I'm thinking about picking up a 6-speed 2008 Audi S3 Quattro (265bhp). I'll be using it for going to university in Milan (Bocconi) and I'll be going back and forth a lot from Milan to Monaco. I'll probably do 25K miles per year. I wanted something nice and comfortable for long trips, with a bit of grunt and that doesn't attract too much attention on myself (so nothing flashy). Also, 4WD is preferable for winters in northern Italy. All considered the S3 seems to fit my criteria nicely. I found a nice one here in Monaco (from the same place that sold us the 599) and it seems like a good car. Opinions? Any one have any experiences with the S3? Thanks in advance! Carlo Image Unavailable, Please Login
I think your mind is already made up and you're only looking for confirmation so here you have it: It's a solid car, with a good engine and engine note, the handling i good for what it is and it can both entertain and be comfortable. IMO it still weighs a bit much so you can't toss i around, but don't get me wrong, it will dance through twisties (which I assume Northern Italy is full of). I don't know about this generations winter handling but the last generation could be held quite steady on slippering snow roads with ice beneath, I'm sure this generation can too, and that's probably worth a lot for you if you're going to drive alone on more or less deserted roads. One of those cars you can't go wrong with. Btw. didn't you have the new retro Fiat 500 too? They're starting to pop up everywhere all over Europe! Good for Fiat! Good luck, Carlo.
I test drove a couple of S3s this afternoon. I really like it. It has a good engine and a lot of grip. It isn't a very exciting car but I think it suits my needs just fine. If excitement is required I am fortunate enough to have access to other cars. Yes-I have a 500 (which I like a lot ) but it's a pain in long journeys. I've also been tempted by the e46 m3..But the Audi is certainly more low profile...and awd. Being a student in Italy with flashy cars is everything but ideal. I think I'll make a decision tomorrow. Other opinions/suggestions are appreciated.
I wish we could get the S3 here. I would have considered one back when I bought my Mazdaspeed3 as a daily driver.
Sorry to be overly critical, but as someone who is 6'3"...i test drove the A3 and couldn't stand the size. My left leg and left side of my body felt cramped and I couldn't comfortably spread my legs very much. That was the biggest turn off. DD around town wouldn't be tolerable and for long trips I'd be miserable. I also thought the pricing was too high for something of it's size and performance. I understand it's an Audi, but even the base model seemed out of line for what I was getting. I could get into a 3 series for about the same price and it has far more room up front.
I'm 6'2" and thought that the driving position was fine. Are you sure that you used all the seat adjustments? I've thought about the 3 series...perhaps an e46 m3...but the Audi is certainly much more subtle. The audi is perceived as a glorified golf...the 3 series as a much more expensive car (even if it isn't).
Then try to get a sbarro Golf GTi (Mk I) with the 928 engine... I doubt an S3 is subtle anyway, if you really want to go low key, get a mid size Fiat. Everybody will think you borrowed it from your parents.
Trust me- no one looks at you with an Audi hatch-back. I'll get the s3 badge removed. For what most know it could be the usual diesel hatchback... Of course a Fiat would be more low-key...but an s3 is a compromise I'd be willing to make. The golf gti r32 might be also worth looking at. Anyone knows anything about it? Ps- I found a very nice fully optioned s3 here in Monaco at a decent price. The original owner paid 59k euros for it ($84000 for a hatchback!!! ) Sounds like it might be a good car.
Ok...I just went to see the car again. I liked it and signed the contracted. I think it was a fair deal. Hopefully it'll serve me well. I'll post a couple of pics when I take delivery in case anyone might be interested. Thanks again for the advice/opinions
