Changing the S3....but to what?

For anyone interested:

Amg
 
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Let's see how good all that shiny black plastic looks after a year of use and the constant cleaning it'll need. They don't even give an alternative trim option.

Anyway, I'll stop going on about it now!
Absolutely hate that elongated iPad of a dashboard! Wonder how it copes with reflections?
 
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Tbh I hate touchscreen displays in a car. It takes your eyes off the road much longer as you have to look exactly where you're pointing and a little bump and you've hit the wrong thing. With my S3 I can keep looking at the road and I can navigate the systems with feeling the buttons and occasionally glancing at the screen.
 
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Tbh I hate touchscreen displays in a car. It takes your eyes off the road much longer as you have to look exactly where you're pointing and a little bump and you've hit the wrong thing. With my S3 I can keep looking at the road and I can navigate the systems with feeling the buttons and occasionally glancing at the screen.

You can operate this as a touch screen or use the buttons.

I would presume Audi are going with the full touch screen only, I test drove the new A6 and A7 and both have large dual touch screens.
 
Absolutely hate that elongated iPad of a dashboard! Wonder how it copes with reflections?

It was quite a sunny day when I test drove the car and it was fine, you could see the screens very clearly.
 
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So deposit put down on the AMG tonight, the S3 will be gone before the end of March.
 
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So deposit put down on the AMG tonight, the S3 will be gone before the end of March.
You’ll have to keep us posted, they are growing on me.
 
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If I can sell mine I’m looking at an S6 I think.
 
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Not my type of car at all mate but hopefully you'll be really happy with it

When I seen it sitting in the showroom tonight I knew it was for me, having already driven the demo I already knew I liked the way it drove. The second visit confirmed it for me.

The S3 was a great car, probably the best all round car I have ever owned. As much as I liked it, I just didn’t want to drive exactly the same car for another 3 years. Regardless of it being new, I just don’t think it would have felt new to me having been used to the interior for so long.
 
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If I can sell mine I’m looking at an S6 I think.

I test drove the new A6 and it was very nice, so I am sure the S6 will be even better.

Most likely out of my budget, and TBH a bit big for my needs.
 
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So deposit put down on the AMG tonight, the S3 will be gone before the end of March.

Nice one mate, does sound like a cracking deal. Which colour and spec did you go for in the end? Yellow or silver?
 
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When I seen it sitting in the showroom tonight I knew it was for me, having already driven the demo I already knew I liked the way it drove. The second visit confirmed it for me.

The S3 was a great car, probably the best all round car I have ever owned. As much as I liked it, I just didn’t want to drive exactly the same car for another 3 years. Regardless of it being new, I just don’t think it would have felt new to me having been used to the interior for so long.

I can’t blame you mate, as S3 despite being excellent all round is a little long in the tooth now. In 2-3 years time you could get into a new one, assuming you wanted to of course and they were any good
 
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I can’t blame you mate, as S3 despite being excellent all round is a little long in the tooth now. In 2-3 years time you could get into a new one, assuming you wanted to of course and they were any good
I kinda disagree with the long in the tooth my car has most of the kit that new cars are coming out with barr the Muted exhaust sound lol
 
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Nice one mate, does sound like a cracking deal. Which colour and spec did you go for in the end? Yellow or silver?

I went for the yellow, seeing it again last night I really liked the colour and it goes really well with all the black parts of the aero pack.

It has the AMG style pack, which gives it the full bodykit and 19” wheels and tinted glass.

It’s also has the premium plus pack, this is the top of the range option. It includes the burmester sound system, panoramic roof, electric seats, 64 colour ambient lighting, heated seats, MBUX system, the larger screens, folding diming mirrors, illuminated AMG door sills, advanced packing system with cameras and a load of others that just escape me at the moment.

It also has the advanced navigation package, this uses the front camera to actually use a realistic overlay on the sat nav for better guidance in cities, it also adds a head up display which I really like.

And it’s costing me less than the S3.
 
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Actual spec as it is listed on the MB configurator
  • Heat-insulating dark-tinted glass
  • AMG Aerodynamics packageMS site
  • AMG Night package
  • 48.3 cm (19-inch) AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheel
  • Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC
  • Front seat left, electrically adjustable memory switch
  • Interior mirror and driver's exterior mirror automatically dimming
  • Driver's seat, electrically adjustable with memory function
  • Rear armrest
  • Panoramic sliding sunroof
  • 10-inch digital instrument display
  • Electrically folding exterior mirrors
  • MBUX multimedia system
  • Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus
  • Multibeam LED
  • MB sound system
  • 10-inch Media-Display
  • Heated front seats
  • 64-colour ambient lighting
  • KEYLESS-GO
  • Parking package
  • Mirror Package
  • 4-way lumbar support
  • AMG door sill panels with »AMG« lettering, illuminated
  • Head-up display
  • Traffic Sign Assist
  • Augmented navigation
  • Reversing camera
  • Twin cup holder
  • Extended MBUX functions
  • Touchpad without Controller
  • MBUX multimedia system
  • THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control
  • Stowage compartment in centre console, with retractable cover
  • TIREFIT with tyre inflation compressor
  • Light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim
  • AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather
ARTICO man-made leather / DINAMICA microfibre upholstery black
designo seat belts in red
 
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Actual spec as it is listed on the MB configurator
  • Heat-insulating dark-tinted glass
  • AMG Aerodynamics packageMS site
  • AMG Night package
  • 48.3 cm (19-inch) AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheel
  • Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC
  • Front seat left, electrically adjustable memory switch
  • Interior mirror and driver's exterior mirror automatically dimming
  • Driver's seat, electrically adjustable with memory function
  • Rear armrest
  • Panoramic sliding sunroof
  • 10-inch digital instrument display
  • Electrically folding exterior mirrors
  • MBUX multimedia system
  • Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus
  • Multibeam LED
  • MB sound system
  • 10-inch Media-Display
  • Heated front seats
  • 64-colour ambient lighting
  • KEYLESS-GO
  • Parking package
  • Mirror Package
  • 4-way lumbar support
  • AMG door sill panels with »AMG« lettering, illuminated
  • Head-up display
  • Traffic Sign Assist
  • Augmented navigation
  • Reversing camera
  • Twin cup holder
  • Extended MBUX functions
  • Touchpad without Controller
  • MBUX multimedia system
  • THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control
  • Stowage compartment in centre console, with retractable cover
  • TIREFIT with tyre inflation compressor
  • Light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim
  • AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather
ARTICO man-made leather / DINAMICA microfibre upholstery black
designo seat belts in red
Enjoy the car mate, are MB taking the S3 off you as a px?
 
Congratulations on your new purchase and I hope you like after a few moths evaluation. But, to be honest in that market I would have gone for another S3 and preferably a saloon. Why? interior looks and finish and with the saloon a better looking car.....that dash is not to my taste and that is what you look at most in car. Mind you I am an old fart and prefer a more classic than funky looks.
 
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Congratulations on your new purchase and I hope you like after a few moths evaluation. But, to be honest in that market I would have gone for another S3 and preferably a saloon. Why? interior looks and finish and with the saloon a better looking car.....that dash is not to my taste and that is what you look at most in car. Mind you I am an old fart and prefer a more classic than funky looks.

I didn't want to drive the same car for another 3 years, and its an out going model, it will be replaced this year so it would be crazy to buy a new one now.
 
Congratulations on your new purchase and I hope you like after a few moths evaluation. But, to be honest in that market I would have gone for another S3 and preferably a saloon. Why? interior looks and finish and with the saloon a better looking car.....that dash is not to my taste and that is what you look at most in car. Mind you I am an old fart and prefer a more classic than funky looks.
For me l will never ever buy another hatchback again, over the past year l really have grown to dislike them no matter what badge they have on them, l would rather have a CLA Merc over the hatch and l now hear bmw are going to introduce the new 2 series saloon in all guises etc etc
 
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I’m looking forward to it, in honesty it will probably be my last car of this type before I move on to something more like a GT in 3 years.
 
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I’m looking forward to it, in honesty it will probably be my last car of this type before I move on to something more like a GT in 3 years.

Everyone has their own opinions, as this thread shows. Enjoy your new car, as others have said, pictures required when you take delivery. It sounds like a cracking deal and appealing car!
 
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I kinda disagree with the long in the tooth my car has most of the kit that new cars are coming out with barr the Muted exhaust sound lol

Fair enough, but assuming you were in the market for a replacement now, would it be another S3 saloon? ....Didn’t think so lol
 
Fair enough, but assuming you were in the market for a replacement now, would it be another S3 saloon? ....Didn’t think so lol

No because of the exhaust sound or the lack of it, l would wait or buy a used car of sorts ex demo etc
 
No because of the exhaust sound or the lack of it, l would wait or buy a used car of sorts ex demo etc

If the sound of the exhaust is the only reason why you wouldn't buy a certain car, there are aftermarket exhaust specialists who are able to help with you plight.
 
No because of the exhaust sound or the lack of it, l would wait or buy a used car of sorts ex demo etc

So contradicting your statement then. I wasn’t saying S3 was old tech wise, but the model itself is being replaced imminently, which is why I get someone who looks to replace now going elsewhere. I am surprised you mention exhaust sound as thought that was never a biggie for you. I am in my Q5 for at least a couple more, so plenty time for me to see what comes out. But given I am sat in a tropical beach at the mo, I am thinking cars aren’t that important

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So contradicting your statement then. I wasn’t saying S3 was old tech wise, but the model itself is being replaced imminently, which is why I get someone who looks to replace now going elsewhere. I am surprised you mention exhaust sound as thought that was never a biggie for you. I am in my Q5 for at least a couple more, so plenty time for me to see what comes out. But given I am sat in a tropical beach at the mo, I am thinking cars aren’t that important

c555620797464681f6528cf90c94d078.jpg

Totallu concur with your comments mate - on cars and the view :icon thumright: :sunglasses:
 
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So contradicting your statement then. I wasn’t saying S3 was old tech wise, but the model itself is being replaced imminently, which is why I get someone who looks to replace now going elsewhere. I am surprised you mention exhaust sound as thought that was never a biggie for you. I am in my Q5 for at least a couple more, so plenty time for me to see what comes out. But given I am sat in a tropical beach at the mo, I am thinking cars aren’t that important

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You'll change yer attitude once yer back home lol, l don't give a monkeys about new cars that's why l went ott on the one l have just now to keep it for the duration like l have said before Carlsberg S3
 
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You'll change yer attitude once yer back home lol, l don't give a monkeys about new cars that's why l went ott on the one l have just now to keep it for the duration like l have said before Carlsberg S3

You warm my cold Danish heart every time you use that reference :wub: :boxing:
 
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You'll change yer attitude once yer back home lol, l don't give a monkeys about new cars that's why l went ott on the one l have just now to keep it for the duration like l have said before Carlsberg S3

It is certainly a sweet feeling when you do get a car that you enjoy so much and have no desire to change and still gives you enjoyment.
Mine has just had a thing called an MOT and still looks like she did on the day I picked her up 3 years ago.
Get the right car and you do strike gold imo :icon thumright:
 
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It is certainly a sweet feeling when you do get a car that you enjoy so much and have no desire to change and still gives you enjoyment.
Mine has just had a thing called an MOT and still looks like she did on the day I picked her up 3 years ago.
Get the right car and you do strike gold imo :icon thumright:

I don’t think I’ve ever had that feeling with the S3, no idea why as it’s a great package.

Miss the TT tdi ultra I had more than I think I’ll this S3.
 
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The Audi dealers weren't interested in it as a trade in even when I was speaking to them about new cars, they said it was in negative equity.
 
The Audi dealers weren't interested in it as a trade in even when I was speaking to them about new cars, they said it was in negative equity.
Ahh ok. Look like a good spec car, was going to ask if you were looking to sell, hence the question
 
I don’t think I’ve ever had that feeling with the S3, no idea why as it’s a great package.

Miss the TT tdi ultra I had more than I think I’ll this S3.

Snake Pliskin has an RS3 not an S3......I have an S3 and if I had an S3 that was at end of PCP or other financing and I was in the market for a new 2019 in the same class. I would keep that car and wait until 2020 and look at the new crop of vehicles, as nothing available in the current lot floats my boat, apart from an S3, which you will get very good discounts at this time.
 
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Have a great discount on a sportback - RRP 39,615 (wanted to keep below the 40K mark) discounted price £32,329.

Choosing cars I think is getting harder and harder. Do like the look of a golf R in indium Grey and black alloys (theses now come with Rear Camera, Keyless and Lane assist/dynamic light assist as standard) - again great discounts on theses too.

Plus tempted by the bmw M140i also with a great discount.

It appears average discounts at the moment on all 3 are around 16-18%.

I have a bmw 130i at the moment coming up to 12 years old and think its time for a change. Nothing wrong with the car, but have had it 3 years now and things have moved on.
 
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I like my S3 but I did take a look at the A35, technology wise it wins hands down against the S3 but that rear end is such a mess. Performance wise, on paper there is a tenth of a second to 100KPH difference,which is nominal the real difference in performance is from 100 kph to 250kph where the S3 just walks away from the A35.
 
Ahh ok. Look like a good spec car, was going to ask if you were looking to sell, hence the question

I have never sold a car in my life so that would be new process to me.

No idea how much this one is even worth on the used market, its approaching 40k miles now so thought it would put people off.