Audi A3 1.8T Quattro or S3?

[hardtop110]

Hi folks

Long story short, I'm looking to buy a cheapish but fun runabout. I'm looking at 10 year old Audis. Either the A3 1.8T Quattro or S3.

The S3 commands a slightly higher price, but not significant enough for me to be 100% sure about the other.

I'm thinking that the S3 may hold its (already minimal) value longer than the 1.8t, but other than that I'm not sure.

What about reliability issues? Is one likely to be better than the other?

Thanks in advance

Oh and waves to Hora - we miss you over on STW!

[300bhp/ton]

hardtop110 said:

I'm looking to buy a cheapish but fun runabout. I'm looking at 10 year old Audis.

Isn't that an oxymoron?

[Toro Rosso]

Not sure there will be much difference in terms of stuff that can go bang. I think the S3 has upgraded intercooler system and uses a different turbo but this is only because of extra power not because there is anything wrong with the standard units.

Also I would not think given the badge and age of the car that depreciation will hit either particularly badly.

Only other advice would be to watch the insurance hike for the S3 badge (when a cheeky remap would work well for extra horses and may not affect the premium as much). Have you considered a Seat Leon Cupra R - same underneath, better looking (IMO) and usually cheaper.

[JohnnyRims]

What's the budget? If it's relatively low/fixed I'd buy a 1.8T as you'll be able to get a better one than you will S3.

[stropley]

In terms of power the Quattro Turbo Sport had 180 bhp IIRC

The early S3 only had 180 too later going to 225 (via 210?).

So if you're paying the extra for an S3 I'd make sure you're getting the extra power

[hardtop110]

Budget isn't yet confirmed, but 3-5k would be reasonable.

Any more suggestions?

[Parrot of Doom]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2797715.htm

Cheaper, "funner", and a hell of a lot more interesting.

[Motorrad]

The S3 never had 180bhp- lowest power variant was 210.

I'd go for the S3 for no other reason than it has those awesome front seats that block all access to the rear.

[Dr G]

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=9...

My 1.8T quattro cost 1600 quid and is lots of fun...

[aka_kerrly]

300bhp/ton said:

hardtop110 said:

I'm looking to buy a cheapish but fun runabout. I'm looking at 10 year old Audis.

Isn't that an oxymoron?

In all fairness I know you have a hate for all things VAG and I enjoy your leftfield way of thinking but exactly what is your experience of S3s and what is it that makes you think that it will be dull?

From reviews at the time and having had a blast in a couple of 210 an 225 an remapped S3s the consensus seems to be: steering feels much better than a average A3, the suspension is harder with less roll but not overly harsh, Haldex makes them incredibly grippy, the brakes are not quite so sensitive as some new VAG cars (polos seem worst for over servo'd feeling) the 6 speed close ratio gearbox makes you work hard but is far more rewarding than the normal tall 5 speed boxed fitted to VAG cars so i'm struggling to see what the downsides are.

The only possible issue now is that S3 are at a price level where kids who have been cruzin in their VTR/106 GTI for the last couple of years can now trade to a S3 for limited cash. The problem with this is that they are unlikely to stick to the service schedule an 20VT engines need regular oil changes an haldexs need care every 20k.

For the OP you can buy a well cared for quattro sport for less money an Revo are doing remaps for £199 at the moment which will take a 180 to 210-215hp.

dave

[CupraAndy]

Dr G said:

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=9...

My 1.8T quattro cost 1600 quid and is lots of fun...

Hi Dr G

im looking to buy an A3 1.8t quattro. I have a leon cupra race car i built so know the platform very well - but never owned a quattro.

What should I be looking at and in the service history to when the haldex oil etc was changed? its a 51 plate on 130k miles.

thanks in advance,

Andy