S3 Price

[metricspaces]

I'm looking to get an S3 that matches the following

- Year: 1999 or 2000
- Mileage: 70-80K
- Documentation: FASH + Receipts + All Previous MOT's
- Service: Timing belt changed + Haldex Oil\Filters changed at least twice
- Seller: Preferably From a garage
- Mods: Totally standard car with no modifications
- Owners: No more than 3 previous owners (preferably 2 max)

From looking at AutoTrader I guage the price between 7,500 and 8,500. Does that seem realistic? Or is that going too low and more likely to be a dodgy one?

I've been following the S3's that have been popping up on the sites over the last few months. Some seem to be snapped up in a few days - others linger for months on end!

I plan on getting a full HPI\History check done first and then a full RAC check done on the car. If all seems ok after the RAC I plan on buying then.

Has anyone here ever used the RAC vehicle inspection - if so, how have you found it? Would you buy the car on the strength of it?



I have seen one car on Ebay (also on PistonHeads, and Autotrader) [item 110133802232] that seems to match the bill.....anyone familiar with this car? Reckon it's a good deal?

cgi.ebay.ie/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110133802232

 

[james0808]

There are loads of S3's for sale now so choose wisely.
I too have been looking at S3's for some time but alot of them have been sheds.
That one on ebay doesn't mention anything about the cambelt,has it been done?
I remember someone saying that the water pump should also be changed with the belt,so might be worth while asking.

 

[james0808]

Just looked on pistonheads and that advert is 35 days old so its not one of the ones being snapped up,wonder why???

 

[metricspaces]

There are loads of S3's for sale now so choose wisely.
I too have been looking at S3's for some time but alot of them have been sheds.

When you say alot of them have been sheds - what kind of things were wrong with them?

My main concern is that it is mechanically sound.

I don't mind about minor things wrong with the body\paint work or the interior as these can be easily fixed and not at the cost of major mechanical problems.

I'm in Ireland and looking to bring an S3 across from the UK as there are no 1999/2000 S3's in Ireland. So, I would have to rely on the paper work being genuine (service history, receipts, MOT's) and then the RAC inspection showing the car has no major problems.

 

[madvw]

I don't mind about minor things wrong with the body\paint work or the interior as these can be easily fixed and not at the cost of major mechanical problems.

you must be joking.. some of the interior parts cost more than most mechanical items....

a new heated electric recaro will set you back £2500, even to replace a set of worn floor mats will set you back £70.

There are no cheap parts on these cars, hence why people look for perfect examples.

 

[james0808]

Dodgy repairs(which they no nothing about),badly worn interiors,little or no history,poor performance and so on.
Dont be in a rush to spend your hard earned or you might get your fingers burnt and buy a lemon.

 

[metricspaces]

I'm not too worried about extras such as heated seats.

Things like floor mats you can always pick up cheap somewhere.

Any damage to the paint work I can get fixed up cheaply myself - so ok there.

I'm more worried about things like the haldex system needing replacing, engine problems etc., things that will cost alot in parts and labour.

Do you think I'm focusing on the wrong things? I'd appreciate any info on the top things I should be concentrating on. Thanks.

 

[metricspaces]

Dodgy repairs(which they no nothing about),badly worn interiors,little or no history,poor performance and so on.
Dont be in a rush to spend your hard earned or you might get your fingers burnt and buy a lemon.

Thanks...

1. Dodgy repairs - hopefully an RAC inspection will pick up anything like this and be able to spot repairs that aren't in the service history.

2. Badly worn interiors - how bad have they been? Scuffed seats? Or worse?

3. Little or no history - I definitely won't be buying anything without FASH.

4. Poor performance - I'm not sure if I'd be able to judge the performance as I've never driven an S3 before. Do you think the RAC inspector would pick anything up here?

 

[sitrials]

i bought mine in march it had just had cambelt, clutch and flywheel done totalling £3k interior spotless just some **** had keyed the whole side of the car and had an okish respray which i plan to get redone soon as if you look hard it stands out from teh rest of the car.
hey its 100k and teh main i bought was its previous owners being clued up with S3s and the Servicing History had it all recipts, tax disks, MOTS
just keep looking i'm sure you'll find one!

 

[james0808]

1. Dodgy repairs - hopefully an RAC inspection will pick up anything like this and be able to spot repairs that aren't in the service history.

Hopefully he will.

2. Badly worn interiors - how bad have they been? Scuffed seats? Or worse?

A few had really tatty scuffed seats,gearknobs,carpets.

3. Little or no history - I definitely won't be buying anything without FASH.

Me neither.

4. Poor performance - I'm not sure if I'd be able to judge the performance as I've never driven an S3 before. Do you think the RAC inspector would pick anything up here?

Doubt it,best to drive a few then you will know.

 

[sitrials]

4. Poor performance - I'm not sure if I'd be able to judge the performance as I've never driven an S3 before. Do you think the RAC inspector would pick anything up here?

with this one do what i did go to an audi garage and drive a standard one!
then find a remapped one drive that! you'll deffinately notice it!
i bought remapped! just love that kick from the turbo!

 

[theitalian3]

i'v found one exactly like i want, obviously not going to tell you where or how to contact him/her but i have spent months finding the right one, as has been said its easy to get your fingers burnt so just keep on your toes and don't jump into something that doesn't feel right, if it isn't exactly like you want it then walk away

 

[rodenal]

Btw don't waste your money on an RAC inspection - ive seen a good few dogs that have had one of these done. They check very very little, you're better off doing your own HPI check and spending a good while going over the car yourself

 

[S3 NIK]

In relation to point 3.
Why must it have full AUDI service history, why not include Audi specialists who to be honest do exactly the same job but a hell of a lot cheaper.
For example a mint car like mine with very low mileage would be a cracking car to buy if it were for sale, but you wouldn't be interested due to it not having full Audi history. I dont see the point in maintaining an Audi history on a car thats out of warranty when i can get specialist secrvice elsewhere for less cash.
Nik.

Thanks...

1. Dodgy repairs - hopefully an RAC inspection will pick up anything like this and be able to spot repairs that aren't in the service history.

2. Badly worn interiors - how bad have they been? Scuffed seats? Or worse?

3. Little or no history - I definitely won't be buying anything without FASH.

4. Poor performance - I'm not sure if I'd be able to judge the performance as I've never driven an S3 before. Do you think the RAC inspector would pick anything up here?

 

[Stewart]

In relation to point 3.
Why must it have full AUDI service history, why not include Audi specialists who to be honest do exactly the same job but a hell of a lot cheaper.
For example a mint car like mine with very low mileage would be a cracking car to buy if it were for sale, but you wouldn't be interested due to it not having full Audi history. I dont see the point in maintaining an Audi history on a car thats out of warranty when i can get specialist secrvice elsewhere for less cash.
Nik.

Totally agree, Full Audi history on a higher mileage car actually puts me off and makes me cringe!
Main dealer servicing is amongst the worst you can pay for, the techs are continually pushed to get the job done quicker hence why things get missed (on purpose!)
There a more horror stories about dealers than good stories.

I would rather take mine to an independent specialist, one that you can trust to do a careful and thorough job, something which you will rarely get from a main dealer.
I'm speaking as a mature ex mechanic.

 

[daz2347]

dont think you will frind a good one for that money, im guessing you will need to spend 9-11k for a mint one. but there are loads out there. keep looking take you time

 

[muzzyboy]

Be prepared to wait a while mate. I've been actively loooking for an S3 for a month and a half now. Not seen a properly decent one yet for the money i'm willing to spend.

Ur definately best to buy from someone who knows a thing or two about S3's. I went down to Leeds to look at one which sounded excellent over the phone but the boy didn't have a clue about anything. He was raving cos he'd just put new tyres on the car but they were the cheapest of the cheap! A tyre on a car tells u a lot about the seller!!

If u dont know much about an S3 then take someone with u that does if this is possible! I took my pal who is an Audi mecanic and he thorougly checked the car over, put his diagnostic machine on it, checked all parts which are known for faults, checked chassis numbers, eveness of panels, electrics everything and the car turned out to be a pile of ****!!

Mostly mate, dont jump straight in and buy the first one you'll see. Its ****** frustrating playing a waiting game, but it will be worth it!!

Good luck!!

Paul.

 

[jamiekip]

Don't let an Ad's age put you off speaking to them. Mine was advertising for quite a while before going, mainly because, as is always the case, your perceived valuation of the car is always higher then what people are willing to pay. First person to call me about my car bought it purely because I was able to reassure them it was a genuine loved example. The new owner was really happy when they finally saw it.
With regards to the prices, bear in mind the jump in price for facelift examples - they command a bit more cash.
Good luck and my bit of advice, if when you speak to someone about the car they don't fill you with confidence then there probably is something wrong. People like me and most others on this firum should be able to real off everything they have had done etc, etc.

 

[metricspaces]

dont think you will frind a good one for that money, im guessing you will need to spend 9-11k for a mint one. but there are loads out there. keep looking take you time

9-11k for a 1999 S3?

Ideally I want an 1999 s3 with less than 80K. I don't think they are worth more than 9K, are they?

 

[metricspaces]

Btw don't waste your money on an RAC inspection - ive seen a good few dogs that have had one of these done. They check very very little, you're better off doing your own HPI check and spending a good while going over the car yourself

I'm from Ireland so basically need to decide on which car to buy before flying over - the only way I can get some sort of check on it is with something like the RAC inspection. I don't know how good\bad they are - but it's gotta be better than nothing?

 

[metricspaces]

In relation to point 3.
Why must it have full AUDI service history, why not include Audi specialists who to be honest do exactly the same job but a hell of a lot cheaper.
For example a mint car like mine with very low mileage would be a cracking car to buy if it were for sale, but you wouldn't be interested due to it not having full Audi history. I dont see the point in maintaining an Audi history on a car thats out of warranty when i can get specialist secrvice elsewhere for less cash.
Nik.

So, how many years FASH would you expect to see? I guess as long as the warranty? Was there a standard warranty for a 1999/2000 S3?

I guess I was thinking with a FASH the correct things would have been done at the correct times - so, that would give me some sort of assurance.

 

[ChriS3]

9-11k for a 1999 S3?

Ideally I want an 1999 s3 with less than 80K. I don't think they are worth more than 9K, are they?

Less than £9k for less than 80k???? Good luck, you'll be looking for a while.

I'd have to agree with some of the comments above. There's no way I'd trust Audi servicing with my car. I''m not sure my local stealers can even change the oil without cocking it up.

The time the car's been advertised means very very little. It's either someone wanting too much for a well looked after car, or someone not advertising in the right places, or possibly the car's a junker.

 

[S3-ROB]

Paid £9000 for my 52 reg S3 a few months ago, 1 owner, full Audi history, Michelin tyres all round, £2120 recently spent on the car, mileage was 93k which would put some people off but low mileage does not always = good car

 

[S3 NIK]

Correct, once out of warranty i ditch the main stealers,
trust specialists they know what they are doing.

Try not to be led by the main dealer image of 5 star treatment because its not guaranteed.
Example: Took the wifes 1 year old Toyota Rav 4 in for a service and picked it up with nothing to report.
After a day's driving the windscreen wiper flew off which they had replaced. Wife also commented on a burning smell so i took it out for a spin and i too could smell burning. Popped the bonnet open and shock horror no oil filler cap, result...oil in engine bay, hence the smell. Oil cap amazingly on the top of the suspension turret.
All this service work was carried out by a Toyota main agent at main agent prices.
Nik.

So, how many years FASH would you expect to see? I guess as long as the warranty? Was there a standard warranty for a 1999/2000 S3?

I guess I was thinking with a FASH the correct things would have been done at the correct times - so, that would give me some sort of assurance.

 

[madvw]

Standard UK S3 warranty is 3 years parts and labour.
Personal Import S3 warranty is 2 years parts and labour.

people who buy an "audi approved" car get a 1 year warranty as part of the price of the car. It's pretty much comparable to the original manufacturers warranty.

The problem with dealer servicing is that it's really inconsistant across the country. And it's debatable whether its worth what you actually pay.

 

[jedwa115]

9-11k for a 1999 S3?

Ideally I want an 1999 s3 with less than 80K. I don't think they are worth more than 9K, are they?

I just sold a 51 plate with 80k for 9,500. 11k for even a 100% perfect 99 plate is robbery IMHO.

To my mind there seems to be loads of dreamers out there trying to sell S3's for silly money. There also seems to be loads of people saying they are "actively looking" yet not actually calling anyone. I had 4 calls in 2 months when selling mine. Sold to the first person who turned up actually prepared to part with money instead of dreaming about a car they couldn't really afford. For that reason, ignore the age of adverts. Mine was a cracking car and took a couple of months to go.

 

[madvw]

what condition and state of maintenance was the 51 plate with 80k? cambelt, waterpump, 2nd 40k service etc etc?

 

[jedwa115]

what condition and state of maintenance was the 51 plate with 80k? cambelt, waterpump, 2nd 40k service etc etc?

FSH - audi and specialist
water pump and cam belt done on 69k
cracking condition - everyone noted that
only downer was it was abs red - some love, some hate. I loved!
Fully loaded spec.

Was on at 10k for ages, dropped it to 9,500 and it went overnight.

 

[madvw]

thats a very good price that, especially for the maintenance that you had done. The only thing to do would be the oil pickup in 20k miles time.

absolute red is a very nice rare colour too. Trouble is that snobs see it as just a no-cost option.

10.5k was the right price for your car, shame you had to come down.

 

[Dubplate]

I brought my 2000 W reg Ming Blue S3 2 weeks ago. It has full Audi service history, 55'000 miles and a revo remap but needed a minor service which was knocked off the price. It has pretty much all the extras except as far as i know the centre arm rest. It was up for £10'200 but i managed to haggle it down to £9'700 and once purchased i payed £530 for the minor service and cam belt/water pump change at an Audi specialist in leatherhead.

 

[jedwa115]

thats a very good price that, especially for the maintenance that you had done. The only thing to do would be the oil pickup in 20k miles time.

absolute red is a very nice rare colour too. Trouble is that snobs see it as just a no-cost option.

10.5k was the right price for your car, shame you had to come down.

Thanks

..but I disagree....! It was on at 10,500, then 10k for ages. I dropped it to sell it. It booked at 9,600 I reckon.

I'm sorry, but I just don't think S3's are worth what you (we) might think. I learned that the hard way. Possibly if I had been preparred to wait longer, I may have got 10k. Possibly...

I guess my thoughts are... if you are buying, realise you are in a strong position! There are not that many buyers out there and they will soon get bored of selling. Check the book price carefully.

 

[jedwa115]

absolute red is a very nice rare colour too. Trouble is that snobs see it as just a no-cost option.

I agree totally! Abs red with ally mirrors and black leather. I'd have that combo again. Abs red is a funny colour... can look pap in photo's, brilliant on a sunny day, rubbish when dirty, awesome when clean... seems different every day!