Thinking about an S3 - advice appreciated please.

[pluves1]

Newbie here.

Had a quick look around the site and hoping an S3 owner (preferably newish) can help with some questions.

1. I seem to have gone mad on the options list. Any advice on what is essential and what isn't? From both the user and resale value.

2. I think I am going for Sprint Blue so does anyone have any photos (or point me to another thread) which shows how the car looks in the typical UK weather i.e raining and cloudy!

3. If anyone has bought an S3 recently what discount did you manage? Brokers seem to be offering between 7% and 12%. As its my own money this time (not a company financed car) I was hoping for nearer 12% discount.

4. Would appreciate a view on how the car performs on a daily basis. My daily commute is 90 miles and so I'm going to rack up around 25,000 miles a year. Service costs and tyre life would be useful. I currently drive a BMW 330d M Sport Touring which eats the miles with little effort and my only reason for not going back to the brand is the differential in pricing between petrol and diesel!

5. Anyone have good/bad experience of any dealers in the North East? I live in Stockton but, commute to Newcastle so if anyone could point me to a dealer they have good experience with particularly after the initial sale.

6. Finally, is this car really worth over £10k more than a Golf Gti? I ask as we have a Pirelli edition (2nd car) which to me was a good value for money car at the time (we got a good part ex and decent discount!)

Thanks in advance.

 

[Young un]

Newbie here.

Had a quick look around the site and hoping an S3 owner (preferably newish) can help with some questions.

1. I seem to have gone mad on the options list. Any advice on what is essential and what isn't? From both the user and resale value.

6. Finally, is this car really worth over £10k more than a Golf Gti? I ask as we have a Pirelli edition (2nd car) which to me was a good value for money car at the time (we got a good part ex and decent discount!)

Thanks in advance.

1. Dont worry about option list, I went bit silly too.
You'll be covering loads more miles than me (I only cover 8-10k annually) so the more options you spec should hopefully 'money well spent' and you'll make more use from them compared to me.
As a must, I'd go for:

Flat bottom steering wheel (but this is now standard?)
DVD sat nav (but RNSe can be sourced from e-bay for much less)
Bluettoth handsfree (located in front centre armrest)
Bose
Auto dimming mirrors
Auto wipers
Rear park sensors
Cruise control (especially with your annual mileage)
Tinted windows

Nice but not essential:
Bucket seats (not practical rear seat access IMO)
Adaptive lights (I have this but not particularly useful unless foggy or twisty B roads)

6. Golf Pirelli edition is same as Golf edition 30? 230BHP?
My mate has White Edition 30 with DSG and I've frequently driven it. TBH not very different to the S3 so 10k extra would be hard to stomach

 

[pluves1]

6. Golf Pirelli edition is same as Golf edition 30? 230BHP?
My mate has White Edition 30 with DSG and I've frequently driven it. TBH not very different to the S3 so 10k extra would be hard to stomach

Yeah Pirelli is just more exclusive though Still got 230bhp (feels like more) and different alloys and interior (which isnt to everyones taste)

Traded a bog standard Gti against it and despite it being a new model (I was the first to order from my local dealer). They discounted over 10% and the part ex was price was very good too.

I think price is going to be an issue with the S3 but, to be honest I haven't test driven one yet (hopefully that will be in the next few weeks). I will probably take the Golf to the dealers when test driving the S3 and then sit the two side by side and ask the salesman if the S3 is really worth over £10k more

Thanks for the pointers on the other stuff.

If I do buy it will be a 5 door so no issue with the Sports seats access. I did spec the sports seats but, £1600 does seem a lot.
I didnt spec cruise as I have this on the Beemer and dont use if very often!
I specced Sat Nav unit but, know that you can get units cheaper. I fitted a touch screen RNS 510 to the Pirelli. Is there any thread on how to fit the RNS E unit? The Golf wasn't too hard but, you just had to remove lots of dash trim.

Any other advice much appreciated.

 

[Young un]

If I do buy it will be a 5 door so no issue with the Sports seats access. I did spec the sports seats but, £1600 does seem a lot.
I didnt spec cruise as I have this on the Beemer and dont use if very often!
I specced Sat Nav unit but, know that you can get units cheaper. I fitted a touch screen RNS 510 to the Pirelli. Is there any thread on how to fit the RNS E unit? The Golf wasn't too hard but, you just had to remove lots of dash trim.

Any other advice much appreciated.

If you're planning sportback, then rear access wont be a problem so I'd spec recaro buckets. But £1600 is a lot of dosh though!!
The RNSe unit isnt as clever as the RNS 510 so you might be disappointed...but its still something I'd spec cos its saves having a portable TOM TOM (or Navman etc...) and will probably help re-sale desirablility (not necessarily re-sale value)

I forgot to mention interior light pack is a subtle but very nice finish, gives a dim red glow in cabin at night.

These are just my opinions, other people will agree/disagree with them so dont take my points as gospel. Good luck

 

[crazylegscrane]

I would put the reversing sensors on it too, I find them very useful and also electric folding wing mirrors - didn't spec them on mine as I thought I can fold them in myself when I want to but when you've got in and started the car and then go to pull out and realise you've forgotten to fold out the passenger side wing mirror its a right pain in the **** - worth it for £120

 

[pluves1]

I would put the reversing sensors on it too, I find them very useful and also electric folding wing mirrors - didn't spec them on mine as I thought I can fold them in myself when I want to but when you've got in and started the car and then go to pull out and realise you've forgotten to fold out the passenger side wing mirror its a right pain in the **** - worth it for £120

Yep went for both of the parking sensors as I have them on the Beemer and they're great for getting into tight spots.
Folding mirrors I need as I have to negotiate a pillar in my parking space at work!
To be honest there wasn't much I didnt go for! Hence I was trying to cut back!
Bit disappointed at the spec on the Sat Nav. Thought you might at least get touch screen and a camera if you chose this and parking sensors. For £445 you get the sensors on the New Golf and the thing parks itself! All you get with the Audi is beeping sensors presumably?

 

[VRStu]

I think if I were you I'd be looking for a nearly new. That way you can pocket the 10k premium over the Pirelli.

Couple of months ago I bought mine for 22.5k, since then the dealer has refunded me £700 for a mix up with a supposedly included service plan so an effective 21.8k for a car with an OTR of over £32k new. It was 8 months old with 10k miles.

If you want a sportback then many dealers will be moving demo's of the facelift about now I think. Lots of them are white.

Ed30/Pirelli are very capable cars, especially with DSG. However the premium over them with the S3 is Haldex, great for getting the power down.

 

[Jo Sharp]

Here is mine - 3 weeks old.

 

[Dave1000]

You could also pickup a brand new R32 with DSG for less than £22k

 

[RAPS3]

I've recently ordered an S3 Sportback (for March delivery), same situation as you, (own cash and not company) and therefore wanted to secure the best deal possible.

Regarding the dealership, I'm also from the North East (look at the avatar for a clue) I approached the two dealers local to me Teesside & Wearside and got a completely different response from both. I spent over an hour in Teesside Audi without anyone even talking to me, albeit the salesmen where busy but it wasnt really an excuse, a simple we'll be with you in a moment would have sufficed. In the end I left, I've heard others have had mixed results also.
After mentioning this to a friend and fellow forum member he pointed me in the way of Wearside Audi. He said that he had also given up on Teesside and was now using Wearside as he felt that they had a better customer service. What I found at Wearside was a pleasing experience, nothing pushy and a good deal to be had.

After a bit of negotiation and banter, with the old I'll need to speak to the manager routine, I stuck to my guns and managed just under a 10% discount on a well specced up S3 Sportback.

The options are a personal thing, and I didnt spend too much time thinking about the resale element. Your on to a loss anyway on options.

I specced,
Sprint blue,
Alu roof rails
Bose
Mobile phone prep
Bucket seats
Rear parking sensors
Interior light pack
Auto lights & wipers
Flat tyre indicators
Folding mirrors

I intend to retrofit the RNSe Nav as Audi want too much for it.

I did also consider buying a used example, but at the minute (and when I was ordering) there are hardly any S3 Sportbacks for sale on the used market. I also considered an R32 and a well specced Golf Gti, but the S3 was what I really wanted and I think I would have just been making do with anything else.

I'll give you the exact deal details if you really want them, just PM me.

 

[pluves1]

I think if I were you I'd be looking for a nearly new. That way you can pocket the 10k premium over the Pirelli.

Couple of months ago I bought mine for 22.5k, since then the dealer has refunded me £700 for a mix up with a supposedly included service plan so an effective 21.8k for a car with an OTR of over £32k new. It was 8 months old with 10k miles.

If you want a sportback then many dealers will be moving demo's of the facelift about now I think. Lots of them are white.

Ed30/Pirelli are very capable cars, especially with DSG. However the premium over them with the S3 is Haldex, great for getting the power down.

I haven't really considered nearly new with me wanting a sportback but, I will see what the dealers have to offer and if they can get close to my factory order spec.

I dont have DSG on the Pirelli (heard too many issues so decided to go manual). I still think this is my benchmark considering that it appears to be a lot of car for £20k.

Thanks for the advice

 

[pluves1]

I've recently ordered an S3 Sportback (for March delivery), same situation as you, (own cash and not company) and therefore wanted to secure the best deal possible.

Regarding the dealership, I'm also from the North East (look at the avatar for a clue) I approached the two dealers local to me Teesside & Wearside and got a completely different response from both. I spent over an hour in Teesside Audi without anyone even talking to me, albeit the salesmen where busy but it wasnt really an excuse, a simple we'll be with you in a moment would have sufficed. In the end I left, I've heard others have had mixed results also.
After mentioning this to a friend and fellow forum member he pointed me in the way of Wearside Audi. He said that he had also given up on Teesside and was now using Wearside as he felt that they had a better customer service. What I found at Wearside was a pleasing experience, nothing pushy and a good deal to be had.

After a bit of negotiation and banter, with the old I'll need to speak to the manager routine, I stuck to my guns and managed just under a 10% discount on a well specced up S3 Sportback.

The options are a personal thing, and I didnt spend too much time thinking about the resale element. Your on to a loss anyway on options.

I specced,
Sprint blue,
Alu roof rails
Bose
Mobile phone prep
Bucket seats
Rear parking sensors
Interior light pack
Auto lights & wipers
Flat tyre indicators
Folding mirrors

I intend to retrofit the RNSe Nav as Audi want too much for it.

I did also consider buying a used example, but at the minute (and when I was ordering) there are hardly any S3 Sportbacks for sale on the used market. I also considered an R32 and a well specced Golf Gti, but the S3 was what I really wanted and I think I would have just been making do with anything else.

I'll give you the exact deal details if you really want them, just PM me.

Hi thanks for the response. Is the RNSe easy to fit? Done the changeover in a Golf and was relatively easy (except they had changed the fakra connectors!) Is there a guide on this website?

I intend to try Teesside first but, from what you've said I dont hold out much hope. What I am really keen to do is find a garage that 'cares' once they have sold the car to you! Is that asking too much?

Your spec is pretty similar to mine except I'd added the RNS and CD and a few other things which accounted for another 20% on list

 

[pluves1]

Here is mine - 3 weeks old.

Thanks for pic in the real world.

Still looks quite bright which is what I was hoping

Never had a pearlescent finish on a car so this gives a really good idea of how it will look day to day.

Have you got a pic of the car unwashed after a few weeks so I can get an idea of mine is likely to look most of the time?

Is the car living up to your expectations? Anything you regret adding or not adding?

 

[pluves1]

You could also pickup a brand new R32 with DSG for less than £22k

I think my only issue is whether or not this is going to be a car I can live with every day.

Worth a test drive though but, all depends on whether the local dealer has stock I suspect. Plus its going to be car off the shelf rather than my spec.

Thanks

 

[kaz219]

I think my only issue is whether or not this is going to be a car I can live with every day.

Worth a test drive though but, all depends on whether the local dealer has stock I suspect. Plus its going to be car off the shelf rather than my spec.

Thanks

With the R32 - you have to bare in mind it will depreciated really really really heavily with the tax and credit crunch stuff.

S3 will defo hold its value better...

Let us know what you think of the test drive vs the ed30 as they're both on my next car list

 

[VRStu]

I haven't really considered nearly new with me wanting a sportback but, I will see what the dealers have to offer and if they can get close to my factory order spec.

I dont have DSG on the Pirelli (heard too many issues so decided to go manual). I still think this is my benchmark considering that it appears to be a lot of car for £20k.

Thanks for the advice

One thing I found is that the dealers don't always list every option fitted to a car in their advert so it makes it difficult to ascertain if it is exactly what you want.

 

[Jo Sharp]

Thanks for pic in the real world.

Still looks quite bright which is what I was hoping

Never had a pearlescent finish on a car so this gives a really good idea of how it will look day to day.

Have you got a pic of the car unwashed after a few weeks so I can get an idea of mine is likely to look most of the time?

Is the car living up to your expectations? Anything you regret adding or not adding?

Glad to help with the photo. Very happy with the beast; everything I was expecting/hoping for. Can't think of anything I regret not ordering. If I had had unlimited cash I would have gone for a custom colour and perhaps the RNS nav system, but my TomTom works fine.

 

[mac1403]

Just another pic for you to see the colour. October weather, overcast

 

[pluves1]

Just another pic for you to see the colour. October weather, overcast

Thanks for this. Confirms that the car still looks 'bright' even in dull weather which is just what I wanted to see.

Would be nice to see one with the Alu roof rails in the real world i.e. not an Audi stock photo

Cheers
Ian

 

[pluves1]

I test drove the S3 yesterday at my local Audi dealer and I'm pleased to say the car has made it onto my shortlist

The most pleasant surprise was how well the car soaked up our shocking road conditions. Better than my Beemer and far better than the Golf Gti. Didn't get a chance to put my foot down much as the conditions were a bit frosty/icy yesterday morning and some of the roads we travelled on hadn't seen the gritter or the sun. However, its quite composed on the twisty B roads and on the A roads it was quite quick at getting to cruising speed.

My only concern doesn't really concern the driveability of the car or the practical aspects - just how expensive it is compared to a Golf!! Hopefully, I can get a decent discount to make the experience a little more palatable.

I still have a few questions/requests as follows

1. Does anyone have any pics of an actual car with bucket seats in please? I can't believe the brochure doesnt show any despite it being one of the most expensive options! If you do have them are they comfy (and do they allow enough room for the less svelt amongst us???
2. Does anyone have a pic of a Sprint Blue Sportback with the open sky system?
3. The car I test drove had a Sat Nav system but, I dont think this was the plus. Does the plus take SD cards for music and if so how do you access the slot? Pics would be helpful.
4. Typically what mpg are owners getting? Under normal/harsh and motorway cruising?

Thanks in advance and also many thanks to those that have answered my numerous questions previously.

 

[rollon]

Here is mine - 3 weeks old.

Could you show a pic of the interior and gear knob? Or could you tell me is it the standard auto in an A3 or does it look like the gear in the TT automatics?

 

[L60N]

I dont think i'd like to buy new after finding out my cars worth around 20k (thats 13k depreciation in 8 months lol)

 

[Aspen]

just ordered my s3 sportback after driving everything!! And I do mean everything.

I loved the gold GTI, but, for me, it just couldn't put the power down. Good chasis round corners esp in the dry, but we live in a rather wet country, and every time I excellerated the front wheels just lit up. I personally hate that. You just look like a boy racer the whole time.

Same in the TWD A5 as well.

That's why it's worth the extra money. I think anyway, that and the fact that when you sit in it you just know it's got class.

One day you'll be sat at the lights in your GTI, and someone will pull up next to you in thier S3. And you'll think to yourself, I wish I had one of those.

 

[VRStu]

Something that does confuse me a little with your intended purchase

You mention a couple of times in the thread about your concern for price and that the GTi is much cheaper - Then you go talking about £1600 bucket seats!!

As I said above and is echoed by L60n's comment is if you buy new now you will get a kick squarely in the stones over the first year. They make fantastic used bargains but as a new car it's financial suicide at the moment.

MPG on normal sort of driving for me is between 28 and 32, if I have a little play then it sips a little more but what the hell you can't go worrying yourself about it.

RNS-E does have two slots for SD, behind the folding screen. Accessed via the menu buttons on the front.

 

[pluves1]

I dont think i'd like to buy new after finding out my cars worth around 20k (thats 13k depreciation in 8 months lol)

I wont be buying if the dealer cannot offer more than a 10% discount. I also have the option of running it through our company scheme once I've done me sums!

I can't really go used as the car is quite new (I'm after the sportback with the updates). However, I have been on the Audi website and might well call a few dealers with Sprint Blue facelift cars.

 

[pluves1]

Something that does confuse me a little with your intended purchase

You mention a couple of times in the thread about your concern for price and that the GTi is much cheaper - Then you go talking about £1600 bucket seats!!

As I said above and is echoed by L60n's comment is if you buy new now you will get a kick squarely in the stones over the first year. They make fantastic used bargains but as a new car it's financial suicide at the moment.

MPG on normal sort of driving for me is between 28 and 32, if I have a little play then it sips a little more but what the hell you can't go worrying yourself about it.

RNS-E does have two slots for SD, behind the folding screen. Accessed via the menu buttons on the front.

Thanks for the response.

Having specced the bucket seats in my initial estimate the reason for the questions was that I was now going to drop it. However, my questions were aimed solely at trying to dissuade myself from speccing it rather than convincing me to get them (if that makes sense). Not only do they cost a lot but, you lose the airbags other stuff!

I see what you mean about me banging on about the cost but, that is without the extras I'm adding purely for comfort

Noted on MPG. I'm not really worried about my long distance driving just what the figures are in the real world. I notice that the tank is 60 litres on the S3 compared to 55 litres in the Golf which might mean less trips to the petrol station!

Noted on the SD card - didn't realise the front comes down

Thanks again for responses so far - much appreciated.

 

[VRStu]

Whichever way you look at it you'll not find it an economical car to run, probably not too unlike the Pirelli.

It seems you've got yourself a figure in your mind with the 10% discount which to be fair, given the spec you want, is probably as good as it'll get as the facelift is new to the market.

 

[dmal]

Am also considering getting an S3. Was originally just going to swap my diesel for a petrol version but over the last week I've been looking at the S3s online and they seem really nice.

Few questions:

1) What does it sound like? Does it sound like a normal car or does it sound like the R32?

2) How is the ride compared with the A3 Sport?

3) The satnav panel, is this also the cd/stereo and can you plug a sim card into them to use as a phone?

Much appreciated!

 

[consilio]

1) What does it sound like? Does it sound like a normal car or does it sound like the R32?

Not at all, for a V6 I thought the R32 sounded like an angry wasp. Very dissapointing.

The S3 sounds great with the windows down. With them up the cabin is quiet with just enough noise from the engine to remind you it is there.

2) How is the ride compared with the A3 Sport?

Not driven an A3 so dunno

3) The satnav panel, is this also the cd/stereo and can you plug a sim card into them to use as a phone?

No, CD would be an optional extra but it does radio etc. to be honest I cant see why you would want a CD drive when you have SD slots.

You cant plug a sim card into it, but if you order the phone prep you can communicate with your phone via bluetooth or the supplied cradle in the armrest or on the dash. This will allow interaction with the phone via the 'sat nav', via the DIS, or via voice commands

For me the sat nav is a must, but dont order it with the car, get it retrofitted and save over £1000

 

[PaulAr]

I average around 22mpg, but I spend a lot of time in heavy traffic and do a lot of town driving, and when the roads are quiet (very early morn) I like to open the taps a little so I reckon you would have to try hard to get less than 22mpg in a remapped S3.

For comparison I was getting around 24mpg in remapped MK Gti under similar driving conditions.

In summary its not a cheap car to fuel, but what performance petrol car is ??? An EVO/SUBARU with similar power will bit you even harder again!

Oh, and IMO the extra layout for an S3 over the MK5 Golf is definately worth it, however good the Golf may be.

Cheers
Paul

 

[dmal]

1) What does it sound like? Does it sound like a normal car or does it sound like the R32?

Not at all, for a V6 I thought the R32 sounded like an angry wasp. Very dissapointing.

The S3 sounds great with the windows down. With them up the cabin is quiet with just enough noise from the engine to remind you it is there.

Great. I dont like the sound of the R32. Sports cars should sound like sports cars, but other cars shouldnt, imho.

 

[L60N]

Dont drop the bucket seats i u can stretch to em, they really sweeten up the cabin in my opinion. Not to mention how snug they are <3

Its the one option im sure does affect future residuals, theyre such an obvious addition.

 

[RAPS3]

I'd have to agree having saw both in the flesh. Plus you dont have to worry about access into the back of the car with the extra doors in the sportback.

Re- the residuals - I know I'm going to get a big kicking the moment I drive it away from th dealers, but its something I just need to accept - and get on with enjoying driving it. I know the moment I get into it and turn the key I'll forget all about that.

I'll worry about it if/when I come to sell it in the future - lifes too short.

It may even be a keeper - long term as the wife has just announced earlier this week, that she'd like to keep the cheapo banger people carrier I bought her to do the school and tesco's run in, so that i can keep the S3 all polished and nice in the garage for weekends and special occasions. (or I can opt to leave the company car at home ) I've just remembered why I married her

 

[boggym]

Sounds like it's going to be a cracking car Paul, thinking of maybe one the same as my next move. Make sure put some pictures up.