@AudiNutta
Thanks for a very honest & detailed review.
A couple of things concern me from your comments though ...
Brake noise
The biggest issue I have with the PFL is the brakes which have caused so many owners including myself so much annoyance.
I've had several pad & disc changes due to squeal & warping.
I've had the optimised circular discs fitted since March this year and vibration has been sorted but occasional squeal is still there as is tappety noise when the discs have a build up of brake dust.
So I have to on a weekly basis pressure wash the discs thoroughly to remove all the pad residue, which keeps on top of the squeal & noise.
If I don't so this, during the 2nd week the brake noise becomes very annoying as does the squeal.
So I am compelled to clean the discs / alloys weekly whether I want to or not.
It sounds like the newly revised discs STILL have not sorted this issue.
If I were to consider another RS3 I would need 100% assurance that the brakes have been sorted completely.
Your comments are leading me to believe that they have not.
Sound @ 3,500 rpm
You mentoin that the valves are shut completely in 1st and 2nd gear .... WTF !!!!
Really ?
That can't be true surely ?
One of the best things I enjoy on my car is winding the windows down and even under moderate accelleration when the car hits 3,500 rpm in 1st & 2nd (any faster and you need the windows up due to bufforting) but the sound is amazing.
Especially in built up areas where the sound resonates off buildings.
Like I say you don't need to be accellerating fast - just hitting 3,500 rpm - if that factor has gone too that is really sad.
There is mention of Audi having their knuckles rapped over the sound levels of the PFL - but come on there are louder cars out there so that seams crazy.
All that said ... the RS3 is still the best car I have ever owned and most fun to drive and it does give me pleasure every day, for all its brake annoyancies. I'm just not sure I could put up with another 3 years of brake issues if they have not sorted that problem completely.
I'm sure all you new owners will love the car though and for the money it is still an incredible piece of kit.
You are all choosing one for the exact same reasons I did 2 years ago.
I do look at the FL and with its styling tweaks, virtual dash, increased power etc have moments where I would really like one.
When I am due a change I will possibly consider another but I will carefully monitor all you new owner comments with interest first though.