Discussion
Hi all,
I am considering an Audi S3 8p. Seem to be a decent hot hatch, not too OTT flashy and prices hold well. Anything to look out for on these? Are the facelifts (2008 onwards) worth getting over the earlier ones? Has to be manual though not really swayed by the S-tronic.
My only concern is that they may be outdated compared to the current MQB generation.
Appreciate everyone's input as always.
I am considering an Audi S3 8p. Seem to be a decent hot hatch, not too OTT flashy and prices hold well. Anything to look out for on these? Are the facelifts (2008 onwards) worth getting over the earlier ones? Has to be manual though not really swayed by the S-tronic.
My only concern is that they may be outdated compared to the current MQB generation.
Appreciate everyone's input as always.
They're generally pretty good; the owners often cause more problems than the cars do. Now they're getting a bit cheaper they have sadly fallen into the hands of those that don't care as much as they might do.
Engine, gearbox, turbo, and diff strong.
Minor issues with engine breather and boost regulation can occur but not expensive faults.
Cracked springs (particularly rears) very common.
Knocking from rear suspension (silly little wind deflector thing) also common but most will have been removed by now.
They do seem to like eating odd little suspension bits (top mounts, drop links etc.) but again, nothing too scary
Clutches are fine with standard power but will wilt when mapped or abused.
Timing belt and water pump due every 5 years or 75k miles.
Haldex oil (rear diff) due every 38k miles.
Spark plugs and air filter also every 38k miles.
Look around closely for signs of abuse, accident repair, tasteless modifications etc.
Infotainment is feeling a little dated now (even later cars with '3G' navigation) but the aftermarket caters well for these cars so adding bluetooth audio, DAB etc. can be done quite neatly and without huge expense.
I would look out for Bose, parking sensors, cruise control, and navigation. I also far prefer the Alcantara to the weird, standard plasticy leather.
If you'd like a good look over colours, options etc. message me your email through my profile and I'll send back the original brochure.
Engine, gearbox, turbo, and diff strong.
Minor issues with engine breather and boost regulation can occur but not expensive faults.
Cracked springs (particularly rears) very common.
Knocking from rear suspension (silly little wind deflector thing) also common but most will have been removed by now.
They do seem to like eating odd little suspension bits (top mounts, drop links etc.) but again, nothing too scary
Clutches are fine with standard power but will wilt when mapped or abused.
Timing belt and water pump due every 5 years or 75k miles.
Haldex oil (rear diff) due every 38k miles.
Spark plugs and air filter also every 38k miles.
Look around closely for signs of abuse, accident repair, tasteless modifications etc.
Infotainment is feeling a little dated now (even later cars with '3G' navigation) but the aftermarket caters well for these cars so adding bluetooth audio, DAB etc. can be done quite neatly and without huge expense.
I would look out for Bose, parking sensors, cruise control, and navigation. I also far prefer the Alcantara to the weird, standard plasticy leather.
If you'd like a good look over colours, options etc. message me your email through my profile and I'll send back the original brochure.
Mine was good fun.
I had the DSG sportback, I had it Revo'd and it was quite a rapid and entertaining hatchback.
I did always feel the need to drive it like a loon though, it was one of those cars which just encouraged you to go everywhere in a hurry.
I had a not uncommon problem of the haldex motor/controller failing, cost was around £500 fitted from memory. It was very apparent it wasn't working as the front wheels would spin in 3rd gear when it was wet. (Revo probably highlighted it more).
Other than that, it was a pretty reliable car at 3-4 years old and 60k miles cover.
I had the DSG sportback, I had it Revo'd and it was quite a rapid and entertaining hatchback.
I did always feel the need to drive it like a loon though, it was one of those cars which just encouraged you to go everywhere in a hurry.
I had a not uncommon problem of the haldex motor/controller failing, cost was around £500 fitted from memory. It was very apparent it wasn't working as the front wheels would spin in 3rd gear when it was wet. (Revo probably highlighted it more).
Other than that, it was a pretty reliable car at 3-4 years old and 60k miles cover.
Get it mapped at R-tech
TFSI Tuning Facebook group as well as Mk5GolfGTI.co.uk offer lots of advice and info.
Common faults are the same as any of the other cars with the same engines / Mk5 GTI, Leon FR / Cupra etc.
Mainly : Cam follower, DV , PCV .
Now cars are getting older it's also worth having the injectors cleaned. R-tech also offer this as a service now.
Cambelt / WP is every 80k or 4 Yrs, and Haldex and DSG oil if applicable are recommend at 40k.
Compared to MQB it does feel like the last generation but still a very capable car. Albeit a bit dull. Edition 30 would be more fun to drive as it's basically the same engine with just software tweaks to account for power.
Run it on 99 octane for best results. You can get around 300bhp from the k04 with just a map on 99 octane and no other mods.
TFSI Tuning Facebook group as well as Mk5GolfGTI.co.uk offer lots of advice and info.
Common faults are the same as any of the other cars with the same engines / Mk5 GTI, Leon FR / Cupra etc.
Mainly : Cam follower, DV , PCV .
Now cars are getting older it's also worth having the injectors cleaned. R-tech also offer this as a service now.
Cambelt / WP is every 80k or 4 Yrs, and Haldex and DSG oil if applicable are recommend at 40k.
Compared to MQB it does feel like the last generation but still a very capable car. Albeit a bit dull. Edition 30 would be more fun to drive as it's basically the same engine with just software tweaks to account for power.
Run it on 99 octane for best results. You can get around 300bhp from the k04 with just a map on 99 octane and no other mods.
Thanks all, forgot to update the thread been busy as of late so here goes: been searching for facelifted ones that meet my required spec for a good price. Good examples still are hovering above the £10k mark.
I've been thinking how different is a remapped A3 2.0T to a stock S3? Stage 1 on the 2.0T power and torque wise is very similar output to an S3.
I've been thinking how different is a remapped A3 2.0T to a stock S3? Stage 1 on the 2.0T power and torque wise is very similar output to an S3.
Edited by shotta287 on Monday 24th July 21:23
gottans said:
I think it will be quite different in the handling department. You will need to drive them to feel the difference, I belive the S version has a more aggressive wheel setup.
They're pretty much identical to drive.The issue with the 2.0 T A3 rather than the S3 is that the A3 will map up to around 275-280 with supporting mods where as the S3 will do 370-380 with supporting mods...
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