Does Anyone Like their S3?

Hey, I wasn't the one who claimed that the motoring press was all over the car like a rash.

And a very fair and reasonable critique here:
https://www.carwow.co.uk/car-reviews/Audi/S3

As I said before, different people buy cars for different reasons.


I note you haven't taken delivery of yours, and yet are very defensive about the car, and offensive towards some individuals. Perhaps you'd give a honest review after living with the car for a year, like some have ;)
 
veeeight said:
Hey, I wasn't the one who claimed that the motoring press was all over the car like a rash.

And a very fair and reasonable critique here:
https://www.carwow.co.uk/car-reviews/Audi/S3

As I said before, different people buy cars for different reasons.


I note you haven't taken delivery of yours, and yet are very defensive about the car, and offensive towards some individuals. Perhaps you'd give a honest review after living with the car for a year, like some have ;)
Click to expand...

I'm not offensive towards anyone's view or defensive. I've experience of owning many a car and being a member of many a forum. This is exactly the same. I've test driven the S3 so I know enough to make any comments I've made. I value your views as much as anyone else's, just think that they maybe don't reflect those of the average driver or you mention things many owners would actually notice. If anything that's perhaps a compliment or your cross to bear, certainly not a criticism!
 
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Well, perhaps your statement of

"Criticism from some VERY demanding and specific individuals."

was open to interpretation, and/or I misread that (easily done).

No offence taken ;)
 
veeeight said:
Well, perhaps your statement of

"Criticism from some VERY demanding and specific individuals."

was open to interpretation, and/or I misread that (easily done).

No offence taken ;)
Click to expand...

Glad no offence taken, I'm not on here to give any and your comments have been very valuable to me personally. I'm sure we both read reviews with both positive and negative comments and think they're not appropriate to our situation. However sometimes a comment, positive or negative, can strike a chord and affect our decision. Sounds like you're exploiting the limits of the car, of which all cars have them. I probably won't do that so it suits me. I test drove a cabrio *** & thought if I like this the SB will be even better!
 
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I really like mine. Knew what I was buying as I had a 24hr test drive and it ticked all the boxes I wanted ticking. I spent the time making sure it was what I wanted as it is quite a financial burden. I guess those who hate/dislike/put it down, jumped in without proper due care and diligence and it ended up being something they didn't want or were unhappy with. I'm even sure some of the negatives on here don't even own the car. Shame, but if you look at what they claim is better some of the choices, R400 for example, don't even exist, but they will no doubt jump in and make the same mistake again and be miserable.

I also tested Golf R, Cupra 280, Fiesta ST and A45 AMG before deciding on the S3 - for full disclosure.
 
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My last Audi was an 8P 2.0TDI Quattro. Plenty of plaudits, plenty of detractors, much like the S3 on here. End result = the best all round car I've ever owned (& I've owned some good cars according to the motoring press such as a Focus ST & Maxda MX-5). Sounds like no-one is saying the 8V is worse than the 8P, just maybe not the stellar leap they hoped for. Or maybe they feel competitors have advanced more.
 
Back to topic, do I love my S3?



Absolutely, its fast handles well, comfortable, fits my garage. I look forward to driving it and enjoy driving it. In fact I often just go for a blast some where and there's not many cars I'd do that. Totally fulfills what I currently want in a vehicle.
Had mine since last July, would I buy the same if I was looking for a car now? Yes I would, but a different colour though.
 
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steeve said:
Back to topic, do I love my S3?



Absolutely, its fast handles well, comfortable, fits my garage. I look forward to driving it and enjoy driving it. In fact I often just go for a blast some where and there's not many cars I'd do that. Totally fulfills what I currently want in a vehicle.
Had mine since last July, would I buy the same if I was looking for a car now? Yes I would, but a different colour though.
Click to expand...

But what colour....?
 
Love my S3 too ! Even more with the MTM tunning box ! :)
 
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Foxtrot_Oscar said:
I really like mine. Knew what I was buying as I had a 24hr test drive and it ticked all the boxes I wanted ticking. I spent the time making sure it was what I wanted as it is quite a financial burden. I guess those who hate/dislike/put it down, jumped in without proper due care and diligence and it ended up being something they didn't want or were unhappy with. I'm even sure some of the negatives on here don't even own the car. Shame, but if you look at what they claim is better some of the choices, R400 for example, don't even exist, but they will no doubt jump in and make the same mistake again and be miserable.

I also tested Golf R, Cupra 280, Fiesta ST and A45 AMG before deciding on the S3 - for full disclosure.
Click to expand...

Those same people have posting negatives about the Mk 2 RS3 which hasn't even arrived yet.
 
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Oh, you must mean all these first drive reviews of the RS3 ;)

All of which, of course, are worth reading.

Although I would skip the verdicts of most of them, particularly if you're of a nervous disposition towards another brand of car :p


++++++++++++
RS3 is not wowing the motoring press right now, after the first on-road tests:

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/audi/rs3-sportback
http://www.pistonheads.com/news/audi/audi-rs3-review/31977
http://www.evo.co.uk/audi/rs3
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/audi-rs3-sportback-review-2015-04-15
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/rs3/90149/new-audi-rs3-sportback-2015-review
http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/audi/a3/rs3-hatchback/review
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/audi/a3/rs3-sportback/
 
veeeight said:
Oh, you must mean all these first drive reviews of the RS3 ;)

++++++++++++
RS3 is not wowing the motoring press right now, after the first on-road tests:

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/audi/rs3-sportback
http://www.pistonheads.com/news/audi/audi-rs3-review/31977
http://www.evo.co.uk/audi/rs3
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/audi-rs3-sportback-review-2015-04-15
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/rs3/90149/new-audi-rs3-sportback-2015-review
http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/audi/a3/rs3-hatchback/review
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/audi/a3/rs3-sportback/
Click to expand...

What do the motoring press know about driving an Audi or any other brand in the real world [not on a track]? ,they get in a car they don't own and hammer it around a track trying to get the back end out and then write a lot of nonsense which they are getting paid to do and then people start quoting their nonsense taking it as gospel.it just makes me laugh.
laughinglaughing.gif
 
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Excellent, glad we managed to amuse you today, sounded like you were in a right grump previously ;)
 
DAYTONA500 said:
What do the motoring press know about driving an Audi or any other brand in the real world [not on a track]? ,they get in a car they don't own and hammer it around a track trying to get the back end out and then write a lot of nonsense which they are getting paid to do and then people start quoting their nonsense taking it as gospel.it just makes me laugh.
laughinglaughing.gif
Click to expand...

EXACTLY! Most adverse reviews I've read have complained you can't get the back end out. Damn me buying a performance car that competently holds the road!
 
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You're missing the point slightly ;)

The whole point of being able to do so under power, is mid corner adjustability.

Sometimes, you get the line wrong, or you're not able to take the most suitable line (road or track). In which case it's extremely useful to be able to re-align the car so that you can get back into stride.

Sadly, you just can't do this with a Haldex car. It's a limiting factor.

I'm not necessarily saying that all motoring correspondents have this in mind whilst reporting, but certainly the more experienced ones do (Jethro, Sutcliffe, Mildenhall etc.)
 
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veeeight said:
You're missing the point slightly ;)

The whole point of being able to do so under power, is mid corner adjustability.

Sometimes, you get the line wrong, or you're not able to take the most suitable line (road or track). In which case it's extremely useful to be able to re-align the car so that you can get back into stride.

Sadly, you just can't do this with a Haldex car. It's a limiting factor.

I'm not necessarily saying that all motoring correspondents have this in mind whilst reporting, but certainly the more experienced ones do (Jethro, Sutcliffe etc.)
Click to expand...


oh right i see and you can do all this on the public road?.
 
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I'm just curious veeeight, why did you buy your S3? Did you test drive it and research it with a view from what you expect from it, I mean you're clearly well in the know and it seems as though you do research. I just can't help but think that you missed a beat or 2 when you bought the S3. You seem to know all about haldex and clearly dislike it, I can't understand why you bought a haldex car.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to dig you out, I really am just curious.
 
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I refer the honourable gentleman to the answer I gave previously, and I really don't want to turn this thread into my reasons.

However, if people insist on having a go at me in this thread (heaven forbid, for daring to offer an alternative opinion and not be part of groupthink), then they should expect a response. :)
 
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Forgive me if that seemed like having a go, it really wasn't and was a genuine curiosity. Also forgive me again but (and I'll quote you) "I really don't want to turn this thread into my reasons", that's all you seem to do tbh and seeing as this is an A3/S3 sub-forum of an "Audi fan based" forum if you like, that is full of S3 enthusiasts, you should also "expect a response" to your constant S3 bashing! Now I'm well aware that the car has its shortfalls as any car does, and everyone is entitled to their opinion but (and I'm sure the vast majority will agree) it gets a little annoying when we constantly read of your displeasure with your S3 like we all need to agree and say yes the great veeeight is right.

Now, I'll say again that I do not mean to have a go, and generally on this forum I read very helpful inputs from you, you are clearly one of the more knowledgeable people on here. I just can't be doing with your constant S3 bashing and I invite you to do it on a Golf R forum where it is probably welcomed.
 
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veeeight said:
I refer the honourable gentleman to the answer I gave previously, and I really don't want to turn this thread into my reasons.

However, if people insist on having a go at me in this thread (heaven forbid, for daring to offer an alternative opinion and not be part of groupthink), then they should expect a response. :)
Click to expand...

I would say one thing though, on the mid corner adjustability which IMO is something where you're probably doing more than you should on a public road you state that:-

Sadly, you just can't do this with a Haldex car. It's a limiting factor.

Then surely you knew this before you bought an S3? I understand some other aspects may not have been as improved over the previous version as you'd have wished but you surely can't complain at something you already knew?
 
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This thread is defo making interesting reading for me

I never got to own S3 after 2 orders (long story for those that don't know) so can't comment on the benefits (or otherwise) of owning one

Still, its nice to see a 'clean' thread if you know what I mean

PS Still getting used to my new laptop, a Macbook Air, which I've just got for my B day. This MAC OS is gonna get some getting used too after Windows PC's for so long
Any typo's are purely my mistake in my learning curve lol
 
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sunscreemer said:
I would say one thing though, on the mid corner adjustability which IMO is something where you're probably doing more than you should on a public road
Click to expand...


Actually .....

On a wet or damp day, where grip is lower, the limits of adhesion are considerably easier to overcome, so no, you can be barely moving in order to get the car to perform how you want. All within safe surroundings, of course.


As for knowing in advance the capabilities of Haldex - the only reason I mentioned it post #137 was to explain the motoring press' frustration at the lack of mid corner adjustability under power.

I did not at any time in this thread (or indeed anywhere else), express that *I* found the lack of mid corner adjustability (and Haldex) a prime factor of disappointment ;) People have put 2+2 together and come up with 7 ;)

It is however, slightly irksome, and perhaps slightly misleading of Audi to try and promote a Haldex car being capable of much more. Witness the recent launch of the RS3, lots of marketing speak of being able to "transfer 100% of torque to the rear wheels", setting the first press event on a frozen lake (where your gran could get the back of the car out), building (or misleading) anticipation that the RS3 Haldex car will be capable of x, y & z.

Then when the journalists finally get to drive the car on dry tarmac, reality sets in - thus the slightly negative initial write ups on the car - it doesn't deliver as the scenario Audi (falsely) built up. Should Audi have gone down this path? ;)
 
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I'm most looking forward to using the forward facing machine guns to destroy slow moving traffic ahead and the oil slick function to rid myself of tailgaters.
 
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Bristle Hound said:
This thread is defo making interesting reading for me

I never got to own S3 after 2 orders (long story for those that don't know) so can't comment on the benefits (or otherwise) of owning one

Still, its nice to see a 'clean' thread if you know what I mean

PS Still getting used to my new laptop, a Macbook Air, which I've just got for my B day. This MAC OS is gonna get some getting used too after Windows PC's for so long
Any typo's are purely my mistake in my learning curve lol
Click to expand...

I like to keep it clean i do.
mz_5206925_bodyshot_300x400-73.gif
 
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Tony1982 said:
Forgive me if that seemed like having a go, it really wasn't and was a genuine curiosity.
Click to expand...

I wasn't referring to you ;)

I just can't be doing with your constant S3 bashing and I invite you to do it on a Golf R forum where it is probably welcomed.
Click to expand...

I invite you to trawl through my posts, and publish, as a percentage, how many of my posts are S3 negatives, vs non-negative posts. I suspect some people are perhaps sensitised to any criticism ;) Besides which, in the spirit of freedom of speech and non censorship of this forum - you're just going to continue to get 100% honesty from me :). So tough. ;)
 
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veeeight said:
Much the same as

95 or 98
S tronic or Manual
Hold Assist
Mono.pur
Sepang
Advanced Key

These threads will always descend to the same place ...........

After all, this is an Internet Forum ;)
Click to expand...
... and definitely don't try and warn people about quattro not being a safety feature or the moderators will delete the thread. Find that one veeeight... you can't it was deleted! ;)

Back on topic...

Maybe this is the same reason why Audi does not do that well in customer satisfaction reviews. While Seat and Skoda do really well. They are all basically the same car after all. However, Audi customers have higher expectations and are therefore harder to please.

S3 drivers probably have higher expectations still. For example: My wife loves her A3 1.6 Stronic SE. She thinks it is a fantastic car. It was a really comfortable cruiser for the 150 miles we did today. As the driver - I did miss the power for overtaking and the right foot rest which is present on my Golf...

... dam I mentioned the G word. Another thread ruined :)
 
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As it's a bank holiday today thought I'd take the S3 out for a long drive down to Bournemouth. Included lots of fast driving across the Salisbury Plain. Gave me some time to re-evaluate things considering I have been vocal about some of the S3's shortcomings.

So the enjoyable / good bits:-
1) You simply would not believe how quickly I covered ground across the Salisbury plain today. Point to point this car is mega. This I confirm was much fun :)
2) 36 mpg and I was not being gentle with the throttle.
3) Super relaxing. When I had to slow things down due to heavy traffic it was smooth and quiet. It is a nice place to be for a few hours.
4) The noise. I do love the noises this car makes. It made me smile quite a few times today.

The bits that take the edge off a perfect drive:-
1) Not sure if many people know it, but near Stonehenge on the road to Salisbury (A360) is a very long stretch that has a number of crests. At a *spirited* speed I had to back off as the crests bounced the car way too much. Mrs Pulp even made a comment - "should it do that?".
2) Variable steering - I still can't find a setting I like. 120 miles today tried all the settings. Hate Multi-storey car parks especially as to me the amount of steering input does not correlate with where the nose is going meaning nervously checking wing mirrors seeing where edges of wheels are against curbs etc.
3) Slow speed ride. Bournemouth's terrible roads really unsettled the ride comfort today. Not enjoyable.

I have only done 2,000 miles in my S3 in a year (it's my S3's first birthday in a couple of weeks!) and my opinions are still the same. Fun in a straight line, comfortable, good running costs, handsome looking and under the radar. I like my S3 but I do not love it. That sums up my S3 ownership experience....
 
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Pulp84 said:
As it's a bank holiday today thought I'd take the S3 out for a long drive down to Bournemouth. Included lots of fast driving across the Salisbury Plain. Gave me some time to re-evaluate things considering I have been vocal about some of the S3's shortcomings.

So the enjoyable / good bits:-
1) You simply would not believe how quickly I covered ground across the Salisbury plain today. Point to point this car is mega. This I confirm was much fun :)
2) 36 mpg and I was not being gentle with the throttle.
3) Super relaxing. When I had to slow things down due to heavy traffic it was smooth and quiet. It is a nice place to be for a few hours.
4) The noise. I do love the noises this car makes. It made me smile quite a few times today.

The bits that take the edge off a perfect drive:-
1) Not sure if many people know it, but near Stonehenge on the road to Salisbury (A360) is a very long stretch that has a number of crests. At a *spirited* speed I had to back off as the crests bounced the car way too much. Mrs Pulp even made a comment - "should it do that?".
2) Variable steering - I still can't find a setting I like. 120 miles today tried all the settings. Hate Multi-storey car parks especially as to me the amount of steering input does not correlate with where the nose is going meaning nervously checking wing mirrors seeing where edges of wheels are against curbs etc.
3) Slow speed ride. Bournemouth's terrible roads really unsettled the ride comfort today. Not enjoyable.

I have only done 2,000 miles in my S3 in a year (it's my S3's first birthday in a couple of weeks!) and my opinions are still the same. Fun in a straight line, comfortable, good running costs, handsome looking and under the radar. I like my S3 but I do not love it. That sums up my S3 ownership experience....
Click to expand...

Good constructive reflection there mate.
 
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veeeight said:
I invite you to trawl through my posts, and publish, as a percentage, how many of my posts are S3 negatives, vs non-negative posts. I suspect some people are perhaps sensitised to any criticism ;) Besides which, in the spirit of freedom of speech and non censorship of this forum - you're just going to continue to get 100% honesty from me :). So tough. ;)
Click to expand...

I really can't be bothered trawling to be honest ;) 100% honesty is great and I welcome it, your mention of freedom of speech is very valid and everyone has the right to their own opinions, but like I said before "expect a response" which you also said.

I will however stand by my previous statement saying most of your negatives are really only relevant to racing on track, but hey that's my opinion ;)

Now to get back on topic, I'll say again that I love my S3 so far, and my experience with it is limited to only 2 weeks of ownership so who knows, I may find more niggles in time to come, my bad points at the moment are:

-The rubbish boost gauge (it really does nothing)
-The rain that comes in when you open the door after a wet spell (seems to be common on a lot of modern cars)
-That I keep forgetting that my phone is in the armrest (I'll be sat indoors for an hour before I realise it's in the ****** car).

Good debating anyhow ;) I enjoy it.
 
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I have no idea where you get the idea that most of my negatives are only relevant to the track.

For the record, the 2 chief complaints I have of the S3 are

Steering - lack of feel and poor turn in characteristics
Suspension - Poor damper setup, pitchy/fidgety/bouncy/pogo

Both of which are extremely apparent on fast A&B roads, not the track!

Perhaps you should spend more time reading my posts carefully, and not putting 2+2 to get some wild number! ;)
 
Reading this thread is making me worried the S3 won't be a good on the Welsh road as my supercharged 211bhp Cooper S was......

That said, it's a good looking car. Better built that Mini, quality, comfort etc. It seems many people expect much more from the S badge than they are getting.
 
Oh, the irony of the fickled fanboy :)

In one breath, they deride motoring journalists and reviewers, quoting the "nonsense" they write ......

..... And in the next, when they find a semi-favourable review, proudly parade it out for all to see

Nothing like consistency :rolleyes:
 
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