Nearly valentines day.....

JamesS4cab

JamesS4cab

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And I think i am not in love with my S3 anymore. :tocktock:

Dont know why - nothing has gone wrong - just miss my S4 cabriolet.

I am thinking maybe some extra power might help? Thinking of starting with a Revo but then think i miss the sound of the S4 with non res Milltek so wondering that would be the way to go.

I have only had the car a month and we just don't seem to be bonding. :sadlike:
 
I know where you are coming from, the S3 has substance, but it lacks soul.

With Stage2+ you can far more easily forgive it's shortcomings, but outright pace isn't everything.

Tough call, but as you're the one paying only you can make that decision.
 
I am glad I am not the only one!!

Maybe i need to give it more time or more toys or more power??

Cant afford to do everything at once, so will be over the course of a few months but wondering if the end goal will be what i really want.

Perhaps its too clinical, or maybe i am just being a tw%t and should be grateful for what i have got.

Its just the sound of a V8 that really floats my boat....
 
REVO stage 1 and some H&R springs.

Will cost you around £800 and makes a dramatic difference.
I liked my S3 out of the box anyway, but admit it has benefitted from a bit more `attitude`.

Not sure Ive ever `bonded` with a car before, luckily Ive `liked` pretty much all the cars Ive had so maybe lucky, or easily pleased? Some more than other of course?

Although after 20 odd cars, its my R5 GTTs and Corrados I look back on slightly fondly.
I generally gauge a car on how it makes you `feel`, rather than pick apart and analyse each of its individual attrubutes.
After 2 yrs the S3 still has that feel good factor which hasnt happened before.
Is that soul?

Anyway, I can see why you might miss the sensations of a big open top V8. And Im not sure whether an S3 will ever deliver the same thing.#

Not that its an less of a car, just very very different.

Tune or change? You decide (in Big Brother Geordie voice over bloke)

Maybe you should try and get a spin in a tuned S3 to see where your money would be going.

Good luck
Paul
 
The s3 is boring in my opinion, it has no soul,no character.

Mind you, I wouldnt have thought an s4 would be much different in that respect.
 
very difficult to replace a V8 S4 with a S3, must feel like you only have half an engine.The A4 is a much more solid car and must make the S3 sound a little thin and lightweight. What ever you do to it, it will probably always feel the same.I test drove a few RS4's and had the same sort of feeling getting back in the S3.I really want to change my S3 but not sure what for, the S3 fits the bill perfecly for me but I'm a bit bored and need a change.Test drove a new S4 avant recently but it just left me cold, nice car but no character.Thought about a new fully loaded S3 with buckets etc but I would be gutted if they then announced the RS3. So ?????????

Mark
 
Right gents, so what is soul in automotive terms?

What cars have you had that you would consider as having soul? and is it the same as a car being `fun`?
Can a car look amazing but be slow as chuff and still have soul?
Can a car go like stink and be ugly as sin and have soul?

People have this fondness for cars with `character` like old Minis, Beetles, Citroen 2CV etc...
Can a car have character and be crap at pretty much everything?

Deep questions for Friday I know but humour nme.


cheers
Paul


PS - Beer or Cider?
 
Did 2 Hr run as a passenger in an A5 the other week.
Almost makes the S3 cabin feel cheap, which it certainly isnt.
Suppose its testimony to how good the bigger AUDI range is in terms of fit and finish.

Cheers
Paul
 
I think a car with character is one that is exceptionally good at one or two particular things , it could be handling, acceleration, noise , but is relatively bad at being an all rounder.

The s3 is pretty reasonable at most things, but doesnt excel in any one area, which means it has no character.

Its all relative of course, it depends what other cars you've owned as to what you consider special. I reckon to a lot of people an s3 would be pretty special.
 
julians said:
I think a car with character is one that is exceptionally good at one or two particular things , it could be handling, acceleration, noise , but is relatively bad at being an all rounder.

The s3 is pretty reasonable at most things, but doesnt excel in any one area, which means it has no character.

Its all relative of course, it depends what other cars you've owned as to what you consider special. I reckon to a lot of people an s3 would be pretty special.
Click to expand...

Yes i agree, i do think the S3 is special and a pretty good alrounder but i'm just a little bored after 3 yrs. I would say the S3 has lots more character than the S4 30T i drove, the S4 was to soft and smooth for me, the S3 sounded better and had more of an edge to it.

Mark
 
I felt the same about my a3 although addmintidly it was a diesel with DSG box,
 
markwiggy said:
Yes i agree, i do think the S3 is special and a pretty good alrounder but i'm just a little bored after 3 yrs. I would say the S3 has lots more character than the S4 30T i drove, the S4 was to soft and smooth for me, the S3 sounded better and had more of an edge to it.

Mark
Click to expand...

Bored after 3 yrs is pretty good going IMO.

Lots of people get bored in half that time (me for one)

I suppose if a car doesnt give you too much pain and is easy to own then it does make you more likely to forgive its shortcomings.

Actually this is the first time Ive ever kept a car 2yrs.
And TBH, there isnt anything else I fancy at the minute:think:, apart from the obvious M3, 911 etc ... but running costs/practicality rule them out at the minute.

cheers
Paul
 
I've never bonded with my A3, but did with my S4 (B5 Biturbo).

Some cars just don't click. I think I prefer bigger cars.
 
V6Pete said:
I've never bonded with my A3, but did with my S4 (B5 Biturbo).

Some cars just don't click. I think I prefer bigger cars.
Click to expand...

The S4 was/is a lot of car.

Many moons ago I remember a client saying he regretted replacing his remapped B5 S4 with a 911 C2.

The `bigger` AUDIS (and I guess BMWs) raise the bar over the smaller stuff in the stable.
 
PaulAr said:
Bored after 3 yrs is pretty good going IMO.

Lots of people get bored in half that time (me for one)

I suppose if a car doesnt give you too much pain and is easy to own then it does make you more likely to forgive its shortcomings.

Actually this is the first time Ive ever kept a car 2yrs.
And TBH, there isnt anything else I fancy at the minute:think:, apart from the obvious M3, 911 etc ... but running costs/practicality rule them out at the minute.

cheers
Paul
Click to expand...

If I am honest Paul I have been bored for 12 mths but like you am unable to find a car that meets my needs at the mo, did look at RS4 avants for a while but decided against it in the end, I do still hanker after one but the sensible side of me says NO, they are a great car though but not sure it would be worth the extra running costs.

Mark
 
I've just been through the same issues. Until I got my S3 last October, I had a Mk4 Golf GTI 25th Anniversary which I'd had from new in 2002. Personally, I think it looked fantastic and I loved it. When it became time to change it, I didn't know what to get. I do too many miles to have anything that can't do about 30mpg or more on a run, so that ruled out an RS6 which I really wanted. IMHO the Golf Mk 5 & 6 are just ugly. So I settled on either a Mk4 R32 or an S3. The S3 won due to mpg and performance and long term tuneability (is that a word?), but omg the sound of an R32 with a Milltech on!

Anyhow, after a few months of the S3, I love it! I know it has a lot more than the 180bhp of my last car, but I was still amazed at just how much faster it is :)

On soul, I had access to a 360bhp Evo 6 for a year and it was blindingly fast and fun, but not really any soul. Not much could touch it on the road and it always put a huge grin on my face due to the sheer speed of the thing. I'd have one in an instant if it did more than 20mpg! When blatting it I got it down to single figures - just tooo expensive.

My favourite car ever was a Mk2 Golf GTI 16V which I had years ago and sold when I got a company car. This was in the mid-nineties so it was pretty quick for the time and so reliable. But just so much fun!
 
Its funny how half the forum rave about the S3 and its the best thing since slice bread, but then if we are honest, there appears to be a number of people that arent actually that fussed by the S3. When I look at the S3, i think its a stunning looking car - i especially like mine as its white and i always wanted a white S3 and now I have it. The styling, interior, and stance of the the car are stunning.

For me, a 996 isn't out of the question, a return to an S4 but a B7 is certainly feasable, but then so is a VXR8, an older (04/54 plate) Rs6. But then a SL500, a 645 ci and so it goes.......

I am talking chalk and cheese. I drive 3 miles a day during the week to the station and back, and the engine never gets warm and certainly never goes above 30. Its only the weekend that it gets used, but the last few times I have got in it, I have thought "go-kart" and not "20k car car". Maybe I just want my 20k to give me more of a warm fuzzy feeeling.

Maybe I am asking too much.
 
audi upgrades
JamesS4cab said:
Its funny how half the forum rave about the S3 and its the best thing since slice bread, but then if we are honest, there appears to be a number of people that arent actually that fussed by the S3..
Click to expand...

I'm not slating the S3, think it's a fab car but as we all know we get bored after a while and need a change, when I get out in the S3 and get to drive it proper, not stuck in traffic at 30 mph I then think wow why do I need a new car.

Mark
 
JamesS4cab said:
I drive 3 miles a day during the week to the station and back, and the engine never gets warm and certainly never goes above 30. Its only the weekend that it gets used.
Click to expand...

If I was in your position, I would walk to the station (or cycle) and have an outrageous car for the weekend. Would really consider an Evo or Skyline R34 in that position. But I couldn't live with a Jap car every day - if you think the S3 doesn't feel special, try an Evo, you'll feel like you're getting back into a Bentley when you get back in the S3 lol
 
markwiggy said:
I'm not slating the S3, think it's a fab car but as we all know we get bored after a while and need a change, when I get out in the S3 and get to drive it proper, not stuck in traffic at 30 mph I then think wow why do I need a new car.

Mark
Click to expand...

Stuck in traffic at 30mph?? I really wished my traffic was 30mph :)
 
markwiggy said:
LOL, yeh suppose I'm lucky really as I have a semi rural commute with the main bulk of traffic going in the opposite direction.

Mark
Click to expand...

Some people have all the luck eh! Traffic going the opposite direction.... 280 miles per tank... don't suppose Audi gave you an S3 by accident when you popped into the showroom to borrow the toilet or something :)
 
I think soul to me is when you walk to the car you look at it, and it has a road presence and a look of purpose about it. You then get in, sit in the body hugging seat (NOTE TO SELF: Buy buckets next time you cheapskate B**tard), and then you turn the key and the engine growls in a big burbly V sound where the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. The controls should feel slightly hard, crisp and purposeful. There should be some compromise as it's not about universal appeal (some of the switches may not be placed perfectly to hand, the brake pedal may leave you with one oversized leg, parking it may give you the biceps of Hercules, abuse of it will mean you will end up as hedge furniture) but most of all every time you drive it you feel like you've been exposed to an event or experienced real theatre (almost to the point where you may feel a tad knackered when you get out). Not a car you'd necessary want to drive every day,

The S3 can be some of the above, but our friends at Ingolstadt come along and file off any rough edges, over servo everything, and then make it a really accomplished daily driver. Even in stage 2+ spec it's hardly a fire breathing monster. Whether in darkest Moss Side or high brow Verbier it is a faithful but unassuming and universally respectable car that never really leaves anyone with the impression you are a modern day James Dean, Terry Thomas or Dappy from N-Dubz. It's like the perfect suit for all seasons and I think leaves people who have never driven one assuming you have a very decent car.
 
warrencox said:
I think soul to me is when you walk to the car you look at it, and it has a road presence and a look of purpose about it. You then get in, sit in the body hugging seat (NOTE TO SELF: Buy buckets next time you cheapskate B**tard), and then you turn the key and the engine growls in a big burbly V sound where the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. The controls should feel slightly hard, crisp and purposeful. There should be some compromise as it's not about universal appeal (some of the switches may not be placed perfectly to hand, the brake pedal may leave you with one oversized leg, parking it may give you the biceps of Hercules, abuse of it will mean you will end up as hedge furniture) but most of all every time you drive it you feel like you've been exposed to an event or experienced real theatre (almost to the point where you may feel a tad knackered when you get out). Not a car you'd necessary want to drive every day,
Click to expand...

Superb description! Somehow I could visualise myself in getting into car, in America (not sure why), and about to experience raw excitement! Also like a commercial!

So do you feel the S3 lacks soul as it's almost too comfortable or refined or commercial?
 
Pii said:
So do you feel the S3 lacks soul as it's almost too comfortable or refined or commercial?
Click to expand...

I do. It's universal brilliance is also it's downfall. You realise how good it is when you go out on a mission to replace it. If you have under £40k in your back pocket you are really going to struggle to get something that canes the S3 in all areas. Some will be faster, so will be louder, some will handle better, BUT come rain, snow or shine the S3 will put in a pretty much perfect performance day in, day out. In overall terms whilst it will never be a landmark car I think it's quietly one of the most accomplished every day drivers you can buy, and you only ever realise how good when you get into any of it's competitors.
 
warrencox said:
I think soul to me is when you walk to the car you look at it, and it has a road presence and a look of purpose about it. You then get in, sit in the body hugging seat (NOTE TO SELF: Buy buckets next time you cheapskate B**tard), and then you turn the key and the engine growls in a big burbly V sound where the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. The controls should feel slightly hard, crisp and purposeful. There should be some compromise as it's not about universal appeal (some of the switches may not be placed perfectly to hand, the brake pedal may leave you with one oversized leg, parking it may give you the biceps of Hercules, abuse of it will mean you will end up as hedge furniture) but most of all every time you drive it you feel like you've been exposed to an event or experienced real theatre (almost to the point where you may feel a tad knackered when you get out). Not a car you'd necessary want to drive every day,

The S3 can be some of the above, but our friends at Ingolstadt come along and file off any rough edges, over servo everything, and then make it a really accomplished daily driver. Even in stage 2+ spec it's hardly a fire breathing monster. Whether in darkest Moss Side or high brow Verbier it is a faithful but unassuming and universally respectable car that never really leaves anyone with the impression you are a modern day James Dean, Terry Thomas or Dappy from N-Dubz. It's like the perfect suit for all seasons and I think leaves people who have never driven one assuming you have a very decent car.
Click to expand...

Nail on the head Warren, think we've found the new Jeremy Clarkson.

Mark
 
warrencox said:
I do. It's universal brilliance is also it's downfall. You realise how good it is when you go out on a mission to replace it. If you have under £40k in your back pocket you are really going to struggle to get something that canes the S3 in all areas. Some will be faster, so will be louder, some will handle better, BUT come rain, snow or shine the S3 will put in a pretty much perfect performance day in, day out. In overall terms whilst it will never be a landmark car I think it's quietly one of the most accomplished every day drivers you can buy, and you only ever realise how good when you get into any of it's competitors.
Click to expand...


:applaus: Spot on again Warren.

Mark
 
I think one of the S3's biggest achilles heal is that a decently specced one will pop in at about £30 odd thousand.

This price point leaves new owners and aspirers with the expectation that it should almost 'walk on water'. You end up feeling that for a car with that kind of price tag it should be able to satisfy the parts other hatchbacks just can't reach.

The V6 has the tune, the S3 has the tunability, but neither have the true grit of a TVR, muscle car, or 997 twin. But for a car with their running costs you have to expect some compromises.
 
markwiggy said:
:applaus: Spot on again Warren.

Mark
Click to expand...

Almost sounds like there no light at the end of the tunnel after the S3! Not unless you have 40K +!!

This is too deep for a Saturday morning thread! Certainly is for me after working 12 hours anyway!

Warren you are a wise man and very good with words! As mark says I think you are the new Clarkson!
 
Pii said:
This is too deep for a Saturday morning thread!
Click to expand...

It is mate, that's my creative juices for the week spent. That's what happens when I spend the week writing policies and process documentation, I have to outpour to keep my sanity! It's been like pulling teeth this week.
 
warrencox said:
It is mate, that's my creative juices for the week spent. That's what happens when I spend the week writing policies and process documentation, I have to outpour to keep my sanity! It's been like pulling teeth this week.
Click to expand...

lol.... policies and process docs? You sound like you work for IT mate!

It's saturday, go out for a spin :) take the ESP off and maybe that will revive some of the old driving thrills?
 
The S3 is a great all round car. I have had mine for nearly 18 months now and it still makes me smile when I go out for a blast. Yes, the car is lacking in a lot of things which would have made it awesome. I just think Audi toned the whole car down to make it appeal to the masses instead of going the whole hog.

I wouldn't say its got no soul...its just understated! If everyone is like me then you look back at cars you had before and wish you still had them. It might be a bit of an eye opener if instead of memories we actually had to rely and drive them every day. Quite a few years ago i had a 2.2 Lotus Sunbeam......now that had soul!!!. But what would I think now. I would probable think OMG, this thing feels like its going to fall apart LOL
 
I spoke to my local Revo dealer this morning who has been looking after my S4 for the last two years and they have said that stage 1 and being shown how to drive it will help. They know me too well...........

Having come from a lazy V8 which would pull in any gear I am finding the planning ahead approach to driving a turbo charged car quite hard to adapt to. I just need to learn to drive at higher revs so its ready to go rather than flooring it at 1800rpm and expecting the magic to happen. I am going to stick by it and try the stage 1 on Saturday as Revo have a 30 day money back guarantee.

When i get off the train in the evening after a hard days work and walk over to the car, I adore the looks and it does make me feel like its all worth it. But when i get inside - its just not there. Perhaps my decision to choose a car with lower miles and less toys isnt paying off??

One slight problem occured today. I saw a SL55 AMG in black today and thought it was stunning. Am i getting old??

If the Revo doesnt work, and I still dont fall in love with it, then it may be bye bye. So if your after an Ibis White S3 in totally immaculate condition with 19k miles, you may want to keep watching this space!!
 
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