s3 reliability

hilly

Registered User
Joined
Oct 11, 2009
Messages
295
Reaction score
61
Points
28
Location
wakefield west yorkshire
really thinking of getting a s3 in the next couple of weeks,but reading alot on this forum and the reliability of the s3 seems to be bad:banghead:!does anybody have a s3 that has been trouble free?
 
I've owned mine for almost six years now and can honestly say it's been a pleasure. The only times it's let me down has been due to dodgy coilpacks (keep a couple of spares in the boot) a broken clutch pedal (common fault) and a flat Battery because I left the interior lights on.

Buy one that has been cherished and you can't go wrong imo.
 
Reading a forum is always one sided.

No one posts up to say they have had 12 months trouble free motoring.

I owned my first S3 for 3 years and my current S3 for 6 months, neither have given me any major trouble.
 
I'm running one with 154k miles on the clock, and it runs like clockwork, it also has full documented service history to back it up, and made 251.5bhp on the rollers a month ago!
 
you only read of issues on here as said no one posts how long the car has been fine for. I wouldn`t say mine has been bad in over 6 years of ownership I know of a lot of other cars that I wouldn`t even touch that have far more problems
 
Its the same with every forum for any car your going to get posts 99% of the time with someone having a problem but nobody posts if they have trouble free driving, personaly i would say they are relaible but mine is 9 years old and on 106k and it does need a few things replacing but as said above what car isnt going to have a few issues at that age. There was an S3 buying thread in this section a while back highlighting the common problems with them probably worth a look before you go buying one.
 
Little niggles for me. Right headlight beam sometimes drops to the floor, turn them off and on a couple times and comes back up, driver door doesnt register its closed in the summer when its hot, spray some wd40 in it and its ok for a few weeks and my indicators are flashing incorrectly which is either the stalk or the controller behind the hazzard button. Other than that nothing, two I can fix by replacing the part but not sure about the headlight. Car is on only just over 40k miles though but 7 years old.
 
if anyone expects any powerful performance car to be trouble free they are fools. its part of the buzz of having a fast car. for me maintenence and tuning is what its about if your an enthusiast. all cars have there problems, any forum will tell you that. just take note of what they are and you should know what to ask a seller.
get one that hasn't had longlife services for a start.
 
  • Like
Reactions: S3JACKSON
really thinking of getting a s3 in the next couple of weeks,but reading alot on this forum and the reliability of the s3 seems to be bad:banghead:!does anybody have a s3 that has been trouble free?

The only problems i have had have been coilpack failure and dim headlights (needed new bulbs)

Its up for sale at the moment though as ive now got a ******* of a commute. Might be worth a look for you

Audi : AUDI S3 QUATTRO ONLY 64K FSH BLACK BOSE SOUND SYSTEM!
 
Mine's 9 years old in February and is on 121K miles. I've owned it for 2 years and it's only ever had coilpack issues and a wheel speed sensor failure. I've had cars that were only 3 years old and had more trouble than this one!
 
Hmmmmm. I bought a nail basically, and have paid the price.... Not all of them are bad. Just don't buy one thats been abused. lol.
 
minor aging niggles such as sensors playing up.

overall well built car, just take your time and don't let heart over mind
 
In 4 years mine has only failed to start once due to the ignition barrel failing, and been unable to drive once due to the clutch slave cylinder failing at 104k. So i'd say the S3 is reliable. Its had faults but these were all due to wear and tear, i.e. suspension, but all cars will suffer from this and even more so given age and milage.
 
Hi im new on this forum i have 2011 audi s3 just done 100k miles only problem im having is the digital mileage has just gone funny anybody shed any light on this problem or is it main dealer vist . Regards danny
 
if anyone expects any powerful performance car to be trouble free they are fools. its part of the buzz of having a fast car. for me maintenence and tuning is what its about if your an enthusiast. all cars have there problems, any forum will tell you that. just take note of what they are and you should know what to ask a seller.
get one that hasn't had longlife services for a start.

Is superkarl still in here and does he still agree with this comment hahahaha
 
Danny you need to be in the 8p section mate
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gavin thyvhhh
Probably spent as much as the purchase price, on refurbishment over the last year ... but that was part of the calculation [ish]

G,
 
Ive used NW transmission , just on the edge of Liverpool , put a clutch in the s3 and did the 5 gear in the golf , years back .... sounds like the s3 box is the shape of things to come :(

G,
 
It's off the road currently. Pending a gearbox repair.
I don't expect it to be back on the road till spring to be honest
Ahh jesus.
Well hope the rebuild goes well and swiftly so yoh can commence the fun.
 
  • Like
Reactions: superkarl