2003 Audi S3 8L
Discussion
In my early driving years of the late 90's I would scoff at most modern German offerings.
I was mad on French things with 1.9 & 2 litres XU 16v's and Turbo'd CVH fords.
Audi's were pump and they couldn't make a Hot Hatch. So naturally here I am in 2026 in a late model MK1 S3 8L!
Small caveat, my wife owned a 2002 3 door A3 1.8T sport in black, with the 17" 9 spokes and a lot of good options for the time, we drove all over the UK for weekends and holidays as well as driving home the day after our wedding. So through no fault of my own, I have become quite fond of the A3 8L platform over the last couple of decades. I have had a few since over the years but this is my first S3 (had almost bought many over the years and did own a nogaro blue mk1 TT for a while!)
Anyway, I still think I was right in 1999, the mk1 S3 was not a good hot hatch out of the box, but for all the reasons i didnt like it then, I love now as I rapidly make my way through my 40's.
The s3 is super refined. Comfortable, safe and predictable. But 20+ years later it now has the added attraction of feeling so analogue. Notchy gearbox, turbo lag, weighty meaningful steering, probably bashed for being a little less connected at the time, now feels like I am touching the front wheels compared to modern cars, in other words, for me its the best option for enjoying that old era feel and nostalgia for daily driving in the modern world. I would not want to be in a Fiesta RS Turbo or an mi16'd 205 on a daily basis!
I have a buttonless steering wheel (still matt and showing the leather grain), clean uncluttered dials, no screens, a tape player!
I am pretty happy with the condition of it, at now 97k miles (ive done 2k) I would say its looking like a 30k miles car of 4 to 5 years old. The condition is almost entirely credited to the 3rd owner who had it from 2011 to 2024.
From the history he spent a considerable amount of time searching for a good one (his hunting homework and autotrader shortlists form part of the history). He then spent the next 13 years meticulously itemising every single detail of money or time spent on the car. Sadly he is has now passed away, but being dead he won't mind me referring to him as nut job, (his name was Alan Job), whenever I find something in the history or discover another part that has been replaced with a genuine Audi item!
It is not particularly well spec'd. No heated seats, has a standard stereo, no cruise, sunroof or parking sensors. But you cant really be fussy on those things when the only thing you should be buying for is condition on cars of this age.
I did see through the history that the 17" Avus, although standard fitment, were an addition on this car by nutjob. Possibly for the more classic look or comfort, but after 7 months I just couldn't take to them and have replaced them with the 18's I believe my car came optioned with from new (@ £1200!).
On the 18" 9 spokes, I just feel like it has a mini RS4 look about it. Looks more purposeful and complements the wider front and rear wings of the s3 a little better with their slight dish and better width.
I haven't counted how many cars I have had recently, must be close to 100 (they are listed in my garage) I keep saying the current one will be a keeper, but i really do think this one will be!
Here is my completely standard 2003 MK1 Audi S3 8L BAM, not the most iconic, dynamic or even most enjoyable drive I have owned never mind what the wider motoring enthusiasts may think, but one that warms my heart every time I walk up to it.
I was mad on French things with 1.9 & 2 litres XU 16v's and Turbo'd CVH fords.
Audi's were pump and they couldn't make a Hot Hatch. So naturally here I am in 2026 in a late model MK1 S3 8L!
Small caveat, my wife owned a 2002 3 door A3 1.8T sport in black, with the 17" 9 spokes and a lot of good options for the time, we drove all over the UK for weekends and holidays as well as driving home the day after our wedding. So through no fault of my own, I have become quite fond of the A3 8L platform over the last couple of decades. I have had a few since over the years but this is my first S3 (had almost bought many over the years and did own a nogaro blue mk1 TT for a while!)
Anyway, I still think I was right in 1999, the mk1 S3 was not a good hot hatch out of the box, but for all the reasons i didnt like it then, I love now as I rapidly make my way through my 40's.
The s3 is super refined. Comfortable, safe and predictable. But 20+ years later it now has the added attraction of feeling so analogue. Notchy gearbox, turbo lag, weighty meaningful steering, probably bashed for being a little less connected at the time, now feels like I am touching the front wheels compared to modern cars, in other words, for me its the best option for enjoying that old era feel and nostalgia for daily driving in the modern world. I would not want to be in a Fiesta RS Turbo or an mi16'd 205 on a daily basis!
I have a buttonless steering wheel (still matt and showing the leather grain), clean uncluttered dials, no screens, a tape player!
I am pretty happy with the condition of it, at now 97k miles (ive done 2k) I would say its looking like a 30k miles car of 4 to 5 years old. The condition is almost entirely credited to the 3rd owner who had it from 2011 to 2024.
From the history he spent a considerable amount of time searching for a good one (his hunting homework and autotrader shortlists form part of the history). He then spent the next 13 years meticulously itemising every single detail of money or time spent on the car. Sadly he is has now passed away, but being dead he won't mind me referring to him as nut job, (his name was Alan Job), whenever I find something in the history or discover another part that has been replaced with a genuine Audi item!
It is not particularly well spec'd. No heated seats, has a standard stereo, no cruise, sunroof or parking sensors. But you cant really be fussy on those things when the only thing you should be buying for is condition on cars of this age.
I did see through the history that the 17" Avus, although standard fitment, were an addition on this car by nutjob. Possibly for the more classic look or comfort, but after 7 months I just couldn't take to them and have replaced them with the 18's I believe my car came optioned with from new (@ £1200!).
On the 18" 9 spokes, I just feel like it has a mini RS4 look about it. Looks more purposeful and complements the wider front and rear wings of the s3 a little better with their slight dish and better width.
I haven't counted how many cars I have had recently, must be close to 100 (they are listed in my garage) I keep saying the current one will be a keeper, but i really do think this one will be!
Here is my completely standard 2003 MK1 Audi S3 8L BAM, not the most iconic, dynamic or even most enjoyable drive I have owned never mind what the wider motoring enthusiasts may think, but one that warms my heart every time I walk up to it.
Greendubber said:
I had one of these, great cars that you simply don't see on the road anymore.
Yep, although not ever super common, they were never a tough spot. Numbers looking a bit grim now and most of those sorn i imagine are rotting away in driveways and with breakers considering there isn't loads of value in them.
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Licensed 64 137 265 319 195
SORN 175 295 427 434 228
oh I'm already pretty extreme, ive been known to sell cars that have picked up a car door micro dent because i cant un see them and repairing still wont take away the tarnished nature or the bodywork.
Pretty much every car ive owned has been sold in better condition.
The difference between me and nutjob is im happy to go non oem for bolts and washers!
Ive already replaced the headliner and some other interior trim parts that had deteriorated in between nutjob and myself where the car sat in probate.
Regards the interior, Im not sure il do much to the leather? obviously not new but its already pretty good. Not shined up with dirt and grease and still soft, matt and supple. Anything else will give it too much of the artificial enhancement look im not keen on myself.
I will be taking apart the bodywork in better weather to get a proper clean.
Pretty much every car ive owned has been sold in better condition.
The difference between me and nutjob is im happy to go non oem for bolts and washers!
Ive already replaced the headliner and some other interior trim parts that had deteriorated in between nutjob and myself where the car sat in probate.
Regards the interior, Im not sure il do much to the leather? obviously not new but its already pretty good. Not shined up with dirt and grease and still soft, matt and supple. Anything else will give it too much of the artificial enhancement look im not keen on myself.
I will be taking apart the bodywork in better weather to get a proper clean.
Nice car, you don’t see them anymore. When I was an apprentice another apprentice had one. Like you I have always been a French hot hatch fan and I had 106 gti’s at the time.
A few years ago my best mate had a silver one with cream leather interior. I borrowed it and used it a few times it was a very nice car and drove well, I’m approaching 40 so appreciate it more now than the French stuff in my 20’s
Just checked your garage as well. That’s an impressive back catalog and fair play for filling it in. I like to fill my garage in to keep a record of my cars as well. Although unfortunately I haven’t got anything at the minute.
A few years ago my best mate had a silver one with cream leather interior. I borrowed it and used it a few times it was a very nice car and drove well, I’m approaching 40 so appreciate it more now than the French stuff in my 20’s
Just checked your garage as well. That’s an impressive back catalog and fair play for filling it in. I like to fill my garage in to keep a record of my cars as well. Although unfortunately I haven’t got anything at the minute.
I bought one last year, after having owned a ropey but fun one about eight years ago. I’d wanted another since, and I’ve had a mk1 TT the whole time too.
It’s taken quite a bit of time over winter to get it anywhere near, as mine was not nearly such a good base to start! Cosmetic rust, saggy headliner, no speedo, blocked oil pickup, no history, intermittent ABS fault, awful straight-through exhaust, ditchfinders, grubby inside…
I love a project though!
Enjoy it! They’re great things - not the last word dynamically or in any one area, but quick enough, comfortable and I love the looks.
It’s taken quite a bit of time over winter to get it anywhere near, as mine was not nearly such a good base to start! Cosmetic rust, saggy headliner, no speedo, blocked oil pickup, no history, intermittent ABS fault, awful straight-through exhaust, ditchfinders, grubby inside…
I love a project though!
Enjoy it! They’re great things - not the last word dynamically or in any one area, but quick enough, comfortable and I love the looks.
Great little cars. I had one (briefly) that I'd tinker with on a weekend. Think it had 47K miles on it when it prematurely died
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PT1984 said:
Lovely. Il say it. When was the last time the sump and pick-up were off?
Its had three cambelts and 5 haldex services, 2 gearbox and rear diff services. Oil services every 6 months. countless coolant and brake fluid changes, the exhaust has been off so it could be cleaned and be fitted with new hardware… I am sure you get the picture :-)Looks like a fantastic example, you don't often see history like that.
These were a pipe dream for me back in around 2006/7 - it was a few years after passing my test, had begun working full time and wanted something a little quicker than my 1.6 Fiesta. I ended up with a MK3 Ibiza Cupra - the likes of the S3 back then was the daddy, Quattro & the 225 engine.
The S3 at the time was too far out of reach.
These were a pipe dream for me back in around 2006/7 - it was a few years after passing my test, had begun working full time and wanted something a little quicker than my 1.6 Fiesta. I ended up with a MK3 Ibiza Cupra - the likes of the S3 back then was the daddy, Quattro & the 225 engine.
The S3 at the time was too far out of reach.
BenEK9 said:
PT1984 said:
Lovely. Il say it. When was the last time the sump and pick-up were off?
Its had three cambelts and 5 haldex services, 2 gearbox and rear diff services. Oil services every 6 months. countless coolant and brake fluid changes, the exhaust has been off so it could be cleaned and be fitted with new hardware I am sure you get the picture :-)Lovely car thought. I have had a 1.8T AGU Golf Gti and a 8P S3. Both had pick ups which Im glad I caught. It’s not an expensive or tasking job.
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