thinking of buying an S3 8L
Discussion
Hi all,
just after a bit of advice, I currnetly own a 986 boxster, but thinking of downgrading slightly to help save for a home after the summer, but still after a nice interior and something reasonable quick, also want some rear seats now. An S3 seemed the best option. Is there anything I should look out for? Was going to look for a sub 70k mile example, is higher mileage that much of an issue? Are there any maintenance issues in general with S3's?
thanks
Steve
just after a bit of advice, I currnetly own a 986 boxster, but thinking of downgrading slightly to help save for a home after the summer, but still after a nice interior and something reasonable quick, also want some rear seats now. An S3 seemed the best option. Is there anything I should look out for? Was going to look for a sub 70k mile example, is higher mileage that much of an issue? Are there any maintenance issues in general with S3's?
thanks
Steve
I bought mine at 63k miles and it's now got almost 140k on it. Nothing major to report, but plenty of niggles to think about...BUT, I would not let this stop me buying a higher mileage example.
First and foremost, the car has only ever been in for scheduled services, no interim breakdowns!
Problems I've had at various times other than standard servicing...
Eats tyres compared to a 2WD A3
Suspension bushes F+R (worn out)
Suspension coils F+R (F cracked - as in snapped, R cracking before replaced)
ARB broken (3)
Fuel gauge only works intermittently (common fault)
Front bumper has more stone chips than paint (lots of high speed motorway I suppose)
7, yes SEVEN, windscreens in the time I've owned it, and I need another currently
Dash finish has come off (so showing white plastic) on the radio, climate and light controls
But I'm not getting rid of mine, and if I did I'd probably get another. Other than the car being too heavy for the suspension, and the brakes being borderline capable, it is a good little car and the perfect foil to the Tuscan.
First and foremost, the car has only ever been in for scheduled services, no interim breakdowns!
Problems I've had at various times other than standard servicing...
Eats tyres compared to a 2WD A3
Suspension bushes F+R (worn out)
Suspension coils F+R (F cracked - as in snapped, R cracking before replaced)
ARB broken (3)
Fuel gauge only works intermittently (common fault)
Front bumper has more stone chips than paint (lots of high speed motorway I suppose)
7, yes SEVEN, windscreens in the time I've owned it, and I need another currently
Dash finish has come off (so showing white plastic) on the radio, climate and light controls
But I'm not getting rid of mine, and if I did I'd probably get another. Other than the car being too heavy for the suspension, and the brakes being borderline capable, it is a good little car and the perfect foil to the Tuscan.
I bought mine 18 months ago on 110k and its now upto 133k.
In that time I've gone through:
- New turbo (very painful)
- Waterpump (common for it to fail just before cambelt due)
- Front ball joint (and it needs doing again just 1 month later!)
- Rear springs (one broke, other didn't look like it would last much longer)
- Front top mounts
But, I still can't think of another car I'd rather own that ticks as many boxes.
I keep thinking about swapping for a younger/lower mileage one, but I'd rather stick with mine as I know the history.
In that time I've gone through:
- New turbo (very painful)
- Waterpump (common for it to fail just before cambelt due)
- Front ball joint (and it needs doing again just 1 month later!)
- Rear springs (one broke, other didn't look like it would last much longer)
- Front top mounts
But, I still can't think of another car I'd rather own that ticks as many boxes.
I keep thinking about swapping for a younger/lower mileage one, but I'd rather stick with mine as I know the history.
I have an MY01 I got last year at under 60,000 and now has over 70,000 on it.
Did the belt and waterpump recently (Audi Australia say every 4 years or 90,000km) which is fine and to be expected. However, also had to do a fair bit of work to the VVT chain tensioner. It's just one of those things that is never a problem on some and is an issue on others. The repair is ~900 quid including the part so not cheap. But it's a good excuse to play with the engine so I had some other work done.
I'm still happy with it, but it's not exactly stock any more either.
Did the belt and waterpump recently (Audi Australia say every 4 years or 90,000km) which is fine and to be expected. However, also had to do a fair bit of work to the VVT chain tensioner. It's just one of those things that is never a problem on some and is an issue on others. The repair is ~900 quid including the part so not cheap. But it's a good excuse to play with the engine so I had some other work done.
I'm still happy with it, but it's not exactly stock any more either.
steveborner said:
also, at what mileage would the cambelt, clutch and waterpump be expected to be replaced?
On mine the book says every 60k, and my water pump went at 118k! Not sure if it was the original or not though.It's not a small job, but not too scary either, my local specialist charged me about £300 for belt and pump all in.
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