- Joined
- Apr 8, 2009
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......after owning it a few days.
Firstly, prior to buying the S3, I was also considering the Civic Type R, Leon Cupra R, Anniversary Golf, Alfa 147 GTA or even a modded Peugeot 306 Gti6.
I decided on the S3 as its rare (theres a Civic Type R on every road in the UK it seems), grown up, well put together, fairly quick and it looks good. For me, it ticked more boxes than any of the other cars.
Having done about 350 miles in it, on various roads at various speeds, I thought Id post a small review of it.
My other half has owned a 2003 A3 1.6S for a couple of years, although it couldnt pull the skin off a custard, it has never gone wrong (despite her relaxed attitude to service schedules) and it looks nice and is very solid. If it was faster, and handled better, it would be a really good car.
So to my S3, as you can see from my signature its a 2000 pre facelift model in Imola yellow. Its had the Revo remap to a supposed 265bhp, its lowered approx 25-30mm (unknown suspension components) and its on 18" RS4 replica wheels with Michelin pilot sport tyres. Its done just over 80k and it has full Audi service history, 8 stamps in all (this is reading like a for sale advert so far).
For me, the ride is quite harsh, with poor road surfaces causing a fair amount of vibration in the cabin and a crashy ride. Being lowered on relatively large wheels doesn't help, but worn suspension parts could be contributing to this, so this is more of an observation of my S3 rather than a generalisation. Id be interested to take a ride in other S3s.
For me, even though its remapped the S3 doesn't feel that quick. I must admit I was expecting it to be quicker. Although I haven't driven that many S3s, so I don't have much of a basis for comparison. Also, I would have to say that driving a 210bhp standard S3 would disappoint me a little (if my car is anything close to 265bhp), so I would remap it asap or spend a few hundred more and get a hybrid turbo.
Handling wise, the S3 is the least "chuckable" car Ive ever owned, I was was fully aware of this prior to buying it however. Its surefooted and solid, but lack of feedback and understeer don't inspire you to test its limits. They (whoever "they" are) say this is typical of Audis. And Ive discovered many enthusiasts make extensive modifications to their suspension setup to correct this. If I decide to keep the car long term, I shall be doing the same. Although my car will never get near a track while in my ownership I would like to get as much driving enjoyment out of it as I can (which is the same for all of us).
In the looks department, it couldn't get much better! It looks mean and masculine but very mature too. And the design is still fresh and modern. And for me, far less clinical and cold than the 8P version. And women seem to love it too, which is a bonus!
To conclude, the S3 was/is an exciting ownership prospect for me. Fast(ish), stylish and grown up. I like it alot, I wouldve liked to have gone for a newer facelift version, but I couldnt sell my current car in time. From the outside though, only the 2 piece headlights give away that its a pre facelift car and I hope to change them soon. When my old car does sell however, I will have a few £k burning a hole in my pocket!
Well, thanks for taking the time to read my mini review on the S3, Ive probably left a few things out, so I might add some stuff as I remember it.
Vetch (Stu)
Firstly, prior to buying the S3, I was also considering the Civic Type R, Leon Cupra R, Anniversary Golf, Alfa 147 GTA or even a modded Peugeot 306 Gti6.
I decided on the S3 as its rare (theres a Civic Type R on every road in the UK it seems), grown up, well put together, fairly quick and it looks good. For me, it ticked more boxes than any of the other cars.
Having done about 350 miles in it, on various roads at various speeds, I thought Id post a small review of it.
My other half has owned a 2003 A3 1.6S for a couple of years, although it couldnt pull the skin off a custard, it has never gone wrong (despite her relaxed attitude to service schedules) and it looks nice and is very solid. If it was faster, and handled better, it would be a really good car.
So to my S3, as you can see from my signature its a 2000 pre facelift model in Imola yellow. Its had the Revo remap to a supposed 265bhp, its lowered approx 25-30mm (unknown suspension components) and its on 18" RS4 replica wheels with Michelin pilot sport tyres. Its done just over 80k and it has full Audi service history, 8 stamps in all (this is reading like a for sale advert so far).
For me, the ride is quite harsh, with poor road surfaces causing a fair amount of vibration in the cabin and a crashy ride. Being lowered on relatively large wheels doesn't help, but worn suspension parts could be contributing to this, so this is more of an observation of my S3 rather than a generalisation. Id be interested to take a ride in other S3s.
For me, even though its remapped the S3 doesn't feel that quick. I must admit I was expecting it to be quicker. Although I haven't driven that many S3s, so I don't have much of a basis for comparison. Also, I would have to say that driving a 210bhp standard S3 would disappoint me a little (if my car is anything close to 265bhp), so I would remap it asap or spend a few hundred more and get a hybrid turbo.
Handling wise, the S3 is the least "chuckable" car Ive ever owned, I was was fully aware of this prior to buying it however. Its surefooted and solid, but lack of feedback and understeer don't inspire you to test its limits. They (whoever "they" are) say this is typical of Audis. And Ive discovered many enthusiasts make extensive modifications to their suspension setup to correct this. If I decide to keep the car long term, I shall be doing the same. Although my car will never get near a track while in my ownership I would like to get as much driving enjoyment out of it as I can (which is the same for all of us).
In the looks department, it couldn't get much better! It looks mean and masculine but very mature too. And the design is still fresh and modern. And for me, far less clinical and cold than the 8P version. And women seem to love it too, which is a bonus!
To conclude, the S3 was/is an exciting ownership prospect for me. Fast(ish), stylish and grown up. I like it alot, I wouldve liked to have gone for a newer facelift version, but I couldnt sell my current car in time. From the outside though, only the 2 piece headlights give away that its a pre facelift car and I hope to change them soon. When my old car does sell however, I will have a few £k burning a hole in my pocket!
Well, thanks for taking the time to read my mini review on the S3, Ive probably left a few things out, so I might add some stuff as I remember it.
Vetch (Stu)