Audi S3 or A3 S-Line or Other

[Dale_77]

Hi All

I'm in the market for an S3 or A3 but I'm struggling to decide what I want. I realize that the answer to this question will come down to personal taste but I need some advice. I have about £3k to spend so I'm looking at an older S3 or a slightly newer A3 SLine (or something else in the 8L version)

It will be a second car and only driven occasionally, but it will be used purely for driving. No commuting, no shopping, no trips to the skip... Just to go out driving.

So out of all of the 8L's which is the "best".

Best looking, best to drive, best investment, best handling, best engine, best reliability... you get the idea.

I want something that's a bit special, something I can fall in love with, something I can tinker with when I'm not driving it, something worth investing my time in.

I'm leaning towards an S3... what are your thoughts and opinions?

-Dale

[keo]

I have got a 2.0tdi Quattro s line A3 it’s a good daily very economical and looks nice enough. But the most boring car I have ever had. My £200 banger Focus was a lot more fun to drive. I have had it for four years and could count on one hand the amount of times I have driven it for driving sake.

If I was after fun I would definitely stay away.

[ZX10R NIN]

They're not the most fun to drive but if you want one then I'd go for the 3.2 it's an R32 on the cheap & they sound good too:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

[Dale_77]

I would love the 3.2 but I'm nervous about the cost of maintenance/breakdowns.

[WJNB]

I'm not into outright performance but if it's any help I ran a 2 litre auto S-Line Cabriolet which superseded a new Honda S2000. The Audi had all the performance I ever needed & the most draught free cabin of any convertible but the front wheel drive & too firm a suspension annoyed the hell out of me and for some reason I could never fathom it was boring to own & drive. No problems in 30k miles with the gearbox but yes they are a known weakness.
Put it this way a humble Mercedes 250 SLK that followed it was more fun to own (remember outright performance is of little interest to me - I have nothing to prove) BUT the Audi was streets ahead in terms of quality build & tactility of controls.

[ZX10R NIN]

Dale_77 said:

I would love the 3.2 but I'm nervous about the cost of maintenance/breakdowns.

They're actually pretty decent reliability wise especially if you get a manual.