[Np2014]

I have a friend looking to purchase a 2018 Audi S3 Prestige. I don't know much about Audi.

Any feedback from current or former owners? Positives and negatives?

[dkhm3]

i had one of these, then sold it for rs3

great little car, best quality interior in that segment by far

very comfortable daily but not really rewarding to drive like a golf r or m140

[eleniki]

I have a short experience with Q5

I did like it. Nice ride, easy to handle, good mileage, spacious. The big Plus for me was that it had no problem with different terrains.

[blschaefer1]

I currently have a 2017 S3 in the stable. It is simply a great car. All the performance and handling you ever really need for a street car. Ours has adaptive dampers and in comfort mode the ride is quite nice. In dymanic mode the car stiffens up substantially and is a hoot to drive. Very nimble and go kart-ish. Audi has clearly done some work on the Quattro logic and the car is much more planted, with more rear power bias, than previous Audi's I've driven. The DSG is a notch up from the DCT's in BMW's too. 2018's are now seven speed, versus six speed in the past. 7th is more of a cruiser gear which would be nice, the six speed drones a bit on the freeway, my one gripe.

[davis449]

I had a 2006 A4 Quattro 6MT (B7) that was FBO APR Stage II+ and a 2011 A3 Titanium Quattro DSG and it was FBO with an APR K04 turbo swap, so that car was as close to an RS3 as you could get in the states. I had no bad experiences in 50K miles with the A4. The Torsen Quattro was great in all weather conditions. It even did well, the one time, in ice with summer tires. I would say the Gen 4 Haldex in the A3 was awesome. I noticed little, if any, increase in oversteer vs. the A4's Torsen AWD. I loved that car to death. It was an absolute blast to drive. It also proved to do well with Michelin PSS in ice the one time it happened during my ownership. I had one major issue with the DSG throwing itself into free rev that I went round and round with the dealer on. It was fixed by a software update and NEVER did it again. I wouldn't jump to conclusions there either considering I had to have an update done to my next car, a 135i M Sport, to fix the well-known stalling issue. I really did like the DSG, but the DCT is better, especially the one in my current Z4. The battery went bad ~30K miles and was replaced under warranty. Other than that, nothing else in 50K miles. Both interiors, I felt, were of superior quality vs. my 135i. Can't really say the same for my Z4. It looks as BMW as my 135i, but seems to be of MUCH better quality, especially the seats. I attribute that mostly due to the fact that the leather is treated differently because it's a convertible and, therefore, more durable.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a a current (2015-present) S3 or RS3. I won't talk about service because we all know that's hit or miss with ANY German marque and can greatly depend on the relationship you establish with your dealer's service personnel. I won't talk about design either as that's entirely subjective.

[F80Dreamer]

I currently have an RS3 on order...looks to be an incredible car, much like the F80 in that it is a true jekyl and hyde kind of car. Also currently driving a Mark VII GTI and it has been absolutely flawless so far...I know the reliability of an older VAG car is suspect, but so far so good.

[BEM-S4]

The loaded up ones don't command much of a resale premium over base models. If memory serves Audi actually sets lower residuals on higher end versions.

The base car comes nicely equipped id do bare minimum on any Audi builds.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

The loaded up ones don't command much of a resale premium over base models. If memory serves Audi actually sets lower residuals on higher end versions.

The base car comes nicely equipped id do bare minimum on any Audi builds.

Too bad you have to pimp them out to get the Virtual Cockpit. I drove an S5 Sportback that had them and it would be nice to have those.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Too bad you have to pimp them out to get the Virtual Cockpit. I drove an S5 Sportback that had them and it would be nice to have those.

Nice no doubt. I just don't believe that stuff commands a huge premium once you go to sell the car.

That's said spec the car the way you want it and have fun.

[pz619]

The s3 was on my short list when looking for cars. Ultimately went with the M235i as it was a more engaging drive at the end of the day. Also wasn't so sold on AWD, especially in a region where it rains so little, people typically don't show up to work.

It definitely wasn't a bad car. I liked the interior and the fact it had 4 doors. What I liked less was the power when compared to the M235i. Either way, you probably can't go wrong with the S3.

[smrtypants44]

I test drove a golf r and even with a MT I was disappointed in the down low grunt compared to my 135i. However, a quick ECU tune would probably fix that issue.

[Mr Carrots]

Very underwhelming and laggy stock, but they have some amazing and pretty cheap ECU flashes to wake the car up

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

The loaded up ones don't command much of a resale premium over base models. If memory serves Audi actually sets lower residuals on higher end versions.

The base car comes nicely equipped id do bare minimum on any Audi builds.

The residual in July was ridiculous. 60%. You could get an S3 Prestige for $480 - $520/month.

Then September happened and residual plummeted to 49% for the Prestige.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Mo@BMWofFairfax

The residual in July was ridiculous. 60%. You could get an S3 Prestige for $480 - $520/month.

Then September happened and residual plummeted to 49% for the Prestige.

That's insane for an Audi. Absolutely crazy.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

That's insane for an Audi. Absolutely crazy.

Yes! The S4/S5 are currently 63%! You can have a loaded S4 Premium Plus for around $620/month.

[c1pher]

My brother has a 2015 S3 Prestige and loves it. We are both small performance car fans, so it fits the bill. In fact, the only things that held me back were the lack of virtual cockpit which was rectified last year and seven speed DCT, so now I will be considering one in the next 12-24 months.

[Np2014]

Thanks everyone! What kind of pricing off msrp is realistic for a 2018 s3 premium plus or 2018 s3 prestige that will have to be ordered? Also since maintenance is only included for only 1 year are simple oil changes and service visits more than bmw?

[blschaefer1]

Originally Posted by Np2014

Thanks everyone! What kind of pricing off msrp is realistic for a 2018 s3 premium plus or 2018 s3 prestige that will have to be ordered? Also since maintenance is only included for only 1 year are simple oil changes and service visits more than bmw?

I negotiated ~12% off MSRP when we got ours in June. This included various rebates and incentives that Audi was offering at the time. Regarding service, you can add AudiCare at time of purchase which if memory serves was $695 for the S3, and if leasing, it adds 1% to the residual so the cost is nearly a wash.

[Never_Enough]

Not enough car for the $ IMO

[Motorsportenterprise]

If you're considering an S3, I'd tell you to spend the little bit extra and get an RS3. Not only does it look the part (though I wish they pulled the rear fender even more) it is quite a special car with that intoxicatingly soulful and powerful 5 cylinder at the center of it all.

[Prazision]

255s up front and 235s in the rear? only reason I am not interested.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Prazision

255s up front and 235s in the rear? only reason I am not interested.

Yeah, quelling understeer sounds horrible. No one should do that.