Looking for an S3

[highway]

I fancy a 2016 onwards S3. I’d like the digital dash and ideally B and O. My only other requirements are low miles and low owners. No Cat cars.
Hoping it will be a noticeable upgrade from my 7.5 Golf GTI. I’ve seen some cars advertised with virtual cockpit and some with out. What year was it made standard?
Any other useful tips from owners re spec or driving experience most welcome.
I’m specially looking for nothing newer than 2018 as beyond that they are all north of £30lk which isn’t where I want to be.

[The Cardinal]

Dr G is your expert in these cars and the market for them, though in the meantime you could head over to audisport.net to the 8V A3/S3 forum for more info.

The consensus seems to be that mid 2016-18 S3s are the pick of the bunch owing to the facelift, equipment upgrades and modest mechanical changes - plus being pre-WLTP it will have the slightly more powerful and better-sounding 310hp engine. The Tech pack is what gives the digital dash, which certainly wasn't standard on the pre-WLTP / late 2018 cars.

I ran a 2018 S3 with the Tech pack and it was a great all-rounder. Not much tends to go wrong, other than blocked Haldex pumps (which happened to me). If you want a bit more character and can sacrifice a little practicality, then I also suggest looking at a pre-facelift RS3 - I have since moved on to one of these and think the S3 is a better all-rounder, but you only live once and all that.

[AI1601]

I would personally stick with the GTI or consider an RS3.

[highway]

The GTI I sold had Dynaudio and the winter pack both of which were useful. Other than that I found the performance very tepid and the economy nothing great either. Thought the S3 with that power bump would feel more lively and still a nice place to sit, as was the GTI.

I missed a car a few weeks ago which would have worked. There is a real paucity of private sale cars out there. Any other options worth seeking out?

[missing the VR6]

Golf R?

[Dr G]

Virtual cockpit is a cost option, B&O only standard on Black Edition.

Message me if you'd like a copy of the period brochure.

I can't link here but there's a long video on youtube of me yammering on about exactly this subject.

[highway]

Thanks for that. I got up this morning and checked the classifieds as I’ve been doing for a while now. Saw a 440 with 4K on it in a private sale. Thought I’d have a look at it. I’ve now bought it. Almost by acciden! Maybe an S3 next time

[stevemcs]

I doubt you will want to go back to an S3 after a 440i