Facelift S3 FL - 3 door v 5 door (differences and opinions)

[wab172uk]

Why pay a couple of grand more when all you get is a V6, 8 speed box, better 4WD system, more space, class above interior and don't have to pay £1400 for the VC. Much rather buy a soon to be replaced S3 saloon. Why would anyone consider a new S4 with £8k discount before they even start haggling or a six month old S4 for the same price as a similar aged S3.
Pointless argument that they are virtually the same price if all you want is to squeeze into parking spaces.
As Jassyo says, who cares if the saloon is expensive and it's all getting a bit boring. Audi will continue selling A/S3 saloons at a premium to turn a profit on them. If they cant, they'll go the way of the 3 door.

But again, you are assuming great discount on an S4, but nothing on an S3. So your argument is unfair. It's like comparing new to second hand. pointless. I doubt every Audi dealer will just give an £8k discount off an S4. So again, every deal is different.

V6 = Thirstier
Bigger = Heavier
More room = Only if you need it
Better AWD = Heavier than haldex, and 99.99% of people would be able to tell the difference anyway
VC = Still an option on the S4. and only £450 on the S3, not £1400 !
Sport Diff - A £1200 option, which you'd be daft not to tick.
S3 Saloon V's S4 Saloon design. For me the S3 exterior looks better, but the S4 interior better

But everything is subjective. You are asking why would anyone buy an A/S3 over an A/S4? Because it's the right car for them. Just because someone `may` be able to get an S4 for the same price of a S3, doesn't mean they should just buy the S4.

You assume (like many now a days) that your choice of car, house, watch etc is the only choice because `You` selected it. That's what you want, so therefore anyone who prefers or buys something different to you is wrong.

I have no problem if you or anyone wants to buy an S4. It's the car that suits you and your needs. But then attempting to make out like the S3 is an inferior product and you'd be mad to buy one is just plain silly. We are all different. Enjoy your S4, but just let others enjoy their S3 without becoming all authoritarian.

 

[Jassyo06]

Is that a euphemism?

 

[KenL]

That's a totally unnecessary and tasteless response Jassy.

I thought you had more class ;-)

 

[Jassyo06]

That's a totally unnecessary and tasteless response Jassy.

I thought you had more class ;-)

Wasn't me..... it was my phones fault lol

 

[KenL]

Wasn't me..... it was my phones fault lol

That's better _

 

[Jcbmally]

**** the A1 is getting a bashing now, well there's a A1 sat outside my door just now along with my S3 and in several departments of the interior like door handles, doors,climate control switch gear, steering column stalks are better made and feel more quality than in my S3 fact
This thread is all about some member who's asked a opinion between the 2 hatches and by the sounds will end up not buying either....
Why Audi charge more for a saloon **** knows who cares and its all getting a bit boring now

Yup, nowt wrong with my wife's A1 interior.

 

[Matt Titanium]

You assume (like many now a days) that your choice of car, house, watch etc is the only choice because `You` selected it. That's what you want, so therefore anyone who prefers or buys something different to you is wrong.

I have no problem if you or anyone wants to buy an S4. It's the car that suits you and your needs. But then attempting to make out like the S3 is an inferior product and you'd be mad to buy one is just plain silly. We are all different. Enjoy your S4, but just let others enjoy their S3 without becoming all authoritarian.

Have you actually read my posts?

I've said you're not wrong wanting and buying an S3 saloon, just that they are well overpriced for what they are. If Audi can get away with that and find buyers willing to pay then good luck to them.

I don't have or even want an S4 and have no problem with you or anyone else enjoying the car of your choice. Feel free to point out where I've said otherwise.

 

[Jassyo06]

Have you actually read my posts?

I've said you're not wrong wanting and buying an S3 saloon, just that they are well overpriced for what they are. If Audi can get away with that and find buyers willing to pay then good luck to them.

I don't have or even want an S4 and have no problem with you or anyone else enjoying the car of your choice. Feel free to point out where I've said otherwise.

The S3 saloon is more expensive because its got magnetic ride and 19's as standard, add these 2 options to the Sportback and there's not much of a price difference

 

[Mark_R]

[QUOTE="Matt Titanium, post: 3245603, member: 115543"

I've said you're not wrong wanting and buying an S3 saloon, just that they are well overpriced for what they are. If Audi can get away with that and find buyers willing to pay then good luck to them.

[/QUOTE]

You keep saying the A3/S3 saloons are well overpriced. The price difference between the S3 saloon and the sportsback once the sportsback is specced with 19” wheels is £100. On the lower spec A3”s the difference is approx £550 between saloon and sportsback. Going on your basis then the whole A3/S3 range is well overpriced for what they are, for which you are probably correct.

 

[KenL]

So why are they quite a bit more expensive lower down the range?

 

[NevMan]

So why are they quite a bit more expensive lower down the range?

Who cares. Too expensive for you, don’t buy one. Plenty others do, which is why they sell them


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[Snake Pliskin]

I may be wrong but ....

As the saloon has mag ride & 19” rims as standard, won’t this car retain more residual value than a sportback which has the same items fitted as options - as options don’t usually count to residual calcs say 3 years down the line ?

 

[NevMan]

I may be wrong but ....

As the saloon has mag ride & 19” rims as standard, won’t this car retain more residual value than a sportback which has the same items fitted as options - as options don’t usually count to residual calcs say 3 years down the line ?

Good point, wouldn’t be surprised if residuals are slightly higher.


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[Matt Titanium]

The S3 saloon is more expensive because its got magnetic ride and 19's as standard, add these 2 options to the Sportback and there's not much of a price difference

Options are the area where Audi bump up the price and make the profits on their bread and butter range.

Most options will cost Audi nack all extra to fit when they build a car. You want Mag ride and 19" wheels, you pay ££££££ for them, with the S3 saloon, if you don't want them you still pay ££££££ for something that has cost ££ to fit

I may be wrong but ....

As the saloon has mag ride & 19” rims as standard, won’t this car retain more residual value than a sportback which has the same items fitted as options - as options don’t usually count to residual calcs say 3 years down the line ?

The value of a car at three years old has nothing to do with what is or isn't standard. It will be worth what the market will pay.

PCP quotes can come up with some magical figure, but you have already paid through the nose in interest, Audi have made their profit one way or another so they are happy.

 

[NevMan]

Options are the area where Audi bump up the price and make the profits on their bread and butter range.

Most options will cost Audi nack all extra to fit when they build a car. You want Mag ride and 19" wheels, you pay ££££££ for them, with the S3 saloon, if you don't want them you still pay ££££££ for something that has cost ££ to fit



The value of a car at three years old has nothing to do with what is or isn't standard. It will be worth what the market will pay.

PCP quotes can come up with some magical figure, but you have already paid through the nose in interest, Audi have made their profit one way or another so they are happy.

I am sure they are happy being a profitable business and all that. Would like to assume the buyers are happy as they have the spec, colour and car they want. We all know cars are a waste of money and depreciating asset and all that, but we don’t care as jay is our thing. I don’t spend loads of money on clothes or other things, for me it is all about cars and holidays. Absolutely love the challenge of getting a deal on a car (for myself or family and friends) and hunting down my next holiday. Call me shallow


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[Snake Pliskin]

The value of a car at three years old has nothing to do with what is or isn't standard. It will be worth what the market will pay.

Car valuations are always linked back to the original RRP of the BASE PRICE of the car so of course this affects residuals.

You will hardly get anything for options in residual 3 years down the line - they just make the car more desirable & easy to sell.

A car with options as standard vs a car with the same items fitted as options - in this case the saloon would retain more value !

 

[Jassyo06]

I am sure they are happy being a profitable business and all that. Would like to assume the buyers are happy as they have the spec, colour and car they want. We all know cars are a waste of money and depreciating asset and all that, but we don’t care as jay is our thing. I don’t spend loads of money on clothes or other things, for me it is all about cars and holidays. Absolutely love the challenge of getting a deal on a car (for myself or family and friends) and hunting down my next holiday. Call me shallow


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Oh that reminds me 11 days and counting and l am out of this cold hole called Scotland, it was 0 degrees this morning

 

[Matt Titanium]

Car valuations are always linked back to the original RRP of the BASE PRICE of the car so of course this affects residuals.

You will hardly get anything for options in residual 3 years down the line - they just make the car more desirable & easy to sell.

A car with options as standard vs a car with the same items fitted as options - in this case the saloon would retain more value !

So you are agreeing with me that Audi have found a way of inflating the base price of the saloon and that is why it is more expensive than the SB?

A3 saloon - continuation of a low production volume car because enough buyers will pay an inflated price for it. = Profit

A3 3 door - discontinuation of a low production volume car because Audi has had to throw back all their profit in discounts to persuade people to buy it. = Loss.

 

[TYb]

Oh that reminds me 11 days and counting and l am out of this cold hole called Scotland, it was 0 degrees this morning

A barmy 6 degrees in Gloucestershire

 

[Jassyo06]

So you are agreeing with me that Audi have found a way of inflating the base price of the saloon and that is why it is more expensive than the SB?

A3 saloon - continuation of a low production volume car because enough buyers will pay an inflated price for it. = Profit

A3 3 door - discontinuation of a low production volume car because Audi has had to throw back all their profit in discounts to persuade people to buy it. = Loss.

You really have the hots for the saloon mate Why?. . It's not as if Audi forces anyone to buy the saloon, its freedom of choice
The A3/S3 Saloon was designed for the North AmericanAsian/Australian market, no one buys hatches in these regions of the world
Inflated prices well we all get bent over with this in the UK, a very well specced RS3 saloon in the USA is the same price as a black edition S3 saloon in the UK ergo.. ...

 

[Snake Pliskin]

So you are agreeing with me that Audi have found a way of inflating the base price of the saloon and that is why it is more expensive than the SB.

It is odd why Audi insist on selling the S3 saloon with mag ride & 19” rims as standard & of course Audi want to fleece us for every option they can - which is why they offer so many desirable options .... I’ve never loaded a car with as many options as I have my current 3 but the options list is so extensive it is hard not to without making compromises ... yes Audi know what they are doing - but no different to Merc or BMW in that respect.

 

[Mythos]

I seem to have started a war on here, I just wanted opinions....can't we all agree the 3 door, Sportback and Saloon are all really good looking cars? All 3 options would be a great choice in my opinion. I know it can probably be a bit disheartening when someone doesn't like your choice on a 30k+ car, but all that matters is that you love it, enjoy that fact you're driving around in a car as good as an S3

 

[KenL]

Who cares. Too expensive for you, don’t buy one. Plenty others do, which is why they sell them


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Blah blah blah.

As Jassy pointed out, the saloon probably came into existence because of foreign markets.

I bet the 3 door sold way more over here than the saloon ever did.

I really like the saloon but they are like hens teeth in Scotland.

 

[KenL]

Oh that reminds me 11 days and counting and l am out of this cold hole called Scotland, it was 0 degrees this morning

Very pleasant in East Lothian today.

 

[Vertigo1]

Better AWD = Heavier than haldex, and 99.99% of people would be able to tell the difference anyway

Also, bear in mind that the "better AWD" argument typically refers to the classic Torsen permanent system yet the latest A4 doesn't use this, instead having a system which works very much like Haldex and is predominantly FWD and only brings the rears in when necessary, so the argument that it's inherently superior no longer stacks up.

The purists may moan but I'm surprised it took this long. Permanent AWD systems are toast as they're inefficient on fuel and increase emissions when, most of the time, all wheels don't need to be driven.

 

[NevMan]

Oh that reminds me 11 days and counting and l am out of this cold hole called Scotland, it was 0 degrees this morning

Nice, very envious. Top up that tan...what am I saying, I mean get a tan


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[NevMan]

You really have the hots for the saloon mate Why?. . It's not as if Audi forces anyone to buy the saloon, its freedom of choice
The A3/S3 Saloon was designed for the North AmericanAsian/Australian market, no one buys hatches in these regions of the world
Inflated prices well we all get bent over with this in the UK, a very well specced RS3 saloon in the USA is the same price as a black edition S3 saloon in the UK ergo.. ...

Reminds me of the Vento (Jetta) vs Golf. Loads of the former sold round the world particularly in America and Africa, but not so in the UK as all about the golf.


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[Jassyo06]

Nice, very envious. Top up that tan...what am I saying, I mean get a tan


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it was topping up the tan....past 10 years mate 3 times a year away to Sharm el Sheikh we found a hotel that was a home away from home,Club Magic Life,but sadly the world now being what it is,you cant fly there from the UK 3 years almost,but Turkey will do fine for the moment,normally l would have been to the sunbeds lol but cant be *****,maybe go tomorrow lol

 

[Jassyo06]

Reminds me of the Vento (Jetta) vs Golf. Loads of the former sold round the world particularly in America and Africa, but not so in the UK as all about the golf.


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The UK is a country who love there Hatchbacks,think it all started with Golf and Escort...??? and estate cars are almost extinct NOW thanks to the SUV

 

[Jassyo06]

I seem to have started a war on here, I just wanted opinions....can't we all agree the 3 door, Sportback and Saloon are all really good looking cars? All 3 options would be a great choice in my opinion. I know it can probably be a bit disheartening when someone doesn't like your choice on a 30k+ car, but all that matters is that you love it, enjoy that fact you're driving around in a car as good as an S3

It's all just banter mate.............and keeps the Forum ticking along.....***.....you think this is bad....???Just wait till the.........the all new A3 is shown...........the brown stuff will really hit the forum fan......can't wait lol

 

[Jassyo06]

Blah blah blah.

As Jassy pointed out, the saloon probably came into existence because of foreign markets.

I bet the 3 door sold way more over here than the saloon ever did.

I really like the saloon but they are like hens teeth in Scotland.

l see a lot of S-Line Saloons on the road but mostly are the pre face lifted cars,S3 Saloons are indeed very rare in Scotland,so are face lifted RS3's,l have only seen one sportback and that was a demonstrator.....too expensive

 

[KenL]

The UK is a country who love there Hatchbacks,think it all started with Golf and Escort...??? and estate cars are almost extinct NOW thanks to the SUV

That's a sad but true fact.

 

[Mythos]

It's all just banter mate.............and keeps the Forum ticking along.....***.....you think this is bad....???Just wait till the.........the all new A3 is shown...........the brown stuff will really hit the forum fan......can't wait lol

Not looking forward to that

 

[NevMan]

It's all just banter mate.............and keeps the Forum ticking along.....***.....you think this is bad....???Just wait till the.........the all new A3 is shown...........the brown stuff will really hit the forum fan......can't wait lol

Hear hear @jassyo06


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[NevMan]

The UK is a country who love there Hatchbacks,think it all started with Golf and Escort...??? and estate cars are almost extinct NOW thanks to the SUV

True, and I have just gone from A6 avant into Q5 (pointless SUV)


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[NevMan]

Blah blah blah.

As Jassy pointed out, the saloon probably came into existence because of foreign markets.

I bet the 3 door sold way more over here than the saloon ever did.

I really like the saloon but they are like hens teeth in Scotland.

Haha, bants at its best kent. How are you finding VC, mag ride, 19”, oops, you don’t have any of that lol


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[KenL]

Haha, bants at its best kent. How are you finding VC, mag ride, 19”, oops, you don’t have any of that lol


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19s, yuck .

BTW, A6 ESTATE is such a great car - very classy unlike an SUV .

 

[TYb]

It's all just banter mate.............and keeps the Forum ticking along.....***.....you think this is bad....???Just wait till the.........the all new A3 is shown...........the brown stuff will really hit the forum fan......can't wait lol

It is all banter and people just need to except that my over priced 3 door is the best and we can all move on... ;/)

 

[Marky-s3]

If i didn't have a big dog I would have went for a saloon or tts tbh

 

[TYb]

If i didn't have a big dog I would have went for a saloon or tts tbh

I really like the TT/TTS, some don’t like the dash but I quite like the simplicity of it, externally it’s a real head turner.