S3 buying advice

[kevin]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and after some S3 advice. My wife is giving up her 2001 Scooby WRX (please don't hiss), and after some deliberation she's decided on an S3 as a replacement. We've been for a test drive in a 2001 model in dark blue with black recaro's and she's very impressed with interior and package as a whole. As for the drive and handling it seemed very competent and smoother than the scoob.

The advice I'm after is along these lines; when was the headlight/front end facelift carried out - was there a package of changes including engine mods - has anyone any opinions on pre/post mod differences?

Our budget could be up as far as 18k for the right car but how important is Audi main dealer history versus 'specialist' history? We're looking at a maximum mileage of 50k and not fussed about a private or trade deal but again are there any warning flags to look for in terms of Audi or S3 specific problems - I've heard Audi coil packs are a weak item and subsequently an emotive issue - are these warranty items and should we be expecting a warranty with the car?

Oh, while I remember, Sound Systems. How do I easily identify the differences between Bose Symphony, Concert and any other stock systems and just how good is the Bose?

Lastly, one of the cars I've enquired about is an EU (British Forces purchase) import without a warranty - would there be a complete raft of differences and do Audi dealers treat these with a long barge pole?

Thanks for reading this, if I'm just a numpty and all the wisdom I seek is an article somewhere, please point me in the right direction. And if you have a Merlin Purple S3 with Black Leather and all the toys, is it for sal?

Cheers, Kevin.

[DuncS3]

Hi Kevin,

Welcome to the forum!

The advice I'm after is along these lines; when was the headlight/front end facelift carried out - was there a package of changes including engine mods - has anyone any opinions on pre/post mod differences?

I think it was 2001 for the facelift - Y reg onwards. IMO the facelifted cars look so much better - interior and lights etc. Also there are 210 bhp and 225 bhp facelifted cars - no difference in performance what so ever, maybe 225 might have slightly better resale.

Our budget could be up as far as 18k for the right car but how important is Audi main dealer history versus 'specialist' history? We're looking at a maximum mileage of 50k and not fussed about a private or trade deal but again are there any warning flags to look for in terms of Audi or S3 specific problems - I've heard Audi coil packs are a weak item and subsequently an emotive issue - are these warranty items and should we be expecting a warranty with the car?

If your budget is 18K I would go for main stealer history. To be honest if you are looking at 18K private you should easily get a very good spec 02 car (18 RSTT wheels etc) which would still be under main dealer warranty. Coil Packs are no big deal, most replaced under warranty (mine have never gone) and they are cheap to replace yourself as well. Specialist is okay IMO but then you cannot renew warranty etc, so i would say go main dealer

Oh, while I remember, Sound Systems. How do I easily identify the differences between Bose Symphony, Concert and any other stock systems and just how good is the Bose??

Most have BOSE badge on the speakers (but not always) but it should say BOSE when you turn on the stereo. Also there will be a cornflake packet (sorry subwoofer) in the left hand side of the comaprtment in the boot. Also an amplifier in the right hand side boot compartment.

Lastly, one of the cars I've enquired about is an EU (British Forces purchase) import without a warranty - would there be a complete raft of differences and do Audi dealers treat these with a long barge pole???

As long as its full UK spec then it is fine. My car is an import and I fail to see any added value buying from a UK dealer. I have no problems with warranty or servicing etc and just recently renewed for my third year warranty. Again, if you are going to spend 18K get one with a warranty. Although when buying any import ask to see the VAT payment invoice. I think the forces dont have to pay VAT so I dont know if you would be liable or not?
One clue to whether a car is full UK spec is if it is it should have a passenger airbag deactivate switch in the glovebox.

Thanks for reading this, if I'm just a numpty and all the wisdom I seek is an article somewhere, please point me in the right direction. And if you have a Merlin Purple S3 with Black Leather and all the toys, is it for sale

Cheers, Kevin

[TWH]

I'd agree with the above.

The Bose sound is easilly noticeable and will no doubt be listed on the spec. The non Bose systems have subwoofers as well (or at least mine did) although they don't seem to have too much effect!!

The facelift is far nicer - the all in one headlights for a start! My girlfriend has a Y plate A3 with the facelift so that sounds like the right year. The interior is also much nicer IMHO.

The power hike doesn't apparently make much of a noticable difference although I do believe it takes it from group 17 to 18 insurance.

I'm not sure if this is correct but I was told that there were some changes to the suspension on the 225 version which were an improvement although having not driven the 210 I cannot judge that.

All I can really say is you won't regret the decision. THere maybe cars as quick for less money, but they're not nearly as well put together - a mate of mine who worked for audi looked at getting a Type-R, then he tried the S3 and ordered one straight away.

Goodluck and have fun!!

PS As far as price goes, I got 18500 trade in for mine at a dealership and that was a 52 plate with 19K on it. She's still for sale at bristol audi for 19,995 so that gives some indication of price - I can't believe no-one will give her a lovely home!

[kevin]

Thanks to you both for the advice - as always with girls it came down to colour; the dolphin grey was too grey, the merlin purple too purple - so she's now the very happy owner of a (rare? - certainly the only one we found on sale anywhere) mineral grey (light purple in certain lights) mid 2001 facelifted, average milage, 1 (lease) owner, black leather S3 with spanking new 18" RS4 alloys with spanking new tyres all round. The car is mint inside and 99% outside and just requires the removal of all that sticky silicon crap the valet companies spray across the entire inside of the car - thanks again for the advice - we're now getting used to a 6 speed gearbox for the first time. Many thanks.

[DuncS3]

enjoy!

btw mineral grey was replaced by dolphin...

Dunc

[TWH]

Welcome to the familly!!