Should my next car be an S3?

stiscooby

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I guess I may get slightly biased views but thought I would ask anyway :)

Currently have an Audi A3 2.0L TFSI S Line and looking for a change (had it over six years now/it's about 10 years old).

Cars I have been considering are:

BMW M135i
Audi S3
Mercedes A250 engineered by AMG
Mercedes A45 AMG

I'm currently struggling to even find any within reasonable distance to test drive/physically look at so wondering if any of you lot have gone to an S3 from any of the above our even from an S3 to any of the above?

Whatever I end up getting, I'm aiming for it to be no older than 2013, petrol, auto and 4/5 doors.

They all have something that puts me off though:

M135i - mate has one, been out in his and first impressions were things felt a little close/cramped in the front. It's not really much of a looker either.

S3 - mainly the price, prob have to spend 24-25k which is top end of budget. Doesn't look too different to what I have now.

A250 - not sure I will like the I interior, especially the silly looking screen they have stuck on the dash. No quicker really than my current A3. And the gear 'stick' is a leaver behind the wheel, US style!

A45 AMG - lol, this one probably bit of me dreaming but while searching for the A250's I have seen a few for sale around the 26k mark. Would have to blow the budget but worth considering?

M135 & A250 probably the cheapest.

Any advice welcome
smile.gif
 
Are you keen to buy and keep for a long time?

I am not keen to have a car out of warranty these days. The thought of a big bill on a car like a Mercedes or S3 would worry me. My mate bought a 5 year old Merc and he has had a couple of hefty bills in the last 9 months.

24k is a heck of a lot of money for a 4 or 5 year old car. Would you consider getting a new one on a PCP?
 
Agree with Ken. Try to buy new ,get a good discount and take out the five uear warranty. In the long run might not cost you more.
I looked at all of those and got the S3. The Merc is horrible inside. The Bmw has good reviews and serious contender. But i also felt it was cramped. The S3 ticked all the boxes. The downside was having to deal with audi main dealers ! Arrogant bunch. Though once i complained to Audi Uk , they seem to up their game... Surprise, surprise.
 
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I would keep your money in the bank and as what's said above buy new on pcp..Put your used car down as a deposit and a little more cash on top and you will have a great car for little a month....I jumped from a 10 plate Sline A3 2.0 quattro to my S3 and haven't regretted at all...:friends:
 
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leasing is a lot cheaper than pcp my 2016 S3 dsg sportsback is £260 fully Maintained
 
If you're looking at mercedes A class, why not look at the VW golf? Golf GTI and R are both in the same category and will be cheaper than the S3. Used golf R's are creeping towards £20k now and used golf GTIs are close to £16k. Leon Cupra like Big Matt said is also a good contender, you can get used ones for less than £20k.
 
I tend to keep my cars for 2-3 years, if not longer. My A3 I have had for 6 years which is the longest I have had a car for. Civic Type R I had for bit over 4 years and other cars, mainly Subaru's at the time, I had for 2-3.

The out of warranty thing also plays on my mind a little, that was one reason why I was looking for something 2013 onwards so it still has some warranty on it, with the option of extending depending what I get and from where.

I have looked at PCP when considering the M135i as people have been getting good discounts on those (well would be M140i now if new) but I just can't see how PCP makes financial sense? As an example, when I had a quick look previously, a M135i PCP would cost about 11-12K (ish) + another 1k or so deposit maybe, over 3 years. However, when then looking at the prices of a 3 year old car for sale, to compare buying it for cash, there was maybe a difference of about 6k-7k or so, compared to the new price.

So going by my (possibly bad) maths, you lose a lot more money going the PCP route............ unless I'm missing something?

Have looked briefly at the Golf R but the interior looks a bit 1990's :tonguewink:
 
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If you're looking at the A250, then there's also the 2 litre TFSI A3 which is similar. You should have a look inside a Golf R, I'd say it has a better interior than the A class Mercedes with its iPad glued on the dash. I've got a 2008 A3 with Nav Plus and I do kind of prefer it to the Golf's interior so I can see where you're coming from.
 
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Having come from a M135i to an S3 I would say the choice comes down to your preferences - both great cars. If you are a chas buyer you will get more M135i for your money. If going down the PCP route there will be less difference although the S3 will have better residual values.

The M135/140i has a better sounding more characterful engine, this is the main 'plus' over the Audi. The rear wheel drive isn't a disadvantage over the Quattro except in very slippery conditions. The BMW feels quicker, but this is because the S3 is so composed and significantly quieter.

Looks of the BMW are a bit Marmite, the interior isn't quite as good but is still very nice. The BMW 8 speed auto is excellent (but used ones have been known to fail and need replacement on early models). The tech on the facelift S3 is marginally better (although M140i tech is also improved).

In normal use the S3 is 5 MPG better than the M135i, I know the M140i is a little better though and when driven hard both are about the same.

Given the choice, new I would take the S3, but it's a close run thing and would be very happy with a BMW, indeed, if buying a 12 month old car 'cash' a well specced M135i would probably edge it on value.
 
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You are right Pcp is an expensive way to finance. Though there is often a financial imcentive, like a deposit contribution. The best financially is to take the contribution and then see if you can get a cheaper loan elsewhere. I could get cheap finance.
There are advantages to pcp. One is the pressure you can put on the dealer to fix any issues. The other is you have a guarantee of future value.

The 235 and 240 look interesting , but seem expensive. The Coupe looks nice.
 
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Having come from a M135i to an S3 I would say the choice comes down to your preferences - both great cars. If you are a chas buyer you will get more M135i for your money. If going down the PCP route there will be less difference although the S3 will have better residual values.

The M135/140i has a better sounding more characterful engine, this is the main 'plus' over the Audi. The rear wheel drive isn't a disadvantage over the Quattro except in very slippery conditions. The BMW feels quicker, but this is because the S3 is so composed and significantly quieter.

Looks of the BMW are a bit Marmite, the interior isn't quite as good but is still very nice. The BMW 8 speed auto is excellent (but used ones have been known to fail and need replacement on early models). The tech on the facelift S3 is marginally better (although M140i tech is also improved).

In normal use the S3 is 5 MPG better than the M135i, I know the M140i is a little better though and when driven hard both are about the same.

Given the choice, new I would take the S3, but it's a close run thing and would be very happy with a BMW, indeed, if buying a 12 month old car 'cash' a well specced M135i would probably edge it on value.
You're forgetting one thing.

Most UK drivers are more likely to kill themselves in a M135/M140i than in an S3.
 
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You're forgetting one thing.

Most UK drivers are more likely to kill themselves in a M135/M140i than in an S3.
I don't know about killing themselves, but the 1 series in general is probably the model of car I see most often buried **** first into the Armco of Londons North Circular. They seem, in these parts of east london at least, to be driven exclusively by brain dead ham fisted morons who bought the badge and who haven't the talent to drive a soapy stick up a dogs backside, never mind drive a short wheelbase rear drive hatch of dubious design with any measure of skill or sensitivity. If you ask me, most of them look to have significantly better styling after the collisions than beforehand.
 
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I placed an order for a 2017 S3 for reasons I have stated before, but briefly it was size (saloon), quatro, power, S-Tronic, and minimalist classy interior design. I viewed/drove Mercedes C, Jag XF, VW R and a very cursory glance at a BMW 3...price was not an overriding deciding factor in my evaluation of the different models.
I do hasten to add that GSB's comments are spot on, for the most part, as to BMW wannabee drivers
 
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So going by my (possibly bad) maths, you lose a lot more money going the PCP route............ unless I'm missing something?

They all have their advantages and disadvantages;

Cash: Likely to be a used car so you will have an older model and running costs / maintenance will factor but depreciation will be lowest and you don't have any interest payments. Long term this is the cheapest option unless you can make your capital grow in other ways and want to avoid lumping it into a depreciating asset.

PCP: Advantage of being within warranty and driving a new car but the initial depreciation and 6%+ interest rates make this the most expensive long term option unless you can get some serious discounts up front. An example here being a brand new Golf R on PCP from VW was coming in at £26,700 + interest when the cheapest 2 year old used R's were advertising at £23,500 when I was looking about 6 months ago.

Lease: If your mileage is reasonable (<10k per year) and you don't go OTT on the options list then this is one of the most affordable ways to get into a new car particularly if you hold out for a good deal such as the ones they have been running on the S3 and Golf R recently. Brand new car, under warranty, road tax covered. Just run it for 2 years then hand back and get another. Monthly payments will usually work out less than the depreciation of the car if you get the right deal.

I may be biased as I recently came from a used Ford Focus on PCP and I am now leasing a brand new S3 for only an extra £29 per month.
 
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An example here being a brand new Golf R on PCP from VW was coming in at £26,700 + interest when the cheapest 2 year old used R's were advertising at £23,500 when I was looking about 6 months ago.

Just shows how big the depreciation is. The cheapest 2 year old used R's now range from £19,750 to £20,900.
 
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I don't know about killing themselves, but the 1 series in general is probably the model of car I see most often buried **** first into the Armco of Londons North Circular. They seem, in these parts of east london at least, to be driven exclusively by brain dead ham fisted morons who bought the badge and who haven't the talent to drive a soapy stick up a dogs backside, never mind drive a short wheelbase rear drive hatch of dubious design with any measure of skill or sensitivity. If you ask me, most of them look to have significantly better styling after the collisions than beforehand.
Lmfao, this post genuinely made me and my partner roar with laughter.

Thank you, and keep up the witty articulation of awful 'shoe' looking cars like the M140. :)
 
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Lmfao, this post genuinely made me and my partner roar with laughter.

Thank you, and keep up the witty articulation of awful 'shoe' looking cars like the M140. :)
It's **** comments like that from owners that made us think twice about buying an S3. We bought one in the end and am very happy with it. Both cars have their strengths and flaws and I agree the 1 Series looks are an acquired taste. If you have owned both, perhaps you can comment with a little more authority.
 
Had many cars from many manufacturers including Japanese and German but I can honestly say that my S3 is the best car I have owned. Love it.
 
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It's **** comments like that from owners that made us think twice about buying an S3. We bought one in the end and am very happy with it. Both cars have their strengths and flaws and I agree the 1 Series looks are an acquired taste. If you have owned both, perhaps you can comment with a little more authority.
Authority? Neither GSB nor me need any authority to commit an opinion on a car, and you're going to get little sympathy on an Audi forum for backing a BMW pal.

Pipe down.
 
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Oh boy, how am I ever gonna get that soapy stick up a dog's backside out of my head now.....................:scared2:

Sadly it all sounds so familiar, most of the beemer drivers round my way are exactly the same, haring up me jacksy desperate for a race ..........it's just tedious to be honest.

The truth is I just don't see Audis being driven like that ...............
 
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It's **** comments like that from owners that made us think twice about buying an S3. We bought one in the end and am very happy with it. Both cars have their strengths and flaws and I agree the 1 Series looks are an acquired taste. If you have owned both, perhaps you can comment with a little more authority.

If you're looking to buy a car, the last people whose opinions you should canvas are the people who've already sunk their money into one. All owners clubs suffer a level of bias and blinkered refusal to accept impartial opinion thats unequaled in any other realm. That said, I've driven 1 series bmws extensively, and I have 2 enduring memories of them;

1/ unless your buying the full fat fast version, theyre really not as good as they ought to be, and you do start to wonder if the term "ultimate driving machine" is actually referring to the golf clubs in the boot.

2/ when you're sat in it, you are spared the need to actually look at it.

To describe the 1 series as an acquired taste is probably stretching that term to breaking point. Its not a good looking car in any conventional sense, and its a shape that's unlikely to 'grow' on you. It's been around for 12 years now, long enough for the typical shock value of a fresh new design to wear off and for it to become part of everyday design language. The 1 series is almost unique in that none of the budget players from south east **** copied it to any degree with the possible exception of the lendary purveyors of all things ugly, Ssanyong. Of course that could easily be because the design is that bad they might have been commissioned by BMW to style it it the first place.

What's really amazing is that given the opportunity to remedy the situation, BMW instead gave us an f20 revision that looked much the same, only fatter, like it was one of the original cars in dire need of laying off of the pastries and losing a couple of stone.
 
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If you're looking to buy a car, the last people whose opinions you should canvas are the people who've already sunk their money into one. All owners clubs suffer a level of bias and blinkered refusal to accept impartial opinion thats unequaled in any other realm. That said, I've driven 1 series bmws extensively, and I have 2 enduring memories of them;

1/ unless your buying the full fat fast version, theyre really not as good as they ought to be, and you do start to wonder if the term "ultimate driving machine" is actually referring to the golf clubs in the boot.

2/ when you're sat in it, you are spared the need to actually look at it.

To describe the 1 series as an acquired taste is probably stretching that term to breaking point. Its not a good looking car in any conventional sense, and its a shape that's unlikely to 'grow' on you. It's been around for 12 years now, long enough for the typical shock value of a fresh new design to wear off and for it to become part of everyday design language. The 1 series is almost unique in that none of the budget players from south east **** copied it to any degree with the possible exception of the lendary purveyors of all things ugly, Ssanyong. Of course that could easily be because the design is that bad they might have been commissioned by BMW to style it it the first place.

What's really amazing is that given the opportunity to remedy the situation, BMW instead gave us an f20 revision that looked much the same, only fatter, like it was one of the original cars in dire need of laying off of the pastries and losing a couple of stone.
I agree with much of what you say. But I think the OP was after a constructive comparison between a number of cars and having owned and lived with two of them I feel able to give that constructive comparison (albeit influenced by my own ideas of good and bad). I agree that the look of the BMW 1 Series is criticised by many - this is perhaps the most irrelevant point here though. The OP can easily make up his own mind about that by just standing on the pavement for 5 minutes. Clearly to be even considering one, he can live with the looks. Ultimately, BMW sales tell their own story. Brand loyalty, which is only to be expected on a forum is one thing - and I would be surprised if this thread hadn't come down on the side of an S3. However, there are plenty of people on here who have owned other cars and also been very happy (and unhappy) with them.
 
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I've never driven the A45, but we have both an S3 and an m135i, so hopefully I can give you a constructive response as I'm not a fanboi of one over the other.

I do like them both, but a lot of my likes and dislikes are subjective so these are just my observations:

S3
Saloon is a good looking car, I like the 19" wheels
I prefer the S3 dash layout though some say too clinical
S-Tronic is great 95% of the time, changes lightening fast (when it works as I have intermittent problem at the moment)
I find the driving position much more comfortable (I have a bad back)
'Bouncy' suspension can be annoying even with Mag-ride
'Traffic' on Tech pack Nav is rubbish compared with BMW version
Still drives more like an FWD car, though AWD makes acceleration off the line very good
Some options should be standard (though facelift may be better in this regard)
Leather interior feels much better quality than the BMW
Little things I prefer like the steering wheel, the adjustable armrest, air vents etc
Doesn't sound particularly good

m135i
Definitely has the better sounding and more characterful engine (even if some of it is artificial)
Even after 2 years with the S3 I still prefer iDrive to MMI
I also prefer RWD 90% of the time
I think the looks of the LCI are much improved and they are on a par with the sportback (I know I'll probably get shot down for that one!)
8 speed ZF is really smooth
Sport mode is more useable than Dynamic in the Audi, which holds on to the gears to much so only useful if you are 'on it'
Don't like the wheels
The leather looks artificial though it is hardwearing
Pedals are offset, causing an uncomfortable seating position.
Interior dash is logical and functional, but as above prefer the Audi layout
Also needs a few options which should be standard
Little things like lights in door handles, programmable shortcut buttons on dash

They are both very good cars, and the performance is very similar, though delivered in a different way. I like them both, but for me the driving position in the BMW is a killer, so I'm happy to use the S3 most of the time. You really do need to drive them and decide which works for you.
 
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I think the looks of the LCI are much improved and they are on a par with the sportback (I know I'll probably get shot down for that one!)

Obviously looks are based on opinion but as someone who is in the same position and looking to get one of these, the LCI 1 series doesn't look half as good as the S3 sportback. So yeah I'll shoot you down for that one. I'll admit it does look good from some angles though.
 
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I will have a Leon cupra 280 available for sale if you are interested. Fully loaded with everything except the pano roof. 14 plate with 6 months warranty remaining. Will be available in January when my new car arrives. Been detailed bi-yearly with my ownership, perfect condition :)
 
I will have a Leon cupra 280 available for sale if you are interested. Fully loaded with everything except the pano roof. 14 plate with 6 months warranty remaining. Will be available in January when my new car arrives. Been detailed bi-yearly with my ownership, perfect condition :)


Cheeky.....lol Cupra is a nice looking car....great drivers car
 
Cheeky.....lol Cupra is a nice looking car....great drivers car
I think the cupra looks better than the golf and the Audi. The centre console and dash let it down a bit, bit then where would the VAG "ladder" be if that wasn't the case?

It's fantastic in the dry and cornering. I think it's 17 seconds quicker round the Nurburgring than the golf R? Really engaging drive :)

Only selling due to fancying another change, great car.
 
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I think the cupra looks better than the golf and the Audi. The centre console and dash let it down a bit, bit then where would the VAG "ladder" be if that wasn't the case?

It's fantastic in the dry and cornering. I think it's 17 seconds quicker round the Nurburgring than the golf R? Really engaging drive :)

Only selling due to fancying another change, great car.
I see a nice one everyday in silver pano-roof and gorgeous diamond cut 19"s with the red brembo calipers.... looks classy in silver
 
I see a nice one everyday in silver pano-roof and gorgeous diamond cut 19"s with the red brembo calipers.... looks classy in silver
Very rare indeed in silver! I have dynamic grey, it's a really lovely colour. It's like white, and at night it almost looks really light blue, and in some other lights it's grey, looks awesome
 
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Plenty of contributions to thread so I'll try and keep it short.

I had A3 8P diesel (4-5 years) then V6 A3 (4 years) then 8V S3 - the interior on the 8V A3 is NOT the same at all! Much more advanced and visually pleasing.

If I could do it again I would go for a slightly used 8V S3 with plenty of options but without the depreciation penalty when buying new. I would have got it outright and only on PCP if the % is really low. I don't regret my decision though, just on reflection since you asked :)

Exciting time for you! :playful:

PS: 1 series are just so bad, the door handle is so horrible!
 
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Just thought I would give a reply to this as I have today test driven an S3 Sportback and on Saturday I had a test in an M240i (there are no M140i’s in the area) but at least it gave me some idea to ‘maybe’ help with my decision making…..

M240i

Sounds better than the S3.
I felt the gearbox was a little better (more responsive).
Goes very well.
IMO the BMW seemed a little more ‘alive’ than the S3.

Things to possibly put me off a little – seems a little smaller inside than the S3, and doesn’t look as nice (inside or out) as the S3.

S3

Nicer interior.
Externally I think it looks better than the BMW.
More space.

Things to possibly put me off a little – not as fun to drive as the BMW & the seating position seemed rather high, is this normal? I’m only 5’8 and seemed to be sitting ‘on’ the car rather than ‘in it’ even after pumping the seat down to the lowest it would go.

My other half was with me on both tests and after we had been out in the S3 she did comment (I hadn’t said anything at this point) I seemed to have enjoyed the drive in the BMW more and wondered if I would soon get ‘bored’ in the S3.

Both seem to be good cars, if there was a car that looked like the S3 inside/out but drove like the BMW I would have already put my order in :sunglasses:

Another thing is the price of both………. For around £27K I could get a brand new M140 with some nice options as there are some crazy discounts available, giving about £7k or so off the normal price. Looking what’s currently for sale, I could quite easily spend £27k or even more on a 1 – 2 year old S3 :openmouth:

In a way I was hoping I was going to dislike one of them more than the other, to make the decision easier but alas, it doesn’t appear to be the case :cry:

I might see if I can find a 5 door M135i or preferably a 5 door M140i somewhere not too far away which I can test, just to use it as a second test and also see if it differs in any way to the M240i I tested.
 
Just thought I would give a reply to this as I have today test driven an S3 Sportback and on Saturday I had a test in an M240i (there are no M140i’s in the area) but at least it gave me some idea to ‘maybe’ help with my decision making…..

M240i

Sounds better than the S3.
I felt the gearbox was a little better (more responsive).
Goes very well.
IMO the BMW seemed a little more ‘alive’ than the S3.

Things to possibly put me off a little – seems a little smaller inside than the S3, and doesn’t look as nice (inside or out) as the S3.

S3

Nicer interior.
Externally I think it looks better than the BMW.
More space.

Things to possibly put me off a little – not as fun to drive as the BMW & the seating position seemed rather high, is this normal? I’m only 5’8 and seemed to be sitting ‘on’ the car rather than ‘in it’ even after pumping the seat down to the lowest it would go.

My other half was with me on both tests and after we had been out in the S3 she did comment (I hadn’t said anything at this point) I seemed to have enjoyed the drive in the BMW more and wondered if I would soon get ‘bored’ in the S3.

Both seem to be good cars, if there was a car that looked like the S3 inside/out but drove like the BMW I would have already put my order in :sunglasses:

Another thing is the price of both………. For around £27K I could get a brand new M140 with some nice options as there are some crazy discounts available, giving about £7k or so off the normal price. Looking what’s currently for sale, I could quite easily spend £27k or even more on a 1 – 2 year old S3 :openmouth:

In a way I was hoping I was going to dislike one of them more than the other, to make the decision easier but alas, it doesn’t appear to be the case :cry:

I might see if I can find a 5 door M135i or preferably a 5 door M140i somewhere not too far away which I can test, just to use it as a second test and also see if it differs in any way to the M240i I tested.
Getting the 'other half' to agree on a car is in my head half the battle......But it's a beemer.......Noooooooo!
 
lol, she is actually quite good when it comes to my car, she isn't too bothered what I get and just lets me get on with it really. It was more her observation with how I must have been reacting during each test drive that I found interesting as I wasn't aware I was acting any differently, but I guess I must have been.

I know mentioning the B word on here is probably classed as swearing but thought I would reply back as there were several people who posted previously........... although, I haven't made my mind up yet :pensive::grinning:
 
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lol, she is actually quite good when it comes to my car, she isn't too bothered what I get and just lets me get on with it really. It was more her observation with how I must have been reacting during each test drive that I found interesting as I wasn't aware I was acting any differently, but I guess I must have been.

I know mentioning the B word on here is probably classed as swearing but thought I would reply back as there were several people who posted previously........... although, I haven't made my mind up yet :pensive::grinning:
Ha ha ..Nice one mate...
Good luck with your search..:friends:
 
Both seem to be good cars, if there was a car that looked like the S3 inside/out but drove like the BMW I would have already put my order in :sunglasses:

The closest thing would be the RS3 but that's over £35k at least for a used one.
 
TBH you will probably be better seeking advice on a general car forum like Pistonheads or Tyresmoke if you want a genuine unbiased view.
Opinions are usually (understandably) very patriotic on single brand forums.
 
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