OMG, did I just do that...?

[The Doctor]

After 7 years of ownership, 55k great miles driven, 2 problem-free trips to Le Mans, 5 AITP events (one of which was exceptionally wet!), 3 ADI events, 3 GTI International events, 3 GTI International 1/4 mile runs, 2 ADI track sessions at Castle Combe (no sideways moments or barrier visits!), 1 visit to a Badger 5 rolling road day and countless great drives to & from work, I've just px-d my 2003 S3 for another car.

I've absolutely loved my S3 from the day I bought it, but the reality is that it's starting to cost me more each year to keep it to the standard I want both mechanically and aesthetically. So it'll be a genuinely sad day when I wave her farewell next week.

I've not bought another Audi. So, to everyone on here but especially Tuffty and Joe, THANK YOU for being the most amazing, friendly and helpful forum I have ever had the pleasure to be part of. You have helped me deal with the challenges of S3 ownership, provided some great advice, caused me to spend money I didn't really NEED to spend and allowed me to enjoy my S3 ownership far more than would have otherwise been the case. The AS-net BBQ will live on in my mind...

For those that want to know, I've decided to buy a car that's acknowledged to be one of the best handling performance hatches of the current time and whilst it's not the most powerful or prestigious car on the road, I know it's going to give me miles & miles of great driving experiences whether I'm driving the B-roads to work or heading down through France for another Le Mans adventure.

The days of Fiesta ST ownership begin later this week. A visit to Mountune is already planned...

Keep an eye on the classifieds for a few parts I'll be selling on.

 

[superkarl]

Great post. Epic story.
Was a pleasure meeting you and your exceptionally well kept car. Good luck with the ST

 

[Gazwould]

Couldn't you of looked at it from an increase of value at some point of the S3 to make any repairs economically viable ?

 

[voorhees]

Good luck and happy motoring with the new car,I know many ST owners and not heard any bad stories so all the best

 

[<tuffty/>]

All the best mate... been a pleasure....

I am sure you will find the ST a lot of fun as you fly along... almost like its has wings...

Here's a pic I found of one with a racing strip...

<tuffty/>

 

[Sandra]

Good luck with your new car. Enjoy it to the max. x

 

[<tuffty/>]

Good luck with your new car. Enjoy it to the max. x

Pity he can only drive it once a month LOL....

<tuffty/>

 

[Sandra]

Pity he can only drive it once a month LOL....

<tuffty/>

Always , lol x

 

[The Doctor]

Yeah, yeah. I knew it was risky putting that information on here.

 

[Nilz]

What!!!

Great write up and sad to see you had to let the S3 go.

Did you p/x for a brand new ST or was it second hand??

 

[The Doctor]

P/X for an 18mth old one - check your Inbox for more details. I just wanted a no-hassle sale without being totally ripped off. Another trip to see Mickey Mouse in a couple of years was also a constraining factor on the budget!!! That mouse has a lot to answer for when I see him next.

 

[Gazwould]

Yes and he doesn't even talk , lol .

 

[Pasteurised]

The Fiesta is an excellent car, I go to fordfair every year with my brother and his exceptionally fast escort, and those Pumaspeed GTX Fiestas are absolutely rapid!

 

[jojo]

2 ADI track sessions at Castle Combe (no sideways moments or barrier visits!)

 

[The Doctor]

Well, it's true!

 

[ayfreetee]

Great car the ST, the hamster recons there is no better hot hatch for the money, all the best.

 

[Westy]

Was a pleasure meeting you at GTI Inters a few years back, and one of the best kept S3s I've ever seen. All the best for the Fiesta.

 

[jojo]

and one of the best kept S3s I've ever seen.

I remember the first time I met Paul at ADI, pretty sure he polished his S3 for whole duration of the event!

 

[The Doctor]

Joe, that was wax, not polish... (sigh).

 

[Jay A3]

Been a pleasure Paul, car always looked great and was definitely maintained to a high standard. Sad to see it go!
Enjoy the new car

 

[The Doctor]

Thanks Jay. Yes it's still a great car - still makes me look back at it as I'm walking away. And still gets lots of comments about how good it looks for its age. Collection of the new one is now early next week, so I'm trying to balance fuel consumption with number of days left so I don't have to put any more in it!

 

[ayfreetee]

No doubt, but I bet one last blast is on the cards, best of luck buddy.

 

[The Doctor]

Yep, there's enough in the tank for that!

 

[SteveSAS]

Good luck with the ST mate. My wife has a Molten Orange one that sits next to my Nogaro Blue S3 on the drive, I enjoy driving both equally with the newer fiesta feeling so tight compared to the older Audi. Enjoy!

 

[The Doctor]

Yes agree with you - they handle beautifully. And you can really notice the effect of less weight to throw around. Tomorrow's the day to wave farewell to the S3. So thanks to all for your support over the last 7 years.

Paul.

 

[jojo]

Yes agree with you - they handle beautifully. And you can really notice the effect of less weight to throw around. Tomorrow's the day to wave farewell to the S3. So thanks to all for your support over the last 7 years.

Paul.

How much did they offer you for your S3 Paul? Enjoy your new car mate.