Looking at buying S3 - Recommended options/specs

[arambol]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at buying a S3 or an S Line.

I'm new to Audi and wondering if a high spec S Line would be a better option than a S3. I could always chip the S Line?

Either way, what are you're suggestions for trim. Leather, LED day lights, Bose sound system, Stronic etc ...... what are recommended extras and what aren't really worth bothering about.

Cheers

[tlionhart]

you say your looking to buy an s3 you may as well go for the S3. Only disadvantage with the S3 compared to the S-line (presuming your going for a high spec) The S3 costs more to tax and insure. Also drinks more then a drunk on a friday night.

Apart from that...a convo i have been having with a few members on the forums here. Options like sat nav and cruise...Do you really need them?

Sat nav-unless you do a lot of driving and get l regularly ost then its worth it...if not you could always fit it later should you need it. (works out cheaper to fit as an aftermarket)

Cruise control-unless you do a lot of motorway driving. Again can be fitted cheaply as an aftermarket

Heated seats are a must have with leather, gets very cold in the winter! You got to decide if you need all seats heated or just the 2 front...again depends on the passengers you take. This can't be fitted generally as an aftermarket tool...mostly a factory fit.

Rain and sensor pack...cheaper to get it now then fit it later...includes dipping review

Parking sensors...not a must have...but would this better your parking? I got it on the new one as its there if i need it....i have been in some situations when i can't anticipate (though *so far* not pranged it)

Hill hold assist -audi don't mention this in their brochure, unless you go for the parallel parking option. It is available. If the sales so no it isn't...mention that i just put on order in and yes it is available. £45'ish
When your on a hill or roll back, just have this button activated, apply pressure to the break. It will hold you there. You don't then need to use the hand brake or find biting point to stop you rolling back

Mobile phone prep...need i say more? must have

symphony radio system...its better than concert. Has an integrated 6 cd player. Also gives you the flexibility to change the unit for the nav plus.

UBS connection to ipod adaptor? ...in my opinion i went for the USB connector. As the new A3 or S3 comes with a AUX port under the arm rest. Which you could easily connect your ipod to with a aux cable. The usb device is a simple drag and drop onto the unit. No need for itunes software.
Only thing with the ipod adaptor you can create playlists...im not sure about the usb...ill have to try and find out when i get the new car. But im sure you can still do it via the aux

I also got lumber support...its not to expensive and its just a nice touch to the seat.

I was looking at either an S3 or an A5. With the S3 you could pick one up for less then the price of a new A3. It just doesn't seem like anyone is buying the S3...same as with the A5 (looks like they are going for the s-line spec)

I just decided to get a fully kitted A3 s-line. Cheaper and less worry when it comes to sale.

Parts like folding mirrors and adaptive headlights are a sales gag imo. If the mirrors break they arn't cheap to repair. Same as the adaptive lights...but the adaptive lights are good for dark, bendy roads...then again the xenon light plus alone should be bright enough


if your going to keep the car short term, like 2,3 or 4yrs (like on a pcp deal) no point splashing too much cash into the car as audi don't give you much cash when it comes to trade in. But the ones i listed above is what i went for and its about comfort and enjoyment at the end.

Before i forget, im not sure about the new S3, but with the 07, 08 versions the silver mirrors get nicked. (like gold or silver valve caps) Someone correct me on this, but i thought they were £150 to replace...apparently they are £300 a unit

For the options you gone for, wise choice. Leather is a preference thing. Personally cloth is fine for me. xenon and daylight running must haves! Bose, i like the bose systems and products. Suits the audi well. Other members on this forum would prob disagree. It also saves you the time of fitting a stereo yourself...when all you want is a neat package ready to go.

Take a look at my new order options in the tag line...thats what i went for

Good luck

[arambol]

Wow, what a reply, thanks a million.

I'm popping down the showroom at the weekend. I'll report back.

Thanks again.

[pluves1]

Apologies for hijacking thread but, I'm due to replace my company car shortly and was looking at the S3.

The above response is really helpful on spec but, I'd be interested to hear what sort of discounts can be had on the new shape S3 factory order.

My initial benchmark is at least 10% otherwise I will walk away.

Does anyone know if the Audi A3 Clubsport diesel concept will come to fruition before I go and buy a petrol guzzler?

I'm coming out of a BMW 330d M Sport Touring and whilst I haven't test driven the S3 am I asking too much to think it will be as least as refined as the Beemer?

[onemanparty]

The above response is really helpful on spec but, I'd be interested to hear what sort of discounts can be had on the new shape S3 factory order.

My initial benchmark is at least 10% otherwise I will walk away.

Does anyone know if the Audi A3 Clubsport diesel concept will come to fruition before I go and buy a petrol guzzler?

I'm coming out of a BMW 330d M Sport Touring and whilst I haven't test driven the S3 am I asking too much to think it will be as least as refined as the Beemer?

BMW 330d and the S3 will be like Chalk & Cheese in terms of the whole package.

If you want a Fun filled car I would go for the S3 then I would because I have ordered one

[pluves1]

Did you manage any discount on your S3 Sportback? I wouldn't have considered the S3 until I found out they were finally doing it in a five door.

[onemanparty]

Did you manage any discount on your S3 Sportback? I wouldn't have considered the S3 until I found out they were finally doing it in a five door.

Unsure of the discount level as my fleet manager deals with that. But I nominated the dealer and believe 6+% is available

[tlionhart]

i thought most dealers are offering 6%?

[pluves1]

6% aint that huge considering we're in the midst of one of the worst recessions most of us are likely to experience

It also sounds as though the S3 is hard to shift. Not surprising when I found out the cost of one!

What I am struggling with is to justify such a large amount on quite a small car. I have a VW Golf Gti Pirelli which I thought was quite good value for money at around £20k. The Audi was coming in at over £33k (alright I did go mad on the options!) and I would baulk if the dealer couldn't get it below £29k. Even then it will still be an expensive small hatch.

I suppose the proof will be in the pudding. A test drive will be in order and I might just take the Golf along and stand them side by side to see if I can notice the £10k difference

[onemanparty]

6% aint that huge considering we're in the midst of one of the worst recessions most of us are likely to experience

It also sounds as though the S3 is hard to shift. Not surprising when I found out the cost of one!

We are all trying to make money. There Margin on this Car is smaller than A3 - All S-Models are