Audi S3 2017-2019 Any thoughts?
Discussion
My 2017 S3 Cab had 15k miles but quite a few owners, none of which used it much. I would have been happy to buy privately, good idea to meet previous owners, pretty easy to tell the decent owners from the chancers but as fewer private sales about these days. I think perhaps private sellers have limited patience too so might try it for a few weeks and perhaps have another car coming and decide instead to take the hit and get shot of it. Dealers hate haggling though these days, hard to get much off the sticker price. Much more likely to get a deal from a private buyer who needs to move it on.
A good sign I look for of a decent previous owner is a matching set of premium brand tyres. Quite a rare sight on cars over 5 years old and with so many cheaper alternatives available many owners like to save on the cost of rubber but a set of cheap mix and match tyres makes me wonder what else they have tried to save on.
A good sign I look for of a decent previous owner is a matching set of premium brand tyres. Quite a rare sight on cars over 5 years old and with so many cheaper alternatives available many owners like to save on the cost of rubber but a set of cheap mix and match tyres makes me wonder what else they have tried to save on.
Been enjoying the S3 Cab this weekend it really is an impressive car and often described on places like ph as boring but I see it as really capable all-weather performance car. Perhaps ability to take the roof off adds the fun element back in but we've had huge fun in it so far - and this is December!
Can't help but wonder why they never did an RS3 convertible would have been borderline exotic with the 400bhp 5-cylinder but perhaps too much for the Cab chassis? Regardless, super smooth, torquey EA888 four pot does very nicely. It's ballistic compared to the 180bhp 2.0 turbo version A3, DCT gearchange response is much sharper too - completely on another level. Where the A3 was dopey the S3 is alert and crisp. It's a great size, not too wide, very secure in the corners and while I drive mostly with dampers set to comfort but there is a rebound reaction over lower frequency bumps which can be unwanted. Ride quality in Dynamic is actually better in some regards but can feel a little fidgety going slowly over rougher surfaces.
With two of Lotus' finest in the garage an auto Audi convertible is meant to be something I wouldn't get along with but I think it's fab and great to drive.
Can't help but wonder why they never did an RS3 convertible would have been borderline exotic with the 400bhp 5-cylinder but perhaps too much for the Cab chassis? Regardless, super smooth, torquey EA888 four pot does very nicely. It's ballistic compared to the 180bhp 2.0 turbo version A3, DCT gearchange response is much sharper too - completely on another level. Where the A3 was dopey the S3 is alert and crisp. It's a great size, not too wide, very secure in the corners and while I drive mostly with dampers set to comfort but there is a rebound reaction over lower frequency bumps which can be unwanted. Ride quality in Dynamic is actually better in some regards but can feel a little fidgety going slowly over rougher surfaces.
With two of Lotus' finest in the garage an auto Audi convertible is meant to be something I wouldn't get along with but I think it's fab and great to drive.
Found a nice super low miles S3 2019, with a franchised Audi dealer. Called, and spoke to a sales guy. £28k for a 2019 S3 is punchy, albeit I like the miles and the spec.
Offered £26k. It seemed to seriously scramble the logic circuits of the guy I was talking to. Absolutely not interested in discounting at all. 2 weeks before Xmas and while the market is a bit flat I thought they may have been more motivated.
Called again today, as they still have the car a month later. Salesman had loud music in the background while talking to me, raised voices from colleagues. For a main dealer it sounded like they were having a Xmas party or just not interested. Bizarre.
Offered £26k. It seemed to seriously scramble the logic circuits of the guy I was talking to. Absolutely not interested in discounting at all. 2 weeks before Xmas and while the market is a bit flat I thought they may have been more motivated.
Called again today, as they still have the car a month later. Salesman had loud music in the background while talking to me, raised voices from colleagues. For a main dealer it sounded like they were having a Xmas party or just not interested. Bizarre.
I found when I was car shopping in July really low milage cars that are within the last year of production fetch a premium, and in some cases cars were being listed at a £3-4k premium over an identical car with 43k on the clock.
They will likely be pitching it against something like this, personally I think it's overpriced but it is very well specced and someone will likely buy it
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411246...
They will likely be pitching it against something like this, personally I think it's overpriced but it is very well specced and someone will likely buy it
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411246...
neverlifted said:
If you're financing, I would consider buying a new one through Drivethedeal. £20k+ on a 7 year old S3...doesn't seem appealing to me. I had a stint in a manual 2018 8V saloon when it was new- which was great; no way would I pay £20k+ to get into one now- I'd buy an AUC F82 M4.
Not financing and I do take your point. £26k apparently not enough to buy a nice 1 owner car with 6k miles. I’m not willing to pay more than that as the depreciation when I want to change in 12 months will be too punchy. An old M4 doesn’t seem like a great daily. Heavy on fuel, expensive to service and insure. Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff