S3 Trinic Sportback or keep my Scoob?

SmileyS3

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So....I've had a Bugeye WRX(2001) for 7 years and it's been my baby...never let me down, ever!...but after taking her from 70k up to 155k the time had come for a new car as little bits were starting to add up.
My mate got a really good deal on a new S3 STronic for £380 a month over 4 years including the Super Sports Seats. I was about to order one and then chickened out and went and bought another Subaru. But, in in the first 2 weeks, I had a little trouble with it. Had to take it back to the small dealer ,under warranty, and, to be fair, he sorted most of the niggles. Looking back now (only two months) the things weren't that bad, split top hose that looked worse than it was because of the steam, little niggles like corrosion on brakes and needed belts doing. (I'd had it inspected by an independent subaru specialist after a few days of buying it)...selector spring in the gearbox so it doesn't spring to the middle in neutral but doesn't effect driving in any way. The worse thing is the gearbox leak that is still there but slight. I know I can keep on top of that.

Anyways, in the 2 weeks whilst having niggles and then having no car whilst the dealer sorted things, I couldn't be bothered with the stress and moaning from the missus...and the gloating mate....so I ordered the S3!

In the meantime though, driving the Subaru,I love the Scoob. When I drive it 'quickly', it puts a grin on my face and it holds all of my equipment for work and also works as a small family saloon. It's running sweet and has a full year MOT with no advisories.(The gearbox leak isn't bad enough to be on advisory sheet) It's definitely faster than my Bugeye, which had 240bhp/238lb.

My mate just says Subarus are old and rubbish and that I would be mad not to taste the audi STronic life at least once and that I might not get this kinda deal again if I turn it down now.

I've been eargely awaiting it and I am very excited about it. But should I just cancel it, lose my £500 deposit and keep the £4500 Subaru?

Are there any issues with the new audi s3? (The Golf R shares the engine and I've heard of issues?)
Will I like the STronic box for a month and then be depressed when I can't change gear manually?
Will I regret paying so much a month(I can afford it) even through it is a good deal?
Any Subaru owners who've moved the audi or fast auto?

What should I do?

I just went out for a 'spirited run' in Wales with a Golf R and a TVR & me in the Scooby and I had an amazing time and they couldn't shake me off.

Is the new S3 really worth my £386 a month and 1k down?
 
Mmmm. Only you can make that decision.

However I did have a Prodrive STI (2003) from new and never had any issues with it. Superb car. But I've not had any issues with my S3 so far.

Go get a test drive and see how you like it. BUT you need to test a Golf R too, they are similar but different.
 
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Try the S3 then decide for yourself. Asking an Audi forum about buying an Audi isn't a particularly sensible course of action.
 
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The S3 is not the most driver focussed car I've driven, so make sure you really have one over an extended test drive to see if it's the car for you.

The steering lacks feel and feedback, has not got the sharpest turn in characteristics, and the suspension is not suited to lumpy undulating B roads. Lateral grip, especially in the damp or wet is interesting.

On the plus side the straight line acceleration from 0-62 with launch control is very good, and it's a nice place to be in on the Motorway.

As steeve said above, the Golf R is set up differently and rewards good driving accordingly.
 
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Mentioning Subaru's always makes me think of this flat out lap on the IOM TT course!

 
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If I remember correctly, @HawkeyeS3 did the Subaru to S3 journey.

Mine was Evo X to S3 but same basis veeeight. I agree entirely with your earlier post veeeight, and believe that the S3/RS3 are the 'new' replacements for both the Scooby and Evo. But the Audi is a different animal to both, it's not a rallye car on the road, so doesn't handle as well, but does have similar performance and the S-Tronic box is a joy, also it's comfortable to drive whereas certainly my Evo, every 100 miles or so I had to stop as the Recaro seats were just too hugging. I look on on my S3 as a refined Evo/Scooby more or perhaps a more versatile, useable Evo.

Whether though now is the time for SmileyScooby to make that change only he can decide. I've never ever regretted my decision but what was right for me at that time, may not be right for him right now.
 
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Thanks for the replies guys.

Looking around on the net, I'm not actually sure if I can cancel it now because it is already built?
 
Strictly speaking you can cancel it, but you will lose your deposit. You'll also have to endure a conversation with a remarkably ****** off dealership.
 
Thanks for the replies guys.

Looking around on the net, I'm not actually sure if I can cancel it now because it is already built?
@SmileyScooby - I cancelled my first S3 saloon order. The car was built (to my spec), shipped to the Uk and in the supplying Dealers compound waiting for my collection in around 3-4 weeks
Got my full deposit back from the Dealer no problem at all
 
not to throw a spanner in the works but seeing as you like scoobies have you looked at the new one? £28,995 brand new.. obviously not as good on economy as the S3 but would probs be as much fun if not more..?

All the best with whatever you decide!! :)

***EDIT : I did not see Veeight's link before I typed that!! :)
 
Thanks guys,

Yeah, AndyB, I test drove the new STi and it was a dealer tunes one putting out 340bhp. Thing was, they couldn't go lower than £390 with 1k down...and my mate already had the £386 on the s3. The Scoob just felt similar to my Blobeye so didn't seem much point spending on a new scoob. The S3 is in a different league with its interior, for £4 less!
I'm gonna ring the dealer now.
 
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Thanks for all your help guys. I rang the dealer and canceled. They were quite shocked but were quite ok about it. Not sure if I will get my deposit back but I'm happy to be sticking with my Subaru.
Thanks for all of the help and advice.