Audi S3 2006 model - feedback
- Thread starter AHarvey
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I had a 2007 S3 for a year. Bought it with around 110k miles, sold it a year later with around 125k. Bought it with a few problems (duff turbo valve, duff ac compressor, duff wheel bearing), but once fixed it was fine. Nothing else broke, put it that way.
They have a cambelt connected to crankshaft which is the standard belt to replace, but there's also a chain which connects the 2 cams together. This needs to be checked otherwise it gets expensive if it works its way loose.
Like the 1.8 and 2.0 TFSIs, it's not uncommon to end up with an engine that loves to drink oil. Mine didn't have any issues, but you read of some engines that require more than one litre per 1000 miles.
The car itself is standard Audi fare, so a well-built interior, goes well and grips like there's no tomorrow, even in the wet. As expected though, the suspension is very hard and it's not particularly involving to drive. It's great at what it does though, which is going fast with minimal fuss in all weather conditions. Just don't expect it to be a particularly engaging or dynamic drive.
They have a cambelt connected to crankshaft which is the standard belt to replace, but there's also a chain which connects the 2 cams together. This needs to be checked otherwise it gets expensive if it works its way loose.
Like the 1.8 and 2.0 TFSIs, it's not uncommon to end up with an engine that loves to drink oil. Mine didn't have any issues, but you read of some engines that require more than one litre per 1000 miles.
The car itself is standard Audi fare, so a well-built interior, goes well and grips like there's no tomorrow, even in the wet. As expected though, the suspension is very hard and it's not particularly involving to drive. It's great at what it does though, which is going fast with minimal fuss in all weather conditions. Just don't expect it to be a particularly engaging or dynamic drive.
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What’s the point of looking for a ropey old S3 at that budget? It has the potential to be an absolute money pit and magnet to thieving scrotes! you know how they love there S3’s and Golf R’s.
At 6k you can get a Leon Cupra. Some basic mods take it to 300bhp so just as fast as the S3 or for 5k get a Mazda 3 Mps again cheap remap around 290bhp or Focus ST stage 2 around 290-300bhp all work out cheaper than buying a bottom end shed of an S3
At 6k you can get a Leon Cupra. Some basic mods take it to 300bhp so just as fast as the S3 or for 5k get a Mazda 3 Mps again cheap remap around 290bhp or Focus ST stage 2 around 290-300bhp all work out cheaper than buying a bottom end shed of an S3
Thanks for the info, my last Gti was a little oil hungry so aware of what they can be like. I've got to finish the next 9 months out to get my no claims approved (9 years as a named driver) then I can move and look at sticking a couple of grand into it. I am just looking at something as a good starter platform that I can work on and invest in for some fun. Looking at GTI's etc as well, but wanted some feedback from someone that had driven/owned one.
Good call, I'll have a look, sound in the same bracket as the gti I am looking at replacing.
Point is a basis for a car to work on (i've more experience of VAG motors) and then mod once I've completed this year's insurance and get my no claims cert. At the moment I am stuck with AXA with 9 years as a named driver. Finish the year and it's 10 years NCB I can take anywhere. I'm not overly keen on the styling of the Mazda 3 although the engines are appealing they are all cars I am already looking at. Although, you'll probably find the ST more of TWOK-magnet than the S3 or R
What I am really looking for is a mk5 GTI DSG, xenons, heated leather but a lot are in terrible states. I'm just considering all alternatives.
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If you are looking at ST or even Mazda 3 MPS then look at Volvo C30 T5. Same engine as the ST without the boy racer image and less likely to attract the same attention. It’s the same platform as the Focus and the Mazda as well and looking on the forums, a few people mod these from 230BHP to over 350. It is much nicer inside than your Ford but the infotainment is no-existent by today’s standard, then again, most cars from that era would be much of muchness. £6k should get you the old style, a little more can net you a facelift one. The big caveat is that I wouldn’t say it is edge of your seat driving experience, it is however comfortable and very quiet inside and a nice place to be. If you can find one with Dynaudio then you’d be laughing.
£300 tax and about 30mpg
£300 tax and about 30mpg
The main issue with these is the oil consumption can be silly and it's not cheap to have to keep topping it up every 1000 miles (and chances are the previous owners thought the same and put cheap oil in it). If it's bad, you can't fix it without spending a **** load of money on better seals etc. There was something else relating to the fuel pump with these engines but I can't remember what.
