A Bolt from the Blue - Audi RS3 2016
Discussion
Preamble
For some years I've run a third vehicle to accompany our family longtermer, Bus Blue and slightly newer Golf GTD daily driver:
The most recent of which have been a really lovely one-off green RS3 and later an Audi TTS that I took a gamble on:
These cars aren't essential - I've had gaps of up to 9 months in between when I've wanted to focus energy and resources elsewhere - but it's always useful having a second car due to where and how we live (kids, national business travel, Clean Air Zone). So this time the gap was a little shorter at only 6 weeks, though I wasn't wholly sure what car I'd end up in after selling the TTS.
What did I get?
However, the omens were pointing in only one direction from the moment I sold my old RS3. In fact, that green car came up for sale 3 times this summer and I tried to buy it back the third time, ultimately being pipped to the post. I guess that was already telling me that I wanted another.
Specifically, I wanted a 2015-2016 pre-facelift model. The earlier 2011-2012 8P and newest 2020+ 8Y models don't quite hit the sweet spot for me - and while for some the pre-OPF 2017-18 8V facelift model with its more tuneable alloy block sits at the pinnacle, for me it's actually the iron block PFL that will forever be the best incarnation of RS3.
If you include the time looking while I still had the TTS, I spent about 6 months on and off looking for the car I now have.
Let's get this bit out of the way first... this was the most expensive PFL RS3 on the market at the time and it provides context for the following:
Spec
This is one of the last pre-facelifts, being a July 2016-registered car supplied by Norwich Audi with the following options:
- Sepang Blue pearl effect paint
- RS Super Sports seats in Fine Nappa leather with diamond-quilting and RS3 embossing, in black with contrasting Crescendo Red stitching
- Electric lumbar support
- 5-arm Rotor' alloys - (8.5J front, 8J rear) in anthracite black high-gloss finish, diamond cut with 255/30 front and 235/35 rear tyres
- Comfort & Sound package - includes: Cruise control, Bang & Olufsen sound system, Interior lighting package, Auto-dimming rear view mirror
- Dynamic package - includes: Audi Magnetic Ride with RS Sport Suspension, RS Sports Exhaust System.
- High-gloss black styling package - includes: Radiator grille frame, side air intake funnels, front blades and window frames in high-gloss black. quattro lettering in matt titanium grey in the front air inlet.
- Privacy glass - dark tinted rear and rear-side windows from B-pillar backwards
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- Door mirrors - auto-dimming on the driver’s side, electrically adjustable, folding and heated.
- Exterior mirror housings in carbon
Quite a spec, then, and that's before we get to some of the additions:
- MRC Stage 2 tuning (c.450hp & 550lb.ft) - includes: Stage 2 ECU software tune, DSG software tune, high-flow filter, HG turbo inlet pipe, Milltek 200-cell sports cat / high-flow downpipe, LOBA Motorsport high-pressure fuel pump, Forge intercooler and Milltek secondary decat pipes.
- MSS adjustable lowering springs
- XPEL paint protection film to front bumper, wings bonnet, side sills, rear arches and boot lip - with ceramic coating to the other panels
- Ghost immobiliser, Scorpion tracker
- A bunch of small stuff like black Audi & RS3 badges and some additions from me like genuine Audi boot mat, rear door entry protectors etc.
^ This is when it went from Stage 1 to Stage 2.
History
It's a full Audi service history with all the items done including sunroof services, Haldex etc - but in addition to that it's had a fair bit of work obviously by MRC and specialists including Suspension Secrets and some non-Audi oil changes.
Service History Mileage Date Supplier
Pre-delivery inspection 0 31/07/2016 Norwich Audi
Oil change service 5,155 26/06/2017 Norwich Audi
Inspection & oil service 9,955 29/06/2018 Norwich Audi
Oil change service 15,183 28/06/2019 Norwich Audi
Inspection & oil service 18,569 12/06/2020 Hyde Audi
Inspection & oil service 25,245 04/11/2021 Birmingham Audi
Stage 1 package 27,736 07/05/2022 MRC Tuning
Stage 2 package 31,369 25/02/2023 MRC Tuning
Oil change service 33,830 10/08/2023 Wolverhampton Audi
Additional work 36,916 07/05/2024 Wolverhampton Audi
Inspection & oil service 38,143 29/07/2024 Wolverhampton Audi
The car was sold by Audi to all four of its previous owners. The first had it four years, the second and third for 7 months each - short ownership periods are common with RS3s - and then it was the fourth who had it three years and did all the additions to the car.
Given the type of car it is, I was relieved to see that the mileage of key components matches the odometer and that only 8 launches are recorded:
The car wears what look to be recently refurbished wheels, matching Pirelli P-Zero PZ4 “R02” tyres in correct wider-at-the-front spec, facelift spec front discs, Brembo drilled rear discs and Ferodo pads.
The engine was de-coked and had new coil injectors fitted by MRC at 31k miles. It's also had differential / transfer box / DSG oils recently changed, and new suspension bushings and lower arms.
All of this totals many thousands of expenditure and helped explain the sticker price of the car to me.
First impressions
I decided to collect the car from its dealer seller, some 225 miles away from where we live. Again, given the type of car and its age, I just had to verify things in person – but in the event I really just gave it a cursory look as I’d been completely won over by the history and spec.
The other benefit of this approach was that it gave me a long drive home, plenty of time to assess the car. These cars are decent motorway cruisers and driving it makes me recall how little hassle I've tended to experience when driving one.
Positives
- Noise and sensations that are gone from newer cars – one of the finest aural experiences at any price
- Simply gobsmacking performance in any situation, but with the ability to tone things right down via driving modes and the switchable exhaust (on the move at least...)
- Familiarity for me and general condition inside and out
- Looks nice on its low suspension and is surprisingly comfortable
- Welcome practicality for someone with 2 kids and lots of bikes
For attention
- This is a very loud car. Did I mention that it's loud? Start-up is a big event even in Comfort mode and, with the exhaust fully open, the pops and bangs are hard to control. I've said "for attention” here, but I'm not sure what I can do about this to be honest - other than be grateful I have an off-site garage.
- With just one of the cats in place (200-cell), the car will need a good warm-up before its next MoT
- The suspension bottoms out easily – I will be thinking about whether to adjust the springs or to replace them with the supplied originals
- Cracking on full lock, probably springs binding
- Some very minor PPF lifting on the bonnet
A bit for me to be busy with then, but nothing major (hopefully) and it's only the second time in my car history that like I feel like I'm benefiting from someone else's prior efforts.
Thanks for reading!
For some years I've run a third vehicle to accompany our family longtermer, Bus Blue and slightly newer Golf GTD daily driver:
The most recent of which have been a really lovely one-off green RS3 and later an Audi TTS that I took a gamble on:
These cars aren't essential - I've had gaps of up to 9 months in between when I've wanted to focus energy and resources elsewhere - but it's always useful having a second car due to where and how we live (kids, national business travel, Clean Air Zone). So this time the gap was a little shorter at only 6 weeks, though I wasn't wholly sure what car I'd end up in after selling the TTS.
What did I get?
However, the omens were pointing in only one direction from the moment I sold my old RS3. In fact, that green car came up for sale 3 times this summer and I tried to buy it back the third time, ultimately being pipped to the post. I guess that was already telling me that I wanted another.
Specifically, I wanted a 2015-2016 pre-facelift model. The earlier 2011-2012 8P and newest 2020+ 8Y models don't quite hit the sweet spot for me - and while for some the pre-OPF 2017-18 8V facelift model with its more tuneable alloy block sits at the pinnacle, for me it's actually the iron block PFL that will forever be the best incarnation of RS3.
If you include the time looking while I still had the TTS, I spent about 6 months on and off looking for the car I now have.
Let's get this bit out of the way first... this was the most expensive PFL RS3 on the market at the time and it provides context for the following:
Spec
This is one of the last pre-facelifts, being a July 2016-registered car supplied by Norwich Audi with the following options:
- Sepang Blue pearl effect paint
- RS Super Sports seats in Fine Nappa leather with diamond-quilting and RS3 embossing, in black with contrasting Crescendo Red stitching
- Electric lumbar support
- 5-arm Rotor' alloys - (8.5J front, 8J rear) in anthracite black high-gloss finish, diamond cut with 255/30 front and 235/35 rear tyres
- Comfort & Sound package - includes: Cruise control, Bang & Olufsen sound system, Interior lighting package, Auto-dimming rear view mirror
- Dynamic package - includes: Audi Magnetic Ride with RS Sport Suspension, RS Sports Exhaust System.
- High-gloss black styling package - includes: Radiator grille frame, side air intake funnels, front blades and window frames in high-gloss black. quattro lettering in matt titanium grey in the front air inlet.
- Privacy glass - dark tinted rear and rear-side windows from B-pillar backwards
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- Door mirrors - auto-dimming on the driver’s side, electrically adjustable, folding and heated.
- Exterior mirror housings in carbon
Quite a spec, then, and that's before we get to some of the additions:
- MRC Stage 2 tuning (c.450hp & 550lb.ft) - includes: Stage 2 ECU software tune, DSG software tune, high-flow filter, HG turbo inlet pipe, Milltek 200-cell sports cat / high-flow downpipe, LOBA Motorsport high-pressure fuel pump, Forge intercooler and Milltek secondary decat pipes.
- MSS adjustable lowering springs
- XPEL paint protection film to front bumper, wings bonnet, side sills, rear arches and boot lip - with ceramic coating to the other panels
- Ghost immobiliser, Scorpion tracker
- A bunch of small stuff like black Audi & RS3 badges and some additions from me like genuine Audi boot mat, rear door entry protectors etc.
^ This is when it went from Stage 1 to Stage 2.
History
It's a full Audi service history with all the items done including sunroof services, Haldex etc - but in addition to that it's had a fair bit of work obviously by MRC and specialists including Suspension Secrets and some non-Audi oil changes.
Service History Mileage Date Supplier
Pre-delivery inspection 0 31/07/2016 Norwich Audi
Oil change service 5,155 26/06/2017 Norwich Audi
Inspection & oil service 9,955 29/06/2018 Norwich Audi
Oil change service 15,183 28/06/2019 Norwich Audi
Inspection & oil service 18,569 12/06/2020 Hyde Audi
Inspection & oil service 25,245 04/11/2021 Birmingham Audi
Stage 1 package 27,736 07/05/2022 MRC Tuning
Stage 2 package 31,369 25/02/2023 MRC Tuning
Oil change service 33,830 10/08/2023 Wolverhampton Audi
Additional work 36,916 07/05/2024 Wolverhampton Audi
Inspection & oil service 38,143 29/07/2024 Wolverhampton Audi
The car was sold by Audi to all four of its previous owners. The first had it four years, the second and third for 7 months each - short ownership periods are common with RS3s - and then it was the fourth who had it three years and did all the additions to the car.
Given the type of car it is, I was relieved to see that the mileage of key components matches the odometer and that only 8 launches are recorded:
The car wears what look to be recently refurbished wheels, matching Pirelli P-Zero PZ4 “R02” tyres in correct wider-at-the-front spec, facelift spec front discs, Brembo drilled rear discs and Ferodo pads.
The engine was de-coked and had new coil injectors fitted by MRC at 31k miles. It's also had differential / transfer box / DSG oils recently changed, and new suspension bushings and lower arms.
All of this totals many thousands of expenditure and helped explain the sticker price of the car to me.
First impressions
I decided to collect the car from its dealer seller, some 225 miles away from where we live. Again, given the type of car and its age, I just had to verify things in person – but in the event I really just gave it a cursory look as I’d been completely won over by the history and spec.
The other benefit of this approach was that it gave me a long drive home, plenty of time to assess the car. These cars are decent motorway cruisers and driving it makes me recall how little hassle I've tended to experience when driving one.
Positives
- Noise and sensations that are gone from newer cars – one of the finest aural experiences at any price
- Simply gobsmacking performance in any situation, but with the ability to tone things right down via driving modes and the switchable exhaust (on the move at least...)
- Familiarity for me and general condition inside and out
- Looks nice on its low suspension and is surprisingly comfortable
- Welcome practicality for someone with 2 kids and lots of bikes
For attention
- This is a very loud car. Did I mention that it's loud? Start-up is a big event even in Comfort mode and, with the exhaust fully open, the pops and bangs are hard to control. I've said "for attention” here, but I'm not sure what I can do about this to be honest - other than be grateful I have an off-site garage.
- With just one of the cats in place (200-cell), the car will need a good warm-up before its next MoT
- The suspension bottoms out easily – I will be thinking about whether to adjust the springs or to replace them with the supplied originals
- Cracking on full lock, probably springs binding
- Some very minor PPF lifting on the bonnet
A bit for me to be busy with then, but nothing major (hopefully) and it's only the second time in my car history that like I feel like I'm benefiting from someone else's prior efforts.
Thanks for reading!
Edited by The Cardinal on Sunday 3rd November 07:04
Stunning OP, your green previous car I too saw for sale and as a sucker for a green car fell in love with the ad! Was that an Audi Exclusive colour or a repaint?
Sepang is also a stunning colour, a friend had a Catyluna Red 2016 and it was an extremely accomplished car and that was stock, I would imagine yours is an absolute weapon. Interesting to hear how it compares to your first and the TTS in between?
Si
Sepang is also a stunning colour, a friend had a Catyluna Red 2016 and it was an extremely accomplished car and that was stock, I would imagine yours is an absolute weapon. Interesting to hear how it compares to your first and the TTS in between?
Si
Thanks for the comments everyone.
Today's activities were to generally clean and inspect the car after its long journey home. It's an A-grade pass at this stage, with my only changes being to remove the carbon mudguards and replace the marked wheel bolt covers. The PPF is showing some pinhead air bubbles in places, but it's minor.
My last green RS3 was an Exclusive colour and I still miss it, though this one has the better spec and Sepang Blue pearl is just a great colour. It's a bit early to offer deeper comparisons other than the obvious fact that it has a nicer sound than either my previous RS3 and definitely the TTS, though the latter had a standout cabin and was seriously rapid for a 2.0T on account of its lighter weight.
I did consider a newer RS3, though ruled out the 8Y 2020- model on grounds of value to me and I was ambivalent about the later facelift 2019-2020 8V due to its OPF. That really left the 2017-18 8V pre-OPF facelift or the 2015-16 pre-facelift. I also considered the TT-RS, but for practicality and emotional reasons the 2015-16 RS3 still wins out for me.
I have run tuned cars in the past so I'm familiar with what you're getting and how important provenance is. Equally, these cars are now 8-9 years old and so the (lack of) maintenance really dictates desirability as much as spec and upgrades. I'm happy to report that this one seems to be the best condition used car I've bought - and I've had quite a few.
Today's activities were to generally clean and inspect the car after its long journey home. It's an A-grade pass at this stage, with my only changes being to remove the carbon mudguards and replace the marked wheel bolt covers. The PPF is showing some pinhead air bubbles in places, but it's minor.
My last green RS3 was an Exclusive colour and I still miss it, though this one has the better spec and Sepang Blue pearl is just a great colour. It's a bit early to offer deeper comparisons other than the obvious fact that it has a nicer sound than either my previous RS3 and definitely the TTS, though the latter had a standout cabin and was seriously rapid for a 2.0T on account of its lighter weight.
I did consider a newer RS3, though ruled out the 8Y 2020- model on grounds of value to me and I was ambivalent about the later facelift 2019-2020 8V due to its OPF. That really left the 2017-18 8V pre-OPF facelift or the 2015-16 pre-facelift. I also considered the TT-RS, but for practicality and emotional reasons the 2015-16 RS3 still wins out for me.
I have run tuned cars in the past so I'm familiar with what you're getting and how important provenance is. Equally, these cars are now 8-9 years old and so the (lack of) maintenance really dictates desirability as much as spec and upgrades. I'm happy to report that this one seems to be the best condition used car I've bought - and I've had quite a few.
I've been getting to know the car a bit better, putting some miles on it and enjoying myself.
Unlike any other used car I've bought before, there's been almost no improvement I've been able to make to its cosmetic condition. I've only added some new genuine Audi wheel bolt covers by way of renovation. I've also installed a genuine boot mat and ordered some rear inner door sill covers (should really be standard).
There are a couple of hairline scratches to the brake calipers and a few stone chips that have been taped over, but otherwise the condition is flawless for an 8.5-year-old car and it must've been garaged. The interior is unmarked and even things like the brake stone shields are free of corrosion. It's not a Detailing World car, but it could easily be made so.
As with my old RS3, there's no need to use the performance in order to access the enjoyment so I tend to bimble around under the radar. Other drivers do react to the car, but it's almost universally to give me a lot of space.
I quite like that this is a digital-free driving experience: you start it with a key, it has buttons for everything, the (dated) screen is retractable and you just look at standard dials. It's possible to update some of these things, but it also reminds me how fast things have moved on... or not.
Driving shows a wider plane of performance than I'm used to, and again I stress that the experience isn't available on a 2024-made car. The gearbox has been mapped to accompany the mods, so I'm still learning which combinations of setting are best for me. With everything in Comfort or Auto modes, there's just a subtle turbo whistle and odd thump from the suspension to give the game away - as well as a swell of torque from 1,500rpm or so. It's raucous in Dynamic (everything set to max) or Individual (configured so just noise is extreme), far too much on occasion... though I have learnt to feather than accelerator on the downshift so that I don't get the massive exhaust bangs when just rocking up to the lights.
The one thing I am on the fence about is the suspension. It's surprisingly comfortable on smooth roads and corners brilliantly, though more extreme undulations and potholes mean careful steering is required to avoid bottoming out.
Looks like the car has HEL brake lines, Ferodo DS2500 brake pads and powder-coated suspension arms to add to the list of extras.
I've only tried the performance twice in short bursts, and the sensation you feel in your chest is a bit like a downward drop on a rollercoaster. Peak power and torque are more widely available than on a standard or Stage 1 car, as you can see from the dyno printout in my original post. If I'd paid for the Stage 2 mods myself, then this is how I'd have justified the work.
At this early stage, then, it's looking like the car lives up to the price tag.
The one thing for me to focus on is whether the exhaust fumes and occasional smoke at idle are just "normal". It's no surprise that things are a bit more juicy given the tuning work, but I'd like some reassurance if this is so. It drives great, so no concerns there - but it's definitely a bit whiffy.
Unlike any other used car I've bought before, there's been almost no improvement I've been able to make to its cosmetic condition. I've only added some new genuine Audi wheel bolt covers by way of renovation. I've also installed a genuine boot mat and ordered some rear inner door sill covers (should really be standard).
There are a couple of hairline scratches to the brake calipers and a few stone chips that have been taped over, but otherwise the condition is flawless for an 8.5-year-old car and it must've been garaged. The interior is unmarked and even things like the brake stone shields are free of corrosion. It's not a Detailing World car, but it could easily be made so.
As with my old RS3, there's no need to use the performance in order to access the enjoyment so I tend to bimble around under the radar. Other drivers do react to the car, but it's almost universally to give me a lot of space.
I quite like that this is a digital-free driving experience: you start it with a key, it has buttons for everything, the (dated) screen is retractable and you just look at standard dials. It's possible to update some of these things, but it also reminds me how fast things have moved on... or not.
Driving shows a wider plane of performance than I'm used to, and again I stress that the experience isn't available on a 2024-made car. The gearbox has been mapped to accompany the mods, so I'm still learning which combinations of setting are best for me. With everything in Comfort or Auto modes, there's just a subtle turbo whistle and odd thump from the suspension to give the game away - as well as a swell of torque from 1,500rpm or so. It's raucous in Dynamic (everything set to max) or Individual (configured so just noise is extreme), far too much on occasion... though I have learnt to feather than accelerator on the downshift so that I don't get the massive exhaust bangs when just rocking up to the lights.
The one thing I am on the fence about is the suspension. It's surprisingly comfortable on smooth roads and corners brilliantly, though more extreme undulations and potholes mean careful steering is required to avoid bottoming out.
Looks like the car has HEL brake lines, Ferodo DS2500 brake pads and powder-coated suspension arms to add to the list of extras.
I've only tried the performance twice in short bursts, and the sensation you feel in your chest is a bit like a downward drop on a rollercoaster. Peak power and torque are more widely available than on a standard or Stage 1 car, as you can see from the dyno printout in my original post. If I'd paid for the Stage 2 mods myself, then this is how I'd have justified the work.
At this early stage, then, it's looking like the car lives up to the price tag.
The one thing for me to focus on is whether the exhaust fumes and occasional smoke at idle are just "normal". It's no surprise that things are a bit more juicy given the tuning work, but I'd like some reassurance if this is so. It drives great, so no concerns there - but it's definitely a bit whiffy.
Looks cracking Ben, congrats. The fumes are probably just the fact it's stage 2 tuned but one to maybe get checked out if smoke persists. It does look quite low in the photos, I'm sure the lowering springs could be wound out a bit to make it more compliant, especially given the state of our roads. With the RS suspension and Mag ride I doubt handling would be compromised.
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