Johns999

Hi all,

I dont post on here often, but I've been lurking for years. Had my s2000 for nearly 6 years now and I fancy a change. On the one hand I quite fancy a z4m coupe, but on the other hand I fancy a bit of practicallity, so a current model Audi S3 (te 265bhp one) looks like it fits the bill. Anyone driven one?

If I got one, I probably wouldnt be able to resist getting it chipped, all the chip manufacturers (revo, superchips etc) claim 300bhp with a chip.

Anyone got any comments on a chipped S3?

Bada Bing!

Is the S3 a 4WD Golf GTI in essence? I remember thinking when they came out that they just weren't fast enough. Would chipping one fack your warranty?

Johns999

sort of , yes, Its a 4wd golf gti, but with 265bhp, golf gti only has 200bhp. Same engine though.

Some audi dealers will chip it for you and maintain the warranty, some wont. But yes potentially the warranty could be voided, certainly on the drivetrain at least.

It certainly doesnt look super fast on paper (without the chip), probably about the same performance as the s2000 at the end of the day.

gaddafi

There have been a few threads involving S3s on here

Might be worth a search

In addition, there are at least two ex-owners

Dreamer and Andy (whose username escapes me at the moment)

IIRC they are usually summed up as quickish but dull

Moggy

Andy=ADP.

Moff will be along shortly to give you chapter and verse

moff

Don't like them.

Seriously though, I note you are after the new model?

They are very fast out of the box - 0-100mph in 13sec and unlike the previous model handle better.

But, they don't drive as good as the Golf GTI, look dull for an 'S' Audi, boring alloys (no RS wheel option) and have Active steering as a standard option (can't be deleted).

The Active steering makes the steering far too light and detaches any driver feeling IMO.

Seriously, drive one on an extended test drive if possible, you will love the speed and traction but hate the drive.

If it's an 'Uber-hatch' that floats your boat, consider the following:

-- Golf GTI Anniversary (230bhp as standard and 100kg lighter than the S3)

-- R32 - great engine

-- 130i BMW - Okay, not great looks but an amazing engine and RWD (good deals to be had)

-- 135i Coupe - Not great for looks again, but 306bhp (could be remapped to 360bhp) - review in this weeks AutoCar

Whichever you decide is going to be dissappointing to drive after the S2000. But there isn't much available.

I also here there is going to be a major midlife update on the A3 in early 2008 so decide carefully if buying new.

moff

I hate to dissappoint

Johns999

Cheers for the info.

I drove the previous model S3 a few years ago and thought it was dull, I'm pretty much expecting the same from the current model, but it looks good on paper, and the fact that they can be chipped pretty effectively is tempting.

At the end of the day I suspect it wont be for me, but I'll have a go and see what its like.

I couldnt drive a front wheel drive car, so that removes a lot of otherwise good options, All thats left is

130i - too ugly
135 - possible candidate not sure about the looks
335 - too expensive to buy I suspect
e46 M3 - dont fancy the servicing costs/(un)reliability of an M BMW
z4M coupe - dont fancy the servicing costs/(un)reliability of an M BMW

Been through this so many times over the last 5/6 years, always ended up keeping the s2000 as I could never find something which is as good to drive and not stupid money to own (servicing/reliability etc everything), but its getting on for 7 years old now and I fancy a change.

moff

Audi S3 servicing costs are expensive too:

- 17000 miles - Minor -

Shiskine

Saw the ad for the new BMW 1 Series Coup