More Problems for S3 and TT-S Experience

WetFishDB

WetFishDB

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So... more problems for my S3 it seems. For background, I have had the stuttering gear changes (gearbox full reset), coolant leaks (new pump I think), engine management light problems (multiple sensor replacements), massive wheel spin (resulting in a new differentia)l so far...

And now I have intermittent power loss between 2,800 RPM and 3,400 RPM. It's happened in a variety of gears in both manual and automatic. It occurs when in-gear, but doesn't happen all the time. Apparently the camshaft sensors are reporting a fault (fourth time). Also the passenger side headlight won't auto level correctly and is steaming up (despite having been checked for a known warranty based issue that causes the steaming up).

So back into the garage it goes. It pretty much has spent the last 6 months either being in the garage, or with some defect waiting to go back into the garage. I've decided I don't want the S3 any more. Just too many damned problems. I don't want to be spending the next 3 years in and out of the garage. I'm 18 months into a 4 year PCP, so will have to see what the dealer suggests once I get the car back again... fingers crossed.


However... the courtesy car I have is an Audi TT-S, new shape, and OMG...

It is FANTASTIC. Like a million miles from the S3. The gearbox is smooth as butter, and in S mode it is both sporty but doesn't just sit in gear to the red-line like my S3 did when cruising along at 40. This one comes with magnetic dampers (not sure if standard) and is feels noticeably more supple than the S3. And the engine note. Wow! The note is much deeper, and the farts on upshifts are magnificent. It properly bellows. The dash is also very clever, although I'm not sure they've got it completely right yet - some of it seems quite unintuitive and can't seem to get a display that just has the two dials etc. I even managed to get the kids in the back without as much drama as I was worried about.

All in all, I would love one if I could afford the incremental cost above the S3. If there is anyone reading this in two minds about the two - for me, there is simply no comparison. TT-S wins easily.
 
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Yeah the TTS is a very very nice car,probably the best handling car Audi do just now its also a lot newer in its technology plus engine and gearbox development than the S3 and regarding your car, sorry to hear of your woes mate hopefully the dealer can shoe horn you into a TTS
 
Thanks man. It'd be lovely if they could get me in one, but I'm almost certainly in negative equity on the PCP and the TT-S is already more expensive than the S3 so doubt that will be the solution (as much as I may desperately wish it was). In the meantime, just hope they get the S3 properly fixed so I can enjoy it for a bit, although either way I'm dumping it as soon as they'll let me without it costing me.
 
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It always surprises me how folk can have such different views on the same car. I had an hour in the new TTS 10 days ago and was pretty underwhelmed (shields up).

Loved the dash, and the seats were fantastic, but I thought that apart from those, it was no different to the S3. The steering was just as vague, it bounces, and I didn't notice any difference in the haldex set up. Wasn't able to discern any difference in the exhaust note either (is it not the same system on both?)

It does look lovely, but it just didn't do it for me. Just my own view, other opinions are available and, of course, just as valid :whistle2:
 
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Steph67 said:
It always surprises me how folk can have such different views on the same car. I had an hour in the new TTS 10 days ago and was pretty underwhelmed (shields up).

Loved the dash, and the seats were fantastic, but I thought that apart from those, it was no different to the S3. The steering was just as vague, it bounces, and I didn't notice any difference in the haldex set up. Wasn't able to discern any difference in the exhaust note either (is it not the same system on both?)

It does look lovely, but it just didn't do it for me. Just my own view, other opinions are available and, of course, just as valid :whistle2:
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lol, no need for shields. I've had a bit longer with the car - 2 days and about 100 miles or so, but its clear we both had different experiences.

The note in the exhaust was way way lounder on the one I had (when compared to the S3) - ooo, thought - did you change the drive select to dynamic? It makes it louder than in comfort. The farts are way boomier than the S3 - I figured it was as a result of different exhaust set ups or perhaps the extra 10BHP etc. Also, I couldn't hear that annoying mechanical whine that I hear in the S3.

Steering is very similar I'd agree, although being a bit lower to the ground made the experience feel a bit more engaging. My experiences of haldex are somewhat skewed by my diff being broken for such a long time :/
 
Yeah, was only in dynamic. I should probably qualify my comments by saying my S3 has a modification or two to improve the things I found hard to live with, so it could be that my view is a little clouded. It may well have felt better in back to back comparison with a standard one.
 
Steph67 said:
I should probably qualify my comments by saying my S3 has a modification or two to improve the things I found hard to live with, so it could be that my view is a little clouded. It may well have felt better in back to back comparison with a standard one.
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lol, minor admission that might have skewed things for ya. I might have to tap you up for what you've had done if I get lumbered with the S3 for much longer.
 
TTS has proper sports seats too doesn't it? Gawd knows why they can't fit them to the S3 :box:

Imho the garage should just replace your S3 as it sounds like it's knackered. Isn't there some rule that says you can reject it with recurring problems? Push them to let you have a TTS instead.

TX.
 
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terminator x said:
TTS has proper sports seats too doesn't it? Gawd knows why they can't fit them to the S3 :box:

Imho the garage should just replace your S3 as it sounds like it's knackered. Isn't there some rule that says you can reject it with recurring problems? Push them to let you have a TTS instead.

TX.
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The seats are very sporty. I only have standard seats in my S3, but have been in cars with super sport and they feel kinda similar. Just a bit of extra side padding etc. They are really quite comfortable too. I'll post back here what happens, although in all likelihood I suspect these problems are going to linger for a while. I'm waiting to hear back from the garage about the latest problems. Fingers crossed.
 
audi upgrades
Park the car at the garage, cancel payments on the PCP and I'm sure someone will listen to you quickly. Really hope they sort you a new car soon.
 
halegavin said:
Park the car at the garage, cancel payments on the PCP and I'm sure someone will listen to you quickly. Really hope they sort you a new car soon.
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I wish I had the nuts to give that a go (although would fear about the consequences of credit rating etc). Would be interesting to see what they do. TBH the dealer was quite supportive, and I've said I'll be in contact once the car has its current problems resolved. Fingers crossed something goes my way for a change.
 
WetFishDB said:
lol, no need for shields. I've had a bit longer with the car - 2 days and about 100 miles or so, but its clear we both had different experiences.

The note in the exhaust was way way lounder on the one I had (when compared to the S3) - ooo, thought - did you change the drive select to dynamic? It makes it louder than in comfort. The farts are way boomier than the S3 - I figured it was as a result of different exhaust set ups or perhaps the extra 10BHP etc. Also, I couldn't hear that annoying mechanical whine that I hear in the S3.

Steering is very similar I'd agree, although being a bit lower to the ground made the experience feel a bit more engaging. My experiences of haldex are somewhat skewed by my diff being broken for such a long time :/
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My wife has just bought a 2012 TT Black Edition and we found out after it has the TTS exhaust on it. Agree the note is lovely, but funnily enough I prefer my S3 (its a little more subtle).
 
To be fair, I can't believe you've been as patient as you have been, with the amount of problems you've had!

I pick my S3 up this afternoon, and certainly wouldn't be as patient as you've been if I had those problems.
 
Jay_A said:
My wife has just bought a 2012 TT Black Edition and we found out after it has the TTS exhaust on it. Agree the note is lovely, but funnily enough I prefer my S3 (its a little more subtle).
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Ha, the TT-S definitely struggles for subtlety. I've got quite a few more glances than I would in the S3.
 
I drove the TTS as well as the RS3 and RSQ3 at an Audi Showcase event in Galgorm, Northern Ireland last week and I have to say the TTS was by far my favourite. Haven't stopped thinking about wanting to drive it again since!

Interested to hear you managed to get the kids in as I did wonder how anyone could fit in the back....how old would they be if you don't mind me asking?
 
thebluefox said:
To be fair, I can't believe you've been as patient as you have been, with the amount of problems you've had!

I pick my S3 up this afternoon, and certainly wouldn't be as patient as you've been if I had those problems.
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I just keep hoping each time that this'll be it. It'll be fine for a while, surely. But then it doesn't. Good luck with the S3. I seem to be in the minority with these problems, and it is a lovely car when it works ;)
 
robw77 said:
I drove the TTS as well as the RS3 and RSQ3 at an Audi Showcase event in Galgorm, Northern Ireland last week and I have to say the TTS was by far my favourite. Haven't stopped thinking about wanting to drive it again since!

Interested to hear you managed to get the kids in as I did wonder how anyone could fit in the back....how old would they be if you don't mind me asking?
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I've sat in them before and wondered the same thing, concluding to myself they were pointless. We only had one kid with us this morning, aged 9, and whilst there wasn't huge amounts of legroom (obviously) there was plenty for her to be comfortable for the trip to school. If I still have the car on Friday then I'll likely have both kids in the car - so will be interesting to see how it performs then. I might even take them all out tonight for a spin - just for the fun of it :)

If I have it at the weekend then I'll have to fit my kids in (aged 9 and 6). I suspect the 6 year old will struggle the most as a result of not having legs long enough to properly fit along the lines of the chair in front. We'll see. If they can get in then I would be very tempted if Audi did offer me a cracking deal (please please please)
 
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WetFishDB said:
I've sat in them before and wondered the same thing, concluding to myself they were pointless. We only had one kid with us this morning, aged 9, and whilst there wasn't huge amounts of legroom (obviously) there was plenty for her to be comfortable for the trip to school. If I still have the car on Friday then I'll likely have both kids in the car - so will be interesting to see how it performs then. I might even take them all out tonight for a spin - just for the fun of it :)

If I have it at the weekend then I'll have to fit my kids in (aged 9 and 6). I suspect the 6 year old will struggle the most as a result of not having legs long enough to properly fit along the lines of the chair in front. We'll see. If they can get in then I would be very tempted if Audi did offer me a cracking deal (please please please)
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Interesting thanks! My kids are 6 and 3 so I get what you mean about not having legs long enough especially with car seats/booster seats. Maybe the TTS might tempt me in a few years when my current PCP deal runs out... :grinning:
 
WetFishDB said:
If I have it at the weekend then I'll have to fit my kids in (aged 9 and 6). I suspect the 6 year old will struggle the most as a result of not having legs long enough to properly fit along the lines of the chair in front. We'll see. If they can get in then I would be very tempted if Audi did offer me a cracking deal (please please please)
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But that would only work if you had it on a 1 year PCP deal. These kids do have a habit of getting bigger at an amazing rate!!!:yum:
 
RichardT said:
But that would only work if you had it on a 1 year PCP deal. These kids do have a habit of getting bigger at an amazing rate!!!:yum:
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Not sure I follow. The longer I have it the more likely he (they youngest) will be able to fit in nicely. That is until the oldest gets more adult size and then they can walk ;P
 
Yes, I was suggesting that in 3 years the 10 year old could well be adult size. My 14 year old grandson is over 6 foot tall!!
 
Sorry to hear about your car. Hopefully, Audi will take care of it. In regards to the TT-S, I agree it probably drives and handles a little better than the S3. However, in my opinion the TT-S is obviously less practical and has this stigma like the Porsche Boxster of being a "ladies' car". Don't get me wrong though the car looks beautiful inside and out. I'm planning to stop by my local dealership to check one out as soon as it arrives...they only have the TT version.
 
scope213 said:
Sorry to hear about your car. Hopefully, Audi will take care of it. In regards to the TT-S, I agree it probably drives and handles a little better than the S3. However, in my opinion the TT-S is obviously less practical and has this stigma like the Porsche Boxster of being a "ladies' car". Don't get me wrong though the car looks beautiful inside and out. I'm planning to stop by my local dealership to check one out as soon as it arrives...they only have the TT version.
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It is definitely quite a lot less practical. Had an adult in the back and it was... er... squashed. But, given how rarely I have more than 1 passenger I am seriously tempted, but only if Audi can do something outrageously tempting.

As for the ladies car... perhaps. But the TTS is plenty manly enough for me!
 
I had the previous Generation TTS in 2009..............cant believe on how much more money the New TTS is now!!

The New one is better looking than the Boxster though!
 
danilotto said:
Guys the TTS costs as much as a Boxster. No deal here.
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As I said, I can't see it happening - there's about a £10k difference in price like for like plus I'm in negative equity on the existing car. Still, it's nice to dream, and I'm certainly enjoying the courtesy car whilst I have it.
 
WetFishDB said:
As I said, I can't see it happening - there's about a £10k difference in price like for like plus I'm in negative equity on the existing car. Still, it's nice to dream, and I'm certainly enjoying the courtesy car whilst I have it.
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Be patient. I say by end of year if the TTS sales are sluggish and they have a few sitting on the lot collecting dust, then try to negotiate an aggressive deal. Even with your negative equity if the dealer is desperate enough to sell they'll make it happen. Tip: ALWAYS go last day of the month. ;D
 
scope213 said:
Be patient. I say by end of year if the TTS sales are sluggish and they have a few sitting on the lot collecting dust, then try to negotiate an aggressive deal. Even with your negative equity if the dealer is desperate enough to sell they'll make it happen. Tip: ALWAYS go last day of the month. ;D
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I've told em that's what I want. They have my existing car at the moment trying to fix the intermittent power loss, which I was fortunately able to demonstrate to a tech. They are trying to see what they can do, but we'll see.
 
Mine is in for some work and have the TT courtesy car (2.0T), I am quite amazed,it definitely is not a hair dressers car.

Compared to the S3 it feels a lot more sporty, suspension is better (better than Mk5 R32) and it just generally feels planted and able though I can sense the restriction in the turbo so imagine the TT-S is just perfect.

As a car to own, I would stick to the S3 as the road is too rough with 19s, space is very limited in the back (nice boot though) and style wise the S3 looks better. I wish the S3 suspension was as good as the new TT though.

In a few years the TT will be a bargain used car.

Oh, before the TT I had an A5, to sum it up; miserable, miserable and miserable.
 
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A3_Rider said:
Oh, before the TT I had an A5, to sum it up; miserable, miserable and miserable.
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TTS was just in another league compared to the S3.

I actually had an S5 hire car for a bit about a month ago or so and actually quite liked it, but the weight just made it feel a bit slow. I liked the engine note though, even though it was just a V6. The lack of weight in the TT however, means even the current hire car, a 2.0T (230PS) TT is just as quick as the S3 to 60 and much better balance on the road.
 
Audi official 0-62mph for the S3 Sportback s-tronic is listed as 5.3 according to the UK configurator. That's exactly the same time for the TT 2.0T Quattro s-tronic (230PS) according to the same configurator.

I figure they are therefore pretty comparable, regardless of whether or not Audi over or under estimate their 0-62 times etc.
 
Lol maybe the sportback and sedan makes the difference... Regardless, they're all fast cars nonetheless.
 
scope213 said:
Lol maybe the sportback and sedan makes the difference... Regardless, they're all fast cars nonetheless.
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Not wrong there. Of all, I've definitely fallen for the TTS. Gonna be a sad face when they tell me how much it's gonna cost me to make that move (as I won't be able to afford it).
 
You never know bud!

For me, I'm praying the RS3 sedan makes it over here... ;D
 
scope213 said:
You never know bud!

For me, I'm praying the RS3 sedan makes it over here... ;D
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Prior to all these incidences I would have been too. If I wasn't so impatient I would have had a S3 saloon. Just don't want an 8v now. Have they even announced it yet?
 
I think they did...however due to this stupid dieselgate crap I read in bloomberg VW will do some major cutbacks and halt some projects. I'm just hoping the RS3 sedan for the U.S. isn't affected. We'll see...
 
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