RS3 Buying Sweet-Spot?

[Linkin]

Hi All,

I thought about posting this in 'Car-Buying' but decided that the font(s) of knowledge would be here...

Bored of company car PHEV SUV's, I'm going to spend a bit of my own cash and will be in the market for a used RS3 next year.
I've had Audi products before, 2 S3's and a S4, so comfortable with the brand.
Fast approaching 60, i'm looking for the characterful 5-cylinder noise, a little bit of comfort if that is available, hatchback practicality, all-weather usability etc

There seem to be so many derivatives of the RS3 - 8P, 8V, 8Y etc and i wonder where the sweet-spot might be as far as value-for-money is concerned.
I'd like one with as low mileage/owners as possible and could pay anything between £20-£40k for one.

Any suggestions as to what i should be focusing on? Any 'packs' which are must-have/desirable?

Thanks in advance.
Linkin

[SteBrown91]

Personally I would go for a pre-opf facelift 8V with the DAZA engine code.

IMO it’s the strongest and best sounding and is capable of big power if that’s your thing.

[Terminator X]

SteBrown91 said:

Personally I would go for a pre-opf facelift 8V with the DAZA engine code.

IMO it’s the strongest and best sounding and is capable of big power if that’s your thing.

Same although the iron block cars (slightly older so pre facelift and pre OPF) sound the best by far.

TX.

[Linkin]

Thanks both.

How do i narrow down the search on PH/AT etc?
I've Googled OPF and it seems to have been introduced in September 2018, so am i searching for 2016-2018 cars and then ensuring it's pre-September?

I've also seen some people discussing Facelift and Pre-Facelift. Is that also the September 2018 change?

Thanks,
Linkin

[Terminator X]

Linkin said:

Thanks both.

How do i narrow down the search on PH/AT etc?
I've Googled OPF and it seems to have been introduced in September 2018, so am i searching for 2016-2018 cars and then ensuring it's pre-September?

I've also seen some people discussing Facelift and Pre-Facelift. Is that also the September 2018 change?

Thanks,
Linkin

Facelift cars have the "jagged" headlights. Just need to find one built before the particulate filter arrived.



TX.

[Linkin]

Thanks TX
The fog is clearing...

[Dr G]

Just to be confusing there are also some DAZA engined cars on a 68 plate. Whilst officially the change was that September there was a grace period of sorts with a few not making the original cut off.

[stugolf]

I purchased mine in April

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Boring spec, but that was deliberate, the car is a pre facelift 2015 with the RS Sports Exhaust and mag suspension

I bought it for the sound, it sounds incredible, I cannot believe it is standard and Audi let out something that loud, weirdly its extremely quiet in comfort and savage sounding in dynamic, so best of both worlds

It was used approved Audi as well and only had 25k miles, so low mileage slightly "older" RS3's are available with low mileage, particularly on Audi's Used Approved scheme

[Linkin]

Hi Stugolf

Yes! That's it! The perfect spec for me.
Low mileage, approved, understated, de-badged, suitably noisy, perfect!

I have most of 2024 to find one before my Discovery goes, but the search starts soon...

Thanks everyone for your input, i knew you'd come good!

Linkin

[Belle427]

stugolf said:

I purchased mine in April

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Boring spec, but that was deliberate, the car is a pre facelift 2015 with the RS Sports Exhaust and mag suspension

I bought it for the sound, it sounds incredible, I cannot believe it is standard and Audi let out something that loud, weirdly its extremely quiet in comfort and savage sounding in dynamic, so best of both worlds

It was used approved Audi as well and only had 25k miles, so low mileage slightly "older" RS3's are available with low mileage, particularly on Audi's Used Approved scheme

Do you mind me asking what you paid for it?
Be interested to know if you think its special enough to use as an occasional and weekend car.

[stugolf]

Belle427 said:

Do you mind me asking what you paid for it?
Be interested to know if you think its special enough to use as an occasional and weekend car.

I paid just under 30k for it at the time, I’d say they are a little cheaper now depending on spec

I got it literally before it fell off Used Appoved which is a maximum of 8 years old apparently

It’s definitely special enough as a weekend car, it’s such a special engine and lovely car I use it as a daily and it always makes me smile when I drive it

I’m lucky enough to have a very special concourse MK2 Golf Gti 16v to drive at the weekend as the special car but the RS3 is an amazing bit of kit and I don’t think I’ll ever want to sell it