Contemplating Buying An S3
- Thread starter consciousdubwarrior
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Hi mate, pretty much the exact same storey for me haha. Ive just recently gone from my first car an 09 fiesta 1.2 of 11years to my 2017 Silver s3 black series, had it a month or so. Love it! purchased from cazoo, no mods etc as im happy with it standard. Mpg for me is 26-30 due to living in a hilly area.
I’ve had many performance cars over the years, including the recommended S3 facelift (pre-OPF) and now a unicorn spec RS3. I haven’t read all the posts, but since this is a moment that you’re considering that first big step up to a performance car I thought I’d share some thoughts.
You’re doing the right thing by asking around what the buying advice is, and it would be difficult to go too wrong with this model so long as you buy wisely. The Golf R will offer a similar package, though typically with fewer creature comforts.
The S3 is a great ownership package and has reasonable costs… for what it is. Most are robust cars and you shouldn’t expect inherent horrors other than those few things like Haldex pumps (happened to me), less commonly transfer boxes, and more usual maintenance needs like brakes & servicing.
The main thing I wanted to share is the importance of making a good long term purchase when moving from a basic car (all you need) to a motoring luxury (want). People, including me, can waste a lot of money by changing cars too quickly for all sorts of reasons - so I’d take time to be extra sure that a more moderate step up like a Polo or Golf GTI (next-level alternative) isn’t going to be as suitable.
You asked about fuel spend, which while very visible is not the biggest factor. Instead, look at the bigger picture on costs.
Borrowing money and used car prices are, in my opinion, structurally and permanently higher. Financing is commonly one of, perhaps the, greatest costs. Avoid PCP on a used car - it really doesn’t work, especially at today’s rates. Look very carefully at the total amount payable on any financing.
I would crack open that Excel sheet and make sure that your calculations allow for more general inflation in your life’s costs, plus any other goals like saving, pensions, housing. I don’t think society has yet adjusted to these higher costs and what you are assuring yourself of is not being forced to sell earlier than you’d like due to higher than expected bills.
You’re doing the right thing by asking around what the buying advice is, and it would be difficult to go too wrong with this model so long as you buy wisely. The Golf R will offer a similar package, though typically with fewer creature comforts.
The S3 is a great ownership package and has reasonable costs… for what it is. Most are robust cars and you shouldn’t expect inherent horrors other than those few things like Haldex pumps (happened to me), less commonly transfer boxes, and more usual maintenance needs like brakes & servicing.
The main thing I wanted to share is the importance of making a good long term purchase when moving from a basic car (all you need) to a motoring luxury (want). People, including me, can waste a lot of money by changing cars too quickly for all sorts of reasons - so I’d take time to be extra sure that a more moderate step up like a Polo or Golf GTI (next-level alternative) isn’t going to be as suitable.
You asked about fuel spend, which while very visible is not the biggest factor. Instead, look at the bigger picture on costs.
Borrowing money and used car prices are, in my opinion, structurally and permanently higher. Financing is commonly one of, perhaps the, greatest costs. Avoid PCP on a used car - it really doesn’t work, especially at today’s rates. Look very carefully at the total amount payable on any financing.
I would crack open that Excel sheet and make sure that your calculations allow for more general inflation in your life’s costs, plus any other goals like saving, pensions, housing. I don’t think society has yet adjusted to these higher costs and what you are assuring yourself of is not being forced to sell earlier than you’d like due to higher than expected bills.
Haha! I can’t imagine what it’s like owning an Audi S3 after owning cars like our 1.2’s
I was looking at the black editions as well, how many miles you pick yours up at & how much? If you don’t mind me asking
OH and… Any pictures?!?
))I do see where you are coming from in regards to all points you have made, the only thing is Audi s3’s for me have always been that car I’d love to be able to own it
& ofcourse in the near future petrol cars will be phased out so it’s wanting me to get one even more urgently. Plus if I wait longer there may hardly be any decent Pre OPF s3’s on the market
It’s great being able to overtake without needing a mile gap .Haha! I can’t imagine what it’s like owning an Audi S3 after owning cars like our 1.2’s
I was looking at the black editions as well, how many miles you pick yours up at & how much? If you don’t mind me asking
OH and… Any pictures?!?
I paid 24k and it had 39k miles.
One thing you need to mentally prepare yourself is the finance. Definitely an adjustment period I’m finding after not having monthly payments before. set aside a rainy day fund.
I also have just taken it for a winter health check that came back with a few thing needing such as haldex oil change spark plugs etc (something you probably wouldn’t get buying from Audi dealership).
(hopefully the images attached)
I do see where you are coming from in regards to all points you have made, the only thing is Audi s3’s for me have always been that car I’d love to be able to own it
& ofcourse in the near future petrol cars will be phased out so it’s wanting me to get one even more urgently. Plus if I wait longer there may hardly be any decent Pre OPF s3’s on the market
S3s will be around for many years to come and people will always be selling them. I had cars like Clio Williams, Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo, supercharged Golf R32, S3s (and many more) back in the day. I'm not yet ancient, but like me now my cars then were a touch older; less expensive than you're considering - apart from an 8P S3 ironically, which I bought on finance and only regretted because it was on Audi's in-house junk-rate used PCP. First and last time!
You might also widen your search to look at things like earlier 8V S3s, late 8Ps and so on to give you a mite more "head" than the "heart" I am sensing from the statement above.
Absolutely do buy one if it's not a stretch - facelift non-OPF are the peak S3 IMO. Make sure it's an enduring jump up by timing and judging the finances well, and all will be good.
Ahh nice! I was looking at one similar miles to what you have purchased. I think that will be one of the big adjustments. Will need to manage finances better, but ofcourse that is something I feel will be managable.
Did you go to an Audi Garage for the health check? Did they give a rough ball park figure of how much that might all cost? I think you should get quotes from independent audi specialists as well, only because i’ve seen quite a few people say Audi are quite notorious for charging stupid prices for the smallest things.
unfortunately the pics didn’t attach
what spec did you go for? Do you have Virtual cockpit, b&o , sunroof or anything?
I appreciate comments like yours massively as you’re sending your replies with a lot of thought and with a sensible mind frame lolS3s will be around for many years to come and people will always be selling them. I had cars like Clio Williams, Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo, supercharged Golf R32, S3s (and many more) back in the day. I'm not yet ancient, but like me now my cars then were a touch older; less expensive than you're considering - apart from an 8P S3 ironically, which I bought on finance and only regretted because it was on Audi's in-house junk-rate used PCP. First and last time!
You might also widen your search to look at things like earlier 8V S3s, late 8Ps and so on to give you a mite more "head" than the "heart" I am sensing from the statement above.
Absolutely do buy one if it's not a stretch - facelift non-OPF are the peak S3 IMO. Make sure it's an enduring jump up by timing and judging the finances well, and all will be good.
I think because i’m not exactly the youngest and only getting on I will probably pull the trigger. But i think i’ll wait until next year march/april to get finances a little more cemented.
there were a few examples i’ve seen already & although they look mighty tempting, i keep constantly having to tell myself don’t make no rushed decision lol.
Its not a massive spec. but i wasnt really botherd about the little extras VC would have been nice. But got B&O etc. coming from a fiesta just having air con and heated seats is great!Ahh nice! I was looking at one similar miles to what you have purchased. I think that will be one of the big adjustments. Will need to manage finances better, but ofcourse that is something I feel will be managable.
Did you go to an Audi Garage for the health check? Did they give a rough ball park figure of how much that might all cost? I think you should get quotes from independent audi specialists as well, only because i’ve seen quite a few people say Audi are quite notorious for charging stupid prices for the smallest things.
unfortunately the pics didn’t attach
what spec did you go for? Do you have Virtual cockpit, b&o , sunroof or anything?
On a sidenote for anyone else reading this, was heated front window (the tiny wires in the glass) an option, or the ability to have one?? As im just finding out now it doesnt... and takes an age to clear frost/condensation etc.
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That looks absolutely mint! Anything is an upgrade from our little 1.2's nevermind an S3! lol
Thanks mate, very happy with it! Good luck with your hunt and share when you get it!
That is dissapointing to hear ha
I have done quotes already as there was one I was very close to purchasing - It was coming up to around £700/anually
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Hi.
If you need any help with insurance at all then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.
