I've been on here quite a while but ............

[steeve]

It looks quite likely that I'll be leaving. I've had my S3 for three years now, other than a paint problem on the inside of the rear bumper its been faultless.

But I'm looking for a new car, sadly I wouldn't consider another S3. Whilst its a great car I've always thought that the handling should be better, I used to agree with veeeight, if you've been on here long enough to remember him.
My thoughts on a new ride are, Golf R, AMG 45, M2, Focus RS, M140, and perhaps an RS3.

I'm a bit reluctant to buy a car that's over the forty grand limit as I think the VED is a pure rip off. So that rules out the AMG and the RS3 which I've found to be hugely nose heavy, but I'd consider a low mileage M2 if it was registered before the tax changes. I'm not keen on the M140 or M240 for that matter. So that leaves the Golf R and the Focus RS.

There are so many Golf R's about that the residuals are very low. The S3 fares so much better in this respect. So at the moment it's looking very much like an RS. I had another long test drive the other day and it's a joy to have a much better grippy front end, no understeer. It sits really flat and goes well, though quicker than the S3 not by much.

It's not final yet, I was hoping for a better deal on my as new ten thousand mile Sepang S3.

I'll be sad to leave the Audi marque but may well be back at some point.

 

[Daveotto]

S3 saloon?


Handling is marginally better than a standard S3 due to mag ride and is under £40k!!!

 

[steeve]

Not a sallon I'm afraid, hatch only. But I'd make an exception for the M2....

 

[Jassyo06]

I don't think anyone on here will persuade you to any other car mate, sounds like you've made up your mind on the Focus RS.... Be quick though they are limiting the numbers and there's a special edition due..... If it's not sold out already.... Mountune it for a grand.... Looks uber in metallic grey

 

[Sandra]

@steeve be sorry to see you go, but you have to go with the heart. You will be back though. Let us know what you decide on. Enjoy whatever you choose.

 

[Bradks3]

Your thoughts almost excatly mirror my own, my shortlist is identical as well. Only I have decided to keep the s3 and modify it slightly.

I looked very closely at all on your list. I have paid off my car and just couldn't justify the extra expense. I came close to going for an A45. Px for my car was about 23k and spec'd as I would like, I was looking at well over 40k the VED had an impact on my decision as well, I agree it's a complete rip off! Nice car but no way 20k better than the S3. That logic applies to all of them really, except maybe the focus. That is the bargain of the group. I haven't test driven one as non are avalible near me, but I feel the interior on fords has gone backwards in recent years. I do agree with @jasso86, it looks great in metallic grey..

Would love the M2 but it's just over my budget, and feel the offset pedals would aggravate my dodgy back. Not so bad in the auto apparently, but I'd have a manual. Really like the m240i as well but pedals are the same and I'd worry a few months down the line I'd regret not having the M2.

The reviews of the facelift RS3 sound promising as they seem to have addressed the shortcomings of the pre-facelift. Probably mostly due to the weight savings of the engine. It's just the expense again, especially as it's so similar to the s3, visually at least.

Oh and the Golf r. I have been on two drives and found it very similar. Very, very marginally more agile and responsive than the s3 but did not excite me. I certainly would not go from an s3 to one. I find the s3 superior in every other respect.

So I modifying the s3, not going mad, probably won't even remap it. I feel it's fast enough. I find the handling pretty good but the ride a little bouncy at speed (not quite as bad as veeeight made out lol). I have ordered a blistein b12 kit for now.

Sorry for going on, Just thought I'd share my thought process as you seemed to be having very similar thoughts to me.. good luck whatever you go for. I'm sure you would be happy with any on your list.

 

[Rob2k68]

White Focus RS would get my vote too.

Enjoy it whatever you get mate.

 

[Dan_G]

From what I've seen of Focus RS drivers, they all seem to wear a lot of jewellery and shell suits...

Could just be the Ford sales team out test driving, but....

 

[Jassyo06]

From what I've seen of Focus RS drivers, they all seem to wear a lot of jewellery and shell suits...

Could just be the Ford sales team out test driving, but....

Snob there's plenty of chavs that drive S3's

 

[Tom.H]

Snob there's plenty of chavs that drive S3's

I prefer the term delinquent…

There'll always be a certain type of group with most cars around this price bracket, whether they have a legitimate income or earn their money in other ways.

 

[Jassyo06]

I prefer the term delinquent…

There'll always be a certain type of group with most cars around this price bracket, whether they have a legitimate income or earn their money in other ways.

Well said mate.... I am a bit more abrupt..... Lol

 

[TDI-line]

Has there been a few problems with the Focus RS?

http://www.thedrive.com/sheetmetal/8591/this-ford-focus-rs-already-needs-a-new-engine

 

[vacant]

Out of the cars you've listed, none are perfect, and two are hilariously expensive for what they are.

As an aside, when I finally drove a Golf R it felt slightly better than a standard S3, but quite a bit worse than a coilovered one, a fraction more steering feel isn't worth putting up with that interior Imo.

I work for Ford and came close to an RS on a couple of occasions when I still had my S3, but each time I drove my car again i decided the boring but good bits (comfort, interior, gearbox and dare I say - image) meant it was just a better car to live with day to day. Also, beware that most Ford "Stores" (the ones that can sell RS) have loads of RS wedged in their stock - massive undersupply at the beginning of production has reversed, they really aren't very limited. Couple that with the sheer number of buyers remorse low mileage ones on autotrader and there isn't much chance of a MK2 RS residual market...

 

[Jassyo06]

Out of the cars you've listed, none are perfect, and two are hilariously expensive for what they are.

As an aside, when I finally drove a Golf R it felt slightly better than a standard S3, but quite a bit worse than a coilovered one, a fraction more steering feel isn't worth putting up with that interior Imo.

I work for Ford and came close to an RS on a couple of occasions when I still had my S3, but each time I drove my car again i decided the boring but good bits (comfort, interior, gearbox and dare I say - image) meant it was just a better car to live with day to day. Also, beware that most Ford "Stores" (the ones that can sell RS) have loads of RS wedged in their stock - massive undersupply at the beginning of production has reversed, they really aren't very limited. Couple that with the sheer number of buyers remorse low mileage ones on autotrader and there isn't much chance of a MK2 RS residual market...

Well if there's now a butter mountain of focus RS 's it has indeed changed, l suppose in its first year supply was extremely limited hence l saw a few loaded stock cars with a £40k asking price

 

[vacant]

Yep, well over a year to get one originally (hence a few people tried scalping them at silly prices) now you could factory order one in the same time as 1.0 Titanium, with most Stores probably having 5+ in stock each.

If you do want one and can't find the spec you want steeve - drop me a pm...

 

[Mark_86]

I decided a few weeks ago, my next car will be a BMW M3... but being a Ford nut, I can 100% understand why you'd want an RS! Great car!

 

[richinsoton]

I was behind a brand new Focus RS yesterday morning & thought what a bland looking thing it was. If it wasn't for the twin exhausts & RS badge it wouldn't have registered at all... bring back the monster whaletails of the RS500 & Escort Cossie I say!!!!.

 

[steeve]

Appreciate all the comments.
Face lift golf interior seems an improvement, but they do depreciate. I'm limited to size as I keep my bikes and motorbike in the garage. Where I live most RS owners seem to be more mature, I suppose it depends where you are. There were a lot of issues but I'm assured they have been quietly resolved. Production stops this year and whilst there are some stock vehicles available they are limited.
Bland in looks it isn't, certainly stands out more than an S3 but to be honest I'm not too bothered about looks too much. Certainly don't want ugly. I like the grey but white is easy to keep.
I'm about to phone the dealer up and go for it.

 

[AllanG]

I was behind a brand new Focus RS yesterday morning & thought what a bland looking thing it was. If it wasn't for the twin exhausts & RS badge it wouldn't have registered at all... bring back the monster whaletails of the RS500 & Escort Cossie I say!!!!.

.....you could say exactly the same about an S3!!

 

[New S4 Man]

Just out of interest has the OP or anyone else thinking about swapping out the S3 due to handling actually broken traction due to understeer? I've not really noticed much understeer but prehaps im not driving hard enough around corners to notice?

 

[TDI-line]

.....you could say exactly the same about an S3!!

Or an S-line, as they both share the same front and rear bumpers, skirts....

 

[Satory]

Just out of interest has the OP or anyone else thinking about swapping out the S3 due to handling actually broken traction due to understeer? I've not really noticed much understeer but prehaps im not driving hard enough around corners to notice?

I'll bet your driving is just fine. If someone is suffering from intrusive understeer it is not because they are driving 'hard enough' but more likely because they are not driving well. That's not to say the S3 couldn't stand some improvement. I admit I did flip my S3 to get into something more dynamically responsive but I always found the S3 a decent enough drive (and plan to buy another next year). The S3 corners just fine if you drive it for what it is rather than trying to make it handle like something it isn't imho. Wanting sharper handling, I fully understand. Provoking unwanted power understeer, not so much.

 

[RS4B8LYF]

It looks quite likely that I'll be leaving. I've had my S3 for three years now, other than a paint problem on the inside of the rear bumper its been faultless.

But I'm looking for a new car, sadly I wouldn't consider another S3. Whilst its a great car I've always thought that the handling should be better, I used to agree with veeeight, if you've been on here long enough to remember him.
My thoughts on a new ride are, Golf R, AMG 45, M2, Focus RS, M140, and perhaps an RS3.

I'm a bit reluctant to buy a car that's over the forty grand limit as I think the VED is a pure rip off. So that rules out the AMG and the RS3 which I've found to be hugely nose heavy, but I'd consider a low mileage M2 if it was registered before the tax changes. I'm not keen on the M140 or M240 for that matter. So that leaves the Golf R and the Focus RS.

There are so many Golf R's about that the residuals are very low. The S3 fares so much better in this respect. So at the moment it's looking very much like an RS. I had another long test drive the other day and it's a joy to have a much better grippy front end, no understeer. It sits really flat and goes well, though quicker than the S3 not by much.

It's not final yet, I was hoping for a better deal on my as new ten thousand mile Sepang S3.

I'll be sad to leave the Audi marque but may well be back at some point.

Get an RS4.....you won't find another like it tbh and it'll appreciate rather than depreciate if it's a good spec and if it doesn't it won't drop by much! I'm bias of course!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Jassyo06]

Get an RS4.....you won't find another like it tbh and it'll appreciate rather than depreciate if it's a good spec and if it doesn't it won't drop by much! I'm bias of course!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Or even better, a run out model limited Edition RS5....lol

 

[Bristle Hound]

@steeve - Sorry to hear your leaving my sepango bleu friend
Out of your choice of 'next' cars, I would probably go with the Focus RS in that blue colour everyone has
BUT the engine issue's must be a worry to current/intending owners

I'm fancying a 3 door manual Golf GTI Performance Pack as my next car
Some fab deals on these on DriveTheDeal
Wanting to get back to some 'driving'
We will see ...

 

[Soulboy]

I jumped from a 3door S3 to an M2 last Dec.

Like the Focus RS - the supply/wait issues are not really a problem any more......despite what dealers may say.

Cheapest used are about £42k now.

I don't even notice the pedal offset issue tbh.
The car has it's fair share of issues (don't even mention speedo display and visibility).
BUT.... it is just fantastic to drive and own.

There again - I am sure I would also love an Audi RS or Merc AMG models.

Golf R not for me. Ten a penny and poor residuals.

And I wouldn't have a Focus RS.

 

[Simonb1975]

Nice to see the M2's about. Talk about Golf R's, the S3's in Northants are common as muck. Guess AWD is too big an attraction.
I've tested quite a few 'hot hatches' in the last year, to be honest though RWD isn't for me. Not everyday usage anyway. They are a blast though on a clear road.
The Focus RS to be fair gives the thrills with more security, although it's not really an everyday car either.

The missus is continuing her love affair with my S3 saloon, but then she likes anything made by apple..... Think I'm getting too old for fast cars.

 

[Jassyo06]

I jumped from a 3door S3 to an M2 last Dec.

Like the Focus RS - the supply/wait issues are not really a problem any more......despite what dealers may say.

Cheapest used are about £42k now.

I don't even notice the pedal offset issue tbh.
The car has it's fair share of issues (don't even mention speedo display and visibility).
BUT.... it is just fantastic to drive and own.

There again - I am sure I would also love an Audi RS or Merc AMG models.

Golf R not for me. Ten a penny and poor residuals.

And I wouldn't have a Focus RS.

Couldnt get a discount off a M2 3 months ago...l got the lingidy of....These cars sell themselves.....They had one in there showroom....£56,995.......No frickin way would l ever dream of buying a M2 at that price...lol

 

[voorhees]

Good luck Steeve

 

[Soulboy]

Couldnt get a discount off a M2 3 months ago...l got the lingidy of....These cars sell themselves.....They had one in there showroom....£56,995.......No frickin way would l ever dream of buying a M2 at that price...lol

The backlog is mostly cleared now......and with the LCI due imminently there are a couple of cancelled orders (pre LCI).

Someone actually reported getting a £1k discount recently on a new car.
Doesn't sound much.......but 12 months ago they were selling at a premium second hand to new price and the wait was over 18 months on a new order.

 

[Jassyo06]

The backlog is mostly cleared now......and with the LCI due imminently there are a couple of cancelled orders (pre LCI).

Someone actually reported getting a £1k discount recently on a new car.
Doesn't sound much.......but 12 months ago they were selling at a premium second hand to new price and the wait was over 18 months on a new order.

A Grand there sooooooooo generous...lol...no its definitely not worth that £57k it had all the M Performance Carbon fiber addenda on it...don't like Carbon on any car....,would rather rather have a new 5401............now thats BMW.....at its best....and may l say the best car they have made in over a decade.

The LCI ...Hopefully will add the TFT screen on the dash binnacle,and full led lights ie the....front turning signals

 

[steeve]

Thanks for the comments, re some one saying understeer is only if you're driving badly.That's really not the case, on a smooth road the S3 cant achieve the corner speed that it should particular for the class of vehicle it is, the quicker you go the understeer sets in too early, try a Golf R, yes I know there's lots about the S3 that's better than the R. You don't have to tell me I bought the S3 rather than the Golf. But corner speed is much higher on an R, even if the interior is far inferior. Then try pushing on on undulating bend strewn B roads, the car pitches and lose adhesion once again quicker than it ought to.

I'm limited to car size to an extent as I need space in my garage for other 'toys' so a S4 or RS4 is not an option. Thankfully Ford seem to have sorted the early cylinder block problems out. There's been lots of changes since first production.

Of all the cars I've recently tried the RS seems to offer what I'm looking for. I would not have considered another S3, which in itself is a shame. We are all different, thank goodness. I've owned quite a few quick Audi's over the years and I'll miss the quality and superb interiors.But don't diss me, go have a test in an RS. it's an absolute hoot to drive.

I'll keep an eye on the Forum,

BH, I'll really miss you mate, take care.

Steve

 

[Jassyo06]

Thanks for the comments, re some one saying understeer is only if you're driving badly.That's really not the case, on a smooth road the S3 cant achieve the corner speed that it should particular for the class of vehicle it is, the quicker you go the understeer sets in too early, try a Golf R, yes I know there's lots about the S3 that's better than the R. You don't have to tell me I bought the S3 rather than the Golf. But corner speed is much higher on an R, even if the interior is far inferior. Then try pushing on on undulating bend strewn B roads, the car pitches and lose adhesion once again quicker than it ought to.

I'm limited to car size to an extent as I need space in my garage for other 'toys' so a S4 or RS4 is not an option. Thankfully Ford seem to have sorted the early cylinder block problems out. There's been lots of changes since first production.

Of all the cars I've recently tried the RS seems to offer what I'm looking for. I would not have considered another S3, which in itself is a shame. We are all different, thank goodness. I've owned quite a few quick Audi's over the years and I'll miss the quality and superb interiors.But don't diss me, go have a test in an RS. it's an absolute hoot to drive.

I'll keep an eye on the Forum,

BH, I'll really miss you mate, take care.

Steve

 

[TYb]

Thanks for the comments, re some one saying understeer is only if you're driving badly.That's really not the case, on a smooth road the S3 cant achieve the corner speed that it should particular for the class of vehicle it is, the quicker you go the understeer sets in too early, try a Golf R, yes I know there's lots about the S3 that's better than the R. You don't have to tell me I bought the S3 rather than the Golf. But corner speed is much higher on an R, even if the interior is far inferior. Then try pushing on on undulating bend strewn B roads, the car pitches and lose adhesion once again quicker than it ought to.

I'm limited to car size to an extent as I need space in my garage for other 'toys' so a S4 or RS4 is not an option. Thankfully Ford seem to have sorted the early cylinder block problems out. There's been lots of changes since first production.

Of all the cars I've recently tried the RS seems to offer what I'm looking for. I would not have considered another S3, which in itself is a shame. We are all different, thank goodness. I've owned quite a few quick Audi's over the years and I'll miss the quality and superb interiors.But don't diss me, go have a test in an RS. it's an absolute hoot to drive.

I'll keep an eye on the Forum,

BH, I'll really miss you mate, take care.

Steve

Post some pics once you have it, we are all car nuts after all.

 

[4K]

It looks quite likely that I'll be leaving. I've had my S3 for three years now, other than a paint problem on the inside of the rear bumper its been faultless.

But I'm looking for a new car, sadly I wouldn't consider another S3. Whilst its a great car I've always thought that the handling should be better, I used to agree with veeeight, if you've been on here long enough to remember him.
My thoughts on a new ride are, Golf R, AMG 45, M2, Focus RS, M140, and perhaps an RS3.

I'm a bit reluctant to buy a car that's over the forty grand limit as I think the VED is a pure rip off. So that rules out the AMG and the RS3 which I've found to be hugely nose heavy, but I'd consider a low mileage M2 if it was registered before the tax changes. I'm not keen on the M140 or M240 for that matter. So that leaves the Golf R and the Focus RS.

There are so many Golf R's about that the residuals are very low. The S3 fares so much better in this respect. So at the moment it's looking very much like an RS. I had another long test drive the other day and it's a joy to have a much better grippy front end, no understeer. It sits really flat and goes well, though quicker than the S3 not by much.

It's not final yet, I was hoping for a better deal on my as new ten thousand mile Sepang S3.

I'll be sad to leave the Audi marque but may well be back at some point.

I remember veeight. Despite some collisions on here, he was actually right about a lot of aspects regarding the S3. I remember some funny posts about him leaving his S3 plastered in birds muck because he got so fed up with it in the end.

Saying that, I think you'd be bonkers to go to a Focus RS. 30+ grand for a car thats insides match those of a Dacia Duster is just mental. There is nothing special about them. The ride may very well be good, but I'd personally be depressed sitting there on my commute to work thinking about the 400 or so notes a month I'd be forking out to sit in that environment.

I'd give the M240i another chance, that's what I'll be looking at next.

 

[Satory]

Thanks for the comments, re some one saying understeer is only if you're driving badly.That's really not the case, on a smooth road the S3 cant achieve the corner speed that it should particular for the class of vehicle it is, the quicker you go the understeer sets in too early, try a Golf R, yes I know there's lots about the S3 that's better than the R. You don't have to tell me I bought the S3 rather than the Golf. But corner speed is much higher on an R, even if the interior is far inferior. Then try pushing on on undulating bend strewn B roads, the car pitches and lose adhesion once again quicker than it ought to.

I'm limited to car size to an extent as I need space in my garage for other 'toys' so a S4 or RS4 is not an option. Thankfully Ford seem to have sorted the early cylinder block problems out. There's been lots of changes since first production.

Of all the cars I've recently tried the RS seems to offer what I'm looking for. I would not have considered another S3, which in itself is a shame. We are all different, thank goodness. I've owned quite a few quick Audi's over the years and I'll miss the quality and superb interiors.But don't diss me, go have a test in an RS. it's an absolute hoot to drive.

I'll keep an eye on the Forum,

BH, I'll really miss you mate, take care.

Steve

Any car can exhibit unwanted understeer if driven badly but never if driven well. The problem is the nut behind the steering wheel. Simple as that.