Monday 15th August 2016

Audi S3 saloon: PH Carpool

So how does the fast Audi recipe suit a four-door saloon? This PHer tells all

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Name: Chris Lake
Car: Audi S3 saloon
Previously owned: Over 50 cars, from Minis to a Nissan Skyline GTST (R33) to a sensible Audi A6 and a Toyota RAV4.

The looks have won Chris over at least

Why I bought it:
"I actually bought this out of desperation to get out of an Audi A6 I was driving at the time. I hadn't had the A6 long but it was too large for driving around a busy town and far too dull for someone in their mid 20s. The local Audi dealer offered me a good deal on this so I took it."

What I wish I'd known:
"I wish I'd known how rubbish Audi aftersales is! There were numerous issues with the suspension, yet they persisted in saying it was a characteristic of the car. With my mechanical background I know this to be false, but I got there in the end."

Things I love:
"I love the look of the car. It's stunning from any angle. Typical Audi quality inside and the B&O stereo is amazing. It's a four-door car which can be nice and sensible but also be a bit of a menace off the line."

Things I hate:
"It has no soul! After owning a large number of cars I can't help but be underwhelmed every time I drive it. There is no connection between myself, the car and the road. Unfortunately this isn't something that you can get a sense of in a 30-minute test drive."

So what to replace it with?

Costs:
"Not terrible, but not great. Insurance is cheap at £320 for the year. Fuel so far has been around 24mpg round town and 39mpg on the motorway (once!). I have also seen the computer say as low as 12mpg after a spirited drive."

Where I've been:
"A trip to Killin in Scotland. Did roughly 600 miles while there on some of the great roads round Oban and Fort William."

What next?
"I am ready to sell, but not sure what I am going to move to. I could reduce outgoings and go for a 1 Series. Or I could go for something like a Discovery Sport. Time will tell!"

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[MikeGoodwin]

Complains about it having no soul or connection and then considers buying a 1 series or a range rover...... good thinking.

[MikeGoodwin]

He posted that on a public forum why wouldn't he get stick for it? Take the advice and do your research before buying a car and get one you're actually going to enjoy driving.