Urgent S3 Purchase queries

[Biggins]

Hi Guys,

I'm looking at an S3 this afternoon and need answers to a couple of questions before I go.

1) The car is a 2002 (225Bhp) model, Silver, 15k Miles, Bose 6 CD system etc for £19,995. The garage is not an Audi main dealer. What original Audi warranty will be remaining on the car, if any? I take it there are no problems transfering warranty to new owners?

2) How many service stamps & recalls should be in the book?

3) I intend changing Chip (AmD or REVO) & DV etc. on the car shortly after purchase. Do you think it's better to save money buying a slightly older model for £15k or is the 225Bhp model a better platform to start with?

Thanks in advance chaps.
Chris.

[DuncS3]

Hi,

I have the same model and year but mine is an import. My car was regsitered in June so I have 8 months warranty remaining. It is 3 years with a UK car. Should be no problem transferring warranty.

There have been no recalls, apart from coil packs but that is not really a proper recall

It is possible the car has never been serviced. Mine had its first after 17 months and 18K miles (AVS servicing)

15k or 20k is a big difference, tough choice.

Dunc

[Riz_RS4]

Warranty transfer is no problem as it should automatically go with the car and the owner. Audi UK will have record of this.

I would go for the newer model dependant upon how long you`ll be keeping it and how many miles you`ll do.

Its one nice little car and im sure you`ll have good fun.

Ive just my coil packs changed today under warranty.

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

p.s. Welcome to RS246.com [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

[Biggins]

Cheers guys.

ARMED with AMMO [img]images/graemlins/rocketwhore.gif[/img] i'm off to take a look at this S3.

Fingers crossed. [img]images/graemlins/greyrs4.gif[/img]

[Riz_RS4]

All the best m8 [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

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

[grahampking]

My two penneth worth may come too late but approach this car as you would any other.
1. Be suspicious, if you have any doubts then walk away, there will always be another car.
2. Registration document. Demand sight of it. If it's "at Swansea" or "haven't picked it up from the previous owner" then walk away, there will always be another car.
3. Don't be shy. Get the details of the previous owner. Give them a call ! Ask them why they got rid, how many miles on it when they sold it, any damage, how long they had they car (check it matches the document), how long ago did they get rid - if it has been hanging around the dealers six months then you should be able to screw the price down. Any doubts...you know....

4. Get it HPIed www.hpicheck.com or 01722 422 422. 35 quid or so could save you buying a pup

The S3 is a great car, but there will always be a few rogue examples, just as there are any cars. Follow your head not your heart and you should come home with an excellent motor vehicle.

I would mention colours but it's a bit controversial (Riz might set his dog on me), but always consider who will buy the car from you in the future.

Good luck.

[Mo_S3]

Good advice.... Use your head and not your heart !!

[Biggins]

OK, update time.

Didn't buy the S3 I looked at yesterday. Basically due to it needing 1st Service and selling garage unwilling to budge on price. [img]images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] My part exchange vehicle was £17k of the deal so wasn't expecting much.

Back to looking for another Silver or Yellow S3.

Any ideas?

[bjacks]

What's the budget mate? I've seen a place with 3 brand new silver S3's for sale - starting at under £22k.
If less, there must be loads around on Autotrader etc.
There's a chap on another forum who's looking to sell his yellow S3 soon I think, AmD remap - low miles and on a Y plate I believe.

Cheers

Ben

[grahampking]

The Audi web site is excellent for searching and comparing prices and specifications, although the asking price will be higher than non franchise dealers.
Don't be too put off by the 1st service cost. Mine was around £350. There are a few other threads discussing servicing costs. UK supplied vehicles come with 3 year warranty so even if there is something extra, aside from usual wear and tear clauses, you should not have to pay.
We have a silver S3. Doesn't look like sports car to the casual eye. The only downside is that there are a lot of silver cars these days, especially Audis it seems.

What's your 17k p/ex ?

[Biggins]

I currently own a 2001 (X) Honda S2000 in Berlina Black with Black Leather, 24k Miles, 1 owner UK Car, Full Honda Service History. I love the S2K and have had the best summer EVER in her with the hood down 90% of the time over the last 6 months. However, the downside is that now the hood is up and the winter months loom large, the S2K starts to loose it's appeal [img]images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]. The p/ex value of the S2K is around £17k - £17.5k and I could add another £1k.

I had thought of buying a high mileage S4 as the 2.7 V6 is a cracking engine but stories of failed turbos and high MPG and running costs have put me off a little. I then disovered the tuning potential of the VAG 1.8T engine and started looking at S3's which I prefer the look of and the fact I can get a younger low mileage model for my budget.

Ideal scenario is to buy a good high spec. low mileage S3 in the right colour (silver, yellow, blue) for approx. £15k. P/ex the S2000 for £17k leaving £2k balance plus extra £1k budget for remap etc. [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] The other option is to blow the complete budget on a 2002 S3 and leave mods. until new year. Decisions decisions!! [img]images/graemlins/1syellow1.gif[/img]

Just got to find a good [img]images/graemlins/yellows4.gif[/img] at a good dealer.

Cheers for the help so far guys.
Chris [img]images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[Scatmans3]

I would go for an older one for 15k. 225bhp with those variable admission intakes never deliver the whole 225hp and, for what I have experienced, will not deliver their whole capabilities when chipped. I own a 210hp and it has been my greatest joy from the day I drove it away from the dealer. Besides, the extra 5k you're saving will provide with you a nice brake and suspension upgrade! Think hard! [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Best regards,
Alexander [img]images/graemlins/kissmyrings.gif[/img]

[Hopsta]

Biggins, I know of a v.neat Imola S3 thats going to be up for sale shortly, PM me for more info.

Graham

[S3Bangs]

Biggins, I know of a v.neat Imola S3 thats going to be up for sale shortly, PM me for more info.

Graham

Or better still, PM me for details.. [img]images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img].. I'll sell it for the right price

[Hopsta]

Biggins, I know of a v.neat Imola S3 thats going to be up for sale shortly, PM me for more info.

Graham

Or better still, PM me for details.. [img]images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img].. I'll sell it for the right price

Dont forget my finders commision [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]