Goodbye and thank you!

RustyTheSnowman

Registered User
Joined
Oct 19, 2016
Messages
43
Reaction score
104
Points
33
Hi all - I've very much been a reader of this forum since I joined in 2017. Today I ordered my next car (Mercedes AMG CLA 45 S Plus Coupé) so the countdown to saying goodbye to my S3 begins.

It's been a great car, the best I've ever owned. I like to keep it in good condition and it still turns heads today like it did when it was new. A nice lady recently commented while walking past me cleaning it that it's her 6yr old sons favourite car and he looks forward to seeing it every day on his way to school!

Thanks to all of you for the tips and help. This community of forum members is strong and one I'll miss.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MikeParkin, shaunwo01, Ron240 and 6 others
Good luck.

I just hope the gearboxes have improved as the GLA45 boxes were awful .
 
I'll say this, Merc have got some nice styling in some models & 1st time in many years I've double taked on some on the road, so I can see the appeal.
 
Hi all - I've very much been a reader of this forum since I joined in 2017. Today I ordered my next car (Mercedes AMG CLA 45 S Plus Coupé) so the countdown to saying goodbye to my S3 begins.

It's been a great car, the best I've ever owned. I like to keep it in good condition and it still turns heads today like it did when it was new. A nice lady recently commented while walking past me cleaning it that it's her 6yr old sons favourite car and he looks forward to seeing it every day on his way to school!

Thanks to all of you for the tips and help. This community of forum members is strong and one I'll miss.

Good luck with your new purchase. When do they estimate it'll arrive?

Did you get a test drive of one? Just curious, as I test drove the A35 AMG Hatch, and found the ride very hard and uncomfortable.
 
What made you go for the Mercedes?

I wanted a step up with my next car. If a new RS3 was imminent then I'd have likely gone for that. I don't know for sure of course, there's not too much to go on yet.

I wanted a 4 or 5 door and did consider the RSQ3 Sportback but when I went to see the Mercedes I was very impressed. The stats alone are impressive (e.g. 0-60 in 4.0s), the driving experience is spot on, the interior is great (really comfy and stylish seats). They've really upped their game with the new MBUX system too. It's certainly not a sleeper like the S3 and I like how it looks. The matte paint sets it apart although I'm going to have to be extra careful with that, perhaps getting PPF.

I have little doubt that I'll return to Audi in the future.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jcbmally and Audi Bairn
I road tested an A45 few years ago & then an S3 SB 8V & the difference was night & day, no badge snobbery at all with me, but the S3 was miles ahead in every way possible & it shocked me tbh.
 
Good luck with your new purchase. When do they estimate it'll arrive?

Did you get a test drive of one? Just curious, as I test drove the A35 AMG Hatch, and found the ride very hard and uncomfortable.

Estimated at late April/early May at the moment but the dealer is playing build slot tetris right now.

I did take a drive. The ride is marginally harder than the S3, I hear the A45/35 is harder still. The difference wasn't significant enough to sway me, obviously!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jcbmally
I wanted a step up with my next car. If a new RS3 was imminent then I'd have likely gone for that. I don't know for sure of course, there's not too much to go on yet.

I wanted a 4 or 5 door and did consider the RSQ3 Sportback but when I went to see the Mercedes I was very impressed. The stats alone are impressive (e.g. 0-60 in 4.0s), the driving experience is spot on, the interior is great (really comfy and stylish seats). They've really upped their game with the new MBUX system too. It's certainly not a sleeper like the S3 and I like how it looks. The matte paint sets it apart although I'm going to have to be extra careful with that, perhaps getting PPF.

I have little doubt that I'll return to Audi in the future.
All the best and congrats on the new motor.
No need to leave the forum obviously.
Would be good to see some pics and a thread on your reviews when you get it :thumbs up:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bristle Hound, Pinky1959, RustyTheSnowman and 3 others
Hi all - I've very much been a reader of this forum since I joined in 2017. Today I ordered my next car (Mercedes AMG CLA 45 S Plus Coupé) so the countdown to saying goodbye to my S3 begins.

It's been a great car, the best I've ever owned. I like to keep it in good condition and it still turns heads today like it did when it was new. A nice lady recently commented while walking past me cleaning it that it's her 6yr old sons favourite car and he looks forward to seeing it every day on his way to school!

Thanks to all of you for the tips and help. This community of forum members is strong and one I'll miss.
Great looking car them mate, be interesting to hear your back to back review.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Audi Bairn, RustyTheSnowman and pburv
New CLA is gorgeous inside and out and the CLA45 is currently the best in class for performance and interior tech. I’d have one before an RS3 any day if the week. Great choice.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RustyTheSnowman and Jcbmally
Another person leaving Audi behind. Worrying times for them imho.

TX.

Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bristle Hound, S32B, 8YARWY and 3 others
Good luck with the new car. :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jcbmally and RustyTheSnowman
Another person leaving Audi behind. Worrying times for them imho.

TX.

Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk

I can just picture the boardroom meeting and how they're all talking about shutting up shop because a 43 year old man from blighty has traded his S3 in against a Merc...

Audi projected sales worldwide for 2020: China - $30 billion, US - $12 billion, UK - $5.5billion... Think they'll manage to scrape by...

https://www.statista.com/outlook/1000013/100/audi/worldwide
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: FBF01, Nige Smith, Phutters and 3 others
I can just picture the boardroom meeting and how they're all talking about shutting up shop because a 43 year old man from blighty has traded his S3 in against a Merc...

Audi projected sales worldwide for 2020: China - $30 billion, US - $12 billion, UK - $5.5billion... Think they'll manage to scrape by...

https://www.statista.com/outlook/1000013/100/audi/worldwide
Lol perhaps they don't give a **** but the RS products are **** imho + S series diesels etc yeah Audi have no worries ...

TX.

Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk
 
  • Like
Reactions: TYb and 8YARWY
Turnover isn’t what dictates success, it’s ultimately profit. VAG have been hit hard (billions) through dieselgate.
Even behind the scenes they are hitting dealerships hard to try to recoup some of the losses.
We’ve all seen how they are penny pinching on trim and fittings to the cars (and I know they’re not the only ones but their direct competitors ain’t doing it to the same extent).
Changing performance models to diesel-only is also losing customers (I’m an example).
Will they continue to sell millions of cars? Of course they will.
Are concerns about the way they’re heading losing long customers, some long term diehards. Definitely
 
  • Like
Reactions: wab172uk, TYb, Bells and 1 other person
I’m awaiting Stockport to get a A45s Demo in


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
RS3, RS4, M5 for me. S3, A35 for the wife. Neither of us would have moved ideally just don't like the current Audi equivalent vs other marques.

TX.

Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk
 
  • Like
Reactions: wab172uk, 8YARWY and Audi Bairn
Another person leaving Audi behind. Worrying times for them imho.

TX.

Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk
They only have themselves to blame, high service costs and lame help when something goes wrong. They recently did me a quote for the same car again, over the same term, deposit, discount etc and it came in at £110 per month more!!!....£110 more each month for exactly the same thing! Not to mention the APR on their pcp deals are higher than BMW, so no wonder so many on here have moved over!

My mates mate works for Renault, he did him a quote on a brand new Megane RS, £1,000 down came in at £297 per month for 36 months. Audi want more than that for an A1 :D
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bristle Hound, pburv, Audi Bairn and 1 other person
Today I ordered my next car (Mercedes AMG CLA 45 S Plus Coupé)
First of all.....that is an awesome car you have ordered, you must have very deep pockets.....I am jealous. :D
Is it the +, or the + Plus you have ordered? Mercedes make things a little confusing with their designation of this car, and there is £8k difference in price between the two. :flushed:
The CLA is one of the best looking mainstream cars currently on sale IMO, and by coincidence I was in a Mercedes dealer this morning enquiring about a CLA 250.
All CLA are in short supply and like you say the estimate is April/May for delivery. I was quoted an 8.5% discount on the CLA 250 plus top book price for my S3, so the cash price to change right now is pretty much exactly what I am prepared to pay. Unfortunately though my trade in price could drop by up to £750 while waiting for delivery.....so further negotiation could be required.
What colour are you getting?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Audi Bairn and Jcbmally
First of all.....that is an awesome car you have ordered, you must have very deep pockets.....I am jealous. :D
Is it the +, or the + Plus you have ordered? Mercedes make things a little confusing with their designation of this car, and there is £8k difference in price between the two. :flushed:
The CLA is one of the best looking mainstream cars currently on sale IMO, and by coincidence I was in a Mercedes dealer this morning enquiring about a CLA 250.
All CLA are in short supply and like you say the estimate is April/May for delivery. I was quoted an 8.5% discount on the CLA 250 plus top book price for my S3, so the cash price to change right now is pretty much exactly what I am prepared to pay. Unfortunately though my trade in price could drop by up to £750 while waiting for delivery.....so further negotiation could be required.
What colour are you getting?

Thank you. Here’s the exact car I’ve ordered: https://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/pas...s/car-configurator.html/summary?Mcid=MES5U83S

I used coast2coastcars.co.uk and managed to get £5,237 off the list price. Luckily the dealer that made the offer is only 25 miles from home. I highly recommend that site, it couldn’t have been easier!

Build slots are few and far between at the moment. I think April is optimistic, and hope May is doable. We’ll see!
 
  • Like
Reactions: OCDaveS4, Audi Bairn, Jcbmally and 1 other person
An absolute beast of a car.....and a fantasy figure in regards to reliable power in a 4 cylinder road car even in recent years!
Hey I don't even make full use of my 306 bhp S3, but if I had the money I would still buy this purely for the bragging rights. :D
If I do end up buying the CLA 250 I'm hoping that the 82bhp drop in power will not be too noticeable. :innocent:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jcbmally
RS3, RS4, M5 for me. S3, A35 for the wife. Neither of us would have moved ideally just don't like the current Audi equivalent vs other marques.

TX.

Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk

I do like the new A45s especially that interior


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
  • Like
Reactions: Terminator x
RS3, RS4, M5 for me. S3, A35 for the wife. Neither of us would have moved ideally just don't like the current Audi equivalent vs other marques.

TX.

Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk

It’s all cyclical. Which is why I have zero brand loyalty what-so-ever and don’t understand people who buy the same marque year after year after year.

Dealers across all brands do not deliver the required combination of service, enthusiasm or attention to detail (not to mention price). They really don’t seem to care about enthusiasts that much and so I don’t really care about them.

I do have to say in terms of the performance/driver experience BMW, as a whole (between the dealership experience, marketing communication etc) do a far better job of making you feel that bit more special when you’re an M customer than Audi do with its RS range. As far as Audi is concerned I might as well be driving a basic A1.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jcbmally, loftylad, Ron240 and 2 others
For me Mercedes Benz comes last berween the 3 brands by some margin they're interiors wouldn't look out of place next to the interior of a ***** caravan....not loyal to any one brand either but l ain't a serial car jumper either happy with my car and to be honest no one car maker can stay at the top of its game for any given period time....and this is what has become of Audi as it stands right now
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Reactions: Jcbmally and pburv
They only have themselves to blame
Picking up on this!!!

Passing my local Audi dealership today and I nipped in to see what was around, as they'd emailed me about a special event!!! Woman comes over and asks if I need any help, so I say "My A5 coupe is due to be change within the next 6 months, do you know when facelift A5 coupe and prices are due out, as there is nothing on the Audi website?", she said "No I will go and find out" so she walks off and comes back a few minutes later: "I've asked a few of the sales guys and nobody knows", with that she said "Take a look around and see if there is anything else you like" then walks off!!! I thought F-you, what would be wrong with saying "I'm sorry nobody knows when the facelift/new prices are out, but let me take your details and as soon as we know you will know"??? :wtf:

With that I drove into Chester, as I waited at the lights I saw a deal on the side of a BMW outside the showroom £298 down £298 per month on a 1 series M-Sport @ 3.98% APR, thinking that looks good I nipped in! The sales guy couldn't do enough to help, answered all my questions, wasn't pushy and even sent me an email whilst I was there so that I had his details if I wanted to ask anything else!!!

Is it any wonder people are leaving Audi and moving to BMW and other makes???
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: wab172uk, Terminator x, TYb and 1 other person
Picking up on this!!!

Passing my local Audi dealership today and I nipped in to see what was around, as they'd emailed me about a special event!!! Woman comes over and asks if I need any help, so I say "My A5 coupe is due to be change within the next 6 months, do you know when facelift A5 coupe and prices are due out, as there is nothing on the Audi website?", she said "No I will go and find out" so she walks off and comes back a few minutes later: "I've asked a few of the sales guys and nobody knows", with that she said "Take a look around and see if there is anything else you like" then walks off!!! I thought F-you, what would be wrong with saying "I'm sorry nobody knows when the facelift/new prices are out, but let me take your details and as soon as we know you will know"??? :wtf:

With that I drove into Chester, as I waited at the lights I saw a deal on the side of a BMW outside the showroom £298 down £298 per month on a 1 series M-Sport @ 3.98% APR, thinking that looks good I nipped in! The sales guy couldn't do enough to help, answered all my questions, wasn't pushy and even sent me an email whilst I was there so that I had his details if I wanted to ask anything else!!!

Is it any wonder people are leaving Audi and moving to BMW and other makes???
A classic case of 'resting on your laurels' Audi have had it good for so long they can't see that customers are deserting in their droves.
It's a shame as I like the cars they make.
I have seen a massive change for the worst since my first Audi in 2006 it's not so much the reliability or anything like that it's the dealerships interaction with customers that's deteriorated. When I bought my first car an A4 quattro sports from them I knew that any time I had an issue no matter how small they would get one of their technicians to come out to the car and discuss what problem I may have..Sadly that dealership was bought out by one of the big groups and all that personal interaction with myself and the dealership quickly disappeared. I'm on my 7th Audi car now not sure if the next one will be with them.:concern: Rant over Thanks @S32B LOL
 
A classic case of 'resting on your laurels' Audi have had it good for so long they can't see that customers are deserting in their droves.
It's a shame as I like the cars they make.
I have seen a massive change for the worst since my first Audi in 2006 it's not so much the reliability or anything like that it's the dealerships interaction with customers that's deteriorated. When I bought my first car an A4 quattro sports from them I knew that any time I had an issue no matter how small they would get one of their technicians to come out to the car and discuss what problem I may have..Sadly that dealership was bought out by one of the big groups and all that personal interaction with myself and the dealership quickly disappeared. I'm on my 7th Audi car now not sure if the next one will be with them.:concern: Rant over Thanks @S32B LOL
lol exactly my point, 'not bothered' attitude. If I were in sales I'd be thinking "Hang on this guy has 1) Told me he has an Audi already, 2) Said it's due to be changed in the next 6 months, and 3) He's expressing interest in another A5. I'll chase him for business".
 
  • Like
Reactions: pburv
lol exactly my point, 'not bothered' attitude. If I were in sales I'd be thinking "Hang on this guy has 1) Told me he has an Audi already, 2) Said it's due to be changed in the next 6 months, and 3) He's expressing interest in another A5. I'll chase him for business".
Haha Too much like hard work if you ask me.................Is what was going through her mind.:whistle2:
 
  • Like
Reactions: S32B
Picking up on this!!!

Passing my local Audi dealership today and I nipped in to see what was around, as they'd emailed me about a special event!!! Woman comes over and asks if I need any help, so I say "My A5 coupe is due to be change within the next 6 months, do you know when facelift A5 coupe and prices are due out, as there is nothing on the Audi website?", she said "No I will go and find out" so she walks off and comes back a few minutes later: "I've asked a few of the sales guys and nobody knows", with that she said "Take a look around and see if there is anything else you like" then walks off!!! I thought F-you, what would be wrong with saying "I'm sorry nobody knows when the facelift/new prices are out, but let me take your details and as soon as we know you will know"??? :wtf:

With that I drove into Chester, as I waited at the lights I saw a deal on the side of a BMW outside the showroom £298 down £298 per month on a 1 series M-Sport @ 3.98% APR, thinking that looks good I nipped in! The sales guy couldn't do enough to help, answered all my questions, wasn't pushy and even sent me an email whilst I was there so that I had his details if I wanted to ask anything else!!!

Is it any wonder people are leaving Audi and moving to BMW and other makes???

Feel Free mate...and you change cars too often just my opinion
 
  • Like
Reactions: pburv
A classic case of 'resting on your laurels' Audi have had it good for so long they can't see that customers are deserting in their droves.
It's a shame as I like the cars they make.
I have seen a massive change for the worst since my first Audi in 2006 it's not so much the reliability or anything like that it's the dealerships interaction with customers that's deteriorated. When I bought my first car an A4 quattro sports from them I knew that any time I had an issue no matter how small they would get one of their technicians to come out to the car and discuss what problem I may have..Sadly that dealership was bought out by one of the big groups and all that personal interaction with myself and the dealership quickly disappeared. I'm on my 7th Audi car now not sure if the next one will be with them.:concern: Rant over Thanks @S32B LOL

The difference in attentiveness isn’t due to the difference in marque. It’s simply that in the BMW dealership you expressed an interest in a product that the guy could actually sell to you. In the Audi one you expressed an interest in one she couldn’t.
 
  • Like
Reactions: pburv
The difference in attentiveness isn’t due to the difference in marque. It’s simply that in the BMW dealership you expressed an interest in a product that the guy could actually sell to you. In the Audi one you expressed an interest in one she couldn’t.
Wasn't me who was interested in beemers mate..I think this was intended for @S32B ??
:thumbs up:
 
An absolute beast of a car.....and a fantasy figure in regards to reliable power in a 4 cylinder road car even in recent years!
Hey I don't even make full use of my 306 bhp S3, but if I had the money I would still buy this purely for the bragging rights. :D
If I do end up buying the CLA 250 I'm hoping that the 82bhp drop in power will not be too noticeable. :innocent:

My only concern with car's like this, is what happens years down the line. I'd only consider owning a car like this when it was still in warranty. Can you imagine the bills 7 years down the line when there is an engine issue?

Plus all this tech in cars infotainment systems. Scary as a second / third / forth owner proposition.
 
Picking up on this!!!

Passing my local Audi dealership today and I nipped in to see what was around, as they'd emailed me about a special event!!! Woman comes over and asks if I need any help, so I say "My A5 coupe is due to be change within the next 6 months, do you know when facelift A5 coupe and prices are due out, as there is nothing on the Audi website?", she said "No I will go and find out" so she walks off and comes back a few minutes later: "I've asked a few of the sales guys and nobody knows", with that she said "Take a look around and see if there is anything else you like" then walks off!!! I thought F-you, what would be wrong with saying "I'm sorry nobody knows when the facelift/new prices are out, but let me take your details and as soon as we know you will know"??? :wtf:

With that I drove into Chester, as I waited at the lights I saw a deal on the side of a BMW outside the showroom £298 down £298 per month on a 1 series M-Sport @ 3.98% APR, thinking that looks good I nipped in! The sales guy couldn't do enough to help, answered all my questions, wasn't pushy and even sent me an email whilst I was there so that I had his details if I wanted to ask anything else!!!

Is it any wonder people are leaving Audi and moving to BMW and other makes???

Similar with Audi. Over the last few years, I have either rang up or called in to my local dealership wanting the heads up when they get certain demo's in, as I'm interested in buying. Did this with the S3 Saloon. RS3 Saloon, and most recently the Q3-RS.

On both the S3 & RS3 they got one in. Had it as a demo, and then sold it on. Not once did I get a phone call to say we have one in. Do you want to come and take a look and test drive? I only find out when I call back a month or so later. "Sorry sir we had a demo in, but we've just sold it". OK, so I bought an S3 some time later, but the attitude seams to be, we only deal with people there and then who walk in the door. Most recently with the Q3-RS. Took my details, promised that they were getting a demo in within the next week or so. 6 weeks later, I'm still waiting for their phone call. It's probably there now. But too late.

BMW? Make an enquiry via the website, and within an hour you get a phone call back. They go out of there way to source a demo car for you. Walk into their dealerships, and within a minute or two you get someone asking if they can help. I've walked into my Audi dealership many times, and not once has anyone asked if they can help. Too busy chatting amongst themselves.

For me though, it's the new interiors I just can't live with. The exterior design has taken a backwards step too. But those interiors? No thanks.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bristle Hound
My daughters A1 deal is coming to an end 4 years, went into the dealers before xmas and enquired about a 35TFSI s-line with heated seats and the comfort pack, with a Grand deposit they wanted £375 a month on 8000 miles and 4 years. She pays £198 now for the same car.
They are pricing themselves out of the market. Walked into BMW at the weekend and looked at the 1 series M Sport 118i, the standard car has everything she needs and came in at £268 with £2000 in.
Audi need to seriously look at themselves
For me I can't live with the new interior design, to many straight lines and angles
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bristle Hound
Feel Free mate...and you change cars too often just my opinion
I agree mate, hence why I'm looking hard for the next one and deciding which way to go, seriously looking at keeping the next one for 4-5 years...just deciding what to get lol....keep going back the the MX5 RF as I do less than 4,000 mile per year now! So a weekend car would do me and it was the car that made me smile the most during the test drive. Cheap to buy, insure (£280) and run...oh and reliable! My problem is when I used the company car scheme I was switching them every 7 months or sooner! so anything over 12 months seems a lifetime lol.

My daughters A1 deal is coming to an end 4 years, went into the dealers before xmas and enquired about a 35TFSI s-line with heated seats and the comfort pack, with a Grand deposit they wanted £375 a month on 8000 miles and 4 years.
They are having a laugh, my current A5 coupe s-line 2.0 petrol s-tronic with a few options is £388 with £1,000 down over a 3 year pcp!

Oh and the S3 before this was £1,000 down and £380 per month x48 months....but I paid the pcp/finance off and then sold it to a sports car specialist and still made a small profit after 2.5 years!!! I think if it had been white rather than black I'd have kept it longer...black was a nightmare/full time job!

This is the BMW deal I saw https://www.halliwelljones.co.uk/bmw/offers/bmw-118i-sport-5door
 
  • Like
Reactions: pburv
I agree mate, hence why I'm looking hard for the next one and deciding which way to go, seriously looking at keeping the next one for 4-5 years...just deciding what to get lol....keep going back the the MX5 RF as I do less than 4,000 mile per year now! So a weekend car would do me and it was the car that made me smile the most during the test drive. Cheap to buy, insure (£280) and run...oh and reliable! My problem is when I used the company car scheme I was switching them every 7 months or sooner! so anything over 12 months seems a lifetime lol.


They are having a laugh, my current A5 coupe s-line 2.0 petrol s-tronic with a few options is £388 with £1,000 down over a 3 year pcp!

Oh and the S3 before this was £1,000 down and £380 per month x48 months....but I paid the pcp/finance off and then sold it to a sports car specialist and still made a small profit after 2.5 years!!! I think if it had been white rather than black I'd have kept it longer...black was a nightmare/full time job!

This is the BMW deal I saw https://www.halliwelljones.co.uk/bmw/offers/bmw-118i-sport-5door

What was your ballon payment at the end with putting a grand in plus payments ?
 

Similar threads