Anybody driven a3 3.2 V6?

S

slowcoach3

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Just considering my options here, living in Devon I can't find a decent/value for money S3 so I've been looking at an A3 3.2 V6 Quattro, has anyone driven one? Are they any good in comparison? I know fuel consumption may go up but it will if I get an S3 but will I miss the turbo?
I've only had rubbish cars before my A3 so I'm pretty inexperienced and certainly not a V6!!!
Any opinions appreciated
 
Also. I don't want to start another "what car shall I buy next" thread but are LCR's comparable to S3's as there is a few of them about as well....?
 
I've driven a Mk1 TT with the 3.2 V6 and DSG and I loved it, deep V6 growl is gorgeous and you will love it. It was fast, not like a punchy turbo though. But you pick up speed quick! And the DSG is just lovely to use. Twin clutch so no slowdown when changing gear is incredible. Go take one for a test drive.
 
Mates mk5 R32 has an intoxicating growl, sounds incredible, sure the A3 with a res / non res exhaust would sound amazing.
 
Ask yourself this, what do you really want?
Do you want a V6 that you can't really mod & well, is just a V6 or do you want a S3 that you can mod away with & is a S3!!
IMO a turbo'd S3 all day everyday lol!
I've gone away from turbo's & within months I've come back.

That just me tho

Pat
 
Personally, I'd go with the LCR if I had to chose! it's the best of the bunch from this chassis group, by a mile.
the A3 you speak of is obviusly the new shape, a much more modern car, and very nice indeed, but I think I'd miss the turbo, and it wouldn't be economical at all. I also can't see it handling too amazingly with a great big anchor up front.

S3's can be had for sensible money, but as there arn't too many around generally, you've got to be prepared to travel to get a decent one.

GO drive an LCR, then find one with a decent spec (recaros, cruise, xenons) and you'll be sold.
 
I can't remember if it was an a4 or a6 I drove at work with this engine it it was quick, handling wise I found u could throw it into a corner and it would come out the other side more than happy
 
DSG 3.2 A3 is a nice car when you get used to the box & its quirky ways, down side is faulty mechatronics unit in the box & stretched timing chains on the engine are becoming far to common these days, both quite expensive jobs that as an owner you can do nothing to prevent & will defo need a good specialist or Audi dealer to fix. Both faults did get revised parts fitted later in there production to prevent them but not sure when the changes were made so a late a cars as you can afford would be a good bet.

Ewan.
 
lnewland said:
I can't remember if it was an a4 or a6 I drove at work with this engine it it was quick, handling wise I found u could throw it into a corner and it would come out the other side more than happy
Click to expand...

That would be a wide angle 3.2 V6 in an A4 or A6 with a differant chassis also, A3 uses VR6 narrow angle engine and a differant chassis so handling has othing in common.

Ewan.
 
I borrowed a mk5 r32 for a while, other than the noise i wasnt impressed. The amount of fuel it uses is a joke. I like lcrs but they feel cheaply made when compared to an s3, and they dont have awd. Out of the 3 i would stick to the s3 all day long.
 
I wouldn't go for the v6, nice noise but that's about it! LCR or s3 are both a good choice. Where in Devon are you bud?
 
I'm based around Exeter, not quite the car enthusiasts capital of the UK but it turns out theres more folk around here than I thought!
The original question about the V6 was borne out of frustration at not being able to find what I want on the market, awd is a must but you get half the miles and age on an LCR as a s3 and the same turbo of course... Its going to be an S3, in Imola yellow, no more than 70k, fash, perfect condition for £2k lol!!!
 
slowcoach3 said:
awd is a must
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If you can drive properly, you don't need AWD at all.

For the super rare occasions when 4wd is required in winter, it's just not worth the extra running costs all year round in increased fuel consumption and parts wear.

I wouldn't ever class the 4wd as a reason to buy an S3 over anything else, the build quality and spec perhaps, but not the fact that it's AWD.

I know what you're saying about the Leons interior too, it ISN'T as well made, but I think I'd still have an LCR over an S3
 
LCR ftmfw.

Go buy one Russ, if you want somebody to go with and get you a good deal give me a shout.
 
Prawn said:
Personally, I'd go with the LCR if I had to chose! it's the best of the bunch from this chassis group, by a mile.
the A3 you speak of is obviusly the new shape, a much more modern car, and very nice indeed, but I think I'd miss the turbo, and it wouldn't be economical at all. I also can't see it handling too amazingly with a great big anchor up front.

S3's can be had for sensible money, but as there arn't too many around generally, you've got to be prepared to travel to get a decent one.

GO drive an LCR, then find one with a decent spec (recaros, cruise, xenons) and you'll be sold.
Click to expand...

A question for you prawn, how easy is it to get the A3 upto the same spec in handling as the cupra r? I currently need two new front wishbones and wondered if the lcr ones will fit?
 
True awd isn't the only reason to get an s3, but it is handy, and is noticeable in more than just a ice day. Even in the wet you can notice its input.

If your looking for a car to track, the a3 or lcr are better vehicles, but the s3 is just a bit more special than both
 
Oh yea you notice it's there in the wet, but it's not NEEDED if you know what I mean? on the public roads, you can get a FWD car from A-B just as fast in the rain as you can an S3.

I think the LCR is just as special as the S3 though, it looks more aggressive, had AWESOME brakes, better looking wheels, nice red detailing inside, it's also got the quickrack, wishbones, and hubs like the S3. Plus it's lighter!
 
Only problem is the only people I see driving them down here are chavs..... You do get more for you money with a LCR though.
I live at the top of a hill, down twisty turny nightmareish roads which are great fun at night on a dry day but impassable when its icy/snowy, thats the main reason I'm not going down the hybrid route, if I had a cheap daily it'd be different but getting married so can't justify two cars....
S3 interior and build quality are a cracking selling point.... If like me you have a modest budget finding the next car after having a relatively luxury very quick fun car isn't that easy, or maybe I'm just super fussy and like Audis...
Jarod, wtf does ftmfw mean?
Cheers for the offer, if I find one plymouth direction I'll let you loose on the poor, unsuspecting owner.....
 
slowcoach3 said:
Only problem is the only people I see driving them down here are chavs.....

Jarod, wtf does ftmfw mean?

Cheers for the offer, if I find one plymouth direction I'll let you loose on the poor, unsuspecting owner.....
Click to expand...

You'll fit right in then ;)

For The Mother ****ing Win

Will do, I'll have them paying you to take it away when I'm done with them. I bought a BMW Z4 through work the other day, 53K, full leather, satnav, BBS wheels with 4 new tires, two owners. The thing is MIIINT, literally I've not seen a better one. I had it off him for £3100 :rock:

Prawn, please vouch for my car buying abilities!
 
Are you just upset with me for fitting facelift lights to a pre-facelift car?
If your anygood at blagging car dealers come up to Exeter and see if you can blag a dealer down a bit, I've found an s3 I want but is just over budget.... In return you can borrow my bosch maf for a bit so you can drive your car properly and eenjoy the performance without your fueling being out:arco:
Good buy with the z4 though....And you call me a chav you hairdresser
 
sportstractor said:
Jardo, if your such a wheeler dealer, why did you pay more than scrap value for your wagon?
Click to expand...

Oh jog on you beautiful person, it's still quicker than your Slow3.

"I forgot, this isn't mapped is it" :haha:

Sorry I couldn't make it today buddy, feels like it might never happen at this rate. If I can't get down this Thursday can I pick them up at Pies new years party?
 
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audi upgrades
16Klappe said:
Prawn, please vouch for my car buying abilities!
Click to expand...

I'll give you that, your buying/selling skills are well and truly above and beyond the average brit, more like some middle eastern market seller! Although I'm sure sometimes people give in to shut you up! a technique that clearly works wonders!

slowcoach3 said:
Only problem is the only people I see driving them down here are chavs..... You do get more for you money with a LCR though.
I live at the top of a hill, down twisty turny nightmareish roads which are great fun at night on a dry day but impassable when its icy/snowy,
S3 interior and build quality are a cracking selling point.... If like me you have a modest budget finding the next car after having a relatively luxury very quick fun car isn't that easy, or maybe I'm just super fussy and like Audis...
Click to expand...

I'll give you all of those, LCR's DO tend to attract a different kind of owner, which is a shame. for sheer class, the S3 won't be beaten, and given your location, it makes perfect sense.

We should try and have a little southwest meet up over the xmas break!
 
Xmas break? Being a chef when everybody else has a xmas break I'm cooking for all your office/work parties!!! If I sound bitter its because I am.
All joking aside that sounds a good idea, if I can get Jarod to use his middle eastern haggling skills I might even have a new car to bring to the mix...It'll be different to everyone else's, a silver s3 lol!
Or I'll get a Burberry cap worn backwards and have an LCR. Only joking
 
Drop me a PM with the details on this S3, tell me what you want to spend and I'll give the bloke a ring and bid him in the ******** for it. :salute:
 
Your a legend in the making, but only made when the deal is done!!!:thumbsup:
I'll drop you a pm as soon as my beautiful, very fast, economical and well priced car is sold.........
 
Ask Paddy what he reckons, he had one, now has an S3 I believe...he'll give you a good (or not) review of his experience with a 3.2 8P.
 
yeh best copying this thread over to the 8p section.

i doubt they are bad cars, or quite fun. i bet the sound is addictive.
you just have to remember its not much of a 'hot hatch' unlike the s3 (which isnt as hardcore as other 'hothatches') and certainly not as 'hot' as an LCR. just bear that in mind. their purposes and intentions are all completely different. all three cars tick totally different boxes. its like comparing an impreza to an rs4 (random example)
 
audi upgrades
16Klappe said:
Oh jog on you beautiful person, it's still quicker than your Slow3.

"I forgot, this isn't mapped is it" :haha:

Sorry I couldn't make it today buddy, feels like it might never happen at this rate. If I can't get down this Thursday can I pick them up at Pies new years party?
Click to expand...

LOL

ummm well i want them out the way, but hurry up and get them before i change my mind, get them refurbed and keep them!
 
slowcoach3 said:
Your a legend in the making, but only made when the deal is done!!!:thumbsup:
I'll drop you a pm as soon as my beautiful, very fast, economical and well priced car is sold.........
Click to expand...


you could buy my s3, im only about 50 miles from you. Il even clean it
 
Prawn said:
Oh yea you notice it's there in the wet, but it's not NEEDED if you know what I mean? on the public roads, you can get a FWD car from A-B just as fast in the rain as you can an S3.

I think the LCR is just as special as the S3 though, it looks more aggressive, had AWESOME brakes, better looking wheels, nice red detailing inside, it's also got the quickrack, wishbones, and hubs like the S3. Plus it's lighter!
Click to expand...

i'm currently driving an a3 tdi 130 whilst my rs4 has its thermostat changed, under hard throttle input in both first and second gear it wheel spins - what's the point in having power if you can not use it ?

once momentum is up it doesn't really matter, but lets face it, awd is far better than fwd when pulling away up to 30mph, which is where most driving is done, you have to drive different in a fwd car and more importantly be far more gentle with the throttle at lower speeds

i don't know what an a3 1.8t is like at pulling away as the diesel i have has a lot more torque low down
 
you CAN use more power though, easily. the throttle isn't digital you know? as much as Jardo likes to think his is!

When the track car was on song, with 230bhp, i had NO trouble using all the power at all.

Yes you have to drive it differently, I'll admit that. FWD requires an ounce of skill rather than the care free point and shoot that anyone can do in a 4wd car.

I guess it's different for everyone though, you say most driving is done between 0-40, whereas for me, almost NONE of my driving is at those speeds. it's all A-roads at 50-70mph.

One could suggest, that if the majority of you're driving is 0-30mph, that perhaps you should be doing full bore starts that require 4wd in a built up area ;)
 
Does the diesel have rubbish front tyres? Only ask as my 1.8t can put the power down unless its really wet and greasy and whilst that has less torque than the diesel it has a lot more horses than Audi intended.....
 
there's not really any skill in driving a fwd car, you just have to be more gradual with the throttle, no exactly hard !!

i hear what you are saying, but i think an awd is a better option in this country

the car i have has avons on it, which were fine on my s3 (exact same tyre), you have to remember a 1.8t with 180bhp a3 has no where near the same amount of torque as a 130bhp diesel, the diesel torque s low down and it's grunty, the petrol will be smooth, so there's no real chance of it wheel spinning as easily as a diesel
 
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