thinking of getting 66 plate Audi S3, good idea?

[philcray]

Looking at a new car and there are a few private sale Audi S3's on Autotrader which look quite nice, low mileage and c £22-23k. They fit my budget and the type of car I am looking for, but never had an Audi so not really up to speed if there are any particular issues to be aware of with the S3 of this age.

Any thoughts, feedback or experiences would be gratefully received.

[Dr G]

They're all still under warranty and mostly too new for much to have worn out. No particular, inherent problems so far beyond the odd Haldex pump failure (no drive to rear wheels). Water pumps on facelift cars (touch wood) OK now.

Currently the market is flooded with ex-lease S3s from Alphabet and VWFS. All cars that have absolutely no options on whatsoever. They're cheap but they're not exciting.

[Trevor555]

They're great cars despite what all the critics say.

That's a lot to spend on a private sale, be careful.

[g7jhp]

Have you considered a Golf R?

[av185]

Boredom would be the main issue with the S3 and to a lesser degree the Golf R.

[g7jhp]

av185 said:

Boredom would be the main issue with the S3 and to a lesser degree the Golf R.

av185 what would you choose if you wanted a fun practical fast daily?

[av185]

g7jhp said:

av185 said:

Boredom would be the main issue with the S3 and to a lesser degree the Golf R.

av185 what would you choose if you wanted a fun practical fast daily?

At the OPs £20k price point an E92 or preferably E90 'manuel' M3 would be top of my list for driver involvement.

Good investment too.

[hyphen]

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Just saying.

[g7jhp]

av185 said:

At the OPs £20k price point an E92 or preferably E90 'manuel' M3 would be top of my list for driver involvement.

Good investment too.

The E90/E92 M3 is less practical than either the S3 or R and has a relative drink problem in comparison.

I tried one before the 996 turbo and found it dull.

The others although not as engaging do offer practility, speed and less time at the pumps.

[av185]

Dull compared the S3/ R euroboxes with their fake noise and turbo lag?

M3 has fine handling, excellent last of the line NA V8 with linear power delivery, neutral hydraulic steering and perfect turn in especially the e90 which has non c.f. roof and different front set up.

Did a Scottish road trip in an e90 'manuel' last summer. Thirst not a problem 25mpg+ touring although this will clearly worsen during short runs (similar to the s3).

Folding rear seats standard on the e92 optional on the e90 for added practicality.

Far less nickable than the s3 and R too.

A definite no brainer.

[va1o]

They're a decent buy and it's new enough to still be in warranty. Avoid the Manual version as the Clutch is weak but other than that not a lot to worry about. Just keep an eye on the spec levels as pointed out by another poster.

I think the S3 got facelifted about a year before the Golf R. So if we're comparing just 66-plate versions of each the S3 is still current shape whereas the Golf R wouldn't be, making the Audi the better purchase IMO.

I don't think the 10-year old M3 suggestions are helpful. But I might be tempted to suggest looking at the M140i as a BMW comparison