Audi RS3 (2012 model) v. Current model S3

[ChevyHead'68]

Hi I just wanted some feedback from fellow PH'ers regarding the possible purchase of an Audi RS3 (2012 model) with 44,000 miles on the clock up for £26,950 at a private garage (not main dealer) v. a new shape 2014 S3 (from an Audi main dealer).

My current car is an '09 Audi A4 3.0 TDi S-Line Quattro 250ps with 67k on the clock. I really love this car & my girlfriend reckons I'd be crazy to chop it in. The garage have offered £11.5k as a trade in which they reckon is above book price & more than Audi have offered. I know I could get £13k'ish if I sold privately as being a manual box it's quite rare.

I have test driven the RS3 & the 5 cylinder turbo engine mated to a DSG gearbox was astounding!! It pulls like a train & has so much character..for my money the RS3 would be my choice. I have not test driven the new shape S3 yet...

Decisions, decisions....

[ChevyHead'68]

I test drove the old RS3 & the howl of the 5-cylinder was incredible, such a lot of character. My Dad used to have a non-fuel injection GT-5S & that had a similar sound but just a tad slower!!

Funds will definitely not stretch to a new shape RS3. My budget is £25-27k at a stretch...

[ChevyHead'68]

zeDuffMan - what's the RS3 like to live with? Any pitfalls I need to watch out for?

[ChevyHead'68]

I really need the space as I have a 5 year old daughter & the RS3/S3 would be ideal. I used to own a Megane RS225 5 door in metallic blue with loads of options (54 plate). This care was awesome, it had a KTR exhaust system, upgraded air filter & felt so powerful. Lovely sound too. I sold this for £4,000 & regretted this as soon as it went. Wouldn't mind another Renault Megane RS, but I'm not a fan of the new shape - I think it looks awful - no character...

[ChevyHead'68]

I currently own a 4 door A4 3.0 TDi Quattro S-Line (240PS) which is a great car, but would prefer a hatchback (I used to own an A3 that I bought from new on PCP). The A5 Sportback looks like a good compromise & I would consider another 3.0 TDi engine but would prefer a manual as I have now, as I enjoy the driving experience. I find auto's a tad lazy. The S3 sportback may be a good choice but I haven't read any reviews on the new shape, I would also consider the 5 door Golf R, but quite like my Audi's. As you say if the RS3 does break, it could cost big money so that's why I would tend to stick with a main dealer for a purchase. I would buy out-right, trading in my A4 & paying the difference. I have been offered a max of £11,500 for my car which I think is paltry as it's in excellent condition, so I am now thinking just keep running the A4 as it's only on 66k miles.