Decisions, decisions... Undecided on FL A3 or S3

[GR25]

Hey there everyone, happy new year to you all!

I'm new around here, but excited about joining the A3 or S3 club. Currently enjoying an existing Audi, but wanting the new FL A3 or S3. However I've hit a road block (haha) on what way to go. I've read every forum post, asked friends, mechanics and I'm still no wiser.

So, I've pretty much decided on the spec I'm looking for and initially I was very interested in the 1.4 TFSI CoD s-tronic. I'm keen on s-tronic mainly because of the typical bad traffic in the UK and the ACC would be pretty useful. The 1.4 TFSI is also pretty good on running costs, not hugely concerned about that but it's nice to have.

My main issue with the 1.4 CoD (fantastic engine by the way!) is the fact it uses the DQ200 dry-clutch s-tonic which although I've not heard much bad about it in the past months, has a very poor reliability record. I understand they changed the Synthetic to Mineral oil but I've heard people still are occasionally having issues with them, and that they are not as smooth as the wet-clutch variant (which I'd tend to agree with). It could be driving style, maybe owners that have had problems are riding the clutch instead of keeping the foot on the brake but one never knows. It seems what happens is the clutches wear much quicker than they do with the wet-clutch models - maybe accentuated by stop-start traffic which causes excess heat (but isn't that the reason we buy s-tronic?).

So to avoid the DQ200, I'm stuck with the 2.0L TFSI (and at the price, I'd go for the Quattro) - not test driven the 2.0 Quattro yet and no idea how good this engine is. This leaves me then thinking, well I'm not far off the price of an S3.

The S3, however, probably wouldn't last long with not having a garage to park it in. Kind of concerned I'll be awaken in the night. The nice thing I guess about the 2.0L Quattro is it's not an S3, so likely to be left untouched by unscrupulous characters but it's a lot of money - just shy of an S3 really (and lets face it the S3 has a number of performance benefits and is just overall a fantastic car).

So I'm hoping you guys can help point me in the right direction (or convince me I need to move house quick, because I'll love the S3 so much!).

What are your thoughts on the 1.4 CoD vs 2.0L Quattro vs S3 given my predicament? I'm looking for a fairly reliable and performant motor to be honest, hence why the dry-clutch was bugging me but I'm sure you can see why I'm where I am.

Appreciate your inputs, many thanks!

 

[Milnesafc]

Hey there everyone, happy new year to you all!

I'm new around here, but excited about joining the A3 or S3 club. Currently enjoying an existing Audi, but wanting the new FL A3 or S3. However I've hit a road block (haha) on what way to go. I've read every forum post, asked friends, mechanics and I'm still no wiser.

So, I've pretty much decided on the spec I'm looking for and initially I was very interested in the 1.4 TFSI CoD s-tronic. I'm keen on s-tronic mainly because of the typical bad traffic in the UK and the ACC would be pretty useful. The 1.4 TFSI is also pretty good on running costs, not hugely concerned about that but it's nice to have.

My main issue with the 1.4 CoD (fantastic engine by the way!) is the fact it uses the DQ200 dry-clutch s-tonic which although I've not heard much bad about it in the past months, has a very poor reliability record. I understand they changed the Synthetic to Mineral oil but I've heard people still are occasionally having issues with them, and that they are not as smooth as the wet-clutch variant (which I'd tend to agree with). It could be driving style, maybe owners that have had problems are riding the clutch instead of keeping the foot on the brake but one never knows. It seems what happens is the clutches wear much quicker than they do with the wet-clutch models - maybe accentuated by stop-start traffic which causes excess heat (but isn't that the reason we buy s-tronic?).

So to avoid the DQ200, I'm stuck with the 2.0L TFSI (and at the price, I'd go for the Quattro) - not test driven the 2.0 Quattro yet and no idea how good this engine is. This leaves me then thinking, well I'm not far off the price of an S3.

The S3, however, probably wouldn't last long with not having a garage to park it in. Kind of concerned I'll be awaken in the night. The nice thing I guess about the 2.0L Quattro is it's not an S3, so likely to be left untouched by unscrupulous characters but it's a lot of money - just shy of an S3 really (and lets face it the S3 has a number of performance benefits and is just overall a fantastic car).

So I'm hoping you guys can help point me in the right direction (or convince me I need to move house quick, because I'll love the S3 so much!).

What are your thoughts on the 1.4 CoD vs 2.0L Quattro vs S3 given my predicament? I'm looking for a fairly reliable and performant motor to be honest, hence why the dry-clutch was bugging me but I'm sure you can see why I'm where I am.

Appreciate your inputs, many thanks!

So your main concern is the S3 would be stolen? Starting to worry now as this has been mentioned a few times, is there a flaw with the security on them or are they been targeted?

 

[Mark_86]

Well... bit biased, but I'd go for the S3 and just ensure it's secured. Invest in a steering wheel lock or something.

 

[Daveotto]

Seems you are weighing up between potential for some warranty work on a clutch verses worry about a car being a thief magnet.

To be honest anyone who worries about there car being stolen should not buy it in the first place and you certainly seem to think its a caste iron certainty an S3 will get stolen so............go for the 1.4 CoD

 

[Mark_86]

So your main concern is the S3 would be stolen? Starting to worry now as this has been mentioned a few times, is there a flaw with the security on them or are they been targeted?

It's one of the top cars in the country for vehicle theft. It really depends where you live, my Focus ST was top of the tree a few years ago for theft because the keyless system had been hacked via the OBD but never had any issues with dodgy people.

 

[GR25]

So your main concern is the S3 would be stolen? Starting to worry now as this has been mentioned a few times, is there a flaw with the security on them or are they been targeted?

Targeted, nothing wrong per-se with the S3 security. More likely to have some bandits bash your door down (happened to a friend of mine for an S3, and someone else for a Golf R). Both have yet to buy another performance car after the experience. It's a real shame to be honest.

Re security, I'm not sure a steering lock is enough to put someone off. The problem for me is keeping it out of sight in a garage (I don't have one!).

 

[GR25]

It's one of the top cars in the country for vehicle theft. It really depends where you live, my Focus ST was top of the tree a few years ago for theft because the keyless system had been hacked via the OBD but never had any issues with dodgy people.

Agree, wouldn't have keyless myself for that reason, as much as I like the keyless systems.

 

[Milnesafc]

It's one of the top cars in the country for vehicle theft. It really depends where you live, my Focus ST was top of the tree a few years ago for theft because the keyless system had been hacked via the OBD but never had any issues with dodgy people.

Yeah my mate has an ST, think he's re-wired the OBD so anyone who plugs in will have their equipment fried .

He mentioned that their was a way to fool some of the Audis into thinking the car was under water which released the locks, not sure how true it is?

 

[Daveotto]

So your main concern is the S3 would be stolen? Starting to worry now as this has been mentioned a few times, is there a flaw with the security on them or are they been targeted?

Few online articles saying the S3 is most stolen car in the UK with some not very convincing stats and then a number of paranoia based threads on here and other forums with people convincing themselves its a certainty there car will be stolen and that the whole family will end up being hospitalised during the theft.

Don't get me wrong cars get stolen and increasingly for high performance cars its via key theft from the home but is a real lack of pragmatism in favour of paranoia

Do a forum search and make up your own mind but the discussion gets a bit weary like Mono Pur for those who remember that!!!!

 

[h5djr]

I've owned five A3s with a 6-speed wet clutch type s-tronic and have number six on order. All have been diesel including 140, 170 and my current one is a 184 quattro. The one I have on order is another 184 quattro and I have not had any problems with the s-tronic on any of them. Now I would never buy one with it.

I drove a new 2.0 TFSI -190 a few weeks ago and whilst it was OK it did not have the torque and get up and go that mine has, especially without resorting to high revs.

I know mine is not a S3 so is probably not so likely to be stolen and I do live in a 'nice' area but mine is always kept in a garage. There is no real way of making any S3 or A3 really secure. If I thief wants to take it they will. All I can suggest is you make sure you have full replacement GAP insurance and then you will not loose out financially.

 

[GR25]

I've owned five A3s with a 6-speed wet clutch type s-tronic and have number six on order. All have been diesel including 140, 170 and my current one is a 184 quattro. The one I have on order is another 184 quattro and I have not had any problems with the s-tronic on any of them. Now I would never buy one with it.

I drove a new 2.0 TFSI -190 a few weeks ago and whilst it was OK it did not have the torque and get up and go that mine has, especially without resorting to high revs.

I know mine is not a S3 so is probably not so likely to be stolen and I do live in a 'nice' area but mine is always kept in a garage. There is no real way of making any S3 or A3 really secure. If I thief wants to take it they will. All I can suggest is you make sure you have full replacement GAP insurance and then you will not loose out financially.

Wet-Clutch type seems very reliable from what everyone has said, most really like the wet-clutch. However the 1.4 CoD sadly gets the dry-clutch and I'm yet to hear from anyone with a recent 2016+ A3 tell me their experiences, hence coming along here to see what everyone thinks.

The TDI of course all come with wet-clutch, but diesel doesn't really suit me due to occasional short journeys here and there otherwise that would have been a no-brainer.

Certainly not worried about A3 getting stolen, already have a high-spec A1 and no one has touched that, so an A3 should be fine

Whist I don't want to frighten anyone here, I didn't come along to scare you all re the S3 but it is something that plays a part in my decision with not having a garage. I just think it's a bad idea to have an S3 on show, particularly when there are no S3 owners in the street here (maybe I should convince my neighbours to all buy S/RS cars!). Lots of Q models around here!

 

[GR25]

I've owned five A3s with a 6-speed wet clutch type s-tronic and have number six on order. All have been diesel including 140, 170 and my current one is a 184 quattro. The one I have on order is another 184 quattro and I have not had any problems with the s-tronic on any of them. Now I would never buy one with it.

I drove a new 2.0 TFSI -190 a few weeks ago and whilst it was OK it did not have the torque and get up and go that mine has, especially without resorting to high revs.

I know mine is not a S3 so is probably not so likely to be stolen and I do live in a 'nice' area but mine is always kept in a garage. There is no real way of making any S3 or A3 really secure. If I thief wants to take it they will. All I can suggest is you make sure you have full replacement GAP insurance and then you will not loose out financially.

Thanks for your thoughts on the 2.0 TFSI by the way, I have not tried it yet but was very impressed with the 1.4 CoD for the size of engine it was pretty good. I was a few millimetres from buying based on that, but the dry-clutch can be a bit funny at slow speeds and reliability is obviously a little concern based on what people have said in the past re the DQ200.

 

[ChivsBang]

Hey there everyone, happy new year to you all!

I'm new around here, but excited about joining the A3 or S3 club. Currently enjoying an existing Audi, but wanting the new FL A3 or S3. However I've hit a road block (haha) on what way to go. I've read every forum post, asked friends, mechanics and I'm still no wiser.

So, I've pretty much decided on the spec I'm looking for and initially I was very interested in the 1.4 TFSI CoD s-tronic. I'm keen on s-tronic mainly because of the typical bad traffic in the UK and the ACC would be pretty useful. The 1.4 TFSI is also pretty good on running costs, not hugely concerned about that but it's nice to have.

My main issue with the 1.4 CoD (fantastic engine by the way!) is the fact it uses the DQ200 dry-clutch s-tonic which although I've not heard much bad about it in the past months, has a very poor reliability record. I understand they changed the Synthetic to Mineral oil but I've heard people still are occasionally having issues with them, and that they are not as smooth as the wet-clutch variant (which I'd tend to agree with). It could be driving style, maybe owners that have had problems are riding the clutch instead of keeping the foot on the brake but one never knows. It seems what happens is the clutches wear much quicker than they do with the wet-clutch models - maybe accentuated by stop-start traffic which causes excess heat (but isn't that the reason we buy s-tronic?).

So to avoid the DQ200, I'm stuck with the 2.0L TFSI (and at the price, I'd go for the Quattro) - not test driven the 2.0 Quattro yet and no idea how good this engine is. This leaves me then thinking, well I'm not far off the price of an S3.

The S3, however, probably wouldn't last long with not having a garage to park it in. Kind of concerned I'll be awaken in the night. The nice thing I guess about the 2.0L Quattro is it's not an S3, so likely to be left untouched by unscrupulous characters but it's a lot of money - just shy of an S3 really (and lets face it the S3 has a number of performance benefits and is just overall a fantastic car).

So I'm hoping you guys can help point me in the right direction (or convince me I need to move house quick, because I'll love the S3 so much!).

What are your thoughts on the 1.4 CoD vs 2.0L Quattro vs S3 given my predicament? I'm looking for a fairly reliable and performant motor to be honest, hence why the dry-clutch was bugging me but I'm sure you can see why I'm where I am.

Appreciate your inputs, many thanks!

I'll keep it simple.. I owned an A3 1.9TDI S Line with S Tronic. Totally awesome car mainly because of the S Tronic. It was 150 engine and to me it went like stink.

I know have the FL S3 and it's way over and above what I dreamt it would be apart from the fuel consumption (but hey I can put up with that as it's only just a little more to run a month than the A3)

I would advise if you couldn't sleep at night with an S3 parked outside to go for the 190 2.0 Quattro as I'm sure that'll be super quick and will blend in more.. I must admit the S3 is too powerful for me...you floor it and poo definitely comes out!!!


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[josul]

I know it's not on display as much in a garage but you can't hide it from a thief all the time. If they want it then they will simple take the garage keys along with the cars from the house.

Anyway how do they find one to target? Do they drive around estates searching or do they see one out and about then follow it home. If the latter then a garage will not help.

You say you will love the S3, so buy the S3 and get the right insurance as stated above. It's better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all!

 

[Milnesafc]

I know it's not on display as much in a garage but you can't hide it from a thief all the time. If they want it then they will simple take the garage keys along with the cars from the house.

Anyway how do they find one to target? Do they drive around estates searching or do they see one out and about then follow it home. If the latter then a garage will not help.

You say you will love the S3, so buy the S3 and get the right insurance as stated above. It's better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all!

Just make sure you take your keys with you and keep them upstairs and away from sight on a night, if that fails that's the reason I keep a metal bar under my bed.

 

[ChivsBang]

Just make sure you take your keys with you and keep them upstairs and away from sight on a night, if that fails that's the reason I keep a metal bar under my bed.

Ha! That's exactly what I do apart from my bar being wooden! They'd so regret visiting me in the night


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[GR25]

Ha! That's exactly what I do apart from my bar being wooden! They'd so regret visiting me in the night


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They certainly won't like me, nice big wooden base ball bat sits next to our bed. Not approved by the other half unfortunately. Still, on a more sensible note the S3 might be the one I go for if I can come to terms with added risk, looking at options of those pull up bars you can get installed. At least, rather make it difficult for the cretins.

 

[GR25]

Does anyone know of forum members that have the 1.4 CoD S-tronic, would really value their experiences with them?

 

[paradigital]

I ordered a facelift 2.0T Quattro. It took me less than a week to change the order to S3

 

[GR25]

I ordered a facelift 2.0T Quattro. It took me less than a week to change the order to S3

I don't blame you on that decision, the price is close and the S3 I assume (not checked) seems to have larger brakes. To me, stopping is just as important as going. I think for me the 2.0 was more of a stop-gap and the decision comes down to more is the 1.4 CoD s-tronic a bad choice due to the dry-clutch and if so, then probably I should just man up and buy the S3. The 1.4 CoD is a cracking engine, from the experience I've had with it and suits what I want really, don't exactly need S3 performance, but I do appreciate a performance car.

Bearing in mind, this would be a daily so hence why the 1.4 CoD is a valid contender.

 

[h5djr]

They certainly won't like me, nice big wooden base ball bat sits next to our bed. Not approved by the other half unfortunately. Still, on a more sensible note the S3 might be the one I go for if I can come to terms with added risk, looking at options of those pull up bars you can get installed. At least, rather make it difficult for the cretins.

And if you used your 'nice big wooden base ball bat' you can guess who would be charged with GBH by the police. After all all the thief was trying to do was was nick you car!

 

[GR25]

And if you used your 'nice big wooden base ball bat' you can guess who would be charged with GBH by the police. After all all the thief was trying to do was was nick you car!

I know The world we live in eh....

 

[ChivsBang]

And if you used your 'nice big wooden base ball bat' you can guess who would be charged with GBH by the police. After all all the thief was trying to do was was nick you car!

I do Brazilian Jiu Jitsu so would just put them to sleep gently without any bruising lol


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[Milnesafc]

They certainly won't like me, nice big wooden base ball bat sits next to our bed. Not approved by the other half unfortunately. Still, on a more sensible note the S3 might be the one I go for if I can come to terms with added risk, looking at options of those pull up bars you can get installed. At least, rather make it difficult for the cretins.

Just go for it mate, can't live your life based on risk factor. I only passed my test 2 months ago, don't know how many times I've headed I can't believe you got an S3 as your first car. Could be dead or lose my job in a couple of year so what's the point in waiting, life's short... enjoy it!

 

[Milnesafc]

And if you used your 'nice big wooden base ball bat' you can guess who would be charged with GBH by the police. After all all the thief was trying to do was was nick you car!

Think the law has been changed? Allowed to defend your property now, didn't that farmer get off will shooting a lad a few years ago?

Got 2 young kids in the house, if someone is going to go to the effort of breaking in I'm not taking any chances and will be swinging until they've stopped moving.

 

[GR25]

Think the law has been changed? Allowed to defend your property now, didn't that farmer get off will shooting a lad a few years ago?

Got 2 young kids in the house, if someone is going to go to the effort of breaking in I'm not taking any chances and will be swinging until they've stopped moving.

Wow, first car certainly a nice ride to have as a first car, love the yellow by the way! Stunning car. Although so many people probably are against young people having a 30k+ car, if you've worked hard for it and cherish it then why not

Doubt the law has changed tbh, likely to be on a first class ticket to custardy if you give them a good beating.

 

[Mark_86]

The law did change to give you more protection if you are threatened in your own home. Basically, it comes down to what's equal force when defending yourself. But, if someone got in and had threatened to kill you, you are allowed to defend yourself - even if that results in the death of the person attacking you. It will still go to court though and you may still get charged, but they're much more understanding of such issues these days. Baseball bat to the knee caps...

 

[GR25]

The law did change to give you more protection if you are threatened in your own home. Basically, it comes down to what's equal force when defending yourself. But, if someone got in and had threatened to kill you, you are allowed to defend yourself - even if that results in the death of the person attacking you. It will still go to court though and you may still get charged, but they're much more understanding of such issues these days. Baseball bat to the knee caps...

Sounds promising for swaying me to the S3 then. It's about time we had more protection of our pride and joy and a better understanding from the justice system.

 

[Simonb1975]

Actually you can now defend yourself aslong as you dont go overboard. Like hacking away at them as you chase them down the street.

All cars have problems clutch or otherwise and all sorts get nicked. Personally i think your overthinking on both accounts. Decide on whats best for you and go for it.

 

[Mark_86]

Basically... get the S3 lol.

 

[GR25]

Basically... get the S3 lol.

You S3 owners are great salesmen though... Tis' not end of discussion, undecided mind wonders onto S3 spec.... privacy glass? hmmm, colour? hmmm black edition? hmmm.... Only kidding of course. haha

Certainly need to beef up home security to go down the S3 route though, I'd only be wise to do so.

 

[Mark_86]

You S3 owners are great salesmen though... Tis' not end of discussion, undecided mind wonders onto S3 spec.... privacy glass? hmmm, colour? hmmm black edition? hmmm.... Only kidding of course. haha

Certainly need to beef up home security to go down the S3 route though, I'd only be wise to do so.

Haha... well, I went abit mad. I was looking at a Golf R for around £32k back in July'16... they stopped making them, so I went and spent £10k more on an S3... I'm fracking nuts! But, the S3 looks good with and without black edition, I do think the privacy glass is a must on this kind of car though. What area of the country are in you in mate?

If your Birmingham, London, Leeds, Manchester or Liverpool area where car crime is higher than the norm, then you'd be wise to look at something. But, at the end of the day, it's insured... so, if it gets nicked, it gets nicked. Just make sure you have GAP and you'll be fine. No point worrying about something that might never happen... so yes... get the S3.

EDIT: Oh, and I don't have mine yet... March 1st at 8.30am is when I get my grubby mitts on her

 

[GR25]

Haha... well, I went abit mad. I was looking at a Golf R for around £32k back in July'16... they stopped making them, so I went and spent £10k more on an S3... I'm fracking nuts! But, the S3 looks good with and without black edition, I do think the privacy glass is a must on this kind of car though. What area of the country are in you in mate?

If your Birmingham, London, Leeds, Manchester or Liverpool area where car crime is higher than the norm, then you'd be wise to look at something. But, at the end of the day, it's insured... so, if it gets nicked, it gets nicked. Just make sure you have GAP and you'll be fine. No point worrying about something that might never happen... so yes... get the S3.

Unfortunately, Manchester, so yes.... My insurance on an A1 aint cheap, w/ no claims...£700 to be exact, never been in an accident, held a clean license since I passed 15 years ago... so I'm pretty sure the insurance on an S3 is going to be over the 1k mark. Postcode lottery I'm afraid... Same car at a different address is below £300, go figure. This was the whole reason for looking at the 1.4 of course, but like everyone has said I didn't really want to compromise, I really like the S3 but sometimes sensible head has to be screwed on.

 

[Mark_86]

Unfortunately, Manchester, so yes.... My insurance on an A1 aint cheap, w/ no claims...£700 to be exact, never been in an accident, held a clean license since I passed 15 years ago... so I'm pretty sure the insurance on an S3 is going to be over the 1k mark. Postcode lottery I'm afraid... Same car at a different address is below £300, go figure. This was the whole reason for looking at the 1.4 of course, but like everyone has said I didn't really want to compromise, I really like the S3 but sometimes sensible head has to be screwed on.

Bah... you don't buy cars with your sensible head on. Internet, man maths and a few beers.... easy choices are then made lol. #gettheS3

 

[GR25]

Bah... you don't buy cars with your sensible head on. Internet, man maths and a few beers.... easy choices are then made lol. #gettheS3

Man maths, I like it I know I'll be back on here in 6-7 years with #gettheRS7 but thats way out of budget at the moment.

By the way, are you loving the mag ride? Was looking at that option but mixed reviews... seems like a no brainer on the S3 though.

The other heads up for the S3 was the 19 inchers, more choices on performance tyre, like the Mich PS4S

 

[Mark_86]

Man maths, I like it I know I'll be back on here in 6-7 years with #gettheRS7 but thats way out of budget at the moment.

By the way, are you loving the mag ride? Was looking at that option but mixed reviews... seems like a no brainer on the S3 though.

The other heads up for the S3 was the 19 inchers, more choices on performance tyre, like the Mich PS4S

Well, I'm having the 19" alloys, so Mag Ride is a must i.e. you can't have the bigger wheels unless you have Mag ride with it. But, I'd have picked it anyway. I didn't think about the tyre choice actually, the car will probably come on some Hankook ditch finders so I'll find an excuse to burn through them quickly and onto something more like chewing gum.

I like the idea of changing all the settings and playing with car. I'm into my gadgets and this is like a big one with 310 rampaging stallions!

 

[Jassyo06]

Here ye go, buy what you can ****** afford and stop pussy footin about...with the thoughts of yer car getting stolen....lifes to frickin short...cliche....l know but....its true

 

[richinsoton]

If you can afford the S3 why would you settle for something else as you'll always be 'if only I'd bought the S3 sigh!' everytime ones blasts passed you!...

 

[Jassyo06]

Well, I'm having the 19" alloys, so Mag Ride is a must i.e. you can't have the bigger wheels unless you have Mag ride with it. But, I'd have picked it anyway. I didn't think about the tyre choice actually, the car will probably come on some Hankook ditch finders so I'll find an excuse to burn through them quickly and onto something more like chewing gum.

I like the idea of changing all the settings and playing with car. I'm into my gadgets and this is like a big one with 310 rampaging stallions!

310 rampant stallions..............Oh dear....lol

 

[billy.rt]

Like @richinsoton said, as soon as you're at a set of lights and an S3 pulls up beside you you will be gutted knowing you opted for a lesser abled variant...