S3

C

Cornish John

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I had A3s for years, but the last two years have been driving a TT MK3 and loved it.

Now looking at buying a 2016 S3, any tips please.

John.
 
Tips? Depends what you mean. Manual or S tronic? Regardless make sure it's had the coolant leak fixed under warranty (mine was thermostat housing and most are but is a common and known issue). If s tronic see if the haldex filter has been cleaned and fresh oil. Audi don't do this but a search on this forum shows why it should be done

Can't think of anything else major off the top of my head.

Sent from my HD1913 using Tapatalk
 
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2016 might get you an early facelift so look for one with tech pack/vc and maybe b&o
 
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Why are you not looking at a TTS, if you are happy with two doors and limited rear seat room. The TTS will hold its value way better than an S3 and is a better looking car IMO
 
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Make sure it's on track with service history...Will possibly be of age needing haldex service and if dsg a service on that also.
If finances allow go for a saloon.It comes with Mag Ride as standard.An option I would always recommend on an S3.:icon thumright:
 
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I had A3s for years, but the last two years have been driving a TT MK3 and loved it.

Now looking at buying a 2016 S3, any tips please.

John.

I went from a mk3 TT TDI ultra to a facelift S3, I much preferred the TT despite the less power, it handled better, looked better, somehow felt a bit more special.

Make sure you take an S3 on a long test drive before committing.
 
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I went from a mk3 TT TDI ultra to a facelift S3, I much preferred the TT despite the less power, it handled better, looked better, somehow felt a bit more special.

Make sure you take an S3 on a long test drive before committing.
And you had plenty of room in the boot for your hair dryer and rollers :p































JOKING :p:)
 
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And you had plenty of room in the boot for your hair dryer and rollers :p


TT with seats down could carry quite a lot, MX5 however....

Scissors come up front for safe keeping.




























JOKING :p:)
 
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Well it's about time we got the banter back ;)
Damn right!
f881a0f3e7ba1caa5dcdf685fe324ec5.jpg
 
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Don't go for a Manual.
Get the highest spec one you can find.
Get the haldex pump screen cleaned either before you buy it or straight after from an independent.
 
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Don't go for a Manual.
Get the highest spec one you can find.
Get the haldex pump screen cleaned either before you buy it or straight after from an independent.
^^^THIS^^^ and use this https://www.vcheck.uk/ not sure if the owner is a member on here?!?!?

But anyway, I was shocked when I saw a post on the forums about some of the things it pulled up! https://babybmw.net/viewtopic.php?f=74&t=128839

If you look on the facebook site you see even more shocking things! https://www.facebook.com/vcheck.uk/

106903743_802599643478080_8697594401964121833_o.jpg
 
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Haldex pump tip applies to manual as well as auto. If the pump is partially knackered it will feel twitchy at higher speed under hard acceleration (e.g. in 4th).
Manual = probable clutch issues = expensive repair bill NOT covered by the warranty. Also, if you plan to modify it at any point then you will need an uprated clutch.
Check for misfires. The ECU records misfires for current drive as well as last 10 drives. a couple is normal. more than that is not and can be a notoriously expensive thing to fix (ranging from a simple thing like plugs / coil packs to engine damage)
 
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Would a manual s3 not be a safer option if buying used as i thought the stronic would be very expensive to fix if anything goes wrong with it ? Been thinking about getting a 15/16 plate s3 or tts but was always looking for a manual as never drove an automatic and dont know much about them to see if anything was up with the gearbox during a test drive, i could deal with replacing the cluch in the manual if i was going to get a good few years out of it
 
Would a manual s3 not be a safer option if buying used as i thought the stronic would be very expensive to fix if anything goes wrong with it ? Been thinking about getting a 15/16 plate s3 or tts but was always looking for a manual as never drove an automatic and dont know much about them to see if anything was up with the gearbox during a test drive, i could deal with replacing the cluch in the manual if i was going to get a good few years out of it
Well documented on here about Audi S3 dodgy clutches. Mine included. if I recall right some fail at 7 - 9 K, mine was 23K. As its been eluded to previously Audi wash their hands of all clutch issues. They have the same part number as a golf gti. You may be lucky. Im on clutch 3 albeit stage 2. Changing a clutch is not cheap as the subframe has to be dropped. DSG get a good write up. Get a gearbox map if upping power.
 
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manual clutch replacement £700 odd if flywheel needs done £1100 plus ' during test drive floor it in 5th from low revs if clutch is on the way out you will see and hear revs jump with no acceleration especially around the 3000 rpm mark. mine started at about 27000 on a 2015 but some have been reported as low as 10000
 
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Get a manual and fit an uprated clutch, even if you aren't modding ! I got a Sachs paddle clutch and flywheel and it handles a stage 2 map without any issues. If you're into diy the clutch change is a doddle and you can do it on axle stands no need to drop the subframe. I love the mag ride on the saloon, just wished I had the supersport seats.
 
I had A3s for years, but the last two years have been driving a TT MK3 and loved it.

Now looking at buying a 2016 S3, any tips please.

John.

I’m planning on selling my 2015 S3 Saloon in Sepang Blue with lunar silver interior if you’re interested.

It’s had two previous owners, one of which was an Audi dealer. Full service history, some Audi, some independent Audi specialists but all documented on the digital service history. Oil changed in between services (last was in July this year). It had the DSG and Haldex service items done (around Oct 18 when they were due).

Passed MOT in June with no advisories. Next MOT due 13 July 2021. Had four new Pirelli tyres fitted in May this year along with a 4 wheel alignment. Car has hardly been driven since so still plenty of tread on them.

Currently on just over 52,000 miles. This will increase slightly with use but currently that's just trips to the supermarket every other day.

Recently had the thermostat housing and water pump replaced using genuine Audi parts by a VAG specialist.

Factory fitted extras include; Panoramic sunroof, Adaptive cruise control, Forward collision warning incl. autonomous emergency braking, body coloured door mirrors, heated and folding door mirrors, MMI navigation Plus, Parking aid Plus, High-beam assist, Bang & Olufsen Sound System

Modifications I've made; Eibach Pro-Kit Coil Springs, Rear windows tinted to factory level of tint, Audi smartphone interface (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)

Ive not put it up on AutoTrader yet. But let me know if you’re interested. We
 
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Thanks for all the tips, Im viewing one tomorrow at a dealer.
Its a 2016 model with 32K on the clock, just had a clutch and service.
It has Audi full service history, see what happens.

Lets see how it goes.
 
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Thanks for all the tips, Im viewing one tomorrow at a dealer.
Its a 2016 model with 32K on the clock, just had a clutch and service.
It has Audi full service history, see what happens.

Lets see how it goes.

Full audi service history means is the haldex pump filter wont have been serviced properly, and is around the time the haldex pump packs up having not done so. Tbh a new pump is no biggy. you can get a replacement kit for about 220 quid and its quick job to replace. Like i said, if it feels twitchy at high speed under full acceleration then the pump is on its way out.
 
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275cddf4a3144df18da01f3953478cce



Picked it up Tuesday night, love it!

Even better had only 28K on the clock, with loads of history and receipts.
 
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View attachment 208089


Picked it up Tuesday night, love it!

Even better had only 28K on the clock, with loads of history and receipts.
Exactly the same as my old S3, doesn't start with DG on the reg does it? :p

2 items you need now, 'Meguiar's Ultimate compound' and 'Poorboys black hole polish' ;)

My S3 after its first winter:

1-jpg.121972


And after using those products:

5-jpg.121976
 
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Exactly the same as my old S3, doesn't start with DG on the reg does it? :p

2 items you need now, 'Meguiar's Ultimate compound' and 'Poorboys black hole polish' ;)

My S3 after its first winter:

Thanks for the tips, and no not DG.

1-jpg.121972


And after using those products:

5-jpg.121976
 

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