Driving an RS3 Sportback (and a Mk7 Golf R) this weekend

2.5 I5 20v TFSI - 335 bhp
S4WON
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Re: Test driving an RS3 Sportback this weekend

Post by S4WON » Tue Oct 27, 2015 2:22 pm

Whats your budget bill? 30k? 40?

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BillTheButcher
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Re: Test driving an RS3 Sportback this weekend

Post by BillTheButcher » Tue Oct 27, 2015 2:27 pm

£30k with a bit of headroom.

S4WON
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Re: Test driving an RS3 Sportback this weekend

Post by S4WON » Tue Oct 27, 2015 2:44 pm

Ok, I currently own a B8 rs4 and before that I had a B8 S4 and before that a B7 rs4... I like audis :)

The b8 rs4 is the sweet spot from that lot, latest tech (ish) with that genuine something special feeling of driving an rs.

Dont rule out the b8 s4 though, if its practicality and performance you want its hard to beat, truly. The only thing is that it doesnt necessarily feel special but at 20k less than its big brother that comes at a cost.

For me, the b7 is just too dated now. Its a classick for sure, but then id do sharon stone 20 years ago too, not today. :)

I dont think 30k will get you in a b8 rs4 but 40 will. If you can push it, do it, you will not regret it, if not, at least drive a S4 and if modding is your thing, you can get them to rs4 power for a couple of grand or 500 bhp for 4-5k.

Its still an s4 though and as much as i loved it, once i could afford the rs it was an easy decision.

Other marques for 30k? Always a beemer, i guess? <spit>

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BillTheButcher
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Re: Test driving an RS3 Sportback this weekend

Post by BillTheButcher » Tue Oct 27, 2015 3:17 pm

S4WON wrote:Ok, I currently own a B8 rs4 and before that I had a B8 S4 and before that a B7 rs4... I like audis :)

The b8 rs4 is the sweet spot from that lot, latest tech (ish) with that genuine something special feeling of driving an rs.

Dont rule out the b8 s4 though, if its practicality and performance you want its hard to beat, truly. The only thing is that it doesnt necessarily feel special but at 20k less than its big brother that comes at a cost.

For me, the b7 is just too dated now. Its a classick for sure, but then id do sharon stone 20 years ago too, not today. :)

I dont think 30k will get you in a b8 rs4 but 40 will. If you can push it, do it, you will not regret it, if not, at least drive a S4 and if modding is your thing, you can get them to rs4 power for a couple of grand or 500 bhp for 4-5k.

Its still an s4 though and as much as i loved it, once i could afford the rs it was an easy decision.

Other marques for 30k? Always a beemer, i guess? <spit>
Thanks. :)

B8 RS4 is out of range for now. Also, I don't want V8 running costs at the moment.

None of the current BMW crop appeals at all. The only one I'd consider owning is a last-gen M3 but, again, I'm not looking for a V8 this time.

S4WON
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Re: Test driving an RS3 Sportback this weekend

Post by S4WON » Tue Oct 27, 2015 3:40 pm

B8 S4 is a v6 but its not that much better than my rs tbh.
Anyway, enjoy the search, always nice to have some cash in your pocket

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Re: Test driving an RS3 Sportback this weekend

Post by HYFR » Tue Oct 27, 2015 10:07 pm

S4 > RS 3 definitely.... Especially with Sports Diff etc.

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BillTheButcher
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Re: Test driving an RS3 Sportback this weekend

Post by BillTheButcher » Tue Oct 27, 2015 11:20 pm

Well, that's my chips well and truly p*ssed on. :lol:

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Re: Test driving an RS3 Sportback this weekend

Post by HYFR » Tue Oct 27, 2015 11:44 pm

Only trying to help.

If you like the RS 3, go for it!

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BillTheButcher
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Re: Test driving an RS3 Sportback this weekend

Post by BillTheButcher » Wed Oct 28, 2015 10:39 am

HYFR wrote:Only trying to help.
I know and I do appreciate it. :thumbs:

It just made me :lol: how it went from a "are there any issues I should be aware of" to a "don't buy an RS3" thread in the blink of an eye. :lol:
HYFR wrote:If you like the RS 3, go for it!
:beerchug:

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Re: Test driving an RS3 Sportback this weekend

Post by HYFR » Wed Oct 28, 2015 9:15 pm

OK OK, the noise is awesome !

the Gearbox is really good.

point to point on a wet B road there is nothing much that will keep up

In terms of things to look for, the factory conti tyres are shocking, the front brakes are prone to warping so make sure they brake nice and true with no vibrations ...i think there was also examples of them lunching their prop shafts...

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BillTheButcher
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Re: Test driving an RS3 Sportback this weekend

Post by BillTheButcher » Thu Oct 29, 2015 9:52 am

HYFR wrote:In terms of things to look for, the factory conti tyres are shocking, the front brakes are prone to warping so make sure they brake nice and true with no vibrations ...i think there was also examples of them lunching their prop shafts...
Thanks. :)

I've been reading about the prop shaft failures. Using launch control seems to be the main factor, especially if the car's been remapped.

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BillTheButcher
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Re: Test driving an RS3 Sportback this weekend

Post by BillTheButcher » Fri Oct 30, 2015 9:19 am

Does the ride height look normal on this?

It might just be the photo but it looks quite a bit lower at the back than at the front. None of the other pictures is in profile for comparison.

Image

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Re: Test driving an RS3 Sportback this weekend

Post by marc1 » Fri Oct 30, 2015 9:29 am

OT... but is it an RS3? Looks like an A3/S3.

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BillTheButcher
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Re: Test driving an RS3 Sportback this weekend

Post by BillTheButcher » Fri Oct 30, 2015 9:32 am

:lol:

There aren't that many visual differences.

It's not helped by the fact that the dealer's listed it in the S3 section of PH. :|

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/ ... ro/4299919

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Re: Test driving an RS3 Sportback this weekend

Post by marc1 » Fri Oct 30, 2015 11:52 am

I guess that means there will potentially be less competition buying it perhaps. It was a tongue in cheek comment about the looks really (sorry :P ). If you like it, great. For me the front flare vs normal rear is a no no. Personally I'd lease a Golf R. Better car and less cost over the period.

See how it shapes up on the test drive.

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