Audi S3 Mk1- Potential future purchase. What are they like?

[Fiddlemesticks]

The S3 seems like a great car that still looks lovely, seems pretty quick with great tuning potential without being a barryboy, and my wife thinks they're great, which always helpful!

So can anyone tell me what they are like to live with day to day, if they are expensive to run and what is the difference between the 210bhp models and the 225bhp ones (bhp apart of course!). I'm not sure a 225 model is worth the extra given that the 210 can be tuned above it fairly cheaply.

All info read with interest!

[marctwo]

Great car.

Bad points:

- Doesn't sound that good
- Heavy, so slower than 210/225bhp would suggest
- Not that spacious, rear leg room a little cramped and boot shallow due to 4wd
- Can be ££ to service
- Audi dealers can be poor
- Steering somewhat numb
- Ride can be a little harsh

Good points:

- Still a lot more practical than a 2 seater
- Looks good, subtle, lack of boy racer image
- Good build quality
- Finishing is superb, lots of subtle but really top notch features
- Quick once you remap it (210/225 both remap to about the same)
- Reasonably economical for the performance
- Traction is amazing, I've never seen my traction control light come on
- It's comfortable enough on long journeys
- Easy to drive, my wife has no issues pottering around it in
- Mine has been reliable
- Feels special. Can't put my finger on it but it feels worth the extra over Leon/Golf etc.

I love it!

I wouldn't worry too much about the differences between the 210 and 225 but there was a facelift around 2000 I think where the dash and lights are different. You may want to go for a facelift model.

Good luck.