.
ive had s-line 20 spoke wheels same thing happened once chipped. not a kerb mark on them but once the laquer is split, only gets worse from there.
Audi won't do anything more than likely as its been done while driving/used normally and therefore not their problem.
if you scratched your macbook while using it then asked apple to replace/repair it they wouldn't. (well they would for a large fee)
The thing is both alloy's are still perfectly smooth, you can't feel any chips or even get your nail in
Itguy
Registered User
I'd get it back to the dealer ASAP then, you might stand a good chance as I'd argue to them that they need to show you a reason not to replace, rather than for you to prove they should.
Could have been contaminated when initially painted and laquered maybe?
Could have been contaminated when initially painted and laquered maybe?
Well i must say after reading all ten pages of this thread I think i have no idea what to expect of my S3 when it turns up in a couple of weeks time lol. ALOT of differing opinions here.
I ordered my S3 back in February from my local Audi dealership in Liverpool. Obviously haven't test drove one because they are as rare as rocking horse poo but given racing pedigree, reviews etc etc i have took a gamble. Interestingly enough i was looking at a Nissan Navara 3.0 V6 Outlaw but the build quality really is quite poor for about 35k worth of truck even if you do get alot of truck.
I am upgrading from a VW Scirocco 2.0 tsi DSG (207 HP) which i think is a wonderful car and would recommend one to anyone but as i get older (29 now) i am having to look for something more practical and the S3 sportback looks like it has the practicality but with the ooomph as well.
Because i live in Liverpool and work in Chester i will not be using the car on a day to day commute (i will be using the train) because of fuel costs and i am limited to 10k a year mileage due to the finance agreement so it will be a true social use car (petrol head to the end ha). It cost me around 300 per month in the Scirocco in fuel costs so i think the S3 will use more given the higher power.
If i can add one comment ladies and gentlemen with regards to people making complaints about the S3 (which sound like small niggles to me) we are a very lucky generation. In 20-30 years time i seriously doubt 300+ hp cars will be easily available due to rising fuel costs, the govt's approach to greener initiatives, emissions regulations etc etc. Appreciate what you have.
I ordered my S3 back in February from my local Audi dealership in Liverpool. Obviously haven't test drove one because they are as rare as rocking horse poo but given racing pedigree, reviews etc etc i have took a gamble. Interestingly enough i was looking at a Nissan Navara 3.0 V6 Outlaw but the build quality really is quite poor for about 35k worth of truck even if you do get alot of truck.
I am upgrading from a VW Scirocco 2.0 tsi DSG (207 HP) which i think is a wonderful car and would recommend one to anyone but as i get older (29 now) i am having to look for something more practical and the S3 sportback looks like it has the practicality but with the ooomph as well.
Because i live in Liverpool and work in Chester i will not be using the car on a day to day commute (i will be using the train) because of fuel costs and i am limited to 10k a year mileage due to the finance agreement so it will be a true social use car (petrol head to the end ha). It cost me around 300 per month in the Scirocco in fuel costs so i think the S3 will use more given the higher power.
If i can add one comment ladies and gentlemen with regards to people making complaints about the S3 (which sound like small niggles to me) we are a very lucky generation. In 20-30 years time i seriously doubt 300+ hp cars will be easily available due to rising fuel costs, the govt's approach to greener initiatives, emissions regulations etc etc. Appreciate what you have.
Well said - we are lucky. I have a feeling this might be the last S3 incarnation that's petrol engine driven only. I suspect the next generation of VAG products after the current generation of MK7 Golf / 8V A3 will have an electric motor / battery pack to boost performance. That's only 8 years off in VAG lifecycle terms and that's forever in the car industry.
I'm in very lucky position where have a company car and my S3 will purely be for weekends / nice sunny days / petrol head blasts. In some respects for these purposes it might not be the best choice (Boxster S?) but I've always wanted an S3 and I just know it will be a great all rounder.
Love all the opinions / feedback the threads throw up - can't wait to make my own mind up though when it arrives.
I'm lucky because I will get to drive mine every single day!
Although I'm not looking forward to the fuel bills from my 400 miles a week commute!
Oh well.....awesome.
Could be worse....least it won't be a mundane commute! Good value I say for all the fun.
It's mostly motorway but I tend to arrive early and leave late so the fun inner/outer city and tunnelly (not a word) bits will be fun to blast through!
I imagine ill get some half decent mpg on the motorway too.
I just need to take delivery!
Killer waiting isn't it! Im still 6 weeks off. Least it will be here for the summer!
I don't have a date yet. I ordered end of January but Audi said they expect early May (I reckon they are giving me the optimistic treatment!) I literally am like a kid at Christmas.
You order through a dealer or a broker? My dealer is emailing me every few weeks so kept fairly up to date. Would have thought you can find out the same?
I ordered from a dealer I've made a few calls to him. Once was to change from red to black. He told me that brought my order forward but still no confirmed date.
I will send him an email for the order number and then give Audi UK a call.
To be fair I went in to look at a used 8P but the salesman was the most annoying bloke ever! So long story short I asked for a no nonsense salesman and got a really easy going one and the buying experience was nice and enjoyable. Just needs to let me know when me car will be here ha.
Very optimistic, I ordered start of February and best guess I got was July at some stage. No special colours or anything either.
Has anyone came from a 'proper' sports car (Boxter/M3 etc etc) to a new S3? How do you find the S3 in terms of a driving experience?
I've gone for a "poverty" (if you can call it that!) spec to avoid giving the lovely tax man any more money so that might make a difference as I said before I also changed to black and that seems to have sped the process up!
I was quoted 16 weeks before I started speccing it up at all. Hope it comes through for you though, i'm sickened by the wait already.
To update, took my S3 into the dealers this morning and they have agreed there looks to be lacquer fault. Even though its only occurred on 2 alloys currently they are going to strip down all 4 and re apply. Need to get it booked in and should be without my car for around a week or so
the_lecht_rocks
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the S3 is a utilitarian hatchback, quick car, practical and premium quality interior.
it is not a sports car, nor does it deliver any element of dynamic driving experience.
if you accept it's a daily driver, quick and comfy, then you'll be pleasantly surprised. if you expect sports "feel" then you'll be disappointed.
