whant to buy a S3

[jensa]

Hi!

sitting in front of the computer in Sweden and I have been thinking about buying a s3 for quite some time now. I have read the information that I have found on the net about the S-series(Buyers Guide). And now I finally have decided to visit GB to import one to Sweden. So the hunt has begun...

But before I do this I would like to hear what you people on the forum think I should think about before a purchase. Are there a specific modelyear that is better than another? Engine 2.8 or 2.9? Rust?! And so on...

I have many questions but we start with these ones.

[jimed]

The S3 has the 2.9 engine as well as longer doors which make it easier to get in and out. The later cars were apparently better put together so the later the car the better but now they are all some years old the main jobs should have been done and it is down to condition. The chassis is the key thing but other things can also be expensive so do check everything carefully and try to drive more than the one as you will notice the difference that a sorted car shows. It is often better to go for a car with some miles on it as it will generally have been looked after (- hopefully!)and it is better to use it than to leave it sat there.
Good luck with the hunt.
Jim

[Barkychoc]

You don't mention a budget.
As you're located in Sweden you might be better to avoid an average example and go for an exceptional example - though that means you'll pay more.

This got my attention but it is quite a lot of € £ $

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/364464.htm

There are lots of average cars out there - and the chassis is a weak spot on the S. http://www.tvrsseries.com is a great starting point.

Welcome by the way and good luck with the search.

Chris

[ketvrin]

Just Do it...

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

K

[Barkychoc]

ketvrin said:

Just Do it...

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

K

Hmmm. Sounds like its only firing on 6

[ketvrin]

how many of yours are firing Chris

Edited by ketvrin on Tuesday 11th March 19:23

[Gentleman Geoff]

Hej Jensa! Välkomna til PH!

Have you seen the Wiki at the top of the S series forum? There's a lot of useful information there, particularly for those not familiar with these cars.

Hope you manage to find one - they're great!

[jensa]

My budget is around 6000, and the car must be in good condition, no rust on chassis.

[jensa]

and the car must have a documented side rails and out rigger replacment.

Is it only the S3 that have the "extra spots" under the hood, think i have seen s3 that lack them?

[Barkychoc]

ketvrin said:

how many of yours are firing Chris

Ketvrin 6-0 Barkychoc

Edited by Barkychoc on Wednesday 12th March 07:39

[ketvrin]

Never mind... it wont be long mate and it will all be worthwhile

K

[Chris71]

Hi Jensa,

Welcome to PH, hope you find a good one.

As someone who's gone through this recently, my personal thoughts were that there wasn't a huge amount to seperate the various V6 S's in terms of ride and handling (they are supposed to have gained an improved ride and some anti-dive geometry as the marks progressed, but to be honest they all feel pretty good). I did think the 2.9 engine was a noiceable improvement over the 2.8 though. The S3C recieved a different engine management system and is supposed to be better still, but I haven't driven one of those to comment.

Condition does vary and it doesn't necesarily follow the price, so I'd try and look at a couple in person or get one of the various brokers to find one for you. Although I bought it personally, my car was previously sourced by Rob Ingleby (http://www.findasportscar.co.uk/) and I've heard good things about him. There again, for the cost of hiring someone to do it you could probably pay for a week over in the UK to find one yourself.

The drive back would be fun too - felt like quite an adventure just picking mine up from the other end of England!

Happy searching.