S3 potential purchase

Moots

Moots

Registered User
Joined
Jul 25, 2020
Messages
299
Reaction score
180
Points
43
Location
Leeds
Hi All,
Looking at a nearly new S3 in nano grey with tech pack and virtual cockpit, currently in a golf Gti 7.5 facelift.

is there anything I should be looking out for when checking the car out? Any reason not to buy an S3 in general?

Also how does the start stop and electronic handbrake work on the S3, in the golf it engages the e handbrake when I put my foot on the brake, and the engine cuts out, engine comes back on when I press the clutch and the handbrake releases when I set off, but in a friends TTS the engine starts again and releases when he takes his foot off the brake, which I really don’t like. Hoping it’s been updated since then as he has a 2015 model.

Thanks in advance for any replies!
 
Stop start can be turned off, but will kick in when you come to as top. Releasing the brake will start it back up.

Handbrake won't come on automatically, I think it's "hol assist" which will apply the brakes when at a stop.

Sent from my HD1913 using Tapatalk
 
I wouldn’t bother changing a 7.5 GTI for an S3, it’s not enough of an upgrade. In fact technology wise you will be taking a step backwards.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Moots
You haven’t said if you’re looking to buy a manual or s-tronic version.

If it’s manual, the start/stop will start up again when you press the clutch pedal, but if you have an automatic S-tronic gearbox the engine will start-up again when you press the accelerator (if the auto brake-hold has kicked in), or if that feature isn’t turned on or is not installed, then the car will start the engine again when you release the brake pedal.

I love the auto parking brake (hold assist) because you can take your feet off the brake pedal, but I know it irks some people because the car leaves its brake lights on. If you’re in a queue of traffic and it’s dark and rainy it’s not really good etiquette to blind the guy behind you.

The virtual cockpit is fantastic too. I really enjoy using it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Moots
Sorry yes, it’s an s-tronic black edition I’m looking at.

The only thing that’s putting me off is the MMI. I like the tech in the golf, So I am tempted to wait and see what comes with the new S3 although not sure when it will be available to order, and it may end up being more expensive.
 
I think the tech is pretty good generally. I’ve got the “tech pack advanced” on my facelift 2016 and it’s got apple car play and wireless phone charging in the armrest. The MMI screen is the larger one with google earth sat nav. What does the golf have that we don’t get? I’m intrigued now!!
 
s3mad_dude said:
You haven’t said if you’re looking to buy a manual or s-tronic version.

If it’s manual, the start/stop will start up again when you press the clutch pedal, but if you have an automatic S-tronic gearbox the engine will start-up again when you press the accelerator (if the auto brake-hold has kicked in), or if that feature isn’t turned on or is not installed, then the car will start the engine again when you release the brake pedal.

I love the auto parking brake (hold assist) because you can take your feet off the brake pedal, but I know it irks some people because the car leaves its brake lights on. If you’re in a queue of traffic and it’s dark and rainy it’s not really good etiquette to blind the guy behind you.

The virtual cockpit is fantastic too. I really enjoy using it.
Click to expand...
I miss VC would do retrofit but not worth in pre-facelift
 
s3mad_dude said:
I think the tech is pretty good generally. I’ve got the “tech pack advanced” on my facelift 2016 and it’s got apple car play and wireless phone charging in the armrest. The MMI screen is the larger one with google earth sat nav. What does the golf have that we don’t get? I’m intrigued now!!
Click to expand...

Only thing that i’m aware of is the larger MMI screen and it’s a touch screen instead, but some people don’t like touch screen so it’s personal preference. Test driving a car tomorrow so will see, but I think I’m going to wait for the new one to be announced.

having checked it looks like the golf also has the auto folding door mirrors, which isn’t massive but would also bug me as it’s easy to check if the cars locked at a glance. And the pre sense where it breaks if it thinks there’s something in front of/behind you, which has saved me once or twice when parking and not fully paying attention.....
 
Last edited:
Moots said:
Only thing that i’m aware of is the larger MMI screen and it’s a touch screen instead, but some people don’t like touch screen so it’s personal preference. Test driving a car tomorrow so will see, but I think I’m going to wait for the new one to be announced.

having checked it looks like the golf also has the auto folding door mirrors, which isn’t massive but would also bug me as it’s easy to check if the cars locked at a glance. And the pre sense where it breaks if it thinks there’s something in front of/behind you, which has saved me once or twice when parking and not fully paying attention.....
Click to expand...

The current S3 is a good all rounder . What is it you want from a S3 over the GTI ? . Talk is that the new S3 will be around 50k :grimacing: so that is something to consider if you have a budget .
 
Mr Freeze said:
The current S3 is a good all rounder . What is it you want from a S3 over the GTI ? . Talk is that the new S3 will be around 50k :grimacing: so that is something to consider if you have a budget .
Click to expand...
50k wtf?! That’s quite a price hike!

I’ve had the golf 3 years and just looking at my next car, I really don’t like what they’ve done with the mk8 Gti so looking at alternatives and I’ve Always liked the S3.
 
audi upgrades
Moots said:
50k wtf?! That’s quite a price hike!

I’ve had the golf 3 years and just looking at my next car, I really don’t like what they’ve done with the mk8 Gti so looking at alternatives and I’ve Always liked the S3.
Click to expand...

As other have said the S3 isn't the best handling car on track but on a road you would never get to its limits .

If its straight line speed your after the S3 are great at covering ground fast .
 
  • Like
Reactions: pburv
Folding mirrors are available as an option on the S3. In the ‘My Audi’ app it shows folding door mirrors under the “comfort” section. So I don’t know if it’s part of a comfort pack or an individual option request.

The S3 is a brilliant all rounder as Mr Freeze says. I can’t imagine another car with as much usability/versatility for the price. If you can get a facelift S3, 2016/2017 model without the restrictive exhaust filters that have since been added (2018+ I think), you’ll have an exhaust that pops/farts on high-rev gear shifts! For a standard system, it’s pretty decent.

A 2016/2017 model with about 30k miles will be around £20k GBP. A great saving over a new model. Might be worth thinking about.
 
Moots said:
Sorry yes, it’s an s-tronic black edition I’m looking at.

The only thing that’s putting me off is the MMI. I like the tech in the golf, So I am tempted to wait and see what comes with the new S3 although not sure when it will be available to order, and it may end up being more expensive.
Click to expand...

Hi and welcome to the forums :)

Not sure if you are aware, but coming out soon is the new Leon Cupra, Facelift Megane RS and the facelift Hyundai i30N Performance, all have newer fancy dash graphics and all will have the option of an auto box....probably cheaper than a used S3 as well!

Or something completely different and bonkers :blink:



I can't decide on the looks...

 
  • Like
Reactions: pburv
AllanG said:
Yeah.....but that’s the old model, with the pretty crappy interior!! :puke2:
Click to expand...
Yeah ? what's the problem with ''older'' crappy interior?? well those seats are used much but rest is all same as in nearly all a3's s3's
And you think new cars are better??? so u are mistaken watch this ! :
 
I like the super sport seats (they’re proper comfy), but they look nowhere near as cool as the wingbacks fro the 8P S3. The cost of cars increases but they’re being made with a cheaper budget.
 
s3mad_dude said:
I like the super sport seats (they’re proper comfy), but they look nowhere near as cool as the wingbacks fro the 8P S3. The cost of cars increases but they’re being made with a cheaper budget.
Click to expand...

Oh indeed, the super sports seats being manual only is an indication, despite the considerable extra cost (not that, once set, I used the electrics in my A4 much, as I was the only driver) My A4 B8 had a nice moulded tray under the boot floor for the tool kit. The S3 8V has a very nasty plastic tool roll (out of which bits keep falling) and interchangeable polystyrene blocks. The A6 C6 had a full sized spare! Those were the days.
 
  • Like
Reactions: s3mad_dude
rafletcher said:
Hmm, looks like the same interior as my FL 2018 model. I think she it’s fine, ‘though I do have the super sports seats.
Click to expand...

Whoops, my mistake as it is the latest model....I didn’t look at the photos close enough!! :whistle2:
 
Moots said:
The only thing that’s putting me off is the MMI. I like the tech in the golf, So I am tempted to wait
Click to expand...

Firstly, I'm a software engineer and a responsive featureful in car system is a must for me. I've had a mk6 and mk7 Golf, the in car system in the mk7 was really good but it's vastly improved in my 67 plate S3 with virtual cockpit. You have 2 SD cards and two USB slots for your own music, plus you have up to 3000 "songs" in the build in memory (the sat nav doesnt use a card). It has built in SIM card and wifi. What is important to you regarding the MMI? Ask away, happy to answer any Q's.

Secondly, the new A3/S3 will almost certainly follow suite of other models and have a touch screen with no physical buttons (except steering wheel), that is a massive downgrade for me. i used touchscreens in a car, they are totally inappropriate unless you are stopped or driving like a nanna.

Finally, I miss the adaptive CC from the Golf and folder mirrors, both are optional if you really want.

If i was buying another S3 i would definitely hunt for one with ACC, folding mirrors and mag ride, its a bit firm for my missus (ooo matron!)
 
MikhailCompo said:
Firstly, I'm a software engineer and a responsive featureful in car system is a must for me. I've had a mk6 and mk7 Golf, the in car system in the mk7 was really good but it's vastly improved in my 67 plate S3 with virtual cockpit. You have 2 SD cards and two USB slots for your own music, plus you have up to 3000 "songs" in the build in memory (the sat nav doesnt use a card). It has built in SIM card and wifi. What is important to you regarding the MMI? Ask away, happy to answer any Q's.

Secondly, the new A3/S3 will almost certainly follow suite of other models and have a touch screen with no physical buttons (except steering wheel), that is a massive downgrade for me. i used touchscreens in a car, they are totally inappropriate unless you are stopped or driving like a nanna.

Finally, I miss the adaptive CC from the Golf and folder mirrors, both are optional if you really want.

If i was buying another S3 i would definitely hunt for one with ACC, folding mirrors and mag ride, its a bit firm for my missus (ooo matron!)
Click to expand...
My car has ACC, folding mirrors and magride. Been looking at newer cars but actually difficult to find one with all the features I want.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MikhailCompo
I know what you mean. I found an Audi S3 facelift in exclusive Nogaro Blue which is super rare and I bought it. It has every option I want with the exception of the wheels and the B&O sound system but sometimes you have to compromise. Both features can be added/retro-fitted at a later date so don’t discount a car because of a few features.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NevMan
audi upgrades
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

FBF01
Potential S3 order
Replies
62
Views
4K
FBF01
FBF01
M
Facelift S3 Purchase Advice
Replies
12
Views
1K
Falmouthboy
F
Itguy
  • Start Poll
Your S3 Purchase - Head or Heart purchase?
Replies
69
Views
5K
Itguy
Itguy
NATHH
Potential new S3 owner
Replies
21
Views
4K
Bitzieee
Bitzieee
musicegbdf
long term purchase S3 ?
Replies
32
Views
3K
Daz Auto
Daz Auto
Top
Back