Audi S3 daily driver ?

[800MAN]

Hello Guys.

Just wondering what your take is on a 2003 Audi S3, with 116000 on the clock.
It will probably replace my 1.2 VW Fox.

This is the link I am looking at:
http://www.glasshousecarsales.co.uk/audi-a3-s3-quattro-0760a3b6fd534cfe864da43101057956

I've arranged a test drive tomorrow.
If its a no go then at least I will have had a decent run out in the Cayman.

Thoughts appreciated.
Kev 800MAN

 

[Peter Haslam]

I had a new one in 2001 it was a 210BHP, I think after mine they went to 225 BHP. Mine was Mineral Grey with polished door mirrors, had it chipped to 265, with Toyo Proxies I swear I could have driven it on the ceiling. I loved it I put 46,000 miles on it in 3 years and was VERY sad to see it go. The Recaros made access to the rear seats difficult, trying to get my old mum in the back was like a Carry On film.

 

[chrisH]

I would give it a miss. I bought one last year similar age as a run around ended up spending quite a bit on getting it just right as a typical Cayman owner would only to find the clutch slipping at high speed. The cost to get that down was almost as much as it was worth so I bought a newer Audi A3 with warranty and free servicing for two years.

 

[800MAN]

Hi Chris. Appreciate your view. I know cars of this age can look good from the outside, but this obviously can hide internal gremlins like you suffered. Not being a spanner man myself, was the Haldex clutch the issue, if so was it neglected prior to your stewardship ? Apart from this were there any other issues that you encountered. I know the driving experience will be moon and stars removed from our Cayman's, but I quite like the idea as it will be step up from my current VW. If I take the plunge, I will consider an Audi Centre free vehicle check which I have just noticed on the tinternet. Kev

 

[800MAN]

Hello Peter. Good to see you enjoyed your S3, which obviously was a new car. I had a Leon Cupra which was chipped to 209 + with 240lbs, and that went like a rocket. However, in the latter stages of ownership, coil packs, clutch went awol which made me swop to a Mazda 3MPS( that was after Seat couldn't diagnose the failed CP's and that lost them a new Cupra sale !) I just fancy returning to VAG for something a bit special. My budget is a little limited, but may extend it if it is worthwhile pursuing a newer vehicle. Kev.

 

[chrisH]

You can PM me about my experience with the S3 since this thread is not about Caymans and we are talking only Audis. The other thing I would suggest you do is to join Audisport.net, plenty of expertise on there and horror stories.

 

[Peter Haslam]

I traded it in for a new A4 Avant 1.8T S-Line. Not an S3 by any means but fantastic motorway cruiser, even had it on "the Ring" when we went to Ingolstadt for a factory visit. Good luck tomorrow

 

[chrisH]

Yes Peter, the recent petrol turbo models are very good. I bought an A3 2.0T S line and due to its lighter non Quattro body goes very well and I don't miss the S3s performance. The one thing that can't be beaten in the more modern Audis though is the Bose sound system. Much better than Porsche have done with the sound system upgrade in the 981.

 

[MrDemon]

ORIGINAL: 800MAN Hello Guys. Just wondering what your take is on a 2003 Audi S3, with 116000 on the clock. It will probably replace my 1.2 VW Fox. This is the link I am looking at: http://www.glasshousecarsales.co.uk/audi-a3-s3-quattro-0760a3b6fd534cfe864da43101057956 I've arranged a test drive tomorrow. If its a no go then at least I will have had a decent run out in the Cayman. Thoughts appreciated. Kev 800MAN

I am missing some thing here ? own a cayman drive a 1.2 VW FOX or A3 with 116,000 miles on it, live a little drive the Cayman, you are a long time dead.

 

[800MAN]

Hi MrD Get your drift. However, why not live life a little bit faster on the daily trips to Tesco et al when the weather's cr*p ! 800MAN

 

[MrDemon]

just seems a total waste of money to me to drive a shed when you have a nice car. It won't fall apart and the value wont drop as much as the money you throw after a shed. I see all these people sorn cars and buy £2k sheds, and I don't get it that's all. yes if one owned a 1972 911S I could see why one would not want to drive this through winter, but a Cayman ! , My R's a daily... and every day it makes me feel great.

 

[800MAN]

Mrd Good argument, but I need to get it out of my system as you can appreciate. I could also save the dosh and get a PSE , but I could have a CARNEWAL plus the S3 without breaking the bank - you might say the S3 will do it anyway. See how tomorrow's test goes and I will post up. Kev

 

[chrisH]

Kev, You have PM, in 6 months time you might be regretting it. The running cost will always exceed the purchase price with a car of this age and following unless you pay over the odds for it. Chris

 

[chrisH]

ORIGINAL: MrDemon just seems a total waste of money to me to drive a shed when you have a nice car. It won't fall apart and the value wont drop as much as the money you throw after a shed. I see all these people sorn cars and buy £2k sheds, and I don't get it that's all. yes if one owned a 1972 911S I could see why one would not want to drive this through winter, but a Cayman ! , My R's a daily... and every day it makes me feel great.

Agreed but due to local council policies for traffic calming and lack of pothole repairs makes it well nigh impossible to use my Cayman in town without damaging it and tyre blow outs at over £300 a copy.

 

[Buddy]

When in a position of driving 40,000+ mls a year I have run two cars but otherwise I agree with the earlier entry about having a nice car and driving it daily, currently my mileage is low so one car and it has to be my Cayman S it still makes me feel good.

 

[Peter Haslam]

How was the test drive?

 

[800MAN]

Hi Kev and fellow Caymanators Didn't go well. I carried a visual on the car and that was the end of the story. It had too many dings, scratches even to consider a test drive as my heart was not in it by then. I felt that what was on the outside would be even more of an issue inside and underneath. The day wasn't wasted as I had a great drive in the #1 Cayman, and had hearty full English to drive back on, and stopped off at my Independent Zentrum in Calverton Notts- (there are other reputable garages available). Had a chat with Mike and he was steering me toward Golfs. I discussed a Carnewal and it looks like I will be going for it in the next few weeks, unless a PSE comes in at a comedy price. I wasn't put off in my hunt for a D/D, but will have to be realistic I think as to what can be had on a limited spend. Have a good weekend all. Kev