Ibis White S3 Owner

[Will.T]

Hi All,

I'm currently looking into getting an S3 8P. I've been looking around the forum, some YouTube videos and some other reviews and I really like the look and sound of the them overall. I'm currently driving an 03 Subaru Impreza and feel I want/need something smoother, smarter and just as enjoyable to drive performance wise as the Impreza isn't really practical.

I'm looking at spending around £12,000 and it's very specific what I'm looking for i.e white, black edition, sportsback (assume that's 5 door?) Auto (DSG) and possibly the white and black leather interior but not essential, which I have been coming across for that price but few and far between.

I'm wondering if it's worth getting something for around £10,000-£11,000 and spending the left over cash on the car or just going for a £12k one with lower miles or something?

I'm also looking for anyone that lives in or around the Sussex area that can recommend a trustworthy mechanic who works on Audi's that I can get any future work done and possibly a full check once purchased?

Last of all do all the S3 8P's have the Quattro system?

Thanks for taking your time to read, I hope to hear from you soon and look forward to the future.

 

[Stealth80]

All s3s are quattro. I have a sprint Blue s3, a came from a mk2 3.2 V6 tt, feels a little pokier but not remarkable.
If I had your budget I would save a touch more and get a 8v, faster, less to tax and more mpg with room on top for a remap.

 

[prt57]

There’s a lot of appreciation for the S3 8P on here. I think they have more character than the 8v. Take care with an 8v as the early ones had turbo problems.
Lots of choice out there for the 8P and so look for something with a full service history and has had a caring owner.
Cheap ones may have had some nasty modifications so walk away.
You will get lots of advice on here as to the best way forward when you have made a purchase.

 

[Will.T]

Thanks for the reply. I do really like the sprint blue to be fair. Have just had a look and the cheapest 8V on a very quick search I could find was just over 14k so it's another 2k and high miles. I'm guessing for a decent mileage one we're talking 15-16k and although the interior is lovely I just don't think I can stretch to that. I'll stick with the 8P as I reckon I can get a relatively decent one regarding miles etc with my budget.

 

[Will.T]

There’s a lot of appreciation for the S3 8P on here. I think they have more character than the 8v. Take care with an 8v as the early ones had turbo problems.
Lots of choice out there for the 8P and so look for something with a full service history and has had a caring owner.
Cheap ones may have had some nasty modifications so walk away.
You will get lots of advice on here as to the best way forward when you have made a purchase.

Thanks for the reply. I'll go for the 8P due to my budget and I look forward to posting on here once purchased. Getting to know people etc

 

[samuelh_888]

Hi @Will.T - welcome to the forum and your pending S3 ownership. The process you describe above confirms your doing all the right research. For your budget, I think you'll find a decent S3 with your prerequisite specs. I paid £14,990 2.5 years ago and the prices have come down since then - the DSG does seem to hold their price better however.

With respect to your search - a well documented service history is important but also take a read of https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/preventative-maintenance-audi-s3-bhz-cdl.341180/. If you're uncertain of the history then complete the maintenance anyways.

Personally I'd complete the following (I'm not plagiarising the maintenance thread):

- Cam belt and water pump
- Timing chain and tensioner
- Cam follower
- Haldex oil and filter - Audi do not list a part for this as they say it's for life - it's absolutely not! Filter and oil will be approx £80 + fitting
- Oil pick up pipe in sump (at time of oil change)
- Fuel Filter
- DV Valve (at least check condition of current)
- PCV valve
- Plugs and coils

I understand you won't want to spent money for the sake of it, but these are the key maintenance items IMO.

As for specialists - does West Sussex work?: http://www.qstuning.com/.

Once you purchase, Audi also offer a 'free health check' - obviously they tell you your brake pads have 49% life remaining and your wiper blades need to be replaced for "only £85", but it's not a bad health check for peace of mind.

On the topic of the 8P v 8V. I love my 8P and have no need to trade up as much as I like the 8V. However, the 8V feels a little bit too modern, mature, or grown-up, so it's not for me...

Keep us updated with the purchase - then we can start planning your modifications...

 

[Will.T]

@samuelh_888 thanks for the reply. I had a look through the maintenance recommendations yesterday actually. Ideally I want to pick one up that has the majority done and obviously proof of the work carried out or I'll expect to get one cheaper therefor have some left over cash to chuck at it.

Real shame actually as someone PM'd me on here last night with a decent S3 8P who seemed to have looked after it really well but unfortunately it was only a 3 door and having two children it's far from practical. Completely agree regarding the 8P, 8V situation. Although they're lovely cars I feel the 8P is a perfect happy medium between the 8L and 8V.

Really like your S3, think I was reading about it on another thread, huge spec list. As for the specialists West Sussex is perfect, they're based in Hayward's Heath about 25 minutes from me.

Regarding the free health check, is that something Audi provide no matter the age of the car? If so that's ****** brilliant.

My Subaru is running around 270BHP currently so I think I'll have a happy first 6 months without any mods on the Audi as it'll probably feel quicker due to response etc and roughly being the same power so it'll give me enough time to save some more cash for mods although I'm not sure I'll be able to keep my hand out of my pocket. Certainly one to catch the modification bug easily.

 

[dave_beastttt]

The "list" bhp for the S3 8P is 265, but most make over 270 in stock form

 

[Moxy89]

get one, your soon be broke chasing power and trying to make it go round a corner quickly.

I love mine however wish i went M135

 

[Will.T]

get one, your soon be broke chasing power and trying to make it go round a corner quickly.

I love mine however wish i went M135

I've been down the BMW path before and fancy a pop down the Audi one to see where it takes me. Hopefully I'm playing my cards right and won't be coming back, considering my research I feel I'm personally going in the right direction for my budget.

Have heard some great things about the M135i and the 140's but they don't look great standard I feel. Was looking at the 135i coupe which have great engines in apparently whilst packing two turbos which I'd imagine bring great modding results??? Again though I'm swaying towards the S3 8P, not quite sure why.....suppose it's the overall package. Really looking forward to driving one as I've been in an 03 Impreza for the past year. Love rugged cars but it's too much after a while.

How long have you had your S3 and how come you wish you went down the M135 route?

 

[Moxy89]

I've been down the BMW path before and fancy a pop down the Audi one to see where it takes me. Hopefully I'm playing my cards right and won't be coming back, considering my research I feel I'm personally going in the right direction for my budget.

Have heard some great things about the M135i and the 140's but they don't look great standard I feel. Was looking at the 135i coupe which have great engines in apparently whilst packing two turbos which I'd imagine bring great modding results??? Again though I'm swaying towards the S3 8P, not quite sure why.....suppose it's the overall package. Really looking forward to driving one as I've been in an 03 Impreza for the past year. Love rugged cars but it's too much after a while.

How long have you had your S3 and how come you wish you went down the M135 route?

S3 is a fantastic car, just lacks drama. Fast road it’s brilliant and with my mods I can push it to the point if it come unstuck I’m in a world of ****. Honestly there epic cars and I love mine just would love the excitement of rwd now

 

[Will.T]

S3 is a fantastic car, just lacks drama. Fast road it’s brilliant and with my mods I can push it to the point if it come unstuck I’m in a world of ****. Honestly there epic cars and I love mine just would love the excitement of rwd now

Ah I see. Yeah I did enjoy having a RWD car years ago. Have you ever thought about getting an old BMW for a bit of weekend drifting/fun to satisfy that need? Can pick up a 330 etc for cheap.

Out of interest what mods have you got on yours and have you got any pictures?

 

[Moxy89]

Ah I see. Yeah I did enjoy having a RWD car years ago. Have you ever thought about getting an old BMW for a bit of weekend drifting/fun to satisfy that need? Can pick up a 330 etc for cheap.

Out of interest what mods have you got on yours and have you got any pictures?

My Audi is weekend fun mate, lucky to see 3000 miles a year, and it has a pretty large spec list which I send over

 

[SootySport]

I have a poor mans A3 2.0tsi Quattro with dsg and stage 1 giving 249 Bhp.
It’s has no sporty feel about it but enough oomph and traction for all weather conditions and comfortable. Don’t expect a dynamic driving experience from the S3 either, it will will feel rather dull compared to the Scooby’s , maybe that’s what you want. Have a decent test drive first and follow good advice in the previous posts.
Good luck in your search.

 

[Will.T]

I have a poor mans A3 2.0tsi Quattro with dsg and stage 1 giving 249 Bhp.
It’s has no sporty feel about it but enough oomph and traction for all weather conditions and comfortable. Don’t expect a dynamic driving experience from the S3 either, it will will feel rather dull compared to the Scooby’s , maybe that’s what you want. Have a decent test drive first and follow good advice in the previous posts.
Good luck in your search.

To be honest I'm growing out of the old gritty modified cars and just want something a bit more mature. I want something with smoother power delivery, comfort and DSG. I do have a family and I've latched onto my inner old skoolish modified car days which I'm growing tired of. The times come where I want a cleaner, more modern interior, exterior along with better response. The Subaru does feel fast and I will miss it but it's a crunch into gear, turbo laggy, rugged vehicle that doesn't suit me anymore. Thanks for the advice though, any is welcome as this is the first car out of 9 that I've really, really looked into before jumping the gun. Can't wait to drive one.

Obviously if I purchase one from a trade/garage then they're pretty lenient on test drives but if I want to test drive a vehicle from a private seller, what's the situation with insurance? Can I just purchase a days insurance for the vehicle as I don't think I'm fully comp which covers driving other vehicles under the permission of the owner.

 

[SootySport]

You can buy a days insurance typically £10 to £15 , only on line and there’s plenty of them. You’ll need the reg no for this
Or —-
Just go to any dealer that has an S3 for sale and show a bit of interest, ask for a test drive, they’ll give you one accompanied. There’s never been any pressure to buy it in my experience, even with main dealers, just take your driving license with you.

 

[Forecast.bucket.s]

i wouldn't base too much on your first drive in a stock S3.
Think about the potential if you're looking for a little bit of a project.
You'll definitely need to bring it up to a stage 2+ for the car to feel quick. Standard form it is dull, however as it's such a good all rounder in terms of comfort, nice speakers (compared to your Subaru), no rattles , and just a nice feeling product; that'll be enough to engage you. Then when you're ready to tune you cant go wrong with the 2.0 CDL... lots of potential as long as it's well looked after

 

[OCDaveS4]

I would add that I sold my 55 plate WRX300 Ltd Edition (not 300bhp!!) for an S3 8v saloon with all the toys. I had test driven the “new” WRX and an S3 and the BMW140i

After 4 months I miss:
- the excitement of the Scooby
- the grip on windy B roads
- the steering feel and always being in the right gear
- the owner camaraderie.
- grip of the seats
- that Scooby sound!

I don’t miss
- the bumpy-crashy ride (& mine was unmodified)
- constant gear changing in town and queues!
- the motorway drone

As for the S3 (with S Tronic)
- it’s incredibly quick in a straight line
- the S tronic is a marvel
- it’s super comfortable/quiet
- it’s a great motorway cruiser too
- love the MMI, Navigation, iPhone connectivity, B&O audio

Downsides
- doesn’t grip the windy roads like the Scooby
- lack of feel through the steering wheel
- Super Sport seats don’t hold you in place very well
- you can’t/don’t wave to other owners (!!)
- lacks drama (in a bad way)
- usual auto hesitation on quick downshift (really need to use the paddles to be in right gear at right time)

I thought about going back for a 2016/17 WRX but took one look at the dated/crap dashboard and tech, the manual box (& high road tax!) and though Nah!!

I do really really like the S3 but the RS might be more my sort of car but way out of reach on price !

I summary the S3 is a stylish, very rapid super well equipped saloon but in my view at least, best suited to fast A Roads rather than the back-country lanes. I’m keeping mine!

 

[MalcB]

I went from a 360 bhp WRX Wagon (noisey, crashy, rattly but great go anywhere fun) to a Cupra R to the s3 8p (Stage 1 Revo). I've had it for 4 years now the longest I've ever kept a car which tells you lot

 

[Will.T]

i wouldn't base too much on your first drive in a stock S3.
Think about the potential if you're looking for a little bit of a project.
You'll definitely need to bring it up to a stage 2+ for the car to feel quick. Standard form it is dull, however as it's such a good all rounder in terms of comfort, nice speakers (compared to your Subaru), no rattles , and just a nice feeling product; that'll be enough to engage you. Then when you're ready to tune you cant go wrong with the 2.0 CDL... lots of potential as long as it's well looked after

Sounds like what I need in my life right now. Just got of holiday and had a rented car for a week, collected the Subaru earlier and wow its got a heavy clutch and the gearbox feels stiff (not stiff in the sense of something being wrong just not as smooth as the rental) anyway it made me realise how bad I want a more modern vehicle and I quite fancy the ease of an auto. Never had a car with a DSG box but always missed my dads automatic Jag S-Type.

Is the CDL the second engine they used in the 8P? Interested to know what year car I should be looking out for the get the CDL lump if thats whats suggested.

 

[Will.T]

I would add that I sold my 55 plate WRX300 Ltd Edition (not 300bhp!!) for an S3 8v saloon with all the toys. I had test driven the “new” WRX and an S3 and the BMW140i

After 4 months I miss:
- the excitement of the Scooby
- the grip on windy B roads
- the steering feel and always being in the right gear
- the owner camaraderie.
- grip of the seats
- that Scooby sound!

I don’t miss
- the bumpy-crashy ride (& mine was unmodified)
- constant gear changing in town and queues!
- the motorway drone

As for the S3 (with S Tronic)
- it’s incredibly quick in a straight line
- the S tronic is a marvel
- it’s super comfortable/quiet
- it’s a great motorway cruiser too
- love the MMI, Navigation, iPhone connectivity, B&O audio

Downsides
- doesn’t grip the windy roads like the Scooby
- lack of feel through the steering wheel
- Super Sport seats don’t hold you in place very well
- you can’t/don’t wave to other owners (!!)
- lacks drama (in a bad way)
- usual auto hesitation on quick downshift (really need to use the paddles to be in right gear at right time)

I thought about going back for a 2016/17 WRX but took one look at the dated/**** dashboard and tech, the manual box (& high road tax!) and though Nah!!

I do really really like the S3 but the RS might be more my sort of car but way out of reach on price !

I summary the S3 is a stylish, very rapid super well equipped saloon but in my view at least, best suited to fast A Roads rather than the back-country lanes. I’m keeping mine!

Brilliant feedback mate, thanks. That's something I've been panicking about is missing that flat four burble (Half the reason I always loved the Impreza's) as for grip can't that be achieved through mods to the S3? and seats can always be upgraded but as for the rest I suppose there's pros and cons with every vehicle that I'll just have to live with. I have to admit I will be sad to see the Impreza go though.

She's booked in the garage to clear up a couple of niggly things ready for sale at the end of the month so the ball is rolling. What I am interested to know is why you didn't go for a slightly older RS4, 5 OR 6 considering it would of been roughly the same price as the S3 8V Saloon. I was looking at the 06 RS4's as you can pick one up for roughly the same price as what I'll be paying for an S3 8P but I was put off by some of the horror stories i.e someone purchasing one and shortly after spending 4-6k on brakes that had failed etc. Can't remember the exact story as it was months ago that I found it along with some others. I did however do another search recently and a lot of people where really happy with there's and had not much if any issues over years of ownership and that 4.2 V8 sounds tasty so I'm kind of toying with that again < any input on that idea would be great???

 

[Will.T]

I went from a 360 bhp WRX Wagon (noisey, crashy, rattly but great go anywhere fun) to a Cupra R to the s3 8p (Stage 1 Revo). I've had it for 4 years now the longest I've ever kept a car which tells you lot

That's very reassuring as since I passed my test in 2010 I've been through something like 10 cars and always get bored for one reason or another after about a year.....****** nightmare and cost me an arm an a leg through mods and not get the money back on the car and value decrease etc.......really hoping all this research and talking to you guys can sway me in the right direction which'll lead to a long and enjoyable time with an Audi. As said above I'm toying with the 2006 RS4 route but I'm guessing maintenance costs and if anything goes wrong are through the roof in comparison to the S3's

 

[Will.T]

Must admit the RS4's around 13k are high mileage. The S4's though are pretty good in that price range.....10-11 plate on 60-80k miles packing over 300bhp standard. Is there an underlying reason people aren't going for those over the S3's or is it just preferable for some to have the hot hatch?

Sorry if I'm being a pain just really trying to dig around and work out what the best one is to go for around my budget.

 

[OCDaveS4]

Brilliant feedback mate, thanks. That's something I've been panicking about is missing that flat four burble (Half the reason I always loved the Impreza's) as for grip can't that be achieved through mods to the S3? and seats can always be upgraded but as for the rest I suppose there's pros and cons with every vehicle that I'll just have to live with. I have to admit I will be sad to see the Impreza go though.

She's booked in the garage to clear up a couple of niggly things ready for sale at the end of the month so the ball is rolling. What I am interested to know is why you didn't go for a slightly older RS4, 5 OR 6 considering it would of been roughly the same price as the S3 8V Saloon. I was looking at the 06 RS4's as you can pick one up for roughly the same price as what I'll be paying for an S3 8P but I was put off by some of the horror stories i.e someone purchasing one and shortly after spending 4-6k on brakes that had failed etc. Can't remember the exact story as it was months ago that I found it along with some others. I did however do another search recently and a lot of people where really happy with there's and had not much if any issues over years of ownership and that 4.2 V8 sounds tasty so I'm kind of toying with that again < any input on that idea would be great???

A compromise mate - I didn’t want to start incurring the bills you get with older cars and the S3 came with extended warranty.

0-60 in 4.6 secs it feels faster!! What’s not too like. Also, I drive, shall we say, enthusiastically a lot of the time and get overall 29mpg - you won’t get that in an RS4. Also it’s nice and compact down the lanes.

I do miss the Scooby (& plan to “turn-off” the silly bulkhead sound device I think is in the S3) but the new Scooby owner sends me regular updates and pics!

This

To this

Still happy I’ve done it - would never go back to a manual. (Should’ve got a lighter blue though!) Not gonna bother with mods to help insurance costs and resale ease....in case I’m tempted with something else

 

[Will.T]

@OCDaveS3 That's fair enough. Think this is one of the hardest decisions I've made over a car.....guess it's because I've grown up and I'm not running into a purchase all guns blazing like before (certainly a good thing though) and end up regretting it down the line.

Below is my current car......****** nice when I see it that clean. Really going to miss it

 

[Bryant1998]

Brilliant feedback mate, thanks. That's something I've been panicking about is missing that flat four burble (Half the reason I always loved the Impreza's) as for grip can't that be achieved through mods to the S3? and seats can always be upgraded but as for the rest I suppose there's pros and cons with every vehicle that I'll just have to live with. I have to admit I will be sad to see the Impreza go though.

She's booked in the garage to clear up a couple of niggly things ready for sale at the end of the month so the ball is rolling. What I am interested to know is why you didn't go for a slightly older RS4, 5 OR 6 considering it would of been roughly the same price as the S3 8V Saloon. I was looking at the 06 RS4's as you can pick one up for roughly the same price as what I'll be paying for an S3 8P but I was put off by some of the horror stories i.e someone purchasing one and shortly after spending 4-6k on brakes that had failed etc. Can't remember the exact story as it was months ago that I found it along with some others. I did however do another search recently and a lot of people where really happy with there's and had not much if any issues over years of ownership and that 4.2 V8 sounds tasty so I'm kind of toying with that again < any input on that idea would be great???

I would’ve gone for the 4.2 V8 RS4, or the 5.0V10 RS6 over the S3 if I could’ve afforded the insurance...
But saying that I’m not upset with the S3 8P, much more fun than an 8V, will probably keep for a few years


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[HOGG]

You could also look at the Seat Leon. You'll get newer, lower mileage and better spec for your money

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[HOGG]

Or just buy this

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/163812037382

I'm in love

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[Will.T]

I would’ve gone for the 4.2 V8 RS4, or the 5.0V10 RS6 over the S3 if I could’ve afforded the insurance...
But saying that I’m not upset with the S3 8P, much more fun than an 8V, will probably keep for a few years


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Yeah the RS6's are smart and that V10 sounds beautiful but way out of my price range, unfortunately the older ones in my price range (4.2 litre) are IMO ugly.....although a beast they're just not a looker. A friend of mine has one packing over 500BHP.

 

[Will.T]

@HOGG I just had a look at the Leon's and although they're nice and specs are huge I'm going to be a right label/manufacturer monkey and stick with the Audi decision.

Mate that RS3 replica is a beast and absolutely lovely but it's MANUAL genuinely upset when I saw that as I'd snatch that up right away. Need that DSG box in my life

 

[OCDaveS4]

@OCDaveS3 That's fair enough. Think this is one of the hardest decisions I've made over a car.....guess it's because I've grown up and I'm not running into a purchase all guns blazing like before (certainly a good thing though) and end up regretting it down the line.

Below is my current car......****** nice when I see it that clean. Really going to miss it

View attachment 188747

Oooh now that’s nice. Yep, I’m now in my 50s and need that balance between speed/thrills and comfort/economy!!

 

[Will.T]

Oooh now that’s nice. Yep, I’m now in my 50s and need that balance between speed/thrills and comfort/economy!!

So if you had a Subaru at your age I'm interested to know what you had in your, let's say more wild days?

Honestly though I know I'll miss it massively, especially if I see/hear another one driving around. Ideally I'd keep that as a weekend car, rip the guts out of it, leave the two front seats in and so on but I decided to start breeding and now the majority of my money is on food, schools clothes and all the rest of it

 

[OCDaveS4]

Mostly Toyota Celica GT4 Carlos Sainz (twice) and then mostly Scoobies!

 

[Will.T]

Mostly Toyota Celica GT4 Carlos Sainz (twice) and then mostly Scoobies!

Old skool rally cars then....nice. Having an absolute mare trying to find the right S3 here....such a shame that link above that HOGG posted (RS3 replica on ebay) is a manual, I'd put a deposit down otherwise. It's almost tempting to just stick with manual.

Every time I look for a new car I end up rushing into things but not being able to actually find the correct one is probably going to hold me back a while

The list of what I've come to setting my heart on is as follows:

1. Black edition
2. DSG
3. White/cream & black leather interior
4. Sat Nav (some don't seem to have them)
5. lower than 80,000 miles (would probably settle on 90k if the correct one and maintained well)
6. Colour - White, ideally but would settle as wrapping is always an option
7. 5 door
8. Black pan roof

Asking a bit much you think?

What's frustrating is I found this one but it's sitting on 104,000 miles: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classi...sponsored&advertising-location=at_cars&page=1

 

[Bryant1998]

Yeah the RS6's are smart and that V10 sounds beautiful but way out of my price range, unfortunately the older ones in my price range (4.2 litre) are IMO ugly.....although a beast they're just not a looker. A friend of mine has one packing over 500BHP.

That’s fair enough mate each to their own, to be truthful I want the 4.2 RS5 now I’ve had the S3, I’d give a kidney for one or my Mrs? Lol


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[Will.T]

That’s fair enough mate each to their own, to be truthful I want the 4.2 RS5 now I’ve had the S3, I’d give a kidney for one or my Mrs? Lol


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Absolutely mate.

Yeah I asked mine if she wouldn't mind standing on the street corner to bring some extra cash in for my vehicle habit but she point blank refused....couldn't understand why.

Honestly though I've debated doing some weekend work or evenings before. It's a sick and addictive drug the car/modification game.

 

[Bryant1998]

Absolutely mate.

Yeah I asked mine if she wouldn't mind standing on the street corner to bring some extra cash in for my vehicle habit but she point blank refused....couldn't understand why.

Honestly though I've debated doing some weekend work or evenings before. It's a sick and addictive drug the car/modification game.

Too right mate, hopefully I can sell pics of her feet or something lol


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[Will.T]

Too right mate, hopefully I can sell pics of her feet or something lol


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Hahahaha selling dirty knickers is actually a thing......for the record.

This conversation has side tracked massively

 

[Bryant1998]

Hahahaha selling dirty knickers is actually a thing......for the record.

This conversation has side tracked massively

I know mate mad world we live in! If she wasn’t always in designer underwear it might be worthwhile , think I’m gonna take a trip to the RS5 threads and ask what people do for work! Or for a donation lol


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[paddy]

Stg 1 on an s3 transforms it to better than 8v performance with no other mods. Its not really modding as its what the car should have been from the factory anyway. Even just a generic Revo map will add 40bhp which is just what it needs.
I bought my S3 new in 2011 and had revo stg 1 by 800 miles. then APR 2+ at 70k miles and its never missed a beat, still on original coils etc