Prospective S3 Owner Questions

[Ninj]

Hi Guys

Firstly can I say Ive had a good trawl through the excellent forum but Im seriously considering getting an S3 second hand.

After owning a few quick cars including a Scooby, I think Ive grown up a bit (flame suit on - no offense to scooby owners!) and although Ive also been looking at some RB5s (habits of a lifetime!) Im trying to get an idea of what an S3 is all about.

The respectable fuel economy, cheap insurance and awesome interior all appeal, but Ive heard the feedback is a bit dissapointing. If this is indeed the case, can it be easily sorted?

Also, heard the performance can be a bit un inspiring after stepping out of quicker cars. Again, is this the case and how well do they respond to an ECU upgrade.

Going down that thread; what effect is there on economy with the chipped cars?

I appreciate there was a BHP hike from 210-225, but are there any other differences between model years?

Thanks for any advice, basically just looking for the numpties guide to buying an S3 [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[johneroberts]

One for Dunc or Riz [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]
Jr

[Riz_RS4]

Sorry im late on this post..... been out in the S3 touring the roads near buxton [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Well where do i begin.
Firstly the power delivery is very smooth and coming out of a jap turbo`ed car will probably feel massively slow, but in reality is a quick little car, obviously not as quick as a subaru, but what i really love about the S3 is that its always got the power/torque to reach 150mph with ease and nothing really unsettles the car, firm ride, and inspiring.
The engine is a very strong unit and is used in the Audi TT, Seat Cupra R etc.
One thing you have to remember that this car weights alot too, mainly due to the quality [img]images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] so there has to be a compromise when it comes to performance vs luxury.
There has been on major model change which took place around MY2001, X-reg if i recall correctly.
There most noticable changes are the headlights, rear lights, S3 badging.
The interior also changed and in my opinion is alot better than the pre-2001 models, the cars handling is also much improved with new suspenion setup etc.
Late (Nov 2001ish) into MY2001 Audi introduced the 225bhp engine (BAM code) where as the outgoing model had 210bhp engine (AMK code). Personally i dont think the performance difference is alot.
I`ve had my S3 almost two years and its sooooo good its hard to put into words, obviously its only a S3 but the feeling to own one is nice [img]images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
I would try and go for a MY2001 or after depending on how long your going to keep it, bose sound, sunroof, cd changer and chrome mirrors are nice options to have.
You will always find that there are usually two colour bands of the S3. Nogaro blue, Misano red, Imola yellow etc which really do look stunning but stand out sometimes, so some people prefer the subtle look S3 is Elbony black, Silver etc.
Tuning is a very touchy subject as asking people on forums will usually lead into a chip A vs chip B posting leaving you more confused then before you asked the question.
I personally think that the most popular ones for the S3 are Revo and AmD, but there are loads others too like MTM, ABT, APR etc.
Most of the standard chip upgrades offer between 250bhp - 280bhp! And can cost between £500 - £1000+
I would do plenty of reasearch before taking the plunge into the tuning market.
Any more questions please feel free to ask.

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

P.s welcome to rs246.com [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[Riz_RS4]

Dunc has his S3 for sale, might be the price/spec you want.... see Market place.

[Ninj]

Thanks Riz. Im sure I'll live with any possible lack of oomph as I'm more interested in the quality and goodies the S3 offers (sheesh must have grown up!).

I was reading your Revo thread with interest, sounds pretty awesome! Definately worth a thought when I get one.
I think a post 2001 car might be a bit pricey for me but if it's well worth the extra, Im sure I'll give it careful consideration.

Thanks again for your reply

Rgds

Rich

[Riz_RS4]

No prob`s Rich,
Im usually online everyday so like i said any questions feel free to ask.
DuncS3 has Revo on his S3. [img]images/graemlins/rocker.gif[/img]
Dont worry if you cant stretch to a post 2001 model, a S3 is a S3 no matter what age! [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[Paul-RS]

S3's are fantastic cars, enough that i bought a second one, which i have never done with any car before!

Previous one was Revo chipped and was very pleasing. Never got round to dyno'ing it but i was more than happy with the results.In fact i should have done it sooner rather than wait 14K miles. Chipping never made a huge difference to my fuel economy. maybe down from 30-29 mpg to 29 - 28 mpg.

in fact its new owner, a friend on another forum is getting better fuel cons than standard and is more than happy changing down from his yr old M3.

This one is pending a chip again as soon as funds permit! Porsche brakes are already on, i already have Quattro GMBH lowered/uprated suspension from factory, so the Chip and retro fit cruise control will finish it off.

Most chip companies get approximately 265 bhp out of the S3 consistantly. Just with ECU. standard exhaust and filter

you can fit after market exhausts which there isnt a great deal of choice - Milltek being the most common, but they dont release much more power, more smooth the delivery im told.

There are all sorts of maps fixed and switchable, soldered or downloaded on the market to choose from,
but really, to gain anything significant over 270+ bhp and you start looking at bigger turbo's. and manifolds, then you can get up and above 300 easily, but they cost.

[Ninj]

Thanks for some top info. Im pretty dead set on an S3 now and I reckon im looking about the £15k mark. Although it may not be the same as a Scooby, I only had 240Bhp to play with on that before I chipped it up to 280 so Im sure I can live with something in between, especially when you offset that against that sexy interior and all those gadgets [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Ive got the small matter of getting married in the mean time to worry about but "er in doors" isnt bothered what we get - thats a green light then!

I'll keep dropping by the forums and keeping in touch but it could well be a few months before I get round to an S3.

Thanks again, good to know there are some like minded souls about [img]images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Rgds

Rich

PS Im loving the Revo - free trial, what a great idea

[wazza]

If you fancy still having a saloon with 310-320bhp, but with all the quality and toys, then you should be looking at an S4. [img]images/graemlins/thumb.gif[/img] kids wouldn't be a problem then. [img]images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]
.......and I know someone with one for sale [img]images/graemlins/033102bigblink_1_prv.gif[/img]

[Hopsta]

Try Fontains they have some slightly older cars in that price range.

The S3 is a great car, now all you have to do is decide on a colour [img]images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Ninj]

Wooooooooo now steady on, I never mentioned kids [img]images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] Perfect way to ruin that interior methinks, no no not for me.

Rgds

Rich

PS Lovely S4 btw, jesus how much do I want an RS4

[Riz_RS4]

jesus how much do I want an RS4

dont we all [img]images/graemlins/rocker.gif[/img]

[wazza]

jesus how much do I want an RS4

dont we all [img]images/graemlins/rocker.gif[/img]

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