Looking into getting an S3, appreciate advice

[Ben S3 8P3]

Hello, Im new this forum obviously and joined because I'm hoping to look at getting an S3 in October this year.

Im only 20 currently and 21 in October. Already got 3 years no claims and insurance have said £1900 then will drop when I get my 4th in Febuary.

I will only be able to afford £16,000 maybe a bit more at a massive push.

I was hoping you guys could tell me any common problems and things to know about the S3's and how many miles it would be safe to buy one with?

Or is 16K just not enough to realistically get myself a decent one?

I had intended on getting an FN2 Champ White Type r but then fell in love with the S3.


Any info and help much appreciated!!

Cheers,

Ben

 

[N8]

Great car to choose Ben, you will love the class, luxury and refinement from the 4 rings. Very well built and designed cars IMO, very understated and very capable. Between most of us on the forum, pretty much everything can be retrofitted, Bluetooth, AMI, folding wing mirrors, Flat Bottom Steering wheels, Bucket Seats etc etc etc

Stage 1 map will see between 300-320bhp (depending on which tuner you use), Stage 2+/3 will see 360bhp and around that in torque (clutch, intake, fuel pump & full turbo back exhaust to accompany).

Lovely cars, hope you enjoy.

Cheers N8

 

[Ben S3 8P3]

Great car to choose Ben, you will love the class, luxury and refinement from the 4 rings. Very well built and designed cars IMO, very understated and very capable. Between most of us on the forum, pretty much everything can be retrofitted, Bluetooth, AMI, folding wing mirrors, Flat Bottom Steering wheels, Bucket Seats etc etc etc

Stage 1 map will see between 300-320bhp (depending on which tuner you use), Stage 2+/3 will see 360bhp and around that in torque (clutch, intake, fuel pump & full turbo back exhaust to accompany).

Lovely cars, hope you enjoy.

Cheers N8

Cheers for the quick reply pal! I think for the first year Ill be keeping the engine standard apart from maybe an air intake. Then start to play after the first year warrantee is out.

Do you think 16,000 will get me a descent one? I don't want to end up out of my depth in repair costs straight away

 

[MartayMcFly]

You should definitely be able to get a nice 8P2 (up to '08) S3 for that price, and be sure to keep in mind that you'll be wanting a remap fairly soon (around £500 for big names). Other than that, the S3 is very well kitted as standard and, like N8 said, anything else can be retrofitted.

They're set up to under steer and the standard ARBs aren't much use, but both can be sorted with H&R ARBs. With the 4wd and turbo, it'll feel like a very different car to your Type R anyway. It's more of a relaxed machine, more laid back, but very capable of covering a lot of ground quickly and easily.

As for repair costs, if you have a year's warranty you'll be able to see what repair prices are like without having to fork out for anything, but there's not much in the way of common problems.

 

[Ben S3 8P3]

You should definitely be able to get a nice 8P2 (up to '08) S3 for that price, and be sure to keep in mind that you'll be wanting a remap fairly soon (around £500 for big names). Other than that, the S3 is very well kitted as standard and, like N8 said, anything else can be retrofitted.

They're set up to under steer and the standard ARBs aren't much use, but both can be sorted with H&R ARBs. With the 4wd and turbo, it'll feel like a very different car to your Type R anyway. It's more of a relaxed machine, more laid back, but very capable of covering a lot of ground quickly and easily.

As for repair costs, if you have a year's warranty you'll be able to see what repair prices are like without having to fork out for anything, but there's not much in the way of common problems.

Thanks again for a good reply

I think going for an S3 will give me a much more mature and refined car rather than a hard riding boy racer hatch which I wanted at first but now think the Audi would be more sensible.

Are there any common problems that a warrantee wouldn't cover e.g.. clutch pressure plate trouble etc?

My biggest fear would be to spend 16K then something go in the first couple of months. Im going to try to buy from Audi to avoid this with an approved used one.

 

[MartayMcFly]

I went approved used too, and you'll have to pay for the privilege, but the peace of mind does certainly make the price easier to stomach. I'm not sure how the approved used system works on older cars... maybe they do up to 5 years old (which should be fine for you).

Like I said, there aren't any common faults, but anything could go wrong. Most of the big common issues would be sorted under a recall type deal (like the coil packs). Around Aberdeen springs seem to be the most common thing to break, but pretty sure they're not "wear and tear" so are covered under warranty. I've had my fuel pump go about 2 months ago (the day before my warranty lapsed, but due to me being an idiot it wasn't sent to Audi so had to pay myself). Clutch should be good as long as you don't go past Stage 1 remaps, then they're known to slip. DSG clutches are stronger, but harder to find a car with S-Tronic, and I'm a manual fan anyway.

 

[The Cardinal]

As has already been said, the S-Tronic (or DSG in VW circles) gearbox will take tuning more readily than the standard manual - although you'd be looking at an 8P3 / post-08 model for that, which would take you over £16k. You will want a Stage 1 map as it's such good value and really unlocks the potential of the S3.

 

[Ben S3 8P3]

As has already been said, the S-Tronic (or DSG in VW circles) gearbox will take tuning more readily than the standard manual - although you'd be looking at an 8P3 / post-08 model for that, which would take you over £16k. You will want a Stage 1 map as it's such good value and really unlocks the potential of the S3.

Thanks for the info!

So I'm really looking at 2008 models then, does that include 58 or just the 08 plate? What was new with the 09+ models, anything important other then S-tronic box?

 

[PH1L]

you should get a decent one for that price depends what spec you would want ideally ie manual or stronic, colour seats nav etc

i got my s3 at 21-22 and i only paid 1600 a year in insurance im now down considerably

 

[Brodster]

£16k will get you a reasonably good S3............I just sold my minted 8P2 S3 with 18000 miles on it back to the garage where I bought it so your money should get you a descent motor which you will enjoy for a while until the tuning bug gets you. This forum is perfect for you as you will pick loads of gen from people that know these cars inside out so they can guide you in every aspect. Enjoy the S3 when you get her.

 

[Ben S3 8P3]

Bit of an update

All is moving along nicely towards getting one. Insurance is actually 1200 only with Sainsburys!

The ones im looking at are 08/58 plate but im seeing a lot of differneces between the same plates. When did the facelift some in? Why do some have round ****ty steering wheels and not the flattened bottom? And when did the rear lights change?

Cheers,

Ben

 

[ApolloS3]

All is moving along nicely towards getting one. Insurance is actually 1200 only with Sainsburys!

The ones im looking at are 08/58 plate but im seeing a lot of differneces between the same plates. When did the facelift some in?

Hey,

I got my S3 last month, just turned 21, insurance is £1200 for 12 months with admiral (con-merchants tbh).

Ive had a blown flex pipe already, someone else on here had the same issue, cheap £50 fix though so not too bad. glovebox doesnt shut properly... thats as much as i know haha.

As for the facelift, i think the 58 plate and up are the facelift model's, i got mine for £15.5k and its mint condition with all possible extra's except cruise control, its a 58 plate with ~55k miles, so for 16k youll definitely be able to get a good one, have a look on pistonheads, and youll get more for your money buying private.

 

[sauluk]

I had an FN2 when they first came out and I was 21. Kept it for 5yrs and only sold to buy an M3. I thought it was a fantastic car and really couldn't fault it, I've often thought about getting another one! The engine is a peach but it was made even better by the smoothest gearbox I've ever used, up shifts were silky smooth and short throw. If you've not driven one you need to. They're really practical and will save you a good few £££ over an S3.

I'm not putting the S3 down by the way, after all I am probably going to buy one but that's because I want something fast with 5 doors!

 

[grchmason]

All you boys are making me feel old at 34 lol!!!!!!!!!!

 

[S3Alex]

Bit of an update

All is moving along nicely towards getting one. Insurance is actually 1200 only with Sainsburys!

The ones im looking at are 08/58 plate but im seeing a lot of differneces between the same plates. When did the facelift some in? Why do some have round ****ty steering wheels and not the flattened bottom? And when did the rear lights change?

Cheers,

Ben

I think that's actually a pretty decent quote.

The only problem you may have is if/when you modify the car,as the lowest priced insurance deals often mean no mods are permitted,but that leaves you with specialists like Greenlight,that only deal in modified cars,but at your age,you may well pay a premium for that.

The car itself is reliable,and well made,and mine is an 08 model,owned and modified from new,and has never missed a beat in the time from then till now.

Be sure to inform the insurance company of ANY changes you make,as they'll try to weasel out of paying up if there are even small changes.

All you boys are making me feel old at 34 lol!!!!!!!!!!

Haaaaha....wait till you get to my age.