New car choice S3 Saloon - Page 1 - Car Buying

fr_UK

Original Poster

36 posts

94 months

[report]

[news]

Friday 12th August 2022

Thoughts? Pretty bad time to get a car with the market but don't have a choice. Decided on a S3 a few months ago after driving one and loved it, not bad on MPG when driven cautiously and has Haldex 4wd.

Anything I should look out for or ask? Heading to dealership in a couple days

https://usedcars.audi.co.uk/usedcar/audi/s3/s3-sal...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022080384...

Put both links just in case!

fr_UK

Original Poster

36 posts

94 months

[report]

[news]

Saturday 13th August 2022

Bump

Belle427

11,761 posts

261 months

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[news]

Saturday 13th August 2022

Seems a hell of a lot for a 4 year old car.
Maybe the gearbox service is nearly due, worth checking.
Matched tyres etc would be good, usual things really.

The Cardinal

1,378 posts

280 months

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[news]

Saturday 13th August 2022

That’s got the Tech pack, but I would say it’s about £1k over typical prices. I ran a 2018 Sportback recently and thought it was a great all-rounder; my trade-in was £24k at 25k miles 6 months ago.

The 2016-18 is a real highlight in the S3’s history as it’s a facelift but pre-WLTP. I’d check that the Haldex pump is working as intended - mine was just one of many that packed-in on this and Golf Rs. By 4 years age it should have had at least one brake fluid and Haldex service.

The Audi used warranty is probably a good call but servicing by an independent is better.

Edited to say: I see it’s a Black Edition with mag ride, so the price is about right. Check the DSG service, but I think it should be c.80k miles on the later 7sp.

Edited by The Cardinal on Saturday 13th August 17:43

CG2020UK

2,935 posts

68 months

[report]

[news]

Sunday 14th August 2022

£30K for an S3 is ridiculous. You could easily lose £10K in a year on that.

That’s M2 or M4 money which is a whole different level of performance.

Id go an S5 for that money if you really want an Audi. Better engine and ride quality and a lot more prestigious.

ZX10R NIN

30,424 posts

153 months

[report]

[news]

Sunday 14th August 2022

fr_UK said:

Thoughts? Pretty bad time to get a car with the market but don't have a choice. Decided on a S3 a few months ago after driving one and loved it, not bad on MPG when driven cautiously and has Haldex 4wd.

Anything I should look out for or ask? Heading to dealership in a couple days

https://usedcars.audi.co.uk/usedcar/audi/s3/s3-sal...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022080384...

Put both links just in case!

fr_UK

Original Poster

36 posts

94 months

[report]

[news]

Sunday 14th August 2022

Belle427 said:

Seems a hell of a lot for a 4 year old car.
Maybe the gearbox service is nearly due, worth checking.
Matched tyres etc would be good, usual things really.

Thanks. It does have full audi service history and I didn't see gearbox on there yet so will get this done if I go ahead. Have been comparing the price to other s3s and with all the options and being only 1 owner it's still a bit over priced but not ridiculously

fr_UK

Original Poster

36 posts

94 months

[report]

[news]

Sunday 14th August 2022

The Cardinal said:

That’s got the Tech pack, but I would say it’s about £1k over typical prices. I ran a 2018 Sportback recently and thought it was a great all-rounder; my trade-in was £24k at 25k miles 6 months ago.

The 2016-18 is a real highlight in the S3’s history as it’s a facelift but pre-WLTP. I’d check that the Haldex pump is working as intended - mine was just one of many that packed-in on this and Golf Rs. By 4 years age it should have had at least one brake fluid and Haldex service.

The Audi used warranty is probably a good call but servicing by an independent is better.

Edited to say: I see it’s a Black Edition with mag ride, so the price is about right. Check the DSG service, but I think it should be c.80k miles on the later 7sp.

Edited by The Cardinal on Saturday 13th August 17:43

Agreed about it being about 1k overpriced. Have managed to haggle about half of that off and a full tank of petrol. No wheel spin when in dynamic mode but they wouldn't let me launch it to truly test the haldex haha.

On pcp they think it will be worth 11k after another 40k miles and at 8 years old. Though autotrader shows 8 year old s3s on 80k for a bit more right now

fr_UK

Original Poster

36 posts

94 months

[report]

[news]

Sunday 14th August 2022

CG2020UK said:

£30K for an S3 is ridiculous. You could easily lose £10K in a year on that.

That’s M2 or M4 money which is a whole different level of performance.

Id go an S5 for that money if you really want an Audi. Better engine and ride quality and a lot more prestigious.

I see your point, for me personally the m2 and m4 are a bit too much for London and especially when you want to cruise, they dont offer 4wd which i want to utilise during drives to europe, should have mentioned this.

The audi interior is a lot better when you have virtual cockpit. 0-60 of M2 is about half a second less? But a 2.0 4 pot s3 will give a lot better MPG and cheaper on insurance. Same reason for not getting the s4/s5, but considering this in a couple years (I know we are talking sports cars but I like to be semi-sensible!)

Apparently s4 and s5 don't come with dsg and possibly not magnetic ride either...

fr_UK

Original Poster

36 posts

94 months

[report]

[news]

Sunday 14th August 2022

ZX10R NIN said:

fr_UK said:

Thoughts? Pretty bad time to get a car with the market but don't have a choice. Decided on a S3 a few months ago after driving one and loved it, not bad on MPG when driven cautiously and has Haldex 4wd.

Anything I should look out for or ask? Heading to dealership in a couple days

https://usedcars.audi.co.uk/usedcar/audi/s3/s3-sal...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022080384...

Put both links just in case!

Thanks for the alternatives, I think I have explored most as I live on London I wanted a small ish saloon or coupe for parking etc so jags were ruled out pretty early. Had a c250d cabriolet which came with endless issues so I'm still writing off Mercedes for now.

I've driven an S5, GTI, scirocco R, all quite similar, but GTI was the worst.

The bmw interiors have only improved recently and for this price I can't get a new 4 series with xdrive, and don't want a 420i x drive redcard

Kinda made this post to see if I have missed anything but I think it's helping me firm my decision so thank you!

Teebs

5,734 posts

243 months

[report]

[news]

Sunday 14th August 2022

PCP APR at 10.7% looks a little grim.

£450/month (5k PA) & £3k deposit is just short of £25k over 4 years & final optional payment -ouch.

ZX10R NIN

30,424 posts

153 months

[report]

[news]

Sunday 14th August 2022

fr_UK said:

Thanks for the alternatives, I think I have explored most as I live on London I wanted a small ish saloon or coupe for parking etc so jags were ruled out pretty early. Had a c250d cabriolet which came with endless issues so I'm still writing off Mercedes for now.

I've driven an S5, GTI, scirocco R, all quite similar, but GTI was the worst.

The bmw interiors have only improved recently and for this price I can't get a new 4 series with xdrive, and don't want a 420i x drive redcard

Kinda made this post to see if I have missed anything but I think it's helping me firm my decision so thank you!

No problem, the Jag XE is only 1.6mm longer than the S3 Saloon & they're nigh on the same width.

The 330i I linked was one of a few for sale although you won't get an Xdrive one:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208018...

RWD/AWD/FWD are all fine for Euro trips, that wouldn't be a reason to go with a particular drivetrain.

You won't be disappointed with the S3 they're a good car.

Here's my leftfield pick.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207127...

CG2020UK

2,935 posts

68 months

[report]

[news]

Sunday 14th August 2022

fr_UK said:

I see your point, for me personally the m2 and m4 are a bit too much for London and especially when you want to cruise, they dont offer 4wd which i want to utilise during drives to europe, should have mentioned this.

The audi interior is a lot better when you have virtual cockpit. 0-60 of M2 is about half a second less? But a 2.0 4 pot s3 will give a lot better MPG and cheaper on insurance. Same reason for not getting the s4/s5, but considering this in a couple years (I know we are talking sports cars but I like to be semi-sensible!)

Apparently s4 and s5 don't come with dsg and possibly not magnetic ride either...

I do like an S3/Golf R and likely will pick one up in a few years for my wife as they are sensible and quick and we both loved my Golf GTI.

I just would worry you are buying at the top of the market for a car that is really price inflated so you’ll have a lot further to fall. I’ve also been in and driven the new S3 and unlike the Mk8 vs Mk7 Golf the newer model is an improvement with a lot nicer interior which will effect demand on a car which is traditionally leased.

For your requirements how about going the new M135i as for the same price it’s a newer car (more warranty), better drive and latest model with all the tech.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206277...

Like wise the new A35 AMG. Also the latest model.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110208...

Finally if it had to be an Audi A3 I’d get the best RS3 I could with my budget.

AliMc99

202 posts

204 months

[report]

[news]

Sunday 14th August 2022

As the OP says the facelift pre-gpf model is the one to have (they are 310ps so it looks like the one you are looking at is one of those). I had a 2017 Sportback on a cheap 2 year lease deal and I thought it was a great all rounder. The basic nav is quite dated so ideally look for one with the upgraded screen, black edition is well worth it for the extra spec (eg B&O speakers). ASFAIK both the DSG gearbox oil and Haldex need servicing at 40k miles so make sure that has been done or get the dealer to do it. The Sportback has 18’’ wheels as standard but the standard Pirelli pZero tyres were rubbish (but unbelievably cheap at £75 per corner).

blademansw

83 posts

249 months

[report]

[news]

Sunday 14th August 2022

ZX10R NIN said:

No problem, the Jag XE is only 1.6mm longer than the S3 Saloon & they're nigh on the same width.

The 330i I linked was one of a few for sale although you won't get an Xdrive one:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208018...

Slight thread hijack...

Anyone ever dealt with this S James Prestige (the ad you linked), I was having a look at their stocklist, and they all seem to have flash wheels on and it talks about a 200 quid fitting charge for the "optional" styling pack, but it doesn't tell you if this is actually included in the price.

fr_UK

Original Poster

36 posts

94 months

[report]

[news]

Sunday 14th August 2022

blademansw said:

Slight thread hijack...

Anyone ever dealt with this S James Prestige (the ad you linked), I was having a look at their stocklist, and they all seem to have flash wheels on and it talks about a 200 quid fitting charge for the "optional" styling pack, but it doesn't tell you if this is actually included in the price.

Might not be 100% true but I have seen a few reviews that they may buy damaged and or entry level cars, non m-sport etc then put low quality parts on to make them look better e.g. the flashy alloys aren't original. Otherwise I have seen a few of their cars at good prices, and they're eye catching

fr_UK

Original Poster

36 posts

94 months

[report]

[news]

Sunday 14th August 2022

Teebs said:

PCP APR at 10.7% looks a little grim.

£450/month (5k PA) & £3k deposit is just short of £25k over 4 years & final optional payment -ouch.

Very true. I am trying to get them to do the dsg service now and will see if any more movement on the price, have also sent quote to a 3rd party company to see if they can beat it. Hoping the residual value at the end will be decent enough for me to avoid putting another deposit down. Been leasing the last 5 years anyway so this should be better

fr_UK

Original Poster

36 posts

94 months

[report]

[news]

Sunday 14th August 2022

ZX10R NIN said:

No problem, the Jag XE is only 1.6mm longer than the S3 Saloon & they're nigh on the same width.

The 330i I linked was one of a few for sale although you won't get an Xdrive one:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208018...

RWD/AWD/FWD are all fine for Euro trips, that wouldn't be a reason to go with a particular drivetrain.

You won't be disappointed with the S3 they're a good car.

Here's my leftfield pick.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207127...

Agreed about awd not being necessary, but I do really like the feel of it, being so planted? I hadn't looked into the infiniti, but will now, it looks real good!!

fr_UK

Original Poster

36 posts

94 months

[report]

[news]

Sunday 14th August 2022

AliMc99 said:

As the OP says the facelift pre-gpf model is the one to have (they are 310ps so it looks like the one you are looking at is one of those). I had a 2017 Sportback on a cheap 2 year lease deal and I thought it was a great all rounder. The basic nav is quite dated so ideally look for one with the upgraded screen, black edition is well worth it for the extra spec (eg B&O speakers). ASFAIK both the DSG gearbox oil and Haldex need servicing at 40k miles so make sure that has been done or get the dealer to do it. The Sportback has 18’’ wheels as standard but the standard Pirelli pZero tyres were rubbish (but unbelievably cheap at £75 per corner).

I haven't paid under £120 per tyre in years! May have to try those out even if they're crap.

The screen does look very old, I will probably rely on the virtual cockpit and keep the screen tucked in. Haldex was done at 29k and apparently the filter too so just dsg to negotiate, any idea how much dsg costs typically?

fr_UK

Original Poster

36 posts

94 months

[report]

[news]

Sunday 14th August 2022

CG2020UK said:

I do like an S3/Golf R and likely will pick one up in a few years for my wife as they are sensible and quick and we both loved my Golf GTI.

I just would worry you are buying at the top of the market for a car that is really price inflated so you’ll have a lot further to fall. I’ve also been in and driven the new S3 and unlike the Mk8 vs Mk7 Golf the newer model is an improvement with a lot nicer interior which will effect demand on a car which is traditionally leased.

For your requirements how about going the new M135i as for the same price it’s a newer car (more warranty), better drive and latest model with all the tech.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206277...

Like wise the new A35 AMG. Also the latest model.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110208...

Finally if it had to be an Audi A3 I’d get the best RS3 I could with my budget.

Thanks, worst case scenario I guess I just hand the car back at the end of the pcp and put another deposit for whatever I want at the time, sounds silly but as I've been leasing for a while gotten used to newish cars with warranty etc.

I can see a big difference between the s3 I'm looking at and new audis so I'm expecting the current model to retain value and have the knock on effect you mentioned. Don't think I can spring for the rs because maintenance, fuel and insurance will all increase drastically

I had an a class courtesy for a while, felt the interior e.g steering wheel and buttons in general were cheap, but the m135i I'll look into, shame the front is so ugly IMO