Audi S3

[Matblack]

Any opinions on this car?

Considering my options at the moment, whether to stick with the Clio 172 or go for something new. the 225PS S3 caught my eye and the insurance is pretty much the same as the Clio which I was astonished by, although petrol and servicing would be more expensive. A quick wave of a REVO wand seems to give it ~265 horses which sounds like a giggle too

Anyone got one? Would it be as fun as the Clio?

Never had a turbo or a 4x4 before so it would be quite a different beast to what I am used to.

MB

 

[Matblack]

Isn't it the same performance, engine etc as the leon Cupra R but thousands of pounds more?

Yes, I believe it is, is the Cupra 4x4? Maybe thats the same as the 1.8T A3?

MB

 

[Matblack]

No the cupraR is front wheel drive and the same vw 225bhp engine as in the s3, and so the same tuning can be performed.

The audi just looks so nice and refined, lots of leather and looks a bit posher on the drive. I'm such a label whore

MB

 

[Matblack]

Personally i hate the S3 higher than the LCR, but i don't know if i could justify the extra cost of an S3.

Surely the S3 is going to be able to lay down the power of that engine much better than a FF car, especially if you send it for tuning? 260bhp through the frount tyres sounds a bit hairy

MB

 

[Matblack]

Is the S3 permanent 4 wheel drive though? or is it FWD 95% of the time?

[edit] I think it's haldex, so not permanent 4x4

Don't know, I know bugger all about cars thats why I was asking you lot

Anything else people would suggest in the same league; I mean comfort as well as performance?

MB

 

[Matblack]

I'd like something which is maybe 3-4 years old,

not too higher mileage,

which has better straightline performance than the Clio good on the motorway,

hopefully not too huge an engine so not massively thirsty.

I'd like toys but quality ones,

the car will be used about 3 times a week (I walk to the office but have to work in various other local places which have to drive to)

It will do quite long journeys from time to time so not too painfull on the motorway.

Up to £14k but less is better

MB

 

[Matblack]

Knock yourself out (much as it pains me):

http://www.cargiant.co.uk/cars/search3.asp?Id=277877

My wife would veto that, the BMW is the only car brand she finds abhorent and I have to say I agree, she refers to the 3 series as the 'car of the aspiring chav'.

Yes you'll all say sell the wife and marry the car but I'm not all that keen on them myself. Might go and look and see if I could persuade her and myself but any other suggestions would probably go down better tbh

MB

 

[Matblack]

1)

Out of all those I think it would be the Leon or much as it pains me the BMW :/

Might have to take the other half to have a look, I'm not in a huge hurry but I've had the Clio for 3/4 years now and I'm need a bit of a change.

Just about everything I'm looking at is £500 to insure, wierd

MB

 

[Matblack]

I love your wife.

Try looking at the Volvo S60 T5

It's what I got because I'm not a fan of 3 series and for the money it was newer, faster and a better spec than the equivalent and ubiquitous BMWs.

That looks nice

[Gos to investigate performance]

MB

 

[Matblack]

Also probably not your cup of tea but you can easily get a blob eye Impreza for 14k, either an early STi or a WRX with a few extras (PPP or SL spec).

The only thing I can imagine getting a divorce over is an affair or buying a Suburu, she would probably forgive a BMW but a Scoobie

I'm looking for powerfull, subtle and toys this time around

Must be my age

MB

 

[Matblack]

Yeah, I think your right it is bit big and likely to be a couple of steps up on the thisty scale rather than just the one step the A3 would be, looks a bit big and family like too, not quite there yet, maybe in a couple of years. If the Audi driveability lives up to the hype and hooks me I could see my self with one of those in 5 years

MB

 

[Matblack]

It is worth it.

[vomits]

I really really don't like 'em, if I did I'd pull rank as she doesn't drive but at the end of the day its me that would veto it. Anyway I want leather and toys not plastic and cheap seats even if it would mean more power.

MB

 

[Matblack]

I like the S3, I can understand why you'd want it more than a Seat.

If you can afford it then why not go for it?

I can't at the moment, it is on the cards though, showed the wife some stuff about it last night and she likes the look of it. Will go and see one in the near future and start planning finances

I'v looked at a few different cars now and none seems to have the combination of understated style, performance and toys that the S3 has, I wish I could find something else but until I do the S3 is the only car on the list.

Did see Clarkson drive the Clio V6 on Top Gear repeats last night and was sorely tempted, not really practical for a 1 car family though

MB

 

[Matblack]

One of my friends at the office has an 02 Audi S3. He purchased it from new, and its a very capable car, and a very nice place to be when cruising.
I know he is looking to sell at some point as he wants the new S4. (I AM NOT advertising it!!!! I just know he wants the new S4.) I am sure he wanted more than 14k for his though, but considering its done stupidly low mileage, and got a few toys. (HAHA, and he purchased it brand new from the dealer!!! what a mug!)

Yeah he'll probably be able to get about £17k for it, the oldest 225s with 35-40k are about £15k.

MB

 

[Matblack]

Interestingly, I have just spoken to him about this thread, and although he is not in a rush, he is thinking about selling, and wants about £15k! Its done 32.6k miles
He had a few factory upgrades, like Bose 6disc head changer, 18" alloys, heated seats and silver door mirrors.

(although I would like to point out again, I am not advertising this car, its just a gauge price for info to the OP!)

£15-17k is what I am seeing on Autotrader at the moment, sounds about right, unfortunately even if you were advertising its not the right time for me at the moment

I'm hoping at that there will be a dip in prices for the current S3 model when the new version comes out later this year and hopefully people will be trading in decent ones to upgrade

MB

 

[Matblack]

cheeky monkey

I did explain to her what an M mark ment

Its the only one I'd buy though

MB