Facelift Viewing an S3 - what to look for on this car?

[The Cardinal]

I had a change of heart on a factory order 8Y owing to some recent family events, so I'm now looking to buy an 8V S3 in replacement for my current 1.4 TFSI. Handily, a March 2018 model has come up at a decent local BMW specialist. I've held the car with a deposit and arranged to view next week.

It's a Daytona Sportback S-Stronic with the Technology Pack inc. virtual dash, folding mirrors, hill-hold assist, rear camera, wireless phone charging and some natty 10-spoke polished alloys. Being a facelift means it also gets the LED lights and Audi Sound System that I wanted, too. So, it seems a decent spec and the understated colour akin to my old Golf R32 makes it likely to fit in with my needs - moreso than my old, very red, 8P S3. Mileage is 22k, it has Audi dealer history and recent Potenza tyres all round.

A couple of questions:

- From the MMI, I think it had an Inspection service around 6 months ago. The dealer is offering a fresh engine oil change, but do you agree I'd be better to bargain for a Haldex and brake fluid change instead (given it's exactly 3 years old) then get the oil done later? Maybe I should just chip a bit more off the price and get all these service items done myself at my local VAG indie or Audi?

- What do I need to know about the Tech pack? I can't see myself using many of the features or subscribing to online services to be honest, but I guess the Tech stuff would be an attraction to future buyers. Am I underrating the package or overlooking some amazing experience by not subscribing - and is there anything else I need to bear in mind?

- Other than the usual mechanical things, is there anything else S3-specific that I need to look out for when buying?

Thanks!

 

[Jiten C]

In my opinion a great colour and year! but that’s me being biased!
I bought mine approx 2 months ago feb 2018 and bar the standard HPI checks, service history, knocks and bumps on a test drive and giving the car a good look over for cosmetic/structural damage that’s about it. You will know from your test drive. My wheels were dirty upon purchasing the car, didn’t realise till I got the car home and cleaned it that they had been refurbed with a different colour . Also had the full service completed on purchase, brake fluid, haldex, DSG, oil, filter, air filter, sparks etc, drives and feels like new!

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[The Cardinal]

That's a lovely motor - thanks for the advice. What mileage is it on? I thought I'd leave the DSG oil until year 4 and / or higher mileage.

 

[S32B]

it has Audi dealer history

A couple of questions:

Maybe I should just chip a bit more off the price and get all these service items done myself at my local VAG indie or Audi?

I'd do exactly that, get them to knock a few quid off and find a good indie, they can update the Audi service record online.

This is the official My Audi app, I've had one done with the main dealership, but which one

 

[The Cardinal]

^^ Whichever it is, that confirms it for me - I'll aim to get the work done at my VAG specialist. I'm likely to be a similarly low mileage driver!

 

[Jiten C]

That's a lovely motor - thanks for the advice. What mileage is it on? I thought I'd leave the DSG oil until year 4 and / or higher mileage.

Hey! Mines a high mileage, 67k , 2 owner but the way I see it is the engine is fully run in! I’d probably get it all done the same time for peace of mind.


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[S32B]

^^ Whichever it is, that confirms it for me - I'll aim to get the work done at my VAG specialist. I'm likely to be a similarly low mileage driver!

I had an S3 before this A5 coupe, I did 17,500 mile in 2.5 years in that. I got this A5 for a more comfy ride for when we go on walking holidays up to Scotland, as we were going 2-3 times a year, not long after I bought it my wife damaged her leg and can't walk as far/long, so we switched the walking holidays for lazy holidays abroad I'm now on 10,300 mile @3.5 years old!

 

[Potterswheel]

The service history counts for nothing, in my humble opinion,
Has it had the engine oil changed? (variable servicing???)
Has it had brake fluid changed? (2 years 36 months 27 months???)
Has it had DSG fluid changed? (80 k miles JOKE)
Has it had haldex fluid changed (god knows - oh! you need a new pump)
filters etc. etc. etc. (DSG don't need changing)
O.E. service is a joke and all to do with cost per mile for fleet operators.
If you read this forum no one really knows what the Audi recommended frequency is as it changes all the time, my 2017 dealer serviced S3 had not even had the wheels off in 3 years, apparently they use a camera to check the brakes!!!!!! I could not get the wheels off in my garage at home, what if I was on the M25 with a puncture?
Buyer beware!!!!!

 

[JohnM100]

@The Cardinal - lots of pointers here:

Any problems with the s3?

Thinking of buying s3/cab Any issues? S-tronic. Will service the haldex myself, when does the diff oil need changing and any idea on how much is needed?

www.audi-sport.net

 

[The Cardinal]

Well, this happened today. I turned up at the dealership not entirely sure whether I was just doing a test drive or a "click and collect", but when all was in order with the S3 I paid for it and was on my way!

The S3 has new rear discs and pads, an oil change service recorded on Audi's digital system and a fresh MoT. I do need to take a closer look at a small windscreen crack I spotted on the drive home, but with this having been a distance sale I guess I have some extra protection for up to 14 days.

I'll write a new thread once I've had the chance to drive the new car properly, put my private plate on and a few other things.

 

[JohnM100]

Congrats - look forward to the other thread when you have had a chance to get used to it.

 

[Potterswheel]

congratulations welcome back!!

 

[dnzbdr]

Looking forward to hear your comparison and feelings. Me thinking of switching to an S3 from A3 that's why

 

[jimmixgs]

So cool! looking forward to know your opinions about it. I'm about to sell my 2008 A4 S-line 2.0 TDI and get a 2018 Vegas Yellow S3 with a titanium exhaust directly form Audi Sport. Can't wait to go test it this weekend!