Advice Please! High milage.

[Jennals12345]

Evening all,

Okay so I'm ready and set to jump into the world of audi (Audi S3 face lift 2016) and just need a bit of advice from the experiences you may all have.

I'm in limbo between a reasonable milage car 34k miles, **** pit, full ASH, and one for slightly more money (£300) which sits at 59k miles.

The one with 59k miles has many more extras including auto park assist, more expensive seats, cockpit and the LED matrix lights.

I am swaying towards the more expensive one as again it has a full Audi SH, but would I expect any large services soon. It hasn't had a cam belt change yet, and I am slightly worried i might get stinged by a few unexpected maintance issues.

Has anyone had any issues with vehicles between the 60-100k mile stage?

I would appreciate people's thoughts.

 

[s3mad_dude]

Well, in my eyes, it boils down to buying a car on condition rather than a set of numbers on the odometer. I have a mk1 S3 that I’ve had forever and it’s on 207k miles. Runs sweet as a nut still. Having said that, I’ve maintained it and you won’t know if the previous owners of the vehicles you’re interested in have done too.

Cambelt is a good one to start saving for as it will be required in the future. Don’t forget that the S3 needs Haldex fluid/filter changes every two years. If they haven’t been done you could be asking for premature failure of the pump etc. A good thing to check when buying used is the tyre brand. If you have four decent quality matching tyre types/brands then the car has probably been looked after. If it has odd tyres all over the place at uneven depths the previous owner has probably skimped a bit.

Also, I would try and check if the thermostat housing and coolant temp sensor have been replaced as they are common points of failure on the S3 model. Mine is 2016 FL too and at 29k miles it was loosing coolant. Luckily it was performed under warranty but I hear it’s about £500 at an Audi dealer if you’re paying our your pocket for that kind of work.

Either way, I hope some of that helps you make a choice.

 

[Jennals12345]

Well, in my eyes, it boils down to buying a car on condition rather than a set of numbers on the odometer. I have a mk1 S3 that I’ve had forever and it’s on 207k miles. Runs sweet as a nut still. Having said that, I’ve maintained it and you won’t know if the previous owners of the vehicles you’re interested in have done too.

Cambelt is a good one to start saving for as it will be required in the future. Don’t forget that the S3 needs Haldex fluid/filter changes every two years. If they haven’t been done you could be asking for premature failure of the pump etc. A good thing to check when buying used is the tyre brand. If you have four decent quality matching tyre types/brands then the car has probably been looked after. If it has odd tyres all over the place at uneven depths the previous owner has probably skimped a bit.

Also, I would try and check if the thermostat housing and coolant temp sensor have been replaced as they are common points of failure on the S3 model. Mine is 2016 FL too and at 29k miles it was loosing coolant. Luckily it was performed under warranty but I hear it’s about £500 at an Audi dealer if you’re paying our your pocket for that kind of work.

Either way, I hope some of that helps you make a choice.

That's a few bits of brilliant advice many thanks.

 

[Chris4410]

If they are s-tronic the gearbox oil needs changed no later than 38k, so on those one should have been done and you should factor in doing the other one.

Around 40k a major service will be due, I changed mine just before this and I had to have this service carried out, all in it was around £600 and that was with a bit of discount

 

[Jennals12345]

If they are s-tronic the gearbox oil needs changed no later than 38k, so on those one should have been done and you should factor in doing the other one.

What sort of milage is the second usually due? I want to get hold of the service history so I can see clearer what has been done and when.

 

[Chris4410]

What sort of milage is the second usually due? I want to get hold of the service history so I can see clearer what has been done and when.

I was advised every 30-35k, so really regardless of which of those you choose both will need it done very soon if it hasn't already been done.

 

[N.J.H]

Cams are chain driven so no belt to worry about.

 

[Adam14]

Spark plugs are due at 36k/38k can't remember which so this would form part of the major service along with the s tonic oil change. Haldex should be done as well but most main dealers won't do this even if asked.

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[Ormesome]

It’s all about the options. Get the high mileage one, then get an extended warranty. The VC is a glorious thing and makes the cabin seem a newer and more up to date place to be, especially with I guess SS seats.

 

[wab172uk]

Evening all,

Okay so I'm ready and set to jump into the world of audi (Audi S3 face lift 2016) and just need a bit of advice from the experiences you may all have.

I'm in limbo between a reasonable milage car 34k miles, **** pit, full ASH, and one for slightly more money (£300) which sits at 59k miles.

The one with 59k miles has many more extras including auto park assist, more expensive seats, cockpit and the LED matrix lights.

I am swaying towards the more expensive one as again it has a full Audi SH, but would I expect any large services soon. It hasn't had a cam belt change yet, and I am slightly worried i might get stinged by a few unexpected maintance issues.

Has anyone had any issues with vehicles between the 60-100k mile stage?

I would appreciate people's thoughts.

There are loads of S3's for sale. SS seats are a must IMHO, as is B&O, auto hold assist, and extended mano-pur.

As long as the car has been maintained well, and well looked after, then 59k shouldn't be an issue. But given the numbers of S3's up for sale, it really is a buyers market at the minute. A low mileage heavily specced car will (if not already) be up for sale soon.

 

[craigpanthercrystal]

For what’s it worth. My s3 now has 51k. And is as “new” as it was when I got it with 18k as it’s been treated well and serviced well. There are no real increases in maint costs besides the 38k gear service and spark plugs. The Haldex service will come up regardless of mileage too but I’d get that filter cleaned ASAP as probably only been done at dealer therefore no filter cleaned. If it’s been looked after then the mileage shouldn’t be off putting.

 

[Chris4410]

The advice on checking the tyres was good, if the owner is putting good quality tyres on the car and the general condition of the car is good it's a pretty good sign the car has been maintained well.

 

[Jassyo06]

Who are selling these S3's and what are the actual prices photos of each car would really help

 

[Jennals12345]

It’s all about the options. Get the high mileage one, then get an extended warranty. The VC is a glorious thing and makes the cabin seem a newer and more up to date place to be, especially with I guess SS seats.

Many thanks yes the virtual cockpit was a bit of a must, there's only a few I can find at a decent price kicking around. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Jennals12345]

The advice on checking the tyres was good, if the owner is putting good quality tyres on the car and the general condition of the car is good it's a pretty good sign the car has been maintained well.

Seen - thank you. The car has continentals on all 4, so hopefully a good sign.

 

[Mr Freeze]

While on the subject of service mine is due its first service 29 days from now how much have people paid for the work to be done at audi or is it a fixed price .

 

[Adam14]

While on the subject of service mine is due its first service 29 days from now how much have people paid for the work to be done at audi or is it a fixed price .

Varies from dealer to dealer, mine was around the £400 mark but I use an indy good friends with and pay £120 all in

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[Mr Freeze]

Varies from dealer to dealer, mine was around the £400 mark but I use an indy good friends with and pay £120 all in

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Really that much for a first service I was thinking around £180/200 I better think again

 

[Jassyo06]

Really that much for a first service I was thinking around £180/200 I better think again

Got mines for £280 besides pointless even thinking about it as they're closed for a good bit

 

[RS03_SEN]

While on the subject of service mine is due its first service 29 days from now how much have people paid for the work to be done at audi or is it a fixed price .

£366 for my RS3 at Audi.

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[Mr Freeze]

Got mines for £280 besides pointless even thinking about it as they're closed for a good bit

Yep good point gives me more time to save my pennies for it

 

[Mr Freeze]

£366 for my RS3 at Audi.

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I'am guessing Rs3 service pricing is a lot more expensive than the S3

 

[Adam14]

Really that much for a first service I was thinking around £180/200 I better think again

I'm down south compared to most here so bit more premium. Would still expect service at Audi to be £300+

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[Jennals12345]

While on the subject of service mine is due its first service 29 days from now how much have people paid for the work to be done at audi or is it a fixed price .

I just priced up one for the S3 I'm looking to get (66 plate) and from a German car specialist in Bournemouth a full check is £199.

 

[Jennals12345]

For what’s it worth. My s3 now has 51k. And is as “new” as it was when I got it with 18k as it’s been treated well and serviced well. There are no real increases in maint costs besides the 38k gear service and spark plugs. The Haldex service will come up regardless of mileage too but I’d get that filter cleaned ASAP as probably only been done at dealer therefore no filter cleaned. If it’s been looked after then the mileage shouldn’t be off putting.

Thanks, deposit down. Just need this Covid situation over so I can pick it up. Very excited..

 

[N.J.H]

Fantastic. You will not be disappointed, especially when you go stage 1, these cars are epic and sooo capable...

 

[Mr Freeze]

Thanks, deposit down. Just need this Covid situation over so I can pick it up. Very excited..

Congrats get some pictures up when you collect it

 

[Ormesome]

Thanks, deposit down. Just need this Covid situation over so I can pick it up. Very excited..

Nice! Which one did you go for? I think I missed that part!

 

[Jennals12345]

Nice! Which one did you go for? I think I missed that part!

I went for the bit more expensive one with the higher ish milage 59k.
But it has the SS seats, virtual cockpit, parking assist, adaptive cruise control. So excited! Will get some photos up for sure! Thanks for your help everyone.

 

[Dubjam]

I went for the bit more expensive one with the higher ish milage 59k.
But it has the SS seats, virtual cockpit, parking assist, adaptive cruise control. So excited! Will get some photos up for sure! Thanks for your help everyone.

Adaptive cruise is one of the most important options for our gridlocked motorways. I waited almost two years for one to come up with ACC and its wonderful. Does yours come with lane assist also?

 

[Matt Titanium]

I'am guessing Rs3 service pricing is a lot more expensive than the S3

Of course. The apprentice uses a special genuine Audi accessory oil jug deeply embossed with RS3 emblems both sides and leather covered handle with Bently diamond stitching to move the oil from the 50 gallon drum and pour it into the car. RS3 owners pay through the nose for the car so it's open season at the dealers for service pricing as well.

Other than oil and filter change, check, check, check, an attempt to sell you some overpriced tyres, a rub over with a gritty sponge unless you tell them not to, the loan of the next car they think you may be tempted to buy and a sniff of the receptionist's perfume as she brings you a cup of coffee, what do you expect for your £190?

 

[Jennals12345]

Adaptive cruise is one of the most important options for our gridlocked motorways. I waited almost two years for one to come up with ACC and its wonderful. Does yours come with lane assist also?

Yes, I've just been watching YouTube videos on how to use it . I don't think it has lane assist, at least it isn't listed it. It does have the parking assist but not sure if they're combined/ auto steering. I will ask tomorrow.

 

[Mr Freeze]

Of course. The apprentice uses a special genuine Audi accessory oil jug deeply embossed with RS3 emblems both sides and leather covered handle with Bently diamond stitching to move the oil from the 50 gallon drum and pour it into the car. RS3 owners pay through the nose for the car so it's open season at the dealers for service pricing as well.

Other than oil and filter change, check, check, check, an attempt to sell you some overpriced tyres, a rub over with a gritty sponge unless you tell them not to, the loan of the next car they think you may be tempted to buy and a sniff of the receptionist's perfume as she brings you a cup of coffee, what do you expect for your £190?

Lol made me chuckle that

 

[Dubjam]

Yes, I've just been watching YouTube videos on how to use it . I don't think it has lane assist, at least it isn't listed it. It does have the parking assist but not sure if they're combined/ auto steering. I will ask tomorrow.

Park assist is just sensors front and back for the infuriorating proximity beeps...for people who can't be bothered to learn how to park cars properly Its not VW's parking assist which parks it for you.

Download the Myaudi app for your phone and enter the VIN number. It will then bring up all the kit it is fitted with.

The ACC is great, but I do wish mine had lane assist as well as the combination would be wonderful.

 

[Jennals12345]

Park assist is just sensors front and back for the infuriorating proximity beeps...for people who can't be bothered to learn how to park cars properly Its not VW's parking assist which parks it for you.

Download the Myaudi app for your phone and enter the VIN number. It will then bring up all the kit it is fitted with.

The ACC is great, but I do wish mine had lane assist as well as the combination would be wonderful.

Apologies I got my terminology wrong it's got Audi Parking Plus. Can I confirm the 'Audi Sense' that must be the beeps/ radar.
Great tip on the app, thank you!

 

[Dubjam]

Apologies I got my terminology wrong it's got Audi Parking Plus. Can I confirm the 'Audi Sense' that must be the beeps/ radar.
Great tip on the app, thank you!

Nope, Audi sense front is the ACC radar which also does collision warning/breaking.

Parking system plus is front and rear parking sensors and screen display (not camera)

 

[Jennals12345]

Nope, Audi sense front is the ACC radar which also does collision warning/breaking.

Parking system plus is front and rear parking sensors and screen display (not camera)

Ahh right thanks - happy with that as I wouldn't use auto parking much anyway.

 

[will_0407]

Ahh right thanks - happy with that as I wouldn't use auto parking much anyway.

I've got the parking assist thing on mine (didn't spec it myself, car was second hand). Was quite cool when they demoed it at the dealers, albeit a bit weird seeing the steering wheel turn by itself, but I've used it precisely zero times since I got the car in August!

 

[Jennals12345]

Congrats get some pictures up when you collect it

 

[Jennals12345]

Finally got it, thanks for your help all.