Facelift Regretting purchasing my S3

Ian66 · Jan 22, 2020

Hi

Same kinda situation for ourselves, had a '67' S3, wife struggling to get in and out due to dodgy hip bought a Q5 45tfsi to make life a bit easier, hip now sorted and both loathe driving the car. Nothing wrong with Q5, does exactly what it says on the tin, but not very enjoyable to drive. Been looking into a replacement, but loads of negative equity (8k) since June last year so in a bit of a predicament. We thought we would eventually 'trade up' to a S4 or S5, but not an option as I don't want a diesel car, have tried to get back into a S3 but Audi not being the most helpful. We tried to return the car within 4 days, and request our S3 back, but dealership had sold it. Test drove BMW 135i - nice, Jaguar XE (250), Merc C Class. Such a lot of good deals on with both BMW and Merc just now but just not sure what to do, but feel your pain about missing your original car you traded in!!! :help:

Chris4410 · Jan 22, 2020

The new BMW M135i is really nice, I feel its the current benchmark for this class of car.

Current S3 = great car but dated now and due a change soon.
AMG A35 = Looks great, interior great. Poor build quality and interior plastics.
BMW M135i = Falls somewhere inbetween the A35 and S3 for looks, interior very nice and good quality materials. Great drive also.

pburv · Jan 22, 2020

Ian66 said:
Hi

Same kinda situation for ourselves, had a '67' S3, wife struggling to get in and out due to dodgy hip bought a Q5 45tfsi to make life a bit easier, hip now sorted and both loathe driving the car. Nothing wrong with Q5, does exactly what it says on the tin, but not very enjoyable to drive. Been looking into a replacement, but loads of negative equity (8k) since June last year so in a bit of a predicament. We thought we would eventually 'trade up' to a S4 or S5, but not an option as I don't want a diesel car, have tried to get back into a S3 but Audi not being the most helpful. We tried to return the car within 4 days, and request our S3 back, but dealership had sold it. Test drove BMW 135i - nice, Jaguar XE (250), Merc C Class. Such a lot of good deals on with both BMW and Merc just now but just not sure what to do, but feel your pain about missing your original car you traded in!!!

If the Audi salesman knows you are looking seriously at other brands then I am sure they will try and give you best price possible. If he does then take that price to BMW and Mercedes and see if they can better it....Don't ask don't get is what I say. Good luck buddy

Grahame53 · Jan 25, 2020

Chris4410 said:
The new BMW M135i is really nice, I feel its the current benchmark for this class of car.

Current S3 = great car but dated now and due a change soon.
AMG A35 = Looks great, interior great. Poor build quality and interior plastics.
BMW M135i = Falls somewhere inbetween the A35 and S3 for looks, interior very nice and good quality materials. Great drive also.

Hi Just gone through this process and eventually settled on the S3 Saloon couldn't be happier with my choice.
I tried the AMG A35 and initially was seduced by the exterior appearance and the high tech dash. When road testing the car I found the level of road noise from the tyres was really high, I initially thought the road noise was mainly coming from the 19" wheels so tried another AMG A35 with 18" wheels without any significant reduction of intrusive cabin noise. I came to the conclusion that the work Mercedes had done on the suspension to improve the handling was allowing the noise to be transmitted from the hubs straight into the bodyshell. If you do go with the AMG I seriously wouldn't bother with the upgraded audio, not unless you are going to use it to drown out the tyre noise!
Sorry for the long text in this post but the beauty of the S3 is the ability of the car to accomplish more than the task of being a performance car, it has the ability to offer ride refinement to a higher level than its obviously impressive competition as you have cited the BMW and Mercedes above.
No doubt the others are worthy adversaries but, for me, I am delighted with my choice and have no second thoughts of what I could have had.
I hope whatever way you decide to go you are ultimately happy with your choice. Regards Grahame

MattRS · Jan 26, 2020

Sorry to hear you’re not enjoying the car. It’s a pretty rubbish feeling when you‘ve committed money long term to something that you know isn’t right.

30k could get you in a decent low mileage RS3. Probably better on depreciation from the point you’re at now & a great all round car.

Just saying

wab172uk · Jan 26, 2020

Grahame53 said:
Hi Just gone through this process and eventually settled on the S3 Saloon couldn't be happier with my choice.
I tried the AMG A35 and initially was seduced by the exterior appearance and the high tech dash. When road testing the car I found the level of road noise from the tyres was really high, I initially thought the road noise was mainly coming from the 19" wheels so tried another AMG A35 with 18" wheels without any significant reduction of intrusive cabin noise. I came to the conclusion that the work Mercedes had done on the suspension to improve the handling was allowing the noise to be transmitted from the hubs straight into the bodyshell. If you do go with the AMG I seriously wouldn't bother with the upgraded audio, not unless you are going to use it to drown out the tyre noise!
Sorry for the long text in this post but the beauty of the S3 is the ability of the car to accomplish more than the task of being a performance car, it has the ability to offer ride refinement to a higher level than its obviously impressive competition as you have cited the BMW and Mercedes above.
No doubt the others are worthy adversaries but, for me, I am delighted with my choice and have no second thoughts of what I could have had.
I hope whatever way you decide to go you are ultimately happy with your choice. Regards Grahame

I also found the A35 AMG ride to be too hard to be used as a comfortable cruiser. Agree with the tyre noise, and I don't think the upgraded speakers were that good. Audi's B&O is much better.

I've now gone from Audi to BMW, and there are certain things that I miss with my S3. Nothing major, but little things you end up thinking `Audi do that better`. But it's early days with my new car (only 550 miles) so I'm still comparing it to my S3.

It's just a shame the new A3/S3 has taken soo long in development (blame dieselgate & WLTP) as it should have been released last year (still no release date or official pics / details) and that Audi's design language, especially in it's interiors have taken a very backwards step. Lots of shiny black cheap plastic, and appealing to the Ipad generation who want everything done through the infotainment system. Sadly a lot of other manufacturers are following suit. At least with BMW's I-Drive system, you still get the rotary dial, and buttons to press.

wab172uk · Jan 26, 2020

Chris4410 said:
The new BMW M135i is really nice, I feel its the current benchmark for this class of car.

Current S3 = great car but dated now and due a change soon.
AMG A35 = Looks great, interior great. Poor build quality and interior plastics.
BMW M135i = Falls somewhere inbetween the A35 and S3 for looks, interior very nice and good quality materials. Great drive also.

For me, it terms of design / performance, the S3 is still the best out of those 3. I just can't see past the 1 Series looks. Sat inside one, and wasn't that impressed either. Plus losing the straight Six, has lost the BMW USP over it's rivals.

Once the new S3 / Golf R come out, with their rumoured 328 bhp, they'll be the new benchmarks. No doubt both A35 & M135i mid-life face lifts will see added power to match. But then by that time, the new Focus RS will be out. With a rumoured 400 bhp, it'll blow the rest of them out of the water. Performance will be more RS3 / A45 S, but the price will be more S3 / A45 / M135i. Then it'll come down to what is more important? Fancier interior or performance.

Chris4410 · Jan 28, 2020

For me Audi/VW (and now BMW) have achieved the right balance of performance, comfort, refinement and practicality in one package. MB with the AMG A35 just aren't there, it has the performance but lacks the two of the other qualities, as do platforms such as the Focus RS and Civic Type Rs etc.

I see that MB have now added the adaptive dampers into one of their packages, IMO they should have followed suit with Audi, VW and BMW and automatically added this option when you selected 19" wheels. As a previous A35 owner, it most definitely needed an adaptive suspension setup.

I (and I suspect most others) have one car which needs to do everything, in an ideal world I would have a Cayman or Boxster for the weekend and something like an X3 M40i for during the week. Unfortunately at present this isn't practical so an "all rounder" is needed, for this purpose an S3 or indeed a Golf GTI/R is hard to look past. At the £35-£40k price point I don't think you can get better.

An M4 or even an M2 would probably provide 80% of the practicality with plenty of all the other attributes, but again you are into a different price bracket here.

The_Ironist · Jan 28, 2020

My uncle had an M2 and absolutely hated it. In anything other than perfectly dry weather he said it was an absolute nuisance. After trying to put up with it for a year, whinging every time he went out in it, changed for a Golf R which he loves.

Mythos · Jan 28, 2020

M2 has got to be my favourite car, but it’s not really a daily. It’s more of a weekend car for a bit of fun.

With that sort of power and RWD it’s not going to be great in the wet either.

Chris4410 · Jan 29, 2020

I know plenty of folks use an M2 or an M4 as a daily, I had an M3 as a daily for a good few years. Never had an issue.

Ian66 · Feb 24, 2020

Hi guys, well bitten the bullet ................... ordered a new M135i xdrive in misano blue, getting beginning of April. Been a long hard decision, didn't want to leave the brand but couldn't get anywhere with Audi dealerships in central Scotland - just far too expensive to change and great incentives with BMW. New A3 model appears to have very little changes from our previous S3 '67' model and didn't want to hold out any longer, probably would never have got a good deal anyway, hoping gearbox might have had a few changes in new model, but doesn't appear so, gutted!!!

Audi Bairn · Feb 24, 2020

Ian66 said:
Hi guys, well bitten the bullet ................... ordered a new M135i xdrive in misano blue, getting beginning of April. Been a long hard decision, didn't want to leave the brand but couldn't get anywhere with Audi dealerships in central Scotland - just far too expensive to change and great incentives with BMW. New A3 model appears to have very little changes from our previous S3 '67' model and didn't want to hold out any longer, probably would never have got a good deal anyway, hoping gearbox might have had a few changes in new model, but doesn't appear so, gutted!!!

Congrats on the new motor Ian :thumbs up:

That's another different motor I'll need to look out for when passing your way.
Look forward to hearing about it and seeing the obligatory pics mate

Jassyo06 · Feb 24, 2020

Ian66 said:
Hi guys, well bitten the bullet ................... ordered a new M135i xdrive in misano blue, getting beginning of April. Been a long hard decision, didn't want to leave the brand but couldn't get anywhere with Audi dealerships in central Scotland - just far too expensive to change and great incentives with BMW. New A3 model appears to have very little changes from our previous S3 '67' model and didn't want to hold out any longer, probably would never have got a good deal anyway, hoping gearbox might have had a few changes in new model, but doesn't appear so, gutted!!!

Misano Blue is a stunning colour mate...real head turning photos or else boy

SaraS3 · Feb 24, 2020

Ian66 said:
Hi guys, well bitten the bullet ................... ordered a new M135i xdrive in misano blue, getting beginning of April. Been a long hard decision, didn't want to leave the brand but couldn't get anywhere with Audi dealerships in central Scotland - just far too expensive to change and great incentives with BMW. New A3 model appears to have very little changes from our previous S3 '67' model and didn't want to hold out any longer, probably would never have got a good deal anyway, hoping gearbox might have had a few changes in new model, but doesn't appear so, gutted!!!

Good for you. I didn't gel with my s3 either and it was only just over 2k miles when I changed. Life's too short to drive something that you don't like.
Have fun.

BarryG79 · Feb 24, 2020

Ian66 said:
Hi guys, well bitten the bullet ................... ordered a new M135i xdrive in misano blue, getting beginning of April. Been a long hard decision, didn't want to leave the brand but couldn't get anywhere with Audi dealerships in central Scotland - just far too expensive to change and great incentives with BMW. New A3 model appears to have very little changes from our previous S3 '67' model and didn't want to hold out any longer, probably would never have got a good deal anyway, hoping gearbox might have had a few changes in new model, but doesn't appear so, gutted!!!

Good stuff, will need to keep an eye out for u too!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ian66 · Feb 24, 2020

Thanks everyone pictures to follow once took delivery :icon thumright:

Damo S · Feb 24, 2020

SaraS3 said:
Good for you. I didn't gel with my s3 either and it was only just over 2k miles when I changed. Life's too short to drive something that you don't like.
Have fun.

agreed to an extent, so chipped it: much better

Dave_808 · Feb 25, 2020

Interesting thread this. Out of interest, how have those who've traded in so early managed to do so?

I'm assuming you've had to pay some hefty negative equity off first?

SaraS3 · Feb 25, 2020

I buy mine from savings because I don't like debt.
I read about one the other day that owed more than the car was worth at the end of term so I'm not sure how that works.
I got ridiculed on a merc forum because I don't like debt and buy mine so I don't go on there any more

Mr Freeze · Feb 25, 2020

SaraS3 said:
I buy mine from savings because I don't like debt.
I read about one the other day that owed more than the car was worth at the end of term so I'm not sure how that works.
I got ridiculed on a merc forum because I don't like debt and buy mine so I don't go on there any more

There is nothing wrong with buying out rite if you can afford to it makes sense .
I always put a lump sum down deposit and have low payment and i make over payments where I can as it brings the interest down in big amounts and length of the term .

Jassyo06 · Feb 25, 2020

SaraS3 said:
I buy mine from savings because I don't like debt.
I read about one the other day that owed more than the car was worth at the end of term so I'm not sure how that works.
I got ridiculed on a merc forum because I don't like debt and buy mine so I don't go on there any more

My son has sold Audis and BMW's for the last ten years and you wouldn't believe how much some people end up paying a month... there's a lot of folks who jump out of cars far too early into another these days...madness

wab172uk · Feb 25, 2020

SaraS3 said:
I buy mine from savings because I don't like debt.
I read about one the other day that owed more than the car was worth at the end of term so I'm not sure how that works.
I got ridiculed on a merc forum because I don't like debt and buy mine so I don't go on there any more

That's the way I prefer to buy too. Never had car debt for many years.

However I now have a PCP deal my X3 M40i. Traded in the S3, which paid the max deposit (got money back off the dealer) and my payments are just £133 a month, which I don't think it too bad really.

Had the intention of paying the whole lot off after taking delivery, but I was having a conversation with an independent finance bloke, who advised against paying it all off. Suggested leasing. His reasoning was big engined low mpg cars will become less desirable over the next few years, what with the climate change hysteria going on in the media. That and car manufacturers and our government pushing people to buy EV cars, could see the values of cars like the X3 M40i take a real hit in 3 years time.

Said with leasing, you just hand the car back and walk away. Buying out right, you may be left with a car you may struggle to sell. At least with PCP I can hand it back too. Though I'd still like to think it'd be worth a bit more than what I owe at the end.

Made me think about tying up all that cash in a car. I think if it was something more special with the intention of long term ownership, buying outright would be the better, and cheaper option overall.

Damo S · Feb 25, 2020

Buying outright comes to the fore if you keep the car for longer than 3 years. My last car I had nearly 10 years in the end, having cost me 9500 and then sold it for 700 (ish). There were some repair bills but nothing silly but it effectively saved me 27 grand over that period compared with leasing a car for 300 a month instead.

Jassyo06 · Feb 25, 2020

wab172uk said:
That's the way I prefer to buy too. Never had car debt for many years.

However I now have a PCP deal my X3 M40i. Traded in the S3, which paid the max deposit (got money back off the dealer) and my payments are just £133 a month, which I don't think it too bad really.

Had the intention of paying the whole lot off after taking delivery, but I was having a conversation with an independent finance bloke, who advised against paying it all off. Suggested leasing. His reasoning was big engined low mpg cars will become less desirable over the next few years, what with the climate change hysteria going on in the media. That and car manufacturers and our government pushing people to buy EV cars, could see the values of cars like the X3 M40i take a real hit in 3 years time.

Said with leasing, you just hand the car back and walk away. Buying out right, you may be left with a car you may struggle to sell. At least with PCP I can hand it back too. Though I'd still like to think it'd be worth a bit more than what I owe at the end.

Made me think about tying up all that cash in a car. I think if it was something more special with the intention of long term ownership, buying outright would be the better, and cheaper option overall.

You dont need a financial advisor to tell you that big engine/high output SUVs suffer slightly more in depreciation than smaller engined variants its always been the case .....climate fooking hysteria or not....just enjoy it....**** depreciation

wab172uk · Feb 25, 2020

jassyo06 said:
You dont need a financial advisor to tell you that big engine/high output SUVs suffer slightly more in depreciation than smaller engined variants its always been the case .....climate fooking hysteria or not....just enjoy it....**** depreciation

Very True. It just made me think about paying for it outright or not. So from getting a different view, other than my own, I decided to keep the PCP deal as it is.

Chris4410 · Feb 25, 2020

The biggest cost of a new car is depreciation, this is the same regardless of whether you buy the car outright or use finance in one form or another.

If you plan on keeping the car for a long time I can certainly see the benefit in buying the car outright, however if you change every 3 years or so PCP is the best option provided you are not paying some ridiculous APR. In most cases dealer and manufacturer contributions are significant when taking out PCP so actually make it cheaper.

A4B9 · Feb 25, 2020

Surely if you’re changing every 3 years with absolutely no intention of keeping the car then leasing is the way to go?

Chris4410 · Feb 26, 2020

A4B9 said:
Surely if you’re changing every 3 years with absolutely no intention of keeping the car then leasing is the way to go?

If you want a basic spec car yes, after you start adding options leasing in my experience becomes more expensive than a PCP.

Adam14 · Feb 26, 2020

PCP isn't for everyone, personally being younger I don't fancy tying up a huge amount of money in a car, so a monthly payment suits me better the APR on my deal isn't great but isn't bad either. I'm sure plenty on here would have a fit over taking out the same deal, but what suits some might not suit others.
I personally prefer "low" deposit of £1k and if the monthly payments fall within an acceptable range then I'll go for it, only had two cars mind but both deals had significant money off making them more affordable than a cheaper car.

Chris4410 · Feb 26, 2020

Adam14 said:
PCP isn't for everyone, personally being younger I don't fancy tying up a huge amount of money in a car, so a monthly payment suits me better the APR on my deal isn't great but isn't bad either. I'm sure plenty on here would have a fit over taking out the same deal, but what suits some might not suit others.
I personally prefer "low" deposit of £1k and if the monthly payments fall within an acceptable range then I'll go for it, only had two cars mind but both deals had significant money off making them more affordable than a cheaper car.

I tend to do the same, I only ever put a max of £3k in at the start. I just wouldn't spend £10k or even more up front, I would rather use than saved cash for holidays etc.

Ian66 · Mar 9, 2020

Managed to get out of our deal due to deposit incentives offered by BMW UK and dealership and additional money from ourselves. All in all we got a good deal, at the right time. Should hopefully be in BM by the end of the month.

SaraS3 · Mar 9, 2020

Ian66 said:
Managed to get out of our deal due to deposit incentives offered by BMW UK and dealership and additional money from ourselves. All in all we got a good deal, at the right time. Should hopefully be in BM by the end of the month.

Great news Ian. Which model did you go for? No point keeping something that you didn't like

Ian66 · Mar 9, 2020

Hi there went for M135 x drive in misano blue with m135 plus pack with black Dakota leather

SaraS3 · Mar 9, 2020

Great, nice colour. Hope you enjoy it more than the other one :racer:

wab172uk · Mar 9, 2020

Ian66 said:
Hi there went for M135 x drive in misano blue with m135 plus pack with black Dakota leather

Congrats. I think the new 1 Series a very Marmite looking car. The last one was never a looker, but maybe this new shape will grow on us?

Another Audi owner that has moved to the Dark side.

Get some pictures up when you get it.

Ian66 · Mar 9, 2020

Iam sure we will Just be great getting back into a car. :thumbs up:

Ian66 · Mar 9, 2020

Yeah will do dealership should have car by 23rd so should have it by end of March before taxation changes from 1st of April :friendly wink:

TYb · Mar 9, 2020

Interesting that you are switching from one 300 ish bhp 4 wheel drive car to another with similar performance figures.

What do you prefer about the BMW? Beginning to see a few on the road now and can’t quite get past the grill, shame it isn’t similar to the 3 series shape.

I do like the rear and interior, think BMW have got the balance of new tech and functionality just right.

NevMan · Mar 9, 2020

wab172uk said:
For me, it terms of design / performance, the S3 is still the best out of those 3. I just can't see past the 1 Series looks. Sat inside one, and wasn't that impressed either. Plus losing the straight Six, has lost the BMW USP over it's rivals.

Once the new S3 / Golf R come out, with their rumoured 328 bhp, they'll be the new benchmarks. No doubt both A35 & M135i mid-life face lifts will see added power to match. But then by that time, the new Focus RS will be out. With a rumoured 400 bhp, it'll blow the rest of them out of the water. Performance will be more RS3 / A45 S, but the price will be more S3 / A45 / M135i. Then it'll come down to what is more important? Fancier interior or performance.

BMW still offer the M240i with the rear drive straight six 3.0, but who knows for how long

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