S3 questions

[Colonial]

Been offered a 2001 S3 with around 50000 miles on the clock for around 4.5kAU under book price, so priced at 23k as opposed to around 28k. Have been looking at these for a while

Has
1) faulty passenger side electric window - needs manual assistance to get it all the way up
2) needs new tyres
3) has alcantra (sp??) seats which are worn and piled on the drivers side.
4) Is located 3000kms from my house on the other side of the country
5) has no sunroof

On the plus side it had the full belt change on time and full ASH

Worth going for if it passes inspection or sound a bit dodgy brothers?

[Dr G]

Probably 200 quid to sort window regulator.

£75 a corner for good rubber.

Alcantara does wear quickly if you're not extremely careful with it, not sure anything other than a re-trim would correct.

Nothing more local? Plenty around over here, 3000km is one hell of a drive unless you're making a massive saving.

Sunroof not an issue unless you've decided you have to have one.

Lots of common wear and tear bits on an S3, make sure Haldex oil changed regularly, clutch should feel light and engage cleanly, crunchy 2nd gear is a sure sign of abuse, top mounts and anti-roll bar bushes wear quickly...

[Colonial]

Cheers

There are currently a total of 15 S3's for sale in the whole of Australia, so not exactly common.

Something about it just doesn't seem right. Bit worn out for the kms.

Checking out an 02 with a MTM chip and a stock 01 over the weekend instead. Only 200 or so kms from home as well.

[Dr G]

They do attract clockers unfortunately, the market for low mileage examples is very strong over here. I'm guessing where availability is low they're even more attractive.