Test Drive Experiences + Future Car

[Bells]

Just wondering what people’s recent experiences have been with Audi and test drives. I’m starting to look at replacement cars after getting itchy feet having nearly had my car 2 years.

After discounting an RS3 due to ridiculous insurance quotes and large cost outlay, I’m currently considering an S5. Thing is I’ve heard mixed reviews about the tip-tronic box, plus I’m slightly concerned about the increased size due to the small spaces in the office car park. So I’d asked my local dealer today if I could test drive one for a day whilst my car was in for some warranty work and was told they can arrange extended test drives up to an hour with a sales rep but not any longer.

Am I being unreasonable wanting to test the car for a day before committing to buy, it was never an issue with my S3 I was given one for 2 days before even ordering!

Anyway just wanted to see what other peoples experiences were and suggestions are welcome for replacement cars as the S3 is such a good all rounder I’m struggling!

 

[AlS3BE]

I looked at the s4/5 before I got my s3.
It is bigger but not by much.
Speed/pace there’s not much in it. 350bhp in bigger car compared to 310 in a smaller one.
The way it’s delivered feels different. S4/5 feels much smoother with its v6 and power feels like it’s always there with its flatter torque curve, the 8 speed zf box is silky smooth. Car is comfy, quiet and generally very nice inside.
S3 needs to be worked but the quicker shift of the dsg makes it feels quicker and more nimble and sharper to drive with a bit rough round the edges.
Easy way to look at it is s5 is a fast cruiser, soft and smooth, and s3 is more a back road point and shoot weapon. Both good in different ways.

 

[Adam14]

Don't think you're being unreasonable! They let me test my S3 for a day. As wanted to fully test it before committing, which they understood as was a large commitment for me.
Wanted to make sure it was fine, seeing as it couldn't be test drove the week before as was in the workshop...didn't want to buy a lemon lol!

Can't comment on S3 Vs S5, sure plenty of people with more experience than me. As I'm sure you're aware, S3 is a great all round car. I've sat in an S5 and great interior, but not sure it'd be enough to convince me to upgrade!

As you've said, I've been having a look past month and can't find anything that would tempt me away, would all lead to a compromise, less seats, slower etc. As you've said. Good luck

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

 

[Bells]

I looked at the s4/5 before I got my s3.
It is bigger but not by much.
Speed/pace there’s not much in it. 350bhp in bigger car compared to 310 in a smaller one.
The way it’s delivered feels different. S4/5 feels much smoother with its v6 and power feels like it’s always there with its flatter torque curve, the 8 speed zf box is silky smooth. Car is comfy, quiet and generally very nice inside.
S3 needs to be worked but the quicker shift of the dsg makes it feels quicker and more nimble and sharper to drive with a bit rough round the edges.
Easy way to look at it is s5 is a fast cruiser, soft and smooth, and s3 is more a back road point and shoot weapon. Both good in different ways.

Yeah I’ve been in my cousins S4 a few times and he’s a big fan on the whole. It’s strange you menation silky smooth gearbox as that’s his only complaint having come from a dual clutch s-Tronic box previously he’s said it’s great most of the time but it can be jerky from time to time in traffic, which I haven’t suffered with in my S3.

It wouldn’t be a new S5 I could pick up a used 17 plate model for about £34k with under 10k miles, so not a huge outlay. The car I was looking at was registered in March 17 too so before the £310 over £40k road tax thing came in so that’d save me some money.

Sound wise I think the V6 sounds better than the S3 but not by a great deal, still fairly muted I’d say.

 

[Bells]

Don't think you're being unreasonable! They let me test my S3 for a day. As wanted to fully test it before committing, which they understood as was a large commitment for me.
Wanted to make sure it was fine, seeing as it couldn't be test drove the week before as was in the workshop...didn't want to buy a lemon lol!

Can't comment on S3 Vs S5, sure plenty of people with more experience than me. As I'm sure you're aware, S3 is a great all round car. I've sat in an S5 and great interior, but not sure it'd be enough to convince me to upgrade!

As you've said, I've been having a look past month and can't find anything that would tempt me away, would all lead to a compromise, less seats, slower etc. As you've said. Good luck

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

Yeah my S3 is great and I may end up keeping it after all this, just want to see what other options are out there. S5 interior is similar to the S3 maybe a little bigger but similar setup with virtual cockpit etc. Seats are better though as you get Super Sport Seats as standard which is good.

It surprised me about the whole test drive thing as I didn’t even have to ask when ordering my S3 it was offered that I have their demo for a day before ordering. Would be slightly apprehensive about spending £30k+ based on a 1 hour test drive, especially a used car but maybe that’s just me

 

[AlS3BE]

They are nice cars. Even base spec they are good. Almost got one but the premium tax along with higher payments was a bit too much for a car I’m intending to do 3-5k a year. Too expensive to be a drive/airport car park ornament
That’s good if you can avoid the premium tax as well.

 

[Flying Scotsman]

What age is the OP? If under 25 that might be a cause for 1 hour and salesman present . I will not look at purchasing a car unless I get a minimum of 4 hours by myself and have never experienced a dealer declining that stipulation over many car purchases.

 

[wab172uk]

Just wondering what people’s recent experiences have been with Audi and test drives. I’m starting to look at replacement cars after getting itchy feet having nearly had my car 2 years.

After discounting an RS3 due to ridiculous insurance quotes and large cost outlay, I’m currently considering an S5. Thing is I’ve heard mixed reviews about the tip-tronic box, plus I’m slightly concerned about the increased size due to the small spaces in the office car park. So I’d asked my local dealer today if I could test drive one for a day whilst my car was in for some warranty work and was told they can arrange extended test drives up to an hour with a sales rep but not any longer.

Am I being unreasonable wanting to test the car for a day before committing to buy, it was never an issue with my S3 I was given one for 2 days before even ordering!

Anyway just wanted to see what other peoples experiences were and suggestions are welcome for replacement cars as the S3 is such a good all rounder I’m struggling!

Go elsewhere. When I was considering an S3, I easily arranged for an S3 for the day. Turned up prompt, to be handed the keys. Told there was a full tank of petrol in it, and to enjoy myself. Needless to say, they got the sale. Price was with a couple hundred pounds from what I got online, but the customer service of been given an S3 for the day, swung the deal.

As for the S-Tronic? I'm really not a fan. Think you either like it or you don't. I hate it. Dull and dim-witted in `D`, and over-reactive and clinging onto gears for dear life in `S`.

 

[Bells]

What age is the OP? If under 25 that might be a cause for 1 hour and salesman present . I will not look at purchasing a car unless I get a minimum of 4 hours by myself and have never experienced a dealer declining that stipulation over many car purchases.

23 at the moment but was 21 when I had the S3 for the day.

Bit of an update today as I’ve spoken to the dealer after they called me to confirm a few details and they’re looking into arranging a day in their demo S5 now, which is a complete 360 from what I was told last time. So it may end up it depends who you speak too.

 

[Bells]

Go elsewhere. When I was considering an S3, I easily arranged for an S3 for the day. Turned up prompt, to be handed the keys. Told there was a full tank of petrol in it, and to enjoy myself. Needless to say, they got the sale. Price was with a couple hundred pounds from what I got online, but the customer service of been given an S3 for the day, swung the deal.

As for the S-Tronic? I'm really not a fan. Think you either like it or you don't. I hate it. Dull and dim-witted in `D`, and over-reactive and clinging onto gears for dear life in `S`.

I know what you mean about the S-Tronic I thought that when I first got it having come from manuals previously.

However, I probably wouldn’t go back to a manual now, yes an auto has it faults but for sitting in regular traffic jams an auto is great. I find myself driving in manual 90% of the time and using the paddles so it’s like an manual without a clutch really. I agree D seems laggy and S holds the gear too long I think unless you are really pushing on down some twisty roads etc.

 

[AlS3BE]

Had 3 stronics and 1 old school torque converter car. All has it’s flaws and all has its benefits. This is where the new zf 8 speed is meant to bridge the gap between snappy quick dsg and old torque converter boxes. It’s still a torque converter box but it’s miles better than the older types. Still not as quick as the dsg though. Think the best box out there is meant to be the Porsche pdk and it’s not just a rebadged vag box. Only ever had a quick shot of one so can’t comment.

 

[Ron240]

Have to say I admire how there are so many low 20 something guys nowadays that can afford to drive such fast and expensive cars (relatively speaking).
Suppose it is just a sign of the times with many more young people in high paid jobs.
When I was 20 I was the envy of my friends for driving a 1 year old Rover 216 VP EFi which was a gift from daddy. I could afford to run it but even though the new price was only £6500 I wouldn't have had a hope in hell of buying it.
My last 5 cars have been bought without a test drive, although 3 of them were different versions of the same model.

 

[AlS3BE]

Have to say I admire how there are so many low 20 something guys nowadays that can afford to drive such fast and expensive cars (relatively speaking).
Suppose it is just a sign of the times with many more young people in high paid jobs.
When I was 20 I was the envy of my friends for driving a 1 year old Rover 216 VP EFi which was a gift from daddy. I could afford to run it but even though the new price was only £6500 I wouldn't have had a hope in hell of buying it.
My last 5 cars have been bought without a test drive, although 3 of them were different versions of the same model.

This is why these young ones can’t afford to buy houses. They spend all their money on cars
I had a Honda vti when I was 20. Working 2 part time jobs to pay for it while studying. Those were the days.

 

[Adam14]

Have to say I admire how there are so many low 20 something guys nowadays that can afford to drive such fast and expensive cars (relatively speaking).
Suppose it is just a sign of the times with many more young people in high paid jobs.
When I was 20 I was the envy of my friends for driving a 1 year old Rover 216 VP EFi which was a gift from daddy. I could afford to run it but even though the new price was only £6500 I wouldn't have had a hope in hell of buying it.
My last 5 cars have been bought without a test drive, although 3 of them were different versions of the same model.

I'd admit. Would never afford an S3 without PCP. Can't afford houses because the prices are extortionate. 2 bed house near me is £350-450k. Viscous cycle but that's a huge other debate

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

 

[oli356]

This is why these young ones can’t afford to buy houses. They spend all their money on cars
I had a Honda vti when I was 20. Working 2 part time jobs to pay for it while studying. Those were the days.

New 1 bed flat for 180-220k new me. Ain't affordable.
S3 far easier haha..

/24yearoldsinglemale

 

[Audi Bairn]

I looked at the s4/5 before I got my s3.
It is bigger but not by much.
Speed/pace there’s not much in it. 350bhp in bigger car compared to 310 in a smaller one.
The way it’s delivered feels different. S4/5 feels much smoother with its v6 and power feels like it’s always there with its flatter torque curve, the 8 speed zf box is silky smooth. Car is comfy, quiet and generally very nice inside.
S3 needs to be worked but the quicker shift of the dsg makes it feels quicker and more nimble and sharper to drive with a bit rough round the edges.
Easy way to look at it is s5 is a fast cruiser, soft and smooth, and s3 is more a back road point and shoot weapon. Both good in different ways.

Pretty much would echo these points. The only thing I’d say in my experience on the fast windy back roads around here is that I actually felt the S5 was more planted than the S3 and I had more confidence in its road holding.

As far as test drives go I’m lucky that we’ve dealt with the same sales guy for a while (we’re on our 9th consecutive car from there between me and the Mrs) and I’ve had unaccompanied test drives ranging from an hour to 48 hours, so it can be done.

 

[Bells]

Have to say I admire how there are so many low 20 something guys nowadays that can afford to drive such fast and expensive cars (relatively speaking).
Suppose it is just a sign of the times with many more young people in high paid jobs.
When I was 20 I was the envy of my friends for driving a 1 year old Rover 216 VP EFi which was a gift from daddy. I could afford to run it but even though the new price was only £6500 I wouldn't have had a hope in hell of buying it.
My last 5 cars have been bought without a test drive, although 3 of them were different versions of the same model.

I had a couple of corsa’s when I first passed my test I must admit but yeah there is a few of my friends that drive decent cars for their age it’s the thing to get that’s relatively achievable compared to a house etc I suppose.

I’m fortunate enough to be in a decent job and still live at home at the moment so expenses are minimal bar fuel and going out to be honest haha. I’m sure that’ll change when I move out in the next year or so, so best enjoy it while it lasts

 

[Ron240]

I’m fortunate enough to be in a decent job and still live at home at the moment so expenses are minimal bar fuel and going out to be honest haha. I’m sure that’ll change when I move out in the next year or so, so best enjoy it while it lasts

Yep the still living at home thing is a major financial bonus, together with the extra fringe benefits.
I milked that one for all it was worth....and then some.