Audi S3 2015 STronic or keep the Blobeye Subaru WRX
Discussion
So....I've had a Bugeye WRX(2001) for 7 years and it's been my baby...never let me down, ever!...but after taking her from 70k up to 155k the time had come for a new car as little bits were starting to add up.
My mate got a really good deal on a new S3 STronic for £380 a month over 4 years including the Super Sports Seats. I was about to order one and then chickened out and went and bought another Subaru. But, in in the first 2 weeks, I had a little trouble with it. Had to take it back to the small dealer ,under warranty, and, to be fair, he sorted most of the niggles. Looking back now (only two months) the things weren't that bad, split top hose that looked worse than it was because of the steam, little niggles like corrosion on brakes and needed belts doing. (I'd had it inspected by an independent subaru specialist after a few days of buying it)...selector spring in the gearbox so it doesn't spring to the middle in neutral but doesn't effect driving in any way. The worse thing is the gearbox leak that is still there but slight. I know I can keep on top of that.
Anyways, in the 2 weeks whilst having niggles and then having no car whilst the dealer sorted things, I couldn't be bothered with the stress and moaning from the missus...and the gloating mate....so I ordered the S3!
In the meantime though, driving the Subaru,I love the Scoob. When I drive it 'quickly', it puts a grin on my face and it holds all of my equipment for work and also works as a small family saloon. It's running sweet and has a full year MOT with no advisories.(The gearbox leak isn't bad enough to be on advisory sheet) It's definitely faster than my Bugeye, which had 240bhp/238lb.
My mate just says Subarus are old and rubbish and that I would be mad not to taste the audi STronic life at least once and that I might not get this kinda deal again if I turn it down now.i test drove a new Subaru STi and was disappointed with the interior and drive position for the £390 a month they wanted. (The S3 is in a different league inside)
I've been eargely awaiting the S3 and I am very excited about it. But should I just cancel it, lose my £500 deposit and keep the £4500 Subaru?
Are there any issues with the new audi s3? (The Golf R shares the engine and I've heard of issues?)
Will I like the STronic box for a month and then be depressed when I can't change gear manually?
Will I regret paying so much a month(I can afford it) even through it is a good deal?
Any Subaru owners who've moved the audi or fast auto?
What should I do?
My mate got a really good deal on a new S3 STronic for £380 a month over 4 years including the Super Sports Seats. I was about to order one and then chickened out and went and bought another Subaru. But, in in the first 2 weeks, I had a little trouble with it. Had to take it back to the small dealer ,under warranty, and, to be fair, he sorted most of the niggles. Looking back now (only two months) the things weren't that bad, split top hose that looked worse than it was because of the steam, little niggles like corrosion on brakes and needed belts doing. (I'd had it inspected by an independent subaru specialist after a few days of buying it)...selector spring in the gearbox so it doesn't spring to the middle in neutral but doesn't effect driving in any way. The worse thing is the gearbox leak that is still there but slight. I know I can keep on top of that.
Anyways, in the 2 weeks whilst having niggles and then having no car whilst the dealer sorted things, I couldn't be bothered with the stress and moaning from the missus...and the gloating mate....so I ordered the S3!
In the meantime though, driving the Subaru,I love the Scoob. When I drive it 'quickly', it puts a grin on my face and it holds all of my equipment for work and also works as a small family saloon. It's running sweet and has a full year MOT with no advisories.(The gearbox leak isn't bad enough to be on advisory sheet) It's definitely faster than my Bugeye, which had 240bhp/238lb.
My mate just says Subarus are old and rubbish and that I would be mad not to taste the audi STronic life at least once and that I might not get this kinda deal again if I turn it down now.i test drove a new Subaru STi and was disappointed with the interior and drive position for the £390 a month they wanted. (The S3 is in a different league inside)
I've been eargely awaiting the S3 and I am very excited about it. But should I just cancel it, lose my £500 deposit and keep the £4500 Subaru?
Are there any issues with the new audi s3? (The Golf R shares the engine and I've heard of issues?)
Will I like the STronic box for a month and then be depressed when I can't change gear manually?
Will I regret paying so much a month(I can afford it) even through it is a good deal?
Any Subaru owners who've moved the audi or fast auto?
What should I do?
Same dilemma. But I have an E46 M3 which I have brought upto an immaculate standard. I spent a small fortune sorting out wings, all round suspension, full paint correction, servicing. No expense spared.
But I am thinking should I chop it in for a four door S3.
My reason is to do with another child on the way. And that means two kids so far...
There is enough space in the back for two kids. But I always think about the practical aspect.
I am the parent who drops current rug rat off at nursery in morning. With two of them, one at 3 years old and the other a year after wife goes back to work from maternity.
Maybe a 4 door S3 makes sense?
Good luck OP
But I am thinking should I chop it in for a four door S3.
My reason is to do with another child on the way. And that means two kids so far...
There is enough space in the back for two kids. But I always think about the practical aspect.
I am the parent who drops current rug rat off at nursery in morning. With two of them, one at 3 years old and the other a year after wife goes back to work from maternity.
Maybe a 4 door S3 makes sense?
Good luck OP
What were the issues you found with the interior and drive position on the new WRX STi ? Only ask as I want to get one out on demo. From a brief sit inside one the interior seemed acceptable, especially at sub £30k brand new. Driving position seemed OK but need to drive one to properly tell. Not sure about the Subaru PCP, guess it's ok if you haven't got a larger deposit than the £6k one they require. Not driven S3 or Golf R but would they not feel a bit bland compared to the Subaru ? A lot has been mentioned in road tests and by owners about the Subaru having a very 'mechanical' feel, they have retained hydraulic power steering and that sort of thing. Is the S-Tronic a DSG equivalent or is it different ?
I'll give my view on this;
I bought a subaru bugeye wrx wagon because me and my misses we're expecting our first child. I then sold it for a bugeye saloon, and then changed it for the hawkeye wrx saloon. At the time my misses has a fiesta. She then got a 2014 s3 5door dsg.
We use that as the family car so I sold my hawk eye as she hated it and bought another 350z.
She takes the 350z to work when I have the day off and look after the little one and I get the s3.
S3 is leagues ahead of the scooby. Theres not 1 thing I could say was better in the scoob that the s3.
The refinement is there. Is a fantastic car, gearbox is smooth, paddles are great. And if I need to nip to the shops I'll always take it over the 350z as it's just so much easier.
It's a completely normal audi when in town, and when you want to put your foot down the 300bhp is there. It doesn't need to be looked after as such. No need to worry about the engine being stressed like on the scooby which is always a worry in the back of your mind.
I've often though about trading my 350z in for one.
But....
And there is a big but....
It does it too well... As in, as far as nailing it out of bends etc, it's so easy it's boring sometimes.
I imagine on track with paddles it's a great laugh.
But if I want to go hooning I'll take the big 3.5 v6 lump in the zed everytime.
I didn't really connect with any of my scoobys. Maybe it's because in the back of my mind they were never the sti.
I bought a subaru bugeye wrx wagon because me and my misses we're expecting our first child. I then sold it for a bugeye saloon, and then changed it for the hawkeye wrx saloon. At the time my misses has a fiesta. She then got a 2014 s3 5door dsg.
We use that as the family car so I sold my hawk eye as she hated it and bought another 350z.
She takes the 350z to work when I have the day off and look after the little one and I get the s3.
S3 is leagues ahead of the scooby. Theres not 1 thing I could say was better in the scoob that the s3.
The refinement is there. Is a fantastic car, gearbox is smooth, paddles are great. And if I need to nip to the shops I'll always take it over the 350z as it's just so much easier.
It's a completely normal audi when in town, and when you want to put your foot down the 300bhp is there. It doesn't need to be looked after as such. No need to worry about the engine being stressed like on the scooby which is always a worry in the back of your mind.
I've often though about trading my 350z in for one.
But....
And there is a big but....
It does it too well... As in, as far as nailing it out of bends etc, it's so easy it's boring sometimes.
I imagine on track with paddles it's a great laugh.
But if I want to go hooning I'll take the big 3.5 v6 lump in the zed everytime.
I didn't really connect with any of my scoobys. Maybe it's because in the back of my mind they were never the sti.
I am now of the opinion that Audis, Audi Ss at least, are rather unfairly maligned on PH. I shared the opinion of them being rather inert dull cars based on experience in various run-of-the-mill A4s and A3s. But recently, looking for a new (to me) coupe and being frustrated by the poor quality of CLKs I originally wanted, I was surprised to find Mk2 TTs coming into my price range. I took a couple for a test drive without expecting to like them much, and was very surprised. Responsive, fairly tactile steering, lovely power delivery, and refined and smooth. So I now have a 3.2 TT and I'm sort of embarrassed to say it's on every objective term the best car I've owned. It doesn't have the character of my old S2000, or the sense of owning and driving something really special, and it's probably not as sharp as my past Celicas, and the engine is of a different character to either of them. But it's way more comfortable, sophisticated and has a depth of character and ability that I didn't expect. The only draw back is having the vague sense of people thinking I'm an estate agent when I drive it.
A new S3 won't have the V6 that the old ones had and that's probably a pity as its a lovely engine that while almost silent and smooth while taking it easily, has a nice roar when you press on. The S-tronic gearbox is amazing, really a technological marvel; again very smooth and shifting imperceptibly and if you fancy being a racing driver for the afternoon you can use the paddles - nice blip on downshifts too. I'd imagine the S-Tronic in the latest TTs and S3s will be even better, the only thing is they have a reputation for being a bit dodgy - probably not an issue with a brand new car as one presumes it would be covered.
So a S3 S-tronic. I'd hazard a guess at it being a great car. I'd go so far as to say that those who mutter into their beards about Audi's sporty cars haven't driven one. £20k worth of great (rented)car, though? I'd not call it the deal of a lifetime, frankly. If you're happy with your Subaru and it does what you need it to do then if I were you I'd probably come to resent paying £400 a month to rent the Audi. And without knowing your circumstances, isn't there more you could do with £400 a month in your bank account for your family's pleasure or, if you must, to rub your mate's nose in it? We all like nice cars and are willing to pay for them, but you have a nice car that you've already paid for.
A new S3 won't have the V6 that the old ones had and that's probably a pity as its a lovely engine that while almost silent and smooth while taking it easily, has a nice roar when you press on. The S-tronic gearbox is amazing, really a technological marvel; again very smooth and shifting imperceptibly and if you fancy being a racing driver for the afternoon you can use the paddles - nice blip on downshifts too. I'd imagine the S-Tronic in the latest TTs and S3s will be even better, the only thing is they have a reputation for being a bit dodgy - probably not an issue with a brand new car as one presumes it would be covered.
So a S3 S-tronic. I'd hazard a guess at it being a great car. I'd go so far as to say that those who mutter into their beards about Audi's sporty cars haven't driven one. £20k worth of great (rented)car, though? I'd not call it the deal of a lifetime, frankly. If you're happy with your Subaru and it does what you need it to do then if I were you I'd probably come to resent paying £400 a month to rent the Audi. And without knowing your circumstances, isn't there more you could do with £400 a month in your bank account for your family's pleasure or, if you must, to rub your mate's nose in it? We all like nice cars and are willing to pay for them, but you have a nice car that you've already paid for.
There is a third alternative if you want a nice Audi with similar performance to the S3 & don't want to shell out 20K then look at one of these:
They're about the same size & are holding their money very well they already have a cult following, the engine is properly strong the performance is on a par.
The one I had was great fun one of my friends still has it, he also owns the 2013 S3 as his commuter car, his observations are that the S4 is more fun.
His S4 has the following additions: coilovers exhaust intercooler DAB Bluetooth his S3 the same but he prefers the S4 (he bought the S3 to keep the mileage down) he says it's more engaging the manual helps with this plus the exhaust note & the extra torque the 2.7 has helps it pull better.
The 0-60 is obviously better on the DSG S3 but over the quarter there's 2 tenths in favor of the S3 after that his S4 takes the S3 nearly a second by the half mile, also more importantly in the roll on 40-70 etc the S4 spanks it.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
So if you really want an Audi look for one of the above, if not get the leak sorted add some performance(something your mate can't do with a lease car) & have some fun with the Scooby.
They're about the same size & are holding their money very well they already have a cult following, the engine is properly strong the performance is on a par.
The one I had was great fun one of my friends still has it, he also owns the 2013 S3 as his commuter car, his observations are that the S4 is more fun.
His S4 has the following additions: coilovers exhaust intercooler DAB Bluetooth his S3 the same but he prefers the S4 (he bought the S3 to keep the mileage down) he says it's more engaging the manual helps with this plus the exhaust note & the extra torque the 2.7 has helps it pull better.
The 0-60 is obviously better on the DSG S3 but over the quarter there's 2 tenths in favor of the S3 after that his S4 takes the S3 nearly a second by the half mile, also more importantly in the roll on 40-70 etc the S4 spanks it.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
So if you really want an Audi look for one of the above, if not get the leak sorted add some performance(something your mate can't do with a lease car) & have some fun with the Scooby.
Thanks for the replies guys!
It's just sooooo bloody tough to decide what to do. I wish I had a crystal ball but I dont.
On one side I have my missus, who really wants to experience the luxury and the power of a fast Audi. And my mate who just thinks everything is water under the bridge and you only live once. And a car that I'm sure will be amazing and luxurious and fast.
On the other side I have my mojo side telling me to invest the money into my future and just blast the scooby until it dies( like the last one) and another mate who thinks the same. And I also have the Scooby itself,which I obviously like cod I spent the last 7 years with one.
It's just sooooo bloody tough to decide what to do. I wish I had a crystal ball but I dont.
On one side I have my missus, who really wants to experience the luxury and the power of a fast Audi. And my mate who just thinks everything is water under the bridge and you only live once. And a car that I'm sure will be amazing and luxurious and fast.
On the other side I have my mojo side telling me to invest the money into my future and just blast the scooby until it dies( like the last one) and another mate who thinks the same. And I also have the Scooby itself,which I obviously like cod I spent the last 7 years with one.
Can you not borrow the Audi for a little while, see if you like it, I have not personally driven one but I have driven Imprezas and have a 350Z, the Audi will be a damn good car in pretty much every way probably better than the Subaru and the 350Z but it might leave you cold, and you need to establish that.
Certain cars, like people may be imperfect, flawed and sometimes downright annoying but they have something hard to define that is compelling, not saying the Audi doesnt but it might be like one of those good looking, well dressed, intelligent people that arent much fun to be around, kind of like a candidate for the apprentice in car form.
Certain cars, like people may be imperfect, flawed and sometimes downright annoying but they have something hard to define that is compelling, not saying the Audi doesnt but it might be like one of those good looking, well dressed, intelligent people that arent much fun to be around, kind of like a candidate for the apprentice in car form.
I bought an 8V S3 as I only have space for one car, living in the city centre and needed something to cover all bases. I just have to say do it!
Go test drive it first, see how you feel about it. I have to say I am tempted to swap to the RS3 in a years time, mainly cause of that 5 cyl noise...
Go test drive it first, see how you feel about it. I have to say I am tempted to swap to the RS3 in a years time, mainly cause of that 5 cyl noise...
F
forzaminardi said:
I am now of the opinion that Audis, Audi Ss at least, are rather unfairly maligned on PH. I shared the opinion of them being rather inert dull cars based on experience in various run-of-the-mill A4s and A3s. But recently, looking for a new (to me) coupe and being frustrated by the poor quality of CLKs I originally wanted, I was surprised to find Mk2 TTs coming into my price range. I took a couple for a test drive without expecting to like them much, and was very surprised. Responsive, fairly tactile steering, lovely power delivery, and refined and smooth. So I now have a 3.2 TT and I'm sort of embarrassed to say it's on every objective term the best car I've owned. It doesn't have the character of my old S2000, or the sense of owning and driving something really special, and it's probably not as sharp as my past Celicas, and the engine is of a different character to either of them. But it's way more comfortable, sophisticated and has a depth of character and ability that I didn't expect. The only draw back is having the vague sense of people thinking I'm an estate agent when I drive it.
A new S3 won't have the V6 that the old ones had and that's probably a pity as its a lovely engine that while almost silent and smooth while taking it easily, has a nice roar when you press on. The S-tronic gearbox is amazing, really a technological marvel; again very smooth and shifting imperceptibly and if you fancy being a racing driver for the afternoon you can use the paddles - nice blip on downshifts too. I'd imagine the S-Tronic in the latest TTs and S3s will be even better, the only thing is they have a reputation for being a bit dodgy - probably not an issue with a brand new car as one presumes it would be covered.
So a S3 S-tronic. I'd hazard a guess at it being a great car. I'd go so far as to say that those who mutter into their beards about Audi's sporty cars haven't driven one. £20k worth of great (rented)car, though? I'd not call it the deal of a lifetime, frankly. If you're happy with your Subaru and it does what you need it to do then if I were you I'd probably come to resent paying £400 a month to rent the Audi. And without knowing your circumstances, isn't there more you could do with £400 a month in your bank account for your family's pleasure or, if you must, to rub your mate's nose in it? We all like nice cars and are willing to pay for them, but you have a nice car that you've already paid for.
I'm bias, as I also have a TT V6 8J, very surprised on how much I like it, it was meant to be a stop gap but just don't want to sell it.A new S3 won't have the V6 that the old ones had and that's probably a pity as its a lovely engine that while almost silent and smooth while taking it easily, has a nice roar when you press on. The S-tronic gearbox is amazing, really a technological marvel; again very smooth and shifting imperceptibly and if you fancy being a racing driver for the afternoon you can use the paddles - nice blip on downshifts too. I'd imagine the S-Tronic in the latest TTs and S3s will be even better, the only thing is they have a reputation for being a bit dodgy - probably not an issue with a brand new car as one presumes it would be covered.
So a S3 S-tronic. I'd hazard a guess at it being a great car. I'd go so far as to say that those who mutter into their beards about Audi's sporty cars haven't driven one. £20k worth of great (rented)car, though? I'd not call it the deal of a lifetime, frankly. If you're happy with your Subaru and it does what you need it to do then if I were you I'd probably come to resent paying £400 a month to rent the Audi. And without knowing your circumstances, isn't there more you could do with £400 a month in your bank account for your family's pleasure or, if you must, to rub your mate's nose in it? We all like nice cars and are willing to pay for them, but you have a nice car that you've already paid for.
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