Looking for early S3 - advice

Spy

Spy

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Hi all,

I am looking to buy an early S3 (around the £4k mark). For my budget, it looks like I am looking at a 210BHP (1999-2001) car with over 100k miles !!

Can anyone advise me on
- what I should be looking for when inspecting cars ?
- Common issues ?
- what work should have been done at this age/mileage ?
- Desireable options ?

Thanks for your help guys !
 
General stuff tbh cheif.

Need to ensure it's had cambelt and water pump done ar 60k, will more than likely be due another one too with that type of mileage, need to listen to the engine on start up etc, make sure there's no nasty noises, i.e. cam chain tensioner, clutch could also be another item to look out for due to age and mileage. The car may or may not have switchable esp, if it has it will be on the dash next to the hazard switch. Ensure all electrics are working along with both front windows (window regulator clips can go which means the glass wont work properly). Just look out for the usual stuff, no nasty steering noises, check under oil cap for gunk etc.
 
Rust at the bottom of the doors, starts behind the trim so may not be visible yet.

Rust along the roof rails, should be obvious from inspection if there is any bubbling or visible corrosion.

Check everything electrical, make sure the airbag warning light comes on when your start and turns off. Airbag wiring can be very temperamental and is time consuming to locate the problematic connection.
 
Thanks for the prompt responses.

I know that old, 20+ year old Golfs suffer from rust but I am surprised rust is an issue on these given they are only 10 years old.

There are a few with mods such as ECU remaps or uprated suspension etc - is there anything I should worry about with these cars eg accelerated wear and tear on certain components etc ?
 
Only thing with remaps is they wear out the clutch quicker and with you looking at 10 year old cars the clutch isnt going to have that much life left, mines on it way out, my cars a 2000 plate apy model with just over 100k so gives you some idea.
 
Dani_B19 said:
Only thing with remaps is they wear out the clutch quicker and with you looking at 10 year old cars the clutch isnt going to have that much life left, mines on it way out, my cars a 2000 plate apy model with just over 100k so gives you some idea.
Click to expand...

Thanks Dani - ou of interest, what is the approximate cost of replacing the clutch ?
 
Dani_B19 said:
Only thing with remaps is they wear out the clutch quicker and with you looking at 10 year old cars the clutch isnt going to have that much life left, mines on it way out, my cars a 2000 plate apy model with just over 100k so gives you some idea.
Click to expand...

Also, you say your one is an APY model - what does that mean ?
 
Theres 3 engine codes, the first model of engine is mine, APY, these are fitted to pre-facelift s3's they are also 210bhp, the next one is the AMK, these are one of the facelift engined models, these are also 210bhp, lastly there's the BAM facelift s3's, these are 225bhp. All the s3's will remap to the same power it's just that there were minor difefrences between the engines.
 
Thanks Dani.

What is teh approx. cost of a new clutch, fitted at an indy ?
 
Clutch can vary im affraid, it all depends if your fitting new fly, what make of clutch and flywheel, who's fitting (stealers wont be cheap) etc.

Your better off pricing one up off say eurocarparts then ask a local specialist or mechanic to give you a price of fitting, i think book time is 8 hours for clutch and all the gubbons.
 
Spy said:
Hi all,

I am looking to buy an early S3 (around the £4k mark). For my budget, it looks like I am looking at a 210BHP (1999-2001) car with over 100k miles !!
Click to expand...

Hope you don't mind me asking, but I see in your sig you have a nice A3 Cab and a 911 Turbo! Are you looking for an S3 as a run about? And any reason why you are looking for an early S3 in particular, just a budget you have set yourself?
 
jojo said:
Hope you don't mind me asking, but I see in your sig you have a nice A3 Cab and a 911 Turbo! Are you looking for an S3 as a run about? And any reason why you are looking for an early S3 in particular, just a budget you have set yourself?
Click to expand...

Well the A3 Cab is my wifes but the Turbo is mine. It is my fun weekend car and I recently sold my daily driver (BMW 530D) and now looking for a new daily driver. Fancied something a bit more fun than the 530D and also wanted to bank some cash, hence setting myself a budget on the S3
 
Spy said:
Well the A3 Cab is my wifes but the Turbo is mine. It is my fun weekend car and I recently sold my daily driver (BMW 530D) and now looking for a new daily driver. Fancied something a bit more fun than the 530D and also wanted to bank some cash, hence setting myself a budget on the S3
Click to expand...

Fair do's mate, bank some money, yes, don't know about having more fun than a 530d though. lol

911 Turbo though, that's what I call a toy! :respekt:
 
jojo said:
Fair do's mate, bank some money, yes, don't know about having more fun than a 530d though. lol

911 Turbo though, that's what I call a toy! :respekt:
Click to expand...

The 530 D had about 238BHP so I guess more than a standard early S3 but it is a heavier, lardier car, great on motorways though with lots of mid range torque.

The Turbo is a different kettle of fish, great fun but mental fast - every time I take it out I am worried I will come back without a licence !!
Its a real rocket ship pushing out 420BHP and with 4wd it sticks to the road like glue.

The S3 should be a little more tame
 
You'd probably be better spending 5/6k on a decent A3 TDI for a daily rather than 4k + fixing ******** stuff on a 100k S3 if you've got a 911 as a weekend toy anyway?

Not sure what the mileage on this, but just an example.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1941614.htm
 
Last edited:
you can get plenty of 2000/01 FL S3's for £4500.... ebay is awash with em
 
mk1chopper said:
see faq sticky section, theres an S3 guide there now
Click to expand...

Great stuff - thanks !

I did look at the Sticky before I posted but missed the first line (Doh !) and just saw the links to mods etc
 
Is there a list anywhere on this forum or on the net, of good/recommended independent/specialist Audi mechanics ?
 
I use APS and I think their great! I'm sure they are also specialists for porsche
 
I would also vagcom any s3 you look at and see what fault codes you get before you buy, could be a good haggling point.
 
Madeley said:
I would also vagcom any s3 you look at and see what fault codes you get before you buy, could be a good haggling point.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestions.

How do I vagcom it - wouldn't I need a PC and connection lead - which I don't have ?
 
Also, any recommended avenues for inspections, for example, can the AA/RAC be expected to do a good job ?
 
Any info on VAGCOM or inspections - as per my previous two posts guys ?
 
ebay mate, download VAG com lite off Rosstech and purchase a £10 OBDII lead off the bay to fault check.....
 
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