Looking to buy an S3

[evolution]

Hi,

I recently had my Impreza stolen and I'm looking at replacing it with something with similar performance to the Scoob. The only car that really appeals (well at least in my price range) is an S3. I'm test driving a couple tomorrow.

I have a budget of up to £20k and I'm looking for a used 225bhp model, low mileage.

I have some questions:

1. Is there any benefit in getting the 225bhp model over the 210bhp model (apart from the obvious 15bhp power increase) i.e. cosmetic changes? chasis/set-up? engine?

2. What's the insurance like on these? I'm 32, full clean licence, full NCB and live in the TW18 area.

3. What is the suggested performance upgrade path? And what sort of power increases can be had? I've already had a look at the AMD website.

4. What is the standard security like on the S3? What additional security would you recomend?

5. What are the serice intervals and approx costs?

Any assistance/suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

GJK

[Riz_RS4]

Hi there,

1) as far as i know there are no differences between the 210 and 225 models except the power, ive personally been is a S3 and TT and couldnt tell the difference.

2) should be ok for you, im 22 and paying 1720 with zero no claims [img]images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

3) Revo, APR, AmD, MTM, ABT etc all depends on cost and what type of kick your after [img]images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

4) Ive not had problems with security, alarm seems ok [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

5) S3`s usually run on AVS (Audi Variable Service) usually the engine oil consumption and all the vital parts are monitored and the computer works out the serive intervals [img]images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] usually is around 17,400miles or 2years! [img]images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

If you need more detailed information please feel free to ask [img]images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/clap.gif[/img]

[Crafty]

Also looking to buy soon, but my budget isn't as big as yours... found some stuff out...

1) 210vs225, no. the cars are the same with just the ECU code being different.. therefore if you were to get the car remapped ( AmD, jabbasport etc ) or chipped ( loads of companies.. ) there is no reason for a 210 model to give different output to a 225 engine.
However, there are differences.. 01 models had a facelift, these can be spotted by the fact they have 1 piece headlight & indicators, older cars they are seperate, facelift ones also have different tail lights ( bit white bit instead of small bit ). I believe there are interior trim differences.. but nothing drastic. Although I say 01 model cars I have seen quite a few 00 X reg cars that are facelift.

2) Appears to be cheap as chips. I did a quote with elephant for me ( 26, full NCB, SO postcode ) £730 with £250 excess.

3) Depends, how much money have you got, what power/torque do you want ? Many routes to go [img]images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

4) AFAIK it has a thatcham cat2 immoboliser, not sure though, a cat1 alarm etc may be good. personally I avoid cliffords cos I hate em...

5) If on fixed servicing 10k/1 year service price varies from £200-300 depending on dealer, plus £50-150 for haldex oil change which should be done..
If on AVS ( variable servicing ) the car has oil quality sensors on it.. when the it decides the oil id duff it goes for service.. max. 20k/2years but can be shorter if you treat it badly [img]images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] costs a little more, but not much..
Should be cheaper than the scoob anyway [img]images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[DuncS3]

Cant really add anymore to that, for 20K you should get a 51 or 02 well specced car easily (if you buy an import) - lots of imports about, all uk spec no problem.

Dunc [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[evolution]

Thanks for the advice chaps.

I took a 225bhp model out today for a test drive... and was pleasantly surprised by the performance & handling compared to my WRX. I'm sold on the idea of getting one now!
I'll be looking at getting a 225, in either Dolphin grey or Ming blue - low mileage 02 model. Dealer prices seem to be in the £22.5k region (there goes the budget then!)

On the insurance front, can anyone suggest a couple of brokers that I can contact for quotes please? I was paying £936 fully-comp on the Impreza with a £400 excess.

Power upgrades: I'd like to mod the exhaust first - reading some of the other posts on here, it would appear that Miltek is a favourite. Are there any others that I should consider?
After that, I'd be looking at chipping it. Looking for an additional output of around 50 to 75bhp eventually.

Servicing: that's good news...much cheaper than the Impreza, which was every 7500 miles at around £300 for a half and £500 for a full service off the top of my head.

Thanks again.

GJK

[AL_B]

I believe Colin of www.sportimport.co.uk is selling his S3 i.e. not a new one, but the one he's been driving around in since March last year. Think he's selling it for just under 20K.

AL

[Riz_RS4]

Welcome to quality cars! [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

p.s yeah Colin does have one for sale, very nice spec`ed car for around 19,950 with 12,000miles if i remember correctly! [img]images/graemlins/clap.gif[/img]

[ammwhite]

GJK,

I think you were getting ripped off on services for your scooby [img]images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]
I had a MY00 Impreza Turbo for nearly 3 years and never paid more than £350 for a service, and that was the 30K service. Most intermediate services were just over £100.

BTW, I swapped from my Impreza to a 2nd hand S4. Have you considered the S4 as an option? [img]images/graemlins/s4anogaro.gif[/img]

[evolution]

Hi Andy,

I used to get it serviced at Power Engineering in Uxbridge. They tended to be a bit pricier than Scoobysport.
Still, the servicing was cheaper than my previous car (TVR S3).

I considered the S4's - but I was after something a bit newer with less on the clock. I went to Fontains yesterday and had a look there at a couple.

I've decided it's going to have to be an S3 in dolphin grey, on an 02 plate, low mileage - leather interior, with a Sypmphony or Concept stereo, 6 CD changer, Bose system and aluminium door mirrors (not essential though). My budget is £22k'ish.

The search is on... so if anyone knows of one that fits the bill - let me know.

Cheers.

GJK [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[evolution]

Well, the budget was blown! Ended up going for a 2003 (registered in Jan) S3 for 23k !!!

Spec as follows: Ming blue, silver leather, sun-roof, Bose, aluminium mirrors and parking sensors. Low mileage (4208 miles when I collected it).

I've only had it a week now... but I love it !!!

Totally different from my Impreza (R.I.P.). The S3 is much smoother in ride, power comes on about 1000rpm sooner and of course more toys to play with. The overall build quality is far superior to the Impreza. I must say though, I miss the rawness and exhaust burble. Apart from that, I'm totally converted!!!

I've decided to go for the Revo in a few months time.

[img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[ChrisG]

seems like a good price paid nearly £26k for mine, Misano sunroof 18" nine spokes GmbH suspension Bose Symphony and 7300 miles and including GAP insurance.