Thinking about an S3

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madmike01uk

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Anything to look for? Do they use oil like other TFSI engines? Looking at 07-08 plate around 50k miles. Need to drive one really, was looking at m3's but I think the s3 will be a more sensible cost effective car lol

cheers

mike
 
No TFSi engine should use lots of oil, if they do then there is a problem.
Don't think about getting an S3, just get one and you'll be pleased.
They can be economical 30+mpg when cruising, 22mpg when booting it.
Servicing and maintenance isn't too expensive, but if you start tuning it make sure you have a bit of change in the bank.
 
Ok....lots of threads on this also but in short....

FSH.
Regular servicing and bills.
Haldex service
Coil packs and plugs may cause misfires.

Most don't use much oil.
Occasionally they do.

Other than that very solid and reliable and can be modified to well over 500bhp if you feel that way inclined.
 
It's quite well documented that the 200bhp TFsI engine can use a lot of oil, I'm guessing the S3 has uprated internals so was just checking to see if it had the same issues. Anything spec wise I should make sure it has? Will try and get a test ride this weekend and see what I think.

How often are haldex services? I take it cambelts are 4 years or 60k?

Cheers

Mike
 
They can be thirsty on oil mine takes a litre every 1500 miles both dealer and independent say its fine.
 
Ye can be abit thirsty with the oil, my mates 1.8 tfsi was a hell of a lot thirstier than my s3.

Just change the DV, PCV, if your getting 07-08 plate if they've not already been done I'm sure most will say the same!

Check for oil round the rocker cover as well, some earlier models are known for a little leak round there (I think) could be thinking of summat else tho?! Someone will rectify if I am..
 
Last edited:
thanks mate, there doesn't seem to be many inherent problems with them which is good. What's the DSG version like?
 
Jtaylor said:
They can be thirsty on oil mine takes a litre every 1500 miles both dealer and independent say its fine.
Click to expand...

Jesus!

I changed the oil in mine in November, and again in April I covered 10,000 miles and the level was pretty much exactly the same. May have used about 1/4 of a litre at the most.
 
I must have a good engine as mine doesn't consume oil, gets changed during normal servicing.
 
madmike01uk said:
Used AUDI S3 S3 TFSI QUATTRO STUNNING BRILLIANT RED WITH A HOST OF EXTRAS AND VERY LOW MILEAGE, BRILLIANT RED WITH BLACK LEATHER, 2.0, Hatchback | 1st Choice Cars Ltd this is the car I'm interested in, mainly cos it's very local and the dealer seems a good one.

Mike
Click to expand...

That price doesn't look particularly cheap for a non Audi dealership.

As S3Alex has pointed out the obvious things I'll add the less obvious!

Check tyres are decent make and OEM spec. Someone on another thread has just purchased (or is about to) through the Audi Used Approved scheme and its fitted with budget tyres at £40 a corner that no one has heard of! If its been well looked after it should have Goodyears, Michelins or similar fitted that are 92Y speed rated and XL load.

Check bodywork - ideally with a paint thickness gauge. Ideally you want to check under very bright light or failing that an LED torch can be used. You're looking for swirls and scratches. These are easily remedied by a good detailer for around £250 - so if it looks bad then you can use this as part of your negotiation.

Carbon build up in the cylinder head is a known issue on this engine. Search threads to get an idea. Again it is easily remedied and can be cleaned but, cost is usually in excess of £100. Without taking the exhaust manifold off its hard to spot if your head needs cleaning but, on test drive try flooring it through the gears - any hesitation from the engine usually between first and second gear is a possible sign that it might need cleaning.

Good luck with your search and as other have said these are great cars and easily maintained.
 
thanks for the additional info, it seems inline with other on auto trader, I'll have a look on the audi site now and see if they have anything. The only thing I don't like about that car is the lack of reversing sensors although I'm sure they are easily added. I'd quite like the bucket seats but they seem quite rare......
 
madmike01uk said:
thanks for the additional info, it seems inline with other on auto trader, I'll have a look on the audi site now and see if they have anything. The only thing I don't like about that car is the lack of reversing sensors although I'm sure they are easily added. I'd quite like the bucket seats but they seem quite rare......
Click to expand...

If your paying that price you really want all the extras.. Keep looking round you'll find one don't just jump in even tho the £££ are burning a whole in your pocket!
 
I've had to add 2.8 litres of oil into my car over its 27476 mile life! lol.
yes I do keep a record ;)
 
Hmmmm maybe I'm over estimating my oil consumption I will top it up tomorrow and reset the trip. Will report my findings.
 
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