Any S3 owners out there?

"Tripper" (tripe46)
07/23/2015 at 10:43 • Filed to: None

I have some first world vehicle problems at the moment. My current E90 M3 is nearing the end of it’s extended warranty period. My old E46 M3 is now back in my driveway because circumstances... I love the E90 but not the same way that I adore the E46, I know a lot less about the E90 and everything on it costs a good bit more than the E46. For a while I was set on trading the E90 for a truck/SUV, recently I have been thinking that I will just keep it until my buddy mentioned the S3.

I have never owned an Audi, and I’ve not driven an S3. I prefer RWD and a manual trans, but if I’m keeping the E46, I don’t have to tick all of the boxes for my dd.

Anyone have one, or has anyone driven one?

DISCUSSION (50)

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 10:46

Here's an idea: sell both, buy M235i, profit.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 10:48

I’ve heard good things, and I’m seeing them everywhere. That second part can be good or bad depending on the person.

nermal > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 10:55

I haven’t driven an S3, but have driven GTIs, both manual and DSG. Not the same, but close.

The only comment I have relevant to the S3 is that the DSG is really, really good. To the point that if you *have* to get an auto, it’s the one to go with. Also, if you’re feeling hatch-y, the Golf R is basically the same thing with hatch instead of a trunk, and a different badge, for significantly less $$$.

I still bought a manual though.

jkm7680 > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 10:56

I haven’t driven one, but they’re popping up all over the place. For every S4 I see, there’s two S3s.

Tripper > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/23/2015 at 11:01

Haha, the M235 is awesome! I drove one recently and loved it. Selling the E46 is out of the question though. The only reason that I sold it to begin with was because a family member wanted to buy it (so I knew that I would have the chance to get it back if I felt the need). I bought it when I was 22 and broke. The car/having to make the payments got me on the right path in life while I was headed in the opposite direction. I have spent a ton of time and money keeping it mint, and it just holds too much value (for me) to sell it, unless I absolutely had to.

Rico > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 11:04

Do you want a different vehicle or something similar to the E46? I feel that the S3 would be more of the same and if you were thinking about a truck or SUV maybe you want more space? S3 will be similar in size to the E46.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 11:06

Okay, so what do you need in a car, and how much are you willing to spend?

Sam > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 11:08

Matt Farah speaks highly of it, though he also said that it’s basically identical to the Golf R with an Audi premium. The biggest difference is that you can actually test drive an S3, probably. Also, if you’re going to track it and want to be fast as hell, get the DSG. It’s good.

minardi > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 11:14

Yes I have one. Red. What do you want to know?

Tripper > Rico
07/23/2015 at 11:15

I want something AWD/4x4 with a warranty more than anything haha. To be honest I would love to just keep the E90, but I’m a new homeowner and I’m getting married next year so I just can’t justify two M3’s out of warranty (and the more expensive of the two as my dd). Plus I live in southeastern PA so I have to contend with snow/slush (I did the snow tires thing with the E46 for years and it was fine, but I’m done with that now). I have considered: STi, S3, 4runner. I have kind of lost it for the STi, I owned one before the E46 and it was great, but I got a lot of tickets and I want something a little more sophisticated.

Tripper > minardi
07/23/2015 at 11:17

Whooo! Everything! First of all great color choice, I was leaning towards blue but the red looks soo good. How long have you owned? What were your previous vehicles? Buy or lease? Likes/dislikes?

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 11:19

What about the new Focus RS when it comes out?

Tripper > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/23/2015 at 11:22

I “need” it to be awd, at least 4 doors, and 40kish absolute max. I would love to spend 10 grand less, but I bought a car because it was cheaper once in my life and it was a terrible decision. I don’t need it to be German, but I’m on the kool aid pretty hard, chances are very slim that I would purchase something Japanese/domestic.

Tripper > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/23/2015 at 11:24

Definitely on my radar, but I’m thinking that it is going to be tough to get a test drive in one and like the STi I’m looking for something less “boy racer” as far as style goes.

bob and john > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 11:25

AWD, under 40K, warrenty/cheap to own?

why not a lexus IS350?

bob and john > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 11:27

also, I have a friend who has a MK6 Golf R.

He likes it. it was his winter DD *(dude was HUGE on motorcycles)

if you keep up on fluid changes and the like, it should treat you well

Rico > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 11:32

Ah so S3 might be a good bet. There is a new BMW 340i/xi coming out in about a month that might tickle your fancy.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 11:38

The new WRX is a great all-rounder, has a decent interior (finally) and isn't as law-breaking as an STI. Fully loaded, with a stick, it's about $31k.

Tripper > bob and john
07/23/2015 at 11:38

Funny you should mention motorcycles, as there is an additional aspect to my thinking. I was also thinking about trading the E90 on something cheaper lets say 15k or less, and buying a new motorcycle in the spring. I’ve got 2k on my grom and I’ve got a serious boner for a “real” motorcycle. I’ve got my eye on a Triumph Street Triple, and now also the Yamaha XSR700.

Tripper > Rico
07/23/2015 at 11:39

It tickles the shit out of my fancy, haha but I don’t think I will be able to afford one:/

bob and john > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 11:40

errm. a grom to a street triple is a big jump...

try an SV650 as a in between first (and SV’s can be had for cheap too)

Bobbyzoom > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 11:46

Great question. This is a problem I want to have in the near future :)

I have driven MK7 GTi, S3, M235i etc..

The S3 is a great car, but completely different than the M235i. Auto and 4ycl have different personalities than the M235i.

S3 is fun, small, tossable, good power/torque, only issue is pricing is 4-5k more than the equivalent golf R which can be available with manual.

Tripper > bob and john
07/23/2015 at 11:48

Well aware haha. My best friend, who after years of convincing finally got me on two wheels, has got a 08’ Hypermotard, and his brother has a (really beat) SV650. I have ridden both, and I much prefer the Hyper. I’m a careful rider (at least I like to think so), the size of the bike was harder to get used to than the power. I’m definitely looking to say around 600cc on a “roadster” type bike

Tripper > Bobbyzoom
07/23/2015 at 11:53

Agreed, a lot of people are mentioning that. I prefer the look of the Audi, but maybe not for a 5k premium especially when I can get the Golf with 3 pedals.

Under_Score > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 11:58

https://www.youtube.com/user/mercmilan…

Maybe ask him in the comments sections of some of his videos what it’s like to own one.

Saracen > bob and john
07/23/2015 at 12:08

I just sold my Golf R. Great car. Never broke on me. In addition to routine maintenance I replaced the cam follower at 37k miles (it needs a cam follower replacement every 10-15k if you have a Stage 2 tune using an upgraded HPFP), but it’s a $40 part and a simple job. A little more than fluids, but it’s easy stuff.

bob and john > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 12:08

everyone is a careful rider.

until they arent.

Saracen > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 12:09

I loved my MK6 R, I can’t imagine how much better the MK7 is. (I got a MK7 TDI Wagon instead).

One thing I will say, is that if you get an S3 or R, you are going to get the irresistible urge to get a flash for it, because the horsepower increases are ridiculous and both cars can easily get the extra power to the ground.

minardi > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 12:23

I have ordered it last August to receive it February and put on the road in March. It is the S3 Technik quattro model with 19 in. wheels. Now with about 3500 km. What I like: quality of material outside and inside, power - quick- , looks (of course), sound (deep rumble on acceleration) and brakes.. Magnetic suspension is amazing BTW. What I don’t like: right rear view very limited (bad dead angle), B-pillar too wide, when in auto, there is a small hesitation at the restart after doing a rolling stop (picking up from first) - not happening in manual - which is amazing way of driving this car. In auto, can be very boring, not the case in manual. Previous car (well, get ready), a Sebring, for 7 years... BUT I also have another car for the past 3 years +, my loved little Abarth which doesn’t go out in the winter. So the S3 is for DD all year.

EDIT: forgot to say: purchased because I tend to keep my cars for a long time and dont put much KM on them.

Rico > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 12:30

S3 starts at 40k, what is your budget?

Tripper > Rico
07/23/2015 at 13:12

That about it. I would like to spend less, but it doesn’t look like I’m going to be able to do that without some sacrifices.

Vicente Esteve > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 13:16

If you like the S3 but want a manual you can get the Golf R with one for much less. It’s a typical Audi in the sense that it likes the open road and high speeds but will also feel agile when the roads get tight. I love the sedate looks and I think it would be an excellent partner to the E46.

Just get a bright, annoying color please.

Tripper > minardi
07/23/2015 at 13:32

When you say “restart” does it have the engine cutoff thing when you stop? If so, can you turn that off? Thanks a bunch for the response, I plan to drive one tonight or tomorrow.

Tripper > Vicente Esteve
07/23/2015 at 13:33

Haha, I was leaning toward red or blue. The E46 is Phoenix Yellow, can’t get much more annoying than that!

minardi > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 13:44

No, no engine cut-off thing - not equipped. Feels more like the engine is lacking fuel for a fraction of a second. Could be a simple gearbox/speed sensor adjustment - first inspection after delivery is due in August.

Tripper > Saracen
07/23/2015 at 16:49

Heading out to drive an S3 right after I finish typing this. I have been looking all over for a 2016 Golf R. Can’t find one, and if I build one on the VW site there is no manual trans option. What gives? Are they all sold?

Tripper > nermal
07/23/2015 at 16:50

When did you get the golf R? I can’t find one (new) anywhere.

Saracen > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 17:02

2015 Golf R’s are all DSG-only, and VW stopped building them a couple of months ago. Not very many ‘15’s were built for the R or GSW since they were not sold until halfway through the model year. I was lucky to find a GSW I wanted.

Dealers are taking orders for 2016’s, production will begin in a couple of months. That includes the ‘16 Golf R. I was told if I ordered a ‘16 car it would be at least three months before delivery.

When the ‘16 Golf R goes into production it will have the option for the 6MT which will drop the base price of the car by $1100 to around $35,400. I’m sure the website will be updated at that point to reflect the change.

Vicente Esteve > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 18:06

YOU ALWAYS CAN

Kinja'd!!!

jdrgoat - Ponticrack? > Vicente Esteve
07/23/2015 at 21:28

So. Much. Want. (If it had a third pedal.)

Tripper > Vicente Esteve
07/23/2015 at 21:52

Touche! I drove one this evening, liked it. If everything works out, I’m going to pull the trigger tomorrow on a 2016 Sepang Blue S3!

Vicente Esteve > jdrgoat - Ponticrack?
07/23/2015 at 21:59

The most exciting color on the Golf R with a third pedal is blue.

Vicente Esteve > Tripper
07/23/2015 at 22:00

That was quick! Awesome, show us pics!

Axial > Sam
07/24/2015 at 02:39

Pretty sure the S3 only comes with the DSG, which was a sore point on its announcement.

Tripper > Vicente Esteve
07/24/2015 at 08:18

Will do. If I make the deal today, I will still be waiting for a week or more:( They don’t have a Sepang Blue w/ the performance package on the lot

Tripper > jdrgoat - Ponticrack?
07/24/2015 at 08:25

Yea that’s my only gripe with the S3, but I called about the golf R and I would have to wait 3 months, which I don’t want to do because during that time I may need tires and brakes on the E90

nermal > Tripper
07/24/2015 at 08:28

I didn’t get an R, I have an MK6 GTI, which is due to be replaced.

New Rs are either marked up or spoken for, and no word on the ‘16s yet.

Tripper > nermal
07/24/2015 at 08:48

I called about the 16’s. The guy said 3 months and he couldn’t guarantee that I would get one. I can’t wait 3 months as the BMW will probably need brakes and or tires between now and then. If I’m set on a new car I wont be looking to put 1k worth of brakes on a car that I’m trading in. 95% sure I’ll be pulling the trigger on the S3 tonight.

Tripper > nermal
07/24/2015 at 08:56

You’re right! The DSG is really good, I drove one last night.

Vicente Esteve > Tripper
07/24/2015 at 09:44

Of course they don’t. The same thing happened to me when I was looking for red. It took 3 “checks of the factory inventory” to see if a car as desired was already built. It obviously was as I live in Mexico, the country where the damn factory is.