Think I've had enough now...

Welly · Mar 1, 2011

Me and the S3 aren't vibing... So I think it might be time to move on.

The fuel cost is astronomical, however I could cope with that if the thing was remotely reliable. It's let me down just that once too often now, and the weekend just gone was the final straw.

Spent the last 2 nights out fixing it, and getting an ear bashing from the woman about not seeing her at all pretty much clinches it.

.

Now got to have a think about what I want for it.

AttackOfTheEddieMunster · Mar 1, 2011

Welly said:
It's let me down just that once too often now, and the weekend just gone was the final straw.

In the 6 months I've had an S3, I have been staggered by the number of "little" issues these cars have, from a marque you'd always consider to be relatively reliable. I simply don't subscribe to the ideal that they're a performance car, and therefore you should expect it, as many of these little issues are down to poor initial design, implementation, manufacture etc.

Having read this forum for 6 months too, I've been very lucky as mine hasn't had anything major go at all, but again, and as a result of reading this forum, I know that it's only a matter of time before that changes.

Good luck selling yours though.

Lings · Mar 1, 2011

Thats a shame ,But my last 8l did that to me,It went like this , gearbox then clutch, then gearbox again then the clutch bar thing ,Then the head gasket, then the slave cylinder then i px 'd it as the third gearbox was on way out .Terrible waste of cash .It was only the 1.6 se but was a clean looking car .Just dreadfully unreliable .Good luck mate

Lings · Mar 1, 2011

oh yes the ****** central locking pump went aswell :-(

Welly · Mar 1, 2011

Something like this as a replacement grabs me I must admit...

Volkswagen : VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GT TDI R32 Replica 150+ bhp

AJC · Mar 1, 2011

You can't be serious mate, after all the time and effort you've spent!!?? You should keep it and enjoy it now not get rid of it!

Welly · Mar 1, 2011

andy_101 said:
You can't be serious mate, after all the time and effort you've spent!!?? You should keep it and enjoy it now not get rid of it!

I know what you're saying an I agree, to a degree. However how much enjoyment can you have when you are always wondering how long it is until then next thing breaks? lol

finesse · Mar 1, 2011

paah, I dare you to find a replacement that ticks all the S3 boxes

Westy · Mar 1, 2011

Welly, lets not get too hasty! The current issue you have is just pure bad luck. You changed the diff and the bolts have come loose. You will miss the car big time if you sell up and you know it.

From my experience with my S3 over the last 2 and a bit years it has been a very reliable car. Always starts and the only problems I've had have been replacing old parts that you will get with any 10 year old car. The more I do to the S3 the more stable and reliable its becoming.

I know fuel, tax, insurance, servicing aren't the cheapest but you've come so far it would be silly to sell it now. Once you have this current problem solved and you've given the woman a bit of love you'll feel better again

aragorn · Mar 1, 2011

How do you know any replacement isnt going to be just as bad?

Take that golf for instance "Offside CV joint could do with changing". That shouts big alarm bells at me. I know that if my front CV joint gave even the slightest indication of being knackered, it'd be changed pronto. If he cant be bothered fixing something as important as a CV (and makes the suggestion that its minor!), what else has been ignored/bodged...

IMO, The only reason that prop has come off is because its not been refitted correctly... Cant really blame the car, when the fault was caused by bad workmanship!

Westy · Mar 1, 2011

aragorn said:
IMO, The only reason that prop has come off is because its not been refitted correctly... Cant really blame the car, when the fault was caused by bad workmanship!

lol, kick him while he's down mate.

AJC · Mar 1, 2011

Welly said:
I know what you're saying an I agree, to a degree. However how much enjoyment can you have when you are always wondering how long it is until then next thing breaks? lol

Mate you've always got to think about what'll need fixing next, true of any car. Buy a brand new one and those costs are later down the line but you've got the depreciation instead!! When you're fixing the thing yourself then it does become a balance of the work/life conundrum but you've got a very quick, unique S3 now.......enjoy it!!!

steve bain · Mar 1, 2011

cars have these periods and they get over them. bear in mind that a lot of time and problems most people would never have noticed. for instance i bought mine and engine was good and strong with no problems, yet was only boosting to 3psi. previous owner never realised. you'll just be buying another set of problems. at least most of yours are fixed now. or buy a cheap run around for a few months. i had a mondeo for 4mths and hated it, hence buying the audi.

aragorn · Mar 1, 2011

Westle said:
lol, kick him while he's down mate.

Wasnt meant as a dig, but its not the cars fault that someone hasnt bolted the part on correctly is it!?

<tuffty/> · Mar 1, 2011

AttackOfTheEddieMunster said:
In the 6 months I've had an S3, I have been staggered by the number of "little" issues these cars have, from a marque you'd always consider to be relatively reliable. I simply don't subscribe to the ideal that they're a performance car, and therefore you should expect it, as many of these little issues are down to poor initial design, implementation, manufacture etc.

Having read this forum for 6 months too, I've been very lucky as mine hasn't had anything major go at all, but again, and as a result of reading this forum, I know that it's only a matter of time before that changes.

Good luck selling yours though.

Most of these issues are inherent on any similar car in the VAG range from Skodas to Audi's... they share soooo many parts... there are obviously more specific issues such as the one Welly has with his prob shaft as quattro isn't fitted to every (in this case) Mk4 chassis'd car across the group but all the split pipes, dodgy suspension bushes etc, etc are pretty much the same across the board and our beloved 8L's are getting to that age that a little 'nip and tuck' is needed to get them back up to spec...

Welly... just get a runabout mate like I have... it will make you appreciate the S3 much more when you come to drive her and if she does have a little tantrum (we have all been there mate) then you can just deal with it later...

Give yourself a little time before making any final decisions though bud... looks like I am going to have to take the head off mine again soon too... such is the life we lead but other than getting a much newer car I am pretty sure you would have to end up doing something to whatever car you end up with... at least a 1.8t is relatively cheap to keep running...

I have been driving like Miss Daisy recently and actually showing over 30mpg on the DIS (although not convinced on its accuracy) so it can be done... you want economy mate then get a TDi Golf or something as a daily and then ramp the nuts off the S3 at the weekends ;P

<tuffty/>

badger5 · Mar 1, 2011

lol @ aragorn You have a way with words... lmao

Welly:
To sell your car now would be a mistake imho given the work you have done to it..
You also have to remember not all of the cars issues were caused by the car per say...

No car will be 100% reliable when spanked a lot, which has to be a factor in "some" of the issues experienced.
Bad luck, also, seems to follow you about but is'nt disassociated with the previous point.

As tuffty, daily hack and S3 for fun is a pretty good idea, so derv daily for work etc and bumble for fun days.

Even I bought a derv as you know.. although MrsB seems to have stolen it full time until lupo's running again. I bought the 1.4tdi arosa for £2600 and it does 65mpg whatever I drive it like, costs shag all in car tax or insurance.. and is a fun little car with its 160lbft torque, 100bhp.. Bought it to "rest" my S6 which as you know is a guzzler from its 4.2V8.

my 2p

Good luck with whatever you decide tho.. Just dont be hasty and jump into another... out of the frying pan, into the fire..

regards
bill

dellboy · Mar 1, 2011

AttackOfTheEddieMunster said:
In the 6 months I've had an S3, I have been staggered by the number of "little" issues these cars have, from a marque you'd always consider to be relatively reliable. I simply don't subscribe to the ideal that they're a performance car, and therefore you should expect it, as many of these little issues are down to poor initial design, implementation, manufacture etc.

Having read this forum for 6 months too, I've been very lucky as mine hasn't had anything major go at all, but again, and as a result of reading this forum, I know that it's only a matter of time before that changes.

Good luck selling yours though.

Couldn't agree more, and I've only owned mine for 3 months!!

I'll probably get slated for saying this but beginning to wish I bought something else. Don't get me wrong I love the car but hate the waiting for the next thing to go wrong feeling.

Should have stuck with old school fords, more reliable!!!

superkarl · Mar 1, 2011

As tufty has said, cheap run around, I drive a little clio, makes the s3 more worth while! Plus you puttin less miles on it and less chance of things breaking.

you could save more money, or at least be spending the same, if you had two cars, one very cheap daily, and the s3 insured on a very low annual mileage policy. The best of both worlds awaits!

Westy · Mar 1, 2011

I love fixing things. When I sold my Lotus Elise and got a Vauxhall Corsa to save money it was the most boring year of my life! Didn't have to lift the bonnet once and just didn't care about the car as much. Now I've got the S and I've done a lot of the work myself the car feels more personal to me.

s3dave · Mar 1, 2011

The more you try and extract out of a car the less reliable it will be, no exceptions....
If it was in standard form you probably would have less aggro with her and Her.....

Welly · Mar 1, 2011

OK, points taken on board.

I'll have a think, I think.

Might blitz down the car auctions down the road and see what's firing through there, and for what money...

Welly · Mar 1, 2011

Westle said:
I love fixing things. When I sold my Lotus Elise and got a Vauxhall Corsa to save money it was the most boring year of my life! Didn't have to lift the bonnet once and just didn't care about the car as much. Now I've got the S and I've done a lot of the work myself the car feels more personal to me.

I know what you mean, and I feel very much the same. However, it gets to a point where you think, why do I bother?

I guess it's like marathon runners hitting 'the wall'.

Westy · Mar 1, 2011

Welly said:
I know what you mean, and I feel very much the same. However, it gets to a point where you think, why do I bother?

I guess it's like marathon runners hitting 'the wall'.

Mate you may have noticed that I went AWOL from these boards for a long time last year as I lost all enthuiasm for my car and couldn't even be bothered to wash it most of the time. This was mainly due to a big change in my life but there will always be times when you will loose the faith. I've been doing one night a week in my garage upgrading different bits and i'm loving it again. Every time I get in the S3 I enjoy it.

Piester · Mar 1, 2011

Don't you think you'll miss the power now you've finally got it to where you wanted it? And how long before you start tinkering with the new car? It'll only be a matter of time and you could just as easily end up with a whole new bunch of problems. Better the devil you know...

I feel for you dude, but don't give up now.

superkarl · Mar 1, 2011

Smash through that wall welly lad! Grrrrr

Welly · Mar 1, 2011

Westle said:
Every time I get in the S3 I enjoy it.

As do I. When it works.

Which is, as of the last few months, rarely.

OK I grant you, with this problem I have been the architect of my own destruction. BUT, there have been so many things lately. And there are more that still need to be fixed as well - the list is everlasting. lol

Welly · Mar 1, 2011

superkarl said:
Smash through that wall welly lad! Grrrrr

OK, who's having visions of Run Fatboy, Run!

aragorn · Mar 1, 2011

Lists are always everlasting! Even on some shitbox, you'll get it and a list will begin to form of things that you want to change...

Wouldnt you rather put the time into fixing the S3 (yet again), than buy some shitter, have it break, and then find your reward for spending an entire day wedged underneath it is 130hp of dervclatter?!

superkarl · Mar 1, 2011

Welly said:
OK, who's having visions of Run Fatboy, Run!

Ha I was thinking more about Jeremy Clarkson driving through that brick wall in a lorry. Much more brutal

DaveA3 · Mar 1, 2011

hang in there mate. Your car is pretty special now and it would be a shame to see it go to some chav who'll probably end up hitting a lampost doing 80 in a 30.

As above can get a cheap run around for in the week and it allows you to fix bits and pieces when you have time rather than having to put life to one side just so you can get around, like now.

missus will be happy and it doesnt stress you out knowing you have to fix it immediately all the time. fingers crossed its past its worse and will go on a good run

S3 Paul · Mar 1, 2011

Most of the problems you have had welly... ive had the same with mine,
But i understand alot of it is down to my aggresive driving style,
If you could fit a boost controler like on my mates astra gsi i would run the lowest boost setting i could in the week, Then turn it up for the fun days,
Problems are these cars are 10+ years old... things dont last for ever, People say the S3 was too lame as standard... But that was probably just Audis way of guaranteeing a long life of the car.

"Live fast die young " springs to mind

mk1chopper · Mar 1, 2011

chin up lad, you've done a lot for people on here would be a shame to see you give up on the S3 now

<tuffty/> · Mar 1, 2011

You just want something nice and simple... like my little golf

Westy · Mar 1, 2011

S3 Paul said:
Most of the problems you have had welly... ive had the same with mine,
But i understand alot of it is down to my aggresive driving style,
If you could fit a boost controler like on my mates astra gsi i would run the lowest boost setting i could in the week, Then turn it up for the fun days,
Problems are these cars are 10+ years old... things dont last for ever, People say the S3 was too lame as standard... But that was probably just Audis way of guaranteeing a long life of the car.

"Live fast die young " springs to mind

Yep I used to run an adjustable boost valve in my old Renault 5 turbo. It was a little alloy wheel that was mounted on the dash to open and close the valve. I'd have it wound in for normal use (8psi) then I'd wind it out for fun time (19psi). They were known as "the wheel of fortune" on RTOC (Renault Turbo Owners Club) due to the risk from pumping up the boost lol. Those were the days.

Anyway Welly, you should do what I do. Get a bird who you only see at the weekends and do all your car work during the week after work, win win situation

Welly · Mar 1, 2011

Westle said:
They were known as "the wheel of fortune" on RTOC (Renault Turbo Owners Club) due to the risk from pumping up the boost lol. Those were the days.

Brilliant, that sums up the 5 Turbo perfectly doesn't it!! :lmfao:

. And yet I still have a special place in my heart for them.

Westle said:
Anyway Welly, you should do what I do. Get a bird who you only see at the weekends and do all your car work during the week after work, win win situation

Hmmmm, the problem with that for me is, well, not enough sex frankly....

alijames · Mar 1, 2011

Welly, I've fallen out with mine the last 3 months, with over £2.5k spent on repairs.

Cam Chain tensioner
Cam belt + tensioner etc ( after only 20k since last time, due to dodgy tensioner)
Clutch, Master & slave cylinder etc £14k after all M+S+C changed last time
Seized rear brake caliper
2x rear shocks (<20k old).

But I only have to get her warmed up, point her at a B road, and within 5 minutes, she's back in the good books again.

Mind you, I did have 2.5 years & 25k of relatively trouble free motoring before the current troubles started. I was seriously thing last Autumn about chopping her in for an A4 30.tdi Quattro Saloon. Ironically, would have cost me about the same as the above repairs, but I could have ended up with a load of different problems. At least I hopefully have done all the expensive stuff for a while now. Just watch, the turbo will go pop next week now I've said that...

Chin up buddy,

Westy · Mar 1, 2011

If anyone asked me for advice before buying an S3 I'd tell them that it wont be cheap. If you want cheap hassle free motoring dont buy any 10 year old car, end of.

Oh and Welly just make up for the lack of sex at the weekend

s3_kev · Mar 1, 2011

tufftybloke said:
You just want something nice and simple... like my little golf

<tuffty/>

you should see my 2nd car

id be getting a cheap run around also if i were you, i have invested loads of money into my s3 and so now use a civic as my daily. but also having spent loads on the s3 i now no that everytime i get into it its going to be fine.
as i have said before but been knocked for my comments the more you do to a car unnecicerilly the more faults you will inherit so having a 2nd car is an ideal option for you. also your save some money on running costs in the long term my s3 used to cost me about £100 a month in fuel only my civic is costing little over £50 on fuel a month.

for the sale value of the s3 there int anything which can tick as many boxes for me

JS1500 · Mar 1, 2011

NooooOOOoOOooooOOooOOOooo!

No.

Welly · Mar 1, 2011

JS1500 said:
NooooOOOoOOooooOOooOOOooo!

No.

Think I've had enough now...

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